This collection of short essays, sermons, lectures, reviews, analyses, and poems is offered as a means to provoke thought, inspire imagination, and encourage conversation about the future of the church. Church renewal awaits a renewed synergy of theology, homily, and energy. Together, thought, word, and deed offer us much as we face an unforeseen future. There is much for which to be thankful, and much to be excited about as the church moves forward into the twenty-first century. A healthy future of stimulated learning, excellent leadership, and lay ministry_thought, word, and deed _may be coming toward us.

This little collection of occasional pieces is offered as a set of discussion openers ('ice-breakers') for those who are preparing for ministry in the Northeast. The intended audience for this selection of provocations would begin with first and second year seminarians. Candidates for ministry and those considering ministry later in life might find some comfort here, too. In addition, one might hope that those who have weathered a few winters in the pulpit could find some catalytic inspiration here.