Holy One,We, like the women at the tomb, have borne witness to death in many forms.We have encountered violence.We have carried grief.We have resigned ourselves.And so, even though we have heard this story many times,it is nowas alwaysunexpected–That there would be no stone to roll away,no death shroud to unwrap,no body to receive the carefully…
Our Easter celebrations tend toward glaring and loud:trumpets and choirs and big, gaudy lilies,baskets full of too-sweet candy and bright, glaring colors.That is all good—for what it’s worth. I wish you glorious musicand fragrant flowers;plenty of chocolate—the good stuff,and all the luminous beauty of the rainbow. That is my wish,for you.But this blessing is different.…
Hosanna!Hosanna!Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God.Blessed are we who come to worship the One.Hosanna!Hosanna!Do not be afraid.We are not afraid.Look! Jesus comes in peace.Look! Jesus comes in love.Hosanna!Hosanna!
Hello, friends. I am busy writing a Lenten devotional that will be published by Herald Press next January: Prone to Wander: A Lenten Journey with Women in the Wilderness. So I haven’t posted much on the blog lately. I’m dropping a couple of recent worship pieces below. And I hope you are all having a…
Isn’t it fun when Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine’s Day? (Or maybe not if you’re giving up chocolate for Lent.) I thought I’d re-share these Ash Valentine’s/Wednesday cards I created for the Rev. Gal Blog Pals site back in 2018. You might also enjoy these valentines from biblical characters. And if you’re looking for more…
*This sermon was preached at Peace Mennonite Church on January 7, 2024. You can watch a video version on the church’s YouTube channel. My husband and I recently visited our daughter, who is studying abroad, in Chile. Her host family took us on a beach trip, and it was too cold to swim (at least…
In March of 2022, the Hubble telescope discovered the farthest known star from Earth. It’s named Earendel (meaning “morning star”) and is 12.9 billion light years away. Twelve point nine BILLION light years. Which means that the light we can see through the telescope right now began heading this way billions of years ago. I…
This call to worship is based on the first verse of “Oh, Holy Night” and was written to go along with the theme of this year’s Sanctified Arts materials: How does a weary world rejoice? Welcome, on this holy night. The stars are brightly shining!Whether we can see them or not.Welcome, as we gather on…
Call to Worship from Luke 1:26-38 Greetings, favored ones! The Lord is with you.And also with you.Do not be afraid. Listen today to the word God has for you.We are much perplexed.Do not be afraid. God will bring great things to the world through you.How can this be?Do not be afraid. The Holy Spirit will come…
I love the Magnificat! Call to Worship from Luke 1:46-55 Our worship is a song of praise:Our souls magnify the Holy One!Our worship is a song of joy:Our spirits rejoice in God our savior!Our worship is a song of thanksgiving:The Mighty One has done great things for us.Our worship is a song of the ages:God’s mercy…
Call to Worship from Isaiah 40:1-11 Comfort, comfort each other. Speak tenderly.Prepare the holy way of God!Let us watch together as the way is made walkable:The valleys are lifted up, the mountains and hills made low.The rough places are smoothed out to ease our journey.We see the glory of God.We hear the word of God.We proclaim…
Friends, believe it or not, Advent begins in just two days! I wanted to share a few resources with you all as we enter into this holy season. In this liminal season, I wish you holy excitement and the deep peace of Christ. Thanks for letting me be a small part of your Advent journey.…
Call to Worship from Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise to the Holy One!We come to sing and pray, to laugh and speak.Serve God with gladness!We are glad to be here, worshipping together.Know that the almighty Creator has made us!We honor each other in this space as beloved people of God.Enter the Divine gates with…
God, we pray today for impossible situations–places where it seemsimpossible to bring peace,impossible to find joy,impossible to move forward in any waythat does not wrench the heart of the world. In every impossible situation,Let us meet violence with peace,Let us offer love,Let us do good work even if it feels futile.Let us not be afraid…
Call to Worship from Matthew 25:1-13 In our wisdom and foolishness,We gather for worship.Though some of us are more prepared than others,We are all here.With bright lights and dim,We wait together for the expected One.Look! Come out! Keep awake!For God is here. Prayer from Joshua 24:1-3, 14-25 God of wisdom and power,Bring out those caught in systems…
Spacious Faith 