Inappropriate Conversations

Whether there is any one correct style of a ritual, including communion and baptism?

From "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" to "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" Rankin/Bass Productions seemingly could do no wrong. Output from there was far less consistent, including Nestor -- "Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey" from 1977.

Different Drummer: Fred Astaire

Once misinformation becomes "tradition" it is extremely difficult to correct. This is true of a pope 1,500 years ago who willfully merged the identity of several women into one misleading "Mary" to deliver a sermon series on sinful women. More broadly, it is true of those who ignore the way Jesus interacted with women during his earthly ministry. Walk The Earth podcast (6) looked at how these mistaken views of gender impact the local church. This Inappropriate Conversation looks at the impact to the church-universal and the great distance between the example of Christ and what we too often see today from clergy.

Different Drummer: Mary of Magdala

Whether gender plays a role in the experience of worship?

I've been known to sarcastically say "life has dealt you a rotten set of cards" to people who lose track of the blessings they have received in the midst of temporary, and often small, setbacks. For example, I could complain that I've never had the talent to see a musical note on a page and fight the correct tone with my voice. As a music-by-ear singer, I tend to follow others rather than truly joining the choir. On the other hand, I should be grateful for all of the music I've imitated. Thanksgiving, as a day or a state of mind, means being grateful even when circumstances are much more severe.

Different Drummer: Horatio Spafford

Whether Sunday School hour is the best type of small group?

The animals we've brought into our home have always been more than pets. Truly, they've been family. I wonder if I would have been a different type of father -- less daddy and more disciplinarian -- if I hadn't first forged a relationship and taken responsibility for the growth of a puppy and kitten. Those animals have made their own contributions to the lives of our children, beyond just influencing my wife and me. For many of us, these creatures are a source of great thankfulness. This is the time of year to specifically remember animal shelters and the needs of local Humane Society locations. Please do.

Different Drummer: Susan Meddaugh