Call to Worship (based on Psalm 46): The earth shakes, the mountains quake — tempting our hearts to fear. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Storms rage, winds swirl–destroying schools, hospitals, homes. Still, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Violence comes to light…
I am preparing for this upcoming Sunday’s worship service–the second Sunday of Advent. The Advent Conspiracy theme for this week is “Spend Less.” And I should give credit to parishoner and friend Thomas Heilke for the phrase “right relationship with the economy”–which he manages to use about once a month in his insightful…
I wrote this post in 2010, and it seemed appropriate to re-post this weekend. * * * I hate war. But I do not hate soldiers. I believe engaging in armed combat goes against the teachings of Jesus. But I respect the fact that war veterans have made incredible sacrifices for causes they believed to…
I thought that the night of the first presidential debate might be a good time to share this prayer activity with you all. It’s from the Fruit of the Spirit retreat materials–from Wednesday of Peace week. It was a good prayer practice for me this morning. (Maybe every day until I no longer have teenagers…
Here is my humble offering for this weekend’s Memorial Day observance. You might recognize a passage from Isaiah 2:4-5 towards the end of the prayer. I have not formatted this as a responsive reading, but that could be easily done. Blessings to you in your life and worship this week. (If you are looking for…
This is an adaptation of the traditional Great Thanksgiving liturgy that we used on World Communion Sunday a couple of years ago–and may use again this year. The plain text is read by the leader and the bold is read by the congregation. The hymn numbers given refer to Hymnal: A Worship Book. Great Thanksgiving…
Today’s worship piece was not written for the context of corporate worship. Rather it is a prayer I wrote for myself at then end of what has been two long days of pastor work and parenting work and simply trying to do what needs done. Earlier today I read through the sermon that one of…
Throughout scripture, God sends people the message: “Do not be afraid.” To Abram, to Hagar, to Moses, to Joshua, to Daniel, to Mary, to Joseph, to the disciples. “Do not be afraid.” Sometimes, in the midst of my worries and anxiety, I bask in these words that come from the lips of angels, from the…
This call is based on Psalm 34:8-14. (Sorry, we’re off lectionary right now.) God of peace, We come to taste, We come to see, for you are good. We come seeking refuge, We come seeking food, for in you we lack no good thing. Let us listen well, Let us speak with care, According to…
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…
Spacious Faith 