Matthew 5:1-20Preached at Bethel College Mennonite Church, September 14, 2025“It’s Not What You Think” Once upon a time, there was a mighty civilization, a world power known for its wealth and military might. They operated with an economic system that allowed the rich to maintain and grow their wealth on the backs of the poor.…
In the News American religion scholar (and also my friend) Rebecca Barrett-Fox, has recently pointed out that both ICE and Turning Point USA have been using Isaiah 6:8 in their propaganda. In the case of ICE, this verse is used in a recruitment video: “Here’s a Bible verse that I think about sometimes, many times.…
In the News Unjust and illegal apprehension and detainment of immigrants is in the news every day. As one example, the New York Times “In One Image” piece today looks at the “anatomy of an ICE arrest” based on a photo of Carlos Javier Lopez Benitez being apprehended by ICE agents as he left his…
In the News Earlier this week, the administration issued a memorandum on “Protecting Religious Expression in the Federal Workplace.” A more accurate title might be “Evangelical Christians Can Be As Obnoxious As They Want and There’s Nothing You Can Do About It.” Sure, the memo theoretically applies to all religions, but the examples given include…
Hello, friends. I realize I haven’t posted much lately. I started a new pastoral position about a year ago and then, you know, the world fell apart. I’m not trying to make excuses, just providing context. Like many of you, I have been thinking and praying and struggling lately with how to most faithfully follow…
The Resurrection, to me, seems the pinnacle of God’s queerness. The Divine, of course, has refused binaries since the Garden, when God created male to female–all genders–in Their image. Throughout scripture the Holy One inhabits mystery and defies definition: from the burning bush voice that insists “I am Who I am,” to the sacred presence…
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…
*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…
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…
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.…
Spacious Faith 