ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 23, 2025From what I understand, today is National Pie Day—not to be confused with National Pi Day, which is March 14th. Since pies are not really on my list of foods I can eat, I am not a strong advocate for National Pie Day. I am not opposed to it, but there might be just a hint of underlying bitterness over my inability to enjoy a
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 22, 2025The work of the church is extraordinarily serious, and throughout Christianity’s history, the church has been at its best when it has served on the frontlines of real change, brought justice to broken systems, and helped people find real and lasting healing. Nothing has changed, and that is exactly what and who the church is… or at least should be. With that said, the church
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 21, 2025I was reading an article on the BBC’s website about venomous caterpillars. Just the headline caught my attention. I do not tend to think of caterpillars as venomous, though I probably should as I was stung a couple of years ago by a woollybear caterpillar while cutting some tree limbs. Wow! That was painful. The article pointed out how scientists have been and continue to
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 20, 2025On this Dr. Martin Luther King holiday – A Prayer from Dr. KingO God, we thank you for the fact that you have inspired men and women in all nations and in all cultures. We call you different names: some call you Allah; some call you Elohim; some call you Jehovah; some call you Brahma; some call you the Unmoved Mover. But we know that
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 19, 2025Today in worship, we are going to be looking at transactional relationships, specifically how our relationship with God and the church can too easily slip into what is an unhealthy relationship of expectations. Life is full of relationships where a transaction is expected or required. When you check out at the grocery store, there is a basic assumption that you will give them some money.
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 18, 2025When confronted with self-doubt, the advice of simply believing in oneself can be somewhat ineffective. While the intention behind such advice may be sincere, individuals struggling with self-doubt have already been wrestling with the question. A skilled therapist can assist in uncovering the underlying reasons for this lack of confidence or feelings of self-doubt. However, this process may not always be straightforward or easy. Doubts
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 17, 2025Deescalating tension is an art, and I am so envious of people who have the skill of speaking to a moment of anger with words that helps create a pause. It does not mean everyone is happy or at peace, but often unchecked escalation is followed by more escalation. Inflammatory allegations are made, and before long, the original point is lost in a turbulent exchange
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 16, 2025When I wrote yesterday’s Etching, I was filled with hope for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. However, I must admit that my usual skepticism was trying to gain some traction. While the news from last night is both exciting and promising, we mustn’t forget that the finish line remains in the distance. Even if the ceasefire is recognized and both sides fulfill their commitments,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 15, 2025Like you, I am filled with immense hope for the ongoing discussions in the Middle East, particularly the potential ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas. This has been an extraordinarily complicated situation, and to understand it necessitates individuals holding seemingly contradictory beliefs simultaneously. Most people are reluctant to even consider such a concept, preferring straightforward explanations for complex issues deeply rooted in history,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSJanuary 14, 2025On Saturday, the Elders and Board had a great gathering to begin conversations about 2025, and in the later afternoon, when just the Board was together, I shared with them the slogan for 2025 that I hope will guide some of our work. The slogan is: Making it happen with two other people. The idea is to involve others. We as a church need to