The text for this week found in Isaiah reminds me so much of the current political climate we find ourselves in today. Read it here This story is so familiar to what we are experiencing in this country with this seated president – that it makes me want to laugh and cry at the same… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Short-Term Memory
We are the dead; short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. from In Flanders Fields by John McCrae Sunday, November 11, 2018 was the one-hundredth anniversary of Armistice Day, the end of World War One in Europe. The festivities have been… Read More
Monday Prayer
I’ve been baking Precious Holy, Weighing and measuring, sifting and mixing, combining and folding, dividing and preparing Then, the baking…. waiting, watching, hoping… sweet smells of spice lifting the spirit warmth and depth rising, swelling until, at exactly the right moment it all comes together and there it is… rich fruit cake. How like baking… Read More
Sunday Prayer: Steal Away
At the last, O God, promise that sacrifice will never again be demanded. At the last, O God, promise that our sisters and siblings and brothers will not need to compromise their imago dei for security. At the last, O God, promise that thunder will claim us and oust evil, that bread and breath will… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Ya Got a Sermon?
This ostrich seems to be asking, “Ya got a sermon in there?” (or, ahem, maybe I’m just feeling a little pressed to get mine written). Revised Common Lectionary preachers are considering scribes and widows, widows and prophets, orphans and widows. Check out a post and discussion here. Narrative Lectionary preachers are pondering the prophet Micah’s… Read More
Friday Festival
This weekend is an important anniversary… 100 years since the end of the Great War; and here in Scotland there is much going on in preparation for it; knitters all over the country have been working hard to create poppies, in many shades of red, (and purple, blue and white) which have been used to… Read More
Friday Prayer
In the middle of so many things, I have decision fatigue. Is this staying or going? Should I choose this or that? Which way will this situation go and how should I respond? I’m too tired to choose words for praying. Too tired to make this cogent and sensible. Too exhausted to do anything, but… Read More
Thursday Prayer
Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. When this world is too much, And when it’s not nearly enough. Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. When the cries of your babies ring out in my ears. When the blood of your children runs down our fancy streets. When… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Pastoral Transition, Grief, and Soul Care
This week’s question is from a pastor in transition from her first call to her new congregation. In the midst of her excitement, she identifies another emotion. How might she address that in her own life and with her new congregation? Dear Matriarchs- I have accepted a new call and I’m moving across states, time… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Dear God, It is a new day. With it comes some significant wins and some deep losses. Many are waking up this morning with heavy hearts and tired feet…but their work has not been in vain. Many are waking up this morning disappointed by those who choose to vote from a place of hate and… Read More
