EAST HARDWICK – Arriving at the back door of Chaplain Alexandra (Alex) Jump’s home, I noticed several carts of freshly sheared wool. I was there to get to know her and gain insight into her work as a chaplain. Unknowingly, I was also about to learn what chaplains and shepherds[Read More…]
Voices of Spirit
Walking Through the Pastures of Psalm 23
EAST CRAFTSBURY – Psalm 23 is one of the most famous psalms in the Bible, but how often do we get to savor in it, lying down in the green pastures of its poetry? Let us walk through these lines to see what may be in the grass. “The Lord[Read More…]
Go Out and Get in the Way
GREENSBORO – U.S. Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis said, “With God we will find a way when there is no way.” He advocated that we “find a way to get in the way. When you see something that is not fair, not right, or not just, you must[Read More…]
What Paul’s “Present Crisis” Means for Us Today
WALDEN – First Corinthians, chapter seven, contains a puzzling passage where Paul writes about marriage and virginity saying: “Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is.” (1 Cor 7:26) At first glance, the chapter focuses heavily on personal choices:[Read More…]
Make Your Bed and Change the World
GREENSBORO – There are several things living in a monastery and being a U.S. Navy Seal have in common. One of those things is the simple task of making your bed. In the Christian monastic tradition of which I am a part, we follow Integral Life Practices, which are the[Read More…]
What Does the Bible Say About DEI?
MORRISVILLE – In recent years, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have become prominent topics in our society. DEI emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of inclusivity where people are treated equitably and feel valued regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status or other characteristics. As a Christian, I view the[Read More…]
We Could All Use a Dose of Mr. Rogers
“I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you,I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.So let’s make the most of this beautiful day,Since we’re together we might as well say,Would you be mine?Could you be mine?Won’t you be my neighbor?”– Fred Rogers The other day[Read More…]
How to Face Fear
We are living in a time of great uncertainty when each new day seems to confront us with another set of frightening headlines. I hear a lot of fear being expressed right now by family and friends, people in my church community, online posts and newspapers, and particularly those who[Read More…]
Reflections on Visit to Shao Shan Temple
WOODBURY — Entering the Shao Shan Temple in Woodbury to speak with Reverend Kenzan Seidenberg, I felt a sense of peace that continued as we spoke about feelings related to current events. I had come prepared to ask the Reverend, as a spiritual leader, what questions and concerns people were[Read More…]
How Can You Pray for Your Enemy?
EAST CRAFTSBURY — I have a great friend and one of the sweetest guys I know. Unfortunately, he roots for evil sports teams: Yankees, Lakers, Alabama football, you name it. When he told me this in the early days of our friendship, all I could ask was, “How can you[Read More…]
