Six Words

Last updated on: March 13, 2013 at 9:56 am By Christy Thomas

The race card project (http://theracecardproject.com/) has been inviting people to send in six word descriptions about their experience of race. According to a story I heard this morning, this idea came from an Ernest Hemingway challenge for writers to come up with a complete story in six words. Here was his contribution: “Baby shoes, brand new, never worn.” I started thinking about describing the life of the pastor in six words. This came to mind immediately: “Loves God, loves people,... Read more

On the Art of Communication: Generation Gap or Just Plain Rudeness?

Last updated on: March 12, 2013 at 5:24 pm By Christy Thomas

Nick Belton, a young “guru” on the digital age, offered a recent rant about excess text messages, especially ones that say things like “thank you.” Belton hates wasting even one extra minute on any communication medium that does not serve his immediate purpose. He finds phone calls and voice mail particularly offensive, saying: My father learned this lesson last year after leaving me a dozen voice mail messages, none of which I listened to. Exasperated, he called my sister to... Read more

A Modern Take on Luke 15–Probably Heretical, Possibly Shedding Fresh Light on a Shocking Story

Last updated on: March 6, 2013 at 11:31 am By Christy Thomas

The Complaint A group of VERY IMPORTANT church leaders began to grumble about Jesus. “He ignores us, the movers and shakers, the ones divinely given the leadership of The Church. Instead, he takes his meals with people who don’t even give $5 a year to our coffers, haven’t partaken of the sacraments in years AND even support gay marriage and homosexuals as ordained! The church will decline in numbers even further if they get their way. Why isn’t he dining... Read more

Can the Morally Twisted Vote for Good?

Last updated on: February 25, 2013 at 10:39 am By Christy Thomas

Can the morally twisted still recognize and support that which is good? I ask that in light of the upcoming papal election. Now, the former Archbishop of Edinburgh, Cardinal Keith O’Brien, has mercifully solved that dilemma for himself. In the last couple of weeks, as multiple allegations of sexual impropriety against him became public, he did two things. First, he moved his planned retirement forward, so he no longer has the privilege of voting in the elections. Second, he admitted... Read more

The Passion Story, Seen Through the Fresh Eyes of Teens

Last updated on: February 22, 2013 at 3:33 pm By Christy Thomas

On Wednesday afternoons, I spend the 40 most enjoyable minutes of my week and also the 40 most exhausting minutes of my week. That’s when I work with a group of teens who are interested in developing their worship leadership skills. I teach them to read scripture with meaning, to lead the congregation in prayer, to handle themselves in front of a group, to breathe properly, and especially to recognize how important their presence and ministry is to the life... Read more

On Adolescence and Underwear

Last updated on: February 21, 2013 at 11:04 am By Christy Thomas

It is very easy for someone who works exclusively in a church environment to become culturally isolated from the “real world,” so I make it a point to read extensively outside my field. I want to learn what others are thinking and how they experience life. So, I perused a recent article in The Atlantic written by a middle-school teacher extremely concerned about the ways the girls in her classroom dressed for school. She writes, “I hate having to defend... Read more

We Do Love Our Tools

Last updated on: February 14, 2013 at 12:55 pm By Christy Thomas

Humans are tool-making and tool-using creatures. Our opposable thumb and finger grasp strength provide the springboard to create and use machines as extensions of our bodies and brains. We are also tool-purchasing creatures. Tools to cook, tools to communicate, tools to study, tools to build, tools to create, tools to clean, tools to repair, tools to heal, tools to build muscles and increase stamina, even tools to help us relax and have fun. We really do like ‘em. Last spring... Read more

On Popes and Retirement

Last updated on: February 11, 2013 at 5:17 pm By Christy Thomas

I doubt that there is anyone in this connected world who does not know by now that Roman Catholic Pope Benedict XVI, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, has announced his retirement as of February 28, 2013. Apparently, many of his closest aides were flummoxed and unprepared for this announcement. And within moments, the cyberworld starts asking, “Is a new scandal concerning the Roman Catholic church starting to break?” And, “How can the RC possibly function with two living Popes?” as... Read more

A Week In The Life of a Very, Very Tired Pastor

Last updated on: February 7, 2013 at 6:52 pm By Christy Thomas

Saturday: A day in the garden: pulled weeds, planted onions and a tree, got a flower bed rebuilt, cleaned up the yard, got garden ready for rest of early and late spring plantings, did laundry, straightened up the house, dealt with mail, went to bed early, ready in body, spirit and soul for the week. Sunday: Three powerful, rich worship services filled the morning and I acknowledged once again that I work with not just a first-rate team, but with... Read more

Lawrence Wright, Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood and the Prison of Belief

Last updated on: January 29, 2013 at 7:45 pm By Christy Thomas

With both horror and fascination, I just finished reading the Lawrence Wright exposé called Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood and the Prison of Belief. This exquisitely researched book takes us into the bowels of Scientology, a religious group that has apparently systematically lied, cheated, abused its followers, sought to destroy its detractors, devastated families, amassed giant amounts of money which impoverished many and landed in the pockets of very few, and pandered to celebrities whose egos got stroked by the maniacs who run... Read more