What Brings the Birds?
The birds are calling to each other; I hear them through my open window. They swoop and dive. Perhaps I will put up a feeder. When I quietly observe in my friends’
Read MoreWho is Family?
Sunday was a day of mourning. Did you miss it? I did. Tisha B’ Av– Judaism’s saddest day of the year, observed by a 25 hour fast. Remembering the destruction of both temples,
Read MorePolitics and Laundry
Sudden specificity gets my attention. Isaiah’s vision, conveyed in poetry, has a quotable timelessness. A preacher in any pulpit. The prophetic call to put an end to such evil; learn to
Read MoreWhy Retreat?
As we prepare for our fellowship-wide retreat just one month away, Victor Fein reflects on the meaning and purpose of retreats. On each of our journeys, in each of our
Read MoreWhen to Speak, What to Say
This morning I am reminded of where we truly belong, no matter our current national status: So now you are no longer strangers and aliens. Rather, you are fellow citizens
Read MoreGood Bread, Fresh Fish
I like to be able to take care of myself. And I’ve tried to raise independent kids. Who can cook, travel alone, fill out forms, and get along wherever they
Read MoreIn the Morning When I Rise
Bright, hot, humid. Summer mornings. I wake most days before my alarm, needing coffee and a word. Or several words, from scripture. I am empty and need to be filled.
Read MoreWho’s Listening?
The sound of pouring rain above alternates with the rumble of the sump pump below. A critical pairing these days in central Illinois. So the sound of drought pricked my ears:
Read MoreTeach Us to Number Our Days
What lasts? Not individuals, or generations. Anger? Faithfulness? Compassion? Each morning. Each year. A whole life long. Psalm 90 is credited to Moses. Not what I expected. Does that change my imagining
Read MoreThe Now and the Not Yet
One friend announces her retirement. Another young friend interviews for her first job out of college. Tonight we attend high school graduation- as parents. Transitions. Futures that we glimpse, but
Read More