Christmas brings many joys, remembrances and a feeling of happiness to most of us. It is great fun and excitement for children. It is a holiday time of parties, good food and family get togethers, presents to give and receive. We should be particular sensitive to those who may be alone or have lost someone dear or are going through personal turmoil of some kind despite the gaiety of the season.

At the heart of Christmas is the pronouncement, the claim that: "God is with us"; Immanuel. Tha...

Thanksgiving has New England written all over it.

Trees and forests; browns, oranges, yellows, and the reds, with their scarlet persistence still holding on tight. It is the only time when a chill makes you feel good. Like it is a blessing, baptizing the air for what may be a claustrophobic winter.

If the shop owners only knew how great their sin, to rush us into Christmas - their Christmas of buying frenzy. But of course they are not shop owners, but corporate executives. And who k...

Several weeks ago, Medicare celebrated its 50th anniversary and NPR noted the occasion with some fascinating information that brought to mind a prideful past and wisdom for the future.

The idea of national health care coverage for all citizens goes back to Teddy Roosevelt times but it was Harry Truman who revived the initiative; finally being passed in 1965 as part of President Johnson's Great Society. The dream of health care for all was reduced to only seniors but now In its final form...

Just last week the news was easier to bear and a little lighthearted. As it turned out the head of the Spokane NAACP was a white woman, posing as a black one. My first reaction was ironic laughter. A white person posing to be black in order to get ahead in the world? Go figure. African American humanity, arts and culture may surely influence and enhance our modern generation, even setting trends. But I thought to myself as I read this story, does this person have any idea the hurdles and struggl...

A Sunday ago we celebrated Memorial Day weekend but we also celebrated Pentecost, what is known as the "birthday" of the church. Although a lesser known Christian holiday it is nonetheless an important one to ponder. Pentecost happens about fifty days or seven weeks after Easter and celebrates the giving of Holy Spirit following the ascension of Jesus. Think about it as God's very breathe upon all living things. Jesus said to Nicodemus that the wind which blows on you everyday is like this spiri...

Memorial Day is a time to remember and thank all those who have served our county in uniform and in particular those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Our church family has a rich history of military service; at times serving in the face of ongoing prejudice and racism, protecting not only their children but those too of their bigoted countrymen. And that tradition continues today with several fine outstanding military leader members.
 
In our celebration and holiday it is important for...

Like many, I got hooked on the sophisticated PBS  English soap opera set in the early 20th century, "Downton Abbey" which recently concluded this season's episodes. It is somewhat a take off on the old Masterpiece classic, "Upstairs Downstairs"; both shows not only about English upper crust society but, in most cases more interestingly, the lives of their "servants" as well. As we all know, all too well,  our American culture has had its history with a servant class, badly stained with the ves...