Category Archives: Uncategorized

Remembering Tina Turner Today

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Maren

I am thinking about a Tina Turner Pentecostwith all that energy and edge,voices that don’t stopand don’t calm down,that break free from chaotic childhoodand so much abuseand hard luck and illness, a Come-Back Pentecost! I am thinking that a Tina … Continue reading →

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And our Pentecost Comes

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Maren

There is a woman who forgets – the deacons’ meeting,her keys,picking up the church poinsettia order. Last Sunday she forgot she was notdoing coffee hour —some mistakes are delicious. Someone called to remind herthis weekand she comes with carrot cake,gluten-free … Continue reading →

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Blessing the dice (Acts 1:21-26)

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Maren

So in this sweet and anxious timebetween ascension and, well,that wrapped-up gift,that will arrive sometime,and be the birthday of something,if the wrapping paper doesn’tburn off or blow off in shipping,there is this small story. Don’t skip it –for it makes … Continue reading →

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National Rescue Dog Day

Posted on May 20, 2023 by Maren

God loves meand has given me dogs. They had lives before me,and lives now I do not understand.I make metaphors from themtrying to definea bark, a run, a cuddle,the sleeping in the sun,the wagging tail,the yawn (tired or anxious?) the … Continue reading →

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Ascension Day honoring Brownsville

Posted on May 18, 2023 by Maren

So when they had come together,they found they were at a bus stop,near a shelter where migrants often stayed,and many of them were liftedout of sight,and clouds of tearskept everyone from seeing more. And among all of us who watch,missing … Continue reading →

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Prayer for those recovering from Cyclone Mocha

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Maren

God, Blessed One, All-Compassionate One,for Myanmar and Bangladesh,for people of all faiths, we pray — for your comfort for all who mourn,and your care for all who have losthome, work, clothing, food, safety,for the second lostness of refugees,and for strength … Continue reading →

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Light the Lamps –Celebration of International Nurses Day, May 12

Posted on May 12, 2023 by Maren

We remember Florence Nightingale,who fought her family,refused marriage,traveled to Germany to study,scorned traditional ‘woman’s life,’managed a London hospital, and then in the Crimean War,led a reform of compassion,hygiene and carefor wounded and dying soldiers,and was known in Constantinople.as ‘the Lady … Continue reading →

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On the Areopagus (Acts 17:22-31)

Posted on May 9, 2023 by Maren

On our tour bus in Athensa woman with mobility impairmenthad such trouble getting off the busat most archeological sitesshe chatted with the driverwhile we climbed the rubble. The tour director told usshe was with us because her husband,her sister, and … Continue reading →

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Prayer for Allen Texas

Posted on May 7, 2023 by Maren

O God, our hearts are troubled,though we believe that in your houseare so many rooms,and those who died in Allen, Texas,are gathered there in your love. We pray for comfortfor all of those who grieve this daythe loss of dear … Continue reading →

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Inner commentary

Posted on May 5, 2023 by Maren

My friend calls her photograph,“Ploughing the beach,”and I think,“…in time to sow tourists.”The sign says, “Senior Prom,”and I think,“…and we dance our good-byes.” All over town are buildings,with different architecture,different music inside,different thoughts, words spoken,each marked with “Church,”and I think,“… … Continue reading →

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