A Spirit of Charity Is Our True Way Forward
The Rev. F. Richard Garland believes the UMC can maintain unity if delegates will practice a spirit of charity.
View ArticleThe Perils of Power and Authority
The Rev. F. Richard Garland asks, what good is power that is uncharitable, abusive, and destructive?
View ArticleMatthew's Rules for a New Year
The Rev. F. Richard Garland gives us another example of how little children can lead us to spiritual wisdom.
View ArticleThe Shadow of Lent
The Rev. F. Richard Garland finds that he doesn't like the reflective season of Lent – the 40 days of spiritual preparation before Easter – but he finds that he needs its spiritual disciplines...
View ArticleThe Great Priority
Don't major in the minors, counsels the Rev. F. Richard Garland, but set your sights on God's love instead.
View ArticleThe Outsider's Voice
The Rev. F. Richard Garland finds it sadly ironic that this nation of immigrants now looks down upon and fears immigrants, even though the Bible tells us to treat "aliens among us" as if they were...
View ArticleYou Are Here!
We're all in the Christmas Story, writes the Rev. F. Richard Garland. We just have to find ourselves.
View ArticleA Whole-Hearted Beginning
As we leave the woes and worries of 2015 behind us, the Rev. F. Richard Garland encourages us to reject fear -- and fear-mongering -- and embrace the gospel message of unrestrained, unconditional love.
View ArticleListening to the Deeper, Wiser Voice
The Rev. F. Richard Garland counsels using the Psalms as a guide to a Lenten observance that seeks the deeper wisdom of God's love over the inner voice of criticism.
View ArticleLent as a Homecoming
Lent is a long slog, but finishing the season of prayer and reflection can feel like the grace of the prodigal son's homecoming, writes the Rev. F. Richard Garland.
View ArticleThe Art of Faithfulness
We need to expand our understand of art to include the artful practices of living out our Christian faith, writes the Rev. F. Richard Garland.
View ArticlePlease Stay on the Trail
An alpine trail's instructions give the Rev. F. Richard Garland insights into how to live faithfully as a Christian.
View ArticleA Struggle for the Soul of American Christianity
The Rev. F. Richard Garland finds that an article he wrote 12 years has proven not only to be accurate and foresighted, it remains a cautionary tale for today's Christians.
View ArticleMatthew's Rules for a New Year
A young child's conversation with his father about good behavior offers insights for adults as well, writes the Rev. F. Richard Garland.
View ArticleYou Have to Keep Moving
Lent reminds us that even in suffering we must not give up, but keep moving toward God, writes the Rev. F. Richard Garland.
View ArticleA Vision of Hope
The message at the heart of Easter is to celebrate life, writes the Rev. F. Richard Garland.
View ArticlePursued by the Light
The Rev. F. Richard Garland finds a long drive from Rhode Island to Indiana brings a revelation about being sought by God.
View ArticleLook to This Day
Feeling overwhelmed by events? Turn to the Book of Proverbs and other sacred texts for the eternal wisdom to live each day, says the Rev. F. Richard Garland.
View ArticleThe Same Angels
Each year the same angels bid us "Fear not!" as they bring the joyous message of the Christ Child's birth, writes the Rev. F. Richard Garland.
View ArticleThe Mixed Messages of Lent
The Gospel has never been about easy answers to complex issues. Lent provides an occasion to look intentionally at the whole of our life and our faith, writes the Rev. F. Richard Garland.
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