That One Big Breath

by Kevin Cartee One big breath. Every Camp Director knows it’s coming. Works for it. Waits for it. Longs to breathe that one breath that comes at the end of the summer camp season. It’s breathed deeply as the last campfire song of the season fades, and summer staff...
Stretching the boundaries of educational ministry

Stretching the boundaries of educational ministry

By: Small Church Born of Water, Born of Spirit: Supporting the Ministry of the Baptized in Small Congregations, by Sheryl A. Kujawa-Holbrook and Fredrica Harris Thompsett. Alban, 2010. The stories of the congregations revealed in this book serve to inspire us about...
A sense of…humor

A sense of…humor

By: During an adult Sunday School class in which we were discussing the various facts and myths that surround Epiphany, it was noted that Jesus was probably two years old when the wise men made their visit. I don’t know why I see so much humor in scripture, but...
For a time such as this

For a time such as this

By: Debbie Hough In the midst of the cultural upheaval of the 1960s, Bob Dylan sang these words: “…the times they are a changin’….” In the 2010s I find myself singing the same song. Change is everywhere. To give you some perspective, you should know that I have been a...
Crossing

Crossing

By: A big part of my role as a general presbyter is accompanying congregations in transition. I fill newly vacant pulpits, consult with congregational leaders, orient search committees, give feedback on résumé drafts, and listen to hopes and dreams as leaders discern...
So you’ve lost your job. Now what?

So you’ve lost your job. Now what?

By: With the downturn in the economy over the past few years, no segment of society has been immune from its repercussions. And the church is no different. As churches struggle to work within a balanced budget and the reality that people who have lost their jobs...
Service learning and  the church of Jesus Christ

Service learning and the church of Jesus Christ

By: Service learning is one of the educational buzzwords touted in the 21st century as experts begin to realize that bookwork is more fruitful when blended with the opportunity to move from theory to practice. Mission educators are called to tell the story and then...
My jump

My jump

By: On my office wall hangs a photo of a boy energetically flinging himself from a park bench. Perhaps he is a little reckless. But, to me, he appears eager to experience the jump and looks open to whatever it has to offer. This image speaks to my own experience in...
Education that empowers learners and integrates faith

Education that empowers learners and integrates faith

By: A first glance at the educational ministries of First Presbyterian Church, Tuscaloosa, AL, reveals similar ministries found in churches across the country, a variety of opportunities for all ages and stages of learners throughout the week. Deeper review indicates...