The e-mail finally came last Friday afternoon. It cam to me from the Leadership Commission, and it came to all pastors in Western District Conference from the Executive board. It was the official rationale of why the commission decided to let my credentials remain in order after I officiated a same-sex wedding. It also contains…
Prayer of Confession God, Creator of all–the mint plants, the roses, the sun and the rain, each one of us: We confess to you the times we have destroyed when you call us to create. silence God, Redeemer of humanity through Jesus of Nazareth: We confess to you the times we have not walked in…
Holy God of the Resurrection, we fall before you with relief, with sorrow, with fear. Hold us in the depths of your love. Protect our bodies from those who wish us harm. Protect our spirits from the fear and hatred that would lead us to rejoice over the death of another human being. Grant healing…
I’ve been asked about this directly by at least two people. While I usually love to share my opinions, I will admit I’ve been left a bit speechless by this one. It’s taken me awhile to be able to say anything. I don’t have a lot figured out yet, but I think I’m beginning to…
Recently a colleague of mine was dismissed from his position on the bi-national Mennonite worship committee because he is “actively” gay. That is to say that he married the man he loves and they live together in a supportive, committed relationship. Somehow, in the eyes of my denomination’s leadership, this makes him unfit to serve…
I just read a very good post on the perils of “children’s time” over at Carolyn’s wonderful blog, “Worshiping with Children.” Her post has inspired me to share a bit about how our church worked to include children in the Lent and Easter worship this year. Our Lenten theme this year was “Make Space for…
I was in liturgy writing overdrive last week, so nothing new this week. I’ve pulled out a prayer of blessing for graduates that I wrote a couple of years ago. It is about that time of year again . . . Prayer of Blessing for Graduates Creative and Creating God, We thank you for [names…
I love to plan worship services. I love to arrange for the participants, select the hymns, write the prayers, choose the readings . . . I love every part. And I want it all to be perfect. I had this problem even before I was a pastor. My wedding, for example. I didn’t spend much…
*This liturgy is an adaptation of the traditional Great Thanksgiving liturgy. The concluding prayer of thanksgiving was (heavily) adapted from a prayer by Katherine Hawker. Communion Liturgy for Easter Sunday Friends, let us come out of the darkness and join together in the light of God’s love. You are invited to this table of life…
I do not have our Sunday worship service completely planned yet, though I’m getting close. I offer some worship pieces below that may or may not be used at Peace Mennonite Church this coming Sunday. I pray you are each having a blessed Holy Week. Call to Worship Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed!…
Spacious Faith 