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When was the last time you had a friendly debate? Do you have relationships that are secure enough to handle disagreement? Unfortunately, as many of us know, healthy robust debate has become scarce over the last decade. Many people attribute this lack of thoughtful discussion to the rise of social media, and for good reason.…

It is true that Easter is on its way, however, before we arrive at that celebration there are a few observances to be made. Holy Week starts with Palm/Passion Sunday, which will be April 10th. This is the service when we imitate the people of Israel as Jesus rode into Jerusalem, waving palm leaves and…

Last Sunday I attended First Presbyterian Church’s screening of the film “Triggered: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence.” The film was followed by a panel discussion with Rev. Dr. Kate Wiebe, Founder of Institute for Collective Trauma and Growth; Dr. Robert Kanard, Chief of Pediatric Surgery at Cottage Hospital, pediatric trauma surgeon; Suzanne Grimmesey, Santa…

Over the past few years I have gotten used to what I call the “storms of bad news.” Sometimes I see them coming over the horizon, other times they flash out without warning. Tragic acts of violence, public health crises, intense political conflicts, or ecological disasters ride in like the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,…

When I was in seminary a friend helped me prepare for my ordination exams. At our first session he asked, “Who governs the church?” “…God?” I replied, sheepishly, like a kid in Sunday school. He let out a quiet sigh, a clear signal that I should try again. Not knowing where this was heading, I…