Various forms of kinship families make up our congregations. Sometimes we forget the great variety of forms, not only of the families living amongst us but also those presented in … read more

What is a caring congregation A short forty years ago, I learned that pastoral care was an activity of the ordained. Care was a professional task and vocation, and clinical … read more

No one hears the word of grace with as much gratitude as those whose lives have been painfully devoid of it.  It is the first night of the “Growing through… read more

"Chaplain, I'd like for you to do my mother's funeral." Chaplain? Who was she talking to? I was fresh out of seminary, insecure, and had not even attended many funerals! Thus… read more

Preachers wrestle with a recurring problem: care. Odd as it seems, we often find preaching difficult because we care. We preach among people who call us to proclaim God's word and … read more

Historically, there has perhaps never been a more visible display of the Church in action, loving and caring for people in distress, than its response to major disasters. I have… read more