All I heard growing up was it wasn’t the government’s job to care for the poor. It was the church’s.

Well, bluff called. Get ready to sell your stuff.

There’s about to be a lot more hungry people.

A lot more people w/out housing.

A lot more people w/out healthcare.

Open them wallets wide.

When our attention span is only 200 characters and whatever someone can yell at a political rally, people will agree with/ say they agree with things they otherwise wouldn't. There are solutions - read BOOKS and journals, trust people who study, and don't let people get away with just slogans.

In a world where overwhelm seems to be the point, our power is our ability to focus. Focus = resistance.

With all the possible ways to think about families - I'm thankful for a faith community that recognizes the value of both birth AND chosen family.
youtu.be/Nj09gQHHElA?...

Binge watching LOST with my exchange daughter from Poland. Just finished watching "The Constant." Best episode of TV ever!

The story of the Magi in Matthew is an excellent reminder that the divine speaks to all and through all. Maybe, during this season, we can see it as a time to embrace those who would wish us a Happy Holidays and see it as a way that the Divine in them is speaking to the Divine in us.

Spent the week up hiking around Lake Superior. Hiking below freezing > hiking in summer.

Thursdays are probably my favorite:
1) we have Bar Church at night - no teaching, just hanging out at a brewery & a fire pit and seeing how everyone is,
2) it's the day after survivor - and the conversation about the episode can commence again.
Our lives need rhythm and I'm thankful for mine.

Dear secretly affirming pastors,

It’s way past time to stand up and speak out on behalf of your LGBTQ+ siblings.

I know you have a lot to lose, I’ve been through it all, but it’s nothing compared to the queer lives being lost and further marginalized.

Prepping for our Xmas series and thinking about how the shepherds were only known by where they are and what they're doing - not who they are. I wonder how often we miss people bc we only know them like that - "the homeless guy on Grant Street," "the custodian at work," etc.

Made the decision to stop live streaming our church service today. We've streaming for nearly a decade, but, esp in these times, the safety of our most marginalized to have a place to gather and fully participate without fear of being seen by those who may cause harm has to be our highest goal.

Heading to church tomorrow where we'll sing "I wanna dance with somebody" and work on unlearning a lot of the toxicity many of us heard about evangelism.
Thankful for a place to unlearn with others.

Helping to lead an affirming church in the buckle of the Bible belt (Springfield, MO is also the home of assembly of God seminary) is a constant reminder of how there are those in every area willing to work for equity and justice. There are just some times it's harder to find the community.