Columnists

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...

Texas: the unlucky state

ECHOES FROM THE LOAFERS’ CLUB MEETING The lottery is up to $496 million. If you knew you were going to win the lottery, what would you do? The first thing I’d do would be to buy a ticket. DRIVING BY BRUCE’S DRIVE I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his...

Rejoice Sunday

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Rejoicing in the midst of mourning... it seems like an oxymoron. Yet this is the theme of Laetare Sunday (the Fourth Sunday of Lent). Laetare means "Rejoice." It is the first word in the Latin translation of the historic Introit for that...