A long time ago … I used to subscribe to a mailing. Yes. It came in the mail. I looked forward to it, as it came from the late Walter Wink. It consisted of a bunch of little tid-bits of information. He once mentioned that he would sit in the bathtub with a newspaper or […]
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Light a Candle, Say a Prayer
Today’s events in the capital of the United States are disturbing on multiple levels. As today is Epiphany, I find myself reflecting upon the greater text, the larger context, of the Epiphany passage in Matthew. It’s time to light a candle, to say a prayer, to join God, who is already at work in the […]
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Enjoy a Ritual for an Epiphany Boat Blessing
Today we celebrate Epiphany, the day the magi show up at the house in Bethlehem to adore the newborn King (see Matthew 2:1-12). I thought I’d give a Boat (or house blessing for those of you on land) that you can use with your family. I was first exposed to this at the Monastery of […]
Continue readingMore TagA Pentecost Reflection
It is the day prior to Pentecost and I find myself needing to respond, and yet struggling to find words. Tomorrow we celebrate the birth of the Church, the birth of the Spirit entering into all of humanity. We are given the gift of understanding across cultures and languages. We are given the gift of […]
Continue readingMore TagA Blessing For Opening Day
Opening Day for many of us would normally be this coming Saturday. However, with many areas of the country and world closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I’m not sure how many gatherings are going to happen. As such, I thought I would share what I have used before as my “pastoral” portion of the […]
Continue readingMore TagAn Easter Poem
The following is a poem from Ronald Rolheiser* about Mary Magdala meeting Jesus in the garden on Easter Morning (see John’s account). Somehow, this year I find this very moving. We are at a different time when gathering are not possible. There is something about how Mary touches on the things that we are experiencing […]
Continue readingMore TagA Reflection Upon Cyril’s Good Friday Service
Just as I gave some historical information yesterday regarding the Eucharist, so I give some today regarding the crucifixion. Again, this comes from Rita Nakashima Brock and Rebecca Ann Parker. Saving Paradise: How Christianity Traded Love of This World for Crucifixion and Empire. Another controversy in Cyril [of Jerusalem]’s community was whether the crucifixion of […]
Continue readingMore TagA Maundy Thursday Pondering on the Historical Eucharist
There is a strong tradition of celebrating the institution of Holy Communion (also called the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist and the Last Supper) at today’s Maundy Thursday service. Readings are read from the four gospels. Matthew, Mark and Luke account Jesus changing the Passover meal with the sharing of “my flesh and my blood” while […]
Continue readingMore TagHoly Week Worship Resources
Just as quick update to let you know I’ve added some Liturgies to the Resources page (see the above Header). We hope this helps you have a more meaningful Holy Week. Blessed Be, Rev. Joel
Continue readingMore TagAsh Wednesday Ponderings
It has long been a Lentan Discipline to give something up for Lent. I know some people who give up chocolate – boy was that hard when Valentine’s Day fell during Lent one year! This has roots in being penitent, and trying to make amends for past actions. So, one might give up those things […]
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