by Tim Knauff, Senior Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Valparaiso, Indiana I hate plastic shopping bags.  I hate how they feel, I hate that they’re too weak for what we need them for and therefore require me to take two, I hate they are only useful once and then consigned to picking up my dog’s droppings. …

by Frank Mansell III, Pastor, John Knox Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis “Thank you for getting the Sunday service online.  For the first time in a long time I am able to experience being connected to what once was a part of my normal life.  Alice was able to experience the service yesterday and was in awe…

by Nathan Day Wilson, minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) currently serving as director of communications for Christian Theological Seminary The Wabash Pastoral Leaders Program (WPLP) reminds me of the Garfield comic strip. In one strip, Garfield is at the table enjoying a feast: Turkey, dressing, biscuits, vegetables, pies and more. Outside the…

Grace Burton Edwards, Rector, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Columbus, GA Like a lot of clergy, as communities around the nation began limiting public gatherings due to the spread of COVID-19, the middle of March 2020 has been the steepest and fastest learning curve of my life. In just a few days, I did a number…

by Lisa Hood, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Lafayette, Indiana I come to the table with a lot of thoughts about education based on my previous years of teaching experience.   First, teachers can only do so much in the course of the day.  They can do a lot.  They can provide support and encouragement…

by Kathy Ottinger, Senior Pastor, Wall Street United Methodist Church, Jeffersonville, Indiana Over the last few months, our local public school system officials have hosted public gatherings to discuss recommended budget cuts. The biggest point of contention is a proposal to remove related arts teachers in the elementary schools and replace them with paraprofessionals who would…

by Dustin Hite, Senior Pastor, First Christian Church, Bargersville, Indiana Upon returning from our last cohort meeting, my wife was preparing to head to the #RedforEd rally in downtown Indianapolis. As an educator for almost fourteen years, she’s seen the ups and downs in the lives of many students’ lives, and the immense pressure we…

by Rev. Dr. Jerry O’Neal, pastor, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Muncie, Indiana What is the purpose of education? This was the main question our cohort pondered throughout our time together. We heard from thought-provoking leaders throughout the state who offered a wide range of perspectives. One common theme we did hear throughout our time was…