I've changed my mind. Based on past experiences, I have always believed that associate pastors being eligible to be called to a vacant head of staff position is a mistake. In most cases, I still think it is. But these concerns have been displaced by my greater concern that we not be rigidly legalistic. There are some situations where it is perfectly reasonable for an associate to become the head of staff and our polity needs to allow for it rather than inflexibly imposing one solution as if it fits all.

My husband is not easy to shop for. He works with technology but he doesn't crave the latest gadget. His hobbies are inexpensive ones involving wind power, balance and T-shirts. Really, he is a man of simple tastes, the kind of man who can microwave a sweet potato for supper and be perfectly happy.

In a small group leadership class this fall, one of the participants asked me why pursue the spiritual disciplines intentionally. Unspoken in his question was a contingent point-I have been active in the church my entire life, what is missing? I have been pondering this question these past weeks.

The last time I visited this page, I was sharing with you some of my pre-trip reflections. I traveled to Israel with a group from Arlington Presbyterian and Fredericksburg United Methodist Church. Having shared some of what I thought I might see and experience, let me offer a follow-up.