"What's the deal with that colored fella out in the parking lot?" An older patron asked me this question when he came into the library to return his DVDs. It was so unexpected and inappropriate that I stood dumbfounded for a few seconds before responding with a mix of confusion and irritation: "Pardon me?" "I [...]
Ashlyn and I recently attended a Columbus Clippers baseball game with my cousin and his family. It was fun to take in a ball game on a summer evening and enjoy America's favorite pastime; but there was something else that I enjoyed even more: the kids. We had four kids with us. They didn't pay [...]
I grew up in the Quaker tradition but my church was heavily influenced by the evangelical stream of Protestantism. Because of this, we talked a lot about the Bible. The Bible was central to our faith and practice. We talked a lot about what was in the Bible and why we should read it. However, [...]
I recently returned from a visit to Cuba. It is a beautiful country full of fascinating people and a complex history. The eight days went by quickly; we didn't have near enough time to gain a deep sense of the culture and spirit of the country. But what I encountered during our time was a [...]
*The following is a lightly edited manuscript of a message I shared with the congregation of Winchester Friends Meeting in Winchester, Indiana. Good morning, Friends. It is good to be with you and worship with you this morning. I was a little concerned because I’ve been under the impression that the Holy Spirit doesn’t interact [...]
Below is the short manuscript from a message I gave recently at Earlham School of Religion for Common Worship. While not directly relating to rural issues, it provides another opening into the story of Jesus feeding the multitude, the inspiration for the blog's title. Enjoy: Geese appear high over us, pass, and the sky closes. [...]
Recovering Abundance 