Steve Kindle’s article on the recent school shooting in Florida raised some interesting questions and in the process demonstrated some problems that makes this issue so divisive. One of the issues that divides people is the very nature of the problem itself. Steve is clear in how he sees the problem when he writes, “The…
After the school shootings in Parkland, Florida, the political class issued its now familiar response, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.” Interestingly, the very people it was supposed to mollify were outraged, prompting the response of voice and sign, “Prayer is not enough.” And it surely is not enough.The well-known…
“Boundaries help define what a household, family, church, or community holds precious. However, the modern world is deeply ambivalent about boundaries and community. Although we yearn for home and a place to belong, often we find ourselves more comfortable with empty space where we can ‘sing our own songs’ and pursue our own plans. Hospitality…
Recently, as our congregation’s sexton was changing the sermon title on the congregation’s marquee, a woman drove up and asked him, “Are you the new age church?” He responded, “We’re part of the United Church of Christ and our pastor is a biblical preacher.” She continued, “But, how can you be Christian? You’re celebrating earth…
by Dr. William Powell Tuck, friarsfragment.com, retired pastor, professor and author of The Forgotten Beatitude: Worshiping Through Stewardship, A Positive Word for Christian Lamenting: Funeral Homilies, The Church Under the Cross, and more! In a recent Gallup Poll, it was noted that 80 per cent of persons in the United States said that moral ratings…
by Tabitha Edwards-Walton, nurse, poet, and author of Poetic Diversities and Poetic Life Experiences. He left his life of nothing behind him, when he walked into the military recruiting office. He was only seventeen years old. He walked away from his family. It was his decision. He went into boot camp, then he went to active…
by Tabitha Edwards-Walton, nurse, poet, and author of Poetic Diversities and Poetic Life Experiences Son, please put your hand in mine. I shall be your strength. Trust in me and you will do just fine. I will be your balance. I will hold you up when you go to fall. Just like everything in life,…
