10 Comments
User's avatar
Susan Bues's avatar

Intimate, creative, expressive, contemplative, yes, we in Canaan have always leaned toward the unusual, and your ministry with us was an energizing experience! We can be more flexible and responsive, being small, to the ever-changing world outside. We're still at it!

Expand full comment
Mark Longhurst's avatar

Beautifully said, Susan!

Expand full comment
Nathan Davis Hunt's avatar

Loved your reflection on small town ministry -- as someone who grew up in a small town/little church and now lives across the bay state from you in Boston :) Looking forward to your meditations on St. Therese. Story of a Soul is on my shelf and on my list to spend time with this year.

Expand full comment
Mark Longhurst's avatar

Thanks Nathan, glad to hear it - and hello from across I-90! PS I recently subscribed to your newsletter and really love your reading list / reflections.

Expand full comment
Reed Saunders's avatar

I felt God’s presence at the AA meeting in the basement much stronger than in the sanctuary upstairs

Expand full comment
Mark Longhurst's avatar

Yes! So true

Expand full comment
Brother John McMahon, fsc's avatar

Mark, Brother Joseph Schmidt, fsc wrote about 5 books on Therese of Lisieux. The latest before his recent death is "Life's Lessons from Therese of Lisieux." He co-authored this with Marisa Guerin.

It is both profound and practical. My book circle just finished this and was able to invite Marisa, by way of zoom to introduce it and to answer questions about it at the end. Therese was ordinary, but far from sentimental. Published by the Word Among Us Press 2022. Thanks as always for your sharings. your brother, john mcmahon

Expand full comment
Mark Longhurst's avatar

John, wonderful! I'll have to check this book out, and Brother Joseph Schmidt's work. And I appreciate you naming the difference of ordinary and sentimental. Thanks for the recommendation.

Expand full comment
Todd Weir's avatar

Here in Maine, small churches is most of what we have in the UCC. Getting back to being faithful in little things is key to church renewal after the Great De-Churching after COVID.

Expand full comment
Mark Longhurst's avatar

Indeed! Wishing you well in your ministry in Maine!

Expand full comment