In Matthew’s story of Jesus’ arrest, the most relevant part for “creating peace” is obviously when one of the disciples pulls out his sword and starts swinging. Then Jesus says: “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to…
I invite you to do a thought experiment with me. Imagine that I am qualified to lead a seminary: I have a PhD in Mennoniteness and have taught graduate level classes in Missional Transformation Transforming Missional Paradigms. I’m the perfect candidate for seminary president. Except the seminary has recently committed itself to the “traditional” position…
Call to Worship (based on Psalm 16:7-11) We know that God is always with us, So we come this morning to remind ourselves that we are with God. In this time of worship, May our hearts be glad; May our souls rejoice; May our bodies rest secure. God shows us the path of life And…
Hello! My apologies for neglecting this blog for several weeks. I have been posting prayers and humor over at Rev. Gals, but haven’t been here for awhile. I’ve spent some time cleaning up the site this morning and have posted the Colored Pencil Prayers, Fruit of the Spirit retreat, and Holy Spaces retreat materials on…
I’ve been listening to a podcast about the Heaven’s Gate cult, thinking how very strange and warped the group members’ beliefs were—they thought aliens from the Halle-Bop comet were going to pick them up. Then I started looking at the story of the ascension: “While Jesus was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was…
This call to worship is based on Ephesians 1: 15-22. We come seeking a spirit of wisdom, A spirit of revelation. We come to know God, And to enlighten the eyes of our hearts. We come to be reminded of the hope to which God has called us, And the riches of God’s glorious inheritance.…
I’m trying something new for our call to worship this week. It’s kind of a do-it-ourselves call to worship. During the prelude, I will invite people to write a type of animal on a whiteboard at the front of the church. Then I will use these animals in the call to worship. (And Peace Mennonite…
