Dear pastors, I hope and pray that you have someone in your life that you can call to say you have no words. You have a draft of a sermon and this week has been another beast so it feels like you should say something, but the words aren’t coming easily. I hope you haveContinue reading “An Affirmation of Faith for Texas”
Tag Archives: baptism
Baptism of Christ Sunday After the Riots
I lit a candle this afternoon when I didn’t know what else to do. A colleague and friend texted moments before to tell me that the prayers I had curated for the sermon series she had hoped to begin this Sunday may have to wait. Like the rest of the nation, I nervously refreshed myContinue reading “Baptism of Christ Sunday After the Riots”
Pandemic Prayers for Baptism of Christ
I love this Sunday. I have been known to do some really silly things in worship because I love the joy of remembering this wonderful and strange ritual we share where we remember we are God’s beloved. And so I want to make this Sunday special. I want there to be unique things that doContinue reading “Pandemic Prayers for Baptism of Christ”
Pandemic Prayers for World Communion Sunday
In the churches I’ve served, this was always a Sunday people looked forward to. It wasn’t a celebration that they remembered from childhood but it was something that has become meaningful and important. There was always careful planning to make bread, prepare special liturgy and even host special events after worship. The table was alwaysContinue reading “Pandemic Prayers for World Communion Sunday”
Prayers for Baptism of Christ Sunday and Epiphany 2C
I attend a church with a super talented and dynamic staff, but as it happens when a lead pastor leaves for a new call, they’re carrying more than they usually do. There’s more work for each and every one of them. I could see it on their faces. It wasn’t obvious but I knew thatContinue reading “Prayers for Baptism of Christ Sunday and Epiphany 2C”
To Be Regular in Worship (Or Not)
In the middle of Advent, I joined a church. It was important to me. I wanted to do it. I’m already a member of another church where I never get to attend worship, but I read their newsletter and pray for their ministry. We’ve moved too faraway for regular worship to be possible and I’veContinue reading “To Be Regular in Worship (Or Not)”
Worship with Fire
This is a tough week. The words from the Revised Common Lectionary that will inspire our worship this Sunday are hard. It is hard not to feel like a finger is being pointed directly at you. It’s hard not to feel judged. It’s difficult to feel like there is any bit of grace, but thereContinue reading “Worship with Fire”
Cooking with Elsa 