For all the things yet to be done, for all the bulletins being proofed, and the office staff running them, for the final versions (and belated first drafts) of meditations and prayers invoking light, imagining peace, or agitating for change, for the figures of Baby Jesus so well-and-carefully hidden we cannot find them, (check the… Read More
Advent 3: Sunday Prayer
Sing aloud, o daughters! Shout with joy, o children! The peril against you is gone. Yet again and again, O God, we have picked it back up: the peril of fear, the peril of greed, the peril of jealousy, the peril of nationalism, the peril of self-abasement. Again and again we pray, O God: show… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Messy Feelings
The first time I ran across Isaiah 42 verse 1 was when I was preparing my mother’s homegoing service in November of 2002. The words, “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights,” brought me some comfort and a bit of peace at the time. This morning, the more… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Joy!
JOY: Sing aloud! Do not be afraid! Be welcomed home! (Zephaniah 3:14-20) JOY: Draw water! Shout to the whole world! Call on God’s name! (Isaiah 12:2-6) JOY: Rejoice always! Do not worry! Give thanks! (Philippians 4:4-7) JOY: Flee from wrath! Do not hoard! Be cleared of chaff! (Luke 3:7-18) The exhortations of John the Baptist… Read More
Advent 2: Sunday Prayer
Not to have peace, but to be peace; Not to endure the fire, but to live with fire; Not to be called prophets, but to catch the vision; Not to be complete, but to be preparing; This is our Advent prayer. Rachel G. Hackenberg‘s book with co-author Martha Spong, Denial Is My Spiritual Practice (and… Read More
Friday Prayer: Traveling home
Holy One, I sat in this traffic tonight, impatient and tired, (and a little bit whiny). When I had to wait for the traffic light to cycle through a third time, I yelled, “I just want to go HOME!” (to no one in particular) But really, I was calling and crying out to You. For… Read More
RCL: Coming Christ & Preparations
The theme of preparation is strong this week. How can we prepare for the one who is coming? Every year, we need to practice. We have to practice how to wait. How do you wait? I suspect we prepare to help us wait, because we can never truly be ready. Luke 3:1-6 juxtaposed… Read More
The Pastoral Is Political: Be Alert this Advent
Yesterday we entered the season of Advent, a time in the church calendar where we are called to slow down and simplify our lives as we wait and prepare for the coming of Jesus, the One who came to us in the flesh as a refugee baby 2000 years ago and who will one day… Read More
Advent 1: Sunday Prayer
The day will surely come. Steadfast God, hold us in the meantime that we might not fear the long night. The time will surely arrive. Faithful God, give us signs while we wait until every speck of star and dust is a revelation. The promise will surely be fulfilled. Eternal God, plant the seeds within… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: here comes Advent!
Ready or not, here it comes! The first Sunday of advent is upon us. Whether you are following the RCL with its apocalyptic Advent 1, the Narrarive Lectionary with the lesser-known Habakkuk who somehow manages to speak right into current events, or a series of your own making, now is the time! Bring your ideas,… Read More
