Monday Marks Reflection (1/7/19): Engaging in mission and outreach.

Mike

I’ve been doing this reflection for a while on Facebook and am going to try it here, too. A few years ago now, the United Church of Christ endorsed The Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers through a resolution of the General Synod. Over the years, the use of these marks has spread more widely as the basis of lots of resources and more deeply as a tool for reflection and discernment with those in ministry or considering ministry in the UCC. I’d started to use this as a tool for reflection a year or so ago and, several … Continue reading Monday Marks Reflection (1/7/19): Engaging in mission and outreach.

Candle #3

Mike

Dear God: “Because of” joy is delicious. It’s that gift that feels like laughing with a child. It is a song that makes you move. It is open armed spinning in a field in the summer. It is that meal that was surprisingly and deeply satisfying. It is the problem solved; that quiet morning before everyone is awake and the clock ticks and the sun is rising – brilliant orange, vibrant red and advent candle pink and you have no question that you Are alive. “In spite of” joy… That one feels like turning the world upside down. It is … Continue reading Candle #3

Walls, wind and water

Mike

The wind wasn’t stopped. Nor were the birds nor the waves. The sand was blown back and forth and the same plants grew on both sides. It was only the people who were prevented from crossing across the border. I was with around 400 religious leaders from across the country last week just south of San Diego on the border between Mexico and the United States. It’s a unique spot where a twenty-foot high fence cuts the beach in half and goes down into the ocean. There were armed border patrol agents in combat gear. Other agents were on the … Continue reading Walls, wind and water

Candle #2: Peace

Mike

Dear God: There was a time it seemed trite, sentimental, idealistic to talk about peace. The comfortable understand it as a right. The uncomfortable understand it as a lie. It is a problem of others in other places or a plaintive cry in the night or yelled out with a raised fist: “No justice! No peace!” When we light this candle, who is lighting it? When we light this candle, who might we be lighting it for? Amen. Continue reading Candle #2: Peace