Those of us who want to serve others like programs and events. They have defined timelines and expected outcomes. We get to show up and give money or time to a cause. And then we get to walk away. Reading Shawn Smucker’s memoir Once We Were Strangers, I was reminded of the time my “program” of […]
The Red Couch: No Other Gods Discussion
by on October 2, 2019 Leave a Comment
I knew the Rosary and the Ten Commandments before I knew the Pledge of Allegiance. I knew the Stations of the Cross before I ever heard we had a constitution of the United States. When we were little the priest caught my brothers drinking the holy water and daring their buddies to do the same. […]
Why I Read Controversial Books With My Kid
by on September 30, 2019 Leave a Comment
My seven-year-old daughter and I just finished reading The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. It took us all summer with stops and starts because of camping trips and visits with family. I was amazed at how engaged Bea was in the story since this was the first “capital L” piece of literature we tried. About halfway […]
The Red Couch: The Next Worship Discussion
by on July 30, 2019 Leave a Comment
In the early stages of dating, I invited my now husband to come along with me and another of our friends to a Taize service held monthly at a local Franciscan Friary. The service, shaped by meditative silence, prayer, and chants was one I attended regularly. It was a change of pace from the more […]
The Red Couch: The Next Worship introduction
by on July 2, 2019 Leave a Comment
My 5-year old daughter, whose ears are always itching to hear my childhood stories, recently asked me, “What was your favorite thing about growing up?” I couldn’t think of much at the moment, but after some reflection, I now know what I would’ve told her. My happiest times as a kid were going on Band […]
