Monthly Archives: September 2023

A Sea Lion Escapes

Posted on September 30, 2023 by Maren

A sea lion escaped from her poolin Central Park in New York City,yesterdayduring the floodingof basements, apartments, subways,the filling of shelters,the endangering of bridgesthe cars left as drivers fled. There is cleaning up,todaydrying out, returning for cars,caring for migrants evicted … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 10 Comments

What do I call this Sunday?

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Maren

When I was growing upPresbyterian in Des Moines,we called it –World-Wide Communion Sunday, and then for many yearsWorld Communion Sunday, and now it is World Narrow Sunday,World Close Communion, World barrio, tiny house, dormitory,subway-car Sunday.World comfort-the-infantby-wrapping-tight Communion, for I feel … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 4 Comments

Book Recommendation … not even theological, just much fun

Posted on September 26, 2023 by Maren

Kirkus begins its review of Amy Patricia Meade “Cold Turkey” releasing on October 3, “As she prepares to open Cookin’ the Books, her literary-themed eatery, Tish Tarragon is also looking forward to a romantic Thanksgiving dinner for two with her … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

I came to the vineyard at noon (Matthew 20: 1-16)

Posted on September 22, 2023 by Maren

I came to the vineyard at noon,like so many I know –not all that eager and earlyto work the purple grape of church,or compassionate activism,climate change,protests against injustice. I’m not quite so angryabout the holy generosity to lastcomers,just glad I … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Willie in the Nighttime

Posted on September 21, 2023 by Maren

The dog wakes shiveringand we watch deer cross the back yardon their autumn journey,then I stay awake soothing himuntil the smell of threat passes. He senses the night in scents,sniffing when a leaf falls, long pastthe hearingof his old-dog ears,and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 15 Comments

Argue with Jesus

Posted on September 19, 2023 by Maren

Jesus said, “Working all day is no betterthan working for fifteen minutes.” Jesus said, “Blessed are those who grieve.” Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” Jesus said, “Let the dead bury the dead …Don’t let responsibility interrupt you.” Jesus said, “Nobody … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 6 Comments

Happy Postscript! Bishop Malkhaz Songulashvili

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Maren

Isn’t it wonderful to be celebrated by the home folks? Back in Tbilisi from Berlin, Malkhaz was surprised after worship by a reception from his own church!!! The cartoon was painted by Bishop Rusudan (the Associate Pastor, she is an … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Shana Tovah

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Maren

(Rosh Hashanah begins tonight at sunset and lasts till sunset on the 17th) As we approach Rosh Hashanah,I send greetings to thosewhose faith names this eveningthe head of a new yearand the celebration of creation,especially the creation of human beings. … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Prayer for Libya in the floods

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Maren

Holy One, we pray for Libyain the midst of Storm Daniel’s flooding,this medicane, this time of fear. For those who grievetwo thousand confirmed dead, we pray. For those worry and those who searchfor ten thousand missing, we pray. For those … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Prayer for Morocco

Posted on September 9, 2023 by Maren

O God, The All-Merciful, The Wakeful One,The Compassionate, we pray for Morocco,in the wake of the earthquakein the midst of  damage and sorrowthat follows this terrible night. We pray for those who grievemore than eight hundred dead,and those who fear … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 7 Comments