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
Narrative Lectionary: Business Practices
I’ve heard this parable (here) preached and taught as an economic justice story. And, it is. I’ve also heard it shared in relation to God’s grace, abundance, and generosity. And, it is. But, when I read it this time something new happened for me. Images of an owner whose business practice is to center persons… 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
The Pastoral is Political: We Need to Talk About Menstruation. Period.
Last night, I finally watched the Oscar-winning documentary (short subject) Period. End of Sentence. The film details the many women across our world who have missed opportunities for education and employment due to the lack of menstrual hygiene products. Furthermore, women would use items like dirty rags, ashes, and leaves in order to avoid bleeding through… Read More
Friday Prayer: Glow
Holy One, Sometimes we see through the bare branches to your beauty and majesty reflected in nature. And sometimes we lose sight of your mighty forest because of the trees. Focus our hearts on the waiting world: who wars and does not make peace, who cries out and does not hear your answers, who looks… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: On Earth as it is in Heaven
After reading the kin-dom stories found in this week’s text around 7 times this morning I can’t help but wonder if Jesus is expounding on the “on earth as it is in heaven” portion of the prayer he teaches his disciples in Chapter 6…? The story about the “good” and the “bad” dwelling together sounds… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
God, on this day in the middle of the week It becomes clear that You are “both/and” Both merciful and just Both leading and at the same time granting free will Both the ground of our very being and transcendent over all In a time that can seem very complex Help us to know that… Read More
