Posts

The Loneliness Epidemic

35 year-old full-time working mom with young children seeks other working moms to form tight-knit friendship group. Loves travel, good food, reading books, going to the movies/theater productions, and being outdoors—especially near water. Must enjoy iced coffee, Rosé, and have a slightly irreverent sense of humor. Must send silly texts, make time for lunches, errands, […]

When the Professional is Personal

When the pastor’s phone rings, you never know who or what is on the other end of the line. It could be good news—the birth of a baby, an invitation to collaborate on a community initiative, or a good medical report. Often, though, answering the phone as a pastor can be a bit more fraught. […]

That Awkward Moment: Making Small Talk as a YCW

We don’t know each other well, but we’ve been chatting for awhile, maybe at a party, or at a playdate for our kids. The subject of what we do for a living hasn’t come up yet, and we’re talking easily about other things. But then the time comes when we would normally talk about what […]

Everything Is Fine

I was driving a golf cart through the woods at camp when I came upon three girls sitting on a bench with their counselor. I hadn’t heard them at first because of the noise of the golf cart, but as I parked it was clear: the girls were wailing. Loud, grievous, gasping, sobbing, wailing. Camp […]

Who I Am With Them

I have been best friends with the same four women for over 20 years. It’s only now that we’re in our 30’s that we’ve realized how fortunate we are to have sustained our friendship for so long. What a gift it is to have friends who have known me as a little girl, a young […]

A Sacred Window

Nothing can really prepare you for the death of a friend. It doesn’t matter how many pastoral care classes you took in seminary. It makes no difference how many funeral services you prepare and lead on a regular basis. The books on your shelves and the articles in your files do not mean a thing […]

Swallowing a Bitter Pill: A Lenten Journey

“I’m giving up Lent for Lent!” It is a common joke around this time of year when worship leaders start planning for the Lenten season. I know I’ve said it before — even meant it. Lent can be a big, busy, bitter pill to swallow. Ash Wednesday is one half of the encapsulation of Lent. […]

Litany For Her

I own a piece of art that isn’t worth much money but, it’s a conversation piece.  Handmade with small patches of fabrics varying in colors from red to the brightest orange it hangs on my wall. This gift is a modern version of American quilting.  On the black border you’ll find a hand stitched  words, […]

Pastor and Possible Friend: A Perspective of a Clergyperson and Clergy Spouse

The new president of Princeton Seminary wrote an article last December, titled “Pastor, not friend.”  In that article, he reflects on his relationship with a devoted elder of the parish who was shocked—and saddened—when Craig Barnes announced his leaving the parish.  He said “friends don’t treat each other like that.”  Craig responds, “He was right, […]

Reflections on the Sacred Center

This month we feature an engaging meditation through word and image on what (and who) centers us in our roles as women and as ministers. The prayer here was inspired in part by news that the founder of The Young Clergy Women Project, Susan Olson, has been united with her new daughter Selam in Ethiopia. […]