Let there be marshes
Inspired by Austen Hartke’s Transforming: The Bible & the Lives of Transgender Christians
More Stories from this Author
Notice resurrection
The Gospels record that Jesus chooses when he makes himself known after his resurrection. He is perceived as a gardener or a..
Where have all the sunflowers gone?
There were to be weddings. There were to be bouquets of dazzling sunflowers. More golden flowers were to be woven into the..
Quietly unfolding: A tribute to pastors
Novelist Marilynne Robinson wrote in appreciation of her pastor, “There is no way of reckoning the value good pastors bring to the..
Now or never
In Memory of Rev. Shannon O’Leary Tammy pounded her fist into her baseball glove: once, twice. The boys on the other side..
In defense of an online ministry presence
I was disappointed to read Tish Harrison Warren’s New York Times editorial calling for a blanket ban upon online worship (“Why Churches..
Sermons as poems, poems as sermons: an invitation to a new practice
Lauren Winner, author and Duke Divinity professor, told participants in a writing workshop to rework our sermons as sonnets as part of..
She was John the Baptist
Upon one of the Sunday School walls, there hung a painting of John baptizing Jesus, but the River Jordan looked more like..
Present in a New Year
this shining moment in the now — David Budbill We call the year “new” but the ancient sun pulls the earth along..
Magic
In C.S. Lewis's “The Magician’s Nephew,” Uncle Andrew is a wild-eyed bachelor with a shock of tousled grey hair who conducts experiments..
How it all adds up — A sonnet of gratitude
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. — Psalm 90:12 When you three were..
Order of worship — November 28, 2021
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation. It is free for..
1st Sunday of Advent — Nov. 28, 2021
Luke 21:25–36 Advent 1C Thanks to this week’s guest writer! Andrew Taylor-Troutman is pastor of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church in..
Alice falling, joyful giving
The best way to explain it is to do it. — Dodo in "Alice in Wonderland" When Alice dropped down the rabbit..
Standing shoulder-to-shoulder: The slant truth of Emily Dickinson and old farmers
This image of my ancestors returns to mind now that I am a pastor hoping to connect men of all ages to..
The dance of good deeds
The medieval mystic, Meister Eckhart, claimed, “God laughs and plays in good deeds.” Laughter and play call strong and specific images to..
Playing my ukulele
I have strummed a guitar on and off for the better part of 20 years. As an undergraduate, I would accompany my..
The dance of good deeds
The medieval mystic, Meister Eckhart, claimed, “God laughs and plays in good deeds.” Laughter and play call strong and specific images to..
Kind of pure
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. — Matthew 5:8 At the start of the pandemic, there was..
Prayer for Chloe in Checkout Line #3
You are all frontline heroes, from red-eyed stockers to baggers. Still, I make a place in my heart those working the register...
Soul cat
After only a couple of dates, Ginny and I lighted on the subject of pets. I am a dog guy. My romantic..
Whirls
A generation goes, and a generation comes. (Ecclesiastes 1:4) For decades, my maternal grandmother made dozens of crescent rolls every week. Gran’s..
A high probability
Hello! I have just now received your email, and I am calling to invite you to tell me more. Why? Fair question...
Sing the Faith
after Robert Browning God’s in His heaven, wrote the old poet, all’s right with the world. Seems up for debate with unjust..
Trinity Sunday – May 30, 2021
Romans 8:12–17; John 3:1–17 Part of my spiritual practice during the week before Memorial Day is to reread Tim O’Brien’s short story..