Monthly Archives: November 2018

Prayer after the Alaskan earthquakes

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Maren

God, we pray for Anchorage, for broken buildings, chaos in homes, the disappearance of the Glenn Highway and an airport road, but mostly for the fear — the way hiding under a desk, falling downstairs, watching the terror of pets, … Continue reading →

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Song for a Baby’s First Christmas

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Maren

I wrote a version of “Watcher, Tell Us of the Night” last year for the parents of a baby born in 2017. It has always seemed that those first year babies are watching — seeing more of reality that we … Continue reading →

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Guest posting to begin Advent — Rosalie Sugrue and Bill Jones

Posted on November 29, 2018 by Maren

Gifts I have received from Bill Jones include a hymn which uses all four of the Advent Sundays — Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. And from Rosalie Sugrue an antiphonal prayer to begin the season! Prayer of Approach (read antiphonally) … Continue reading →

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Formally known as a lachrymator (United States southern border)

Posted on November 26, 2018 by Maren

Lacrymator – (tear gas) Wikipedia You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your record? Psalm 56:8 God, you have kept count of their — sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, especially for … Continue reading →

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Guest post — Francis Morrissey’s poetry

Posted on November 25, 2018 by Maren

Friend and poet Francis Morrissey sent me these poems last January and I thought to myself — this is how I would like to begin when Advent comes again! Advent Sunlight so low it illumines the lowest rows of paintings … Continue reading →

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Echocardiogram Thanksgiving

Posted on November 22, 2018 by Maren

I am watching my heart, as the nurse practitioner moves her wand with its warm oil in tiny increments across sternum, ribs, for small shifts in perspective. The ultrasound shows beating and flow of the chambers and the valves, in … Continue reading →

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Guest Post — Carol Hallman, a light-hearted Thanksgiving Eve

Posted on November 21, 2018 by Maren

Carol Hallman sends a light-heart look at Thanksgiving Eve! On the night before The mad dash begins To find the rare roast beast The last-minute relish tray A sparkling rose Then home to begin The roasting and baking The smells … Continue reading →

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Advent Wreath Ceremony, 2018 — without fire

Posted on November 19, 2018 by Maren

Introduction: One thing we know about the Messiah. The birth in Bethlehem was not what was expected – those who longed for a Messiah were hoping for a political leader who would free them from Roman rule. Not a child, … Continue reading →

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Guest post — Litany of Grief and Hope in a time of wildfire, Linda Grund-Clampit

Posted on November 18, 2018 by Maren

Linda Grund-Clampit lay pastor at Falls City United Methodist Church in Oregon has sent this litany from her congregation’s worship August 5th after the deadly fires in Oregon and California, and just as appropriate in these days. She writes, “I … Continue reading →

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Psalm 150 for World Toilet Day

Posted on November 17, 2018 by Maren

(The United Nations has designated 19 November as World Toilet Day. 1 in 3 people around the world lack access to a toilet, which means that more people have a cell phone than a toilet. Poor sanitation is deadly – … Continue reading →

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