Blogging, Pastoral Life, Preaching, Prayers, and Devotions, Sermons & Sermon Notes, Women in Ministry

10 Bible Verses on Forgiveness and Repentance for Your Lenten Journey

Personally, I'm dying for some chocolate (I gave up chocolate for Lent) and I am eagerly looking forward to the festivities of Easter. I have found it helpful to meditate on the following Bible verses during my Lenten journey

Blogging, Book Reviews, Books, Ministry, Order of St. Luke, Pastoral Life, Poetry, Preaching, Preaching, Prayers, and Devotions, Women in Ministry

My Top 12 Favorite Books of 2022

I love to read. This year I read 90 books from a variety of genres, including memoir, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and theology. Lots of them were great, but these were some of my favorites that I highly recommend. What was the best  book  you read this year

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

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, Pastoral Life, Stewardship, Women in Ministry

Altoona District UMC Churches Purchase Lifechanging Device for Visually Impaired Teenager in Africa

Claudine is sixteen years old and visually impaired. After losing her parents, she found a home with Mama Arlene Brown and Hope Made Real. She dreams of becoming a doctor. In this photo, Rev. Rebecca and her husband, Jeff, stand with mama Arlene Brown. Mama Arlene Brown is originally from Pennsylvania. She started an orphanage… Continue reading Altoona District UMC Churches Purchase Lifechanging Device for Visually Impaired Teenager in Africa

Ministry, Preaching, Preaching, Prayers, and Devotions, Sermons & Sermon Notes, Women in Ministry, Writing

A Litany for the Feast of All Saints

A prayer for personal devotions or public worship. This post was originally published on Rev Gal Blog Pals dot com. Image of many small candles. Free sotock photo from Pixabay dot com A Litany for the Feast of All Saints May the Great Creator help us to live in a saintly manner and remind us… Continue reading A Litany for the Feast of All Saints

Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry, Preaching, Prayers, and Devotions, Sermons & Sermon Notes, Women in Ministry, Writing

I wonder if she was lonely? Thoughts on Mark 5:21-43 and the woman who was healed from bleeding

Can our experience of the sorrow caused by necessary social distancing help us identify with the pain and isolation of the woman Jesus healed from bleeding? Mark 5:24-29, NIV A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a… Continue reading I wonder if she was lonely? Thoughts on Mark 5:21-43 and the woman who was healed from bleeding