Matthew 5:1-20Preached at Bethel College Mennonite Church, September 14, 2025“It’s Not What You Think” Once upon a time, there was a mighty civilization, a world power known for its wealth and military might. They operated with an economic system that allowed the rich to maintain and grow their wealth on the backs of the poor.…
In the News American religion scholar (and also my friend) Rebecca Barrett-Fox, has recently pointed out that both ICE and Turning Point USA have been using Isaiah 6:8 in their propaganda. In the case of ICE, this verse is used in a recruitment video: “Here’s a Bible verse that I think about sometimes, many times.…
In the News Last month, a petition was filed with the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 decision that made same-sex marriage legal at the national level. The person bringing the petition is Kim Davis, a former Kentucky county clerk who claimed that processing same-sex marriage licenses went against her religious convictions.…
In the News The Trump administration’s attacks on LGBTQIA+ people–and particularly transgender and gender-fluid people–are not new news. It was January 20 of this year (2025) when the administration issued the “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” order. But even though the order was issued several months…
In the News Unjust and illegal apprehension and detainment of immigrants is in the news every day. As one example, the New York Times “In One Image” piece today looks at the “anatomy of an ICE arrest” based on a photo of Carlos Javier Lopez Benitez being apprehended by ICE agents as he left his…
In the News Earlier this week, the administration issued a memorandum on “Protecting Religious Expression in the Federal Workplace.” A more accurate title might be “Evangelical Christians Can Be As Obnoxious As They Want and There’s Nothing You Can Do About It.” Sure, the memo theoretically applies to all religions, but the examples given include…
Hello, friends. I realize I haven’t posted much lately. I started a new pastoral position about a year ago and then, you know, the world fell apart. I’m not trying to make excuses, just providing context. Like many of you, I have been thinking and praying and struggling lately with how to most faithfully follow…
[This post is excerpted and edited from a previously published post.] Celebrating earthly motherhood in worship is problematic on many levels. But lifting up the maternal qualities of God is, it seems to me, a valuable way to observe the holiday. After all, the earliest roots of Mother’s Day can be found in Greek and Roman celebrations…
The Resurrection, to me, seems the pinnacle of God’s queerness. The Divine, of course, has refused binaries since the Garden, when God created male to female–all genders–in Their image. Throughout scripture the Holy One inhabits mystery and defies definition: from the burning bush voice that insists “I am Who I am,” to the sacred presence…
Now that we’ve observed Epiphany, we can start planning for Lent! And one great way to prepare for the holy season is to order my new book, Prone to Wander: A Lenten Journey with Women in the Wilderness. Today, January 7, is the official release date. You can buy it through the publisher, MennoMedia, and…
Friends, I am not terribly surprised but still very sad and scared as the election results seem apparent. I may have more thoughtful words for you later. If there are particular liturgical resources that might be helpful in these next weeks, let me know. In the meantime, I’ve created a BINGO card to help you…
I know we’re all planning for Advent these days, but look what I got in the mail! It’s an advance reader copy of the Lent devotional I wrote: Prone to Wander: A Lenten Journey with Women in the Wilderness! This book follows the same format as Expecting Emmanuel, with daily reflections, weekly blessings, and guides…
On September 8 (2024) I was installed as a pastor at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton, KS. It was a beautiful time of worship and blessing for me and the full pastoral team. The choir sounded amazing, the children’s conversation was a blast, and the cake was soooo good. But the event got…
In celebration of the first day of summer (in the Northern Hemisphere) and in gratitude for a slightly slower rhythm in my life these next few weeks.
My final day as pastor of Peace Mennonite Church was yesterday–June 10, 2024. This was (is) a hard goodbye for all of the best reasons. Below is the letter I shared with the Peace community in last week’s newsletter. Dear, dear, Peace Mennonite Community, I do not have the words to adequately express my gratitude…
Spacious Faith 