Monthly Archives: February 2014

EL CONSUMO SE HIZO CARNE … poem from Uruguay

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Maren

This powerful parody …ironizando of Juan Damian may prepare us to consider what the simplification of Lent might mean. THE CONSUMER TRANSFORMED INTO FLESH (John 1:1-10 a parody) In the beginning was shopping and Shopping was God. Windows, shelves, and … Continue reading →

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Prayer for a Gathering, perhaps for Ash Wednesday

Posted on February 25, 2014 by Maren

Leslie Coates of Kansas, a wonderful friend, actor, liturgist, shares this prayer. I am sure that this will be one to touch folks in my community of faith on Ash Wednesday, and perhaps in yours. You may be interested in … Continue reading →

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Psalms of Aotearoa — From the Psalms to the Cloud

Posted on February 24, 2014 by Maren

On Mondays I have been sharing a few prayers from our new book “From the Psalms to the Cloud — Connecting to the Digital Era” (Mankin and Tirabassi, Pilgrim Press). From Aotearoa / New Zealand two psalms by Beverley Osborn. … Continue reading →

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What “that” verse really means this morning

Posted on February 23, 2014 by Maren

Sometimes it is not theologically profound, preferential, universal or vague. Sometimes it is not anything like a T-shirt, a key-ring, or a bumper sticker. Sometimes it refuses to be twisted into some kind of condition for membership. It is just … Continue reading →

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Improvisations on Matthew 5: 38-48

Posted on February 22, 2014 by Maren

Who’s Blushing Now?             “…If anyone wants to sue you and take away your coat, give your cloak as well”             Matthew 5:40 Naked is not about buttocks and balls, door-knob knees, little pot belly, ribs a-countable, pecs not what … Continue reading →

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Let us embrace peace — Poem from Zambian Baptist Peace Conference

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Maren

Lancelot Muteyo of Zimbabwe shares a poem that he used in his program in Zambia. I was training 170 pastors, deacons, leaders of the Baptist Convention of Zambia in Lusaka Zambian conflict transformation using bible based experiential learning methods.  The … Continue reading →

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From the Psalms to the Cloud — Prayer for Worship

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Maren

On Mondays I have been sharing a few prayers from our new book “From the Psalms to the Cloud — Connecting to the Digital Era” (Mankin and Tirabassi, Pilgrim Press). When Jerry Hebenstreit of Virginia reflects about preparing traditional worship, … Continue reading →

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I am honored to serve a dying church…

Posted on February 15, 2014 by Maren

a church crucified for its justice stance, risky mission, weddings, a church table up-turning dumb in its disregard for a balanced budget, a church that gives a quiet environment to the three kids who would be lost in a stimulating … Continue reading →

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How Marvelous is the World that You Have Made, O God — poem from South Africa

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Maren

One of my favorite poets is Isobel deGruchy from South Africa. This poem is from her chapbook “Walking On,” a book of her poetry, watercolor and photographs. This photograph of the moon over Maurituris accompanies the poem. Calm sea in … Continue reading →

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Edges of Season, Canada and New Zealand

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Maren

On Mondays I have been sharing a few prayers from our new book “From the Psalms to the Cloud — Connecting to the Digital Era” (Mankin and Tirabassi, Pilgrim Press). We pay attention. We pray attention. We pray nature into … Continue reading →

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