On a day when the UK is participating in a General Election, we focus on hope and channel the Song of Mary: Cast down the mighty O God, send the rich away empty handed, lift up the lowly, fill the hungry. May we choose wisely – choosing personal discomfort over austerity that afflicts those already… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
For those of us who mourn deeply and sometimes in secret this season, grant comfort For those of us whose history gets forgotten with holiday cheer, grant justice For those of us who are alone and have been banished from community and table, grant love We need you, O God. For those of us who… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: God’s Hope (Jeremiah 33:14-18)
The text for this week is so short I figured I would just put it here: Jeremiah 33:14-18 14 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will… 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
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
