The call came early Saturday morning. A friend, who pastored a local church, was in intensive care at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. His plea that morning: “I have cancer, and it looks like an uphill battle. Will you come and care for my people while I fight the good fight?” I was a college professor at the time, preaching on Sunday whenever the invitation came. Within hours of th...  Read More

This verse is printed on the bookmark tucked in our Bible and on a plaque in our kitchen. We send our college students into the world with this verse in the hope that they will seek God’s good plan for their lives. I often write this verse in my cards as an encouragement. And how many of us have secured this verse in our hearts right alongside John 3:16? We love the promise of God’s good plan and ...  Read More

Another shot rings out… another life lost… another family wrapped in grief… another moment when we wonder as a nation how we have gone so wrong. Does hate get the last word? This past week, a young husband and father was cut down in his prime as a gathering of college students watched in horror. That moment will be seared into their memories. That tragedy will forever change the lives of two young...  Read More

Lenape Valley, thank you for celebrating the 10-year mark in my ministry with our faith community. Cards, cake (yum!), and a contribution to two missions that are dear to my heart- Cornerstone and Peter Powerhouse- what a special way to celebrate 10 years together! Yet, as our city and our nation prepare for the Semi-quincentennial- the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation- ten years seems...  Read More

I love potluck dinners! I have sweet memories from childhood of tables overflowing with delicacies prepared by the church family… Mrs. B’s fried chicken… Mr. C’s double chocolate brownies with sprinkles on top… Ms. K’s blueberry muffins. I don’t remember who brought the sweet mini meatballs, but wow were they good! My mouth is watering even now with the memory of those feasts. I would never have k...  Read More

The invitation came… appreciated, if not a bit unexpected. We are part of the second tier of those to be considered for an invitation. Not immediate family. Not close friends. Not important work contacts. We are the in-laws of a family member. But still the invitation came for a wedding in Mexico City. Why Mexico City? We are told that the city holds a special childhood memory and is a delight for...  Read More