Author Archives: Ruth Harder

A few of us at Rainbow have been on a mission this Lent: Keep our Peace Lily plant alive. This plant was a gift given to the Bartel family in memory of Elaine. The Bartel family then gifted Rainbow with … Continue reading →

This past Saturday I had the honor of joining the Duerksen family for a committal service in the Rainbow Remembrance Garden. With Joe’s permission, I am now posting what I had prepared to share: ____________ Joe and Mary have been … Continue reading →

This week I set out to write a blog post about reading/studying the Bible. I started it several times and pressed the delete key I don’t know how many times. It’s a tough, impossible-seeming subject after all. Then out of … Continue reading →

For those who couldn’t make it to church this morning, I’m bringing it to you. Here is my sermon from this morning, along with some bonus photos/links. Crosses and crowns Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 (the “cut out” verses are all about … Continue reading →

We will soon dedicate the newly remodeled Lucille Larson Youth Education Center, or the “Upper Room,” as we are starting to call it. The upper room is described in Acts 1:12-14 as a place where Jesus gathered his disciples (men … Continue reading →

More and more publishers and writers are including “Trigger warnings” atop literature dealing with topics such as abuse, rape, violence and suicide. BBC news (see link above) describes these warnings as so: “Trigger warnings usually takes the form of a … Continue reading →

I began January/Epiphany with the story of Jesus’ baptism on my mind. How, I wondered, would I describe this dramatic story of the heavens opening and a spirit descending on Jesus like a dove to children? That’s when the idea … Continue reading →

Here are the reflections on healing shared on Sunday, February 8: Reflections on healing-Ruth Reflections on Jesus’ Healing stories-Bob Carlson And here is a description of the service by Joshua Smith: It was a really good service. The scripture was … Continue reading →

This coming Sunday at Rainbow we will consider a healing narrative found in the gospel of Mark (Mark 1:29-39). Bob Carlson has agreed to come alongside me and offer some reflections on healing. What I would really like to do … Continue reading →

Today I write from the library at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, IN. I am here with fellow pastors, theologians, professors, students and denominational leaders trying to define an Anabaptist Christian. It turns out this is not altogether possible … Continue reading →