The work of conflict transformation depends upon the authentic telling and hearing of one another's stories. As a first response to the events in Charlottesville, I would like to tell you one part of ... Continue Reading→
Latest Posts
A Garden Story
Today, in the early August morning, I pulled weeds in a garden. You might notice that I said “a” garden, not “the” garden. To be most accurate, I should say that I pulled weeds in “OUR” garden. To ... Continue Reading→
Gathered In
Over the last month, I have spent a good bit of time in gatherings of people. I joined women and men from all over the world to attend Duke Divinity School's Summer Institute for Reconciliation in ... Continue Reading→
The Rains Came
From March 24-26, the Outreach Ministry and the Conflict Transformation Ministries of the North Carolina Conference invited Chaplain David Smith of the Soul Care Initiative to lead a retreat at Camp ... Continue Reading→
The Ecology of Conflict
"When you are disturbed, do not sin……put your trust in the Lord."- Psalm 4:4...5 Some years ago, I worked in plant community ecology, an area of study that looks at the various factors—soil type, ... Continue Reading→
Circles of Abundant Grace featured in UMCOM
Annual conferences across the connection are holding events and programs to contemplate and pray for the Commission on a Way Forward. The North Carolina Conference recently conducted 51 facilitated ... Continue Reading→
Right or Wrong? Or Both?
I wonder if there is such a thing as an addiction to being right. If there is an addiction to being right, then I may veer dangerously close to it. I like being right because being right is ... Continue Reading→
Though we cannot think alike, may we not sing alike?
We live in a world where conflict and strife are everywhere. The dizzying hum of division floods our conversations and the air waves. Many of us, in the pain of our hearts, seek a voice of healing and ... Continue Reading→
Our Circles and God’s Sufficient Grace
Below is an excerpt from an email I received following one of our Circles: I just wanted to send you a quick note and tell you that I attended a Circle of Abundant Grace. Not knowing quite what to ... Continue Reading→
Circles of Abundant Grace
Across the North Carolina Conference, United Methodists are gathering for “Circles of Abundant Grace.” These Circles of Abundant Grace are facilitated conversations that are focused on the future ... Continue Reading→
