Why Samson?

How do we choose which Bible heroes will be celebrated in kids’ books and Sunday school classes? One year at my church, the theme for kids’ summer camp was “Samson Brings Down the House.” That’s a fun theme idea. We get to celebrate this incredibly strong man who led Israel until he was unfairly duped by […]

Woman with the Lost Coin

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell […]

Stumbling on Water

We all know the story of Jesus walking on the water. It’s a popular story that highlights Jesus’ authority over nature. But what catches my attention when I read this story is Peter’s experience and its relatability. “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid,” Jesus says to his shaken disciples as he approaches the […]

#ChurchToo

Trigger warning: This article addresses various forms of sexual abuse, including rape. The #MeToo movement has inspired lay and clergy members to begin to break the silence surrounding sexual harassment and abuse in and surrounding the church. It is very rare to hear a pastor or priest speak about sexual abuse – in the twelve […]