I'm a doting mother to a very precious (and precocious) two-year-old little girl, and any parent will agree that our children teach us much more than we'll probably ever teach them. Recently, she's taught me the importance of names.

In the middle of a financial crisis, how do we learn to trust God to bear our burdens and save us from fear generated by change and uncertainty?

I am the queen of list making-I even make lists of the lists I need to make. Part of the list making thing is that I enjoy checking things off the list, but the reality is if I don't write it down-whatever "it" is-I won't remember to do it. "Help me remember to write that down," is a phrase I utter too often and to whoever is listening. There are days when the list is full of essential things-sermon, liturgy, pastoral calls, e-mail to session, letter to church staff, etc. etc. etc. And then there are days when the list isn't so pressing, but the day will "feel" better if I get the things done.

Most members of Western Presbyterian Church do not view themselves as a member of the Presbyterian denomination. They see themselves as members of Western Church. I suppose someone could criticize me, Carol and our lay leaders for such a state of affairs.

A Baptist minister, a Methodist pastor, a Catholic priest, an Episcopalian rector and a Presbyterian clergywoman walk into a fellowship hall . . .

What will happen next?