In honor of Black History Month, we remind everyone that Black History is American History. The experiences, identities, culture and presence of formerly enslaved Africans and Black immigrants in this country are an integral part of the American tapestry.

We have survived more than 16 months. It has been grueling, and yet we have stayed connected. We’ve worshipped and prayed together, held classes, enjoyed an art festival, had Pride contests and more.

I love this story of Jesus and the Woman caught in adultery. The Pharisees believe they have Jesus trapped along with this unnamed woman. But Jesus never answers their accusations directly. He listens to the charges against the woman, and then bends down and writes on the ground. This is a story of grace and mercy, yes, but it also feels like one of support and allyship.

Holidays can be difficult for people for a number of reasons. Sometimes they can remind us of sad occasions or anniversaries. Loved ones may have passed on or become estranged. And sometimes, you just don’t feel like celebrating or marking the occasion in the traditional manner.

The calendar that we use that lists the lectionary readings and liturgical colors usually contains a theme for each Sunday as well. Yesterday’s theme was simple: “Now What?”

These last few months have all been connected for me. We’ve gone from Arts month, to Black History Month, and are now headed into Women’s History Month.

One of the things that gave me great comfort when I was called to ministry, was the knowledge that Jesus was also an artist. He wrote in the sand, used colorful metaphors, and more importantly – he was a storyteller.

Every year we decide on a set of goals that we want to accomplish. “This year I’ll try something… do something… be something new.”

Send lots of photos and videos of Christmas at your house this year!

I get this question a lot. Most of the time I just say, "It's a long story" and leave it at that. Well, here's my long story.

Who am I? Why am I here? Artists use their gifts to explore these questions and more, but the issue of identity can still be complex.