O Wise Spirit, Advocate and Guide, Sweet Holy Life, Gather us up and carry us away, Show us and teach us. And remind us again. Hold us and help us. Lift the troubles and all our weariness. Give us a moment with you, Just you, And leave us with your Peace. Know us and embrace… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Negotiating Your Best Parsonage
A pastor’s residence is her retreat, her haven, her household’s headquarters. This week’s question is about her pastoral housing choice: to live in the church parsonage or not? Dear Matriarchs: I am UM and moving to a new appointment. The church has a parsonage, and they indicated that it was our choice to either move… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
Divine Dialogue Starter- For boundary training I would like to give thanks. Yes, it’s not easy to think of the do’s and the do nots of ministry. It’s not easy to continuously reevaluate ourselves, our power, and our place… But… It reminds me of my privilege which I must acknowledge. It reminds me of my… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Purple (but not Lent)
My childhood church had a tradition of the youth performing a musical each year on Mother’s Day. One year, our choir director chose a musical named Paul & Co. by John Horman and Mary Nelson Keithahn. To this day, a song from this musical goes through my head whenever I hear the Lydia story: A seller… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Hoping Against Hope (Romans 5:1-11)
When my daughter was young, I would often say, “Hmmm…” as I thought about something. “What hmmm?” she would demand, wondering what I was pondering. We have the same reaction to Paul, as the reading begins with “therefore…” “What therefore?” we wonder. Read the Narrative Lectionary Commentary here. Read the scripture here. With his adept… Read More
The Pastoral Is Political: Free Pastor Betty Rendón!
Last Wednesday night, I gathered with ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod Bishop Paul Erickson and a couple hundred clergy and community members outside of the Kenosha Detention Center for a prayer vigil. That morning I found out that ELCA Synodical Minister: Pastor Betty Rendón, her husband, nephew, and daughter were arrested and detained on May 8.… Read More
Monday Prayer
I write… I paint… I draw. Recording God’s handiwork, reflecting my imperfect vision. The sights and sounds that surround me, show me the master’s hand. Birds and insects, trees and fields, People’s voices, muted, observing each other’s work, encouraging and affirming. Precious, Holy, thank you for that gift of leisure on this Monday in… Read More
Sunday Prayer: Dreams
When you come to us in dreams, O God, we feel joy in your presence – our hearts encouraged, our minds clearer, our broken places healed. When you come to us in dreams, O God, we see a world made new – all barriers broken down, all people welcomed in, all conflicts at an end.… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: It’s still Easter
This Sunday, the fourth Sunday in the Easter Season for those of us following the RCL, continues the story of the formation of the early church as told in the Book of Acts. This week we have Peter branding out beyond the “norms” of Jewish members in the church to the uncircumcised Gentiles. It’s radical,… Read More
Friday Prayer
A Prayer Before An Abortion God Who Sees- You alone know the fullness of my situation. You remember even better that I do how I came to be here and how I made this decision. Even in my resolve, You know all of my feelings. Concede to me, in your mercy, safe entry and exit… Read More
