Posts Tagged ‘Christmas’
Home for Christmas
Posted by: revjmk on: January 7, 2012
The first stop on my sabbatical journey was my hometown, Virginia Beach, where I spent the first 17 years of my life, where my parents and J’s mother and our closest friends still reside. My sister, brother-in-law, nieces, and all my cousins, aunts, uncles and grandmother are all close by as well. As a child, [...]
Sermon Sapling: Christmas 1A — On the Run
Posted by: revjmk on: December 26, 2010
I didn’t have the time to post a sermon sapling early in the week, so this is a copy of my final manuscript. However, I did not read from the manuscript in the pulpit, so the sermon as delivered can be found here. B has been seeing the ads for a new Disney movie for [...]
Advent 4A — Praying with Love
Posted by: revjmk on: December 14, 2010
- In: preaching | Sermon | Sermon Sapling
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Sometimes, I need to take time early in the week to express my disagreements and resentments toward a passage of scripture. It is my hope that, by Sunday, these frustrations can be transformed into a helpful, insightful struggle to share with others, or at least be set aside to make way for the Gospel. This [...]
Sermon Sapling: Advent 1
Posted by: revjmk on: November 22, 2010
This is a new (what I hope will be weekly) feature on the blog–an initial reaction and some opening thoughts on this week’s lectionary passages, in preparation for preaching on Sunday. For more info, see About My Blog. Highlighted Passages: Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122 Opening Thoughts on Advent We treat Lent as the great season [...]
Nativity Play
Posted by: revjmk on: December 23, 2009
- In: Mom Moments
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We have a nice (read: breakable) nativity set that B has been playing with a little bit. Yesterday, a friend loaned us a small set designed for a child to play with, and B has been acting out all kinds of scenes. Here’s just some overheard quotes: “Help! We’re all trapped! Oh no! Who will [...]
Repeated Regifting
Posted by: revjmk on: December 18, 2009
B’s latest game is playing presents. We have a box in the living room that contained presents shipped from relatives far away. All day, B has been putting various toys and household items inside, shutting the flaps, and presenting it to us as a new gift. “Open your present, Mommy! Open your present!” So far, [...]
Isolation Idiocy
Posted by: revjmk on: December 18, 2009
Today, I took B with me to visit two parishioners who reside at a local nursing home. It is a large, well-run facility, where I have visited at least six long-term residents over the last four years. One small wing is for short-term rehabilitation, but the vast majority is for long-term residential care. One of [...]
Jesus in Pampers
Posted by: revjmk on: December 16, 2009
I have been singing Christmas carols to B before bed every night. A nice break from the usual repetoire of songs. Being a minister and a singer, I know multiple verses of most of the carols. He has started to sing along, and I often wonder what he is hearing in the antiquated language. The [...]
Nativity Novelties
Posted by: revjmk on: December 16, 2009
- In: Mom Moments
- 1 Comment
B was arranging the nativity this morning, and announcing every move: “Sheep, shepherd, mouse, mouse, treasure guy, Mary, camel, treasure guy, horse, cow, Baby Jesus, treasure guy.”
Santa at the Funeral Parlor
Posted by: revjmk on: December 14, 2009
I went to the local funeral parlor today to meet with a family to plan a funeral service. As I was leaving the funeral home, I stopped by the office only to discover Santa Claus standing there. A really good-looking, neat and clean, authentic beard kind of Santa Claus. A bit bewildered, I smiled and [...]
About Me
I am a full-time pastor in the United Church of Christ, mother of a preschooler (B.), married to an aspiring academic and curmudgeon (J.). I live by faith, intuition and intellect. I follow politics, football and the Boston Red Sox. I like to talk about progressive issues, theological concerns, church life, the impact of technology and media, pop culture and books.
- Aleada SIragusa: I am a member of United Church of Christ also. One of our pastors, Rev Victoria Long is also a woman. I am on the net searching for photographs I may
- Samantha R.: Hello, I work with a publication called The Traveler's Friend. We are a coupon book for hotels. I was wondering if I could get your permission to use
- Marilyn Holt: Thank you for your inspiring comments on the disaster in your neighborhood and the uplifting section from your sermon. This entry in your blog is maki
