By Bob Hiller - Greetings, Dear Jagged Readers! It has been far too long since I’ve last blogged. I do hope, being the grace-addicted folks that you are, that you will forgive my absence as you have been forgiven. (I also hope you remember me!) Though, if I might offer some self-justification here, I do … Continue reading Preaching as a Craft
By Cindy Koch - Looking over to my bookshelf, I see two tiny books that have been there since my children were babies: How to Raise a Lady and How to Raise a Gentleman. They are cute little books that give brief overviews of some of the most obvious manners that little people should learn—how … Continue reading We’re not raising men or women – just Hamsters
By Paul Koch - It was Sunday afternoon a few years ago, and my kids were hurrying to tie their shoes and comb their hair. We loaded into the van to make it to the movie on time. Like most kids, they love the movies, even the small budget theater we go to for an … Continue reading Searching for a Superhero
By Joel A. Hess - Surely since Plato’s republic—no, further back—since the builders of the tower of Babel, humankind has pursued the building of a perfect place, a perfect order, a perfect city, a utopia. Now, of course, it seems only natural from a young age to seek out a good existence. I recently cleaned … Continue reading Tired of making the world better?
By Joel A. Hess - Since seminary, I have been told by seasoned pastors and “expert” first timers that pastoring is a tough, thankless job. They encouraged me to set boundaries so I don’t get lost in the work and forget about myself and my family. They scared me stiff, perhaps hoping I would not be … Continue reading Dear Pastors: Stop Whining
By Cindy Koch - There are a thousand different answers to this dilemma, most derived from experience. Too many men and women have been in marriage relationships that just didn’t work out happily ever after. Hurt, angry, confused and tired of fighting for an intimate bond that we have been told is good. Trying to … Continue reading Why marriage doesn’t work
By Paul Koch – There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil.Ecclesiastes 2:24 This statement by Solomon is fundamentally offensive to the Christian. This is because it attacks our fundamental desire for glory. We desperately want our comings and goings, our eating and … Continue reading Eat, Drink and get to Work
