Placeholder image
Voices of Faith

An Epiphany of expansive love

The gospel invitation is expanded beyond the family to everyone.

Placeholder image
Voices of Faith

Exploring the ‘eschaton’ of life

Considering “the fulfillment of all things” at the end of 2015.

Extending an invitation to church
Voices of Faith

Extending an invitation to church

The world has yearnings, and our churches can answer some of them.

Placeholder image
Voices of Faith

‘Do you really think I want to live this way?’

My son is 16. Sometimes I forget because he can banter with adults; hold his own in a variety of social settings; and has attended three high schools in two…

Placeholder image
Voices of Faith

Received in faith

I served as an interim pastor for a church in the Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Synod. The first Sunday there, a couple came up the aisle for communion (“Jesus on the…

Placeholder image
Voices of Faith

Standing together with Muslims

Acceptance should not hinge on complete theological agreement.

Placeholder image
Voices of Faith

Bind us together, Lord

Quickly, what are the first words that come to mind when you think of the word “religion”? What words did you come up with? In her book Christianity After Religion,…

Placeholder image
Voices of Faith

Comings, goings ring in new year

The new year provides an opportunity to look into the future as well as consider the past. Let’s start with 2015. For 21 years, Richard Bansemer crafted the crossword puzzle…

Placeholder image
Voices of Faith

The joy, trials of celebrating solo

For clergy, observing Christmas can mean creating new traditions.

Placeholder image
Voices of Faith

Anticipating ‘The Force Awakens’

But my more profound joy is in the sacred Christmas story. 

Placeholder image
Voices of Faith

The blessing is in the wisdom

In a time of terrorist threats, it’s balancing fear and generosity.

Placeholder image
Voices of Faith

What are you waiting for?

This Advent, if pastor asks that question, I’ll have my answer ready.