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

Disability Ministries of the UMC Seeks Contributions from UM Authors

It is an honor to serve as the editor for this project. Are you a United Methodist author with a disability or a passion for creating and inclusive and accessible church? If so, we would love to see your submission to this project! (This article was originally published HERE ) Advent/ Christmas Disability Devotional for… Continue reading Disability Ministries of the UMC Seeks Contributions from UM Authors

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.

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.   

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.

Blogging, Pastoral Life, Writing

Tyrone Trolley Bridge Rediscovered (Guest Post by Jeffery D. Holland)

I had never put the two images side by side. Doing so I found them to be one and the same. The greatest part was the second photo showed a view in the opposite direction showing the houses in Nealmont, houses that are still there and were a perfect match! This was the final confirmation. I had finally located the bridge from the postcard.

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

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

A Prayer for the Changing of the Seasons

A prayer for personal devotions or for use in corporate worship. The trees have their autumn colors here in PA! Introduction and General Life Update: Happy Fall, Everyone! The leaves here in Pennsylvania are beautiful and there is a chill in the air. I love Fall-- and I especially love all things Pumpkin Spice. For… Continue reading A Prayer for the Changing of the Seasons

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