Two pastors connected with the Presbytery of Lake Michigan published articles on facing pages in the January/ February 2022 issue of Presbyterians Today.

One article—“The power of solitude: An ancient practice remedies busy lives” — was published by the Rev. Dr. Annemarie S. Kidder, interim pastor at Pennfield Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek.

“Practicing solitude is not about being alone, but about being more present to God,” Annemarie writes in the piece that looks at the season of Lent. “The church had good reason for implementing the practice of solitude. By it, we once again recover a sense of joy and peace.”

The second article – “Be assured, God is still leading you: Pandemic changes don’t have to erode faith” – was published by the Rev. Dr. Charles “Chip” Hardwick, interim executive of the Synod of the Covenant.

“Moving into a new season can be disconcerting,” Chip writes in the piece that explores the tension between tradition and innovation in the context of the Psalm 36:5-10, which is the lectionary text for January 16, 2022. “Yet the church’s vitality depends on balancing our lament with hope and by living faithfully in a season of continued uncertainty.”

Presbyterians Today is a bi-monthly magazine published by the PC(USA). Other articles featured in the January/ February 2022 edition include:

  • A year-round stewardship calendar
  • Engaging children in Matthew 25: The call to serve begins early
  • Refreshing the elements of worship