Human Rites: The Power of Rituals, Habits, and Sacraments
Dru Johnson Eerdmans, 176 pages Reviewed by Thomas G. Long The great scholar of ritual Catherine Bell once commented on how dramatically..
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Prayer for those in the path of Dorian
Lord who calms the storm, we pray for those anxiously watching weather forecasts, preparing for wind and rain, wondering if destruction will..
African American clergywomen gather for biennial retreat
DAYTONA, Fla. — African American clergywomen from 24 states are gathered in Daytona, Florida, for a time of Sabbath rest, to reconnect..
Christians lend an anthem, and a pacifist spirit, to protests in Hong Kong
HONG KONG (RNS) — Since protests began more than 12 weeks ago over an extradition bill that would allow Hong Kong residents..
Getting the hang of continuing education
Each year as I plan my continuing education, I look for diverse opportunities to learn and grow as a pastor. I have..
‘Flint’ film from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance set for September premiere
FLINT, Mich. – “Flint: The Poisoning of an American City,” a production of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance’s Story Productions, will have its world..
Adaptive leadership and stewardship ministry
“We are out of ideas. What else can we do to cultivate giving in the congregation?” Almost every pastor and elder assigned..
Stated Clerk issues prayer for farmers and farmworkers
Extreme weather from violent tornadoes, heavy rain, and intense heat have put farm operations in a difficult place. Add the rising cost..
Turning the Holy Spirit loose in our polity
Over the past eight years, I have had the opportunity to work as a consultant with numerous congregations and presbyteries around the..
Native American women are emerging leaders in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
(PNS) Women are playing increasingly pivotal roles at every level in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). From moderators to heads of agencies, from stated..
PDA’s National Response Team provides ministry of presence and accompaniment after mass shooting in Dayton
(PNS) — In 32 seconds, a lone gunman in downtown Dayton, Ohio, injured 27 people and killed nine, including his sister. This..
Pursuing the work my soul must have
I need periods of deep breathing, long runs, silence, crisp air, fallow soil beneath my feet, fresh thoughts, giant trees and..
Tending the Fire: The Story of a Marriage
Jeannie DuBose Beaver’s Pond Press, 112 pages This is a lovely and wise book by a writer who knows the deep things..
We are all somebody
My father died this spring. He was 96 years old, and he was ready. I’m not sure I was — but I..
Words of Love: I Am Your God; You Shall Have No Other — Horizons 1
Love Carved in Stone: A Fresh Look at the Ten Commandments Lesson 1 EXODUS 20:1-6, MATTHEW 22:34-37 I am fascinated by the Avenger movies..
A God who loves us
God is love (1 John 4:16). The Bible says "God is love,” meaning love is God’s essence. God does not only “possess”..
11th Sunday after Pentecost — August 25, 2019
Jeremiah 1:4-10; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17 Ordinary 21C Proper 16 Bent double. For 18 years. Unable to stand up straight. Relegated to..
PC(USA) communications survey results are in
(PNS) In May, a denominational communications survey was launched to determine what the Church most wants and needs from Communications. Nearly 11,000..
UN day on violence victims stresses religious tolerance
(WCC) A group of United Nations experts together say that countries have an important role to play in promoting religious tolerance and cultural..
Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others
Barbara Brown Taylor HarperOne, 256 pages Reviewed by Paul Rowland Jr. In her essay on metaphor in the “Oxford Companion to the..
Trump: Any Jew voting Democratic is uninformed or disloyal
WASHINGTON (AP) — Showing a fresh willingness to play politics along religious lines, President Trump said American Jews who vote for Democrats..
Trump steadily fulfills goals on religious right wish list
NEW YORK (AP) — When Donald Trump assumed the presidency, conservative religious leaders drew up “wish lists” of steps they hoped he’d..
What boxed wine taught me about community
This week we asked our bloggers to consider their experience of alcohol and church. Here are their reflections. Boxed wine gets a..
Eileen Lindner on generosity and giving to the church
Eileen Lindner wants churches to talk about money. Specifically: about the immense transfer of wealth that’s coming as the Baby Boomer generation..
Races, faith traditions come together during moving ceremony remembering those enslaved
(OGA) People of many races and representing several faith traditions gathered Tuesday to commemorate Angela, the first African to arrive in the American..
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