Mar 4, 2026 | Grace Notes, Homepage Feature, Reported in the E-Vision
By Steven Norris I did not expect my Friday morning to begin in tears. I awoke last Friday to learn about the passing of Mr. Jackie Thomas (Mr. T.), my high school jazz band director. Many of the readers of this column are likely aware of some of the work of Jackie...
Feb 25, 2026 | Grace Notes, Homepage Feature, Reported in the E-Vision
By Steven Norris I remember the first time that I ever rode a rollercoaster. As a kid, we loved to go to Libertyland, a tiny amusement park in Memphis, TN that was a favorite of Elvis Presley. To my seven-year-old self, the “Zippin Pippin” was a huge wooden roller...
Feb 18, 2026 | Grace Notes, Homepage Feature, Reported in the E-Vision
By Steven Norris Recently, I came across a video interview of Andrew Greer interviewing the music legend, Amy Grant. In the interview, she shared a little nugget of wisdom that had come from a pastor/mentor who spoke truth into her life at a pivotal moment. I was...
Feb 12, 2026 | Grace Notes, Homepage Feature, News, Reported in the E-Vision
By Steven Norris Next week begins the season of Lent for the church (Ash Wednesday is February 18). Fasting is one of the key practices of this season. The following is adapted from my book, Emptied Out: A Personal Journey Through Lent. I was ten years old. My...
Jan 28, 2026 | Grace Notes, Homepage Feature, News, Reported in the E-Vision
By Steven Norris How do you create space for genuine connection with those who are different from you? For the first three weeks in January, a group in our church tried to do just that as we read and discussed Howard Thurman’s book, Jesus and the Disinherited. Thurman...
Jan 21, 2026 | Grace Notes, Homepage Feature, News, Reported in the E-Vision
By Steven Norris Have you heard the parable about the snake and the saw? One night a snake entered a shed looking for food. Whoever had last been in the shed had left it quite a mess with tools scattered about. As the snake explored the shed, he slithered over a saw,...
