Wednesday Worship Words: Together in Worship

For those of you keeping track at home, I’ve been trying to post some liturgical pieces each Wednesday. Usually it’s something I’ve written that connects to the week’s lectionary text(s) (or not). But this week, instead of sharing one or two pieces, I want to share an entire web site: Full disclosure: I recently joined…

How are you?

How are you doing? Me? I’m fine. Thanks for asking. Just kidding. Of course I’m not “fine”. Who’s “fine” right now? I have hundreds of nightmare scenarios running through my head about what the new Supreme Court will do to our civil liberties and our democracy. I’m scared that there will not be a peaceful…

Let me Tell You How I Really Feel: More Thoughts on AMBS

Since I last wrote about Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary hiring David Boshart as president, more information about this decision has come to light. I, along with others on the Inclusive Mennonite Pastors leadership team, had a conversation with two people involved in making the decision; The Mennonite has published an article sharing more details; and…

AMBS’s New President (or What Were they Thinking?)

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…

The Church We Long to Be

Last week I participated in the Mennonite Church USA Future Church Summit. It was a structured conversation about who we want to be as Mennonites and what we hope for our church. Here is a summary of what I heard: “Jesus” this and “Jesus” that. Mennonites love Jesus. We want to follow Jesus. Everything else…

The Future (Mennonite) Church

I’ve been told to come to the Mennonite Church USA Future Church Summit with a smile, ready to make new friends. And I will. I basically smile all the time anyway;that’s just how my face looks. Honestly, I have to try hard to not smile at inappropriate times like funerals or public scoldings. Also, I…

Credit Where Credit is Due

If you have done any kind of work for justice in this world, you have likely heard something along these lines: “Why are you always so critical? Can’t you see the [insert people in appropriate power position] are trying? Why don’t you give credit where credit it due?” “Sure, he committed ‘non-consensual vaginal intercourse,’ but…

“Walls to Tables”: A BMC Gathering

Last weekend, I was honored to attend the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Bay, Bisexual and Transgender Interests. The theme of the gathering was “Walls to Tables.” I connected with good friends and got to know acquaintances better and met many wonderful new people. As much as I hate to…