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
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
I have an unfortunate love of watching TV series…straight through on Netflix. I don’t do this often, but every now and then I have a stretch of time that isn’t highly scheduled and I find myself spending more time than I’d like to admit clicking “watch next episode,” saying ‘just… 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
“It isn’t so much that people leave religion, I think as it is that, like Olympic runners on a mission, they come to a moment in life when they go beyond the system to the very source of the light. It is the plight of the mystic to enter the… Continue reading
“Prophetic waiting looks eagerly for signs of God’s salvation in our midst; it looks backward remembering God’s glorious salvation in the past; forward to the time in the future when it will break forth again; and all around us for signs of its presence now.” (The Meaning is in the… Continue reading
I’ve been on the road a bit recently, so haven’t been in worship very consistently on Sundays. This past Sunday, I got back to church just a few minutes before the end of the service. As everybody was leaving the sanctuary, I stood in the narthex to greet people in… Continue reading
A few years ago I re-worked the words to the song “Thank you” by Ray Boltz, to be a note of appreciation to the volunteers in my congregation. It might be time to pull it out and share it again: Thank You words by Michelle Collins Based on the song… Continue reading
Once a year I gather with my Sisters in the Deaconess Community of the ELCA for fellowship and for important conversations about the Community and our ministry in the church. These are some of my favorite days in the year. Gathering with women who are doing similar ministry as me,… Continue reading