The sun is setting earlier, the hours feel shorter. So many bulletins and services and gatherings and rehearsals and events to prepare and plan and oh, attend. The days are surely coming…. The pressure amps up and the voicemails are full. The traditions and the meals and the precious family moments. The days are surely… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
God of Mystery- Where has this year gone? Why are the days fleeting by? As we reflect upon the moments behind us and the hours still remaining in this day, give us the strength to face our nighttimes and our winters. Let us enjoy the silence before the new day begins and the glow of… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Change of Plans [2 Kings 22:1-10, [14-20]; 23:1-3]
God’s reward system is curious. The reward for faithfulness is never a shiny new Mercedes, or even a Prius, just the gift of deeper work to do. The gift exchange for following God turns out to be…more of God. Answering Josiah’s remorse over Israel’s faithlessness, God promises him a peaceful death, and to be spared… Read More
The Pastoral Is Political: End White Supremacy in the White House
Last week, the Southern Poverty Law Center released an incredibly important report that seemed to fall under the radar as the media focused on details about the impeachment hearings. In the report, we learned that Katie McHugh – former editor of the alt-right Breitbart News publication – leaked over 900 emails that Stephen Miller sent… Read More
Friday Prayer
For those who ran out of week before they ran out of things that need to get done, we pray to the Lord. For those who feel self-satisfied when they hear “Those who will not work should not eat”, we pray to the Lord. For those who carry home a backpack of food from school… Read More
Friday Festival: Dawn and Dusk
Shorter days are coming in some parts of the world, while others are finding longer, sunnier days. In the U.S., I find this time of year hard, as the dark and the cold take a mental toll. I found sustenance in our bloggers’ reflections on light, new dawns, and the beauty of twilight. A new… Read More
Ask the Matriarch: Congregational Planning with a Stewardship Emphasis
This week’s question is from a soon-to-be ordained pastor whose congregation is feeling some growing pains that will impact her own professional life. Dear Matriarchs, I serve a mid-size congregation as Director of Faith Formation. I recently became eligible for ordination and my congregation must now decide whether to call me to continue serving them… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
God of Questions and Answers- In the words of The Clash: “Should I stay or should I go now?” Should I drive on potentially icy roads or stay in my warm abode? Should I go out with friends or stay home to rest? Should I attend one more meeting that I really am not required… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Beyond Civility
I’ve recently become aware of an organization called The National Institute for Civil Discourse because they launched a “Golden Rule 2020” campaign on November 3. Many mainline denominational leaders participated in the gathering that led to this campaign and subsequently endorsed it. As a result, in my social media feeds, people I respect offered very… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: serious holy parenting edition
Somehow it’s already the weekend. I know I was on holiday this week and just came back to work on Friday, and I know that may not have been the world’s wisest choice because OMG IT’S ALMOST SUNDAY….but better than coming back Saturday night as I usually do, I suppose! Here in Scotland it’s Remembrance… Read More
