On Jan. 13 — the Baptism of Our Lord Sunday — baptismal fonts will be filled, and worshipers will be invited to remember their own baptism. But what does baptism mean? Why are some parents allowing children to decide, when they get older, to be baptized or not? What about families who ask for a baptism but have no ties to a church? How did baptism become a misunderstood sacrament, and is it ever right for a church to say no to a baptismal request? Presbyterians Today takes a closer look.
Did you ever put out cookies and milk for Santa on Christmas Eve? How about oats for the reindeer? Growing up in Cuba, I learned about these traditions from books and movies. My Christmas celebration, though, did not include any visitors from the North Pole.
There’s a reason Blue Christmas and Longest Night services have become popular in recent years. They recognize that amid all the shopping and get-togethers, the holidays need tidings of both comfort and joy. Comfort, because loneliness, grief and pain can be especially potent this time of year. Joy, because we need the hope of the gospel.
The season of Advent, which begins on Sunday, Dec. 2, is often misunderstood. Before Thanksgiving is even finished, people are inundated with the sights and sounds of Christmas. Within this consumer culture, it’s easy to confuse the season of Advent with the number of shopping days until December 25.
The refrain of Advent is Come, Lord Jesus. And so, during the season, we stand in the place of those who awaited the advent of the Lord for centuries before the birth of Christ. We cry out for the Lord to come. But just as importantly, we also stand looking forward to Christ’s second advent, when we, who see through a glass darkly, will see our Savior face to face.
Throughout the month of October, The Gallery at West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, New Jersey, is showcasing the paintings, photographs and poetry of local artist, Andrew Weatherly.
How do you preach stewardship to a congregation that’s about to leave the church? In a nutshell, that’s what the writer of Hebrews is trying to do. Hebrews is a long way from the initial excitement, enthusiasm, and the explosive birth and growth of the church recorded in the first chapters of Acts.
The story of a father and mother and the sextuplets baptized at First Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, was told on Sunday morning by the Rev. Mary Kay Collins.
Before Seyeom Kim went to the recent Just Worship conference at Columbia Theological Seminary, he had been feeling very much alone — unsure of where he belonged.
As a pastor, I am reminded weekly during Sunday’s prayers of people that life is not easy. I listen as those in the pew ask for comfort, guidance, healing and hope. I listen, and then I pray for our laments to turn into songs of praise.
