In the practice of aikido, a form of martial arts intended only for defense and never for aggression, the practitioner begins their training with a white belt. Over time and …
Four Reasons for Hope
Over recent weeks we watched the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. We watched the death toll from Covid continue to be shockingly high. We watched the stock market drop …
A Civic Virus? New Study Explores People’s Struggles to Find Belonging And Hope
By Rev. Dr. Anna Hall We see it all around us: people are increasingly disconnected from the civic institutions, including churches, that fostered relationships and belonging in decades past. One …
We Are Made of Stardust
On her podcast, On Being, journalist Krista Tippett interviewed astronomer Dr. Jill Tarter about her work searching for life on other planets. Jill was the inspiration for the main character, …
Torn Between McAllen and Reynosa
This past weekend I traveled to McAllen, TX, to join the We The People Ride initiative (wethepeopleride.org). Led by the folx from Vote Common Good, this work has a group …
Finding transformation in times like these
by Rev. Dr. Anna Mitchell Hall Remember a few months ago when we were optimistic and making plans for a fall mostly free of pandemic worries? It was the closest …
Where Are All the Clergy Going?
by Anna Hall, Director of Research & Development Leading through the Covid-19 pandemic changed the very shape of ministry for most pastors. For some, that precipitated at least a consideration …
Growing New Connections to Create a Just World
This week I was asked to give a presentation to the United Church of Christ General Synod on the possibilities of collaborating with the United Nations. I was delighted to …
Church and Vaccines
by Rev. Dr. Anna Hall, Director of Research and Development While all churches worked overtime during the last 15 months to adapt existing ministries to new realities, some churches responded …
Why Congregations?
by: Rev. Cameron Trimble This past week, I was honored to be on a panel with Cantor Rosalie Will and Rabbi Sam Blustin at the Hava Nashira, an event hosted …