By Paul Koch - There is something fascinating and beautiful, even poetic, about a well-set table. When you enter into a room and the table has more glasses, plates, and silverware than seem necessary for a single meal, you know you are getting ready for something special, something beyond the usual. It is no longer … Continue reading The Table is Set
By Scott Keith - “Traditionally, masculinity is what stands between the innocent and the wolves.” – Ben Shapiro Well, I’m back. You can call me Pappy or call me Cantankerous. At this point it doesn’t matter. What I am today is mad, outraged, and oddly—at least for me—a little sad. The Gillette commentary on masculinity … Continue reading Toxic Masculinity of Wolves and Men?
By Joel A. Hess - Bath night. I still remember my mom announcing it after dinner. “Before anyone watches Happy Days, you have to get cleaned up.” I was fortunate. If I remember right, I got to take a bath first. Nice clear, warm water was waiting for me. But when I was done, the … Continue reading Bath Night, Baptism, and Happy Days
By Cindy Koch - She smiled as great grandpa offered his hands to hold the squirming little baby boy. Not just because he had become antsy after 45 minutes of a traditional church service where she did everything to keep her 8-month old quiet through reading and sermons and prayers. No, now she smiled because … Continue reading The Strong
By Paul Koch - The moment when our Lord steps into the waters of the Jordan River to be baptized by John is of great significance for the understanding of our faith. Here the identity and purpose of our Lord’s arrival come into focus. John the Baptist is doing what his namesake calls for him … Continue reading Buried and Risen
By Tim Winterstein - I pretty much knew what I was going to get when I turned on Beautiful Boy. I didn't know if it would be good as a film or not (although I was looking forward to seeing Steve Carell in a serious role—though sometimes I had trouble not letting his The Office … Continue reading The Beautiful and the Broken
By Paul Koch - Once a month I gather with a group of my local colleagues. These fellow pastors in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod come together to worship and study and discuss any pressing issues that need our attention. It is a gathering that I rarely miss. Not that it is always inspiring, but it … Continue reading Reconciling Pastors
