The log in my own eye
AIDS, homelessness, wars fought at a distance and quickly, famine in far-off countries, marriages, deaths, cocaine addiction and alcoholism, divorce, youth struggling..
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Faith and healing
My grandfather beat my grandmother every time she went to church. Because every time she went, she tithed and my grandfather..
Sunday morning stewardship ministry
One readily available opportunity for every congregation to expand and deepen its focus on stewardship development is obvious, but often resisted. And..
What is truth?
Today, about an hour ago as I wrote these words, I confess that I hit the wall. It was the umpteen-millionth spam..
Technology is impacting seminaries
(PNS) – Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, is planning to close its satellite campuses in Seattle, Menlo Park and Orange County and..
Presbyterians Caring for Chaplains and Military Personnel announce hiring of new director
Rev. (Captain) Lyman M Smith, CHC, USN, Retired, has been named the new Director of Presbyterian Council on Chaplains and Military Personnel..
Muslim and Christians pray together for just peace in Al Aqsa Mosque
(WCC) Muslims and Christians were gathered together in Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on 27th July. Side-by-side for just peace in the Holy..
Who cares about the mints?
Guest commentary by Sarah Sparks-Franklin “We forgot mints! We should have mints. Proper church ladies have mints at their luncheons.” One of..
8th Sunday after Pentecost – July 30, 2017
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Ordinary 17A; Proper 12 What is the kingdom of heaven like? A) A mustard seed B) Yeast C) Buried..
Churches across the world invited to pray for Korean reunification
(WCC) On 13 August, churches across the world are invited to show solidarity with Korean churches by joining a “Sunday of Prayer..
Five members of interfaith group barred from boarding plane for Israel
(PNS) The moderator of the 216th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was among five interfaith leaders denied access to a..
Companions: Accompanying Newcomers into Church Life and Faith
Marney Ault Wasserman Wipf & Stock, Eugene Ore. 120 pages Reviewed by Chip Andrus It is not often that a resource comes..
Ministry upside down
My heart is pounding its way up my throat. My hands are sweaty enough that I’m glad we still have communion to..
Why is Jerusalem’s Temple Mount so disputed?
(RNS) — Jerusalem’s Temple Mount is the holiest site in the world for Jews and the third holiest for Muslims — a..
“Open” & “closed” systems
When I directed the doctor of ministry program at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, we employed Bowen family systems theory in several ways...
What’s right about First Presbyterian Church?
First Presbyterian Church — Hendersonville, Tennessee Church members have shared with me the value of having the pastor present during the..
A matter of forgiveness — of student loans
LOUISVILLE (PNS) – In a video just released by Presbyterian Mission, Financial Aid for Service is drawing attention to its Transformational Leadership..
Prayers of the Reformers
Thomas McPherson Paraclete Press, Brewster, Mass. 128 pages Prayer is an act of theology, however conscious or not. In this collection of..
Understanding Korean-American churches
As a Korean-American church was about to purchase a new building, its members raised a question about the future of the church...
Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religious leaders unite for Israeli-Palestinian peace
WASHINGTON (OGA) In a letter to President Trump, thirty-five Jewish, Christian, and Muslim national religious leaders agree that Israeli-Palestinian peace is possible. Presbyterian..
WCC reiterates plea for dialogue and open access to worship at Holy Sites
(WCC) The World Council of Churches (WCC) is calling for global prayers tomorrow for just peace in the Holy Land, and for..
National Black Presbyterian Caucus gathers in Detroit for 43rd biennial convention
DETROIT (PNS) – Members of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus (NBPC) gathered in Detroit on July 13–15 for the 43rd biennial convention...
Houses of worship do some soul searching as their neighborhoods change
NASHVILLE (USA Today) — A nearly 90-year-old church now stands across the street from a new luxury apartment complex, illustrating how redevelopment has..
The trip to the motherland: Bestowing the legacy upon the next generations
In the late 19th century, Protestant Christians who sought to engage in foreign mission work carefully observed diplomatic developments in East Asia...
Pastoral Prayers for the People of God: An Anthology of Classic Pulpit Prayers by the Reverend Dr. David B. Watermulder
Paul Watermulder and Martha Watermulder, editors Xlibris Press. 258 pages Reviewed by Jack Haberer This review took much longer than I anticipated..
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