Some of you know I’m back from a week away after Easter. I planned the trip around getting to the ocean—which I’ve missed the past couple of years. As much as I love Iowa’s (soon-to-be) lush farm-scapes, I find myself longing for waves and surf and sand. It’s not so...
On Easter Sunday—and again on Confirmation Sunday, April 26—we have the privilege of baptizing and welcoming several dear souls into membership here at Collegiate/Wesley. Before we ever get to the water, I’ll stand next to the font and ask our candidates a series of...
During this season of Lent, as we’ve walked slowly through Jesus’s passion, I’ve been reminded how many important scenes show up in this last week of his life. We’ve “freeze-framed” many of those moments in worship, but there are many more. So little time. So much...
I want the church to be a Name Shame Free Zone. “Name Shame” isn’t about anyone being ashamed of their name. It’s about that awkward experience of talking to someone, or seeing them across the way, and realizing you have no idea what their name is. The awkwardness...
As I gathered up some papers and put on my coat after our Ash Wednesday service last evening, I found myself wondering if the ashes still staining my thumb would rub off on the things I was touching. I smiled to myself and headed home, thinking: One of the gifts of...
