A Pinch in the Fabric: A Reflection on Ash Wednesday 2022
I was in 8th grade the first time I learned there was a Nazi in my family tree.
God is on the couch
Back in October 2021, a post floated around social media professing that “you can’t worship from your couch.” The post generated a mild sensation among pastors who serve churches taking […]
When the World Is Fighting: Talking about War (and Peace) at Home
Excerpted from When Kids Ask Hard Questions, Volume 2: More Faith-Filled Responses for Tough Topics (Coming soon from Chalice Press)* I have a vivid memory of sitting on the carpeted floor […]
I’m Not Throwing away My Shot
“Do you have kids?” the paramedic administering my vaccine asked. “Yes. Two barrels of energy. They are 3 and 1.” “A pastor and a mom? Wow.” She said, smiling. “I […]
When Christmas Isn’t Joyful Part 2: A COVID Christmas
When I was a kid, I loved going to my grandma’s house on Christmas. Of course I loved the gifts and being with family, but what I really loved was […]
Dear Clergy: A Letter for November
My dear, weary, fierce colleagues in ministry, It’s been a year, hasn’t it? None of us knew going in to 2020 what would come; none of us expected to spend […]
Praying while Frayed
Let’s pray together: We try to have a good attitude about it, God, but sometimes we just run out of juice for that. We’ve got no more energy to pivot, […]
A Protest Chaplain’s Story
It was muggy and warm and not really comfortable in Atlanta that day. A minister friend and I put on our clergy collars, parked at the local church, and walked […]
Pastoring Faithfully in Divisive Times
The day after the 2016 presidential election, the seniors group at the church I serve was scheduled to gather. When I arrived, they told me that they’d agreed not to […]
On the day we had an active shooter drill…
On Sunday, September 15, Emily’s church had the first of three active-shooter trainings in the midst of its worship services. Members and friends were told about the training in advance. […]
