"There are hundreds if not thousands of pastors across the globe who would credit Palau’s influence for a blooming of energy, creativity, and unity in the churches of their area. This is rare, and remarkable." -Paul J. Pastor starkandmain.org/home/2021/3/12…

Annie Clark asked "What can we do to serve our community?" The question led her to launch Aspen & Gray, a free boutique for teen girls in need. Read the story here: starkandmain.org/home/2021/3/23…

She was shy and said she was just looking for a sweatshirt. I asked if there was anything else she needed. The young girl looked at the wall of personal care items. “Do you think I could get a toothbrush … and maybe one for my mom and sister, too?” starkandmain.org/home/2021/3/23…

A reflection on this sticker I saw today on a walk: "ALL COPS ARE DEREK CHAUVIN" facebook.com/ben.sand.94/po…

I’m honored to have been chosen for the Humanitarian Award by the insanely excellent team at Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon The answer to our challenges is neighbors loving neighbors.

This has been a tough year for pastors. This article explores some of the challenges the pandemic presented that are leading many to leave the ministry. Have you heard stories of pastors calling it quits? religionnews.com/2021/05/07/for…

Local author Matt Mikalatos shared this story about a hard conversation he had with his 11-year-old daughter about a particularly dark time in US history. starkandmain.org/home/2021/5/27…

"If every story she hears about the USA is 'we are the good guys' she’s listening to liars. We have done some incredible, beautiful things in the world (& still do), and we have done some horrific, evil things in the world (and still are)." Matt Mikalatos starkandmain.org/home/2021/5/27…

Worth the read....Christina Amberae

"It’s been a tough year for Portland. It’s been a year of reckoning around racial issues. In many ways, it’s been needed. But the impact of seeing the city like this is demoralizing and it makes people feel hopeless." - Sam Adams, former Portland Mayor starkandmain.org/home/2021/5/29…

"I tell my daughter hard truths about America's history because I love her, and I don’t want her to grow up closing her eyes to injustice." - Matt Mikalatos starkandmain.org/home/2021/5/27…

This is Bob Day. A few months ago, I wrote a few posts about law enforcement and the dissolution of trust taking place between Portlanders and Portland Police Bureau (PPB). I wrote about this cascading effect across the country. (1/4)

Read this story of how one South Carolina pastor is transforming a building that had been a hub of white supremacy into a center for justice. starkandmain.org/home/2021/7/19…

"I see protesting to honor Jesus Christ as rebuking evil. When we’re protesting, we’re rebuking evil, as Jesus commanded us to do." faithandleadership.com/rehabbing-hate…

Homelessness is a huge problem in Portland. But one recovery center is helping the most vulnerable of the city's homeless population: women and children. Read their stories here: starkandmain.org/home/2021/9/30…

From Grace's article: 80% of homeless women come from domestic abuse situations. To recover, they have to feel safe. "I knew I was safe when the door shut behind me and I couldn’t open it. This person was stalking me so I needed a very safe place to go.” starkandmain.org/home/2021/9/30…

Oregonian, Romy Ahounou shares his story of growing up in Rwanda during the genocide of 1994/95. He has a powerful message about forgiveness. starkandmain.org/home/2021/10/2…

We need all hands on deck if we are going to hold community together. Here’s a beautiful example of some University of Oregon students stepping up to partner with Every Child Oregon in Lane County dailyemerald.com/news/psycholog…

A lot of people in our church mentor a kid thru Faithful Friends PDX. They’re an awesome org and I love this story about the impact they’re having on kids in our community. starkandmain.org/home/2022/4/18…