Ruth Everhart

I’m a Presbyterian pastor who often talks about hospitality, sometimes in relation to one of my other passions, which is uncluttering. Last spring my husband and I took the practice of hospitality to a new level when we became Airbnb hosts.

The conflict in Gaza occupies hearts and minds right now. I know you’re praying for peace. But how else can a faith leader respond? So often we feel forced to choose a side. Are you pro-Israeli or pro-Palestinian? The topic always seems to boil down to this question which (reasonably enough) results in paralysis.

Why are Presbyterians fixated on Israel?  I frequently speak to church groups about pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I speak as a pilgrim, but the conversation often turns to politics. Inevitably someone will ask about our denomination’s position on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. There’s no simple answer.

You’ll have to forgive me if I’m cranky about Mother’s Day. Once again the world will be draped in its annual pink haze, but I’m not feeling it. One reason I’m cranky—Mother’s Day is another working Sunday, with the addition of a whole lotta cultural baggage that doesn’t have a thing to do with Jesus.

I love BodyPump.

...

The plant-owner says, in a tired voice: “That was from my wife’s funeral but I’ve managed to keep it alive.”

...