By Joel A. Hess - This past Sunday, our church celebrated the confirmation of a bunch of our kids, my son included. Poor kids. What are we doing? Thirteen and fourteen year olds promising to be upstanding members, givers, and receivers in the Church, to hold to the teachings of the Church according to the Small Catechism, even … Continue reading A Better Confirmation Vow
By Tim Winterstein - Some things are too horrific to face straight on. You have to shield your eyes, take a side glance, observe from an oblique angle. One of the feature-length documentaries screening at this year's Newport Beach Film Festival is Forever 'B' (now called Abducted in Plain Sight), and its story is almost … Continue reading Idaho Horror Story
By Joel A. Hess - Most churches have that cute, little sign planted near the exit of their parking lot that tells parishioners, “You are now entering the mission field.” This reminder is founded on the faulty premise that the driver was not previously in the mission field as she sat in church, as if … Continue reading The Choir Needs to be Preached to
By Cindy Koch - It’s not much, but I thought you should have it. My life should give glory only to you. And so I give my all to you. Every minute, every thought, your action will always be on my mind. Every morning I will give my time to you. In this crazy mixed … Continue reading God, I have something for you
By Graham Glover - Most of you who will read this probably don’t consider yourself a pluralist. Although we’ve never surveyed the readers of the Jagged Word, I’m pretty sure most of you have a pretty rigid way of viewing things, from politics to theology and everything in between. I’m no different. There isn’t much … Continue reading Embracing Pluralism
By Joel A. Hess - Well, here it comes again. Lent. I used to say that this was my favorite time of year. It should be for a pastor, right? It’s time to get serious about the faith. Get back to basics. Restore the Roar. Those are just a some of our eye-popping, life-changing Lenten … Continue reading Hope you fail this Lent
By Cindy Koch - They shouldn’t scare me, but I find myself hiding from them. Smugly sauntering into any situation, armed with a knowing glare. They hold up their heads high, bold and unashamed. Stepping over the weak and lowly, they collect respect and fear from the quiet stares that follow their path. They flash … Continue reading Proof Text Mafia
