God on this day, we invoke the spirit of our ancestor, the Apostle Mary Magdalene Grant us the audacity of Mary Magdalene to break gender roles and dismiss stereotypes Grant us the confidence of Mary Magdalene to step into spaces, work, and movements—sometimes uninvited, often unwanted, always unapologetic Grant us the courage of Mary Magdalene… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Naaman gets treatment for coronavirus
While the intervention of kings made a political football out of the army commander’s illness, the faithful Elisha kept his mind on his ministry, which was to demonstrate to the world that God’s power is present, God’s mercy is manifest, and that keeping to one’s house, advocating for frequent (hand) washing, donning the mask of humility, and protecting the integrity of one’s position as a prophet and a pastor are potent means to unleashing the change of circumstances for which we all thirst, and hunger, and pray. Read More
Wednesday Prayer
I feel like we are always asking for something when we pray, O God We have our lists…we need so much – especially right now… Healing… Justice… Transformation… Courage… Faith… Release… So instead of asking, today we come offering to you, Gracious God our renewed commitment to you our renewed commitment to humanity our renewed… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Stopping midday midweek amidst the noise in the middle of work or play or nothing Stopping to pray and to say thank you and to remember your faithfulness and to reach for your promise and to make an offering Praying for relief Praying for healing Praying for resources to care for the most vulnerable Praying… Read More
Sunday Prayer: going and coming
The road is long, Lord,
and we are weary.
We have journeyed to this place
from different locations
along different roads
for different reasons.
Yet here we are, ….
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Narrative Lectionary: An Intent to Heal (Mark 5:21-43)
Mark 5:21-43 This week, we continue through Mark’s story of Jesus, where he’s healing people society isn’t all that sure they want healed, and he’s calming storms. He’s teaching in parables. Today’s story has the story of the woman who touches Jesus in the crowd, bookended by the story of Jairus’ daughter. Working Preacher commentary… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Healing for Liberation and Confrontation (Mark 2:1-22)
Every time I consider Jesus’ miracle stories I think someone in the congregation is thinking, “Yeah. That’s Jesus. I can’t do that.” Because we can’t, can we? Jesus performs miracle after miracle, and I have to tell you, I’ve never performed one single miracle! But reading Ched Myers (Binding the Strong Man and “Say to… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Miracle of Miracles (Mark 1:21-45)
We’ve finally made it! The Gospel Readings are here! Okay, technically they were here last week but if you’re like me, your church did something special or you had a guest preacher or something. Our scriptures this week are challenging enough, but if you did do something special last week you may want to read… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
God we come ready to listen waiting to hear Your still speaking voice Send Your Spirit to fall afresh on us To break open those closed places in our hearts And soften those hardened places in our souls And heal those troubled places in our minds So that we might hear You above the noise… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Praying, praying, praying… for peace for joy for healing for justice for love for ALL Trusting, trusting, trusting… that you hear us, Dear God and that you know what we need RIGHT NOW Amen and thank you in advance Rev. Dr. Marilyn Pagán-Banks (she/her/hers/ella) is a queer womanist freedom fighter, minister, spiritual entrepreneur, teacher, and… Read More
