Hurry Up and Wait

RevGal MaryBeth Butler invites us to this Friday Five: Shhhhh…. Advent is coming. I tell you this, not to panic you, but as a quiet invitation. This time of year can be so busy with planning for Advent and Christmas, for those who work in churches and we who live close to them. Today, I…

A Determined Woman With a Divine Plan

Psalm 133; Matthew 15:21-28 Sermon preached Sunday, August 17, 2014 Here we find Jesus, praising a mouthy woman! The nice way to put it would be to call this Canaanite woman “The Queen of Determination.” And she was about as welcome in Jesus’ presence as an Atlanta Falcons fan in WhoDat Nation. This Canaanite woman was no…

“It’s Just Lunch” Jeopardy

Here’s a game for Beloved Former Pastors who want to have friendly contact with friends from their former church.When is casual contact fraught with jeopardy?  Let’s play, shall we? The Answer:  “It’s just lunch!” The Question:  “What does a Beloved Former Pastor (BFP) believe about her/his friendly contact with a former parishioner?” Well, yes, BFP.…

Dear Rev. Former Pastor, About that Funeral

Dear Rev. Former Pastor: You just got the call from a beloved parishioner in your previous congregation.  Their loved one has just died and they have called you.  They want you to:  “do the funeral” — or — co-officiate the funeral with me, Rev. Current Pastor — or at least — say a few words…