Hamburg
Baptist Church

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31, some cheer or kiss or use noisemakers to celebrate a new year.  Others take a more acted-out step to invite change:  cleaning house, to avoid carrying old year’s dirt into the new year.  Opening doors and windows to let out the old.          Looking for something more graphic?  In Ecuador photos of old memories are burned before midnight.     In Denmark it is considered good luck and friendship to break dishes and plates on the fr

Not far from where I grew up in Delaware is the northeast corner town of Claymont.  Where a tradition of the past generation started on a slow news day in 1993.  When a local newspaper photographer captured an image of a wild fir tree growing out of the cracked pavement of Philadelphia Pike.  Neighbors and motorists in passing had adorned it with a few modest ornaments. The photo was dubbed “the Christmas weed” in the headline.  And did the 90s equivalent of going viral. Unfo

Last night I shared parts of this poem / reflection with a Bereavement Support Group: There are no more pictures to be taken But there are memories to be cherished. For that, I am thankful. There is a missing chair at the table But the circle of family gathers close. For that, I am thankful. The stillness remains But the sadness is smaller. For that, I am thankful. The calendar still turns, the holidays still appearing And they still cost too much . . . but I am still here. F

Pastor / author John Ortberg raises an old question in a new way.  Just what makes us “Jesus / Church” people who we are?  First, he...