Words from Washington

I started a new book this week, "How Starbucks Saved My Life." It is an extraordinary story, writte n by Michael Gates Gill, that...

A Whole New World! John 20:1-18 April 12, 2009 Easter Sunday Donna Claycomb Sokol Mount Vernon Place UMC, Washington There have been a few t...

I set my alarm for 6:30 this morning but could hardly get out of bed - even when the clock said 8:15 a.m.  My body, mind, and spirit seem to...

It's cold and rainy in Washington, DC today.  It is not the kind of day when you rush to step outside, go for a long walk, marveling at ...

"But is this not what we covered last year?" Father Mark asked, after a period of silence in which he appeared to be looking deep ...

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...