Presbyterian pastor and scholar Craig Barnes says this about Easter. “No one is ever ready to encounter Easter until he or she has spent time in the dark place where hope cannot be seen. Easter is the last thing we are expecting. And that is why it terrifies us. This day is not about bunnies, … read
This morning we’re going to take a look at Jesus, which seems an appropriate thing to do at the beginning of our Holy Week. It’s a big picture look, a look from far away – the kind the astronauts have when they’re in space and see the earth as the sum of its parts, and … read
“Pray. Love your enemy and pray for those who harm you.” Are you familiar with Brené Brown, researcher and writer? She studied shame for six years before she really began writing about it. In a TED Talk, she said: “Shame is a horrible topic.No one wants to talk about it.It’s the best way to shut … read
Many of you know of the late author Madeline L’Engle, and I hope that many of you have read some of her books. I was first introduced to her writing when in third grade our teacher read her Newberry Award-winning book A Wrinkle in Time. Some of you will also know that a new movie … read
If you have never been to the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens in Woodland, Washington, I urge you to go, especially in late April or early May when the flowers are in their most fragrant bloom. After reading a book about hybridizing plants, Mrs. Klager tried her hand, first with apples, and then with lilacs. She … read