I was 10 when I first needed glasses. I was a little bit nearsighted, nothing unusual or significant. That is, until I first wore my glasses in school. Then I was teased relentlessly. I learned to only put on my glasses for reading the blackboard or watching a movie. That was good for a couple… Read More
Narrative Lectionary:Wisdom
The text for this week is 1 Kings 3:4-9, (10-15), 16-28. Commentary at Working Preacher is here. Our focus this week is the wisdom of Solomon, both how he acquires it, and how he dispenses it. My favorite illustration of this in popular culture (although 20 year old popular culture) is this scene from Seinfeld.… Read More
Tuesday Prayer: Wishes
photo by Terri Pilarski I wish I could capture the gentle morning light soft lavender and pink, caressing the green trees that hold a hint of fall, a little red and yellow I wish I could capture the peace of early light the song of birds waking and rabbits nibbling clover signs that life… Read More
Monday Prayer
In the space between two waves the silence of all that is holy lingers. It curls against the deep and salty intention of God, gathering the wisdom of the ancients, the broken and the mended hearts, and the hopes of generations to come. Blessed One, in the fluid dance that is your creation we rise… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Walls
Beyond the border, we saw organized and eloquent graffiti – some local, some by Banksy. It seemed strange to elevate a symbol and instrument of division and disruption to celebrity status; but perhaps the spotlight is preferable to the searchlight. Read More
Sunday Prayer: Holy Mysteries
Bless the LORD, all people, and praise God’s infinite wisdom. We did not lay earth’s foundations and we did not set the breadth of the sky. We cannot call rain from the clouds or command the lightening to strike. But, O God, we have been stricken here between earth and sky, and we have been… Read More
Saturday Prayer – Prayer for Healing
Oh Christ the Healer, This is our prayer. Heal our broken bodies Heal our broken hearts Heal our broken world. And when the time for healing is past and gone or not yet come grant us strength and courage and the holy help of one another. Amen. Jennifer Garrison Brownell serves as pastor at Vancouver… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Called to…
(Photo by Terri Pilarski, Deception Pass, Washington State) I am not preaching this Sunday, so I am a little less invested in the texts than I might be otherwise….however, I know that I always struggle as we come to the end of the long season after Pentecost. I follow the RCL and we are heading… Read More
Friday Festival: Right Here
Our bloggers are offering their thoughts from the places they are. Whether it’s the season, or a challenge, or the hospital, each of them is writing from “right here, right now” this week. Stuck. The word sounds like the feeling. Elizabeth Hagan is reflecting on what to do when we feel stuck. Thinking about her… Read More
Friday Prayer: suspense
Holy One, I’ve spent so much time waiting over these last few days. Waiting for news Waiting for test results Waiting for flights, trains and buses Waiting for checks in the mail Waiting for change Waiting for answers from you. I’ve learned That I am not good at waiting That answers come when it is… Read More
