As our 4-part series called Masterpiece comes to an end our new series calls for us to utilize our new discoveries for the benefit of the greater good. Getting along with each other is challenging at times. Hopefully, each of us left our study of the book I Think...
Pastor Tommy
Figs: Love and manure
What is your take on recycling? Do you put out a bin each week labeled so that the waste removal crews know to put the contents into the "to be recycled" truck? Some things recycle better than others. Styrofoam, for example, has very little use after the product it...
And: Living with discomfort
Discomfort is one of those words that requires a scale to explain. In particular, there is a point where discomfort and pain intersect. But it's essential to be discriminant in using these terms and recognize that they are both very personal. Doctors and healthcare...
Coming Up in Worship
What would you do if you could do one project to improve our community that benefits all of us? Would your project take care of blight by removing abandoned and dilapidated buildings and houses? Would you enhance or eliminate streets where all of the homes are gone?...
Curious: Peas and carrots
"Aren't you curious," her friend asked. "Of course, I'm curious," she replied, "but don't you know that curiosity killed the cat!" We all know that curiosity killed the cat. At least according to conventional wisdom. However, this expression began as a line in Ben...
Grace: Hotter and drier
It's been a warm summer here in Michigan. Fortunately, we've been spared the excessive temperatures experienced by other parts of the U.S. Nevertheless, there are more above 90-degree days than in the past, and this number is expected to continue rising. And our...
Timing: For every season
We have a primary election coming up on August 2, and mail-in ballots must be in place before 8 PM on election day to be counted. In addition to nominations for candidates from each party, funding for MSU Extension appears on the ballot. Every election is essential,...
Why? Healthy care
What is most important to you? Family? Good health? What values drive your everyday decisions to do the things you choose to do? Love? Fairness? In other words, why do you do the things that you do? Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers write, "Our values are the...
Basics: Common ground
Mid-term elections are coming up this November. The label means that the president's four-year term is half over. This year, all 435 U.S. House of Representatives seats are on ballots, along with 35 of the 100 Senate positions. One, if not the most, significant factor...
Nuanced: Through the keyhole
Looking back at themes over the past several months, I noticed that we began 2022 in a conversation about the political divide in our country. For example, in my January 9 article, I wrote about the anniversary of the January 6 attack on the U.S. capital. But the most...










