All Posts By

Steve Mathonnet-VanderWell

Spindle Back Chairs and Routine

“My father sat on that chair every morning to put on his socks and shoes.” So said the elderly gentleman, a member of my congregation

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The Hollander Files

Clannish, insular immigrants who refuse to assimilate … large families and achieving kids who quickly overshadow other residents … loyalty given to foreign, even adversarial,

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The Room Where It Happened

I was in the room where it happened, to borrow from Hamilton-speak. The room where The Twelve was hatched. A quaint retreat center where the

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Where the Bodies are Buried

Long term pastorates are often recognized and celebrated for the depth of relationships, the continuity and trust that develop over the years. Having served nearly

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The End of Wedding Season

Wedding season is about finished. I presided at only one wedding this summer—a bright couple I’ve known quite a while. Officiating at such weddings can

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