The other day at work, I had a routine interaction with a coworker that left me feeling unsettled. The woman is new to my organization, and we had an orientation meeting so I could provide an overview of the projects I work on that will overlap with hers.
Kindness and Light: Celebrating Saint Martin’s Day
Saint Martin’s Day, held each year on November 11th, is not one that makes many calendars outside Europe, but it’s one of our absolute favorites.
Celebrating Saint Simon, Saint Jude, and Zealots who Change the World
Saint Simon and Saint Jude are an odd couple; they are a strange pair of saints to observe together. They are not brothers, as some linked saints are. They are not martyrs who died on the same day. They are not saints whose names are linked together again and again in scripture. Instead, it seems that the only reason that they are observed together is that they are the two disciples about whom we know the least.
The Culture Wars on Kinsley Street
Three springs ago the Martin family moved in across the street. Later that summer Isra Hatel, who lives three doors down, called me. She told a story that wasn’t actually new, though I tried to listen as if it had been.
Celebrating James of Jerusalem and the Power of Names
There’s going to be a brother in our house. The two big sisters, upon learning we are expecting a boy, spent nearly five minutes in anguish before returning to delightful anticipation of Baby.
Protecting or Preparing our Children for Pain
Last week as the kids and I arrived at Operation Kindness animal shelter for our weekly hour of volunteer work, I noticed Big Sugar was in a room off the front lobby. Big Sugar is one of our favorite dogs at the shelter.
Church Art Projects for Summer Faith Formation
We are made in the image of God and we believe God to be the ultimate Creator. What better way to honor our Creator than to do likewise?
Honoring the beloved and ugly within us
When I was around eight or nine years old, I was leaving my apartment building in New York City with my mother. As we hit the sidewalk, I became overwhelmed by a huge group of people on our usually quiet block, and we got briefly separated.
Labyrinths as formation: Making finger sand labyrinths
Labyrinths are wonderful tools for practicing prayer and mindfulness. Labyrinths aren’t just for adults – learn how to incorporate labyrinths into your formation ministry at church and at home.
Reading Aloud
When we had our first babies, reading aloud was a way to pass the time, from Narnia to seminary homework.