From the CCblogs Network Posts for February, 2012

From the CCblogs Network

Tools for missionaries

Feb 29, 2012 by Diane Roth

Recently I had a conversation with one of the young parents in my congregation.  We were having a far-reaching discussion that included Sunday School, next summer's Vacation Bible School Program, and the changing nature of our culture and church attendance.  When I offered the idea that "going to church" is not as culturally normal now as it was when I was growing up, she replied, "That's right!  I think we are the only ones who go to church among all of our friends."  She continued that she knew that her friends had a wide variety of opinions and emotions regarding faith, from some who clearly were not interested, to others who were more ambivalent. 

I blurted out, "So, you're sort of like missionaries to your friends."

I immediately regretted the statement.

From the CCblogs Network

The internet kills community! Except when it doesn't.

Feb 27, 2012 by MaryAnn McKibben Dana

Two articles crossed my screen recently about the Internet and its effect on community.

From the CCblogs Network

Lenctening days

Feb 24, 2012 by Rachel Stone

No, that’s not a typo.

Recently I learned that the word “Lent” comes from the Old English ‘lencten,’ which sounds a lot like “lengthen” and, not incidentally, was the Old English word for Spring–-that time when the days, well, lengthen.

From the CCblogs Network

To Ash Wednesday

Feb 20, 2012 by Steve Pankey

I’ll post on the lessons for Lent 1 for the rest of this week, but today my thoughts are focused on what to preach for Ash Wednesday in a parish I don’t know very well. Ash Wednesday is probably a top-five “liturgies that say more than any sermon ever could” service (with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Ordinations).

From the CCblogs Network

On building buildings

Feb 16, 2012 by Steve Pankey

Oh Peter, how I love thee.  You make my craziness seem normal, thank you.

In the midst of the most amazing thing he had seen to this point, the Transfiguration, Peter stops being present to the glory just long enough to say, “Master, it good for us to be here.  Let’s build three dwellings: one for Elijah, one for Moses, and one for you.”

From the CCblogs Network

The glory of repurposing space

Feb 14, 2012 by Adam J. Copeland

Much of the tension in the second season of Downton Abbey has to do with the fact that the great house has been turned into a respite care center for army officers. This novel use of the space, coupled with so many new people about, provides a wonderfully entertaining storyline. In a weird way, it’s spurred me to reflect on the use of space for faith-related practices.

From the CCblogs Network

Hey baby, wanna wrestle?

Parenting's battle scars

Feb 10, 2012 by Laura Kelly Fanucci

Parenting has permanently changed my body.

And I don’t mean the usual wear-and-tear brought on by bearing, birthing or nursing babies. That’s all too obvious.

I’m talking about my nose. Specifically, the bridge of my nose.

From the CCblogs Network

All of my evidence is anecdotal

Feb 09, 2012 by Diane Roth

Which is to say:  all I have is stories.

I noticed a young family gone absent from worship. She is a gifted musician and actress; they have two young children. She did a benefit concert here once full of wonderful musical numbers; all the proceeds went to cancer research. I had been somewhat connected with them and eventually found her on Facebook, where I noticed that her religious affiliation was "atheist."

Oh.

From the CCblogs Network

Of mothers and fathers

Male privilege, parenting and the priesthood

Feb 06, 2012 by David Henson

When I became a stay-at-home father several years ago, I slowly realized that all the theology I had studied in seminary, if I were honest, didn’t connect with my new reality of diapers, spit-up and frozen breast milk.

From the CCblogs Network

Updating my religion

Feb 02, 2012 by Ryan Dueck

The secular world is full of holes. We have secularized badly.