Bad Nativity Scene Round-Up

Just for fun, he’s a re-run of a humor column I wrote for RevGalBlogPals back in 2013. Christmas decorations are heavy on Santa and reindeer and snowmen and bells and glittery doodads of various kinds. But within the Christian tradition we also make space for nativity sets: scenes representing the biblical story of Christ’s humble…

John the Baptist

Luke 3:3-6 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,     make his paths straight. 5 Every valley…

Holden Evening Prayer

Holden Evening Prayer, a contemplative, mostly sung, worship service written by Marty Haugen, has become an Advent tradition at Peace Mennonite. For those not able to join with Peace (or another congregation) for this worship, consider setting aside about twenty minutes to listen to (and sing with) this version on YouTube. Here is a link…

Advent Inspirations

Happy New Year, everyone! (Or maybe I should say “Happy Liturgical New Year!”) This Advent season I plan to share some inspirations with you–things I have written and pieces from other people. Look for a little something new on the blog most days–an attempt to help keep us centered on Christ in the midst of…

Let me Tell You How I Really Feel: More Thoughts on AMBS

Since I last wrote about Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary hiring David Boshart as president, more information about this decision has come to light. I, along with others on the Inclusive Mennonite Pastors leadership team, had a conversation with two people involved in making the decision; The Mennonite has published an article sharing more details; and…

Create Peace

In Matthew’s story of Jesus’ arrest, the most relevant part for “creating peace” is obviously when one of the disciples pulls out his sword and starts swinging. Then Jesus says: “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to…

AMBS’s New President (or What Were they Thinking?)

I invite you to do a thought experiment with me. Imagine that I am qualified to lead a seminary: I have a PhD in Mennoniteness and have taught graduate level classes in Missional Transformation Transforming Missional Paradigms. I’m the perfect candidate for seminary president. Except the seminary has recently committed itself to the “traditional” position…