By Cindy Koch - Just a scroll through Pinterest, and that was all it took. I was simply looking for a new Sunday School craft and I was suddenly distracted by a fun object lesson involving water. You have probably seen it. A jar of dirty water, representing our personal mess of sin. But along … Continue reading Pinterest Repentance
By Paul Koch - The gathering together of God’s people in one place for worship is one of the most beautifully complex and misunderstood events that regularly happens in any given week. I suppose it was somewhat different for ancient Israel, when they gathered around the Tabernacle or the Temple in Jerusalem. There they had … Continue reading Dividing Truth
By Tim Winterstein - Amid recent high-profile defections from formerly prominent Christians, one would think films would have long begun to move away from religious—and specifically Christian—imagery. But as we discussed on a recent episode of Saints and Cinema, with the Reverend Scott Stiegemeyer, horror movies in particular continue to focus on the religious aspects … Continue reading Good vs. Evil (Again)
By Ross Engel - In the 1997 film, Starship Troopers, which pits humanity against bug-like aliens, there are several strong cultural and political messages buried both subtly and boldly into this classic film. One theme is that Federal service guarantees citizenship within the Federation. The idea behind this is two-fold. First, nations become unstable because … Continue reading Privilege and Responsibility
By Joel A. Hess - Perhaps more than any other story in scripture, the story of Mary and Martha has been the most scandalous. I am serious. Every time I read and preach on this episode of Jesus’ journey, I get frustrated feedback. Frequently the critics do not just direct their angst at me, but … Continue reading The Church of Martha
By Cindy Koch - I am often exhausted after church. I used to think it was because I had so many little children, one after another. I spent years teaching them to sit quietly in church when all they wanted to do was play hide and seek under the pews. I knew the cry room … Continue reading MOM: Manager of Mayhem
By Paul Koch - For those of you who do not know, I have two brothers, one older and one younger. Once a year we all get together with my dad for a little trip where we catch a Laker game and usually explore a city which is new to us. This year we went … Continue reading The Conviction of Things Not Seen
