Dearest Community, It seems absurd that we never had a Federal Holiday to celebrate the ending of slavery until now. Juneteenth, of course, has been celebrated since 1865. But it took until June 17, 2021 for it to become an official Federal holiday in the United States. In celebration of Juneteenth, our local town put […]
Continue readingTag: Theology
Seeing the Flowing Relationship in the Trinity – Pastoral Letter
Dearest Community, I based the “cover” image on an idea from John Wesley – the flowing between the persons of the Trinity. Each one fills the other chalice up so that they in turn can fill another. There is a sense of flowing between these images of the Trinity. (Yup, it’s Trinity Sunday this coming […]
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Blessed Are You, Holy are You – Pastoral Letter
Dearest Community, After the last few weeks, where it seems we cannot get a break from the news of another violent situation, I was reminded of how important it is to center ourselves in our own belovedness. I’m grateful to my friend and colleague Katie L. for reminding us of this at the close of […]
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The Thing About Gun Violence – Pastoral Letter
Dearest Community, I was going to write a very different weekly article, until I heard the news on Tuesday about what happened in Uvalde, Texas. And then the Blaine School District went on a very long lockdown on Wednesday. This is one of those times when my heart is broken and I’m speechless to say […]
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Weird and Wonky Lines – Pastoral Letter
Dearest Community, I have learned some things from sketching during the pandemic. One lesson is to celebrate the weird wonky lines that sometimes come from my pen. These lines makes the sketch more alive and vibrant. Through following other artists and sketches on social media, I’m reminded that we aren’t trying to recreate a photograph […]
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Seine Net: A Reflection On the 22nd Sunday After Pentecost
Seine Net is the same reflection series I have been doing on Sundays, just a new name. I wanted something a little more nautical oriented that also captured (get the pun?) the sense of my grabbing random bits of information to think about. Just as a seine net pulls up all sorts of things, some […]
Continue readingA 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 readingHoly 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 readingAsh 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 […]
Continue readingChristmas Eve Announcement
I just wanted to let you know, that we are adding some things as we continue to develop the website. The latest addition is a Resources Page. This should show at the top. On the Resources page I’ve added some liturgies for Christmas Eve worship experiences. Enjoy. Wishing you a Merry Christmas. Blessed Be, Rev. […]
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