Monthly Archives: February 2019

For Venezuela — guest post

Posted on February 28, 2019 by Maren

My prayer for Venezuela: In fear, in hunger, in a time of violence, Dios de Justica, oye nuestra oración. In grieving, in confusion, in instability, Dios de Justica, oye nuestra oración. For those who are old, for those who are … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

A neighbor’s prayer for friends in the United Methodist Communion

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Maren

God of gentleness, please wrap your queer arms of love around your children in the blessed tradition of warm hearts on a morning of broken ones, that they may hear your invitation – come unto me all who are weary, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Pastor on Ash Wednesday

Posted on February 26, 2019 by Maren

I hold a bowl of burnt stems from last years’ palms bulked up by newspaper, because news is so often ashworthy. I say, “you are forgiven.” I don’t have much personal experience with mortality, except for the crying – but … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 1 Comment

Thinking about Green Book

Posted on February 25, 2019 by Maren

I’m not sure about “best picture.” In spite of the brilliant screenplay and the stellar acting, I wonder whether other movies shaped by African American creatives — Black Panther, BlacKkKlansman — were the real change-makers in film, in culture, in … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Living Psalm, Living Song — Guest Post

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Maren

A psalm and a song for my guest post this Thursday. I am fortunate enough to be the “hunter-gatherer” for re-settings of lectionary psalms each week in art, movement, word, music, event for the United Church of Christ (US) Worship … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Presidents Day Confusion (Luke 6:27-38)

Posted on February 18, 2019 by Maren

“Love your enemies,” Jesus says, in scripture I read today – and I am not sure whether it is good advice for the forty-fifth leader of my nation who names all the world – enemy, even his yesterday-friends, or more … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Emergency Responders

Posted on February 16, 2019 by Maren

A man fell on the ice outside my home this morning walking his dog and he broke his leg. Emergency responders came — the police came, the ambulance came, his neighbor came to take home his dog, our neighbors gathered. … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Valentine’s Day — Guest Post Music from Tracy Howe Wispelway

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Maren

‘Til Loves Comes” is the first single Tracy Howe’s upcoming album, “Things That Grow,” available March 1st. Watch this Vimeo with my greetings for Valentine’s Day. Here

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

#resipiscence2019 … Resipiscence 2019: A Lenten Devotional for Dismantling White Supremacy

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Maren

This will not be the last time I will encourage you to get the Resipiscence 2019: A Lenten Devotional for Dismantling White Supremacy. Hear from 45 contributors from diverse identities, theologies, and lived experiences across the US reflect on lent … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Valentine’s Day Reading of Luke 6: 20-26

Posted on February 11, 2019 by Maren

Blessed are you who are poor in pink greeting cards and chocolate, because you love someone with dementia – for God remembers you both. Blessed are you who are hungry for a love forbidden by family or culture, by law … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments