by Lisa Degrenia | Feb 19, 2022 | Ash Wednesday
PRELUDEPeople are encouraged to enter in silence. Lights are dim.As people gather, words appropriate to the day appear and disappear on the screen.You can create your own presentation or find one for free online here. INVITATION TO THE OBSERVANCE OF LENTEN...
by Stuart Strachan Jr. | Feb 15, 2022 | Black History Month, The Founder's Desk
We’ve decided to wait until the middle of February to celebrate Black History Month, not to push it off, but to spread out and celebrate Black history and culture throughout the entire month, while of course making an ongoing effort to represent a diversity of...
by Mark Roberts | Feb 15, 2022 | Third Third of Life
In last month’s article for The Pastor’s Workshop blog, I asked if the growing population of older adults in our world is a dangerous “silver tsunami” or a providential “silver opportunity.” I chose the “silver opportunity” option, basing my choice on the biblical...
by Bill Gaultiere | Feb 11, 2022 | Uncategorized
I feel stupid. Do you ever feel that way? People think I’m smart because I have a PhD in psychology and I’m blessed to have people like you listen to me. But in reality I often feel stupid. As far back as I can remember I’ve felt like I should know what to do and have...
by Lisa Degrenia | Feb 7, 2022 | Lent
A few years ago, some friends suggested creating a wilderness rock garden as a visual reminder of the Lenten season. I loved the idea and continue to use it year after year. WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Sand A tray At least 40 rocks, shells, etc. in a container Tealight and...
by Stuart Strachan Jr. | Jan 25, 2022 | Economics, The Founder's Desk
The economy has probably been on a lot of people’s minds lately as the COVID pandemic and rapid inflation continue to grab headlines and dampen enthusiasm in the markets. Many folks are worried about their retirement accounts or their ability to simply keep up...
by Mark Roberts | Jan 14, 2022 | Third Third of Life
Let’s begin with a few foundational facts: The number of people age 65 and older in the United States has grown rapidly over most of the 20th century, from 3.1 million in 1900 to 54 million in 2019. (See data from U.S. Census Bureau and America’s Health Rankings.) On...
by Bill Gaultiere | Jan 7, 2022 | Uncategorized
In the light of God’s presence, you can see your shadow self. But most people hide their shadow and so it brings them pain and problems. Jesus’ best friend John had a problem with his shadow. He was usually friendly, considerate, and supportive of others — probably a...
by Stuart Strachan Jr. | Dec 30, 2021 | The Founder's Desk
I’ve often found it a bit difficult to preach on the subject of the New Year. Yes, of course there are themes of newness of life and the new creation, and these seem appropriate connection points to a time when we say goodbye to one year and hello to to a new...
by Stuart Strachan Jr. | Dec 16, 2021 | Christmas
I have a friend who teaches in the upper peninsula in Michigan. He has one of those schools that run from kindergarten all the way up through eighth grade, including special ed. One of his students was intellectually slow, couldn’t do very well in classes. And when...
