There is a tree that lives in an old greenhouse in Mosca, Colorado that is at least 132 years old. Mosca is not it's original home. As far back as the tree's history goes, the original tree is from Texas. This fig tree has had cuttings that were carried in covered wagons from Texas to … Continue reading Weathered, but Not Worn
Reflections on Five Years of Sacred Stones Ministries
By Rev. Nani Arning “A comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there.” This quote struck me as absolute truth when it has come to ministry. It’s comfortable to be in a place where I know what to do and how to do it, until it’s challenged. Life is about growth and … Continue reading Reflections on Five Years of Sacred Stones Ministries
Top 5 Favorite Things About Fall
By Rev. Denise Bender I always seem to become more aware of the weather in the autumn. I think it is because there is a tendency in Denver to have every season there is in the autumn. One day is sunny and I am watching a strawberry plant in bloom (silly thing), and the next … Continue reading Top 5 Favorite Things About Fall
Sunset in Costa Rica, by Rev. Denise
Jobs, Careers, Calling, Vocation – all require a great deal of physical and emotional energy. Those of us in ministry are probably more aware of that than in most other jobs. We encourage one another to observe Sabbath and routine self-care, and we can all agree that should be a part of our lives. We … Continue reading Sunset in Costa Rica, by Rev. Denise
A New Year’s Poem, by Rev. Denise
Rev. Denise shared this poem with the Sacred Stones Ministries board at our meeting this month. We hope it offers you a moment of refreshment and inspiration as you look ahead to this still-fresh year as well.
The Possibilities of Snow Days
My family lived in Louisville, Kentucky for six years during my children’s young lives. The oldest was 14 when we moved and the youngest was 3. Snow was a rarity, but when it did snow – it came with a vengeance. Over the six years,we had 4 or 5 snows that called for Snow Days … Continue reading The Possibilities of Snow Days
Double Digits, By Rev. Denise
Today is a special day. My oldest granddaughter turns 10. She is very excited and rightly so. Watching her run out of school and run into my arms for her birthday hug reminded me of the important responsibility we adults have with the children in our lives - and, not only the children related to … Continue reading Double Digits, By Rev. Denise
The Day the Holy Spirit Came to Church, by Rev. Debra Juarez
It wasn’t Pentecost the day the Holy Spirit came to my church. There was no sound like the rush of a violent wind. Divided tongues of fire did not appear among us or rest on our heads. That day the Holy Spirit was ushered in with peals of laughter; the kind of laughter so strong … Continue reading The Day the Holy Spirit Came to Church, by Rev. Debra Juarez
Four Simple Questions Your Family Should Ask
Simple, yet affirming questions to ask your children every day. Don’t have children? Then these questions will also help you process your day and affirm you.
“Highs and Lows!!”
If you eat dinner with the Embree family, no doubt that right after we pray, you’ll hear one of our kids yell this out. It has become part of our dinnertime DNA and something that has led to incredible faith conversations over spaghetti and salad. Some of our most defining moments as a family in terms of discipleship and growth as a family have taken place because of these four questions.
I can’t take credit for them. That goes to Dr. Kara Powell of Fuller Youth Institute. I had the opportunity a few years ago to attend a seminar led by her about Sticky Faith and how to help our kids develop a faith that sticks beyond high school. She shared this dinner time routine at that conference and I immediately thought, “This is easy! This is something we can do!” and so… we did.
Here…
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A Reflection on Maundy Thursday by Rev. Denise
It is a chilly, gray, rainy, snowy day in Denver, Colorado on this late Maundy Thursday afternoon. I am contemplating how to present the story of the Passover meal that Jesus and his disciples would share one last time. My thoughts keep going, not to the supper, but to the basin of water that sits … Continue reading A Reflection on Maundy Thursday by Rev. Denise
