A Case for the Revised Common Lectionary
I recently returned from a week at Preacher Camp. There are many things to recommend about the experience of retreating with excellent colleagues to plan preaching, and I’ve often written about the...
View ArticleMidwifing the Future
After taking one look at my face last week, a friend patted me on the arm and said comfortingly: “You know what they say. Getting back to work after vacation is like sitting on the couch for months and...
View ArticlePoetry Corner
From the Kenyan-born, Somali poet, Warsan Shire. no one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark you only run for the border when you see the whole city running as well your neighbors running...
View ArticleAmy Schumer and the Church: Reflections
This week has been another week of heart-wrenching news headlines, enough to make any thinking person despair for the state of the world. While Americans are preoccupied with misguided public servants...
View ArticleWake Up Call for the World
Wake Up Call for the World Mark 8:27-38 I never can read today’s passage from Mark’s gospel without memories of childhood road trips instantly springing to mind. I can still see my parents up in front,...
View ArticleOne Way or Another
One Way or Another Psalm 1 Happy Homecoming, Riverside Church! It’s such a pleasure to watch the parade of banners and your beautiful faces filling the pews this morning, to hear the voices of our...
View ArticleRadical, But Not Really: Pope Francis
My whole city is abuzz with energy around the arrival of a special guest this week. Whether devout Catholic desperate for a once in a lifetime glimpse of the Holy Father or annoyed commuter already...
View ArticleThe Sound of Silence
Losing My Religion: The Sound of Silence Job 1:1; 2:1-10 I had just graduated from seminary, newly minted diploma in hand, off the save the world. Then, unexpectedly someone very dear to me died. The...
View ArticlePastoral Note Addressing Gun Violence
Announced in worship on Sunday, October 4, 2015 following a mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Oregon: Thursday’s shooting in Oregon was the 45th school shooting in America in 2015. I’ve...
View ArticleTrue Colors
Losing My Religion: True Colors Job 23:1-9, 16-17 “Instead of saying ‘God wouldn’t give you more than you could handle,’ you could say, ‘Let me come over and do some laundry.’” So begins an article...
View ArticleWe Are Better Than This
Even the memory feels vaguely cheesy, as do most things Disney (in my experience). I was 6 years old; the date was July 4, 1976. For that year of my life my family lived in Orlando, Fla., and my...
View ArticleAnniversary Prayer
Sovereign, Creator, Mother and Father of life: With thanks beyond our ability to speak, with hope that fills even this sanctuary, with joy for each of our 85 years, with forgiveness for some of the...
View ArticleBeloved Community: In Pictures
Continuing the celebration this week: here are a few pictures from Sunday’s 85th celebration. You can see in these pictures the wonderful spirit present, and the incredible dedication and hard work...
View ArticleLove Will Have the Final Word
We can take in the terror and act in fear. Many do. But we are people of faith, and as such we take in instead the conviction that God’s kingdom is coming to be; the commitment to welcome the stranger;...
View ArticlePrayer for the Living of These Days
The task and challenge of putting words to the rhythm of our corporate life is an honor and a privilege. And sometimes, many times this year, in fact, that task is so difficult. Sundays come with a...
View ArticleWho Do You Love?
Who Do You Love? Matthew 6:19-34 I have a friend who is one of those guys who intentionally lives his life care-free and unfettered. At age 35, he is not married; he has no children. Though he’s very...
View ArticleLive As If You Believe
Live As If You Believe 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Theologian Frederick Beuchner writes: “In the silence of a midwinter dusk there is far off in the deeps of it somewhere a sound so faint that for all you...
View ArticleThe Downside of Diversity
Here’s what can happen in a community that claims diversity but doesn’t tend it faithfully: we create a culture of accommodation.
View ArticlePoetry Corner
Wow, this is so beautiful. Blessed Advent, friends. O anitphon for our fears by Marin Tirabassi O Emmanuel, hailed by clueless Gabriel, who thinks we can shake off being afraid, Come to us in...
View ArticleLet There be Peace on Earth?
Let There Be Peace on Earth? Philippians 1:3-11 Advent 2 “Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and the first responders in San Bernardino.” “Thoughts and prayers are with #SanBernardino.”...
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