By Steve Fawver, Newberg We are a people of plenty, a people of manyness and muchness. Yes, there are a few among us who have little, yet in the scope of the world they too have much. This muchness betrays the reality that we, like the man in Luke 12 who hoarded his crops, desire to build bigger barns, grow larger bank accounts, and have garages full of stuff in hopes that we will feel secure, accepted, and in control of life.

By Doreen Dodgen-Magee, Tigard Technologies and electronically driven gadgets have promised us a world of ease wherein simplicity will rule the day and we’ll be more connected to each other than ever. Is this, however, possible or true? Is community building best done in worlds where we do not encounter face to face conversation, conflict, or intimacy?

By Bill Rourke, North Valley I’m pretty sure there is more than one right way for families to handle finances. I also bet that many of you could give examples of both excellent and not so great outcomes from your own experiences. Let me say clearly that the principles for right sharing cannot be achieved to any significant degree if you live in a sea of debt and are shackled by poor financial planning.

By Kara Maurer, Newberg As I sit here contemplating my faith, I grow a bit discouraged by my lack of answers. Then I am reminded that faith is a journey, which is great because that means I don’t have to have any answers; I just have to be seeking the truth. For the past two years, the closest person in my life was a steadfast atheist. Read Kara’s story.