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
By Paul Koch – I listened to the radio on a recent Sunday afternoon as the reports came in of a shooting at the Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California. A 19-year-old young man had killed 3 and wounded 13 others. Once again, it all seemed senseless and difficult to imagine. Not even one week later … Continue reading Wielding a Dangerous Weapon
By Joel A. Hess - Another shooting. More pontificating. Along with the hopeless, Christians scurry to draw lines in social media sands. Some hurriedly throw out the hypocrite label to anyone who disagrees with their version of gun control. Others feign fear that the Red Army is coming to burn churches whenever someone even mentions … Continue reading Another Shooting, More Christians Pontificating (Including Me, Sorry)
By Andrew Belt - “Pastor? Will I recognize my loved ones in Heaven?” A good question and a common question. Though my time as a pastor has been short, just over a year, I have been asked this question at least three different times. People are truly worried about the answer. For some who ask, … Continue reading Will I recognize my loved ones in Heaven?
By Cindy Koch - It is a happy day when I taste a California Strawberry. For years, even while living in southeast Georgia, I could make a trip to buy some fresh produce and find the little plastic packages with sunny smiles on the sticker only to discover a little taste of home had followed … Continue reading Shopping for Fruits of the Spirit
