He sat in my office and shared his frustration. “I don’t know why it doesn’t work for me. After my wife started, I read articles about it and know it’s a healthy practice. But I just can’t sit still to meditate.” Doug, in his late thirties, was professional and well-educated.… Read More »Don’t Pray As You Can’t.
I am pleased to welcome a guest blogger to emerging: Glenna Shepherd, pastor of the Decatur United Church of Christ in Decatur, GA. I’m inviting you to take a few moments and consider Glenna’s most recent reflection on ritual and spirituality, both from a Christian and personal perspective. Glenna shares… Read More »Ritual: Grounding our Lives in the Present Moment.
It’s a common problem. It’s so common that in the 1990’s, the late-night TV show Saturday Night Live created a skit about people addressing this problem. With Al Franken playing the character Stuart Smalley, Stuart attempted to convince himself that he was good enough, smart enough, and that “Doggone it,… Read More »Are You Good Enough?
It’s happening – and happening around the world: an increasing number of people no longer participate in traditional religious groups and label themselves as not affiliated with religion. It’s not a new trend. In Europe, the shift became noticeable after World War II. However, people in the United States are… Read More »Church Participation and the Growing Number of Unaffiliated
I don’t know him very well. The truth is, if it wasn’t for Facebook, I probably wouldn’t know him at all. He’s a young man in his twenties living in another part of the world. We’ve exchanged a few emails and other chat messages. He’s bright, educated, well versed in… Read More »Music and the Human Spirit
Yes, it’s a familiar story. The young man was out with his friends. Looking across the room, he saw someone who caught his eye. Carefully watching, he became more interested. His friends encouraged him: “Go over and introduce yourself.” After some time, he found enough confidence to make his move.… Read More »It’s a Familiar Story
“So, what are you, anyway?” That was the question he asked. Catching me off guard, I wasn’t sure how to respond. Here’s how it all happened. We were sitting on a living room sofa. It was a Saturday evening party at a friend’s home. The young man, perhaps in his… Read More »What Are You, Anyway?
Her story was familiar to me. Having grown up as an active member of a church from her family’s Christian denomination, she continued to attend church as an adult with a group of her friends. She enjoyed the network of activities and the opportunities to do things for others through… Read More »How Gladys Got Her Grove
