August is National Make-A-Will Month. Surprisingly, most American adults still do not have a will, or have been putting off making one.

I am writing to you today about the plenary meetings of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), which took place from June 27 – July 2. As you well know, this process can appear messy. The moments that stand out in our minds are moments of disagreement and sometimes, conflict.

This week's lectionary text is one I have always loved: Jacob's dream at Bethel (Genesis 28:10–19a). Fleeing from the consequences of his own actions, Jacob stops to rest, using a stone for a pillow.