Before I went to seminary, I stumbled onto some clergywomen’s blogs. I did not know any women clergy personally because I was from a more conservative tradition. I would read their stories and wish I could serve in a congregation, too. I lived vicariously through their sermons and their discussions. It was inspiring! The possibilities… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
For the speechless tongues of those oppressed For weak hands, feeble knees, widowed, spirits Made lame, we pray For those orphaned from war, violence, fear Parentless children, silent, stifled cries. For the hungry, we pray For wives, beaten, abused, trampled, shot Spirits abandoned, imprisoned by fear. For Women, we pray In the dry land of… Read More
Pastoral is Political: For the love of God
A few years ago I began an exploration on spirituality with members of the church where I am the priest. We asked questions like, “What is spirituality?” and, “What does spirituality mean to you.” Almost to a person I heard, “I yearn for deeper spirituality”. And yet, none of us could really articulate what that… Read More
Monday Prayer
Blessed One, ’tis the season to be frantic with plans, and programs, and prayers, and intentions. Steer us toward the pathway followed by your Holy Family, where weary feet chose careful steps along rutted roads and rocky hillsides. Help us take rest where the path is smooth, and to find patience where the way is… Read More
Advent 3: Sunday Prayer
Sing aloud, o daughters! Shout with joy, o children! The peril against you is gone. Yet again and again, O God, we have picked it back up: the peril of fear, the peril of greed, the peril of jealousy, the peril of nationalism, the peril of self-abasement. Again and again we pray, O God: show… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Waiting
Turn, O God! How long? Have compassion on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. ~Psalm 90:13-14 God of all places and times, we are waiting. We are waiting for your compassion to spread across your beautiful and broken world… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Bearing Worthy Fruits
I’ve been reading Fleming Rutledge’s book, “Advent” and finding it provocative. Rutledge is an Episcopal priest with a theology that falls into the Calvinist vein, she argues that there is nothing we human’s can do, only God can bring forth transformation. She writes that Advent is the season that points the church toward the second… Read More
Friday Festival
The second week of Advent, and it seems everywhere I go, I get asked one of two questions: first: the old rubric that all ministers (priests/pastors/vicars) seem to get “this must be your busy time” second: the one that always makes me laugh, and bite me tongue: “What are you doing for Christmas?” among our… Read More
Friday Prayer: Present (Imperfect)
Holy One, I started today with the best of intentions. I had grand plans, (ok, just vague ideas) but one by one they crashed, and perfection faded into sunset. But if I’m honest, I know in my heart of hearts that what was left was still pretty amazing! So remind me, Lord, when I fuss… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Clergy Collar or Not?
This week’s question is about the advisability of wearing the clergy collar in a particular situation. Wearing the collar always sends some kind of message. The question this week wonders if wearing the collar might send an unintended message of bias to others. And what does the clergy collar say to the Rev who wears… Read More
Thursday Prayer: in the beginning
In the stories about the beginning,you, O God,bring order from chaos:giving boundaries,separating water and land,making edges. Help us to knowwhere we start and stop,how to hold our space without intruding on others,how to discern what is ours to do,where our edges are:that we might join you in your work in the world.… Read More
