How have we arrived at the end of August so quickly? Even with pandemic this summer has sped by at an alarming rate. Many of us might be on vacation this week; I am. For those of us who are preaching this week, the texts contain countless sermon possibilities. Admittedly, I am seeing them all… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Beginning Again
A new year, a new month–a time for the traditional review of the past and a look ahead to the future, for resolutions and hopes and goals and plans. Time for a look back at what we’ve done and what we want to do in the coming year(s). Time for a fresh start, to reexamine… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
Spirit if God who hovered over the earth at the dawn of creation- Our environment is standing up to us. Python-like teeth of tornadoes are ripping into buildings. Waters keep rising as floods steal lands, massacre plant life, and leave our neighbors without homes. And yet, we keep living as if we make no impact.… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Life “On the Inside”
I get questions… As I have continued my spiritual advocacy for LGBQ+ people on the inside (aka prison ministry to incarcerated LGBTQ+ people), I have discovered how little is known about life on the inside, including by clergy. So, here’s a bit of summary. Note: All of these aspects will vary, depending on whether a… 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
Tuesday Prayer
God of all righteousness, as I embark upon jury duty this week, may my mind be void of distractions. May my eyes see what you need to see and hear what they need to hear. Remove biases from my head and grief from my heart. Bestow energy upon my body and may my soul feel… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
God, you granted humans agency when your breath entered our lungs, Nudge us to exercise our voice in a myriad of ways- In pulpits and rallies, In newspapers and blog posts, And as we vote. God, pour wisdom upon us so that it soaks through every part of our soul. May our minds be focused… Read More
Narrative Lectionary Justice like Water, Washing Away, Providing Growth… (Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24)
Amos is one of my favourite prophets, if not at the head of the list. At the same time I would agree with a point made in the Working Preacher podcast that Amos, taken seriously, is a voice that provides a real challenge to those of us living in positions of privilege. The exact quote,… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: The Church IS Political
I recently sat on a panel at a Christian University and a student asked me, “How do we know if we are being too political in church?” Given the current state of this country—and that of my agitated Puerto Rican, Afriqueña, queer, woman spirit—my quick response was, “As the church, we can never be too… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: The Ministry of Never Forgetting
Today, April 24, 2017, marks both Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 102nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. For me, remembering the Armenian Genocide is personal. My grandfather survived this genocide as a six-year-old. His harrowing description of the events go beyond what any person should have to observe in their lives – let alone a… Read More
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