Category Archives: relationships

In Christ, we all belong

Posted on November 6, 2020 by jwfisch

We’re all in this together When we reach We can fly Know inside We can make it We’re all in this together Once we see Theres a chance That we have And we take it Here at the Catch Ministry, … Continue reading →

Posted in church, diversity, relationships | Tagged body of Christ, unity | Leave a comment

21

Posted on September 9, 2020 by jwfisch

What is 21? It’s a card game. A 2008 movie with Kevin Spacey. A clothing store. A winning score in ping pong. But for everyone at … Continue reading →

Posted in family, relationships | Tagged family, relationships | 6 Comments

Queen Vashti loses her crown but keeps her dignity

Posted on July 21, 2020 by jwfisch

The book of Esther opens with King Xerxes of Persia throwing himself a very big party. At that time, Xerxes ruled over an area of 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. All the princes, nobles and military leaders from … Continue reading →

Posted in Esther, relationships, women | Tagged marriage, treating with dignity, women | 2 Comments

Drive-by

Posted on July 16, 2020 by jwfisch

A funny thing happened on the way to the Catch this week. I was involved in a drive-by … birthday party! It was for our daughter-in-law who turned 40 this week. Unable to arrange for the big gathering he wanted … Continue reading →

Posted in family, parenting, relationships | Tagged birthday, family, parenting, relationships | 4 Comments

Servant girl helps cure enemy

Posted on July 9, 2020 by jwfisch

There is an fascinating story told in the Second book of Kings (Chapter 5) about a young Jewish girl who was taken captive by the commander of the army of the king of Aram, a neighboring country and potential enemy … Continue reading →

Posted in grace turned outward, relationships | Tagged love your enemies, Loving your neighbor | 5 Comments

Are we generating life or strife?

Posted on July 8, 2020 by jwfisch

Why is it that so often I return from social converse with a spirit worn, a lack, a disappointment—even a sting of shame, as for some low, unworthy thing? —George MacDonald Have you noticed how these days, almost every … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity and politics, diversity, politics, relationships | Tagged love your enemies, politics, relationships | 7 Comments

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood

Posted on April 28, 2020 by jwfisch

Have you noticed how your neighborhood is starting to look more and more like Mr. Rogers’? Are there more people out in your neighborhood? I generally hear more noise around my house. With people staying home, they’re finding things to … Continue reading →

Posted in community, pandemic, relationships | Tagged community, pandemic, relationships | 2 Comments

God stops oceans

Posted on April 27, 2020 by jwfisch

I was recently standing in a restaurant take-out line for lunch. You know the scene, I’m sure. You’re standing there with a surgical mask firmly in place over your nose and mouth, and Xs on the sidewalk that show you … Continue reading →

Posted in church, community, pandemic, relationships | Tagged pandemic | 7 Comments

a sacrificial poet

Posted on April 16, 2020 by jwfisch

This is the logo for one of the open mic’s John attends. John wants to welcome any Chicago visitors to “The Catch,” and thank them for welcoming him into their community. John Shirk is a missionary to … Continue reading →

Posted in Art and Life, community, Friendship, grace turned outward, relationships | Tagged evangelism, friends in the marketplace, on a mission, witnessing | 4 Comments

Do it now

Posted on April 6, 2020 by jwfisch

We’ve never been through anything like this before. This pandemic is testing our faith, our stamina, our patience, our confidence, our endurance, and what I’m especially thinking about this morning — our love. There appear to be no guarantees. You … Continue reading →