Ministry, Order of St. Luke, Pastoral Life, Preaching, Prayers, and Devotions, Women in Ministry, Writing

Connecting to God Through Christ’s Mother: Our Lady Saint Mary by Rev. J.G.H. Barry, D.D

 Even if you do not agree with all the assertions that Rev. Barry makes in this piece, I hope that it will give you some interesting food for thought in your own ministry setting this Advent. The section on the sacramental theology of baptism as viewed through a Marian lens is particularly interesting.   

Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry, Pastoral Life, Women in Ministry

A Brief Summary of the 2022 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference of the UMC with Suggestions for Accessibility

A Brief Summary of the 2022 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church with Suggestions for Accessibility The Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference (NEJ) of the United Methodist Church was held on November 2-4, 2022 in College Park, Maryland. The theme was “One in Ministry to All the World." Approximately 150 delegates, including both laity and… Continue reading A Brief Summary of the 2022 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference of the UMC with Suggestions for Accessibility

Blogging, Book Reviews, Books

Book Review: Lilac Skies by Shivani Bansal

Book Review and Blog Tour: Lilac Skies Shivani Bansal Introduction:  I would like to say a special thank you to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources and the tuhor, Shivani Bansal, for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Format: Available in Print and on Kindle Kindle Get… Continue reading Book Review: Lilac Skies by Shivani Bansal

Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry, Pastoral Life, Women in Ministry

Three Lessons I Learned as a Visually Impaired Piano Student

Subtitle: Piano lessons taught me about self-reliance, perseverance, and life! Note: This piece was written in response to the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind’s Prompt, “Self-Reliance.” Image shows the author seated on a piano bench Introduction: I remember the first time I ever saw a concert pianist. His name was Andre Watts and he was… Continue reading Three Lessons I Learned as a Visually Impaired Piano Student

Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry

Prayers You Can Use for Disability Awareness Sunday! (Inspired by the Lectionary!)

The Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church is celebrating Disability Awareness Sunday on October 9, 2022. Here are some prayers that I wrote for anyone who would like to celebrate a Disability Awareness Sunday in their own worship setting! Image shows an inclusive group in silhouette Introduction: What is Disability Awareness Sunday and Why… Continue reading Prayers You Can Use for Disability Awareness Sunday! (Inspired by the Lectionary!)

Book Reviews, Books

Book Review: ROAR How to Match Your Food and Fitness to Your Unique Female Physiology by S. T. Sims

I wanted to lift up this book because I think that there are probably other women out there who, like me, want to improve their fitness but aren't sure where to begin. Diet and exercise have never come naturally to me, and I am grateful I found this well researched book to guide my training. This book is brimming with great information and I know I will refer to it again the next time I'm stuck in a training rut. I don't know if my next race time will improve, but I do know that I feel happier and healthier after reading this book and putting some of these ideas into practice.

Ministry, Pastoral Life, Preaching, Preaching, Prayers, and Devotions, Sermons & Sermon Notes, Writing

A Train Lover’s Prayer: Written After the Passing of a Family Friend and a Visit to the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum

fter the memorial service and luncheon, Jeff, helped to lead a free tour through the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum in our dearly departed friend's honor. I am also a train lover and after the tour was over I was inspired to write the following prayer. Please feel free to use this prayer in your own personal devotions or in a worship setting.