“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
Revised Common Lectionary: Money Edition
The Revised Common Lectionary continues to bring us complicated teachings of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. In an attempt to catch Jesus teaching against the government, the Pharisees ask him about paying taxes. Is it lawful or not? Jesus says to give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and give to God the things… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Spoiler Edition
Do you think Jesus was an extrovert or an introvert? Here, in Matthew 14:13-21, is Jesus after a really tough time; his family disowned him and then his cousin is killed by the powers that be. When I was small, I was sad, because I was convinced that Jesus was an introvert, because he wanted… Read More
Saturday Prayer – Sails
I’m not much of a sailor, Jesus. I hew toward queasiness, fearfulness, land-longing. All distractions, I know, but persistent ones. You met your first friends where they were, leaping from boats, salt water stiffly drying in their hair and beards. I remember this. So for today, rather than trying to be a sailor, I’m going… Read More
11th Hour Preacher Party: Gates and Sheep edition
Preaching colleagues, it’s that time of the week again! How is your sermon coming along? Between planning liturgy, preparing for children’s sermons, and writing something for the main preaching event, this is often the busiest time of the week! At least, it is for those who tend to procrastinate, or who had unexpected events eat… Read More
