A few weeks ago I listened to a Robcast about the “lie of redemptive violence.” In this podcast, Rob Bell explains how this idea of redemptive violence–that violence in retaliation for wrong-doing can be justified–is deep in our society…and even in our theology. But it’s really a myth, and he goes… Continue reading
(roughly to the theme song from “Fresh Prince of Air”) In western Kenya born and raisedAt the missionary college, I spent most of my days,Walks in the forest, Sunday night devosRight from the start, you guys were my heroes.You walked hand in hand, no matter the case,Standing side by side,… Continue reading
I was setting up my nativity characters for chapel this week, and was reminded about a preschool chapel last year that became the central illustration in a sermon I preached on Dec. 20, 2015. The sermon was in the context of a ‘Traveler’s Christmas,’ a Christmas Eve service for those… Continue reading
A few months ago I called my credit union with a simple question, and ended up getting routed to the supervisor of fraud detection because after I answered the basic security questions the customer service lady said, “well, we don’t have that Michelle is a male, so I’m going to… Continue reading
In pondering the sermon for this Sunday, I discovered that I actually had two sermons. This is the one that won’t get preached. Text: Matthew 5:13-16 In the movie Lion King, Simba is born into greatness. A descendant of the king, he is told from a young age that he… Continue reading
I recently listened to a podcast by Rob Bell called “Seasons.” He talks about taking his son to college, and realizing that with the change of seasons, come both joys and challenges–even if that change is good and necessary and life-giving. He connected to the story of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene… Continue reading
Collaborating with others via Facebook and Zoom While sitting alone in my living room; Tweeting and retweeting the Olympics parade Long after my tab at the bar has been paid; My brother in Indy posted an article about someone I once knew My mom in Minnesota saw it, and commented,… Continue reading
One of the things I love about being part of a liturgical church is that the rhythm of the church year teaches me new stuff about the ongoing life of faith. In the context of writing a sermon recently, I was reflecting on it again. This is the bit that… Continue reading
As I’m winding up my time at Advent, more and more I’m pausing to ponder what I will take with me as I think back on these 5 years. Here’s my list so far: conversations with my pastor as we drive to synod events (I’m REALLY going to miss these!)… Continue reading
Today, Feb. 25, is the day we remember the life and ministry of Elizabeth Fedde, a Norwegian Deaconess who died on Feb. 25, 1921. I learned about Elizabeth Fedde as I was in formation for the Deaconess Community, and her story still challenges and inspires me. Elizabeth Fedde came to… Continue reading