More often than not, I’ve woken up lately feeling like an elephant was curled up on my chest. Here in the United States we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic that remains relatively unchecked because our leaders lack the political will to make hard choices. Of systemic racism that manifests in new ways… Read More
Friday prayer: communing together
God in all times and places, this weekend is the annual observance of World Communion Sunday. This occasion seems particularly poignant this year. Some clergy and congregations aren’t authorized to celebrate the Lord’s Supper virtually. Many of those that are will do so from separate spaces, given the dangers of the pandemic. And yet, the… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Choosing Our Normal
Our families, our churches, our schools, our communities. Almost everywhere in our environment there has been a strong urge to “get back to normal.” But it seems to me that the normal we left behind is not the normal we will be able to return to. Nor should we try. I’m thinking mainly about congregations,… Read More
Wits-Ends-Day: Church COVID-19 Survey Results
How comfortable would you be coming to in-person worship? Very comfortable. (33%) Fairly comfortable. (34%) Not at all comfortable. (33%) Comments: “Covid isn’t real and God will protect us from it.” “If we don’t meet in person next week I’m finding another church that really believes in God.” “If we meet in person within the… Read More
Pastoral Care and Health Care
O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You are acquainted with all my ways. For it was you who formed my inward parts; I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. – Psalm 139:1-14… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
God, we can’t even remember what day it is These times still seem so surreal A pandemic Constant political unrest A Black man shot down while jogging Babies in cages Yet we still sing, “It is well with my soul…” Willing it. Believing it. Working to make it so. But how can it be? How… Read More
Friday Festival: May Day Reflections
In some parts of the world, May Day is marked with parades and bonfires and drinking. In other places, it is marked with small baskets of flowers or candy left on a doorstep. For many of our bloggers, the start of a new month has been a time of reflection. What happened in April, and… Read More
Thursday Prayer: quarantine slump
This is a prayer from the day when it feels impossible to stand in another socially-distanced queue. This is a prayer from glasses-fogged face-mask wearing weariness. This is a prayer for missing friends and loved ones and longing for hugs and shared laughter where you don’t have to worry about your outbreath and how far… Read More
Thursday Prayer: for pandemic panic
So much is uncertain You are a rock and a refuge Steady. There is so much fear You are a shelter and a comfort Rest. We are assailed by doubt and grief: Yours is the voice that stills the storm Calm. Decisions to make, tasks to do You are the source of wisdom. Trust. We… Read More
Thursday Prayer: Improvising
Dear God, We are improvising: learning how to be pastors when there are no in-person gatherings for worship; making dinner with what is at hand including those things bought because they would be “good to try” or “seemed a good price”; we are trying our hand at haircuts and dog grooming; finding ways to celebrate… Read More
