By Emily Rietema Often we think of service as something to “add on” a few times a year—dropping off canned goods at Thanksgiving, or volunteering at Christmas. While those acts matter, they don’t necessarily shape our children into people who…
By Kurt Rietema You can’t imagine a couple of kids who could have been more checked out. It was Day 3 of our ImagineX program at Hilltop Juvenile Detention Center. With enough injections of snacks and games to break up…
By Jamie Roach In my years walking alongside families and teenagers, I’ve come to believe that one of the deepest longings of a child is to be seen, loved, and accepted just as they are. The digital world presses hard…
By Mimi Keel What story is your family living in? This question has been shaping me lately, especially through the influence of St. Francis and the Franciscan community I visit each year. Each year, I have the joy of spending…
By Kurt Rietema “Bienvenidos!” Olga called out enthusiastically from her front door as a group of middle schoolers and I stumbled out of a van. Olga was as bubbly as she usually is volunteering at Youthfront Neighborhood’s food distribution, but…
By Kara K Root There are many reasons not to go to church. Life is busy.Church is awkward.Choosing one feels overwhelming.Will they ask for money?What if I don’t know what to do there?What if I don’t agree with their beliefs?The…
