As the government shutdown continues, many families who rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are bracing for the worst: their benefits are being paused. For millions of households across the country, this means no money for groceries next week—and no clear idea of when help will come again.

The start of something beautiful - I've been tasked to make a stole - one that will be shared among the Elders in our Annual Conference. I rounded out my renewal leave this week with an Order of Elders gathering in Hood River, OR. I found myself throughout our time together, sitting in that familiar space between conviction and questioning — that tender tension where God’s Spirit tends to do some of the best work. For the past few months, I’ve been wrestling with some vocatio