Words from Washington

I caught a glimpse of the church yesterday. I was not at the church. In fact, I was several blocks away from any church. I caught a glimp...

We are working on a job description for a "Director of Music and the Arts" at Mount Vernon Place . As part of the process, I wrote...

I had conversations this week with another friend who has left the church. Jason grew up in the United Methodist Church. He spent years in y...

Earlier this month, I gathered with a group of my clergy colleagues as I do on the first Tuesday of every month. The topic of conversation ...

I wore a clergy collar today.  Tucked underneath a black suit jacket with a long black skirt, I looked very smart, if I do say so myself.  I...

It's Lent.  For me, Lent is always a time to try to re-program my life.  Similar to the start of a New Year, I try to spend the days bef...

I have just returned from my second 'retreat' as a member of our Conference's Board of Ordained Ministry.  I spent two days this...

An article on the front page of today's Metro section reads, "D.C. school officials have registered about 462 homeless students thi...

I'm thinking of wearing jeans to church tomorrow.  I know that I won't, but I am tempted to trade my normal suit and heals for jeans...

For the past several days, I have been amazed at the tax problems that have somehow surfaced before the Senate. First, it was Timothy Geithn...

Mount Vernon Place UMC, the church I serve in Washington, has long been a staple in ministries of mercy and justice in Washington. The chur...

Psalm 65:5-12 and Mark 1:4-20 January 25, 2009 Mount Vernon Place UMC, Washington They started arriving on Saturday, bringing with them bags...

I was so inspired by the words that the Reverend Gene Robinson prayed at the opening of the Inauguration yesterday afternoon. I am also insp...

I truly believe that I was blessed with the best stepfather anyone could ever have.  As I prepare to go to Colorado to celebrate Red's l...

Earlier this week, I received an email from the religion writer for the Washington Post. Normally, Michelle is busy writing December article...

I am working on worship planning this morning and came across this beautiful liturgy from the Iona Community. It embodies for me what Chris...

I've been thinking a lot about Mary lately.  Mary, the mother of Jesus, has been on my mind a lot as I have spent time with different wo...

I have been thinking a lot lately about how best to prepare a way for the Lord.  In this season of Advent - this season of expectant waiting...

I give thanks for 1) My husband, Craig, and our first five months of marriage.  Craig continues to embody for me the Indigo Girls song ...

His cowboy hats and baseball caps still hang on a rack when you walk in the door.  A bedroom downstairs is filled with trophies of all shape...