The annual community art show— this year themed, “Chaos…Cracks…. Creativity!”—will open with a presentation by art historian and artist Wayne Roosa, Ph.D., entitled “Just Art or Just Art: Art in Times of Social Disquiet and Turmoil.” This theme, about the role of art in society, is a long-standing question, and particularly important in an artist community like ours in a... READ MORE >
My fridge is covered with pictures of children and grandchildren. Esme in her crib with a big smile— and now she’s 10—how she’s grown! If my fridge were covered with pictures of god throughout my life, you’d see an even bigger change. My childhood god morphed into my “teen idol,” and then into the god of fundamentalism, etc. Looking at... READ MORE >
This Saturday, Jan. 20, a group of Cook County folk—women and men– will take part in a Women’s March, along with people all over the country. Last year’s Women’s March brought out millions. I hope the world will never be the same. The unprecedented bigotry, misogyny, and cruelty we’ve seen for the last couple years have provoked this groundswell of... READ MORE >
My son Steve died of cancer on Dec. 14, 2016. I’ve learned a lot during that time and would like to pass some insights along to those coping with grief and loss— theirs or another’s. For those near the grieving: You don’t need to know what to say. “I’m sorry,” is good enough. Hugs are great. Cards mean a lot.... READ MORE >
Living in Cook County, we avoid a lot of pre-Christmas hype. December in the Twin Cities, I felt the frenzy in the air, almost believing that there must be something wrong with me, since I wasn’t frantic. Strangers (women, now that I think about it) spoke to each other at checkouts, anxiety in their voices: “How are you doing? I... READ MORE >
Restorative Justice is a movement that has spread throughout the world in recent years. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa is probably the best-known example: victims of the crimes of Apartheid told their stories as the perpetrators and wider audiences listened. Desmond Tutu believed that other options—such as recrimination or revenge on the one hand, or simple amnesty... READ MORE >
The prophet Micah poses and answers the question: What does God ask? Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God (6:1-8). Religious posturing, even fasting, will get you nowhere: the fast God wants, according to Isaiah is “to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free… to share... READ MORE >
“Some people need faith.” I heard this phrase while my son was dying and while we planned his memorial service. “Need faith,” I thought. What does that mean? Is it like needing insulin or Valium? Is it some special treatment (like dialysis) but for the gullible and naïve? Or is it something to be grown out of, like belief in... READ MORE >
Irish nuns, Iona Community members, a London prayer order: so many people prayed for Steve’s healing. South African churches, including a large Pentecostal church where services go on for two or three hours! (Seems like they could twist God’s arm…) In Australia, Canada, and all over the United States: people prayed for Steve’s cancer to disappear. And why not? If... READ MORE >
Editor’s note: We mistakenly put the wrong header on Pastor Mary Ellen Ashcroft’s’ heartfelt column last week. Our sincerest apologies to Mary Ellen and Pastor Kris Garey, who we mistakenly put in Mary Ellen’s place. Here is the column again, with the correct author. My 37-year-old son died of Stage Four Colon Cancer Dec. 14. People (who assume that as... READ MORE >
