Monthly Archives: November 2008

There is an ebb and flow to small congregations that is almost magical. This morning, we watched the song leaders and musicians change out without missing a beat. The pianist got up in the middle of a song to become … Continue reading →

It was not a surprise to walk into Manito Methodist Thursday morning and walk past a half dozen people of different nationalities and religions on the way into the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. It was a little bit of a surprise … Continue reading →

Week 47, in which Michael, unable to contain himself, gets in a pointless and fruitless discussion with a well-meaning but strident evangelical on the topic of biblical infallibility, which will no doubt result in his soul getting a really super … Continue reading →

Back east, twenty years ago, the Congregationalists, the Unitarians, and the Base Chapel used to get together once a year for a singing service. Each congregation would vote for hymns they wanted to sing. I don’t remember what the Chapel … Continue reading →

I’m trying to figure out why my original response to this memorial service was so negative. “remembrance @ht: the burial of the dead: sorrow & hope” is the title of the bulletin printed for the memorial service for the husband … Continue reading →

Michael works with the father of Zachary McPeck who passed away recently at the tender age of 22. The family wanted the service to be one of celebration of his life, and it very much was. They shared memories and … Continue reading →

Although I have the feeling that Bethel AME is always alive, attending on the first Sunday after the election of Barack Obama was electric and joyous and buoyant. There was great rejoicing throughout the congregation, and quite a bit of … Continue reading →

There isn’t a lot to say about an the “Unprogrammed” or “Simple Worship” in a Friends meeting.  This is because the service may not have anything that was “said.”  The Spokane Friends have a short note that they hand out … Continue reading →