Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry, Women in Ministry, Writing

Prayers for Disability Awareness Sunday

This article was originally published on the blog for the Disability Ministries Task Force of the Susquehanna Conference Introduction Dear Friends, In the Susquehanna Conference, Disability Awareness Sunday is recognized as the second Sunday in October. It's a day when we recognize and honor the gifts and graces of people who are part of the… Continue reading Prayers for Disability Awareness Sunday

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

Ten Fun Facts About Easter and United Methodism

He is Risen! He is Risen indeed! With Easter Sunday quickly approaching, I thought it would be fun to share some interesting facts about this special holiday and its connection to the United Methodist Church. Here are five fun facts you may not know: Easter is a “holiday” which comes from the words “Holy Day.”… Continue reading Ten Fun Facts About Easter and United Methodism

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

Four Reasons Why Disability Is Not a Bad Word: Why Language Matters

I was inspired to write this article because language has power. I know that people are often reluctant to use the term “disabled.” I especially see this reluctance in my work in the church. Well meaning people often suggest alternative terms, such as “differently abled,” or “special needs.” However, in the past, erasing the word “Disability” has been used as way to erase us.

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