We sing weird songs to children. And we do it without even thinking about it. In the process, though, I wonder how much we’re carrying culture without even knowing it. Old MacDonald had a farm: E-I-E-I-O What do those letters … Continue reading
It’s been a great week in the Great Smoky Mountains. The weather has been nearly perfect, with no rain and temperatures mostly in the 70s. The size of our group has felt ideal for this experience. There are a lot … Continue reading
Yesterday was our free day for hiking and such. But it seems to me like more ministry happens when we’re not “in session” (i.e. organized group activities). Singing, teaching, and leading small group discussions are great. But sometimes, it also … Continue reading
I have the privilege of helping to staff H2O’s Smoky Mountain Retreat this week. Eighteen of us from H2O Kent have travelled together. Now we’re near the national park on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. We get to … Continue reading
It’s been a challenging year of ministry through the COVID-19 Pandemic. Last Spring, especially, we lost so many opportunities — including three Spring Break trips that would have involved 81 people from our church. We’re still not fully recovered. But … Continue reading
I counted them this morning: 35 rocks. They were nestled inside the rotted-out trunk of an old oak tree. But I temporarily took them out to count them and clear some of the dust and debris. So that’s how I … Continue reading
I recently finished reading Penelope Wilcock’s book, The Hawk and the Dove. My friend Jason recommended the book to me. He had heard about it in a workshop about Spiritual Direction. But he started falling in love with the story, as he … Continue reading
How does one get college students excited about another semester of remote learning? COVID and weather conditions make it so that a significant portion of the University’s — and our church’s — activity must be online. At least for the … Continue reading
It’s that time of the year for retrospection. After posting my Top Ten Songs of 2020, Top Ten Books of 2020, and Top Ten Hikes of 2020, I thought that I would turn my attention to things that might be considered more substantial, … Continue reading
I don’t get to talk to the people from our Ministry Team all that often. I try to stay pretty consistent with monthly letters. But quieter part of the semester, like right now as all the students are preparing for … Continue reading