Several people have asked how I feel about being “at variance.” I think that having the note on my Ministerial Leadership Information form is a reasonable consequence of the choice I made. And for some of the people in Western District Conference, all they wanted was for me to have some sort of consequence for…
Here’s the much-anticipated run-down of Saturday’s fun–Western District Conference style: We had “learning communities” (a.k.a. workshops) in the morning. I managed to avoid the communities about sexuality and the church, thus giving myself about three hours this weekend where I did not have to talk or hear about “the issue” (a.k.a. people I love who…
On Saturday, July 7, at 12:45, many people will gather together at the Western District Conference assembly for prayer. We will pray and sing and hear scripture together in preparation for the afternoon delegate session. For those who are not in Oklahoma City this weekend and would like to pray with us, here is the…
So far this conference is filled with Scripture and hugs and laughter . . . lots of laughter (“The devil called and he wants his heat back.” –Peace Mennonite folks have been subsequently informed that they are not to indicate–even in a joke–that the devil talks to us. Some people here would believe it.) and…
I’m headed to Oklahoma City this morning for our Western District Conference assembly. I go surrounded by love and supported in prayer. Tomorrow (Saturday) at 12:45 we will have a time of worship before the delegate sessions. Those who will be at the conference are invited to join us there. Those not attending are welcome…
I realize that sometimes this blog can make it seem like I have a lovely, holy, prayer-filled, pious life. That I sit around all day reading scripture and coloring in my prayer journal. So I feel compelled to tell you that I re-started my daily morning prayer practice two days ago. So grateful to the…
The worship piece this week is a prayer of confession and assurance of pardon based on the New Testament lectionary readings for the upcoming Sunday. Blessings to all who are planning worship this week! Prayer of Confession (based on Mark 6:7-13) Holy One of Nazareth, We see you calm storms, heal illness, even restore life,…
My prayer practice this morning was a combination of Praying with Color and Zen Doodling. The upcoming Western District Conference is on my mind, so I spent time in prayer for that event and for some of the people connected with it. To engage in this practice, you will need a piece of paper, a…
If you are of a certain age, you might remember “Church Chat” on Saturday Night Live. Dana Carvey’s character, the Church Lady, manifested all of the stereotypes of old, religious women. She thought very highly of herself and quite poorly of everyone else. I can imagine being interviewed by the Church Lady: “So, you married…
In her book At Home in the World, Margaret Guenther encourages us to include times of “holy uselessness” in our Rule of Life. As hard-working adults we too often lose the gift for letting go, for delight in simply being. We persuade ourselves that every moment must be lived productively; like the busy little bee,…
Spacious Faith 