By Ross Engel - I always wanted to be an astronaut. My childhood bedroom was decorated with space memorabilia. As a teenager, I had a full size wall mural in my bedroom of the Space Shuttle Columbia orbiting the earth. I collected shuttle mission patches, built model rockets, and stared at the stars. I watched … Continue reading Space Force Chaplain
By Paul Koch - There is great comfort found in the traditional liturgy of the Church. When you wander into a congregation gathered around the gifts of Christ, the liturgy of their worship provides a rhythm and focus to the things that are happening. There is a movement and purpose that aids in carrying the … Continue reading A Liturgy of Doubt
"Als Gregor Samsa eines Morgens aus unruhigen Träumen erwachte, fand er sich in seinem Bett zu einem ungeheueren Ungeziefer verwandelt." -Kafka, Verwandlung. Wake up from your existential nightmare! He is risen! Like Jacob wrestling with God, Kafka wrestling with identity, this show wrestles between the sacred and profane! Hop on in the ring! Thank you … Continue reading Ringside: Episode 73
By Hillary Asbury - Visual communication is huge these days. It seems like the people in my life are constantly communicating over text message and social media using GIFS, emojis, and memes. I’ve seen whole conversations conducted almost entirely in this way, and I ask myself: Why? Why is this the way we “talk” to … Continue reading Liturgical Art?
By Joel A. Hess - A young pastor was enjoying a children’s message with a bunch of elementary kids (if you can’t handle pastors talking to little kids in the Divine Service, please exit). He asked the kids, “What do you think Jesus said when He rose from the dead?” One girl responded, “Tada!” Everyone … Continue reading Beware of the Peace Snatchers
By Cindy Koch - I know I’m guilty. Keys in hand, given even to me, this is my responsibility. It’s a habit now to double check every last door handle as I walk by, pulling just a little bit to make sure no one can get in. It’s part of the culture of the church, … Continue reading Locking up the Church
By Paul Koch - I have realized that there are many texts from the Word of God that I call my favorite. But this one from John 20 is without a doubt my all time favorite text in Scripture. Okay, it’s at least in the top five. You see, it is an honest and powerful … Continue reading A Strange Church
