The last few weeks forced congregations and church leaders to pivot from a largely face-to-face, in-the-same-space reality to a digital, church-in-your-living room model.

Yesterday was my birthday. 59 good ones. My daughter lovingly revealed that “59 is almost 60.” She’s impatient. I’m of the age that presents are something I buy throughout the year, on my own.

Since the days of Jesus – and before – money has sat in the heart’s driver’s seat. Its intimate connection to our well-being allows it to claim authority over both present and future.

A family-systems mentor once taught me, “Depression stems from suffering from a loss, or anger turned inwards.” In this virus time, loss and anger abound, with depression nipping at our collective heels.

My Sunday Facebook feed was full of livestream worship. Pastors and leaders seeking to stay connected with their congregations and communities, bringing Jesus in Word and Sacrament in creative, nimble ways.

How are you giving your staff, your family, your friends grace today? In times of crisis, anxiety and fear accumulate.

A year ago, I hung a metal bottle-cap catcher on my back porch for catching the only thing separating me from a nice cold one on a hot afternoon. This morning the only thing residing in the catcher was a new bird’s nest, complete with 2 eggs.