My home church called it Homecoming Sunday. I never thought anything of it because the same verbiage was used in my first call too but I’ve heard that other places call it Rally Day or Kick Off Sunday. Maybe there are other names. I’ve been thinking a lot about home lately. We have been inContinue reading “Post-Pandemic Home Blessing”
Tag Archives: blessing
Recipe for Blessing the Broken Hearted
Blessing is one of those thing that clergy do. Sometimes it’s something only clergy do though I know well that even as clergy I often wonder what gives me the authority to offer blessing. Years ago, this beautiful video was created by some talented folks within the United Church of Christ. It was part ofContinue reading “Recipe for Blessing the Broken Hearted”
Pandemic Prayers for Easter 5A
I join the circle of preachers who have expressed their familiarity with this text at the graveside. It’s the Gospel Lesson I always choose when the family doesn’t steer me in another direction, not because of the many mansions or rooms but for what it says about grief. I love the repetition that Jesus holdsContinue reading “Pandemic Prayers for Easter 5A”
Prayers for Epiphany 5C and 6C
I am blessed and honored to continue to cook up liturgical elements for worship at the United Christian Church in Austin. Admittedly, it feels like I haven’t been in the kitchen in a very long time. I’m editing more. I’m pulling more books off the shelf. I don’t have the familiar recipe of these liturgicalContinue reading “Prayers for Epiphany 5C and 6C”
Blessing of Teachers
Many churches had their kick off celebrations this past Sunday. Some are waiting until this coming Sunday to mark the big day when everything goes back to normal. All of the programming starts up again for the kids and adults. Anything that took a break over the summer months in our congregational life is readyContinue reading “Blessing of Teachers”
Blessing of the Backpacks and Briefcases
Today social media is awash with smiling children on front porches and stoops waiting for the yellow school bus to arrive and take them off to school. It is the day after Labor Day and it is the day where everything changes in our routines. Gone is the leisure of summer. Here is the alternateContinue reading “Blessing of the Backpacks and Briefcases”
Cooking with Elsa 