On the new Cracker Barrel logo, a contrarian view.

The new logo does not give "old people ONLY" vibes and jettisons the barrel image (replacing it with a subtle barrel shape) and the words "old country store." The brand can now focus on menu AND have some locations as restaurants only. 4 stars.

Another item for the "virtual isn't the same as in-person" files: religionnews.com/2025/08/20/s...

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A solemn reminder that the Declaration of Independence is not entirely beneficent, or even good: www.naicumc.com/uploads/9/0/...

The majority of the current SCOTUS has broken federalism in favor of plutocracy. If there is not a realistic way to support the enforcement federal law throughout the country, that law has no realistic value. Individual and class action lawsuits are not affordable for most citizens of this country.

Things you're unlikely to find much community or church assistance for, anywhere, despite the claims of some Internet sites targeting people in need www.umc.org/en/content/a...

If you thought the greatest number of new resolutions in the United Methodist Book of Resolutions would be about human sexuality, well, think again... www.umc.org/en/content/a... #GC2024 #UMC

Isaiah 53: A Babylonian sees the violence that has been visited on the people of Judah dragged into exile a thousand miles across a desert and realizes, "What have we done? We made THEM pay the price for our empire's pride." We are NOT healed by the wounds of another. Maybe just assuaged...for now!

Important news from the Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), which curates the Revised Common Lectionary: www.commontexts.org/2025-update/ (I am part of the working group that developed these changes) #CCT, #EndingAnti-Judaism, #HolyWeek, #Eastertide

Anointing is for healing of the sick, conveyance of power, and sealing against evil. At a meal to celebrate Lazarus's raising, it's Mary's final act of care for Jesus, doomed to die, earthy nard for the earthy tomb. Jesus allows this care. How do we allow care from others for what must die in us?

Lent is a transitional state for those preparing for baptism and those seeking to realign with the baptismal covenant-- letting go ways that are past and generating new ways of life in a new community. This is emotional labor, including some griefwork, and visceral, too. #Joshua5:9-12 #Lent #ELCA

Productivity vs waste of resources:
The gardener wants the fig tree to bear fruit and offers to put in the effort to help make that more likely over the coming year. The landowner wants the thing replaced because it is not productive today, and so is wasting resources. Whoever has ears... #Lent3

Temptation, or test?
For Luke, the answer seems to be test. The Spirit was testing Jesus's commitment to the way of the kingdom of God. In God's kingdom, we rely on God for our daily bread, we understand power is based on service, not domination, and our work is mostly invisible by design. #Lent1

Because of several medications I take, fasting is a non-starter for me. So my Lenten fast this year involves reviewing personal files that date back to elementary school and deciding which to keep and which to recycle (maybe most of them).

Looking forward to another Lent with St Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church. Last year we practiced corporate silence and focused on the baptismal vows. This year we will focus on what makes for fruitful discipleship. www.stmatthewcolumbusga.com
www.youtube.com/channel/UCck... #ELCA #Lent

Getting ashes individually is not the point of Ash Wednesday. Corporate penitence is. www.umcdiscipleship.org/blog/top-5-r... #AshesAreNOTToGo

On the verge of Ash Wednesday, I remind #UMC folks that you have had a service on that day with ashes in it only since 1992, and that even that service leaves ashes optional. 1/2 www.umcdiscipleship.org/blog/liturgy...

I had been @twbe on X.
I am a Lutheran pastor (ELCA), liturgical scholar (past secretary of the North American Academy of Liturgy, past board member of The Liturgical Conference), ecumenical leader (Consultation on Common Texts), and denominational staffperson (UMC) married to an Episcopal priest.