By Paul Koch - When you go to a church, not just this church but really any church, you enter a place that is intentionally designed and laid out for a specific purpose. There are places to sit, these days padded pews or even chairs that are designed to keep you engaged and comfortable but … Continue reading Out of Control
By Tim Winterstein - There's nothing quite as uncomfortable as watching someone who does awkward well. In comedy, consider both Steve Carell's Michael Scott and Ricky Gervais' David Brent on both the American and English versions of The Office. But Jim Cummings could teach a master class on dramatic and (within the world of the … Continue reading Everything Falls Apart
By Paul Koch - My arrival at her home was announced long before I rang the doorbell. Two little dogs proclaimed the approach a visitor by the time I started down the driveway. I was going to visit a dear old member of my congregation. I had been to her home many times before, and … Continue reading Pray for Me
By Hillary Asbury - Look at this color. What do you feel when you look at it? Now look at this one. What does it remind you of? Do you think of pleasant or unpleasant things? Now look at this one. Does it hold a certain meaning or special significance? If you said that the … Continue reading What Color can Say
By Joel A. Hess - I often forget a little detail in our Lord’s command to His church in Matthew 28. He says, “Go and make disciples…” Every time I read and reread this almost cliché passage, I am reminded that Jesus tells us He is going to “make” disciples. It will be something done … Continue reading Collecting vs. Making Disciples
By Cindy Koch - A scream. A squirm. A cute little smile. A toy car flies right over grandma Margo’s reverent head. Teaching little children to sit in church is one of the most frustrating experiences a parent may ever have. I know. I’ve done it a few times. Standing in the narthex, shushing in … Continue reading Keeping the Gifts from our Children
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
