November and December are two of the busiest months of the year for churches. The Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas seasons add numerous activities to the typical congregational calendar that require lots of energy and focus. With so many events, worship services and holiday gatherings to juggle, it is easy to let stewardship matters fade to … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed I am so relieved that heading into Advent and Christmas 2021, the pandemic is in the rearview mirror. We can put aside the difficulty and the different look of last year’s holiday observances and go all out, with all of our people back in the pews! Record scratch. The reality is that … Continue reading
By Ronald Thomas, Sr. “And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.” Mark 13:37 In this season of Advent, Mark reminds the church to watch, wait, and prepare for Christ’s second coming. We prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ child, and at the same time, we read the words … Continue reading
By Elket Rodríguez Shared understanding of weakness and vulnerability prompted a Houston church to support a ministry to refugees in Matamoros, Mexico—just across the border from Brownsville, Texas. As Pastor Eleuterio González responded to the COVID-19 outbreak that forced him to close an immigrant shelter in Matamoros, Pastor David Deulofeu prepared to bless González’s ministry … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed In normal years I hold the liturgical line, waiting until after Thanksgiving to put up the Christmas tree. In 2020, though, all bets are off. The tree was up by mid-November. I know I wasn’t alone in skipping ahead. I was so glad that I did, because unboxing and hanging the ornaments … Continue reading
Following the Star, the devotional series for Advent and Christmas, returns to d365.org, beginning on November 29. This series features scripture, prayer, and meditative thoughts accompanied by gentle music. Writers include Emmitt Drumgoole, Pastoral Resident at Second Baptist in Liberty, Miss., Rosy Robson, Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Richardson, Texas, Luz Cabrera Montes, Youth Ministry Liaison for The … Continue reading
I am not weighing in on the gun debate. No matter which side of the debate you agree with, I do not personally know ANYONE that resonates with and in anyway condones what took place in New York and Connecticut. I can’t begin to do as well as others in expressing the horror, disbelief, and … Continue reading
Throughout the Christmas season, we helped organize and/or participated in various interfaith dialogue events. Some of them were between women’s groups as Christians and Muslims shared the story of Jesus’ birth. In others panelists responded to specific questions regarding their faith. Read this Religious Freedom USA blog post regarding one of those events. Following is … Continue reading
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