Columnists

Paschal greeting

Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain......

A nice meal for two

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING I’m looking for a nice meal for two. Taking the wife out for a romantic dinner, huh? No, I’m looking for a nice meal for two dollars. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to...

There is a King

“Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate. “You have said so,” Jesus replied. (Mark 15:2) This verse was part of our morning text at church on Palm Sunday. It seemed timely to read following the national “No Kings” protest. This is the only recorded conversation that Jesus has with...

Michigan Bluebird Society Spring Festival

Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting Grandpa, can you make the sound of a frog? I could do that, but why? Because Mom says when you croak, we’re going to Disney World. Driving by Bruce’s drive I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive,...

Pinwheels of Possibility: prevention is everyone's job

Every April, pinwheels pop up in front of courthouses, schools, and county buildings across Minnesota, those cheerful blue and silver spirals spinning in the spring breeze. They are small and simple. They are also a declaration: that every child deserves a future bright enough to make something...

Why do we celebrate Easter with eggs?

This month we celebrate Easter, and often this holiday comes with other traditions: family meals or gatherings, outdoor festivities (as long as the snow stays away!), worship services, and other more. For many families, mine included, there’s also a long-standing tradition of Easter egg hunts...

Dance like everyone's looking at their phones

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING All the crows that used to hang around the parking lot have disappeared. I wonder why they left? I don’t know. I haven’t found the caws. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur...

Fickle spontaneity

Many years ago, I officiated a wedding for a young couple in a small town. Later that evening, I attended the reception, where I didn't know many people. Shortly after the meal, I started preparing to leave quietly because the next day was packed with activities. Just then, a gentleman sat next...

An Irish possum

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING I’m staying busy. Oh, yeah? Doing what? Trying to look busy. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. Spring is when you can step outside, and char your rear end while...

I believe in the church

I've been thinking a lot about Church lately. Now you'd expect a pastor to be thinking a lot about Church-it's kind of his job. If he didn't think about Church, you might question whether he cares about it. Because honestly, what we think about most, is what we care about the most. Is that why...