I offer this weekly #LetUsPray as a way to stay anchored amidst the turmoil of the day. Paid subscribers have access to liturgical resources and sermon prompts based on the week's readings from The Revised Common Lectionary and/or The Narrative Lectionary.

Greetings, all, from some late-night, hip, young workspace coffee place in LA. And yes, I may be the oldest person here. All good, just call me Kuya B.

Not sure if you have heard, but my new book just came out 😜

This week has been a doozy. Intense conversations abound in my life, personally and professionally. I have facilitated some important conversations that folks would rather not have and have heard some hard stories from others. I am not sure that I have been home before 10 pm in the past week. I firmly believe that there are seasons of life and work, so this will settle in time.

The part of the faith montage that comes up today feels almost like I wrote it as a letter to myself for this particular moment and season.

Faith Montage: For the Generosity of God #LetUsPray

Let us pray —

I believe in the GENEROUS spirit of God.

God has been generous to me, so I give back to God
all that I have the courage and faith to offer.

When the fear of scarcity causes me to forsake abundance,
I choose generosity.

When the insidiousness of convenience causes me to avoid
discomfort,
I choose generosity.

When capitalism makes me want to commodify what I offer,
I choose generosity.

When arrogance causes me to tie strings to my gifts,
I choose generosity.

When despair causes me to ask, “Why bother?”
I choose generosity.

When I forget that I have chosen to believe that, in life and in
death, I belong to God,
I choose generosity.

I choose generosity because God has been generous to me.

— Amen.

Breath Prayer

Receive (inhale): May I know generosity.
Release (exhale): May I be generosity.

Peace,

LITURGY AND PREACHING PROMPTS

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 20, 2026

The Day's Readings (Year A): Exodus 16:2-15 | Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 | Philippians 1:21-30 | Matthew 20:1-16
Readings for Year 1, Matthew: Genesis 12:1-9 (Call of Abraham, promise of land, descendants, blessing to the nations) and Matt 28:19-20 (Go therefore and make disciples of all nations)

For readings, I refer to the Vanderbilt Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) and The Narrative Lectionary (NL). For Bible translations, I turn to The Common English Bible (CEB) or New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE). For more liturgical inspiration, check out enfleshed or liturgylink.

Paid Subscribers may use any of the liturgical resources with or without attribution.

Prophets, Priests, Pastors, & Poets: Being and Becoming the Resurrected Christ is out today! I am so grateful for all involved in this project. I am still humbled that folks keep inviting me into these projects and bring a team together to ensure the end result is as meaningful as possible. Thank you, Team Chalice Press!

Get your copy of PPPP and the accompanying Advent Devotional for 30% off, direct from Chalice!

From the Introduction Section, "Who is this for?"

What I hope to offer is a textured understanding of Jesus that may
meet folks in various stages of curiosity, confusion, and contemplation:

If you are curious about Jesus for the first or fiftieth time, I hope the Jesus I offer is a meaningful one.

If you have had Jesus-adjacent experiences through friends or family and are now interested in diving a little deeper, I hope you will be inspired to keep exploring on your own or with others.

If you have been frustrated by the domesticated version of Jesus, one marked by indifference about the injustices of the world, I hope to share Jesus, the disrupter and teller of truth.

If you are tired of the one-dimensional version of Jesus that is expressed only in words, only in actions, or only personally, I hope to share Jesus, the holder of the richness of discipline and tradition.

If you have been harmed or traumatized by the ways Jesus has been weaponized against you and others, I hope to share Jesus, the gatherer, healer, and cultivator of belonging.

If you are drained by the version of Jesus that lacks inspiration, imagination, and joy, I hope to share Jesus, the creative unleasher of imagination.

After nearly thirty years of ministry, I am still on the same journey as so many others in understanding and following Jesus, meaning that my faith is always in flux. My personal and communal understanding and experiences with Jesus shift, change, and adapt as the world’s circumstances dictate. While some see a change in theological understanding as a weakness, I see it as a strength. Just as my actual muscles need to be stretched and strengthened as my physical body moves through different stages of life, my spiritual and theological muscles must do the same when my experience of the world expands.

I am constantly amazed by the revelations about my faith that abound when I embrace the idea that I will never be done getting to know the one we call Jesus the Christ. In short, this book is as much about my own exploration and learning as it is about yours. So welcome and thank you for taking me along.

Whether these newest books or any previous ones, if your group uses any of my books for a group read, I would love to Zoom and say "Hi!"

Video which is also on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for your sharing pleasure.

I can hardly believe that by the end of the year I will have 10 titles under my name. I am as surprised as anyone else, but here we are. On behalf of all Z-List authors, every purchase, review, or library request is deeply appreciated. And if you can, please purchase from your local bookseller or from Bookshop.

Thank you to all who have walked with me through all of these projects. Here is a stroll down the stacks.

1. 2012 The Definitive-ish Guide for Using Social Media in the Church
2. 2013 But I Don't See You as Asian: Curating Conversations about Race
3. 2015 40 Days, 40 Prayers, 40 Words: Lenten Reflections for Everyday Life
4. 2016 Rule #2: Don't Be an Asshat: An Official Handbook for Raising Parents and Children (Co-written with my co-parent)
5. 2021 In Defense of Kindness: Why It Matters, How It Changes Our Lives, and How It Can Save the World
6. 2024 Everything Good about God Is True: Choosing Faith
7. 2026 How Long, Oh Lord?: A Prayerbook Concerning Gun Violence (Main contributor)
8. 2026 Prophets, Priests, Pastors, & Poets: Being and Becoming the Resurrected Christ
9. 2026 Possibility: Our Advent Journey with the Prophet, Priest, Pastor, & Poet
10. 2026 Beckon: Our Lent Journey with the Prophet, Priest, Pastor, & Poet

How Long, Oh Lord?: A Prayerbook Concerning Gun Violence is available only from the Presbyterian Bookstore (Code: BRC for 20% off). and The Definitive-ish Guide to Using Social Media in the Church is no longer available.

For Audio versions of Everything Good About God and In Defense of Kindness, please consider Libro.FM.

I offer this weekly #LetUsPray as a way to stay anchored amidst the turmoil of the day. Paid subscribers have access to liturgical resources and sermon prompts based on the week's readings from The Revised Common Lectionary and/or The Narrative Lectionary.

Greetings all, from 100+ degree Pasadena, CA 🥵

I had the most random thought today: "Why do we like one shape of pasta over another?" I told you it was random. I used rigatoni this evening, thinking I was "branching out" in my pasta game. Silly boy. It's the same food item, just produced in different shapes. And yet, people have preferences. FTR, I love me a good al dente angel hair followed closely by mini-elbows if I can find them. I am sure someone somewhere has done a study on such things. Again, random.

This week, there has been some very serious discernment at the church I work with, as well as some personal decisions. I was thinking about how I make some of my most important decisions. Of course, I talk wth family – and more and more with my adult children. I also have a group of colleagues who have been meeting together for 25+ years. We have walked with one another through the joys and tragedies of life and have participated in discernment journeys about both personal and professional matters. So grateful for these saints in my life.

This week's #LetUsPray is basically what I believe about Jesus and why I am grateful for the fullness of his life, death, and resurrection. There is always a possibility that ideas change over time, but I am confident my beliefs about Jesus will not change much.

Faith Montage: In Gratitude for the Fullness of Jesus #LetUsPray

Let us pray —

I choose to believe in grace made real through Jesus Christ.

For the complete and complex humanity of Jesus,
and the mysterious and boundless divinity of the Christ,

I am GRATEFUL.

Grateful for the prophet, activist, and agitator,
who speaks God’s hopes, intentions, and truth into the world.

Grateful for the pastor, protector, and gatherer,
who curates space for curiosity, compassion, and kinship.

Grateful for the priest, steward, and guide,
who tends, grounds, and guides the spirits of those on the journey.

Grateful for the poet, artist, and creative,
who instigates, inspires, and invites exploration of divine possibility.

Grateful for the unpretentious life of Christ,
the teacher and friend.

Grateful for the revelatory death of Christ,
the offender and threat.

And grateful for the promised resurrection of Christ,
the seeker and solace.

For in the life, death, and resurrection of the one called Christ,
we are reconnected to God,
reunited with the saints,
loved for eternity,
and promised that one day there will be a new heaven
and new earth.

For this I am grateful.
For this we are grateful.

In all of this, we find mystery, meaning, and motivation.

— Amen.

Breath Prayer

Receive (inhale): May I know Christ.
Release (exhale): May Christ know me.

Peace,

LITURGY AND PREACHING PROMPTS

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 13, 2026

The Day's Readings (Year A): Exodus 14:19-31 | Psalm 114:1-8 | Romans 14:1-12 | Matthew 18:21-35
Readings for Year 1, Matthew: Genesis 6:5-22; 8:6-12; 9:8-17 (Noah, the flood, and the promise of the rainbow) and Matthew 8:24-27 (Jesus calms the storm)

For readings, I refer to the Vanderbilt Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) and The Narrative Lectionary (NL). For Bible translations, I turn to The Common English Bible (CEB) or New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE). For more liturgical inspiration, check out enfleshed or liturgylink.

Paid Subscribers may use any of the liturgical resources with or without attribution.

Because I am not serving in a church as a permanent pastor, I have the freedom to share a dilemma I suspect many pastors struggle with on the regular, "How do I let my congregation know that their feedback is not always helpful?"

Gather 'round, let me tell you a story.

One day a parishioner came up to me after worship and asked if they could have a word. Not the first time I have been cornered after worship, so I knew this conversation could go in a few directions: to inform me of a pastoral situation, to talk about a particular church program or event, or to critique the sermon I just preached or the service I just led. I still remember this particular instance because it began with kind words about the sermons I had been preaching of late. Cool, cool, cool, but there must be more, right? I remember standing there thinking to myself, "Buuuuuuuut?" because the other shoe would certainly drop soon, right? Wrong. This person only wanted to let me know that that day's illustration got him thinking about a particular situation in his life and that he was grateful.

This is what happens when we assume.

What was that about, assuming that feedback was going to be bad? Of course, these interactions right after worship often have a negative vibe, so I found myself closed off to the possibility that the interaction might be a positive one. So yeah, apparently three decades into this pastoral life, I am still living with my trauma from past stinging critiques, negative evaluations, and people just being mean.

Over the years, I've learned how to regulate my reactions when necessary. Not every word offered needs to be responded to right then and there. And in those times when a critique is so unfair or off-base that it requires immediate attention, I have learned to lovingly call people out in the moment. Most importantly, I no longer see every critique as all-or-nothing, as there may be nuggets of wisdom even in the nastiest feedback. Yes, I am 1000 times better at receiving critique than I was 30 years ago, and no, it is never fun. Yes, feedback of all kinds is helpful and needed, but it is never fun. And yes, reflecting on failures provides opportunities for growth, but it is never fun.

Before I present my grievances before the court, it is important to acknowledge that when it comes to offering and receiving feedback, constructive or otherwise, context is everything. There are so many variables at play: power dynamics, personal history, personality differences, and cultural norms. Everything must be translated.

Here are a few advisory notices for those times when you find yourself too eager to let the pastor know how to do their job.

Don't offer sermon or service critiques right after worship.

Many who plan and lead worship are already overly focused on production and flow elements. We can sometimes lose sight of the ultimate purpose of worship: to gather God's people in order to honor God. Worship can sometimes feel more like a gathering of tasks we must get through than an experience in which all involved, including the leaders, experience the holy. One reason this is the case is that participants have communicated to the pastor that not only is every worship element being assessed in real time, but they will also hear about it as soon as worship is over. Yes, there should always be an evaluation process, but if it happens immediately, the experience becomes a weekly timed test to pass rather than a divine moment for the community to share together.

The other reason not to offer critiques immediately after worship, especially if it's about the sermon, is that we are probably still exhaling from leading worship and may not be at our best. I am not responsible for my words if you come for me with accusations, innuendo, and constructive feedback in the receiving line. I guarantee you that most of us are not in the space to hear any of it. For some folks, preaching, leading, and then socializing all while wearing the pastor sash can be draining. While I understand that some might assume a pastor would want to engage while everything is still fresh, most of us really want to go home and take a nap.

Whatever critiques you were planning to lay at my feet, I promise they can wait until Tuesday.

Offer what and how you experienced a particular sermon or service.

For the love of God, please let me know how you have experienced something, either positively or negatively, and not what "people are saying," or by dropping an ambiguous judgment as if it were a peer-reviewed study backed by some unnamed group, when it is really a personal opinion.

Yes, use "I" statements. I find feedback that helps me know how you personally experienced something the most helpful. Settled decrees or verdicts, not so much. When we engage around how you experienced something, we dive in deeper and don't stop at the surface. When we engage more fully, even if we end up not agreeing and nothing changes, we can prevent any single issue from becoming a flashpoint of division because we understand one another's perspectives a bit better.

Don't presume you know what it is like to be a pastor.

Okay, this may feel harsh, but it is the one I get most worked up about. If your pastor's vibe changed after you told them how to be a pastor, and you are not or have never been one, this could be why.

I am not saying that our work and what we do are beyond accountability; rather, the assumptions made by those who hold pastors accountable must be examined. Is the feedback based on how the community has experienced the pastor's ministry, or is it given with the presumption that the one giving it knows best how to do the job of pastor?

To be as clear as possible, if you have never been a congregational pastor, you do not know how to be a congregational pastor. You may have ideas about what it may be like, or you may have seen other pastors serve in a way you like, but telling me how to do something that you have never actually done yourself is like me calling up United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, and telling her how to be more kick-ass . . . and yes, in the metaphor, I am United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese. Don't @ me. Sure, I have a vague understanding of what she does and some knowledge of the topics she covers, but in all reality, I have no idea what she really does or what is required to do what she does.

Again, again, again, I am not saying that pastors should be exempt from evaluation or accountability or that every pastor is an excellent pastor (whatever that means). What I am saying is that assumptions about the scale, scope, and particulars of pastoral ministry should be examined before offering feedback — because being a church pastor is its own kind of special.

Here are just a few ways pastoral ministry differs from other work situations...

• Sunday is is just the tip of the iceburg, so until you have had to prepare to stand up in front of people and interpret The Word of God every week for 10 weeks in a row all while juggling fluid administrative duties, unexpected pastoral emergencies, family life, self-care, being sure to eat, and trying to sleep, don't be shocked when we do not respond as our best selves when sermons are nitpicked, you get mad at something that was never actual said, or you question how much time we put into our work.
• Power dynamics are hella messed up, so until you've had to tend to the spiritual life of the same people who make decisions about your livelihood, don't act surprised when we don't share where we are not performing well, when we don't ask for help, or when we aren't willing to stir up the kind of trouble you want us to. When you control our compensation and job security, we have to pick and choose if, when, and how we will risk losing them.
• Boundaries are often seen as suggestions, so until you have had a job where you were presumed to be accessible at all times, no one uses the same communication platform, everyone has a different definition "urgent," and taking vacation is not worth the energy output of the prep or recovery, don't take it personally when we hold to strict boundaries between church, life, and self.

There are more, but these were the first ones that popped into my head.

Now, if you are a church leader reading this and your first reaction is to come up with exceptions to dispute the issues I have raised, I dare say you may be one of those causing the stress in your pastor's life. I do not serve in a permanent call, so I am freer to lift these issues up.

We are far from perfect, but I dare say none of us are.

So what now? I certainly do not want folks to walk on eggshells around your Pastor in fear of what you might say, but I hope this will give some behind-the-pulpit insights into the lives of those called to serve the church. If you are a church leader on a council, board, or session, pass this along, especially to those who tend to be unnecessarily hard on pastoral leadership.

Pastors, this thing called pastoral ministry is, at its best, a blessing, honor, and privilege, so I hope you feel a little more seen and heard.

Peace,

[Update: the original post said this was six years ago. It was five 🤦🏽. ]

Wowza, it's been a while since I have reflected on COVID's impact on my life. I suppose that is a good thing, as COVID has not been front of mind for most of us these past few years. The revelations and ramifications of the pandemic continue to wreak havoc in many areas of life, and, sadly, we still don't know the full impact of long COVID on so many.

Make no mistake, in all aspects of my COVID experience, I count myself fortunate to be where I am today in body, mind, and spirit.

This month marks the beginning of it all. It is hard to believe that all of this went down six years ago. The world and I have changed so much since. If you want the detailed recap, visit my Ongoing Long Covid Diary, check out my saved COVID Highlights on IG, or read past Covid Update Posts.

For those who were not part of it, here is a quick recap.

It all began during our trip to drop off our youngest kid at college.

We were officially empty nesters!

Next was a stop in Surprise, Arizona, to visit my in-laws (Spoiler: there are zero surprises in Surprise, Arizona.) Somewhere along the way, COVID got me. We don't know exactly when or where, but I have my suspicions.

It was a Tuesday night (The day is burned into my memory). After spending the entire day with my in-laws, who miraculously did NOT catch the virus, Robin and I were lounging about, and I began to feel it. During the night, the headaches, shortness of breath, and chills began.

Like everyone else who got sick during that time, you pray it's just the flu, but there is a moment when it hits you: "Duck, this is not the flu."

I tested positive.

Now what? We were in AZ, we knew that I had some pre-existing conditions, and the Delta variant was hospitalizing a new wave of people. I called my doctor and told her the symptoms. She basically said that she could not advise me to travel, but if I happened to find myself back in CA, I was to call her right away so that we could begin COVID protocols. Robin and I thought long and hard about making the long drive home. Because of my in-laws, we knew what the healthcare system in AZ was: a chaotic, disconnected, and frustrating maze of a system. We were also aware AZ was approaching COVID much differently than we were. It was not a difficult decision, so we hopped in the car and drove home pretty quickly. We only stopped to charge the car and interacted with no one. We know that some felt it was irresponsible (Including one nasty-ass DM from a parent of one of our kids' friends who was a nurse [BLOCK]), but there was no way I was going to be treated by the AZ healthcare system.

Before we left, I informed the church I was serving because I was pretty sure I would not be leading worship that Sunday. Reading that post reminds me how divided we were then, and that division was just the beginning of the division we have today.

I know that many of you have very strong opinions about vaccinations, the pandemic, and the politics of it all, but let me emphasize that, at the end of the day, we must see one another as members of the Body of Christ — when one part suffers, we all suffer, when one rejoices, we all rejoice. Our compassion and empathy should not be contingent upon political agreement, so please continue to hold all — ALL — who are being impacted by Covid-19 in your prayers.

Read the entire IG caption.

After we got back to Palo Alto, I called my doctor and told her about my symptoms. She quickly referred me to the COVID response team, who called me back almost immediately. As I talked with them, I was barely able to complete a sentence without losing my breath, and honestly, I think we were beginning to get a little frightened. It did not take long for the COVID doctor to instruct me to go to the hospital right away. I still remember him trying to convince me to go while I was thinking, "Doc, you do not have to say it twice. The car is already running!" It is important to remember that, at this stage of the Pandemic, people were going to the hospital and not coming home again, so I bet many folks were reluctant.

Not me.

Robin and I quickly got ready. I grabbed the important things: glasses, phone, phone charger, and to the hospital we went.

Robin dropped me off, and the hospital staff was ready. I was whisked into a glass room that felt like the kind used in the movies to hold villains and serial killers. They hooked me up to all things, and the doctor and nurse came in to examine me. At this point, I clearly needed oxygen, as my pulse oximeter reading was dropping. After the initial consult with a doctor, from then on out, all communication was done via a phone outside the room.

I must say that the Kaiser people had this COVID thing down. While my body and breath were for $h!t, I felt completely confident in their care.

During this time, they let me know that I would start on Remdesivir, but it was no guarantee. I vaguely remember also having a conversation about my advance directive. My orders say that I do NOT want to be put on a ventilator to prolong my life. The doctors informed/assured me that, should I need to go on a ventilator for COVID, it was not the same. I OK'd the change.

Eventually I was moved into a room in what I think was the COVID floor. By this time, getting out of bed or walking a few steps had me gasping for breath. They put me on high-flow oxygen, and for the next two weeks I had to lie prone. It was as uncomfortable as you can imagine, but every time I tried to flip over, I felt like I was suffocating — so prone it was! A little discomfort over suffocating to death is not a difficult choice to make.

During my stay, I did get worse. I was constantly being poked and prodded, every movement exhausted me, and I could barely sleep. I also remember being alone. No visitors were allowed, and I couldn't hold a conversation on the phone, so I had a lot of time to think too much — all while being prone. I never really lost hope, but I did have plenty of "what if" thoughts, and no scenario ended well." Still, as long as I could text, post, and share, I figured I was heading in the right direction.

While I was there, I remember talking with the nurses about vaccinations. As soon as they found out that I was vaccinated, their body language changed around me. I am sure they took care of everyone, but knowing that so much suffering and use of resources could have been avoided, I bet the number of unvaccinated patients they saw was overwhelming.

Eventually I was released to my home care team (Robin and Vespa). We set up a bed in the living room because I was to be on oxygen for the foreseeable future, and I needed space to set up my veritable apothecary.

After a few more weeks, I was able to leave the house without oxygen 24/7. I was still exhausted all the time and still slept much of the day. I would have frequent headaches and I was on a medication regimen that made me regret failing calculus.

Then the long road of recovery...

• I did eventually build up enough energy to be able to leave the house.
• I returned to Pastor at the church.
• I learned that exercise exacerbated long COVID.
• I tried to get back to what was normal in all things.
• My grandmother died from COVID complications.
• I realized normal was shot to hell in most things.
• I resigned as pastor of the church.
• We moved to San Jose.

... and a new season of life began.

And today I am a different person.

After my COVID experience, much has remained true for me:

• I never had to consider how much I was going to have to pay for my treatment. There was no choice between rent or food, and risking dying from COVID. Seems we always had enough money for war, so we definitely have enough money for universal healthcare.
• Extending dignity is not dependent upon ideology. Today I, as I did then, believe that every human being is worthy of being treated with dignity. We do not have to agree with everyone's beliefs or ignore their actions, but we must not reciprocate the violence that demeans and dehumanizes the other. Even the worst of the people we know or see probably lost loved ones during this time. Grief is grief, loss is loss, and sorrow is sorrow.
• Community is love. I can only imagine what my close friends and family were experiencing during this time. I am sure there were tears of worry shed by many, but folks still held me in prayer and took care of me when I needed it. Special love to Robin, who has had to deal with my hospitalizations more than she should. I cannot imagine what it would have been like to go through all of that alone. Thank you all.

And there are some ways that I know I have changed.

I am glad to be alive and, in all the ways I move through the world, I do so fueled by gratitude for my life-giving breath.

I am chill when it comes to life. This does not mean that I am nonchalant about my responsibilities or do not care about what happens in the world, only that I no longer feed on the adrenaline of stress. So many parts of my gig work (pastoring, writing, hustling) have the potential to disproportionately consume my energy and attention, which in turn takes energy and attention away from other aspects of my life. I refuse to let this happen, so I now hold firm boundaries, prioritize more clearly, and no longer allow myself to get distracted.

Mostly, I stay chill by resisting the insidious call to believe and act like I am indispensable to any of the movements I am part of. This has freed me from the buildup of resentments, the exhaustion of my body, and the burnout of my soul. This liberation from centeredness makes me a better human and community member because I make room to be nourished by the things that give my life meaning: food, family, friendships, writing, activism, and amplifying good people and good organizations.

I am more of a risk-taker. One would think that going through multiple hospitalizations, I would be more cautious and careful. Much to the chagrin of some of my family and friends, nope, just the opposite.

As I enter the final third of my life, I do not want to miss opportunities to do good in the world or grow as a person because I am afraid of what might happen. Don't worry, I have not moved to irresponsibility town. I hope to approach every decision with faithful discernment, but I am equally as hopeful that God may have adventures for me that have yet to be revealed.

The other way I am less risk-averse is that I have the privilege of being so. When I think about friends in Gaza and the rest of Palestine living under occupation and the threat of constant violence, risking police brutality, arrest, or imprisonment is the least I can offer. The same goes for my support of immigrants, LGBTQIA+ siblings, and those being crushed under the boots of greed and wealth. Being public and present is the least I can do. But it is not just the big actions, it is the everyday ones as well: choosing what I preach on any given Sunday, being robust in my online and in-person advocacy, and supporting individuals and organizations with my fiscal and skills resources.

I am committed to my fitness. This may not be as big a deal for some, but being able to say I am dedicated and consistent with my fitness and health is a big deal to me. Truth be told, part of that commitment is fueled by an unapologetic determination to outlive my enemies and the a$$holes of the world. There are things that I can control in my life and things that I can't. There are no guarantees that eating better and exercising will prevent an untimely demise, but we know it helps. After losing nearly 30 pounds and always struggling with weight, today at 57yo, I like how I feel, I like how I look, and have found a discipline that is motivating and meaningful. WTF, I even started running on purpose. Never before in my life have I made my fitness and health a priority and stuck to it over the long haul, but I do now.

I am sure that if you asked my friends, family, and community, they would say there are other ways I have changed, and I hope to never stop. I want to be a better human today than I was yesterday. I do not accomplish that goal every day, but I hope to more days than not.

Thanks to all who hung out with me then, and to those doing the same today, I appreciate you.

Peace,

I offer this weekly #LetUsPray as a way to stay anchored amidst the turmoil of the day. Paid subscribers have access to liturgical resources and sermon prompts based on the week's readings from The Revised Common Lectionary and/or The Narrative Lectionary.

A few weeks ago I talked about that dangerous sentence, "Once x-task is done, things will slow down..." because it rarely does. Welp, it was true. Today I just caught up on all my emails from all the accounts, so the inboxes are down to zero (And no, I do not understand those of you who have hundreds and thousands of unread emails taunting you every day. To each their own.)

Anyhoo, it feels good.

Really wish that after I emerged from my cave, the world was in better shape, but it looks like the same old $h!t, different day. The settlers in Palestine continue to act with brazen impunity and full support from too many; it seems like there have been multiple mass shootings, and yes, we are still snatching people off the street and disappearing them to who knows where.

We must keep at it however and wherever: write, speak, pray, sing, agitate, act.

Next up are a couple of posts in the hopper. One is about restraint being the superpower of leaders of color who serve in predominantly white contexts. I am also starting to think through the How to Grow a Church project. And finally, I have a two-parter about church pastoring, why it is a blessing AND why it is terrible. I am going to link back to these two prompts on FB if you want to add your 4¢.

• Why it is a blessing: I know pastoring a congregation can be difficult and overwhelming, but here's the prompt (to link to a new post)— "It is a blessing, honor, and privilege to be a pastor because..." [link]
• Why it is terrible: As a follow-up to my previous post about why congregational pastoring is a blessing, I'll do a follow-up post and link back to this post, "Pastoring a congregation is [insert your adjective: difficult, overwhelming, soul-sucking] because . . ." [link]

Okay, now on to this week's #LetUsPray when we begin to talk about the how the Spirit reveals God's hopes and intentions for humanity.

Faith Montage: The Story Will Be Revealed #LetUsPray

Let us pray —

As it has been with generations before and will be for generations to come,

God’s story has and will be REVEALED to God’s gathered people.

The story will meander,
— but God’s time is God’s time.

The story will confuse,
— but God will guide us if we choose to follow.

The story will contradict,
— but God’s perfection lies in a willingness to change.

The story will be deemed weak,
— but God reimagines what is powerful.

The story will seem like a distant figure emerging from the mist-worn fog,
but when we see God,
we really see God.

And we will know.

The story will be revealed.

— Amen.

Breath Prayer

Receive (inhale): May I know and believe.
Release (exhale): The story of God.

Peace,

LITURGY AND PREACHING PROMPTS

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 6, 2026

The Day's Readings (Year A): Exodus 12:1-14 | Psalm 119:33-40 | Romans 13:8-14 | Matthew 18:15-20
NL Summer Readings (First and Second Timothy): Exodus 20:17 (Do Not Covet). Accompanying text: Matthew 22:34-40 (The Great Commandment)

For readings, I refer to the Vanderbilt Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) and The Narrative Lectionary (NL). For Bible translations, I turn to The Common English Bible (CEB) or New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE). For more liturgical inspiration, check out enfleshed or liturgylink.

Paid Subscribers may use any of the liturgical resources with or without attribution.

I offer this weekly #LetUsPray as a way to stay anchored amidst the turmoil of the day. Paid subscribers have access to liturgical resources and sermon prompts based on the week's readings from The Revised Common Lectionary and/or The Narrative Lectionary.

It's been three weeks since the last #LetUsPray, but as promised, I'm back. This week, we continue working our way through my Faith Montage. We are about 2/3 of the way through and are now in the Spirit section. In this week's reading, the Spirit compels us to go into the world to be bearers and sharers of the Gospel, not as much a command as an invitation to live as if our faith matters.

Faith Montage: Not if We Go, but as We Go #LetUsPray

Let us pray —

It is into the revealing story of God that we are COMPELLED to go.
Where we are called to serve God and others.
Where we are drawn into a deeper relationship with God.
Where we are thrust into the struggles of the world.

It is in God’s revealing story where we grow
into who God intends us to become.

Not if we go, but as we go.

As we go, we seek:
Wisdom. Healing. Growth. Love.

As we go, we are healed:
By others. By ourselves. By surprise. By love.

As we go, we offer back to God:
Our talents. Our resources. Our humanity. Our love.

As we go, we share what and who we know God to be.
Hope. Joy. Peace. Love.

— Amen.

May we all know the Spirit whenever and wherever we need.

Peace,

LITURGY AND PREACHING PROMPTS

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 2, 2026

The Day's Readings (Year A): Exodus 3:1-15 | Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c | Romans 12:9-21 | Matthew 16:21-28
NL Summer Readings (First and Second Timothy): Exodus 20:12-16 (Tuned toward the Neighbor) Accompanying text: Matthew 22:34-40 (The Great Commandment)

For readings, I refer to the Vanderbilt Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) and The Narrative Lectionary (NL). For Bible translations, I turn to The Common English Bible (CEB) or New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE). For more liturgical inspiration, check out enfleshed or liturgylink. Paid Subscribers may use any of the liturgical resources with or without attribution.

I know it's been a beat since I've posted, but I am back.

While I've never been a "Once x-task is done, things will slow down, and I'll have more time" kind of person, because isn't there always something?

Anyhoo, in this instance, I am pretty sure that now that a few things are done, I will indeed have more time and will be back to our regular Amalgamation programming. I am still 3/4 time as the Transitional Pastor at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. It has been some good and tough work, but this community is doing some difficult and faithful work. It is my intention that whoever arrives next will be grateful I was here. At some point, they will be searching for a new Pastor and Head-of-Staff, so if you are soon to be in a season of searching, keep an eye on PPC.

I basically work my tail off for PPC on Tue, Wed, Thu, and Sun, and spend Mon, Fri, and Sat putting yummy SoCal eats in my pie hole, working on writing projects, and generating The Amalgamation and social media content.

Two big things have been taking up my time, and now they're behind me.

I moved.

After spending the first 2.5 months in temporary housing, I have finally moved into the place where I'll be for the next 9-ish months. I can finally unpack and get settled. Never fully unpacked, my living surroundings have been boxes of chaos since I arrived. For those of you who know me, having my space in a state of turmoil is anxiety-inducing. Granted, the final move took place in nearly 100-degree weather; I'm moved, and now I can settle in.

Thanks to the legacy of generous Presbyterians, I have way-below-market housing during my brief time in Pasadena. Renting in Pasadena is as ridiculous as the Bay Area, and there is no way I could be here without this housing. Some of you may recognize this place from when I lived in Pasadena in 2024 while serving Love Community Church (formerly Filipino Community United Presbyterian Church). It has gotten pretty fancy since then, now having solar and e/v chargers 😄

But most importantly, I submitted the manuscript for my last contracted book project 🎉🎉🎉

This past weekend, I turned in the Lenten devotional, Beckon, which is the third and final piece of the Prophet, Priest, Pastor, & Poet project with Chalice Press. For whatever reason, this devotional was more difficult to write than the Advent one, Possibility. Each of the 40 days + seven Sundays has a core word, a reflection, a text interpretation, an invitation, a question, and a prayer. Beckon also has a brief preaching prompt for Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and all Sundays, including Palm Sunday and Easter. And everything fits on one page each. (Preemptive apologies to my editor).

From the unedited introduction Beckon: Our Lent Journey with the Prophet, Priest, Pastor, & Poet (December 2026)

If you are like me, you have words that give your life depth and texture. Two of mine are "depth" and “texture” along with “latte” and “big.” A recent addition to the “Words Bruce likes and uses too much” is the word “beckon.” There is something compelling about being beckoned. Through the lens of faith, beckon is not a command from God, but an invitation. A grandparent inviting a descendant to sit with them and share stories, a loved one reaching out a hand as an invitation to take a walk, and yes, Jesus inviting us to be more like him as we move through the world in relationship with ourselves, with others, and with all of creation.

Well, as long as I'm shilling my wares, before you pick up Beckon for Lent, be sure to grab your copy or 20 of Possibility: Our Advent Journey with the Prophet, Priest, Pastor, & Poet (September, 2026)

Advent signals the beginning of a new church year. And yet, in 2025-
2026 the world is living in a constant state of political and social turmoil.
Solutions seem few and far between. One cathartic and healing act
of resistance could be to view our current time through the lens of
“possibility.” In this daily devotional, I invite you to embrace and embody
possibility, that is, possibility grounded in the fullness of Jesus. Not only
the Jesus we prefer to see, (the One who often looks a lot like us), but the
Christ in His fullness: Prophet, Priest, Pastor, and Poet.

If your church or book group decides to read PPPP, Possibility, Beckon, or any of my books and purchases at least 10 copies, I will Zoom in for an hour to meet with your group. Get in touch with us if you want to grab a time.

Email Team BRC

And, while Possibility and Beckon can stand on their own, both will make much more sense paired with the foundational book, Prophets, Priests, Pastors, and Poets: Being and Becoming the Resurrected Christ (Also September 2026)

From the Preface...

In all honesty, this has been a difficult book to write, not because I do not care about Jesus—I do (good thing as a pastor)—but because it is difficult to hole away, sit down, and focus on what feels like a detached and futile endeavor while our country’s socioeconomic and political chasms are widening, countless people are subjected to government-sponsored terror, and people of faith and privilege like me are being called to the street. I wish this was just another example of drama and hyperbole, but at the completion of this book, about a year into the second presidential term of Donald Trump, the number of truly horrifying events that have taken place over that time would be comical if those events were not so tragic.

And from the introduction...

After nearly thirty years of ministry, I am still on the same journey as so many others in understanding and following Jesus, meaning that my faith is always in flux. My personal and communal understanding and experiences with Jesus shift, change, and adapt as the world’s circumstances dictate. While some see a change in theological understanding as a weakness, I see it as a strength. Just as my actual muscles need to be stretched and strengthened as my physical body moves through different stages of life, my spiritual and theological muscles must do the same when my experience of the world expands. I am constantly amazed by the revelations about my faith that abound when I embrace the idea that I will never be done getting to know the one we call Jesus the Christ. In short, this book is as much about my own exploration and learning as it is about yours. So welcome and thank you for taking me along.

At this point I am not under any book contract, so in this season, I'll be generating regular content for The Amalgamation, increasing activity on The Amalgamation Discord, and fleshing out my next book idea, How to Grow a Church.

That's it for now. Thanks for your patience through the ebbs and flows of my gigging life.

Peace,

siyam = "nine" in Tagalog

Whoa, it's been a few months since I have checked in with folks. I think it's cute that the original subtitle was, "A weekly . . ." Ha.

This one is not going to be all that long, as I am still climbing out from under a week's vacation worth of emails connected to my current church gig (more later) and I have to turn in the final manuscript (A Lenten Devotional) for the Prophet, Priest. Pastor, & Poet project.

There is way more to catch up on, but here is the executive summary of the highlights. Expanded narratives and photos for Paid Subscribers below.

• Bruce's Beverage: I am currently at the WeWork in Pasadena, and I may be the only person in the building. I am drinking a new favorite, a Milk Brew with Banna Milk. So yummy.
• PPC: I moved to Pasadena in June (after a two-month bridge at Burlingame PC) to become the Transitional Pastor at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. If all goes as planned, and they rarely do, I should be here for about a year.
• PPPP: The first two parts of Prophet, Priest. Pastor, & Poet: Being and Becoming the Risen Christ are now available for pre-order.
• SF -> NYC -> OR -> SF: My spouse and I took a whirlwind trip to NY and OR to visit the babies who moved away.
• IT: As you can see from the picture, I have given in to the dual-screen and external keyboard/mouse setup.
• Sight and Sounds: So many things. I went through another K-Drama era, from which I would recommend Agent Kim Reactivated, Can This Love be Translated, and Resident Playlist. I also started the new seasons of Ted Lasso and Reacher, but highly entertaining. Back to the movies, I LOVED Project Hail Mary and Hadestown, thought The Odyssey was fine, and really enjoyed Spider-Man: Brand New Day. We added another musical to our watched list (when in NY), Maybe Happy Ending, which was so very good. Finally, if you liked the Carl the Dungous Crawler vibe, you may enjoy How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying, especially the audio version.

Again, so much more to share, but a sermon is demanding my attention. More sooner than three months from now.

I offer this weekly #LetUsPray as a way to stay anchored amidst the turmoil of the day. Paid subscribers have access to liturgical resources and sermon prompts based on the week's readings from The Revised Common Lectionary and/or The Narrative Lectionary.

This week has been a wild one, mostly because my spouse and I are on a week-long, whirlwind, zig-zag, cross-country trek to see two of our kids who had the audacity to move out of state to live their lives :-)

Our New York time has been filled with good food, much laughter, and sweet conversations. The time has been good for my soul, and it has been a serious example of a life of privilege. I have been struck by how easy it has been to simply unplug from the world for these first three days. An example, again, when multiple things can be true at the same time. I don't feel shamed by this reality; rather, I am further convinced and convicted that everyone should have the opportunity and resources to take a break from the pressures of the world . . . to have a vacation that reenergizes and rejuvenates their bodies and souls.

And then on the way home (and why this post didn't get sent out on time) we spent three hours on the LaGuardia tarmac behind 55 other planes, had to return to the gate to refuel, and then got stuck overnight in Denver.

So of course, at 4:00am . . . good times.

Anyhoo . . . in this week's installment of my Faith Montage, I am reminded that the Spirit shows up in so many ways no matter what is happening in life. My time of privileged rest is not for nothing, as the Spirit is active throughout – and has provided much inspration for future Amalagmation relflection on humanity.

This week my liturgical resources focus on that silent place where we meet God, and my sermon prompt is around the Romans passage and the idea of being the "beautiful feet" of God as we engage in conversation, not conversion.

The Spirit's Delicate Dance Between Creator and Created #LetUsPray

Let us pray —

The STORIED revealing of God’s hopes and intentions
is intricately woven in and through our interactions with God—
a delicate conversation between Creator and created.

The Spirit moves through prayer:
Not a checklist but a conversation.
Not performance but release.
Not to control but to relinquish.
Not to manipulate but to listen.
Not with words but also with words.

The Spirit moves through community:
Not to demand but to discern.
Not to fix but to encourage.
Not to confine but to compel.
Not to detach but to engage.
Not to seek perfection but to love perfectly.

The Spirit moves through the Bible:
Not an indifferent collection but an anthology of human experience.
Not a contract to be enforced but a covenant to be honored.
Not a map to be followed but an adventure to be embraced.
Not a literal set of rules but evolving truths to be revealed.
Not a weapon of faith but a wellspring of liberation.

The Spirit moves in the in-between:
Not always knowing where but trusting God is present.
Not always knowing how but trusting God is active.
Not always knowing when but trusting God is near.
Not always knowing why but trusting God is faithful.
Not always knowing but trusting that God is.

Through these windows
we meet ourselves,
we meet others,
our understanding of God is expanded,
the movements of God are made real,
and the revealed and revealing story of God is made known.

— Amen.

May we all know the Spirit whenever and wherever we need.

Peace,

LITURGY AND PREACHING PROMPTS

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 2, 2026

The Day's Readings (Year A): I Kings 19:1-15 | Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45 | Romans 10:5-15 | Matthew 14:22-33
NL Summer Readings (First and Second Timothy): 2 Timothy 3:14—4:8, 16-18 (The Lord Stood by Me) Accompanying text: Luke 18:6-8

In writing liturgy, I attempt to be economical with words while addressing the events of the day in ways that help people find grounding in their faith. For readings, I refer to the Vanderbilt Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) and The Narrative Lectionary (NL). For Bible translations, I turn to The Common English Bible (CEB) or New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE). For more liturgy inspiration, check out enfleshed or liturgylink. Paid Subscribers may use any of the liturgical resources with or without attribution.

I offer this weekly #LetUsPray as a way to stay anchored amidst the turmoil of the day. Paid subscribers have access to liturgical resources and sermon prompts based on the week's readings from The Revised Common Lectionary and/or The Narrative Lectionary.

First, how is it August already?

Second, I hate that there have been more shootings in the news and lawmakers are not even pretending to want to do anything about it. It's as if US society has resigned itself to a future filled with guns.

We must not go numb to or normalize gun violence as if there are no other options. We must not give up. We must not only keep pressing our legislators to have the courage to tackle the gun violence health crisis, but we must also teach and model ways to deal with anger and address conflict without resorting to violence of any kind, body, mind, or spirit.

And all the while, for our own grounding and for the Spirit who surrounds us, we must pray. I have been sharing prayers about gun violence, but if you need a prayer for your community, here is a litany, Another Shooting in America or purchase a copy of A Prayerbook Concerning Gun Violence and use promo code “BRC” for 20% off.

Seems appropriate that we move into the Spirit section on my faith montage, as it is always good to remember that the Spirit of God is always moving and always active – even in the midst of tragedy and heartbreak.

The Sweeping and Unwavering Spirit #LetUsPray

Let us pray —

The Spirit of God repeatedly sweeps over humanity leaving us inspired:
to seek God’s hopes for each of us,
to live into God’s intentions for the entire body,
and to answer the call to participate in the fulfillment of
God’s ever-revealing hopes for the world.

The Spirit invites us into relationship and conversations with God.
The Spirit encourages the quest and reveals God in the act of questioning.
The Spirit pokes and prods us to be open and aware that God is with us.
The Spirit revives, refreshes, and reminds us that God will help bear the weight of our weariness.
The Spirit is unwavering in the belief that we have the capacity to know God more.

The Spirit moves around us.
The Spirit moves through us.
The Spirit moves in spite of us.
And when we are open, the Spirit moves us.

— Amen.

May we all know healing.

Peace,

LITURGY AND PREACHING PROMPTS

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 2, 2026

The Day's Readings (Year A): Genesis 32:22–31 | Psalm 17:1–7, 15 | Romans 9:1–5 | Matthew 14:13–21
NL Summer Readings (First and Second Timothy): 2 Timothy 2:8-15 (Remember Jesus Christ, Raised from the Dead) Accompanying text: Luke 17:16-19

In writing liturgy, I attempt to be economical with words while addressing the events of the day in ways that help people find grounding in their faith. For readings, I refer to the Vanderbilt Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) and The Narrative Lectionary (NL). For Bible translations, I turn to The Common English Bible (CEB) or New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE). For more liturgy inspiration, check out enfleshed or liturgylink. Paid Subscribers may use any of the liturgical resources with or without attribution.

This past weekend, I had the chance to see Mexodus, playing at the Pasadena Playhouse through August 2, 2026. Walking in, I had zero idea what expect. I had never seen anything at The Pasadena Playhouse, but I am trying to get to know my new city while I'm here, I figured I would catch a performance.

Overall it was a ton of fun. I was a little sleepy going because of preaching that morning and the fact that it was a million degrees outside. When those houselights dimmed, I though, "Uh oh, I'm in trouble." Unlike the guy sitting next to me, I did not doze off and as the production progressed, my attention energy grew.

Without spoiling anything, Mexodus is a two-person musical, that tells the story of the underground railroad that goes across "the border" into Mexico and the interaction between a Mexican farmer and an enslaved person on the run. The unique thing about this musical is that the two performers create most of the music by recording sounds and instruments and then looping them into the backing music for all of the songs. Nygel D. Robinson and Alan Mendez were impressive.

If you are in within driving distance to Pasadena, this production is well worth supporting. My review of this musical pretty much consists of "Go see it!" so rather than offer any star rating or critical review, allow me to share a few thoughts that Mexodus sparked within me.

One more piece of history...

As far as the story goes, I was not surprised by the narrative. Of course there was and underground railroad that ran from Texas to Mexico. But because, like so many stories from the ancestors of this land that get buried in the mythic story of the formation of United State, I had never actually heard about it. I am so very appreciative of shows that broaden my understanding and knowledge of the world and Mexodus does just that. It gives "Larry, The Musical" vibes in that it exposes a wider demographic to a story that some already knew, not from the classroom, but from the many other ways stories are pass down from generation to generation. Yet one more time, because people were determined to tell a story that needed to me told, my understanding and knowledge of the world and those around me has grown.

A subtle nod to faith and liberation.

I was fascinated by some of Christian and Church references made by the performers before and after. With the backdrop of blatant trafficking and proliferation of Christian Nationalism in this United States, it was lovely to hear someone mention faith in a genuine way that acknowledged the reality that faith has been and is a part of all stories of liberation. Not sure if this was scripted banter, so I will not spoil what is actually said, only that I appreciated the sublet, yet powerful message that was offer to the audience to hold. I can only hope that is brought some nuance to people's understanding and impact of faith.

Applause turned into action.

Because this was a story about people of color, my guess is that there were more Black and brown folks present than usual. After living in Pasadena cumulatively for only six months over the past few years, I am not local, but when I arrived, I was not surprised by how white the crowd was.

Pasadena in many ways reminds me of Palo Alto, where I lived from 2019-2022. It has a provincial vibe going on, with the divisions between those from old Pasadena and the influx of housing that is bringing in young urbanites. My guess is that it is a generally "progressive" space. Not sure if is Biden, Warren, Sanders, or AOC leaning, but I am willing to guess that is it not Mamdani left. I would love to be proven wrong about that, but not holding my breath.

Mexodus is clearly a story that speaks to the oppression and violence inflicted upon Black and brown bodies, mostly by the United States. At times this was communicated with subtly and nuance, and other times there was almost a challenge to the white audience to remain comfortable in the face of such indictments laid at the feet of white America. There was one song in particular that probably made some folks squirm, but before the final note stopped ringing, the place erupted with applause. Obviously it was well deserved, but when white folks cheer with such gusto a direct challenge to origin and accumulation of wealth and power I am always left with the questions, "Do you know what this means?"

While I would love to give the benefit of the doubt that after being moved by such themes, people of privilege will then make choices that dismantle the cultural, institutional, and personal apparatuses through which that privilege was attained, but I have my doubts.

• Will people of means vote centered on their financial best interests or in ways that keep people trapped in poverty?
• Will people of security leverage and risk their power and influence so those who are oppressed do not have to risk their lives?
• Will people of comfort listen to the discomfort and resist falling into unhealthy patterns of racialized aggression, institutional barriers, and cultural exclusion directed at Black brown folks?

Essentially will the applause and affirmation offered to the performers indicate a substantially changed way of life — or is the bold and loud affirmation performative, self-soothing, and only expressed within the confines of the theater walls?

I hope people continue to create these types of offering for the world. We all need to see the fuller picture of the world's histories and hear stories that have long been silenced. Most important to me though is that the telling of these powerful and painful stories from the past, manifest themselves into the stories of love and liberation being built for today and the future.

I have no idea where the Mexodus production is headed next, but from the post-show comments it sounds like more performers are being added to the number of folks who could pull this off. If you are not able to catch it at the Pasadena Playhouse, hopefully, you'll have a chance to experience the power that is Mexodus at a venue near you.

I offer this weekly #LetUsPray as a way to stay anchored amidst the turmoil of the day. Paid subscribers have access to liturgical resources and sermon prompts based on the week's readings from The Revised Common Lectionary and/or The Narrative Lectionary.

It feels like EVERY day we can say something to the effect, "When we look at the world, it seems like there is another round of violence, suffering, and hurt being experienced by God's people."

I hate that this has been normalized. It makes me angry, sad, and sometimes severely pessimistic about the future. And then something happens to remind me that, yes, there is too much pain in the world, but there is also healing. Does it come about when or how I want it to? Rarely, but healing is present.

This next section of My Faith montage follows the acknowledging of hurt. Even though we may cause much of the pain in the world, we are also part of the healing.

The Hurt Who Are Healed #LetUsPray

Let us pray —

And yet we know what it is to be HEALED.
To be healed is to be whole.
To move toward healing is to move toward holiness.
In mind. In body. In gut.
In heart. In spirit. In soul.

You cannot be healed if I am still hurting.
I cannot know wholeness if you are still in agony.
We cannot experience either while neighbors and strangers suffer still.

My wholeness is intricately and intrinsically woven
together with yours and yours with mine.
Healing is mine is yours is ours.
Wholeness is ours is yours is mine.

Yet we cannot know healing and wholeness
without the One who loves us into being.
God loves healing into the world.
In whispers. In whimsy. In wonder.
In exhale. In excitement. In euphoria.
In solitude. In silence. In subtlety.

Our bodies, minds, and souls are healed by God.
Healed in ways creative, soothing, beautiful, and bold.
Healed in ways surprising, subtle, unruly, and old.
Through boisterous laughter uncontained,
and anger righteously expressed,
through sounds that soothe and silence that settles,
through communities organized and justice realized,
through intimacy, generosity, understanding, and rest,
through equity, jubilance, remembrance, and risk,
through lament and confession,
through forgiving and being forgiven,
through grace offered and grace accepted,
through being seen, being heard, being known.

In all of these things,
in God’s good time,
in unexpected ways,
God’s healing and wholeness is a mighty balm
for our bone-tired bodies,
for our compassion-fatigued hearts,
and for our weary, weary souls.

— Amen.

May we all know healing.

Peace,

LITURGY AND PREACHING PROMPTS

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 26, 2026

The Day's Readings (Year A): 1Kings 3:5-12 | Psalm 119: 129-136 | Romans 8:26-39 | Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
NL Summer Readings (First and Second Timothy): 2 Timothy 1:1-14 (Rekindle the Gift of God) Accompanying text: Luke 17:5-6

In writing liturgy, I attempt to be economical with words while addressing the events of the day in ways that help people find grounding in their faith. For readings, I refer to the Vanderbilt Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) and The Narrative Lectionary (NL). For Bible translations, I turn to The Common English Bible (CEB) or New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE). For more liturgy inspiration, check out enfleshed or liturgylink. Paid Subscribers may use any of the liturgical resources with or without attribution.

You're invited to be part of my next book adventure.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I said I was not going to jump back into another book project. We all knew that my pants were on fire. While I did mean it at the time, that was mostly an embattled author in the middle of editing talk. During that time, however, I was able to tend to any distraction that would help to protect my tender ego from the bloodbath of the editor's red marks on my manuscript. And yes, one of those distractions was to think about my next book.

Not long ago, I was asked to speak to a group about anything I wanted to. For some reason, I gravitated towards thoughts about church growth. Okay, not for "some reason." The reason was because of the increasingly blatant displays of Christian Nationalism by our government. Because people usually want to start with tactics, I did what I normally do: I began with 30,000-foot concepts. As I have continued to think about the big questions, I have begun to feel a tug to choose your metaphor: land the plane, fish or cut bait, or shit or get off the pot, and identify actionable steps born from these larger questions. Drawing on my 30+ years of pastoral leadership, my time starting a church, coaching pastors who have started churches, worshipping with new churches, and pastoring multiple established churches through a variety of cultural and operational transitions, I began compiling a list of practical church growth questions.

In all honesty, I have always been allergic to anything that came close to being a "10 Ways to Put Butts in Pews" handbook. Too often, I have heard members of shrinking churches or church growth couch consultants imply that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between tactics and growth. It is completely understandable that people want that kind of reassurance because it would be real nice if we were given a list of to-dos that would guarantee growth – painlessly and immediately. Obviously, few people say, 'If you make these changes, you will grow!' out loud, but I can tell, whether they are even conscious of it or not, that's what they want. Occasionally someone would verbalize it, often tongue-in-cheek, and my tried-and-true response is to joke, "If I could write that book, I'd be rich."

And then during a conversation about the state of the church and the need to have more impact, while I was dancing around giving practical advice, one of the participants said, "We know you have ideas for things that we could do, so why don't you tell us?" This was not accusatorial, but what it made me realize is that what I have been basically saying to groups is, "Here are some big concepts for doing something really different, now go and figure it out for yourselves. You're on your own. Good luck and godspeed." In my resistance to giving anything remotely close to definitive steps for growth, I was expecting the proverbial frog to all of a sudden realize the pot is boiling AND know exactly how to escape the predicament it was in.

As much as I have resisted, I am going to take a swing at writing the closest thing to a "handbook for church growth" that I will ever get. I am also going to go about this process a little differently. Like my friend and colleague Rev. Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim, I am going to have the manuscript completed before I shop it around: no publisher advance, no deadlines, and no guarantees.

As I write this book, I would love for folks to interact and give feedback during various stages of the process. Every few weeks, I will post a rough, rough, rough outline/draft of each chapter. Paid Subscribers will have immediate access to the full chapters. All other subscribers will receive a short excerpt in their inboxes. Subscribers, free or paid, are invited to give feedback, ask questions,or make suggestions over on The Amalgamation Discord. Everyone who engages in at least half of the chapter threads will receive a signed copy of the book when it is eventually published.

Below is an early and first run at a structure and outline for the book. It is pretty standard: some introduction and orientation to start and a wrap-up and conclusion at the end. In between, I'll post a number of questions (Eventually 20?) that address areas with a high impact on a church's chances of growing.

With each question, I will attempt to bring depth and texture by addressing importance, obstacles, practices, etc. Each question will be broken up into the following sections:

🧠 The Reason for Asking – Explanation of the question's relevance goes here.
👍🏽 So You Said, "yes" – What it means if you are doing this goes here.
❓ A Deeper Dive – Follow-up questions to broaden the topic.
🛬 Tactics and Practices – A few ideas on how you can realistically address each reponse.
💡 One Big Idea: A potentially high-impact idea goes here.
🚦Signals & Cues: Signs and development that may require processes to be adapted or further conversations to be had.
💖 Grace Always: Words of encouragement and courage go here.

I am still debating the order of the questions, but for now, the progression goes like this: broad congregational understandings, scope of who can be reached, and congregational engagement. I bookend all the questions, starting with one about change and ending with one about the budget; for without a healthy approach to both, the endeavor will face an uphill battle.

Again, if you are a subscriber, come on over to Discord and join the conversation. These are early stages, so resist getting caught up in a web of wordsmith turmoil. There will be time for that later. At this point, all headings and subheadings can be changed. As the book builds, I'll link back to each post.

How to Grow a Church:

Questions that help recognize, realize, and reinforce invitation, welcome, and belonging.

Introduction [full post]

• Why and Why Now [full post]
• How I believe and know [full post]
• Who should read this [full post]

Ch 1) The Most Important Question: on Belonging [full post]

Ch 2) Who Cares about Growth: on Theology [full post]

Ch 3) Size Really Doesn’t Matter: on Numbers [full post]

Ch 4) Disclaimers and Assumptions: on Context [full post]

Ch 5) How to Use This Book: on Process [full post]

Ch 6) The Questions [full post]

• Culture of Change: Do you handle criticism, change, and conflict well? [full post]
• Who do you say that I am?: Do you clearly and unapologetically articulate what you believe about Jesus Christ? [full post]
• Congregational Identity: Do you know who you are now and who God is calling you to become? [full post]
• Theological and Social Beliefs: Are your values and beliefs integrated throughout the entire life of the church? [full post]
• Realistic Growth Demographic: Is God really calling you to reach young families? [full post]
• A Heart for Newcomers: Have you identified unspoken rules, practices, or expectations that exclude first-time visitors? [full post]
• A Place of Comfort: Is this a place where people turn to in times of crisis or tragedy? [full post]
• Can’t Miss Experiences: Do people feel they're missing out if they don't show up? [full post]
• A Growing Table: Is a new person easily able to engage in the life of the church? [full post]]
• Genuine Digital Ministry: Is your digital footprint honest and helpful to those searching for a spiritual home? [full post]
• Meaningful Use of Time: Do you honor the time and resources individuals offer? [full post]
• Community Connections: Are you engaged in the life of the surrounding community? [full post]
• Public Square: Are you engaged in the public square on issues that impact communities outside the church: locally, nationally, and globally? [full post]
• Show Me the Money: Are you ready and willing to realign your budget to center growth and newcomers? [full post]

Ch 7) The Big Three: On Friends, Flocks, and Fun [full post]

Ch 8) As You Go: On Evangelism & Confidence [full post]

Ch 9) Return on Investment: On Patience & Grace [full post]

Ch 10) People May Leave: On Care & Conviction [full post]

Ch 11) Enjoy the Ride: On Hope & Meaning [full post]

Conclusion [full post]

Charge

Acknowlegements

Artificial Intelligence

Keep in Touch

Again, this post is open to everyone, but future updates will only be available to Paid Subscribers. At the end of the day, Paid Subscribers are my "advance," so I appreciate everyone who is supporting this area of my life

Peace,

As many of you know, I am currently serving on the board of directors of Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity (IM4HI). One of the reasons I am committed to the work of this faith-based group is that what we do aligns with what we believe and what we say. As ICE activity has become more and more violent, in addition to our public actions, we have shared A Prayer for the Ceasing of State Violence and the Protection of All People and a public statement during the Minnesota crackdown. Yet ICE continues to act with an impunity that has led to more trauma, more separation, and more death. In light of recent killings, we have released another statement. Please share this statement, follow IM4HI on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter.

Peace,

Statement on the Deaths of Johan Sebastian Guerrero, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, and the Many Other Lives Lost at the Hands of ICE 

We are heartbroken and deeply saddened by the unjust killings of Johan Sebastian Guerrero, 26, who was fatally shot by ICE in Maine July 13th,  and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52,  who was shot in Texas on July 7, 2026. 

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and communities of Johan Sebastian Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo as they navigate these devastating losses. Guerrero was a hardworking and devoted father of a 3-year-old daughter, and Salgado was a loving husband, father of 3, and a valuable member of his community.

Unlike the ICE killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, the video footage of Araujo’s death has not been released and has not received the same public attention or media coverage.

We uplift the demands from the families and leaders in Houston and Maine and urge you to contact your Member of Congress. They are calling for:

• A full and independent investigation into Lorenzo’s and Johan’s killing.
  [Take Action] 
• The immediate release of the three men detained with Lorenzo, including his brother, and protection for all witnesses from intimidation, coercion, or deportation. 
• An end to local collaboration with ICE in EVERY city and state they occupy.

Our faith traditions say, Do not kill and take the life of another. Our faiths cherish peace, calling us to resist the empire and care for the vulnerable. Across our faith traditions, we share a common moral vision: Every human is sacred and deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. Every family should not have to live in trauma stemming from needless and preventable violence. We are called to support one another, grieve together, and resist systems that devalue human life. No family should have to face such a tragedy.  We believe that community and moral courage are more powerful than fear.  We reject the normalization of war, state violence, surveillance, deportation, and detention as tools of social control — in our neighborhoods, at our borders, and across the world.

Since the beginning of Trump’s 2nd term, there have been at least 21 shootings, 10 of them fatal. This horrific moment recalls a very similar incident on April 7 of this year, in the Central Valley of California, when ICE officers shot Carlos Ivan Mendoza, a member of the Modesto community, leaving him critically injured with seven bullets lodged in his body.  Today Carlos is being imprisoned in California City, facing federal charges, with three bullets still remaining in his body.  Last week, a team of IM4HI volunteers were able to visit Carlos in the CoreCivic detention center across a glass window pane, since contact visits are prohibited at the California City facility.     

Despite this layer of separation, volunteers were touched by his deep warmth, kindness and sense of faith, even while suffering excruciating pain due to the facility’s widespread medical neglect. Carlos had heard about Lorenzo Salgado’s killing from inside California City that same day. He shared his belief that God granted him the opportunity to live so he could be a witness to the injustice of detention and work to make the world better by helping others facing criminalization.

As we stand with Houstonians fighting for justice for Lorenzo and community members in Maine outraged by the latest shooting, join us here in California in supporting Carlos as he continues to be persecuted and prosecuted by the federal government.  Please join us at his next federal court hearing in Sacramento, July 27th, at 9:00 am to support him and his family.  To get more information about this court hearing, join the Faith Signal group to support Carlos.  

We commit to leading with love, hope, and community, and must not allow indiscriminate ICE killings and detentions to continue. The IM4HI staff, board and community refuses to look away, to accept excuses, or to sanitize our language. ICE and Border Patrol are fascist, para-military forces committing acts of harm and evil in our country. 

Please collectively pray. We pass along this Litany of Confession for Araujo, written by Texas pastor Rev. Dan de Leon, which we’ve placed here. 

We acknowledge, honor and pray for the many others who have lost their lives due to ICE and Police violence: Alex Jeffrey Pretti, Renee Nicole Good, Keith Porter Jr., Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, Ruben Ray Martinez, Eric Gardner, George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor. 

We remember their lives, pay tribute to their families, and stand in solidarity with the communities as they bear the burden of these losses. May their lives not be forgotten. This vicious cycle of violence must come to an end and we say, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!”

The IM4HI staff, board, and community urge the following demands: 

• Defund ICE: We demand accountability and transparency for their deaths and urge ICE agents and officials to stop participating in the persecution of our communities. We call on our elected leaders to act with compassion, courage and urgency.
• Invest in Community Care: True safety does not come from intimidation or force—it comes from communities that look after one another and practice mutual care. 
• Show up in solidarity with one another: Vigils, gatherings and collective witness affirm to those most impacted that their lives matter and their experiences are seen.  Visibility breaks through the normalization of state violence to raise awareness about the human cost of immigration enforcement.