Who remembers preschool or kindergarten, and cleaning out an empty half-pint milk carton, cutting off the top, pouring dirt into it, and then burying a lima bean in the dark soil? Do you remember looking at the dirt doubtfully? Nothing interesting is visible for a while. We water the dirt. Now, we have a cup … read
In this beautiful slice from Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth, the great apostle is making the case for hope. Hope! That thing with feathers that perches in the soul, as Emily Dickinson says. Desmond Tutu says that hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness. Hope … read
“Church people.” When you hear those words, what comes to mind? Some of a certain age will remember comedian Dana Carvey’s incarnation of the Church Lady, in a gray wig, fake pearls, making multiple references to Satan, and the expression, dripping with sarcasm, “Isn’t that special?” “Church people” might conjure up an image of any … read
A few years ago as I was rummaging through one of the many storage spaces in the church, I came across a very large plaque. It measures about 3 feet by 5 feet and weighs about 1,000 pounds and is hand-inscribed. On it are the names of Westminster members, men and women, who served the … read
Sometimes in worship we have what I have come to call a “Kitchen Sink Sunday,” a Sunday when it feels like we have everything in worship except that proverbial kitchen sink. In addition to our usual announcements, liturgy, anthems and hymns, children’s time, and offering, today we are commissioning Stephen Ministers, confirming youth, receiving new … read