By Joel A. Hess - A couple of years ago, Pope Francis announced that it would be easier for people to have their marriages annulled. In 2016, Pope Francis released his Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus, "The Gentle Judge, our Lord Jesus, the Shepherd of Souls.” In this document, the leader of Rome makes it clearer and … Continue reading Jesus doesn’t give Annulments.
By Paul Koch – “Yes, Haven, most of us enjoy preaching, and I’ve got such a bully pulpit” – Theodore Roosevelt On Tuesday evening, I was making my usual trip down to the Jiu-Jitsu academy for training, and I had the opportunity to listen to much of the President’s State of the Union address. Though … Continue reading Embracing the Bully Pulpit
By Joel A. Hess - Lions don’t make good pets. Every year we read a story about some poor fool who wanted to have a wild animal as a pet. A couple of years ago, a woman’s monkey mauled her friend. I remember trying to have a raccoon as a pet. It didn’t work out … Continue reading Lions don’t make good pets
By Cindy Koch - “It’s just confusing,” she said. I waited another minute as she fidgeted with her pink ribbon headband. As force of habit, she twirled the ribbon and then chewed on a chipped blue nail polished thumb. Not usually the careful thinker of the class, I almost wasn’t ready for the question for … Continue reading A Confusing Story
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 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
