by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Jan 9, 2020
The Season of Epiphany is framed by two key events in the life of Christ: his baptism and his transfiguration. In between these two major experiences, this liturgical season covers Jesus’ entire life and ministry. It’s a season of deepening in spiritual growth....
by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Dec 31, 2019
When a machete-bearing assailant broke into a private Hasidic home to “get” the Jews who were celebrating Chanukah there, his move was both horrific and ironic. That the safety and merriment of a home could be violated by such hate is unthinkable. That it happened at...
by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Dec 17, 2019
If you are a last-minute leader, you’re not alone. You’re not the only one putting finishing touches on a worship service, sermon, play, piece of music, bulletin or outreach effort. In fact, you can be forgiven for thinking your timing is right in line with the...
by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Nov 12, 2019
At Shepherd of the Hills Church, it’s been a long time since the cries of children interrupted worship. That’s okay with this aging congregation. Although they miss younger people, they appreciate less commotion. If only they could get some responsible families,...
by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Nov 5, 2019
What’s the difference between a “disciple” and an “apostle?” The word disciple comes from the Latin discipulus, meaning scholar. A disciple is a student of Jesus’ whose primary focus is on mastering his teachings so that he or she can live out Jesus’ way. An apostle,...
by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Oct 28, 2019
Discipleship pathway systems are all the rage in the United Methodist Church these days. And with good reason. These systems are supposed to produce disciples, i.e. growth, and thus enable churches to fulfill the Great Commission, as well as the mission of the...
