“You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19, 2) These words – from the Lord to Moses making their way to the congregation of the people of Israel and now to my heart – I find difficult at best. The Lord continue…
Last week when I wrote my post, I was unaware that Micah 6:8 was a part of this week’s lectionary readings. Along with Micah are the prophetic words of Jesus commonly known as The Beatitudes. The word is from the Latin beatus, meaning “bles…
Vision and Mission for the Women’s March: We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families – recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are th…
Vision and Mission for the Women’s March: We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families – recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are th…
“New Year, new you”: this is the message that we receive this time of the year. We often respond by making resolutions and promises to change aspects of our lives. Promises that we often do not keep that lead to feelings of guilt. &nb…
This has been our Advent theme leading us to this sacred time of Christmas! On the verge of Christmas Eve I find myself humming carols and getting all things ready for worship. What an honor it is to lead worship for such a time as this – a…
“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7 These words from the prophet Jeremiah still ring in my ears since preaching on t…
A Place at the Table …
The first time I heard this song it moved me. I was participating in a heart wrenching conversation. I remember little of the conversation only that it was painful and my heart ached. Words were hurtful and speech was divisive. In the midst of it all the holy words of this melody rang through the air and the chorus echoed over and over again: “and God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy, compassion and peace: yes, God will delight when we are creators of justice, justice and joy!”
We chose this song for this upcoming Sunday for World Communion Sunday to accompany the reading from the Gospel of Luke. Jesus speaks about coming to the table with humility as we invite the poor, the cripple, the lame and the blind.
After watching the Presidential debate last evening these words again began to echo in my heart. The speech was divisive and words were hurtful. I was pained by the anger and angst that sought to silence the other two voices in the room. There was little true listening and more accusations from one candidate. This made the debate hostile and tense in ways that were not productive. I was left saddened and my heartaches for the ways we use our power to exclude voices. How often do I use my power in ways that does not give voice to the voiceless? How often do I silence those who seek to be heard? Who do I invite to the table to receive this incredible and extravagant grace that God offers to all? So I struggle to be more like you Jesus.
May these words bring healing and direction to your heart –
For everyone born, a place at the table,
for everyone born, clean water and bread,
a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing,
for everyone born, a star overhead.
when we are creators of justice and joy,
when we are creators of justice and joy, justice and joy.
For woman and man, a place at the table,
revising the roles, deciding the share,
with wisdom and grace, dividing the power,
for woman and man, a system that’s fair. Refrain
For young and for old, a place at the table,
a voice to be heard, a part in the song,
the hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled,
for young and for old, the right to belong. Refrain
For just and unjust, a place at the table,
abuser, abused, with need to forgive,
in anger, in hurt, a mindset of mercy,
for just and unjust, a new way to live. Refrain
For everyone born, a place at the table,
to live without fear, and simply to be,
to work, to speak out, to witness and worship,
for everyone born, the right to be free. Refrain
(Worship and Song UMC)
A Place at the Table …
The first time I heard this song it moved me. I was participating in a heart wrenching conversation. I remember little of the conversation only that it was painful and my heart ached. Words were hurtful and speech was divisive. In the midst of it all the holy words of this melody rang through the air and the chorus echoed over and over again: “and God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy, compassion and peace: yes, God will delight when we are creators of justice, justice and joy!”
We chose this song for this upcoming Sunday for World Communion Sunday to accompany the reading from the Gospel of Luke. Jesus speaks about coming to the table with humility as we invite the poor, the cripple, the lame and the blind.
After watching the Presidential debate last evening these words again began to echo in my heart. The speech was divisive and words were hurtful. I was pained by the anger and angst that sought to silence the other two voices in the room. There was little true listening and more accusations from one candidate. This made the debate hostile and tense in ways that were not productive. I was left saddened and my heartaches for the ways we use our power to exclude voices. How often do I use my power in ways that does not give voice to the voiceless? How often do I silence those who seek to be heard? Who do I invite to the table to receive this incredible and extravagant grace that God offers to all? So I struggle to be more like you Jesus.
May these words bring healing and direction to your heart –
For everyone born, a place at the table,
for everyone born, clean water and bread,
a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing,
for everyone born, a star overhead.
when we are creators of justice and joy,
when we are creators of justice and joy, justice and joy.
For woman and man, a place at the table,
revising the roles, deciding the share,
with wisdom and grace, dividing the power,
for woman and man, a system that’s fair. Refrain
For young and for old, a place at the table,
a voice to be heard, a part in the song,
the hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled,
for young and for old, the right to belong. Refrain
For just and unjust, a place at the table,
abuser, abused, with need to forgive,
in anger, in hurt, a mindset of mercy,
for just and unjust, a new way to live. Refrain
For everyone born, a place at the table,
to live without fear, and simply to be,
to work, to speak out, to witness and worship,
for everyone born, the right to be free. Refrain
(Worship and Song UMC)
Family DramaGenesis 37:11-26The journey of Joseph continues this week with the unfolding family drama. As I am working with these family dynamics that are woven throughout these several chapters in Genesis, I am in a group text conversation with …
