For me, it was always just a stopping point for a whitefish sandwich and a refreshing drink 13 hours into the 14-hour drive to see my wife Joan’s parents in the UP (Upper Peninsula) of Michigan. For the indigenous peoples of that region, however, St. Ignace is sacred…
Juneteenth and July 4th: A tale of two Independence Days
At a time when America’s freedom is endangered by efforts to restrict or even thwart voting rights for all, it may be timely for us to have two holidays to celebrate our nation’s freedom and independence—both actual and aspirational. July …
Fare-thee-well
Moving pastors say goodbye to churches amid waning pandemic My move to a new pastoral appointment is happening now. But I sympathize especially with clergy who had to move last summer during the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, …
Singing the Lord’s song in a foreign time
Over the past few days, I’ve spent time with pastors and laity talking about Christmas. We’ve wrestled with questions: How can Advent/Christmas be celebrated without carols? How do we deal with visitors if…
The Uncertain Devotion
Uncertainty is part of life. It can be the cause of our fears, worries and concerns. It is a principle in science that challenges us to explain how the universe and our bodies work. It is a principle…
Getting back to spiritual basics
When life gets chaotic, we all know that getting back to basics is important. We try to get more sleep, eat healthy food, remember to take our vitamins, get some exercise, go outside every day. Maybe we spend time with family and friends, count our blessings…
Our life planning must start with God
By the Rev. Gordon HendricksonEastern PA Conference Coordinator of Congregational Development By the Last week for Palm Sunday, we looked at how to overcome the fear or anxiety of death. We have no control over this aspect of life. I …
Fear Not: God Is in Control
By the Rev. Gordon HendricksonEastern PA Conference Coordinator of Congregational Development On Palm Sunday it seems strange not going to a worship service. But in many ways it might be better. I get to watch several Palm Sunday worship services …
A Letter for Holy Saturday
By the Rev. Dawn Taylor-StormSuperintendent, South District Dear Friends, Holy Saturday is the waiting place. The dash between two endpoints. We seek resolution; we long for clarity. But I believe, dear friends, that our faith is meant for today. For when …
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls
By the Rev. Suzanne Wenonah Duchesne “Missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls is not an Indigenous issue – it’s a human issue.” —RagghiRain, Eastern Cherokee The #MeToo movement has brought attention to the staggering number of women who have …