Minister Column

A joyful part of ministry is talking with visitors and new participants in the congregation and hearing their impressions of what they have found in this place so many of us hold dear. It can be in a short conversation during coffee time after Sunday service, or in a class or gathering, or in a … Read more

In the last few hours of 2019, I received a call from my doctor’s office, telling me I had an upcoming appointment with a surgeon. Two weeks before that, I’d had a biopsy, so I suspected that this was a follow-up and that the news was not good. “So,” I said, “Does that mean it’s … Read more

Happy New Year! During January, we will be exploring the theme of differences, specifically those times when we feel we are out of place. Have you ever had that experience? Most of us have, at one time or another. How was it for you to feel different? Perhaps you’ve felt like everyone around you knew … Read more

So here we are, again, in December – holidays are coming. They will be upon us whether we feel like celebrating or not, whether we anticipate grand gatherings or quiet times alone, whether we decorate and trim a tree or leave our spaces unadorned. And, of course, the “holidays” at this time of year are … Read more

I know life’s misunderstandings and problems are not all caused by a lack of effective communication, but that sure doesn’t help when relationships are strained, topics are controversial, and tempers are heated. From our interpersonal interactions to conversations held on the national and international stage, as emotions get more fraught, communication suffers. We seem to … Read more