Friends, I've never been big on Lent, but now I've got a book and a podcast dealing with Lent. Apparently, people change. And that's the idea. That we do things that help others to find the motivation to change. Let's do it together. -Liz Ash Wednesday Prayer of Confession Forgive us, God, for the ways we have failed to serve the poor and failed to end poverty. Forgive us for the inequality of our community. We confess our sins and ask for forgiveness. Forgive us, God, for the times we look...
about 12 hours ago • 2 min read
Check out my new Lenten Mediation Podcast When Did We See You? Three to five minutes a day from Ash Wednesday to Easter, contemplating the scriptures in my book When Did We See You? A Lenten Exploration of Poverty & Wealth. Three pre-lenten introductions start with Jesus' time in the wilderness. This podcast offers a pause. A moment to notice what we have and to see Christ among us. Lent is a time of reflection and we will be spending time considering, evaluating, praying about our ... STUFF....
3 days ago • 1 min read
Friends, The snow is gorgeous, the weather a bit warmer where I am. And yet I hear from students that the poorest people in Mississippi are still without power. St. Basil's in Haiti is trying to make education possible for young people. War continues, some that we've helped cause, and others where we are not assisting those suffering. There are people without the food, housing, and healthcare they need. Somehow we must find a way to see the beauty without ignoring the needs. Liz Taking Time...
5 days ago • 3 min read
Friends I was pretending to be Lindsey Vonn on the ski slopes the other day. Going fast (okay, compared to her, going slow!) and leaning into the turns. I love the videos where it seems her hands on are on the snow next to her. I'm not that flexible, so mine was not even similar to hers, but I had fun. And then she fell! My heart breaks with her to try so hard at something she is so good at, and to have the circumstances be what makes it impossible to proceed. I'm feeling this way all the...
8 days ago • 4 min read
Today's post is a repeat from February 17, 2025. I've tried to write another one, but I just keep writing--take care of people, let people be who they are, love one another. As the Olympics begin, I think about all the women in sports who are asked to prove their identities because of fear that a few trans women might still have high testosterone levels after years on hormone treatments. There is no evidence that trans women on hormone treatments have an unfair advantage, nor that they are...
12 days ago • 3 min read
Friends, A busy week ahead with my book release party tonight (Berlin, MA, 19 Carter Street, 6 pm.) followed by the online Book Read with Episcopal Divinity School on February 5, 1 pm Eastern time (Register here). Then February 10 I meet with the New Dawn Arts Center Writer's Group at 7 pm. 84 Main Street in Ashburnham, MA. Open to writers and readers, we'll talk about how non-fiction can move from being a lecture to an engaging story. I hope you can join me at one or more of these. Liz It's...
15 days ago • 4 min read
Friends, We got between 24 and 30 inches of snow. It's beautiful and I loved spending the more shoveling out my neighbors. However, I'm supposed to be in Denver for the Episcopal gathering of church educators: Forma. Hopefully my flight will head out tomorrow morning! -Liz Who shall dwell on God's Holy Hill? I'm pretty good at finding the way that the lectionary fits with what is happening in the world. However, the February first texts seem to be have been designed by the spirit to match...
22 days ago • 4 min read
Friends, I'm joining clergy in Boston today to pray and support Minneapolis. today is a day to shut down everything. As ICE arrives in Maine, and lots of black SUVs are delivered to Burlington, MA, we wonder if Boston is next. Prayers for all those who have gone to Minneapolis, and for all of us supporting them from home. -Liz Purple Congregations I often use "progressive" and "mainline" interchangeably when talking about congregations, and that is completely inaccurate. For those of us...
26 days ago • 4 min read
Friends, My birthday usually falls on MLK weekend, and this year was on the day. That meant a relaxing day of quilting, chatting with family and friends. I'm rather pleased to be 65, it feels like a significant accomplishment! -Liz Why don't you do Something? I recently read a post on some social media, it was a person from afar looking in on what is happening here in the United States and saying "look what is happening, why aren't you doing something". And honestly, that is how I feel. Why...
29 days ago • 4 min read