STILL DARK PLACES It is Monday, Holy God. But many of us find ourselves in the still dark places of an empty tomb, for no one has become the body of Christ for us – in our empty moments, in our lonely fraught. We are still left longing for recognition, for a word of comfort… Read More
Litany of Blessing for Seminarians and Graduates
Creator God, who commands the watery chaos, hover over the mystery of our unknown tomorrows. Read More
SERMON: Serve One Another
Galatians 5:13- “You, my siblings, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (NIV) Read More
POEM: What it means to say “No Justice, No Peace”
I have buried too many of my son’s mentors to believe this world could ever be just. until black men can make it past age twenty-five we cannot claim that the world is fair. until then, we must admit the world is designed to break them. and there is no justice in that. Mothers are… Read More
SERMON: What Are You Waiting For?
On Sunday December 26, 2021 I had the privilege of giving the sermon at Colonial Church of Edina (changing its name to Meetinghouse Church in 2022). It was part of a sermon series called “Living into God’s Great Story,” and I reflected on the amazing faith of Simeon and Anna, who serendipitously met the baby… Read More
LITURGY: a Prayer for a Church in Conflict
Our Holy Triune God, At the core of our diversity is unity, and at the core of our discord is covenant. As you exist — three-in-one — and are greater because of your variety of expressions, so too are we made stronger in our infinite variety — of perspectives and opinions, of experiences and expressions.… Read More
BLOG: The Power of A Catwalk
Last week was New York’s fashion week, which always brings me joy, but is particularly elating since this means the COVID hiatus is over. Looking at the photos from the streets made my heart sing. And Fashion Week reminded me of that time in CPE (for you non-ministry types: that is Clinical Pastoral Education –… Read More
LITURGY: Prayers for the Building Return.
At my church, we are celebrating our Fall Kick-Off, which is also a re-opening after COVID, by planning a prayer walk throughout the building. These prayers represent each of the church’s spaces, and the church members will be invited to walk through each room and to pray in each space as a way of rededicating… Read More
BLOG: A Midrash on Creation
The following is a midrash on the Genesis 1 Creation story, with the understanding that these verses are clear examples of merisms in the Hebrew language. God… as they hovered over the watery chaos… commands silence from the deep. And on the first day, God called into being lightness to darkness, creating everything from Lightening… Read More
LITURGY: Prayer of Reconciliation: July 4th
A PRAYER OF RECONCILIATION for a Nation celebrating Freedom (based on Galatians 5) Forgive us, O God, for how easily we forget that freedom in Christ binds us to love both enemy and neighbor, and calls us to welcome the stranger and alien among us. We too easily fall into the trap of assuming our… Read More
SERMON: Waiting to Exhale
I had the privilege of preaching at Colonial Church in Edina for Pentecost Sunday yesterday May 23, 2021. The full service is here:
A Litany Against Violence
I wrote this responsive litany for our upcoming prayer vigil marking the one year anniversary of George Floyd’s death, and praying for a world where violence can end. Feel free to use it with acknowledgements in any worship service where is might seem relevant. MOVE US TOWARD BLESSEDNESS (A Responsive Litany based on The Beatitudes… Read More
BLOG: Galatians vs. the CRT
We still live in a broken world; and we must continue to work for the vision of the reign of God. Read More
BLOG: An Argumentative Thesis
It was not a hard assignment. Eight to ten sentences of the seventh grade version of an argumentative thesis. Decide whether the statue of Robert E. Lee in Richmond should stay or should go. An article to read and a video to watch. Both sides clearly presented. I listen to my son and his friends… Read More
BLOG: Everywhere and nowhere all the time.
Yesterday, these words came to me through email. They came from my former seminary professor and the Artistic Director of the Penumbra Theatre, Sarah Bellamy. I was so struck by these words, I sat with them all day long. I ponder those of us who get to use our vulnerability as a shield, and those… Read More
A Good Friday Prayer for 2021.
No angry mobs now, Holy God, Screaming “crucify!” It is not anger, but distress, we see in your faces, the faces that we watch over and over and over again. Distress because you stand and bear witness to the suffering that makes us turn away. We turn the channel, put off the screen, say we… Read More
poem: A Benediction for Jelani
A light that bright radiates the Holy. Not meant for earthly realms A light that bright Shines beyond eternity. And now returning to the stellate sun We remain basking in luminous presence Forever changed By a light that bright. And having glimpsed such A brilliant fire Let us turn now To God, and to one… Read More
SERMON: The Courage To Be Angry
This past Sunday, March 7th, I had the privilege to be the guest preacher at Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church in Chaska, MN. You can listen to my meditation on Jesus turning the tables in the temple (John 2: 13-25) here: THE COURAGE TO BE ANGRY
Cathy Mia Kolwey 