After our journey through Lent, we arrive at our destination: the resurrection of Jesus. It's the dawn of new creation and the formation of a new community.

On the journey toward Jerusalem, the pilgrims sing of being the depths of despair, yet holding onto to hope that with the Lord there is full redemption. Throughout the events of Holy Week, we see how Jesus brings about this long-expected redemption.

Research suggests that even people who manage to stay active don't particularly enjoy exercising... but sometimes music helps. Psalm 129 offers an example how music designed to help us persevere.

Almost all of us would agree with Psalm 133: it's good and pleasant when people get along and live together harmoniously. Yet our experiences with each other are often marked by conflict and disagreement. What drives humans toward conflict?

Psalm 121 is both a cry for help and an assurance that God hears, sees, and responds. Interpreting Psalms like this, though, takes us into contested territory, as we try to reconcile the goodness of God's promises with the often painful realities of life. 

The Psalms share so much in common with the songs W.E.B. DuBois called "sorrow songs," also called spirituals. By exploring the sorrow songs and Psalms together, we can see how God is trustworthy even in times of trouble. 

The Psalms of Ascent (Ps. 120 - 134) functioned like a mixtape that accompanied the Israelites on their journey to the Temple. Lent is a journey toward Jesus, so what might it sound like if we made ourselves a playlist?

As followers of Jesus in the Anabaptist tradition, we share a story with people from all over the world.

The story of Noah confronts us with two crucial questions about the character of God and the nature of humans. As we reflect on the story, we see that God always remains faithful, even when our violence threatens to uncreate God's creation. 

Stories shape us in profound ways, making us who we are and showing us how we might live. How does the story of Esther—a tale of political intrigue, racially motivated violence, and tremendous courage—speak to us today?