Craig Daily Press / Faith

Father Randy Dollins: Yes, but for how long?

“Redistribution of wealth” is a trigger phrase that conjures ideas of socialism or communism, and yet, what is charitable giving? Voluntary redistribution of wealth? Maybe the key word here is “voluntary.”

Len Browning: Innocent until proven guilty

Some years ago, I had a friend who was arrested as part of a large undercover operation that netted a number of suspected drug dealers. Some years ago, I had a friend who was arrested as part of a large undercover operation that netted a number of suspected drug dealers.

Rev. Karen Gibson: The hidden deceiver: Fear

Franklin Delano Roosevelt reassured Americans that “we have nothing to fear, but fear itself.” I do not know whether he was basing his quote on the facts of the Bible or not. Last week, when the phone began ringing again, after the Christmas and New Year break was over, I told myself to face some of the unidentified callers and tell them I wanted to be taken off their calling lists.

David Pressgrove: Missing the miracles? Get some cardboard

I’ve seen the cardboard testimonies presentation at a church or a camp five times in the past six months. The latest was Sunday at the church I attend. On Sunday, I even saw it twice in one day, and regardless of the repetition, I was just as choked up after the fifth time as I was the first time I watched a video on YouTube with the testimonies.

Church serving hot meals twice a week

Tammy Villard and her mother-in-law, Bonnie, were greeted at the entrance to St. Michael’s Kitchen by the rich scent of bubbling vegetable soup and the buzz of a kitchen full of cooks, dishwashers and other volunteers. The kitchen serves a meal to anyone who needs it from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays.

A letter to God

I recently was preparing a sermon on the God of all comfort. As I was praying about what I would say, God spoke to my heart and said, “Write me a letter about the comfort you have received from me.”

The Rev. Randy Dollins: Following the money

When I check out at Safeway, I am usually asked if I want to donate $1 to “such and such a cause.” My response is always the same — “no.”

Rev. Karen Gibson: God’s providence is still present

I love the Thanksgiving season. For me, it starts around Oct. 31 when those fall festivals start being advertised.

David Pressgrove: Heartwarming letters from camp

When somebody asks me, “So what do you do?” I typically explain that my job, in a nutshell, is to hang out with teenagers. That usually doesn’t help clear up the question. The asker might not tell me, but I can see that in their head they’re thinking, “That’s a job?”

Linda Taylor: Song of the Lord produces joy in the heart

Recently, my husband asked me if I would like to take a ride with him in the gator. The weather was somewhat cool, so I bundled myself into four layers of clothes, crawled into my seat, buckled up and we were off.

Pat Jones: The virtues of mercy

Most of us know the story of the Good Samaritan, a parable that Jesus taught. It's the story about the man traveling down a road, minding his own business, probably thinking about what he would have for lunch or what he needed to accomplish when he reached the end of his trip before he could sit down to supper.

Bob Woods: God called us to love

The central theme of the creation story throughout the first chapter of Genesis is that "God saw that it was good." But now God looks at all he has made, everything, and says, "It is not good." It is not good that a person should be alone. Everything else is good, but this isn't.

Bob Grubb: Are worldview claims truth or delusion?

Mankind seems to have a universal sense of morality and a desire to understand what is actually real. Our conclusions by which we live is called our "worldview." Before Pilate, Jesus said he came "into the world to bear witness to the truth," and "everyone who is of the truth hears my voice." Pilate, probably in sarcasm, responded, "What is truth?"

The Rev. Randy Dolllins: Failure to communicate

Most people would agree that breakdown in communication is at the root of many of our mistakes and dilemmas. Thus, proper communication should not be taken for granted.