The congregation’s call to worship during Advent concludes: “Love and faithfulness are embracing. Justice and peace are blending. God’s presence is among us today” …

The financial meltdown is landing devastating blows to college campuses nationwide. The current higher education climate mirrors corporate America as colleges cut programs, mandate hiring freezes and hold tightly to their endowments. Unfortunately, the grip on their endowments is anything but firm …

President John F. Kennedy gets credit for the aphorism usually applied to economics, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” As a sailor, Kennedy would also have known that an ebb (falling) tide also lowers all boats. If the tide drops enough, a multimillion-dollar yacht is just as stuck as a rowboat …

As the dark days of winter close in around us, the festive lights spring up on window sills, along porch rails and eaves. Candles festoon our tables and spaces of worship. Fires glow in our fireplaces and woodstoves …