The hope of Advent seems distant and unattainable. How do we live in hope when it’s not here yet? Perhaps this Advent we are called to a more robust version of hope. Biblical hope is never simplistic, never wishful thinking.
Kathy L. Dawson Advent is coming. No, really, Advent means “the coming” from its Latin roots. This begs the question of who is coming. Of course, we are likely to answer, “Jesus,” but here is where it gets complicated. Is this the first coming of baby Jesus, with...
Doodle Harris Zephaniah 3:17-18 assures us that even though we are feeling exiled and broken, God is rejoicing over us, renewing us, and restoring us with “loud singing.” I love this idea of God singing loudly with us as I think about Advent. My favorite songs, both...
By Rev. Cathy Hoop “My whole being hopes, and I wait for God’s promise.” (Psalm 130b, CEB) As we turn to Advent’s hope, the promise of God’s gift of incarnation, the words of the prophets harmonize with the psalmist’s cry. God has promised to “execute justice and...
Advent is coming! Let's get ready! These four wonder-filled articles featured in the Advocate over the past few weeks are designed to help you prepare for the season of Advent. If you missed out on reading them before now, we invite you to grab a tea or coffee and...
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us" Hebrews 12:1. From an early age, we understand what a circle...
How far you’ve come. Ashes to go. Foreheads or hands? Ash Wednesday in a bag. Wilderness sand and rocks on a tray. Buried Alleluias. Virtually. Lenten family practices. We could try coloring. One Great Hour or Sharing. Maybe? Holy Week planning. Palms. Parades....
by Tori Smit It was a Good Friday service I will never forget. I was perhaps eight or nine years old and since children in my church rarely joined the adults in the sanctuary for any part of worship going to worship on Good Friday was a very big deal for me. I wanted...
Growing up, I always wanted to be a cheerleader. Why? Because I so wanted to be part of the “in crowd.” I would secretly attempt to do cartwheels and splits in my basement, but ultimately ended up being elected the President of the Pep Club instead. As a novice...
Are you serving as an educator in your church, council or agency—either as a volunteer or as paid staff? Do you feel like you would like to have a stronger biblical and theological foundation and greater skills in educational ministry leadership? Then the Educator’s...