On a hot July morning, we trudged across a blank courtyard and up unadorned cement steps to a stark upstairs room. Some thirty of us outsiders found seats in clumps, waiting, until eighteen men in blue streamed into the room, our hosts, residents there at the men’s state prison in Chillicothe, Ohio. They circulated among us as we stood to greet them, with handshakes and some (initially) tentative hugs. So began three days of truth-telling and vision-casting, wreathed by razor wire. What was the truth that we heard again and again, from these incarcerated men? The church has failed us. A … [Read more...] about “Show Us the Church Is for Real”
united methodist
Failing
I wonder if I am the only one lamenting how I failed today. Again. Yes, we failed, but that includes I. Our collective failure is my failure. I speak of our Annual Conference gathering, the annual meeting of Iowa United Methodists. It’s a time of reunion and learning, decision and disagreement. Our Sunday was marked by great joy as we celebrated, commissioned and ordained those progressing into ministry and those retiring. We focused together through the teaching of Rev. Adam Hamilton. We shared meals and books and stories and hugs and good, nourishing conversations. Yet a pall lies over … [Read more...] about Failing