January 6, the twelfth day of Christmas, is the beginning of the church season called Epiphany. Literally, the word means ‘look upon’ or ‘manifest.’ Epiphany focuses on the wise men, or Magi, coming to Christ (Mt. 2). Why focus on this visit? Why a season of Epiphany? The most pressing question for the earliest Christian community was this: who is... READ MORE >
Spirit of the Wilderness Episcopal Church will hold its tenth annual community art show at North Shore Health, opening on Feb. 21. There are many wonderful spaces for hanging work, and congregation member Howard Hedstrom is making pedestals for 3D work. This year’s theme is Kintsugi, which is the Japanese art of repairing pottery by mending areas of breakage with... READ MORE >
If I walk into a store in November and there’s Christmas music playing, I will turn and walk out. Why does it bother me so much? I enjoy making cookies and trimming the tree with a grandchild; I enjoy finding or making just the right gift for someone. I am passionate about the message of Christmas. I enjoy Christmas music... READ MORE >
I’ve been reading books by Yale scholar, Lamin Sanneh, recently (Translating the Message and others). Gambian born, Sanneh grew up in the Islamic faith and later converted to Christianity. When his mentors recognized his academic brilliance they encouraged him to become a scholar of Islam, to teach people about that faith and help in Interfaith discussions. When he was teaching... READ MORE >
When do we speak out? Many of the Old Testament prophets express the same idea, saying, “I don’t want to speak out…I know I’m going to offend people…but God’s word compels me.” When do we keep silent for civility sake, and when do we say, “No. This has gone too far?” This is a huge question in our society today.... READ MORE >
Christian faith is meant to show Christ. In the gospels we see the actions and hear the words of the one we are meant to follow— one who personifies and teaches love, who eats with outcasts and sinners, who rails against the religious conservatives of his time. Mahatma Gandhi famously said that he liked Christ but had trouble with Christians... READ MORE >
The earliest Christian movement quickly got a reputation, which we can see in documents (written at that time) referring to Christ-followers. Most who call themselves Christian today would not be accused of these things! Early Christians were known for caring for the most vulnerable. Their Roman neighbors left unwanted babies out to die by exposure, so Christians picked them up... READ MORE >
In June and July, when I look out on Highway 61 on a Saturday morning, 75 percent of the vehicles I see are pickups towing motorboats. What fascinates me is that roughly the same number is going north and south. I’m not much of a fishing person, but I guess people from somewhere south are going north, because that’s where... READ MORE >
The answer to this question is complicated but I suspect one of the main reasons is the reputation churches have earned—often fairly. In a recent speech on NPR, journalist Ray Suarez cited a study about “nones”— those who answer a survey on church affiliation by using that word: “none.” In the study, young persons between the ages of 16 and... READ MORE >
We are so fortunate to have a wilderness area like the Boundary Waters on our doorstep. Its scale and beauty and wildness are known all over the country and even the world. And yet, it can be hard for people to go into the Boundary Waters: that’s why Points Unknown has started offering “Mindful Paddles.” Some people feel they are... READ MORE >
