I like to ask people new to our congregation about their first impressions of Village Church. Mary's answer surprised me. "I've been part of a church family for as long as I can remember," she said, ...

As a child in church, I sat through the organ hymns and incomprehensible sermons, my scrawny backside squirming on the hard pew. I followed the order of worship in the bulletin, mentally checking off ...

My husband’s parents had invited a revered pastor—or moksanim, in Korean—to participate in our wedding. “He’s known for his benedictions,” my husband said. I didn’t know someone could specialize in ...

The Torah describes the conclusion of Aaron's service in the Tabernacle inauguration: "Aaron lifted his hands towards the people and blessed them. He then descended from [the altar where he] had ...

It began with 'Let us pray,' and it ended with 'Señor Presidente.' The Rev. Luis Leon, who in 2005 became the first Latino to give an inaugural benediction, delivered his blessings and prayer on ...

Will Willimon once asked a woman how she liked their new pastor. “Oh, he is wonderful,” she replied enthusiastically. “He gives the best benedictions.” … I ...