Author Archives: Ruth Harder

The last time I went through a pastoral evaluation, the fire trucks were called. I was minding my own business in the church hallway, after being asked to leave the congregational meeting momentarily, when I started to smell smoke. I … Continue reading →

Why be connected to our neighbors and engage in community ministry? What do we hope our impact will be? What needs face the Rosedale neighborhood where Rainbow Mennonite is situated? What will Sharing Community Rosedale, Inc. be like in 5-10 … Continue reading →

Last Sunday a group from Rainbow poured prayers into the church compost pile. It’s something we have done the last couple of years near Earth Day on April 22. It might seem a little crass to compost prayers. And yet … Continue reading →

When I was in Palestine/Israel I watched many a young shepherd weave around the hilly  and treacherous countryside, leading their flock to clean water. Armed Israeli guards stood at a distance, keeping a close eyes on these young Palestinian boys … Continue reading →

April 3, 2016 Introduction: As I began thinking about this sermon/worship series on Psalm 23, I thought it would be neat to ask a variety of people to write Psalm 23 adaptations/reflections. Since most of us don’t have shepherding experience, … Continue reading →

This coming Sunday we’re starting a new worship series on Psalm 23 just as the Kansas City Royals start a new baseball season. At the risk of confusing sports for religion, I asked Rainbow congregant Joshua Chittum to reflect on … Continue reading →

Today I am reminded of what Michelle Webster-Hein once wrote: This morning at church I plunked out the four parts of an old hymn while above my chords the congregation’s voices took flight. And I thought of geese bursting up together … Continue reading →

“If it’s ok pastor, I’m going to say Christ is risen indeed with everyone else, but I am going to say it as a question rather than as an answer.” No problem, I thought. In fact, anyone who hesitates to … Continue reading →

When I was a pastor-in-training at Belmont Mennonite Church in Elkhart, IN, I was asked to plan and lead a Good Friday service. I quickly felt in way over my head. More than that, I felt spiritually and emotionally dispirited … Continue reading →

And though when evening falls, a stone my pillow shapes, the vision of our kingdom calls and here a Bethel makes. Every time I sing these words from a hymn called “In lonely mountain ways” (Hymnal: A Worship book #580), … Continue reading →