2020 – 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…

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Boredom, 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…

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Voice 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…

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It’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…

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The 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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The Impact of a Story or Song

In case we ever lose sight of the incredible effect that a story or song can have on us, a little story from Jeff… Recently I was invited to share with a local youth group. After some warm wonderful greetings we gathered around the piano in the sanctuary and I shared a few songs. As soon…

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