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Faith Matters: Citizens returning to our community

Formerly incarcerated individuals face many obstacles in life upon their release from prison. In the past, many of us have used terms or labels that often foster a negative image of people who may already have challenges upon returning to their home or establishing a new residence in our community. “Returning citizens” is far more enhancing than perhaps “ex-con,” “felon,” “fugitive,” or “on probation.” Returning citizens may struggle with obtaining employment, finding suitable housing, managing physical health issues, and working through addictions and mental ...

Footsteps to follow: Beginning discussions about injustice with our children

All of any nation’s history is unjust because of sin. When Adam and Eve sinned, they set off a chain reaction to all of humanity that will never be finally resolved until eternity. Animosity, hatred, and taking advantage of others started as early as the first sibling. Cain deliberately went against what God said, and in his jealousy, possibly embarrassment, killed his own flesh-and-blood brother. That was complete injustice; his brother had done nothing wrong but was killed. Vengefulness, anger, and jealousy has consumed humankind since. Injustice reappears in another family ...

Finding faith in Watsontown: Religious communities continue to serve

First Evangelical Lutheran Church Watsontown recently filled blessing bags for the Watsontown and Milton Police departments. The bags included various treats and gift cards to Wagging Tail Coffee, Watsontown, and Baked By Brina, Milton. Pictured are Milton Police Chief Curt Zettlemoyer and ...

Footsteps to Follow: A good name is better than riches

How many of us are drawn to names of importance, such as a childhood icon, a movie star, a teacher, a leader, or a spiritual mentor? Names can carry a very strong presence, as well as either a good or a bad reputation. Proverbs 22:1 in the English Revised Version states that “a good name ...

Footsteps to Follow: No more cussing

Since retiring, I find I want to do a lot more cussing. I know; pastors are not supposed to curse, but hear me out, please. You see, my arthritic hands don’t work as they used to. I can’t open those snack bags anymore, and even those zip-lock ones cause me grief. I lose my grip on slippery ...

Southern Baptists oust Saddleback Church over woman pastor

The Southern Baptist Convention on Tuesday ousted its second-largest congregation — Saddleback Church, the renowned California megachurch founded by pastor and best-selling author Rick Warren — for having a woman pastor. The vote by the convention’s Executive Committee culminates ...