Archive: September, 2013

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Being a Part of World-Wide Community: What a Joy

What a joy it was to be in Berlin for the 21st Assembly of the Diakonia World Federation under the theme: Diakonia – Healing and Wholeness for the World.  The assembly met at St. Johaness Stift in the Spandau region of Berlin from July 1-July 8.  The schedule was intense and the speakers were outstanding. […]

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Wittenberg English Ministry

It has been a privilege to serve through Wittenberg English Ministry (WEM) in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany.   WEM began 17 years ago through the vision of The Rev. Keith Loesch and the Lord Mayor of Wittenberg.  The concept is to provide a ministry to English speaking peoples as they encounter Wittenberg.  There are three audiences:  tourists […]

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A Thinking Man’s Questions From A Wittenberg Coffee Shop – You Better Read This To The End

My time in Germany has allowed me to think about many things.  One thing I have pondered is the tendency that many have to fear and resist personal reflection and  asking challenging  questions.  Why are there those who refuse to reflect?  Why are there those who are afraid of questions?  Why are there those who […]

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THE JOURNEY BEGINS TO LEAD HOME

This newsletter is finally coming to you from central Germany.  So much has been happening that it has been hard to keep up with this newsletter.  You will find a fairly regular blog on my web site which outlines some of what I have been doing and thinking about. As I serve this summer, I […]

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Recent Items

  • The Loneliness Factor

    I was at a luncheon that was serving as a listening post for seniors to describe their sense of loneliness and isolation. I knew that the population invited to this luncheon was one that would probably have a higher sense of isolation, but, what I heard was much more intense than I expected. A man […]

  • Social Networks and Aging

    It is interesting that research is showing two demographics experiencing social isolation in such as way as to impact health: Young Adults (18-22) and Senior Adults (65+). I have worked with both populations over the past 50 years and I continue to be amazed at the similarity of the questions raised by both groups and […]

  • An Eye-Opening Awareness: One More Transition for this Guy

    I sat at a luncheon two weeks ago that opened my eyes to a reality that I knew was there, but as the discussion unfolded I began to realize how the discussion, about to take place, was going to expand my thinking. As I listened to the needs of the people with whom I shared […]

  • TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE: LETTING GOD SET THE AGENDA

    When it comes to the human condition and a desire to change, we can become easily frustrated: we think that we want to change … but we really don’t. Paul expresses this contradiction well in Romans 7:15-24: “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do […]

  • The Crisis of Loneliness

    THE NATIONAL CRISIS CALLED LONELINESS From “LINKED IN” “America is becoming Isolation Nation. Nearly half of respondents to a nationwide survey by health insurer Cigna say they always or sometimes feel alone, and 54% say they feel no one knows them well. Such loneliness is connected to increased risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death. The […]