Patsy Mitchner, a former slave from the time when our country participated in that evil institution, looked back on those years after the Civil War and commented, “Slavery was a bad thing, and freedom, of the kind we got, with nothing to live on, was bad. Two snakes full of poison. One lying with his … read
When my daughter was growing up, I spent a lot of time watching Disney movies with her; you know, movies like The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Jungle Book. And, after watching the Little Mermaid for the 50th time, I started to ask questions. Like, how many more times can my daughter watch … read
Last Sunday, during our adult-education hour, we heard from the Portland Public Schools Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero. A memorable thing he said was that we often say we want transformation. It’s just change that we don’t want. It made me think about my eating habits. I’m moving towards a vegetarian diet because I want to lessen … read
Here’s my dirty little secret: I work out my faith questions through writing sermons. Which explains why I’ve put together two scripture texts not normally read together in worship—a fragment of a Transfiguration Sunday epistle and part of the annual Second Easter gospel lesson.This is an issue that has bugged me since seminary, something that … read
Let us pray. O Christ, our familiar stranger, you meet us on our way, and will not let us go. As we listen to your incredible tale this morning, Give us your deepest blessing, so that, washed in hope and grace, We may lose our fear, and be a church that lives by your love, … read