Welcome to #ccdaAdvent. In the midst of darkness, oppression, and marginalization, Christ entered the scene of the first Advent and paved the way for our communal wellbeing. This Advent season, we invite you to consider the implications of Christ's coming for our communities. What lessons may we …
Collective Imagination: Seminary Students in Portland Embrace Collaborative Influence
An Old Question with a Dangerous New Meaning Since the Covid-19 pandemic my pastor friends here in Portland, Oregon have been asking an important question: “What is our new vision?” In a place like Portland, this question has a history of leading the church toward collaborative partnerships …
#ccdaAdvent: Waiting With Hope
Welcome to #ccdaAdvent. In the midst of darkness, oppression, and marginalization, Christ entered the scene of the first Advent and paved the way for our communal wellbeing. This Advent season, we invite you to consider the implications of Christ's coming for our communities. What lessons may we …
From Despair to Hope: My Journey Navigating Grief and Trauma Following a Car Accident
by Terence Lester, Ph.D. CW: car accident, trauma, depression Saturday, May 14 was one of the hardest nights of my life. It was the day after I received the “Humanitarian of the Year” award from the National Urban League of Greater Atlanta. After celebrating this honor with a few friends, …
Lent Week 3: Fostering Intimacy with Christ
Hope in the Ashes Two weeks ago, I found myself standing in my bathroom looking in the mirror. I couldn’t take my eyes off of my forehead. Emblazoned on my head was a dark, ashen cross; a reminder of my frailty and limitations. A visual to cue me in to the brokenness of the world, lest I …
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Holding onto Hope
I’ve been thinking a lot about the first Advent and the early years of Jesus’ childhood. I wonder what Mary was thinking as she brought her son into the world, so far from home. Instead of nesting she had to flee to Bethlehem. So much for planning a cozy home birth. And yet, she held …
Hope
Hope by Adriana Mondragon-Hill Through every mountain high and every valley low, God reveals Himself to be true to His Word and promises. I choose to trust Christ daily, especially during seasons of turbulence, whether in my personal life or throughout the world. Trusting Christ reminds me …
Planting Seeds of Hope
A reflection on the intersection of hope, gardening, and activism I’ve been thinking about seeds a lot lately. It’s Spring, and I’m a gardener. Years ago I moved to a house with a small patch of dirt – about three square feet. One day as I was at my local Walgreens I saw seed packets marked 10 for …
