Posts

Rev. Chris Furr, Covenant Christian Church, "What We Need Is Here: Friendship and the Epidemic of Loneliness"

Image
  What We Need Is Here: Friendship and the Epidemic of Loneliness   --- Rev. Chris Furr     There are so many wonderful gifts that come with being a clergyperson, especially one that works in a congregational setting. I recently crossed the ten-year mark in my current ministry setting, and I am seeing the fruits of deep relationships with people, formed over time. I have watched children grow up, watched loving couples grow old together, seen people make important life changes, and most importantly, seen people grow in their faith and step into their callings. We pastors are invited into some of the most sacred moments of people’s lives: when they are grieving loved ones, navigating a sudden career change, welcoming children into the world. It is a profound privilege, and I experience the blessings of it often. For many of us, this is what keeps us going in ministry and what drew us to it in the first place. Of course, being a pastor can also be an extremely lonely vocation.
Read more

The Rev. Dr. Chris Tuttle, Westminster Presbyterian Church, "Where can our children be safe?"

Image
  Where can our children be safe?   ---The Rev. Dr. Chris Tuttle     “That’s where I’ll be, dad.   If… (long pause) …something happens.”   I was driving my 6 th grader to school, inching forward in the carpool line.   The Friday beforehand his middle school had been the target of an online threat of violence.   The day before there was a threat against the high school our other son attends.   This time it was a hoax, something replicated nationally, and our older son showed us a screenshot of the name of the school plastered on top of a picture of an assault rifle.   That day, at the high school, someone had also pulled the fire alarm, more fear rippling out, and the teenagers spread out across the campus, seeking safety.   Those threats prompted a conversation with both of our boys who are still at home (we also have a daughter at college): “If there is a shooting at your school, know I am going to get in the car and get as close as I can to come find you.   Pick
Read more