I’ve been involved in several Facebook chats, Zoom calls, and email conversations with clergy from across the U.S. and around the world in these weeks of Covid-19. In these interactions—and through general observation of news, church websites, and Facebook posts, I’ve noted a few distinct types of pandemic pastors. The “Lentiest Lent” Pastor This pastor… Read More
RCL: Grace in the Wilderness, A Poem for Easter 2020
This was first posted at Write Out of Left Field. Easter is a challenge for preaching this year, even with these very familiar texts. I wrote the following poem as I struggle to pull sermon thoughts together. You are welcome to use it in your worship with attribution. Please share any thoughts you have on… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Jesus, as we travel through this week with you, we want to weep with you, and also to turn over tables, and denounce people, letting our wrath fly, and lamenting the way things are, longing, longing, longing for the things that make for peace. This year, your rage makes so much sense. Attune us, we… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
God of All Feelings and Sensations- What is the tickle in my throat? Is it the virus? It that why I’m extra exhausted and why my temperature is slightly up? As my mind plays out all the horrific scenarios of getting the disease and it’s turn for the worst, God of love, ease my mind.… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Look Towards Resurrection (Mark 16:1-8)
This Sunday’s text can be found at Mark 16:1-8, and the commentary from WorkingPreacher here. On the day Jesus died, the state-run newspaper ran the headline “Fringe Group Leader Executed.” The Religious Daily News posted “Temple Cloths Torn by Invisible Hand.” The local radical weekly posted “Disciples Denied while Doyen Crucified.” Over the weekend, the… Read More
Monday Prayer
Blessed One: we are churning within, caught in the tangle of welcome rest and bustling efforts to get things done. We catch glimpses of you, note the tenderness of your care, and lose sight of the comfort that is your being, all with the space of a heartbeat. We celebrate the incarnation and turn our… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Fat in the time of COVID-19
Content Warning: Body weight, body image, weight loss, weight gain We are living in a scary time. Not only is the actual reality of the virus itself worrisome, but incompetent leadership, non-compliance by neighbors or family members, and panicked behavior by all kinds of people ramp up a general miasma of anxiety and terror. All… Read More
Palm Sunday Psalm
Open to God a heart of praise and a gate of generosity. O give thanks to the One who is good, whose steadfast love endures forever. Come to God’s side with a coat and a colt and a shout. O give thanks to the One who is good, whose steadfast love endures forever. Bless God’s… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: waving palms
Whether you are waving palm branches from your front door, or waving the palms of your hands from your window, or colouring your paper palms for a virtual parade, you are welcome here! Share your ideas, your half-finished phrases, your hopes for this festival day like no other. I’ve got a nice stash of Percy… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Socially Distant
Socially distancing with my daughter Holy One, You are not distant. You are present and listening. And though I long for worship gatherings and hugs and coffee hour… for leisurely shopping sprees, and errands and to-do lists… I long for You more. For a sense of Your abiding love wrapping me in a cocoon of… Read More
