I’m in the midst of writing a grant application for some sabbatical and other continuing education funding. It’s so hard to write what I think I should say–and so much more fun to write this version of what I want to say. (Also, if you are a reviewer for the actual grant application process I am applying to, please… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Going Here and There
It’s summer, God, and I’m going here and there. Remind me that you, also, are here And there, And each step in between. It’s busy, God, and I’m planning for this and that. Remind me that even if this isn’t perfect And if that doesn’t quite work out, Your grace is sufficient. It’s hard, God,… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Grant us Peace
Holy God, When there are wars and rumors of wars Grant us your peace. When our technology advances more quickly than our ethics, Protect us from ourselves. When political pride threatens innocent lives, Show us your mercy. When we seek “our” safety by detaining and deporting “them,” Transform our thinking. When we try to assure… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Gratitude for Words
The poetry exercise says to “find 50-100 words you like.” Words in books, notes, brochures, on signs, and rolling off of people’s tongues. Words that catch my attention. Words that make me feel . . . something. Words that sound the way they should against my ear. So I’ve been looking and listening And, God,… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: Guidelines for Choosing Curriculum
For no particular reason, I have decided to offer some suggestions for choosing children’s curriculum. Whether it’s Sunday School or, say, Vacation Bible School, the lessons we share with the young people of the church are important. It’s true that no curriculum, not even what I wrote for Shine (#ShamelessSelfPromotion), will perfectly impart the fullness of… Read More
Saturday Prayer: God of Holy Spirit Power
God of Holy Spirit power, We bear the weight of the tasks that are before us and the tasks that are beyond us. We grieve the pain of those who suffer within our circles and those who suffer beyond our sphere. We feel our anger over the injustices we can address and the injustices beyond… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit
(inspired by John 14:23-29) Come, Holy Spirit, Calm my fears. Come, Holy Spirit, Comfort me in my sorrow. Come, Holy Spirit, Open my ears to your voice. Come, Holy Spirit, Move me with Divine love. Come, Holy Spirit, Give me your peace. Grant me your power. Come, Holy Spirit. Come. Rev. Joanna Harader serves as… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Mothering God
Mothering God, For your creative, creating energy, We give you thanks. For groaning in labor pains, We give you thanks. For the tears you shed, We give you thanks. For the shelter of your wings, We give you thanks. For stirring our nests and carrying us aloft, We give you thanks. For feeding us and… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: Summer Sermon Series
Well, preachers, we’ve made it through the high holy days. Our people expect certain things from us as we preach them through Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter. But summer is on the horizon, and for many, that means a chance to spread our preaching wings just a bit. We can move off Lectionary and… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Release to the Captives
In Jesus’ inaugural sermon, he identifies his mission by quoting the prophet Isaiah: “The spirit of the Lord . . . has sent me to proclaim release to the captives . . . to let the oppressed go free” (Luke 4:18). And while I am not, technically speaking, a biblical literalist, I have come to… Read More
