In Mark 6:14-20 we start with a shock. John the Baptist has already beheaded. Cousin of Jesus Christ, it seems obvious that the mistaking of one for another would be inevitable. In a culture where most people are probably related in some way; it seems likely that people would look similar. As everyone tries to… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Following God’s Call
OK. For those of us in the USA, and for those abroad who have a vested interest in US politics, this is not exactly the easiest week to be prepping a sermon. If you’re not preaching in the US context, feel free to skip the next two paragraphs… but for those preachers in the USA,… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Quit the playground politics
As I sat and stared at a blank screen this morning, I wondered what to write about. On my Twitter feed I had read a tweet about the Presidential debate last night. Now as an outsider (being in Scotland) I wanted to avoid saying anything about the election that takes place in just a few… Read More
The Pastoral is Political–But Not Partisan
the principles that undergird decision-making, the values that we hold that make us vote the ways that we do, should be shaped by God. 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
The Pastoral is Political
I had the flu over Christmas. I started to wonder if my symptoms were more real than psychosomatic the day of the Pageant dress rehearsal (Magi #1, my middle daughter, had been diagnosed three days before), but persevered through the Sunday morning performance. I left church and went directly to the pharmacy walk-in clinic. It… Read More
Thursday Prayer
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
The Pastoral is Political: Our Transgender Children
“Sasha” (not her real name) has just finished the third grade. She began her school year with the name given her at birth, a name reflecting that she was originally gender identified as “male.” By the end of the year, she had chosen a new name, and we were referring to her by her preferred… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Calm in the Face of a National Emergency
Declaring something an emergency escalates it. I’ve learned that the best way to deal with the anxiety, bluster and stress of the situation is simply to be calm, quiet and composed. Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Be Love Out Loud
The text for this week found in Isaiah reminds me so much of the current political climate we find ourselves in today. Read it here This story is so familiar to what we are experiencing in this country with this seated president – that it makes me want to laugh and cry at the same… Read More
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