By Joel A. Hess - This Thursday, many of us will celebrate the birth of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States. We will not only celebrate our freedom from British rule, but ideally our freedom from any rule. We pride ourselves on being a people free from any tyranny, If … Continue reading The Tyranny of Me
By Cindy Koch - Worrying about the children. Looking over my shoulder to see if anybody is watching. Trying harder to make up for my failures. Keeping quiet to avoid conflict. Taking the path of least resistance. Reciting, “I’m fine, I’m fine.” Stressing when the bills come in. Fighting against my metabolism every waking hour. … Continue reading Un-free
By Paul Koch - This Thursday, on the 4th of July, our nation will celebrate its independence. We will grill food, drink a few beers, and light off fireworks while basking in a healthy patriotism. We will rejoice in what we have come to know as a particularly potent understanding of freedom. Freedom from a … Continue reading Free for What?
By Cindy Koch - We’re on the brink of another new year. It’s exciting to think of the big changes that could happen. Maybe I’ll start that kitchen project I’ve put off for so long, or drop those 10 pounds. Maybe I’ll put a little more time into friendship or family. Success, prosperity, love—these are … Continue reading The most essential Resolution
By Paul Koch - There is nothing worse than the feeling that comes over you when reality beats back your wish dreams. When you imagine what something would be like—how it would look, act, or feel—and then you experience it in real life and finally take it all in only to find that it’s not … Continue reading Is This Your Jesus?
By Paul Koch – Being a hearer of the Word is not my usual position. I am a speaker of the Word, one called to proclaim the living Word of God to others. I’m a pastor, the guy up front, and I’ve grown accustomed to that role over the years. It has become somewhat comfortable. … Continue reading Being a Hearer
By Hillary Asbury - People are sometimes very surprised to find out that my church has a service on Thanksgiving. I love it though; I grew up with it being a normal thing and for whatever reason I find it to be a very comforting service. There’s something grounding about celebrating a Christ-centered Thanksgiving. Its … Continue reading Illustration of the Month: Thanksgiving Cross
