Dearest Lord Jesus, for the crimes of the fathers, we ask forgiveness. For those who prioritize profits over the poor, who think that other is less than. Send us mercy and grace and soften Pharoh’s heart. Amen. The Reverend Shannon Meacham currently serves Ashland Presbyterian Church in the safest part of Baltimore, the suburbs. You… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: I can’t preach that!
I managed to see Wonder Woman this week. And, although that’s a genre of film in which I wouldn’t normally indulge, I loved it! The down to earth, underlying themes of truth and hope and love triumphing over evil and hatred and suffering, spoke to me at a primal level as I sought to escape the… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Clergy Colleagues
This week’s question is from a Rev who has found online support for her ministry in the RevGalBlogPal community. Now, she is looking forward to relating to come colleagues in real life. Dear Matriarchs, In the first years of my ministry, I served a rural congregation with no nearby clergy colleagues. The RevGalBlogPals online community… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion we were like those who dream. Psalm 126:1 “We were like those who dream”, the ancients proclaim, when restoration and return to home happened after hope against hope. It was surreal and yet true, a dream. Make me like those who dream, dear… Read More
Our Spiritual Disciplines: Photography
I was introduced to photography as a spiritual practice or discipline while participating in Spiritual Director’s training in 2013 and since then it has become an integral and essential part of my life in all kinds of ways: social, family, ministry and especially spiritually. I ‘see’ differently, there are times when I see my surroundings… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Because it’s gonna take more than just prayer…
Last week, while a bunch of our church kids were gathered and playing and laughing and dancing, a couple miles north there was a drive-by shooting. A gunman (or gunmans) shot into a car, hitting all four people inside: two adults in their 20s, and two babies. Babies. A 9-month-old and an 18-month-old are still… Read More
Monday Prayer
For the rain that seeps into the pores of the earth and the crevices of our being, we give thanks to you, For the sun that coaxes forth the potential of our beings, we give thanks to you, For the stars that beckon us into the depths of your mystery, we give thanks to you,… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Struggle and Hope
Where I am, it is hot as the dickens. Even the squirrels are finding refuge in the shade and moving as little as possible. I love summer. I yearn for it all year. I don’t even mind the heat. But this year everything feels off. There is so much violence in the world and appropriate… Read More
Friday Festival
Our bloggers are reflecting on travel, and the baggage we carry, this week. They are our tour guides into new spiritual territory. Beginning with the intriguing lament, “I have always wanted to be a tiny-purse carrier,” Melissa Bane Sevier reflects on what we carry around, and Jesus’ instructions to his disciples not to carry a… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Hey God, There is a whole lot of pain and fear around us right now. Everywhere. In the world. Everywhere. Make haste to save us. Wrap us in love. Remind us to wrap one another and the stranger in love. Amen. Rev. Karla Miller is Minister for Community Life at Old North Church Church, UCC… Read More
