Image: https://larrystewardjames.wordpress.com/2014/03/29/in-the-beginning-was-the-word-and-the-word-was-with-god-and-the-word-was-god-john-11/ Prayer: Life-giving Word, Creating Word which made and sustains all life Word Incarnate, made like us and dwelling among us Word which the Spirit recalls to us, give us the power of your Word that we may pray truly, sing fully, and worship you in all we do. Amen. Rev. Dr. Barbara… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Stalled
I am stalled. I have been pushing too hard for too long. I’ve given my life more gas than it can handle, taken on too much, tried to do more than I am capable of. And now I’m sitting by the side of the road, unable to get started again, watching the smoke pouring out… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Take Time
This rose bloomed on the morning the moving van arrived, a morning full of constant motion and a flurry of activity. As our children and I left the house for the last time, I stopped to smell the rose and invited them to do so, too. The moving crew–five men–all came over to smell it… Read More
Friday Festival
It is almost 6 pm on a summer Friday; the air is heavy and storm clouds are brooding overhead; I began collating the content of today’s Festival around 7.30 this morning and I had planned to have it finished and posted well before lunchtime. Then at 9 am I received a very unexpected call: a… Read More
Friday Prayer
A word for the one who needs to hear- The Lord says wildflowers are not too much. They bring beauty to the land and strength to the soil. They are food for the birds, bees, and butterflies and shelter for that which crawls on the ground. Even if they were merely decorative- a… Read More
Thursday Prayer
God, I did it. I made them other. I allowed them to be other to me. So that I could stay distant. So that I could stay away. So that I could get to work on time. So that I could sleep at night. I had to. But You called me child. And you called… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Our Favorite Ministry Resources
This week we ask the Matriarchs to give us some practical inspiration for our work as pastors. Dear Matriarchs, What are your best/favorite/essential go-to resources for ministry? Categories might include worship liturgy, sermon writing, programming, leader development, spiritual development (pastor and congregation) and congregational vitality. Let’s hear from our Matriarchs: Sharon Mack Temple I will… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: An Honest Sabbatical Grant Application
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
Wednesday Prayer
God of grace Time moves so fast we can hardly recall what day it is Slow us down, please Draw us back to You To one another To creation So that in sincere gratitude and fullness of joy we might experience the life that You envision for each of us So that all may truly… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Plumb Lines
What holds you down, keeps you grounded? What keeps you in line, provides accountability? What helps you find your bearings, your plumb line, your skeg? On a kayak, a skeg is a small fin on the bottom rear of the vessel, used to keep the kayak steady (more or less) on the course of its… Read More
