March has come in like a lion in my part of the world, making me all the more ready for a party! There’s nothing quite like starting Lent by celebrating our sisters in ministry. This month’s ordiversary party is kicked off by RevGal Carolyn Herold, whose persistence in pursuing her call is a reminder that… 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: Temptation Time
https://www.agnusday.org/comics/269/matthew-04-01-11-2008 We are beginning Lent with temptations, per usual. And as all well known passages, it’s a tricky one to preach on. I fully believe that part of Jesus being fully human means that he was actually tempted by these offers from the devil. He actually does want to eat bread, or die, or rule… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
Spirit of Calm and Chaos… In these moments before our Lenten pilgrimage begins, we take a look at our dusty world- Where active shooter trainings are reality, Where middle-age icons die of strokes, Where our youth can’t see themselves in the ways you see them, and our powers-that-be can’t see the image of God in… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Church Seasons
Jesus said, “Have you never read what David did when he & his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and ate the bread of the Presence, giving some to his companions too. In the same way, the sabbath was made for humanity’s sake — humanity was not made for sabbath’s sake. The… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Lent’s days are winding down, Merciful God, and we are no closer to having contrite hearts. Our small complains still loom large, and we don’t hurry to show mercy, or rush to be kind. The old habits of Fat Tuesday are still alluring, and we resist the emptiness of the desert that reveals you. The… Read More
Saturday Prayer: I am a mess
Incarnate God, I am screaming in the temple, flipping over tables, making enemies of those who do not understand. I am relaxing with my friends, enjoying good food, a nice glass of wine, giving thanks for the bread and the cup and the laughter. I am weeping in the garden, feeling terribly alone, fearing what… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
God of peace, you already know that we are worried and distracted by many things. Our hearts are restless, not for you, but for the shiny gifts of distraction, quick comfort and approval. As Lent moves toward Holy Week, deepen in us, we pray, the ability to live with sadness and tension, to rest, not fretting,… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Behold the Man!
The Narrative Lectionary reading for the fifth Sunday in Lent is John 19:1-16a. Working Preacher commentary is here. Jesus’ trial before Pilate continues, and progresses from heated conversation to violence. Pilate has Jesus flogged. Pilate has Jesus dressed with a crown of thorns and purple robe, to be mocked as “King of the Jews”. Even… Read More
Saturday Prayer: In the Midst
Holy God, Alpha and Omega, Our beginning and our end– We are in the midst: In the midst of the Lenten wilderness with its deprivations and spiritual burdens, moving from temptation to cross through grief and betrayal and violence. We are in the midst: In the midst of church busyness with its committee meetings and… Read More
