In Jesus’ inaugural sermon, he identifies his mission by quoting the prophet Isaiah: “The spirit of the Lord . . . has sent me to proclaim release to the captives . . . to let the oppressed go free” (Luke 4:18). And while I am not, technically speaking, a biblical literalist, I have come to… Read More
Saturday Prayer – Saturday Teaching
On that day, Holy Friend, before dusty cloaks thrown onto even more dusty earth, before the powers’ posturing, before you washed your friends’ feet and sat at a table even with the one who would betray you and prayed in a darkened olive grove, before torture and death. On that day, Holy Friend, you did what… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
God we hear Your loving, yet powerful call as we enter into this season of reflection, remembering and returning We respond With symbols plain for all to see on our faces Gentle reminders on our hands Resolute promises in our hearts We are ready to put in the work To reflect on our sins, woundedness… Read More
RCL: Get Dressed and Go!
For most of the world, Christmas is over. For a few of us we are counting down the twelve days of Christmas. Many of the people who will gather for worship on Sunday have packed up their Christmas decorations and have moved on to New Year’s plans and resolutions. Yet, on the only Sunday in… Read More
RCL: Eager Disciples Edition
“Are you able to be like me and do what I do?” “Yes, we are!” I get the impression that James and John are imagining that they will receive Jesus’ miraculous power to heal, or will see the Holy Spirit as he did at his baptism. They seem excited to be like him, and eager… Read More
Saturday Prayer – While Washing the Dishes
A plate, a cup, a bowl, a spoon. It is morning, and I am washing yesterday’s dishes. Forgive me for the sin of leaving these dishes unwashed. And for the other sin of wishing I hadn’t left the dishes unwashed And for the further sin of convincing myself I’m probably a very bad person for… Read More
Wits’ Ends Day: A Notable Pastor Evaluation
First United Church of Nazareth Pastoral Evaluation Report from Pastor/Congregation Relations Committee (PCRC) Over the past three weeks, the PCRC has asked congregation members to submit pastoral evaluations as we seek to provide accountability to our pastor and strengthen our congregation’s ministry in the community. We appreciate all who took the time to… Read More
Saturday Prayer – Jesus the Border Crosser
Jesus, Brother and Border Crosser, May we be your feet marching steadily, as you did, into places of fear and grief and danger. Jesus, Brother and Border Crosser May we be your hands, reaching, as you did, across imaginary lines drawn in sand. Jesus, Brother and Border Crosser, May we be your mouth, prophesying, as… Read More
Friday Prayer: Letting Go of Shame
Eternal Divine Love, Shame plays more of a role in my life than I want it to. Shame functioning as the voice saying I “Should Have Already Mastered Everything”, Shame saying that I could do this thing if I tried harder and Shame asking why I’m not as good at the things other people can do, in seemingly effortless,… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Table Tipping (John 2:13-25)
“Well, Jesus got angry,” we hear people of faith explain, giving ourselves the right to be mad, too. It can be directed at the person who made us late for an event to the ugliness of human trafficking, or anything and everything in between. Our anger can be a slow burn or a hot flash. … Read More
