Author Archives: Ruth Harder

I can’t tell if Menno Simons (pictured below) is excited about Monday’s solar eclipse or disappointed in our sketch of him. Or maybe he just doesn’t like our reworking of the hymn “Will you let me be your servant.” Blame … Continue reading →

Rainbow quilters were back on Monday! I could hear their wonderful chatter and the purring of their sowing* machines and it filled me with hope that somewhere in the world, someone would be comforted by their compassion. According to the … Continue reading →

Psalm 84 has been on my mind this week, especially this phrase: As they go through the valley of Baca… Baca is often translated as “the valley of weeping,” a place of adversity, dry, devoid of water and nourishment. Some … Continue reading →

  If you were asked on the spot to give a room full of 100 K-8th graders a life tip, what would it be? And what would it be if you had to say it in one sentence, using fewer … Continue reading →

Next week, July 4-8, Mennonites from across the US will gather in Orlando, Florida for the Mennonite Church USA biennial convention. I have spent my whole life going to these conventions so it feels weird not to be going this … Continue reading →

Today’s blog post comes by way of Brenda Beachey, who grew up attending Rainbow with her siblings and parents, Bonnie and Jake. Brenda now belongs to Village Presbyterian Church in KC “Of all the gin joints…” OK… the Vox Theatre … Continue reading →

On Father’s Day, June 15, 1986, my 13 year old brother Timothy died as a result of drowning. Timmy suffered from epilepsy probably due to a brain injury at birth. It is believed he had a seizure while swimming, which … Continue reading →

I know a pastor who calls herself a “web walker.” She sees all of life as this infinite web of invisible threads and energies. Her calling, as she sees it, is to tend to a particular and yet important part … Continue reading →

The place we call Whitmore Playground will be buzzing with people playing on Saturday night, June 3. There will be live music, free food, and activities for all ages. Join us if you can! Here are some frequently asked questions … Continue reading →

Today I walked out to the newly installed butterfly garden in Whitmore Playground.  I didn’t see any butterflies, but I saw the promise of butterflies to come. This butterfly garden was planted in honor of Bernita Boyts. According to friend … Continue reading →