There is a report going around from the Lewis Center ( a church and ministry research and leadership development center at Wesley Theological Seminary). It gives us a quantitative look at some of the aspects of the disaffiliating churches so far. Here is a concise summary from the report (full report linked here): The areas […]
Now we’re getting into new music territory for me. The Flatlanders’ More an Legend than a Band is a weird and sort of mystical album for me. It is full of songs about life, loss, and a mix of hopelessness and hope that both teeter on the edge. I’d never heard of this group, but […]
In Episode 4, Rev. Karen Kleuver talks about Persimmon Pudding, and here’s the recipe!Persimmon Pulp: https://simplejoyfulfood.com/want-to-learn-how-to-make-wild-persimmon-pulp/
Hey Y’all,Updates to the website are slowly happening. I’ve added some upcoming classes, and of course my podcast (Rusty Water Towers). I also have a couple series planned for the website. Look for a post on Monday to explain the first!
I’ve had some busy months. I’m a pastor now. I am working on a podcast. I am teaching a ton of classes.
It’s Ash Wednesday. It’s a relatively new observance in my tradition, but I like it. It is both a reminder of mortality and a sign that spring is on its way. I have my windows at home and in my office open. I wrote quite a bit today, and the introduction is coming together. I […]
I’ve decided to take on a self-imposed writing challenge. My goal is to write approximately 500 words a day, every day from now until Easter (on April 17th). This is writing 500 words for fifty days straight (inclusive of Easter and today (Transfiguration Sunday). I’m using my blog as a space for accountability and updates […]
Mighty long shifts are for workingHeavy dreams are for toting aroundLet’s pretend there’s a place to goWhere I can lay this hacksaw down. Zack Bryan, “Quiet Heavy Dreams” This lyric gives some language to my feelings as of late. The past couple of years (not just the pandemic, but life itself) has been a mighty […]
Jonathan LeMaster-Smith 