We Your People, Ours the Journey
a webspace devoted to sermons, thoughts and ramblings from the ministerial journey
On Monday, Governor Maggie Hassan (NH), issued this statement through her communications director: “The Governor believes that the federal government should halt acceptance of refugees from Syria until intelligence and defense officials can assure that the process for vetting all refugees, including those from Syria, is as strong as possible to ensure the safety of… Continue reading A Letter to NH Governor Hassan
There are many voices lifted up this week in thanksgiving for the life and evangelism of scholar Marcus Borg. Perhaps all the stories that need telling have been told. But this one is mine. The whole long post is now six and a half years old, and is worth the fun reading if you want… Continue reading After Borg: How one lecture gave me atonement to believe in
All the world is my parish. That's what Methodism's founder, John Wesley, said. Ironically, I think he said it to clarify his commitment to itinerant ministry, to his particular sort of traveling, voyaging, never-rooted-for-too-long preaching of salvation in every place he could reach. I might be tempted to say I blog for that reason-- to… Continue reading Why I Blog
A poem or monologue, based on Genesis 32:22-31 and Jacob wrestling until he finds blessing. Permission is granted for use in worship etc, but please credit me (Rev. Becca Girrell). Limping Alone again. Another night, while I slept, I dreamt of heaven, of angels and light and ladders, of nearness and connection and the places where… Continue reading Limping
"Blessed are the Cheese-Makers?" (February 2, 2014) When we read the list of blessings in the Gospels ("beatitudes," as they are often called), we can read them both as reminders of whom God loves, and as soothing balm for the parts of ourselves most in need of blessing. What blessings do you need to hear?… Continue reading Sermon: Blessed are the Cheese-Makers?
Over a year ago, I wrote an essay for an amazing compilation, Talking Taboo: American Christian Women Get Frank About Faith (Erin Lane & Enuma Okoro, eds), which officially launches today. I'm overjoyed to be included in this book, a huge collaborative effort, and looking at the other authors I'm humbled and a little confused… Continue reading Embodiment and Authenticity (Talking Taboo)
"On the Other Side" rough manuscript, by Rev. Becca Girrell Clark - 7/21/13 A child was walking along the road from the convenience store to the suburb, when he was set upon by a man who wanted to be a hero. The man stalked him, engaged him-- we do not know for sure how the… Continue reading Sermon Manuscript: On the Other Side
I've started a new blog project with a partner in crime (and what we hope may become a team of contributors and discussion partners). "InterRelations" (www.interrelationsblog.wordpress.com) Seeks to break open conversation about gender, sexuality, relationships, and families in all configurations. From our introductory blog post: There is a conversation missing in The United Methodist Church,… Continue reading A New Venture
as posted on the Reconciling Ministries Network blog Family legend tells that the year after my parents separated, my mom faced the prospect of her first Thanksgiving alone. She accepted an invitation to the home of a friend, and my family and I have been spending alternating Thanksgiving holidays with them ever since, adding spouses… Continue reading Resetting an Open Holiday Table
Here is an column about the #DreamUMC movement I wrote for UM Reporter. I'm still working on a summary of last week's chat-- hopefully by the end of the day, and Jeremy is hard at work on the break down of work/interest groups. Stay tuned to the facebook page and twitter account!
We Your People, Ours the Journey 