Monthly Archives: May 2017

The work of Memorial Day

Posted on May 30, 2017 by Maren

Irving Berlin was an immigrant and he gave us “God bless America.” Katherine Lee Bates was a lesbian and she gave us “America the Beautiful.” And how many are there – new American, transgender, lesbian, gay, queer in many names, … Continue reading →

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For Coptic Christians

Posted on May 29, 2017 by Maren

God, were you travelling on a bus when your children were pulled out and killed? Yes, you were there for out of Egypt you are always calling your children and we hold their names in our hearts. Travel, then, with … Continue reading →

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Pentecost, 2017

Posted on May 29, 2017 by Maren

So, if the essence of Pentecost is this — (having set aside the red balloons, and birthday cake for the church) the ability to speak a language that means nothing to me but shares the good news someone needs, (and … Continue reading →

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Ramadan Mubarak

Posted on May 27, 2017 by Maren

Ramadan Mubarak, my neighbors. Deep goodness of the fasting, sweet evenings of community, holy memories, the reminder to generosity, and the return to Tarawih, so that the beauty of Quran may fill any hunger.

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Benediction for a Women’s Poetry Group

Posted on May 26, 2017 by Maren

May you drink the cup of hope, feel your pulse … not to speak of God’s beat hear the words that will be silent until you stand up to speak them yourself. May all your women tell you to write … Continue reading →

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Living Stones

Posted on May 25, 2017 by Maren

I am so delighted to share the work of Marianne Musgrove of Adelaide, South Australia. Living Stones Inspired by images shared by members of The Corner Uniting Church, Adelaide, South Australia. We are river stones tumbled and polished, burnished by … Continue reading →

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Reflection on Job for Manchester

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Maren

My harp is turned to mourning, and my flute to the voice of those who weep. Job 30:31 Our concert is turned to sadness and the young woman, whose voice ranged four octaves, who worked against bullying, who sang “dangerous … Continue reading →

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Beautiful Things – a poem for Memorial Day

Posted on May 22, 2017 by Maren

I used to volunteer in a shelter for women who needed a safe casa from domestic violence. A little girl stayed there for several months and I got to know her. She used to wrap up in this old maroon … Continue reading →

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Generosity — a guest post from Todd Jenkins

Posted on May 18, 2017 by Maren

I was so taken with this story shared by my friend Todd Jenkins. I hope it touches your heart. You may find more of Todd’s writing here. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they … Continue reading →

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A dream for my friends (and one particular friend)

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Maren

I saw Jesus softly folding the most beautiful clothes. Some were silk and velvet, all different sizes and shapes some had great long sleeves and lace, but some were jeans. I could see shapes like capes and shapes like bikinis, … Continue reading →

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