–By Wallace Smith When I was a kid, we had a station wagon, not unlike the family truckster that is a highlight of the National Lampoon’s “Vacation” movie. Ours was brown, with an early version of do-it-yourself stick-on reflective window tinting. My favorite seat was the pop-up seat in the way back (and if you … Continue reading
by Dena Douglas Hobbs Scripture: John 20:19-23 “When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he … Continue reading
~by Elizabeth Dilley The first rule of Spy Club is: Don’t talk about Spy Club. Those of us whose parents worked in counter-intelligence have weird notions about honesty and transparency. When people hear that my father worked in military counter-intelligence and that he trained interrogators, they often say something like, “Wow, bet that made high … Continue reading
–by Lee Hull Moses My mother and I took my daughter to buy an Easter dress last weekend. This is not an annual tradition; new Easter outfits are not something we make a big fuss about. More often than not, my kids wear clothes they already have on Easter morning; me too: the last time … Continue reading
~ by Bromleigh McCleneghan With the start of the new year, some of the women in my congregation began meeting as a group, reflecting on their experiences parenting teenagers. I get to be facilitator even though my oldest is only eight. Pastor’s Privilege, I guess. Some of the women have known each other for years: … Continue reading
by Lynace Pabst Veit Scripture: Luke 19: 28-40 This week’s reading is the familiar story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. I suggest using the version from The Spark Story Bible. Something terrible yet wonderful was about to happen. In a few days, God’s big plan would be revealed. Jesus knew what was coming, and … Continue reading
~ by Jennifer DiFrancesco It happened. I knew it would, eventually. It started slowly and then became more pronounced, I see my reflection in my kids. I’ve always been told that one of my daughters “favors” my side of the family, but now it is so much more than looks. As my kids get older … Continue reading
By Andrew Gale Bulgarian Youth Camp In the summer of 2011, a small youth camp of about 20 students met in Bulgaria. It was an attempt to bring about community and reconciliation between two different churches. At this camp, half of the students attending were from the dominant Bulgarian population while the other half were … Continue reading
by Erika Marksbury Scripture Reading: John 12:1-8 (NRSV) Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume … Continue reading
~by Jill Clingan “When you are off-kilter in your body everything goes to the right,” she said as she pulled out the needles. “Wrap yourself in a blanket. Sit with your left side leaning up against a tree or a loved one or facing towards a fire.” Dr. Jill said these words to me today … Continue reading
Practicing Families 