Sunday Prayer: labor pains

Sovereign God,
in the midst of chaos, you are calm;
in the center of unrest, you are peace.
Quiet our spirits
and focus … Read More

Sunday Prayer: petitions inspired by Ruth and Naomi

For the gift of faithful friendship, Lord,
we thank you.
For the burden made lighter
by the sharing, … Read More

RCL: The Way of Kings or the Way of God?

Summer is officially here when the RCL gives us a choice between the thematic and the continuous readings from the Hebrew Bible. I don’t know about you, but I’m not quit prepared to make that choice this year. I feel like I am running a few steps behind, like I’m still in Lent, or maybe… Read More

Sunday Prayer: thank God for the teachers

At the Spirit’s urging,
all along our journeys of faith,
we have been greeted by
teachers
who took the time time … Read More

Narrative Lectionary: O joy! A meeting! (Acts 15:1-18)

I must say that my first reaction to the inclusion of this reading in the Narrative Lectionary was one of doubt and trepidation. Would Sunday’s sermon turn out to be little more than an intellectual exercise lacking any application to the life and faith of my congregation? However, thanks be to God, some thoughts are… Read More

Narrative Lectionary: the tweenager Jesus (Luke 2:41-52)

The celebration of New Year’s Eve (Hogmany) is a big event in Scotland. However, this year it will be very much curtailed, as were our Christmas and Easter celebrations, along with the festivals of other faiths in 2020. It’s within this very different New Year that we read of Jesus’ family going up to Jerusalem… Read More

Wit’s End Day: What Pastors have learned during COVID

Sure, 2020 has been a rough year with lots of adjustments and some difficult losses. But just think of all the stuff we’ve learned along the way! Talk about “things they didn’t teach us in seminary”! (Except #5. Dr. Graves tried very hard to teach me #5.) So here are The Top 10 Things I’ve… Read More

Sunday Prayer: a haven for the hungry

Living Water,

We come before you this day, lifting before you those who need your healing touch,
your comforting presence,
your reassuring word. Read More

Saturday Prayer: Woven Together

Thank you for this day, Holy One. A day of unknowns and surprises. A day of plans and promises. A day of loss and disappointments. A day of brokenness and despair. A day of dreams and hopes. We give them all to you. We trust in your Divine guidance as we weave our hearts into… Read More