Narrative Lectionary Companions, The first thing to note this week is that we are a long way from the golden calf! If you are using this Narrative Lectionary cycle to help people gain a better understanding of the full sweep of the biblical narrative, it might be worth mentioning that we’ve skipped over six books… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: God’s Promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:1-6)
Hello, friends! I am excited to begin the Narrative Lectionary with my congregation and to share my first Narrative Lectionary post with the Rev. Gals community. I love that the NL allows us to follow the narrative arc of scripture from beginning to end—to engage with the Bible as a whole rather than just dipping… Read More
Wits’ End Day: COVID Hymns
In these days of COVID, I find that some of our beloved hymns are troubling–all of that breathing and touching and singing. So I’ve re-written a few favorites to be more appropriate for our physically-distanced, virus-conscious lives. (You really should sing them to get the full effect.) (But don’t sing them while you’re in a… Read More
Friday Prayer: Have mercy
God of peace, God of justice, God who makes swords to plowshares And leads slaves to freedom: Kyrie eleison. Christ of compassion, Christ of confrontation, Jesus who healed the sick And overturned tables: Christe eleison. Comfort us. Shelter us. Empower us. Transform us. Have mercy on us, O Holy One. Amen. Rev. Joanna Harader… Read More
Friday Prayer: A Blessing
I pray a blessing for each of you today, And it doesn’t feel like much. Because what is a word against a virus? What is a hope against racist systems? What is a nudge of love against so much political vitriol? What is an utterance of truth against all of the lies? What is a… Read More
Wits-Ends-Day: Church COVID-19 Survey Results
How comfortable would you be coming to in-person worship? Very comfortable. (33%) Fairly comfortable. (34%) Not at all comfortable. (33%) Comments: “Covid isn’t real and God will protect us from it.” “If we don’t meet in person next week I’m finding another church that really believes in God.” “If we meet in person within the… Read More
Friday Prayer: Upon Reading of the Canaanite Woman and Jesus
(Matthew 15:21-28) God, This story is not the one I have in mind when I pray to be more like Jesus. I am already good at ignoring things that threaten to throw off my carefully laid plans. I need no encouragement to try to control the focus of my work according to my vision—which I… Read More
Friday Prayer: We are your people
Holy One, We are your people of peace in a world overwhelmed by violence. We are your people of reconciliation in a world where the powerful seek to divide and conquer. We are your people of community in a world literally sick with individualism. We are your people of sacrifice in a world of entitlement.… Read More
Friday Prayer: The Peace of Christ
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27 Perhaps this grieving is your peace. Perhaps this questioning This uncertainty This shaking of foundations Is the peace… Read More
Friday Prayer: For Juneteenth
*I realize Juneteenth is a uniquely U.S. celebration, but I trust the themes of freedom and celebration resonate around the world. God, Thank you for the celebration of Juneteenth: For those who claim the historical declaration of freedom, Who live within the spiritual reality of liberation, Who work for true justice in our country and… Read More
