family Archives

The least of these,’ members of my family

Posted May 27th, 2020

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a small-group Bible study with other Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) mission co-workers serving throughout Africa. We were invited to read closely Matthew 25:31–46, where Jesus speaks of when he comes again and is like a shepherd separating “sheep from goats” at the final judgment. We were also invited to ask the questions: “What word or phrase stands out? How does the text resonate with or challenge you? What might the text be calling you to do, be or change?”

Learning from those we ignore

Posted May 26th, 2020

Wisdom comes from unexpected places. We might expect the best dressed, the most educated, or the tallest and fittest to be the one to turn to for leadership and guidance. God, though, often surprises us with a great reversal, revealing to us that the people who can open our eyes most fully are those we would have least expected.

Fellowship is not just social time

Posted April 30th, 2020

Years ago, I had the pleasure of talking with Bruce Joel Rubin, a screenwriter who won an Oscar for his screenplay of the romantic thriller “Ghost.”

Learning theology from my mother

Posted July 22nd, 2019

I was always proud to be a preacher’s kid. Growing up in Arkansas and Texas, it surprised many people when I told them my mother was the preacher, not my father. These types of exchanges certainly came with many puzzled looks.

Mourners’ actions reveal great love

Posted October 22nd, 2018

My day started with a call alerting me of a death that had occurred at dawn and requesting the presence of a chaplain for comfort. I had met the family the previous week and knew they were accepting of the prognosis and nearing transition.

It’s time to really embrace families

Posted August 29th, 2018

Quickly, kids! We need to get going or we’ll miss the service! This was my plea one Easter morning as I ushered my children out the door to make it to church. My husband and I served in different churches and worshiping together was impossible. However, on this morning he was the guest preacher at a church that had a different worship schedule from ours. We were thrilled. Our family could celebrate together.

Minute for Mission: Wills Emphasis Sunday

Posted April 20th, 2018

Writing a will is “an act of love and responsibility,” says Sherry Kenney, a ministry relations officer with the Presbyterian Foundation. A will enables you to designate guardians for any surviving dependents and to determine how your assets will be distributed. Without a will, the probate court will make those decisions.

How to make learning fun

Posted July 20th, 2017

Add new life to your religious education program this fall with these 10 church-tested ideas.

Celebrating Mother’s Day with ‘mishmoms’

Posted April 17th, 2017

In some ways, my marriage is a reverse Cinderella story, one in which I realize that no matter how hard I might try, the shoes of my husband’s family might never really fit me—and that’s OK. I’ve learned that when it comes to marriage—and mission work—it’s not about making the shoe fit, but the relationship that develops after we try it on.

Presbyterian ministers break the silence about their fertility journey

Posted March 3rd, 2017

The joyful update came in the form of a YouTube video posted to Facebook. Jenna and Patrick Heery shared their pregnancy announcement on February 13 titled, “Our Infertility Journey to a Double Rainbow.” The video documents the couple’s struggle to achieve a full-term pregnancy after several losses.