I just finished a really interesting article that was published in The Atlantic on April 3, 2024. [You might be able to read it here: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/04/america-religion-decline-non-affiliated/677951/%5D We are reading it for our upcoming board meeting, and it is really thought-provoking. The title is “The True Cost of the Churchgoing Bust.” The author, Derek Thompson, is…… Continue reading Why We Need the Church
Category: Religion
Genesis, by Marilynne Robinson
I want to share some thoughts about Reading Genesis, by Marilynne Robinson. I can’t remember who first told me about this literary commentary on Genesis, written by one of my favorite authors, but I do know that as soon as I heard about it, I went online and bought it right away. I know something…… Continue reading Genesis, by Marilynne Robinson
Learning Disruption
Disruption is hard. Many of us, as we continue to learn how to interrupt behaviors that are toxic and situations that are negative or harmful, recognize how challenging it is to take a pause, call timeout, or disrupt the flow. We don’t want to call attention to ourselves, we don’t want to embarrass others, we…… Continue reading Learning Disruption
Between Confidence and Fear: the Risen Christ
At dawn on that first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb with spices to anoint Jesus’ body. There was just one problem: an enormous stone was blocking their way. There was no way they were going to be able to roll away that stone, and they…… Continue reading Between Confidence and Fear: the Risen Christ
Treasure, and Faith
Members of the Wartburg Seminary community have been writing short daily devotions during the Lenten season, and I have really enjoyed the opportunity to start my morning with these meaningful reflections. Last week, two of my colleagues, Dr. Samantha Gilmore [our preaching professor], and the Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben [our New Testament professor] each wrote…… Continue reading Treasure, and Faith
A Day of Celebration & Friendship
With the members of Irbiling Church, Ketumbeini parish Sunday was a fantastic, full day, and it will be hard to do it justice. We started our day worshiping at Irbiling Lutheran Church, which is one of the congregations of Ketumbeini parish. It is a small, rural Maasai congregation that worships in a traditional Maasai style,…… Continue reading A Day of Celebration & Friendship
Building Relationships over Time
Our group with Bethany & Steve Friberg This morning, we went out to the Ketumbeini Medical Clinic that is owned by the ELCT, and is run by missionary Steve Friberg. He has been here doing this work for over 20 years, and it was very interesting to hear about the changes he has seen in…… Continue reading Building Relationships over Time
Hopes & Challenges
Ketumbeini After a long drive yesterday afternoon, we made it to Ketumbeini. No one minded the time in the land cruiser because of the beautiful scenery—including ostrich, giraffes, dik dik, and gazelle. Our guest house is very nice: the food is good, the chai is wonderful, and the showers have (mostly) hot water. What more…… Continue reading Hopes & Challenges
Ecumenical Work in Tanzania
An image of Mary from the Catholic Parish I just want to share a couple quick reflections and a few pictures from yesterday’s activities. Yesterday we were fortunate to have some ecumenical conversations. In the morning, we spoke with Bishop David Joseph Mollel, from the Assemblies of God Church in Monduli. The denomination is the…… Continue reading Ecumenical Work in Tanzania
Worship & the Monduli Market
Inside Monduli Lutheran Church We had another great day today! We started our day with a worship at 8:30. There was lots of singing beforehand, as people drifted in, and the service lasted a little over 2 1/2 hours. But I can honestly say that it went by very quickly. Everyone wears their Sunday best…… Continue reading Worship & the Monduli Market
Happy Lutheran 