By Paul Koch – The smorgasbord that is American Christianity is a plethora of material for running jokes and cultural commentary. Not only is there a conflict between people of the Christian faith and those outside the Church, but there is also an ongoing conflict within Christianity. The Baptists are pretty sure that the Catholics are going to hell, … Continue reading Learnign to Not Love the Church
By Joel A. Hess - Remember those stereograms that were popular a couple decades ago? What better way to eat a bunch of time in the mall while you wait for your family to buy school clothes. At first glance, the picture looks like a bunch of gibberish—random dots and colors. But if you stare … Continue reading How to see a 3D Image in a Stereogram
By Cindy Koch - It’s pretty common. Shopping for clothes. Haircuts and maybe a pedicure come spring. We have a routine of upkeep to present ourselves to the world. Even on my most fuzzy days when the babies had kept me up all night and I had to run out to the grocery store, I … Continue reading Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Not Beautiful
By Paul Koch - The life of an individual Christian is a life that is lived in tension. I know, this isn’t new to you, but it is worth our focus today. The life of a Christian it is not a perfectly stable existence. It is organic. It shifts and moves. It flows from highs … Continue reading Now and Not Yet
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 Joel A. Hess - “For they were afraid!” That’s the end of Mark’s gospel. After being told that Jesus had risen from the dead, they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone—for they were afraid! The last words of Mark are … Continue reading For they were afraid! Happy Easter
