First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso

I have found that one of the most stimulating aspects of engaging with Christianity as a member of the church is moments when I recognize connections between Biblical text and church hymns. Sometimes these moments occur when I am reading a Bible passage; and I recall lyrics from a recently sung church hymn. At other times, I recognize Biblical language while I am singing a church hymn with the rest of the congregation.   Church hymns have a unique power to bring Biblical text

I think I have mentioned before that I dearly love my collection of “little books.” These are not novels or textbooks, or as my students used to call them “chapter books.” No, these are quite small, perhaps 4” by 5,” sometimes a bit larger. They sit on my desk, end tables in the living room, on my bookshelves, and sometimes I gift them to others that I think might be in need of some precious words of encouragement. My family understands my obsession with these tiny tomes, so