With Thanks!
Sunday June 28, 2020
Peace.Recorded on a gray afternoon, cool enough to breathe deep.Two different songs called "That's Alright." A third song by a Texas preacher of the 1920s, Washington Phillips. What's he playing? It's called a dolceola. Sermon, "Prayers For A Bully. Vernon's Story". Take care. Take Time. Take what God gives.
Wednesday June 24, 2020
At the end of the day, peace. Inspired by the beautiful river song we heard on Sunday, I went down to the river to pray yesterday evening. I recorded this message there on the rocky banks of the Westfield in West Cummington. Today I chose some music that flowed that way, too,toward something bigger, brighter, more spacious. May that be our future.
Sunday June 21, 2020
Here is a service for Father's Day. No striped necktie or cordless drill included. There is love, there is the anger that comes from love mocked and trust betrayed. And, finally, there is love again. There is profound scripture and wonderful music attached. Finally, there is a link to a performance of "I'll Fly Away" that could lift you high enough to do so. Thank you Gina Coleman and Ben Kohn on piano. Thank you Penny and thank you Nerissa for ministering to us through song so often.
Picture by David Perkins
Wednesday June 17, 2020
Beautiful warm day. What's on the breeze? Solstice coming, pollen, change? The service tonight responds to familiar concerns: violence, racism, quarantine, on this the fifth anniversary of the massacre of nine members of a prayer group at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. The music is both in the vein that I've been choosing and strikingly different; see the last selection. (And thank Connie.)
Love justice, do mercy and walk peacefully with your God.
Sunday June 14, 2020
Here is a service for the week's end. In keeping with such a huge week; the theme is: How Long?
Wednesday June 10, 2020
Evening prayers after a day like no other and before another, the same. Music from Louisiana, Bois Sec Ardoin on accordion, and Marion Williams singing "Peace In The Valley."
Peace to you, in your valley, on your hill.
Sunday June 7, 2020
Wednesday June 3, 2020
A still evening in a roiled week. May it be a peaceful night. The songs are by the Staple Singers. Time has come again. Some suggestions for where to put our good later this week. Tonight, let us receive our blessings.
