By Paul Koch - We’ve probably all heard the story that our Lord told about counting the cost. It’s been retold in various ways over the years, but it is still a good thing to learn. He said, “Which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, … Continue reading The Cost
By Tim Winterstein - At one point in the documentary Karl Marx City (streaming on Netflix), the narrator (Matilda Tucker) translates two German words for dealing with memories. The first is Erinnerungskultur, or the “culture of remembrance,” and the second is Vergangenheitsbewältigung, or “the process of coming to terms with the past.” These are fitting … Continue reading Listening for the Past
By Bob Hiller - Sammy Sosa hasn’t been to Chicago in 11 years. This man, who was right at the center of one of the most provocative sports stories in my generation, who brought baseball joy—which Cubs’ fans had so longed for—back to the Windy City, hasn’t been there for over a decade. Instead, according … Continue reading The Sin of Sammy’s Innocence
By Paul Koch – A few weeks back, I was honored to be able to preach for the ordination service of a long-time friend and son of our congregation. It is always exciting to attend an ordination. Though I’ve been to quite a few, over the years I still find myself listening carefully as the … Continue reading Ordained for What?
By Hillary Asbury - Domenikos Theotokopulos, born in the 16th century and commonly known as El Greco, is a European artist with one of the most distinctive styles of his time. Originally from Crete, he studied in Venice, worked in Italy for some time, and went on to heavily influence not only the Spanish Renaissance … Continue reading Can the Darkness Condemn the Light?
By Joel A. Hess - A couple of weeks ago, my wife underwent an interview for a job at our local autism center. She came back a little flustered about a particular question. It was the classic question of a job interview. Do you have any weaknesses? She actually gave an honest answer! God bless … Continue reading I have a lot of weaknesses! Thank God
By Jeff Pulse - The Old Testament text for this Sunday, July 15, 2018, the eighth Sunday after Pentecost, is from the book of the Minor Prophets. The text is Amos 7:7-15 and is from the section of Amos frequently referred to as “The Five Visions." The first part of this pericope is the third … Continue reading OT Encounters: Amos 7:7-15 – Sent
