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
The Pastoral is Political: Minding the Gap, Mending the Gap
There’s a guy who comes to see me at church every couple months. He’s lived in his car for as long as I’ve known him, because shelters are not his speed, and most won’t allow his kitten anyway. Just about every time he comes in, needing anywhere from twenty to a hundred dollars, he’s got… 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
The Pastoral is Political: Borders
The Pastoral is Political – Borders I am writing this at the start of a holiday. My hubby and I love traveling. Each year we decide where we are heading and I get planning. I can spend hours looking at flight options and reading reviews of accommodation options. I always aim to get a good… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
God of Grace When we don’t know what to do… Have mercy on us God of Grace When we don’t know where to turn… Have mercy on us God of Grace When we don’t know who You are… Have mercy on us For there is yet work for us to do… …Light to be shared… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Who is My Neighbor?
Disturbing defendants are our neighbors, too. Read More
The Pastoral Is Political: Free Pastor Betty Rendón!
Last Wednesday night, I gathered with ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod Bishop Paul Erickson and a couple hundred clergy and community members outside of the Kenosha Detention Center for a prayer vigil. That morning I found out that ELCA Synodical Minister: Pastor Betty Rendón, her husband, nephew, and daughter were arrested and detained on May 8.… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Release to the Captives
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
Narrative Lectionary: Embodying the Text
As I read the text this morning I saw Jesus bringing the scripture he had been taught to life. Like an actor taking a script and not only committing their lines to memory – but making the story their own, embodying the text and helping those watching feel the intent and intensity of what was… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
God our rock God of changing seasons God of justice God of promise God of love Be with us now as we seek answers in the midst of flying bullets, drones and bombs Be with us now as we run for cover in the midst of tornadoes, floods and storms Be with us now as… Read More
