Food for the Spirit

Food for the spirit

Where do "liberals" find the strength they need - and the direction - for the struggle for freedom and justice and peace? We hope to share in this page an occasional morsel of nourishment for the liberal spirit.

And we invite your contributions! If you have a poem or meditation, a prayer or even maybe a sermon (but it better be good!) to share here, please send it to the Webmaster Or send a note later to dougking2@aol.com

A Pentecost gift for Witherspoon ... and for you
[5-7-08]

The Rev. Ralph G. Clingan sent us a sermon he has prepared for Pentecost Sunday, for a congregation that he describes as having been “mortally wounded by a homophobic fundamentalist fellow Presbyterian minister.”

He traces the meaning of the gift of the Spirit as helping us to overcome “Past Hurts, Low Self Esteem, Grudges, and Resentments,” and helping others to do the same.

Read his sermon >>

Working for peace ...“beginning from within” [6-22-07]

Your WebWeaver recently joined about a dozen other men for a five-day retreat at a nearby Trappist monastery – observing silence for most of the time, with an hour and a half each morning for work alongside the monks. I reflected on this deeply good time in the Spring issue of Network News, and would like to share my thoughts with you in our wider web audience.

I came home thinking of how all of us – right, left and center – might benefit from giving ourselves more time for silence, and taking our own inwardness more seriously. As one Buddhist teacher puts it, we need to begin peacemaking by dealing with the wars within us.

The Whale ... and liberation [6-18-07]

This liberating story was forwarded to us by Witherspooner Bill Knox.

The Whale

If you read the front page story of the SF Chronicle [in December, 2005], you would have read about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a line tugging in her mouth.

A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farralone Islands (outside the Golden Gate ) and radioed an environmental group for help.

Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her

A very dangerous proposition. One slap of the tail could kill a rescuer.

They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her. When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed gently around-she thanked them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives.

The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth says her eye was following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.

May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate as to be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you. And may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude.

I pass this on to you, my friend, in the same spirit.

Theological musings

Easter Hope in a Good Friday World

by Paul E. Capetz
[5-28-07]

Dr. Paul E. Capetz is joining Douglas Ottati in the writing of "Theological Musing," a regular column for Network News. He is Associate Professor of Historical Theology at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.

In this personal reflection on the events we recently remembered and celebrated in Holy Week, he suggests that the heart of the story is not the cheering story of Easter, but the painfully real story of Good Friday. He writes:

It is not the doctrine [of atonement], but the story of Jesus’ crucifixion that is essential. The gospel is, after all, a story about a messiah whose victory does not look very messianic. It is the story of a faithful Jew, whose fidelity led him to the cross and who calls us to the same fidelity even if it might also lead us to the cross. To illustrate what such fidelity means for modern people we only need remember Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Oscar Romero. The story is as timely today as it was in ancient Palestine.

The full essay >>

A blog for eager readers and explorers of faith [4-3-07]

Your WebWeaver must confess he is a bit baffled by the current flood of blogs, but he’s slowly recognizing that there are good things worth a visit now and then.

Let me introduce just one of them today, and I’ll try to be back with more suggestions in the weeks to come.

And if you have suggestions, please send a note! We don’t want this website to become just a advertising list of blogs, and we won’t automatically recommend just anything that is mentioned. But if you can suggest a blog page that offers helpful news and commentary about church and/or society – and especially the interactions between them – we’ll be happy to consider mentioning it. (Even if it’s your own!)

Just send a note!

Enough introduction. Here’s our first venture into the wild world of blogs:

Shuck and Jive is the creation of the Rev. John Shuck, who describes his blog thus: "A Presbyterian minister blogs about spirituality, culture, religion (both organized and disorganized), life, evolution, literature, Jesus and lightening up. John Shuck is the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton, Tennessee (a liberal church on the buckle of the Bible belt)."

A couple recent samples:

On March 29, as part of a series of blogs on readings for Holy Week, he gave very brief introductions to books such as Marcus Borg's latest, Jesus: Uncovering the Life, Teachings, and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary; Borg and John Dominic Crossan’s The Last Week: A Day-by-Day Account of Jesus' Final Week in Jerusalem; and James Tabor’s The Jesus Dynasty – among others!

Shuck reads a lot, but he doesn’t limit himself to the library. He offers his own theological and ethical reflections on a wide range of issues, including the environment, politics, the church, the American Empire, and more. Much more.

For a slightly different tone, check out his thoughts for Saturday, March 31, on the topic "Sometimes I wish I was a RevGal," which begins: "Do you notice the difference between clergy boy bloggers and clergy girl bloggers? There really is a difference."

As with many bloggers, he invites visitors to subscribe to e-mail updates sent whenever he adds to his blog.

So – what do you think of blogs (either Shuck and Jive in particular, or others, or the whole proliferating genre)? Just send a note with your comments and recommendations, and we’ll share it here.

Almost Easter

The Rev. Bobbie McGarey shares with us her poem, celebrating the hope of Easter in the midst of a war-torn world. [3-21-07]

Lenten readings just for our unpeaceful times
Even cracked pots can carry life and light in times of death and destruction

from your WebWeaver, Doug King [3-15-07]

Yesterday evening some people of our congregation gathered for our regular Lenten observance of a simple supper and a time of prayer using the Taizé service.

I listened to the three scripture readings after a day of hearing about the continuing concerns about the Bush Administration’s actions in firing a number of US Attorneys, and the Attorney General’s lame efforts to deal with those concerns. And I sat there knowing I would be leaving the next day (this evening) to join thousands of others for the Christian Peace Witness for Iraq, to be held Friday in Washington, DC.

The progression through the three readings led me ...

	from the psalmist’s lament at the evil all around him, and rejoicing at God’s promise to stand against the evil-doers and the liars
	through God’s word to Jeremiah that we are clay in the hands of the divine Potter, with the hope of being useful vessels, but only if we repent and change our ways as a people
	to Paul’s ringing affirmation that while we are just clay pots, we can serve as life-giving vessels even in times of death and destruction.

Nothing new here, but for me it was the right Word at the right time. And I’d like to share it with you.

The passages >>

Eco-Justice Notes

An environmentalist leads us on a new path through Lent [3-9-07]

The Rev. Peter Sawtell, the Executive Director of Eco-Justice Ministries, is posting a very provocative and helpful exploration of what he calls the four core norms of an eco-justice ethic: solidarity, sustainability, sufficiency, and participation.

The one for this week, on sufficiency, asks "How much is enough?" – "one of the central questions for those who seek eco-justice in the world."

The current meditation, on Sufficiency, is entitled "Enough, Already."

The first meditation, on Solidarity, bears the title "All In It Together."

The second, on Sustainability, he calls "Nothing Left for the Kids"

The final one, due out in a couple weeks, will deal with Participation.

Go to the archive index of his Eco-Justice Notes to find all these essays (and many more) listed.

A Lenten reflection ... or vision

The Best of the Temptations
[3-1-07]

On the first Sunday of Lent, Lisa Larges preached a profound – and funny – sermon on Luke’s account of the temptations of Jesus. She began by lamenting what so many are experiencing these days: that it seems the Presbyterian Church would rather be right than be in love.

She went on to explore Satan’s temptations of Jesus as inviting him to escape his human vulnerability – and he refused, because for him the Scriptures were about loving and being loved, not about being right and being invulnerable. That view of Scripture she offered is what the church needs now, for itself and for the well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who are still seeking a place within that church.

Read the sermon – for its sly humor or for its warm depth, or both.

Reflecting on the film "The Good Shepherd"

Moral blankness in fiction and in reality [1-17-07]

Berry Craig writes about the popular new spy film, "The Good Shepherd." One reviewer has noted the "moral blankness" of the main character as he progresses in his profession of espionage; Craig sees that as a helpful way of understanding our country's present mess as well. The essay >>

Thoughts for Christmas [12-21-06]

Having recently moved from Minnesota to Georgia, your WebWeaver has found it difficult to "think Christmas" this season. Blue skies and 70-degree days are great, but not for Christmas shopping. (We have little inclination, though, to seek out the good old days of snow, ice, sub-zero temperatures and all the rest.)

But as Christmas seems to be coming just the same, we want to share with you two pieces that have come our way – and we’ll add more if they come to us.

First, Carol Wickersham, one of the founders of No2Torture, offers a Christmas letter that shows how powerful Christmas thoughts can be when they are grounded in the stuff of struggle of justice, peace, and human dignity.

And then my brother, Jack King, has sent a Christmas poem, as has now become his excellent annual custom. I’m happy to share this gift with you all.

And here’s a delightful thought presented in "flash video" format by the Global Good Neighbor Initiative of the International Relations Center.

Finally, you may want to look at the page of Advent and Christmas thoughts that we offered last year at this time. [Over 2,000 people have accessed the page during this December, so there must be something helpful there.]

And we welcome your suggestions and offerings!!
Just send a note,
to be shared here.

Advent reflections

This is True
by Allan Boesak

It is not true
that this world and its people
are doomed to die and be lost.

This is true;
God so loved the world
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believes in him,
shall not perish but have everlasting life.

It is not true
that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination,
hunger and poverty, death and destruction.

This is true;
I have come that they may have life,
and that abundantly.

It is not true
that violence and hatred should have the last word,
and that war and destruction have come to stay forever.

This is true:
Unto us a child is born,
and unto us a Son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God,
the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Allan Boesak (b. 1945)

"This is True"

Allan Boesak, who was a courageous and insightful leader of the Reformed Church in South Africa in the struggle against apartheid, served as President of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches from 1982 to 1991.

May this brief reflection bring a little of his passion for justice into our observance of this season of Advent.

Can narrative save us? [7-15-06]

John R. Preston, author of the recent book Wrestling Until the Dawn: The Fight for Biblical Justice in a Postmodern World, builds on the recent books by David Korten and Mark Taylor to urge that in preaching today, we follow the example of Jesus, who "in his non-violent approach to injustice, used stories to question, satirize, and thereby undermine the empire of his time and place."

Preston looks briefly at the parable of the mustard seed as one example of this approach to prophetic preaching for our time.

We sinned and saw The Da Vinci Code [6-4-06]

Berry Craig, history prof and journalist, takes a keen (and light-hearted) look at the reactions of his religious-right neighbors to The Da Vinci Code. And through them he offers observations on the alarms being sounded by James Dobson and Focus on the Family, who don't seem able to accept the novel and the film as fiction.

A Song of Empire

How about a little poetry? Not a cautionary tale, exactly, but a little cautionary verse for American empire-builders. [1-28-06]

It begins:

Oh, sing a song of Empire great;
Our country right or wrong!
We’ll sing a song of Empire great;
We’ll be forever strong!

The rest of the poem >>

Seeking hymns for progressive Presbyterians [1-7-06]

We recently posted a request by a Presbyterian pastor for help in finding hymns with words that are appropriate for congregations of liberal/progressive convictions.

The Rev. Mitch Trigger offers some ideas.
The Rev. Bill LeMosy sends some hymns of his own.

Reflections for Epiphany --
Christianity and Empire [1-4-06]

As Epiphany approaches, Witherspooner Byron Bangert reminds us that the story of the wise men also includes the slaughter of the male children in the area of Bethlehem – a clear confrontation between the reign of God and the rule of Empire.

"Bringing in the Sheaves" – and the politics of Advent and Christmas

The Rev. Thomas Davis, pastor of Hanover Street Presbyterian Church in ...., offered a quick, clear look at the political dimension of Mary’s song (the Magnificat), and visit of the Wise Men, and Christmas in general. [1-7-06]

Ethical Consumption for the Holidays--

You don't have to buy stuff to be loved.
It's better for the environment if you don't.

From the Network of Spiritual Progressives

[11-25-05]

We in Western countries are 20% of the world’s population, but we are consuming over 80% of the earth’s natural resources, causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage and unfair distribution of wealth. The average North American consumes five times more than a Mexican, 10 times more than a Chinese person, and 30 times more than a person from India.

Advertisers make us feel that we are worthless if we don’t spend a lot of money on holiday gifts and give us this false image that we will achieve family bliss, sexual success, and love if only we spend enough money on extravagant gifts. But love cannot be bought, and many people find themselves depressed at the holidays, either because they’ve increased their debts or because they find themselves lonely or disappointed with family interactions in which gifts are substituted for real loving encounter. And the spiritual meaning of the holidays is lost in a frenzy of spending.

We at the Network of Spiritual Progressives— an interfaith organization of people committed to peace, social justice, and providing an alternative spiritual voice to that of the Religious Right, are seeking to build a New Bottom Line in which materialism and selfishness is replaced with love, caring, generosity, kindness, ecological sensitivity and awe and wonder at the grandeur of creation. To build such a world, we need to start living in accordance with our own highest ideals.
For suggestions >>

A website for faith explorers [7-8-05]

Dugan Frederick points us to a website called ExploreFaith, which may be interesting and helpful to Witherspooners. Supported largely by Episcopal congregations in the US, it has brief essays by such luminaries as Marcus Borg, Barbara Brown Taylor, as well others less well known. Dugan adds, "There are many interesting links for questions, thoughts, ideas for those on their respective spiritual journeys and development."

A few samples:

Marcus Borg answers the question, What is the significance of the cross and the crucifixion of Jesus?

The Rev. Margaret Gunness, a retired Episcopal priest, writes on "Do I have to believe that Christ literally rose from the dead to be a Christian?"

Mothers Cry for Peace

Witherspooner Arch Taylor shares with us a peace sermon he delivered on Mother’s Day, 2005. He traces the links between the establishment of Mother's Day and the movement for world peace, and shows how Christ offered not only inner peace, but peace for the nations as well. He reminds us of warnings from Air Force Gen. Lee Butler of the religious - and idolatrous - nature of our nation's belief in military power. [5-17-05]

We belong

"in life and in death we belong to God" Brief Statement of Faith

his name doesn't matter, he's a grandfather, here.
his breath is spaced by half minutes one........then
another
for a week now is this the last?

but now --
his fingers are blue
his wife is pale beside him
his family beside him
old and young
child and grandchild
waiting,
praying,
waiting.
weeping,
his wife beside him holding his hand
forgetting to breathe herself.
sigh deep breath
he breathes – is this the last?
where are you God?

it is a precious holy time
midwifing his new birth
we should remove our shoes we're on holy ground.
where is God?
embracing them all.

he talked of a horse and rider, "see it" he said
"turn left – turn left" – he said "the rider must
turn left. there's danger to the right! turn left!"

phone rings in the middle of the night
come they say

it is finished.

thanks be to God

others' deaths much more public
voted on and talked about – first name basis from
strangers
others' death much more public
draped in royal robes of red and gold
millions cry and watch and watch

When do we belong to God? always and forever!

Thanks be to God.
And welcome home.

Bobbie Giltz McGarey
Southwest Oklahoma Presbyterian Parish

Bobbie McGarey shared this poem, the fruit of her dealing with death over the past few days – Terri Schiavo, Pope John Paul II, and a member of a family in Oklahoma, where she is a pastor.

She shares her daily musings in her own blog.

[posted 4-6-05]

A hymn for World Day of Prayer, 2005

O God of Light, May Our Light Shine

The World Day of Prayer 2005’s theme is “Let our Light Shine.” The new hymn, “O God of Light, May Our Light Shine,” was written by Carolyn Gillette for the ecumenical celebration of the World Day of Prayer hosted by the Hockessin United Methodist Church in Delaware. We thought you might like to see it and maybe share it with others.

from Carolyn and Bruce Gillette [3-2-05]

Looking toward Easter ...

A Prayer at the Empty Tomb" is a short poem shared with us by Witherspooner Bill LeMosy. It awakens reflection on conversion and compassion, justice and wisdom, faith and transformation.
[2-28-05]

Lenten 'Fast from Violence' Resources

The World Council of Church is encouraging Christians to enrich their observance of Lent by focusing on how we might work together to overcome the violence in our culture. The U.S. Committee for the Decade to Overcome Violence: Churches seeking Reconciliation and Peace (2001-2010) (DOV) invites Christians to enter into the Lenten season with a focus on the growing violence in our world and the need for peace and reconciliation.

They also provide detailed ideas for "fasting from the consumption of media violence, especially geared towards young people." [2-17-05]

How about seeing "Hotel Rwanda" as an authentic portrayal of "the Passion of the Christ"? [2-11-05]

Brian McLaren, the founding pastor of Cedar Ridge Community Church in Spencerville, Maryland, reflects on this film out of his own visit to Rwanda and concludes that "if we really had the mind and heart of Christ, this is the movie we would be urging people in our churches to see."

The Paradox of Valentine's Day [1-27-05]

With its combination of sexuality and spirituality, romance and religion, Valentine's Day reveals a problem with Christian teaching as well as holding promise for its renewal. The Rev. Charles Henderson, Presbyterian minister and "Your Guide to Christianity" on about.com, looks at the holiday, its history and contemporary implications for Christianity in particular and American culture generally.

He concludes his brief essay:

A saint who went to his death defending young lovers against the abusive and arbitrary power of the state, may be be precisely what the church needs to dramatize its positive position with respect to human sexuality. But even more important, this secular festival of love may be an opportunity for individual Christians to see that God desires nothing more for each of us than that we find in loving relationships with each other, something of that love which is of God.

The Inaugural Address and the Sermon on the Mount

The Rev. Jake Young considers the President's Inaugural Address and the values proclaimed by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. He finds ... well ... some tensions between them. [1-24-05]

O God, Our God
A new hymn text expresses lamentation and hope after the disaster

Manly Olson has written words to be sung to the tune 'Finlandia.' [1-24-05]

A Voice Was Heard in Ramah
A hymn for December 26^th

Carolyn Gillette offers new hymn for December 26^th - reflecting Rachel's lament for her children, and the lamentations heard around the world today. This hymn goes with the gospel text (Matthew 2:12-23) of the Revised Common Lectionary for December 26th. Carolyn gives one-time free use of this hymn to congregations that support the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. [12-21-04]

Another meditation for Christmas eve

Do Not Be Afraid

The angels stayed on message: "Do not fear!" Peter Sawtell, out of his own theological and spiritual depth and his work as Executive Director of Eco-Justice Ministries, reflects on the pressures on us to be afraid, and some of the steps that can lead use through fear.

"Do not be afraid," he writes. "Don't cling so tightly to your own interests, your own needs, your own life, that you are unable to do the will of God. Act as one filled with faith, not fear." [12-17-04]

For a more joyful, more just Christmas ...
[12-8-04]

The New American Dream program offers "three tips for living consciously this holiday season."

Briefly, they suggest: Spend time instead of just money; tune out on phones and computers, tune in to nature and people; count your blessings.

And the Global Exchange Sweatshop-Free Team suggests an on-line store where you can order sweat-free gift items, clothing, and more. The also point you to a list of companies that buy only products made by workers organized in a democratic union or worker-owned cooperative.

We welcome other suggestions -- ways to shop, to celebrate, to worship this holy season.
Just send a note so we can add more to these good ideas.

Our American Profanity

We obsess with national security
as we defile the world with greed,
worshiping our Humvees and
exalting our presidential messiah.

Yet, security comes from peace,
and peace derives from
yielding to justice/righteousness
in the course of human affairs.

Still, the specters of Olympus
trumpet their terrible twaddle
of "freedom," while
repressing any who resist.

Alas! Their brutality is no sign
of a godly age to come,
only a desecration of the garden
that God has planted for the poor.

Shalom and Salaam,
Bill

From the Rev. Bill LeMosy, an interim ministry specialist living in Pleasant Hill, Iowa
[12-8-04]

A litany of Christian hope

We've received this litany from Steve Swearingen, of Anderson, SC, and we're glad to share it here. It begins:

One: When people everywhere learn that hate can only be overcome by love and justice,
Many: What a wonderful world this will be. [10-15-04]

A introductory website on radical faith [9-6-04]

Witherspooner Dugan Frederick of Denver sends this suggestion:

In case you do not know about this website, you may be interested in this one. I find it to be excellent and full of thought-provoking information in the various links.

The website offers links to many of the current progressive theologians and issues, with the aim of offering insights from academic theological thought for those who are interested in moving beyond their traditional views to "more substantial" current views.

The site is a project of the Society of the Sacred Mission in England.

God's Awe-ful Love

The Rev. Erin Swenson, co-moderator of More Light Presbyterians, preached recently on the awesome power of God's acceptance. She explored Romans 8:31-39 through the depths of her own experience, including parenting a severely disabled child, and finding her own selfhood by transitioning from male to female gender. You'll find power and beauty in her proclamation. [7-26-04]

Reading Chinese -- a poem

Witherspooner Jean Rodenbough shares a poem reflecting on the mysteries of learning Chinese - and moves beyond that to the mysteries (and our tragic ignorance) now on display in our military venture in Iraq. [6-21-04]

Prayer

It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view.

The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts; it's even beyond our vision.

We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God's work.

Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us.

No statement says all that should be said.

No prayer fully expresses our faith.

No confession brings perfection; no pastoral visit brings wholeness.

No program accomplishes the church's mission.

No set of goals and objectives includes everything.

We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.

We lay foundations that will need further development.

We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities.

We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.

This enables us to do something and do it very well.

It may be incomplete, but it's a beginning -- a step along the way.

It's an opportunity for God's grace to enter and do the rest.

We may never see the result.

But that's the difference between the master builder and the worker.

We are the workers, not master builders.

We are the ministers, not messiahs.

We are prophets of a future that is not our own.

Amen.

This prayer is attributed to Archbishop Oscar Romero, who was assassinated in El Salvador.

It came to us from Witherspooner Arch Taylor in Louisville, who received it from the General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Mid-Kentucky. [5-13-04]

A new hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette celebrates the Spirit's gifts for ministry, with the title "There Are Many Ways of Sharing." [1-30-04]

Thoughts on Advent:

"Oh my Goodness God, is this what you had in mind?"

The Rev. Bobbie McGarey, who serves the Southwest Oklahoma Parish, offers a provocative reflection on Advent -- a season where a shopper gets trampled, but where there's much more, too. [12-5-03]

For earlier reflections on the holy season of Advent:

	Whose birthday is it anyway?
	"Christmas is subversive"
	... and an index of even more good things.

Get God's daily e-mail [1-4-03]

Witherspooner Bruce Gillette reminds us of a helpful service provided by our PC(USA):

An important New Year's resolution is to read the Bible every day to discover anew God's love for you and call for you to love. An easy way to encourage yourself to read the Bible is to have a brief passage e-mailed to you each day. Our Presbyterian Church (USA) provides this free service that encourages Christians around the world to read the Bible. You can also read online daily updated teachings about the faith from our Study Catechism and news about our church''s work in the USA and overseas from our Mission Yearbook. Learn more about these free services at http://horeb.pcusa.org/search/dailyreadings.htm

Advent Struggles

Reflections from Peter Sawtell, Executive Director of Eco-Justice Ministries [ 12-10-02]

Peter Sawtell reminds us of the challenge of Advent to face our limitations and our bondage to the powers of the world. That can bring heavy burdens, unless those Advent meditations are completed with a genuine proclamation of good news.

So he challenges us with the question, "Do we have a message of liberation that can free people from their bondage to a global system which weaves economics, culture, technology and politics into a powerful web of seduction and control?"

An Advent Calendar
[11-30-02]

Here's a creative way to observe Advent - a season of waiting, expecting, hoping ... and a time for expanding our horizons of caring.

Barbara Kellam-Scott, a professional writer and a member of the Witherspoon executive committee, has created this Advent calendar based on one created by Suzanne Elston.

Whose Birthday Is It Anyway?

Here's a helpful resource for celebrating Advent and Christmas without getting overwhelmed by the lures of commercialism. [11-22-02]

"Why Hope" [5-8-02]

The Rev. Tom Davis, pastor of Hanover Street Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware, has shared a recent sermon with us, as offering a helpful perspective on "the present acrimony in the PCUSA." He draws lessons in healthy and healing communication from the work of Martha Fugate, the Executive Director of Project YES ("Youth Empowerment and Support"), which is in Miami, Florida. This organization works toward the healthy development of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth, by collaborating with parents, schools, and religious and community organizations, in order to promote dialogue, provide information, and establish support systems for these youth.

Easter means Resurrection, and Resurrection means a transformation of this life.
In an Easter sermon at Church of the Pilgrims in Washington, DC, the Rev. Jeffrey

What is God's call to the Church today - six months after 9/11? [3-28-02]

The Rev. Sheila Gustafson, preaching on March 17, 2002, at First Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe, New Mexico, explored what questions the church must ask if it is "to be authentically engaged with the world as an agent of transformation -- as leaven."

She explores whether now, six months after September 11, "as the world begins to ask what might be done to eliminate -- not only the means to perpetrate such horror -- but motivation for engaging in it, is it not time for the Church in America to reclaim its identity as part of an international movement committed to following a Lord interested in radical repentance, reconciliation, and restoration?"

The Rev. Bobbie McGarey shares her poem about the woman at the well, and lets her raise for us all the question of worthiness. [3-30-02]

"Empathetic evangelism" -- a Palm Sunday sermon -- makes clear that conservatives are not the only ones interested in sharing the Good News.

The Rev. Thomas C. Davis, of Wilmington, DE, finds in St. Patrick a model of a "Celtic way of evangelism" that listens to others, respects them, and so offers truly good news. [3-25-02]

Peter Sawtell ponders the famous "Serenity Prayer," and the tension between accepting and acting. And he adds helpful reflections for Holy Week. [3-23-02]

For a helpful perspective on Christmas, check out Peter Sawtell's reflections on Christmas as "a profoundly subversive holiday." [12-22-01]

Presbyterians' Teachable Moment on December 2^nd, with the beginning of Advent [11-28-01]

Bruce Gillette shares a thoughtful reflection on the special significance of Advent in this very unusual time, and points to helpful Advent resources.

Spirituality and Public Witness

Don Beisswenger offers a list (with comments!) of books that can help us maintain spiritual grounding while engaged in costly ventures for peace and justice in a very messy world. [11-7-01]

Bigger Barns
A new hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette reflects on the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:13-21, holding our "need for our money, gadgets, more" up against the needs for justice and a decent life. [8-2-01]

A sermon on freedom by Kent Winters-Hazelton (on the Sunday before July 4th) reflects on Paul's ringing proclamation of Christian freedom, and the recent action of our General Assembly. [7-5-01]

"For Freedom, Christ Has Set Us Free!"

A new hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, inspired by Paul's letter to the Galatians, seems especially fitting at the end of the 2001 General Assembly.

Struggling with the meaning of Good Friday, the Atonement, and all that? You're not alone. Some are finding help in the thinking of Peter Abelard. [4-11-01]

Facing the pain of loss -- a hard meditation for Lent

On Sunday, March 25, Martha Juillerat preached a sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Reflecting on the death of a dear friend - a member of a "family" composed of six friends, three of whom were estranged from their birth families because of their sexual orientation - she led the congregation into a profound encounter with the dark side of the season of Lent, and the hard - beautiful - realities of living and dying. [4-7-01]

At the Voices of Sophia gathering in Tucson, Arizona, on March 1 - 4, 2001, one of the prayers was offered by Meredith White-Zeager, who will be serving as Witherspoon's Wareham Intern during the coming General Assembly. It's a prayer for wisdom, of wisdom, and we're glad to share it here. [3-15-01]

Exploring three writers of spiritual depth and social passion

Prof. Albert C. Winn, in a lecture at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, explored the lives of three extraordinary Christian writers who in his mind exemplify the ideal balance between "deep spirituality" on the one hand and "radical social concern" on the other: Quaker abolitionist John Woolman, Trappist monk Thomas Merton, and Elizabeth O'Connor, leader in an ecumenical congregation and activist. [3-8-01]

The Rev. James D. Brown, former Executive Director of the General Assembly Council, preached at the installation of the Rev. Kent Winters-Hazelton at Claremont Presbyterian Church, Claremont, CA, on January 21, 2001. His sermon was entitled "Presbyterians at the Crossroads." His text, Peter's encounter with Cornelius in Acts 11, led him to reflect on the radical demands of the Gospel for openness to what is new and unexpected. He concluded with Paul's question, "Who are we that we could hinder God?"

In the season of Advent, Witherspooner Jean Rodenbough shares an Advent prayer with us.

"In this world where children are hungry and ancient hatreds flash in death and suffering, we watch for the signs of peace, and we wait for an end to warfare."

Click here for the whole prayer.

Kent Winters-Hazelton preached on Sunday, Sept. 24, reflecting on the new list of GAC priorities in light of Mark's account of the Transfiguration and what followed it. The Gospel, he suggests, is not about "Me," but about welcoming the Other. Click here for "The Road Less Traveled."

Martha Juillerat, director of the Stole Project on behalf of full inclusion of glbt people, preaches on why she is not giving up on the PC(USA), in a sermon on I Cor. 12 entitled "Next Year's T-shirt"

Elder Jack Hoffmeister shares a 4th of July sermon that explores the temptations of patriotism and our eternal struggle with worshiping false gods.

The Rev. Mark Koenig preached a sermon in Ohio that sees "the fish story" of Jonah as a strong affirmation of God's radically inclusive love.

After the approval of "Prop 22" in California, it makes helpful, hopeful reading.

The Rev. Barbara Gaddis, moderator of the Presbytery of North Central Iowa, preached a sermon for her presbytery last November with the title, "On Plucking Blackberries."

She presents an insightful look at Moses' encounter with the burning bush ... and the liberation (conversion??) that comes when we learn to pay attention.

"So," she concludes, "we have a choice. A clear choice. To withstand God, to miss the bush, to pluck blackberries. Or to answer God's call, take off our shoes, open our hearts, our church, our service, our ordained offices to all, even those previously thought by us to be undesirable or ineligible."

A Prayer for Focus

Spirit of the Living God,
help me on this day to focus my attention
on what really matters.
Keep the fragments of this long day together,
and as it ends,
let me see my part in its connections,
my life's way in its many ways.
When I get confused, give me clarity.
When I get lost, find me.
And when I wonder what meaning all the pieces have, visit me.
Confidently, in the name of Jesus,
who knew the threat of the fragments to the whole,
I say Amen.

by Donna Schaper

Donna is Area Minister and Writer, Western Area Office of the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ

Litany of New Voices,
New Gifts
and New Commitments

by Gail A. Ricciuti,
John E. Harris and Victoria L. Moss

This litany was used in the closing worship at the Witherspoon Nashville Gathering in April, 1998.

The Nashville Gathering was closed with a benediction composed and offered by Don Wells, a pastor and counselor and long-time Witherspooner, who died very suddenly a few months after that meeting. We share his prayer here with thanks for his life.

You should know that as the Gathering began, a number of severe tornadoes swept through Nashville, leaving most of us huddled in a dormitory basement for our first meal together.

A NEW WIND IS BLOWING

A new wind
is blowing
Blowing upon an
organization
Blowing upon
our lives.

Where do we set
our sails?
To catch the power
of the moment
we need not
hunker down.

The power we see
is God's
Moving in God's
world now.
The opportunities
are fresh.

Blow us now
into our future
before us today.
Possibilities abound
before us.

A new wind
is blowing.
The Spirit is
upon us.
Tornadoes coming
and how!

AMEN.

Witherspoon Society Pre-Assembly Orientation

June 19, 1999
Invocation by Doug King

Our great God, you who stand above us and utterly beyond us;
our loving God, you who live within each of us, as close as our own breath
and the steady beat of our hearts,
we give thanks this day for the privilege of gathering here
to play some small role in shaping the life of this one little branch of your great people.

Even as we gather, help us, we pray, to remember the littleness of this enterprise within the whirling immensity of your universe,
the smallness of what we do here in the face of the suffering of humanity,
and in the light of the vastness of your inclusive love.

So keep us humble, we pray, and hopeful,
because we know it doesn't all rest on us,
or on our church.

But fill us too with holy anger
as we confront the pain in the world,
pain created so often by our own human systems
and even by our church.

Yet even with our anger
keep us loving -- and rejoicing --
because of your love
and because of the wondrous richness of your world.

So be with us, O God, in these hours and through the days ahead -
leading and guiding us,
comforting us,
and enabling us to know when it's time to stop talking
and be silent;
when to stop talking,
and be doing.

Through Christ we pray,
who is our Teacher, our Model, and our Companion.

Amen.

"Come down from the tree"

A poetic, provocative meditation given at the Ghost Ranch seminar on economic justice, and focusing on economics and freedom, by Mark Koenig.