Presbyterian churches promise to help families experiencing homelessness
When Beth Undercuffler’s phone rang on a wintry morning in 2018, she knew the call likely had to do with the blizzard..
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Knowing Our Faith: A Guide for Believers, Seekers, and Christian Communities
Justo L. González Eerdmans, 176 pages Reviewed by Jo Forrest Consider two approaches to writing. One writer presents provocative ideas, dense illustrations..
A theology for grandparents
Original sin. This Calvinist and Augustinian doctrine supports the idea that Adam and Eve, as humanity’s original parents, passed on their disobedience..
Allan Hugh Cole Jr.
“When the darker moments come, or when gratitude eludes me, I ask myself, ‘What are you thankful for?’ Then, I look at..
RIP, black and blue (10 years ago)
10 years ago — January 11, 2010 “The time has come to turn the page from a black and blue magazine …..
Community dinners: Matthew 25 in action
Guest commentary by Linda Dickerson On Mondays, you would hardly think that on Sunday mornings worshippers gather to sing, pray, hear the..
What’s right about Southminster Presbyterian Church?
Southminster Presbyterian Church — Boise, Idaho Southminster is a church that takes hospitality seriously. Fair warning: If you don’t like being hugged..
Flesh in the Word: A Presbyterian Outlook for our time
“At some time after I came to this work I recalled a prayer that I made every night without fail when I..
James Frederick Kubik dies
(OGA) A key player in the Presbyterian church’s reunification in the 1980s has died. James Frederick Kubik, known as “J,” died on..
Lenten devotions — Year A (2020)
Are you looking for theologically sound, inspiring and affordable Lenten devotions for the congregation? 5 weeks of Lenten devotions plus bonus prayers..
Take Me
Take my fervor, take my will. Make me silent, yielded, still; wounded, if these wounds may be windows to eternity. Take my..
Preaching from the Old Testament
Walter Brueggemann Fortress Press, 196 pages Reviewed by Paul Rowland Jr. “Have you ever seen workers in the street lift off a..
Mirror of our truth
As I get older, I spend more time in front of the mirror each morning. The issue isn’t vanity — at least..
A rich treasure trove of history
At the Presbyterian Historical Society, we collect the raw materials that support the study of history, but what we deem important enough..
Christmas came — and (80 years ago)
80 years ago – December 20, 1939 There are some days that stand out from the others like Thanksgiving and New Year’s..
Ashina Krishna
“Being able to set up a shared space is a positive outcome for people who have likely faced difficult circumstances in the..
Making a Scene in the Pulpit: Vivid Preaching for Visual Listeners
Alyce M. McKenzie Westminster John Knox Press, 226 pages Reviewed by Layton E. Williams Alyce M. McKenzie begins her new book, “Making..
Passionate for Justice: Ida B. Wells as Prophet for Our Times
Catherine Meeks and Nibs Stroupe Church Publishing Incorporated, 160 pages Reviewed by Cynthia A. Jarvis If you read “Passionate for Justice,” you..
What’s right about Hebron Presbyterian Church?
Hebron Presbyterian Church — Staunton, Virginia Hebron Presbyterian Church started a new committee: the GROW team. Our focus is not..
Fiction in faith formation: Stories that act as mirrors
After King David committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged for her husband to be killed, God sent the prophet Nathan to David...
Pruning the vine
Guest commentary by Jason Schiller I am an aspiring gardener. I love the idea of tending to and cultivating fruits, vegetables and..
Aubade
Who would give birth to the god of death? Not brought forth in light, as if from clouds, but squeezed tightly into..
The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations
Toni Morrison Alfred P. Knopf, 368 pages Reviewed by J. Stephen Rhodes Toni Morrison’s death leaves the United States bereft of a..
Regarding Ruling Elders: Holy stories
(OGA) There are innumerable quotes, pieces of advice, and catch phrases related to hearing and knowing someone else’s story. The one that..
Reading as spiritual practice
When my first-grader began school this fall, I was reminded again and again during those first weeks of the school year of..