We awake with praise We pause with praise We move with praise We live with praise Not because all is perfect but because we are never alone Not because we have all the answers but because we trust You Not because we are not afraid but because we can lean on each other Not because… Read More
RCL: We Can Work it Out
This morning as I was pondering the interesting mix of texts on offer, I had a sudden realization: these were the Revised Common Lectionary texts for Sunday November 13, 2016– the Sunday following the U.S. presidential election. I chose then as I choose this week, to use the Isaiah and Luke texts. About two-thirds of… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
God of Questions and Answers- In the words of The Clash: “Should I stay or should I go now?” Should I drive on potentially icy roads or stay in my warm abode? Should I go out with friends or stay home to rest? Should I attend one more meeting that I really am not required… Read More
Sunday Prayer
Holy Wisdom, You hear our questions~ The deep ones, the fearful ones, the sarcastic ones, the searching ones, the shallow ones, the technical ones… All the questions, and the questions underneath the ones we ask out loud. You listen, You reflect, You respond in presence and absence, You offer always Grace and mercy. We may… Read More
A Letter from the RGBP Board
Colleagues in ministry and friends- We thank you so much for your prayers during our Board retreat last week. We worked hard together, tasked with the leadership of this diverse and vibrant community. The board marveled at and celebrated the work of the past 14 years, including honoring Martha Spong, RGBP co-founder and Executive Director. … Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Cloudy, sunny Bright, gloomy Cold, warm Busy, light No matter the day we wake up to – it is the day that you have made, Creator God And for this will we rejoice! Amen. Rev. Dr. Marilyn Pagán-Banks (she/her/hers/ella) is a queer womanist freedom fighter, minister, spiritual entrepreneur, teacher, and life-long learner committed… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
Divine Dweller, As decisions are made And votes are cast And thoughts are shared Across our earth, May your love be incorporated as part of these choices. Shine your light brightly on the areas you need for us to focus. Call us again and again if we take the unhealthiest path. May your grace overwhelm… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Stuck in the Middle with You (1 Kings 18:[17-19] 20-39)
Oh Elijah. What have we done? What have you done? And how are we supposed to preach about it? For a reading of this week’s text check out Working Preacher’s Commentary. And if you’re not listening to NL;DR with Dr. Amy Robertson and Dr. Robert Williamson then GET THEE TO THE PODCAST NOW! So where… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Humility and Hope Edition
As ever, the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary provide lots of choices for preaching this week. There is also the opportunity to preach Reformation Sunday and, in some traditions, All Saints might be incorporated into this Sunday. Where are you finding good news this week? Where are you finding hope that can be… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: About That Ministry “Hill Worth ‘Dying’ On”
Today, we consider critical church decisions, language choices, and the cost of doing ministry with integrity. Dear Matriarchs: I remember being surprised in my seminary field education class at how often one of my classmates used the phrase “not a hill I’m/we’re willing to die on” a lot about problems she and her supervising pastor… Read More
