Thursday Prayer May 26, 2022 A Blessing for Our Teachers

We need to confess, Holy One, that the world has made profane the sacred calling that is teaching; the sacredness of caring for our children and our futures is dismissed as menial labor, undervalued and sorely underpaid. Redeem us from the world’s thoughtlessness and help us to bless those among us who have answered this… Read More

Worship Words for civic occasions

Many of us have been asked to pray at a variety of occasions outside our congregations or church buildings — from city council meetings to opening a homeless shelter to community thanksgiving events. As many places have Remembrance-related events this week, as the weather turns in the northern hemisphere and shelters open for the winter,… Read More

Worship Words: Wedding Edition

One of the great joys of ministry is to participate in life’s milestone moments with people. A wedding can be a beautiful occasion and we are always striving to make the language we use both consistent with our faith traditions and personal for each couple. Sometimes it can be a challenge! Here are some words… Read More

Saturday Prayer – Blessing

May you hear the Voice calling, “You are my beloved.” And if you cannot hear it just now May you hear our voices instead. “We will hear the Voice for you, beloved, until you can hear it for yourself.” Amen.     ____________________________________________________________________________________ Jennifer Garrison Brownell serves as pastor at First Congregational Church -UCC in… Read More

RCL: Humility, Foolishness, and Blessing

Sometimes the lectionary texts seem to speak to the heart of the struggle. I’m still wrestling with my mixed responses to the Women’s March this last weekend as I am confronted with God’s justice requirements. Reading these texts tells me that I can’t be angry when people show up for justice even if they are later to… Read More

RevGalBookPals: The Cure for Sorrow

There are some books that you just need. Not because you are a pastor or a particularly dedicated lay person or because you preach or are waiting for a call or are even a Christian, but you need this book because you are human. You need this book because it will give you words for… Read More