Will You Be OK? 9 October 2024 An old story involving a Chinese farmer is a favorite of most preachers. Have you heard it? A farmer and his son had a beloved horse who helped the family earn a living. One day, the horse ran away and their neighbors exclaimed, “Your horse ran away, what terrible luck!” The farmer …
Yes, But . . . 2 October 2024 YES, periodic flooding yields many positive effects for our wonderful planet: Floods promote aquifer recharges. Floods spread nutrients and sediments that enrich floodplain soils, making them fertile for agriculture and forestry. Flooding provides suitable breeding conditions for many bird and fish species, such as sturgeon and willow trees. Flooding at the right …
Down on the Corner Word from Wiese 25 September 2024 “Down on the Corner” is a peppy song from one of my favorite ‘70’s bands, Credence Clearwater Revival. The lyrics describe a joyful scene of a corner full of musicians, playing their instruments at the end of the workday “trying to lift you up.” Well, lately there’s been a little …
The Voice Word from Wiese 18 September 2024 The Voice died last week. Throughout many of our lives, James Earl Jones’ voice etched a permanent place in our memory banks. For those who grew up with the Star Wars saga, his voice empowers Darth Vader. “Luke, I am your father!” For you Field of Dreams fans, Jones’ voice urges the …
I Don’t Want To 11 September 2024 I don’t want to write this WFW. And you probably don’t want to read it. Much easier for both of us to stick our heads in the sand. But seven days have passed since the school shooting in Winder, Georgia, just 60 miles up the road. (And if our country’s pace of mass …
The Sweet Spot of Labor Word from Wiese 4 September 2024 Dear Friends in Faith, Growing up, the rock group Loverboy produced the hit, “Everybody’s Working for the Weekend.” Weekends are fun. Including three-day weekends like the recent Labor Day Weekend. But it’s a bit sad if the song also implies our Monday through Friday workweeks must be endured while …
Hair Word from Wiese 28 August 2024 Dear Friends in Faith, After worship a few weeks ago, I greeted the incomparable Betty Schmidt. After bravely enduring some cancer treatments, Betty’s hair was growing back wonderfully. She looked beautiful and I told her so. And then I added, “Betty, you’re styling even more hair than I am!” Without missing a …
Enduring Encouragement 24 July 2024 “You’re beautiful.” Each morning of every day for each of the 64 years they were married, Weldon told his wife, Carolyn, “you’re beautiful.” One year when LuAnne was doing her Masters of Social Work at THE Ohio State University, she lived with these dear family friends in their Columbus home. Even though not related by blood, …
Chairs 17 July 2024 Chairs. Some chairs don’t enjoy the best reputations. Time-out Chairs. Although my parents spanked me when called for growing up, the time-out chair was their go-to disciplinary method. There was nothing worse than sitting on the dining room chair knowing my friends were playing outside. I shudder to think how much time little Fritz spent …
Disruption Word from Wiese 10 July 2024 What is church? Is church a building? Sunday morning liturgy? A large group of small groups of all kinds? Justice efforts ranging from local feeding initiatives to worldwide refugee support? A source of hurt or healing, depending on the story? Jesus’ message, meal or more? This Sunday, we bless our COS high schoolers …
