Republican Sherry Nuxoll has introduced a bill in the Idaho Senate Education Committee that would “expressly permit” public school teachers to use the Bible while studying such topics as literature, history, biology, music, and world geography. The Education Committee unanimously agreed to introduce the bill. Of course, teachers today are free to use the Bible…
I have great respect for Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. So I was disappointed to hear Albright recently said this when campaigning for Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire: “We can tell our story of how we climbed the ladder, and a lot of you younger women think it’s done. It’s not done. There is…
A sermon preached at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho. Jan 9, 2016 Mark 2:1-22 We just heard a rather long passage from early in Mark’s gospel. As I’ve mentioned before, Jesus wastes no time after his baptism to get to work. He heals people. He preaches. He heals more people. He draws large crowds. …
I had the honor of delivering the invocation at the City Council meeting tonight as Mayor Bieter and members of the City Council were sworn in. I always enjoy watching the political process at work and am grateful for the men and women who serve our city in this capacity. Here is the prayer I…
My Star Word this year was Miracle. When the word chose me, I wasn’t sure what to do with it. Miracles seem to be things that happen to people, not things you actively seek out. Plenty of miracles didn’t happen in 2015. I didn’t win the lottery. (I also didn’t play the lottery, so it…
by Marci Auld Glass (Incorporating Howard Thurman’s poem “the Meaning of Christmas” and the PCUSA service for Renewal of Baptism). This morning we will be renewing our baptismal vows. If you have not been baptized yet, please be invited to participate with us during the liturgy. And then I invite you to join us for…
At church, I’ve asked people to “take their pastor” to work. They see me at work, primarily. I often have no idea how they spend their days or do while at their vocation. A few people have already taken me up on this. I’m hoping for more invitations after the holidays (hint, hint! Southminster!) Whether…
Here is the text of a letter signed by our congregation tonight in worship that will be sent to the Islamic community here in Boise. This is a beginning of efforts, not the end. Dec 12, 2015 To our brothers and sisters in the Islamic Community in Boise, We would like to extend our love…
Today’s word is voice. This picture of me testifying at the statehouse this past winter on behalf of Add the Words is the image that comes to mind for me about voice. It is a privilege to live in a society where people can share their voice with their elected leaders. There are many ways…
It is a common response to tragedy. “My thoughts and prayers are with you”. We say it to people we know and love when their loved ones die or when they are facing surgery or some other difficult situation. It has become an all too familiar refrain from politicians after mass shootings. And since we’ve…
Glass Overflowing 