Here is where you can find the blogs that gather together the matters of purpose and meaning — essential features of a full life at any age. “Lifework” denotes an intense and long-lived sense of usefulness–something that’s prevalent among older people.
Months ago, many congregations turned off their metaphorical lights. Before those lights get turned back on, though, it would be good to answer this important question: What will it mean to be the church? In this entry, some additional observations. In the previous entry, I offered the opinion that it will be difficult to reassemble our congregations to resemble their pre-pandemic selves. I endedMORE...
Months ago, many congregations turned off their metaphorical lights. Before those lights get turned back on, though, it would be good to answer this important question: What will it mean to be the church? In this and subsequent entries, I offer some observations and recommendations. Let’s start at the beginning: I’m not sure we can put our congregations back together like they were before. TooMORE...
I’m writing after a weekend of rooting around in the soil, flowers, veggies and weeds that comprise our backyard. Among my ruminations are two ideas to add as a possible addendum to Jesus’ parable about The Sower. Some seeds never germinate. Every year, no matter the quality of the *seeds or the condition of the soil, fewer seeds germinate than the number that I planted. As a sower, I’m prettyMORE...
Lately I’ve noticed the recurring appearance of “1 languishing”, a term used to describe how the COVID pandemic may have affected the nation. The non-languishing part of me wants to 2 push back. I’m still vibrant, alert, eager about life, grateful and generous. I still have miles to go, with plenty of oomph to explore fascinating horizons. I don’t want to be set aside quite yet. As I edgeMORE...
Post-pandemic 1panis This 2 COVID thing is going to end. And when it does, churches like yours and mine might just hold the secret for pan-societal renewal. Turns out that one of our historical cultural strengths—fellowship fueled by food—might just be the key to restoring vitality to our communities. Think back: Passover was a post-pandemic event. One of our most sacred practices centersMORE...
As I’ve been writing a manual about our household—in printed and digital formats—I’ve also realized the benefits of this effort. Perhaps you could find similar blessings writing your own descriptions and instructions. While engaged in details-sleuthing and writing, I’ve realized that I can at the same time organize household files, simplify processes, discard unused items and remember what thisMORE...
There are some parallels between the post-Christmas work of Jesus’ parents and the work that lies before us in these times. Salvation has come upon us—perhaps seen in the results of this past election—yearnings for righteousness to return. We’ve prayed for rescue from evil and oppression, and now that seems possible. The message of Christmas has assured and calmed us once again. Like Mary andMORE...
This past Sunday after Christmas is also known as Holy Family Sunday—a time to celebrate Mary and Joseph’s role in the story of salvation. The day’s lectionary texts hinted at an obvious reality: The Baby Jesus didn’t turn into the mature Jesus overnight. There were at least 30 years between the angels’ announcement of salvation’s dawn and the beginning of Jesus’ formal ministry. Christmas was aMORE...
The New Year is upon us, ye lads and lasses—a good time to be jolly! Fast away the old year has passed, so it’s time to hail the new year—regardless of wind or weather! Let’s get right to it…. It was an “old year”, wasn’t it? In too many ways, the events of the year—and the folks that concocted them—made us old, or at least older than we wanted. Whatever’s not good about being old—there it wasMORE...
One of the truisms of my life is that I can learn from the past. When it’s my own history, I rely on my memories to influence my decisions about present and future moments. That may not always be enough guidance, though. As a post-pandemic world emerges—and I want to cast out in new directions, adjusting to present circumstances in a new way—I will need sources other than my own perhaps-limitedMORE...
BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.