Quarrels

The bible study group I am part of here in Thailand is currently studying the book of Ephesians. It has been an interesting and enlightening book to study with this particular group. We are all twenty and thirtysomethings, from all areas of the US and the globe, with vastly different backgrounds and vastly different ministries. Time and time again, when discussing topics ranging from faith, to politics, to culture, to missions, we have disagreed. It almost seems inevitable, with a group this diverse, this young, this headstrong and this engaged, both with each other and in the world.

Lent to EasterSharijacksonmonsonMarch 20, 2017lenten, quarrelsComment

Friends

From early childhood buddies to friends I met in college and beyond, I am very thankful for the community of friends God has put in my life. Diverse in their personalities, careers, ages, and talents, I am blessed to know each one.

Lent to EasterSharijacksonmonsonMarch 17, 2017friends Comment

Wisdom

Lenten reflection by Mary Pandiani*

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3 NIV)

In my dissertation focus about wisdom that is shaped in aging, I discovered a woman who re-started the research around wisdom, a somewhat ethereal subject where few people can define it. Her name, Vivian Clayton started out quite passionate about the subject in 1970s and 1980s.

Lent to EasterSharijacksonmonsonMarch 16, 2017lenten, mary pandiani Comment

Star Dust

Of dust we are made. Star dust. Of the stars we are curious. We love the clear dark nights that allow our gaze upward, finding constellations familiar and know that constellations unfamiliar lie below our line of sight.

Lent to EasterSharijacksonmonsonMarch 15, 2017lenten, star dust, barb pineComment

Waiting on God

Interim implies waiting. Scripture is filled with divine intent around the practice of waiting on God. The prophet Isaiah implores God's people to wait in anticipation of God's provision:

Lent to EasterSharijacksonmonsonMarch 13, 2017waiting on God, lentenComment

A Conversation with Betsey Moe

How do you approach the preaching task during a season of anxiety?

Betsey: I try to be as honest as possible with myself about what I feel anxious about and what I hear others are anxious about and not be afraid to give voice to it. When I read and study a text, I think, "Where does the rubber hit the road here? If I were in a pew, what thoughts would I have going through my mind as I came to church and then as I heard this scripture passage read?"

Church Leadership, Interim MinistrySharijacksonmonsonJanuary 19, 2017anxiety, preaching, narrative, growth, church leadership, interim ministryComment