Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

by the Rev. Tammy Martens

For the last few months on Communion Sunday, we have slightly changed how we offer communion to children. We have invited the children to return from Craft/Play time and sit with their parents in the Worship Hall in order for them to take communion with their parents/caregivers. In the past, the children have come in for Communion, lined up with their peers, received the elements and then have returned to Craft/Play time in the Christian Education wing. Why this simple change? Continue Reading »

By Winton Boyd

One of the unexpected joys of working in this building for the last 11 ½ years has been sharing space with Madison Mennonite Church. In particular, I’ve been touched and blessed by my friendship and working relationship with their pastor of the last 11 years, the Rev. Tonya Ramer Wenger. Tonya is moving this week to take a new position with First Mennonite Church of Hutchinson, Kansas. She and her husband and three children are excited and eager for this big transition. Continue Reading »

Our discussion in Java and Jesus on August 1 will feature experts from the Washington Post’s “On Faith” section.  The question asked was this:

All religions the same?

The Dalai Lama, who just celebrated his 75th birthday, often refers to the ‘oneness’ of all religions, the idea that all religions preach the same message of love, tolerance and compassion. Historians Karen Asmstrong and Huston Smith agree that major faiths are more alike than not.

But in his new book “God is not One,” religion scholar and On Faith panelist Steve Prothero says views by the Dalai Lama, Armstrong and Smith that all religions “are different paths to the same God” is untrue, disrespectful and dangerous.

Who’s right? Why?

Click to read the two responses to the question  Are All Religions the Same that we will discuss this Sunday in Java and Jesus.

July 10, 2010, by Winton Boyd

Throughout the summer, we’ve been preaching on the Phoenix Affirmations, a series of affirmations for Progressive Christians articulated a few years ago by some Arizona pastors[See the sermon section of the website for more information].

The exercise has helped me clarify some of my own thoughts about living as a Christian in a climate where so much harm has been done by organized religion. Continue Reading »

Java and Jesus: July 25, 2010
Big Questions:  Today’s question and responses come from the Washington Post’s “On Faith” section

PDF version Immigration #1

The following question was posed by Sally Quinn and Jon Meacham

Stopping illegal immigrants with immoral laws?
Illegal immigrants are flouting U.S. laws, but does affluent America (or Arizona for that matter) have a larger moral or spiritual obligation to help illegal immigrants who are trying to better their lives? What about religious obligations to welcome the stranger? Are we our brother’s keeper?
Continue Reading »