Monthly Archives: August 2014

Labor Day — Jesus, Thou Divine Companion

Posted on August 31, 2014 by Maren

I am the daughter of a union organizer, partner of a union steward, parent of a child who went to college on a union scholarship. I have a deep passion for this holiday — which is not, after all, about … Continue reading →

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Countdown to Zero: Just Save One – an Equipping Conference on HIV & AIDS

Posted on August 30, 2014 by Maren

The United Methodist Church has shared it’s final deadline for registration for the event — Countdown to Zero: Just Save One – an Equipping Conference on HIV & AIDS which begins September 11. “September 11-13, 2014 Renaissance Hotel, Denver, Colorado … Continue reading →

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Beyond Reasoning — Poetry from Aotearoa, New Zealand

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Maren

Poem by Erice Fairbrother of Aotearoa … The way things end Is pure theory How it will be Is not the same As how it will go To end up crucified Was not a foregone Conclusion To make apology Without … Continue reading →

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Prayer for Napa

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Maren

Not God of the earthquake, but God in the earthquake – not found in shaking and breaking homes, but in the quick smile of the first responder, in the neighbor who finds a doll you left at her house and … Continue reading →

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Ferguson and Michael Brown

Posted on August 23, 2014 by Maren

I have the deepest respect for Spiritual Director and Youth Leader Devoree Crist whose life in suburban St Louis, Missouri has been touched so deeply by the death of Michael Brown. I would like to share her first hand experience … Continue reading →

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Blessing of the Backpacks

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Maren

Michael Mulberry’s gift to me is this wonderful service for blessing of the backpacks. This took place his final Sunday as pastor in Elton, Illinois. He has now begun his ministry in Billings, Montana. Often our services are a blessing … Continue reading →

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Prayer for James Foley

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Maren

For journalists, who go where others fear to go, to tell the stories no one wants to hear, and stand without weapons in the path of rage, we are so grateful. For all journalists this morning, we pray, and for … Continue reading →

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Ice Bucket Challenge

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Maren

Of course, they’ve borrowed our sacrament, the one we let become warm and small and personal and private and cheap. They got it right – a big splash in front of everyone, for the sake of those living with ALS, … Continue reading →

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Good Will Hunting

Posted on August 16, 2014 by Maren

I watched the movie again last night, the one where the man who died this week won an Academy Award for best supporting actor. And this was the climax of the movie — the therapist looks into the young man’s … Continue reading →

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Heart for It

Posted on August 14, 2014 by Maren

What Todd Jenkins says in his poem “Heart for It” is so simple. Of course, I respond. And then I think — have I always understood, really understood this scripture backwards? Todd also took the photograph below of Fremont, Washington.Read … Continue reading →

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