By Scott Spreier Today’s readings ring familiar to me, especially the one from the Hebrew Scriptures, which I first heard in the rural church I grew up in on the arid plains of western Kansas. Although we were town folk, most of the congregants were dryland farmers....
By Ariel Merivil In her book The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker observes, “There are so many good reasons for coming together that often we don’t know precisely why we are doing so.” So why are we gathered today? Our weekly worship is a spiritual practice — a...
By Jordann McMahan When you hear people talk about God’s faithfulness, what comes to mind? Maybe you think of a particular story from the Bible, such as when God led the Israelites out of Egypt. Perhaps you think of the ways God continued to seek after people, even...
By Amanda Hines In his book Food and Faith: A Theology of Eating, Norman Wirzba writes, “The ministries of Christ demonstrate that the path to full or abundant life is not a magical path. It is a practical journey that begins with eating. Table fellowship is among the...
By LeAnn Hampton In 1983, I needed a change. The church where I was a member was filled with wonderful people, but I was ready for a different church experience. When I visited Wilshire, I remember two things that impressed me. First, the Sunday School class welcomed...
By Abbey Adcox We gather this morning in a world marked by division, fear and uncertainty. Headlines and social media tell of neighbors treated as strangers, voices silenced and power wielded without mercy. In such times, worship becomes an act of resistance and hope...
By Ariel Merivil Tim’s sermon series this month on story has me reflecting on my own personal story and how God has unfolded the story of my life. My mom was a school teacher her entire career. In fact, many of my aunts have dedicated their careers to teaching and...
By Timothy Peoples Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston is a coming-of-age novel that follows the life of Janie Crawford, an African American woman in early 20th-century Florida, as she seeks love, independence and a sense of self. The story begins with...
By Kelly Akins I recently traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia, to attend the North American Gathering of Godly Play. It was a beautiful time of retreat, renewal and connection. On the first day, we were invited to cross the threshold, and as we entered the chapel...
By Ariel Merivil As a five- or six-year-old in Boston, I grew up in a church with a vibrant and spirited hymn and choral singing tradition. We sang classic traditional anthems and gospel songs. Alongside hymns like Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Praise to the Lord...