When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, Wayne Patterson wanted to make a difference. Call it what you will—a calling, an obligation, a duty. No matter the term, Patterson felt the need to help. And Patterson wasn’t the only one. An entire team of eight to twelve near-retirees from his home church of … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed The church is not a building,the church is not a steeple,the church is not a resting place,the church is a people. –“We Are the Church,” words and music by Donald Marsh and Richard Avery, ©1972, Hope Publishing Company You might be familiar with this hymn, which is sometimes sung on Pentecost Sunday … Continue reading
Since 1985, the Network on Ministry in Specialized Settings (“COMISS”) has observed the last week of October as Spiritual Care Week – a time when we celebrate the sacred work of chaplains and pastoral counselors. This year’s Spiritual Care Week theme is “Collaborative Healthcare: Chaplains Complete the Picture.” Sometimes a picture is more informative and revealing than words. Often … Continue reading
By Michelle Carroll Wednesday started strangely. Before I even got to my church office, our Senior Pastor was calling to tell me that we’d just learned the Attorney General’s announcement of the Breonna Taylor investigation results had been moved from Louisville to the Kentucky Historical Society, which is about two blocks from the church. “Oh, … Continue reading
By Grayson Hester In a time of racial injustice brought to light and a global pandemic, the world arguably has never needed love more. The light cast by international anti-racism protests shines so brightly that it can often be hard to see the COVID-19 pandemic that still persists—and, in some places, is gaining speed. But … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed Recently a member of one of CBF’s peer learning group reached out to his fellow members to share his appreciation for community that PLG offers. Below is an excerpt from that email, shared with permission. Hi my peer learning group friends! How are you doing? I miss you. I miss your laughter. I … Continue reading
By Layne Smith A friend of forty years and I are taking a stab at gardening this year. We reserved a 10×10 foot plot in our community garden. We discussed long and hard about what to plant. Okra was always at the top of the list. Recently, I’ve begun listening to the Bitter Southerner Podcast. … Continue reading
By Laura Stephens-Reed By now you have not only become acquainted with and even proficient at Zoom, you are likely Zoomed out. That is understandable. Still, online meetings are the best way to build and maintain relationships during this season of social distancing. That includes your peer learning group connections, which is likely more vital … Continue reading
By Ben Brown Fred’s is the old haunt on Main Street downtown. It’s a staple in a town like Franklin, Virginia. Styrofoam cups are stacked behind the bar, and the breakfast special of Eggs Frederick for $8.95 is being advertised. It’s dinner-time now though, and most patrons are finishing their plates of fried chicken and … Continue reading
The following post is from UNC student, Lauren Hovis, who served with CBF field personnel Sam and Melody Harrell last summer. Learn how you can serve in this month’s edition of the fellowship! magazine. When I stepped off the plane in Nairobi, Kenya, I had no idea I would be embarking on one of the … Continue reading
