If you know me at all, or if you read this blog, you know I am a runner. I’ve been running for decades, and while I was never fast–and I’m certainly not fast now–running has never been about speed or PRs for me. I just love it, and I always have. Running is my happy…… Continue reading
Reflections on Seminary Education
Today was Luther Colloquy at the Gettysburg campus of United Lutheran Seminary, and it was wonderful to see so many former and current students, as well as community members, come together to hear the lectures, and join in a festive worship service. The lectures were all very good and interesting, and in the service, the…… Continue reading Reflections on Seminary Education
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Monday was a holiday–of sorts. When I was young, it was unambiguously Columbus Day: we celebrated the day Columbus “discovered” America and most of us had off from school. Now, in many places–though not everywhere–the day is commemorated as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” but somewhat uneasily, I think, depending on where you live. I asked…… Continue reading Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Reflections from Yom Kippur
Today is the conclusion of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, a day Jews take stock of their lives, give an accounting of the year, reevaluate priorities and actions, and confront their failings, assured of God’s forgiveness. In the Machzor for Yom Kippur (the service…… Continue reading Reflections from Yom Kippur
Home
Yesterday there were a bunch of events going on in the morning at the college, in conjunction with the inauguration of Gettysburg College’s new president, Bob Iuliano. One of the sessions I attended was on immigration, and one of the presenters read this poem. I thought it was incredibly powerful, and I think more people…… Continue reading Home
A Defiant and Triumphant Faith
The Jewish High Holidays are coming up–Rosh Hashanah starts next week–and so I was particularly moved by this story I read this morning in the New York Times: A Shofar that Defied the Nazis If you haven’t read it, please do–it is so powerful and such a tribute to the strength of human spirit and will.…… Continue reading A Defiant and Triumphant Faith
Thoughts on the presence of the Holy Spirit
I had a really great worship experience this weekend, and it started me thinking about other worship experiences, and other experiences in general. So the worship experience I’m referring to is the ordination service I attended (and preached) on Saturday. The service was for one of my outstanding former students, and several old friends were…… Continue reading Thoughts on the presence of the Holy Spirit
