New leaves and old fears Reading spring with the help of Ezekiel by Ken Rummer When is it time to plant corn? When oak leaves are the size of a squirrel’s ear. I remembered this bit of Iowa folk wisdom on my walk this morning, so I gave the burr oak a closer look…. Read more »
May 6, 2022
Sightings
New leaves and old fears Reading spring with the help of Ezekiel by Ken Rummer When is it time to plant corn? When oak leaves are the size of a squirrel’s ear. I remembered this bit of Iowa folk wisdom on my walk this morning, so I gave the burr oak a closer look…. Read more » 
Preparing taxes A spiritual practice? by Ken Rummer With the April 15 deadline looming, my wife and I are once again taking on Form 1040 with its schedules and worksheets. We are tackling taxes. Early on in our marriage, we discovered two shared activities that really stressed our relationship: hanging wall paper and doing our… 
What the tree said Picking up on an invitation to pray by Ken Rummer Spanish moss hanging from branches like gnome beards. Palm fronds dancing with the passing breeze. Lizards darting from flower bed to sunny stucco. I’m looking out at my sister-in-law’s Florida backyard. One of her trees has grown a lot since our… 
Mental health and Asian Americans by Samuel Son, Presbyterian Mission Agency Recently, I attended an online conference titled, “Mental Health and Asian Americans: Context and Strategies for Faith Leaders” hosted by Center for Asian American Christianity at Princeton Theological Seminary. I am still processing my emotions. If it was a physical conference, I would have… 
What now? 7 helps for discerning God’s leading in a changing season by Ken Rummer Am I still on the right path? Am I spending time on what’s important? Is it steady as she goes, or time for a course correction? These questions may sound familiar. If you find yourself in a changing season, where-is-God-leading-me… 
Under Construction In the bleak mid-winter when it’s hard to see God at work By Ken Rummer Twelve degrees and cloudy-gray, with snow in the forecast. I’m looking out at Christina Rossetti’s “bleak mid-winter.” Across the trail, the builders have a good start on a house for the last open lot in the new subdivision…. 
Real Diversity Begins with Leadership and Theology by Samuel Son [This article is the fourth of a continuing series on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Church. In the first and second article, we recalled how the values practiced intuitively in the early church were a response to their understanding that Jesus proved himself God’s… 
Apricot bread and gathered worship Remembering the taste of home by Ken Rummer When people ask about a food that makes the holiday official in my family, the answer I give is apricot bread. I remember one grandmother for her orange bread, and the other grandmother for her yeast rolls, but my mother’s baking… 
Blooming out of season Inspiration from an October iris by Ken Rummer Along the trail by the creek, maple leaves flash red against the yellows of the ash trees. It’s quite a show. And a confirmation that the chill in the air means business. Beside the trail, a low retaining wall holds back a strip… 
Music that can touch the soul César Franck’s “Panis Angelicus” by Ken Rummer I’m working up a violin piece for church. With our choir still on pandemic hold, the call went out for special music and I raised my hand. Have you ever heard music that seemed familiar, even though you were hearing it…