Monthly Archives: November 2021

Prayer for Oxford High School

Posted on November 30, 2021 by Maren

God who calms our fears andteaches compassion in your school of hope,help us,for suddenly going to schoolis about fear. We pray tonight for those weepingin Michigan, family and friendsof the three high school studentswho have no more future.We lift up … Continue reading →

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From Autumn to Winter Guest Post by Barbara Messner

Posted on November 30, 2021 by Maren

I was so glad to receive this insightful poem from Barb Messner on her Blog – “Barb, poet priest” and mentioned that I wanted to share it on my blog but at the other end of the calendar’s pages since … Continue reading →

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Hanukkah Sameach!

Posted on November 28, 2021 by Maren

This is the promise – even in 2021,the oil will last …it will be more expensive,it may be disappointingbecause the pandemic is not past. But that was not the promise. The promise was – enough.Your oil will last long enough,your … Continue reading →

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Riff on Jeremiah 33

Posted on November 27, 2021 by Maren

The days are surely coming, says God, when I’ll fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for … Continue reading →

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The Thanksgiving song that taught me to preach … and live

Posted on November 25, 2021 by Maren

My second favorite song … probably nothing could take away the deep personal meaning for me of “I Love to Tell the Story,” by Katherine (Kate) hankey, but it is this newer hymn by Fred Pratt Green (Words © 1970 … Continue reading →

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

Posted on November 24, 2021 by Maren

This communion liturgy is shared freely to churches that offer virtual or in-person worship or a hybrid sanctuary with both home tables and some people practicing distancing and caution in a sanctuary of outdoor space. Feel free to use any … Continue reading →

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Christmas Eve at the Epsom Circle McDonald’s and Other Poems Upcoming Events

Posted on November 22, 2021 by Maren

Here’s where you will find me —  readings and workshops coming up Christmas Eve at the Epsom Circle McDonald’s and Other Poems ReadingWorkshop – “Exploring Christmas Memories and Meaning”Ngaio Union Church, Wellington, Aotearoa/New Zealand   Zoom / In-personNovember 24, 10:30 AM … Continue reading →

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A Simple Advent Candle Lighting for Home or Church based on Howard Thurman’s “I will Light Candles this Christmas” and “This is Christmas” from The Mood of Christmas and Other Celebrations

Posted on November 21, 2021 by Maren

(I have spent the year reflecting on the words of Howard Thurman, some of the less familiar ones. It has been a profound blessing. Here is a simple offering mostly … this late in the season, just for the home … Continue reading →

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Prayer for the Genoa Indian School Reconciliation Project.

Posted on November 17, 2021 by Maren

Spirit of many names,today of one-hundred and two names,we are grateful for their findingand pray for the searchingfor those and more small bodies, taken from their homes,their language, their culture,hearts torn into pieces. We pray for the waitingof their nations, … Continue reading →

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Guest Post — Mark Saline

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Maren

I am so grateful for Mark’s poem … these words fill my heart as I anticipate Thanksgiving next week. On August 16th, Mark Saline was in an automobile accident and spent 6 days in ICU with a brain bleed and … Continue reading →

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