~by Charity Marrone During this season as we find ourselves re-entering the Story of Easter I am reminded of how grand our story of faith can be. It is often referred to as the greatest story ever told. For me it is good to remember that many contributions were made to the full story. It … Continue reading
From Jill Clingan and Joanna Harader Yesterday we waved the Palm branches. Next Sunday we will rejoice at the empty tomb. It is important that we not skip the story in between. So this week’s family liturgy varies a bit from our usual form. We have provided daily readings for each week day and an … Continue reading
by Matt Clingan I love the line of Jesus where he states, “The law was made for man, not man for the law” (Mark 2:27). It’s kind of a mantra of mine, and while Jesus was speaking about Sabbath, I apply it liberally wherever it works, like a spiritual soap on a body that never … Continue reading
by: Andrew Gale A friend of mine, Art, told a story recently about going to a play about the life of Jesus years ago. He went with a friend who already had a ticket, but when they arrived the show was sold out. Art decided to just go back to his car and wait for … Continue reading
~by Jill Clingan I felt a tap on my shoulder, startling me from my reverie. It was a spring Sunday morning. My husband was upstairs helping with the kids. I was sitting alone in my pew. The service was winding down, and it was time for communion. As I was sitting in that pew, with … Continue reading
~ Rev. Elizabeth Dilley “Does Aunt N have a vulva?” Our child, M, was not quite two, and our dear friend N was in town and at our house for supper. The question was not directed at N, but at me. I sighed. I have worked hard to cultivate a matter-of-factness about our bodies, including … Continue reading
Earlier this week I was thinking to myself I had done a pretty good job of keeping it peaceful and calm and not cramming too much in among all the special events that show up on the calendar this time of year. Okay, I was feeling just the teensiest bit smug. Then on Monday night … Continue reading
~from Jennifer Difrancesco Gathering: Joseph Engaged to Mary Pondering, Angels visit He did as was told ~Elisabeth Paulk (age 8) Prayer: Open our ears and speak to us, O God. Let us hear you in our watching, waiting, hoping, dreaming, rejoicing, and embracing. And let us be visited and assured by Your Word. Amen. … Continue reading
Today I was surprised to read someone’s prickly remarks about Advent. Their remarks watered the sacred tradition of Advent, its candles and liturgy and reflections, into the spiritual equivalent of weak tea. I was startled. And confused. And I felt myself burn with the malevolent wish to offer some prickly comments in return. Once my … Continue reading
When we moved into our house this past July, just four months ago, the previous owners left us so many surprises…like REALLY GOOD surprises. A lawn mower. A wheelbarrow. Stand alone storage cabinets. Mid-century modern shelves. A cozy vintage chair and footrest. Tools and a work bench in the garage. Even a Star Wars collectible … Continue reading
Practicing Families 