Blog
The Gospel Proclaimed…
Since early September I have been living in my childhood home in Spring City, PA with my dad, who is in a gentle stage of dementia. I wanted to use this time of imposed sabbatical to work on some personal things, be present in his life and give breaks to my brother and his wife…
Read More2020 – The Year of Enforced Liminal Space
Celtic theologian John Phillip Newell recently spoke at the virtual conference Beyond the Pandemic: How Shall We Live? He says, “Celtic spirituality invites us into a deeper awareness of the sacred in one another and all things.” He then noted a three-fold approach to this way of seeing: Let go of old ways of seeing that have failed…
Read MoreBoredom, Hell, and Basketball
Boredom. What does it mean to be bored and can we agree what it means? Is it okay to be bored? Are we missing something important if we’re bored? Are we missing something important if we’re NOT bored? If we don’t allow ourselves time for boredom, give our brains a rest? During this pandemic, in…
Read MoreVoice Behind the Cello
By Chris Yoder June 2, 2015 (Chris Yoder is one of two cellists who alternately plays “the son” in Listening for Grace. The following is a repost of an editorial by Chris for The Weather Vane at Eastern Mennonite University.) Ted Swartz is bringing his show, “Listening for Grace,” to EMU this Sunday evening. It…
Read MoreIt’s All About the Goo
By Ted Swartz April 7, 2015 Green rooms in churches offer a wide variety of comfort and proximity to the stage: Sometimes there are plenty of comfy couches, quiet with tasteful décor—other times you just know you’re in a church. Occasionally these co-opted spaces provide inspiration and significant philosophical thought. Warming up for a Listening…
Read MoreThe Jesus Stories and the other Jesus Stories
It’s called The Jesus Stories and as the title suggests that’s what Ted and I (Jeff Raught) try to do. Finding new ways, while visiting some of the old, to tell these stories of Jesus. It’s a play interwoven with music and scenes around food. Pasta, cheese, fine wine and so much more. But that’s…
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