Marginalia

This article was published in the Christian Citizen on January 27, 2022.

In “Midnight Mass,” even the Devil quotes Scripture

“Midnight Mass” ought to make any confessing Christian feel a little bit of trepidation. Although an ancient evil is at the […]

This article was published in the Christian Citizen on December 30, 2021.

A new year highlights an old challenge – conspiracy theories

One of the most important events of 2021 occurred in its first week, as insurrectionists stormed the Capitol. In the wake of the […]

This article was published in the Christian Citizen on November 24, 2021.

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for the priesthood of all believers

One of the things I struggle with in my ministry has been convincing congregants to celebrate communion with me. A […]

Dear Lake Streeters,

I have heard some joyous news as some of our community members received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. I was inspired to write a short prayer for the occasion that may be recited before you receive the vaccine. At Lake Street, we believe that everything is spiritual, and the c […]

Dear Lake Streeters,
As I write this email, Congress is convening to eventually accept the electoral college results that will usher out the current president at the end of his term. A transfer of power, surely, but not a peaceful one. As domestic terrorists earlier interrupted that transfer of power singing hymns, bowin […]

This article was published in the Christian Citizen on October 1, 2020.

United by Yearning
A different kind of World Communion Sunday is taking shape

As we approach World Communion Sunday, it seems obvious that this year’s celebration will be different due to […]

This article was published in the Christian Citizen on September 3, 2020.

The Jesus who works
How we talk about Jesus’ profession matters this Labor Day

If you were to ask most Christians what Jesus did for a living before beginning his public ministry, most […]

This article was published in the Christian Citizen on June 17, 2020.

It’s complicated: Father’s Day and descriptions of God
The language we use matters in how we talk about God.

There is nothing that will make you more aware of your own behavior than being […]

This article was published in the Christian Citizen on June 11, 2020.

Embracing the new normal—Church was made for times like these

Many churches had to scramble to figure out how to do church online in the wake of COVID-19, and congregations have learned myr […]