Monthly Archives: November 2020

Words for the Week of Hope in the United States

Posted on November 30, 2020 by Maren

Sometimes we light a candle,(it can be blue or purple, red,this year simply an electric tea light)and, after a service or a meal,extinguish it –due diligence, Sunday of Hope. But hope is a whole week –a new administration is being … Continue reading →

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Holy Communion Liturgy for the Second Sunday in Advent, the Sunday of Peace

Posted on November 27, 2020 by Maren

December 6, is the second Sunday in Advent, often called the Sunday of Peace. In the United States the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery is remembered on this date. One appropriate song might be … Continue reading →

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Thanksgiving, 2020

Posted on November 26, 2020 by Maren

I am thinking about Martin Rinkartwho wrote the hymn,‘Now Thank We All our God,’while trying to be a pastorduring the thirty years warand a plaguewhen he prayed the funeral servicefor  forty to fifty people a day –refugees, bodies piling upfrom … Continue reading →

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Guest Post …. Hope by Karen Wallin Usas

Posted on November 24, 2020 by Maren

During this year 2020, we all have seen many posts, satires, scary stories and cartoons displaying our anxiety as well as our dreams for a better tomorrow. I think the one word that stands out for me in all this … Continue reading →

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The Work of Advent (after Howard Thurman)

Posted on November 23, 2020 by Maren

On Mondays I will be sharing a poem from my new seasonal book, Christmas Eve at the Epsom Circle McDonald’s and Other Poems. I’ve been busy this last week taking books around to Independent booksellers — here is a photo … Continue reading →

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Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20, 2020

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Maren

God, we pray today in thanksgivingfor all who are called forth like Lazarus,born again like Nicodemus,take off armor that does not fit them, like David,more than a year caringfor a beautiful body, like Esther,and, dressed for the street,yet carrying a … Continue reading →

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Improv on Matthew 25: 41-46

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Maren

Then the One in the story,never intended for condemnation,but to teach a new way of living,said to those who give a bad nameto any of God’s creatures,but especially the ones with dancing hooveswho love their own kids … “I was … Continue reading →

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Follow Your Nose (guest post re-blogged from Tuesday’s Muse today)

Posted on November 19, 2020 by Maren

Originally posted on tuesdaysmuse:
  She showed up five years ago, just as our last family canine was leaning hard toward Rainbow Bridge;   keeping her distance at first, wary of us all in the way an abused spouse cringes…

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Thanksgiving song “Bringing in the Sheaves”

Posted on November 18, 2020 by Maren

Sowing is essential, sowing comes in worship,when we face the questions other people leave.Virtual the scripture, digital the offering –God of every harvest helps us find the sheaves. (Refrain)Bringing in the sheaves, hope and grace received,some of us believing, some … Continue reading →

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Prayer for Central America – Hurricane Iota

Posted on November 17, 2020 by Maren

God, who lets us track no storm alone,we pray for Central America,already devastated by Eta,and facing Iota’s winds and floods. We pray for Honduras and Nicaragua,battered again today,with more loss and mudslidesand the dangers of shelters in pandemic,and we pray … Continue reading →

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