The Pastoral is Political: When “family leave” is a Privilege

Recently, I took time off from work under the provisions of the US FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act). A family medical/caregiving need required that I step away from my work as a hospice chaplain to be… a hospice family member. While my transition to family leave was well-supported by my hospice agency, and essential to… Read More

11th Hour Preacher Party: Intricate and Orderly

Whenever your 11th hour arrives, the preacher party is here! Revised Common Lectionary post is available for your perusal and conversation.  Or maybe you’re doing a series? Or something else creative? I wish my sermons could be as intricate, yet orderly and symmetrical, as this spider lily that blooms in our backyard. Monica Thompson Smith… Read More

Wednesday Prayer

As we awake to news of children dying due to gun violence, the pandemic of racism, evil immigration policies, an administration that puts profits before people—leading to the violence of hunger and poverty and health desparities… …I was drawn back to this psalm I wrote for Words of Her Mouth: Psalms for the Struggle edited by… Read More

Worship Words for 12 July 2020: Seeds Will Be Planted

Looking for liturgical language that suits this moment in our world — a world of pandemic, uprising against individual and systemic racism, virtual gathering, and so much more? Here we offer some…feel free to use as is, to adapt, or to use for inspiration for your own. If you use these in written materials, please… Read More

Tuesday Prayer

Holy One, Oh why can’t I be like the sower in the parable- ready to throw seeds everywhere, throwing caution to the wind allowing my perfectionism to drift away in the breeze. Divine Gardener, why can’t I be like the sower- inspired to try instead of allowing my inner voice of insecurity to hold me… Read More

RCL: Roots

What are your roots? In the task of self-differentiation, often the best way to control your behavior is to figure out how we became the way we are. Good counselors, psychologists & psychiatrists will start with a family history. How were you formed, how did you grow up, who are you in relationship with? Examining… Read More

Saturday Prayer

We are starting to reopen slowly in Québec after months of isolation and lockdown. I am now able to visit people in long-term care residences, but under very strict protocols. In the time BP (before pandemic), we held a weekly worship service in one of the residences on Wednesdays, but that hasn’t happened since March.… Read More

11th Hour Preacher Party: You Who Are Weary

How is your sermon preparation going at this point in your week? If you are using the Revised Common Lectionary, did you feel the weariness in your bones when you read Jesus’s invitation in the gospel text? Did you sense God’s weariness with Job if you are preaching The Narrative Lectionary summer series? Or are… Read More