Rebecca M. Blackwell

A Progressive Feast of Thanksgiving

They say that the most babies are born in August, but apparently more than a few church births happen in the autumn. Over the next month, we will have three occasions to give special thanks to God — a three-part, progressive celebration of Thanksgiving for Cherokee Presbytery, if you will – as we celebrate threeContinue reading “A Progressive Feast of Thanksgiving”

The Spiritual Disicpline of Body Work

Let’s be clear from the start… I’m an introvert. I enjoy (some might say even say I crave) solitude… time alone to pray, think and mull. Therefore, the community nature of the Body of Christ can be a stretch for me… in a “spiritual discipline” kind of way. Our Lord and the apostles exhort usContinue reading “The Spiritual Disicpline of Body Work”

Being the “Fear Not” People

Internet Security. Homeland Security. International Security. Security check-points. Though I grew up in the era of “duck and cover” it seems to me that our drive for security, safety and certainty has increased exponentially since September the 11, 2001. And yet, despite all of our scurrying, deep down I suspect that we’ve only gained theContinue reading “Being the “Fear Not” People”

Beginner’s Mind

This week, I’m attending a continuing education event at Columbia Theological Seminary. The seminar/workshop is titled “Social Networking Media in Congregations.” We are particularly exploring how the church can use Blogs, Facebook, Email Marketing tools and Twitter to help connect our members and those who are not yet part of the church to the SourceContinue reading “Beginner’s Mind”

Thoughts on Call, Vocation and Ministry

We Presbyterians talk a lot about “call.” In the most immediate sense, call is the call of Jesus to follow him, to be his disciple. As we respond to that call, we will find that the Spirit activates gifts in us such as those listed in Romans chapter 12. John Wimber (founding pastor of Vineyard ChristianContinue reading “Thoughts on Call, Vocation and Ministry”