That sermons or prayers might be judged as “too political” will come as no surprise to pastors, as this complaint is all too common in churches. But in a world where every issue is politicized, there are few, if any, pastoral messages that cannot be judged as political or even partisan. Read More
Revised Common Lectionary – Drunk with New Wine Edition
We human beings are uncomfortable with those who stand out. Sure, we may like an actor or musician to be prominent on the stage or screen, but we like most people to fit in. In Numbers 11:24-30, Eldad and Medad are prophesying, but not at the tent of the meeting where they’re expected – they’re… Read More
The Pastoral Is Political: We Shine Brighter Together
I serve a tiny church. It was once a center of activity for a German immigrant community. Later, it was a neighborhood center. Now it is a small band of committed people. There is diversity in these people. We have people whose ancestors come from Africa, Europe, East Asia, and also the Caribbean and Central… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary:Light Topics Edition
Will you be marking the Presentation of Jesus on Thursday – or on Sunday? Or are you preparing to use the Revised Common Lectionary readings for Sunday? Either way, themes of light are shining through.
Revised Common Lectionary: An ADVENTure in Justice and Peace
Revised Common Lectionary readings for the Second Sunday in Advent, Year A from Venderbilt Divinity School. Peace. We could all use a little peace right now. There are battles all over the world, but the situation in Syria is especially dire. Many people live in oppression. People are protesting over lack of clean water, or… Read More
The Pastoral Is Political: Deplorables and Nasty Women
In the USA, candidate for president Hillary Clinton said half the supporters of other candidate, Donald Trump, were in a “basket of deplorables.” Clinton later apologized for saying it was half of the supporters. In a debate, Trump called Clinton “Such a nasty woman.” Having just preached on the parable of the Pharisee and the… Read More
The Pastoral Is Political: Welcome to the Church… Now Get Out!
A lot of things happened on June 12. Here are two: 50 people died, and more than 50 people were wounded, at Latin Night at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. I was ordained as clergy in the United Church of Christ. For the rest of my ministry, I will associate these two events. For the… Read More
Friday Five: Unexpected Events Edition
I’m filling in for Anne Wolf Fraley today This is a bittersweet post, as this is my last time posting with RevGals. I know this comes as a surprise to many of you, and perhaps there are better ways to share this information, but here we are. The reason I’m leaving is that I’ve accepted… Read More
A Higher Standard for Police, Politicians, and Clergy
In the United States of America, police have been under a lot of scrutiny lately. And I struggle with that, because they are citizens, and should have the same rights as the rest of us. They should have a right to remain silent, a right to a speedy trial, a presumption of innocence until proven… Read More
Friday Five: Animal Edition
Animals are on my mind this week. Pictured are two cats we adopted together in 1990: Leather (left) and Lace. Leather was the stealthy hunter and Lace was the demanding princess. They stayed with us for 15 years. On Easter 2005 we came home to find Lace in rigor with her paw on the chair… Read More