Author Archives: Ruth Harder

Every Pentecost I think of Billy Joel’s “We didn’t start the fire.” Sing it with me now: We didn’t start the fire It was always burning Since the world’s been turning We didn’t start the fire No we didn’t light … Continue reading →

Today as I prepare to write a sermon about dandelions and blessings, I share a poem by Denise Levertov. My apologies to those who despise dandelions. But we have only begun to love the earth. We have only begun to … Continue reading →

What follows is a personal reflection that has been in the works for six years and counting. I felt inspired to share it after receiving this beautiful note today at church: What is important today is that we treasure you, … Continue reading →

Gardens are on my mind this week. Mainly I feel glad that I’m not responsible for one. I have enjoyed gardening in the past and hope to garden more in the future, but right now Rainbow feels like garden enough. … Continue reading →

One day I was sitting in a coffeehouse with some fellow pastors from the community. We were wrestling with some issues and failing to reach consensus. “Why not try prayer?” someone asked. I didn’t happen to be in a spirit … Continue reading →

There was a lot of talk on Sunday about feet, walking, shoes, and yes, even toes. Click the link below to watch the delightfully choreographed song number involving shoes. Thank you Mike Peters for creating it and thank you Phil … Continue reading →

On Sunday April 19 we will join members of the Lucille Larson family in dedicating the newly remodeled youth education center. This occasion has made me think again about the purpose of having such a space. What do we hope … Continue reading →

When I wasn’t airing up basketballs or watching basketball last Friday, I was listening to music. This included sitting with church member Leo Goertz in his living room drinking tea and listening to cantatas composed by Bach and Brahms. I … Continue reading →

Holy Week has its own beautifully strange vocabulary, stories, and rituals. We started Sunday by saying hosanna, which means “God save us.” Other words that we will hear this week include: maundy (command), crucifixion, atonement, last supper, upper room, and … Continue reading →

This Sunday there will be a new face in the Rainbow “crowd.” Sarah Thompson, Christian Peacemaker Team Executive Director, will be our guest preacher. Click here to read more info about Sarah:An excerpt from an article published in January by … Continue reading →