tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73662676536004134612011-07-08T12:45:35.678-05:00...seeking joy, awe, and wonder... ...witnessing and attending to pain and injustice... ...rooted in and flowing from original blessing... ...attempting embodied and engaged relationships... ...responsive to the unfolding of events and experiences... ...sermons seeking to challenge, comfort, afflict, and provoke...anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.comBlogger1101100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-69992950131631344152010-07-09T14:18:00.003-05:002010-07-11T07:43:25.714-05:00

Anna BlaedelJuly 11, 2010Psalm 82Luke 10:25-37First UMC, Osage(with help from Feasting on the Word)On New Year’s Day, 2009, on a BART platform in Oakland, California I myself have stood on countless times, 28 year old Johannes Mehserle fatally shot 22 year old Oscar Grant.Mehserle, a police officer, claimed Grant was resisting arrest, though multiple videos taken during the arrest dispute

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-625330245578811092010-07-09T14:17:00.002-05:002010-07-09T14:18:44.609-05:00

Anna BlaedelJuly 4, 2010First UMC, OsagePsalm 30Isaiah 58Last Sunday I preached about silence—listening for the still small voice of God in the midst of the noise and clutter of our busy lives—God coming to Elijah not in the rush of wind or roar of earth quaking and crumbling, but in the sound of sheer silence. I lifted up the words of the psalmist, words we pray and embody every Sunday morning

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-14364353535304702752010-07-09T14:15:00.001-05:002010-07-09T14:16:27.456-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageJune 27, 2010Psalm 77:1-2, 11-191 Kings 19:1-15aIn the film The Pursuit of Happyness, a child is trying to tell his distracted father an old story, while his father is trying to figure out where the two of them are safely going to spend the night. The story goes something like this:A shipwrecked man prays fervently to God to save him. A boat approaches, but the man

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-44834047114720362672010-07-09T14:13:00.001-05:002010-07-09T14:14:36.663-05:00

Anna BlaedelJune 13, 2010First UMC, OsagePsalm 5:1-8Luke 7:36-50Some of you, but not many of you, know I am a World Cup fan. World Cup, as in soccer. Or, football, as they call it in the rest of the world. The World Cup brings out every ounce of sports fanatic in me…Which usually isn’t much. Come Super Bowl time, I watch it because, well, everyone else is watching it. I like the sense of

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-33183993453267895162010-07-09T14:09:00.002-05:002010-07-09T14:11:23.350-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageMay 30, 2010Psalm 81 Kings 17:8-16This morning’s lectionary text from 1 Kings is a prophetic one. It is one of my favorites. It is perplexing. It is full of miracles. It speaks of God’s power. It points to our power, as children of God. It is a story set in the wilderness. This is code, in Biblical stories, for a story set in struggle, and unexpected gift.

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-26963327572039094632010-07-09T14:07:00.001-05:002010-07-09T14:08:11.905-05:00

Anna BlaedelMay 23, 2010PentecostFirst UMC, OsageActs 2:1-21Last Tuesday, I glimpsed the glory of Pentecost. Prayer flags waved in the wind as hundreds, thousands of people curved in a snaking line, waiting to get into the stadium. The anticipation was palpable. The Spirit, moving. Once inside, a hush fell, and spread, throughout the crowd. Choirs sang, orchestral swells swept across the

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-71685280775828572352010-07-09T14:04:00.002-05:002010-07-09T14:06:51.358-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, Osage—Graduation SundayMay 16, 2010Jeremiah 29:11Acts 16:16-34Suddenly the season is upon us…The season of Pomp and Circumstance…of caps and gowns…of final transcripts…college applications….job interviews…fresh starts…of Open Houses and Baccalaureate and Commencement and Senioritis…Today, I’m preaching this sermon to you, graduating seniors. To you, Courtney. You, Alicia.

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-79197496445615651692010-07-09T14:02:00.001-05:002010-07-09T14:04:13.430-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageMother’s Day 05.09.10Psalm 67John 14:23-29Last year, on Mother’s day, I preached about my mama—her faith, her nurturing and shaping of my faith. I shared stories about how she learned to live Jesus’ teaching, the core and key commandment of scripture—love your neighbors, no matter who God gives you as neighbors. My mom learned this Great Commandment as move by move,

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-46208761151255122302010-07-09T14:00:00.001-05:002010-07-09T14:02:15.522-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageMay 2, 2010Psalm 148Revelation 21:1-6I want to share a story with you. It takes place in the Washington DC Metro, and though I wasn’t there, I have encountered a similar set of events in the San Francisco Metro BART station…On a cold, January morning in 2007, a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, about 2,000 people went

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-23084724688315799322010-07-09T13:58:00.001-05:002010-07-09T13:59:18.053-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageApril 25, 2010Psalm 23Acts 9:1-20In 1968, the year, coincidentally the year that The Methodist Church joined with the EUB—Evangelical United Brethren Church—to form The UNITED Methodist Church, a movie starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau was released. It was based on Neil Simon’s Broadway play from 1965. The premise of the movie centered around two friends (Jack

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-37440671724680810672010-07-09T13:54:00.002-05:002010-07-09T13:56:44.024-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsagePsalm 30John 21:1-17April 18, 2010This is a love story, of sorts. Three Sunday’s ago, we read the story of “The Last Supper.” This morning’s gospel story from John is the story of “The First Breakfast.”This story from John’s account of the Resurrection is laden with details of the daily—what time of day, which Sea, who was there, what they were nicknamed, what side

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-87704400390148310972010-07-09T13:51:00.002-05:002010-07-09T13:53:10.502-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageApril 11, 2010Psalm 150John 20:19-21Poor, poor Thomas. I feel bad for him. Doubting Thomas, as he has become known. A symbol of disbelief, resisting rather than recognizing the reality of the Resurrection. I think Thomas has gotten a bad rap. Perhaps I am sympathetic to Thomas because I can see my own response buried in his.Thomas, the Doubter, the Twin, one of

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-50532350391662571472010-07-09T13:49:00.001-05:002010-07-09T13:50:27.646-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageApril 4, 2010Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24John 20:1-18You have heard the story read…the gospel account of the Resurrection, according to John, and then according to Luke. Gospel is Greek for Good News, and this morning, the news truly is Good! Life overcomes death! God’s love overcomes the forces of injustice, and destruction! The Lord is risen! The tomb is empty! There’s

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-78517835867153818642010-07-09T13:43:00.001-05:002010-07-09T13:45:10.780-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageMarch 7, 2010Psalm 63:1-8Isaiah 55:1-9Let us pray:From the cowardice that shrinks from new truth,From the laziness that is content with half-truth,From the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth,O God of Truth, deliver us. Amen.To begin, a parable: Not so very long ago, in a place not so very distant or different from our own, a stranger was traveling through the

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-79683794600445623662010-07-09T13:41:00.001-05:002010-07-09T13:42:11.324-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageFebruary 28, 2010Psalm 27Luke 13:31-35“What are you giving up for Lent?” It’s the standard question during this liturgical season. I’ve asked it, of friends, and colleagues, even some of you. “What are you giving up?” It points to the bigger picture—“How are you denying yourself? What are you withholding, to gain better insight into your life?” It’s not all bad,

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-28133765149478644882010-07-09T13:39:00.001-05:002010-07-09T13:40:44.238-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageFebruary 21, 2010Romans 10: 8b-14Luke 4:1-13Teach us your ways, O God, that we may walk in your wisdom; give us uncluttered hearts to receive and share your Word of Love. Amen.Four mantras or maxims found their way to me this past week. I have heard or read them all before, but they spoke to me in new ways, as we begin to journey through this Lenten season.“God

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-71871282019858587092010-07-09T13:37:00.001-05:002010-07-09T13:38:47.765-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageFebruary 14, 20102 Corinthians 3:15-4:2Luke 9:28-36Three stories, to start us off. Perhaps you have heard them before.Story #1: After her first month away at college, a girl returned home for a weekend. After church on Sunday, she walked into the kitchen as her mom prepared the pot roast. She loved this part of being home—the familiarity, the predictability of it

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-59323280200446824692010-07-09T13:34:00.001-05:002010-07-09T13:35:48.422-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageFebruary 7, 2010Psalm 138Luke 5:1-11My mom prays for parking spaces. She has, for years—as long as I can remember. She claims to have learned this from the Baptists who nurtured her as she “came to faith,” as she calls it, in De Ridder, Louisiana. They taught her there is nothing, nothing, too small or insignificant or outrageous to take to God in prayer. Pray for

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-65598837214199048062010-07-09T13:30:00.002-05:002010-07-09T13:32:45.915-05:00

Anna BlaedelOsage UMCIsaiah 43:1-7Luke 3:15-17, 21-22January 10, 2010It is good to be in worship with you all today! Good to see you…good to be together…good to celebrate together—celebrate the birth of Emmanuel, God-With-Us; celebrate the new year; celebrate the season of Epiphany; celebrate communion…It is good to be with you, good to be together.They say distance can make the heart grow

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-44061277429770556262010-07-09T13:26:00.001-05:002010-07-09T13:27:46.039-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageDecember 13, 20093rd Sunday of Advent—REJOICINGSunday after Youth Lock-InPhilippians 4:4-7; Luke 1:39-45; Luke 1:46b-55Philippians 4:4-7Rejoice in the Creator of all life and love always; again I will say, Rejoice!. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. God is near. Do not worry about anything, but share all your desires and dreams with God through prayer, and

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-46243003251504905172010-07-09T13:24:00.001-05:002010-07-09T13:25:53.539-05:00

Anna BlaedelDecember 6, 2009Malachi 3:1-2Luke 1:68-79First UMC, OsageThis morning, in a land not so far away, after weeks of preparing, people are gathering. Expectant. Waiting. A congregation, one by one walking through the church doors. One by one, hanging up coats and picking up bulletins and greeting familiar faces—family, old friends—perhaps noticing new ones, deciding whether to give

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-25794807052114191142010-07-09T13:19:00.002-05:002010-07-09T13:21:50.466-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageNovember 29, 20091st Sunday of Advent—WAITINGJeremiah 33:14-16Psalm 25:1-10Luke 21:25-36This past week I listened to a story on National Public Radio about waiting. I didn’t catch the first part of the story, but I turned on my radio in time to hear people respond to the question: “What do you do while you wait?” In this season of long lines and even longer lists,

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-5403563545270464642009-11-24T20:44:00.001-06:002009-11-24T20:45:48.761-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, Osage11.22.09Consecration/Charge Conference/Christ the King SundayPsalm 126Matthew 6:25-33“Grace and Peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.”“Grace and Peace to you, you, from our Lord, Jesus, the Christ.”Have you heard this greeting before? It is a common greeting, in the life of the church, and between church folk. Grace and peace to you. From our Lord, our Savior,

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-67696790289362780952009-11-24T20:41:00.002-06:002009-11-24T20:43:47.951-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageNovember 15, 2009Psalm 24Mark 12:38-44A bagpiper was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man who had no family or friends. The funeral was to be held at a cemetery in the remote countryside and this man would be the first to be laid to rest there.The bagpiper was not familiar with the remote area, and got lost. He finally found

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-85970558632585300132009-11-24T20:40:00.001-06:002009-11-24T20:41:44.225-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageNovember 8, 2009Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17Mark 12:38-44As Jesus taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the sanctuary and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-48390858762427799392009-11-24T20:38:00.001-06:002009-11-24T20:39:59.881-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageNovember 1, 2009All Saints Sunday/Celebration of CommunionOne of you slipped something under the door to my office this past week. I don’t know who it was, but I have my hunches… Here’s the story, written on the pages left for me to find.A pastor was finishing up his sermon, and was getting pretty worked up. The sermon was on sin and temptation, and the pastor was

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-44870973783614351722009-11-24T20:37:00.001-06:002009-11-24T20:38:43.007-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageOctober 18, 2009Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35cMark 10:35-45It is Laity Sunday. A special Sunday established by the General Conference to celebrate the ministry of all lay Christians. It is good that we have a designated Laity Sunday, because we need to remember to celebrate the ministry into which all of us are called. It is not good, if we believe laity should be involved

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-11726926999264678502009-11-24T20:35:00.002-06:002009-11-24T20:37:26.930-06:00

Written by Anna Blaedel; preached by Cal Nicklay, Lay SpeakerFirst UMC, OsageOctober 11, 2009James 5:13-16aMark 10:17-25 “First, I’d like to make an announcement. I, Cal, am not Pastor Anna. Pastor Anna is enormously grateful (those are her words) that I, Cal, am willing to read her sermon, and share her message with all of you today. Pastor Anna is unable to be with us in worship this morning

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-6534909434522321352009-11-24T20:24:00.002-06:002009-11-24T20:28:39.778-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageOctober 4, 2009Communion SundayEphesians 4:25-5:2I Corinthians 12:12-26I remember hearing something, early in my time here, in the first month perhaps, that surprised me. Enough so that I have been thinking about it ever since. I was told that worship attendance in this congregation typically drops on the 1st Sunday of the month—on Communion Sundays. Now, if you are

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-5491038480371106712009-11-24T20:23:00.001-06:002009-11-24T20:24:49.159-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageSeptember 27, 2009“I praise the fall,” wrote Archibal McLeash, “for it is the human season.”“I praise the fall, for it is the human season.”Yesterday morning, people gathered in this same place to celebrate Dorcas Ask’s 91 years of living and loving, and now, to mourn her passing. A life lived fully, sustained through many seasonal shifts. We read those familiar

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-6930129938716747742009-11-24T20:19:00.002-06:002009-11-24T20:23:12.989-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, Osage09.20.09With Rev. Ted Lyddon Hatten, Iowa Conference Artist“One Year Anniversary”/Open House CelebrationJohn 1:1-5/Romans 13:8-10/Luke 17:20-21/Romans 12:9-13“The reign of God is not coming…In fact, the kin-dom of God is already among you.”Faith—NT “pistis”—not “belief” but “trust.” Faith—trust—relational words. Cannot do it on your own. Trust and truth are closely

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-54366253092270852442009-09-13T11:51:00.001-05:002009-09-13T11:52:22.531-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageSeptember 13, 2009Psalm 19Mark 7:24-30/ Matthew 15:21-28This morning’s gospel story is a troubling one. It is also one of my very favorite stories from the four gospels. It is a story about faithfulness. About risk and courage. About discipleship. About Good News, both living it and sharing it.You heard Sarah read Mark’s account of this story. I want to read it

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-7716138690497821232009-09-13T11:50:00.004-05:002009-11-24T20:31:01.618-06:00

In the beginning, when God was creating the heavens and the earth, when the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters…In the beginning, when God was creating, before God created humans, God created living creatures. “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-84856433492525164352009-08-24T12:09:00.003-05:002009-11-24T20:31:40.694-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageAugust 23, 2009Psalm 84Ephesians 6:10-20This morning’s lectionary texts are about holiness. Righteousness. Holy living and right living. Faithfulness. Kin-dom building and Kin-dom living. Standing for what is good and beautiful. Resisting what destroys. Participating in what builds up. Perfect fodder for a preacher, right?Which made me think of an email I

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-42399779947472874522009-08-24T12:06:00.003-05:002009-11-24T20:32:00.442-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, Osage08.16.09Psalm 1111 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14One Spring day, a young man, 29 years old, found himself walking outside, in the country. He saw the ocean of green in rolling hills and fields. He gazed at the blue dome of heaven, the expansive sky stretched over him. He saw the winding Avon River cutting through the green, flowing past the line of the horizon, into the blue

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-83416677874337073932009-08-24T12:02:00.002-05:002009-11-24T20:32:22.618-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageAugust 9, 2009Psalm 130Ephesians 4:25-5:2There are times when a piece of scripture speaks to me, so clearly, so plainly, so deeply that to expound on it, to pick it apart, to interpret it almost seems sacrilegious.But. This is the task of preaching, of course, the call to preachers: to preach the good news of Jesus…to share God’s living Word…to interpret the context

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-85299760688294665852009-08-24T11:59:00.002-05:002009-11-24T20:33:11.918-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageAugust 2, 2009Ephesians 4:1-5,11-16John 6:24-35“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” This is the beginning line and the underlying premise in Michael Pollen’s new book, In Defense of Food. And this prescription has something to do with this morning’s lectionary texts. And, of course, what better time to talk about food, real food, in worship, than when we are

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-89801061700912048172009-08-24T11:57:00.003-05:002009-11-24T20:33:25.589-06:00

Anna Blaedel07.26.09"Rethink Church" CampaignReflecting on Annual ConferenceWhat if? What if church was less about Sunday, and more about the other days of the week? What if church wasn’t just a place we go, but something we do? An active verb, instead of a noun? What if church wasn’t just a building, but thousands of doors…so that whoever knocks will be invited to join the journey? What if

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-14388496705270788102009-07-15T08:22:00.002-05:002009-11-24T20:33:38.981-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, Osage07.12.09Psalm 24Mark 6:30-34, 53-56It has been a week. Busy. Full. Rich. For me, and for many if not all of you. There are many pieces and parts of your week, of our community’s collective week, that I don’t know. But I do know: we lost two saints of God, two pillars of this community. And we gathered together to mourn and celebrate and laugh and cry and offer

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-133214419994227712009-07-05T12:53:00.003-05:002009-11-24T20:34:00.102-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageJuly 5, 2009Psalm 130Mark 6:1-11Whenever this morning’s gospel story is read in a group of United Methodist pastors, there are knowing nods, sometimes sighs, the kind of laughter that comes when something is funny because it’s true, which makes it not that funny at all. It is an unwritten but understood rule in our denomination that clergy are never to be appointed to

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-17172046388051272672009-07-05T12:51:00.003-05:002009-11-24T20:34:15.389-06:00

Anna BlaedelJune 28, 20092 Corinthians 8:7-15Mark 5:21-43Many of you know, or have noticed, that I have been gone. First, at Annual Conference in Ames with Cal Nicklay and others from each of the 824 United Methodist congregations in Iowa. Then, I went on vacation. I am learning that those pastors who have been at this decades longer than I know to schedule vacation for after Annual Conference

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-40705374569602493582009-07-05T12:48:00.003-05:002009-11-24T20:32:59.274-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageMay 31, 2009Pentecost SundayRomans 8:22-27Acts 2:1-21A little girl who was five years old was sent to her room after a morning of general naughtiness—you know the kind—poking at her baby brother, talking back to her mama, chasing the poor old dog around every time he thought he had found a safe place to nap. After a few minutes, this little girl’s mom went into her

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-3142343633916472182009-07-05T11:54:00.003-05:002009-11-24T20:32:48.057-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageMay 24, 2009Isaiah 61:1-4Luke 24:13-35When the invitation arrives, Mack Phillips is lost. Angry and overwhelmed by the horrific loss of his younger brother, Mack receives and pursues this strange invitation to a shack. Like most sacred calls, this call comes with confusion and fear-filled resistance. In William Paul Young’s book The Shack, Mack meets God for 48

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Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageMay 17, 2009Psalm 98John 15:9-17Today I want to begin and end this sermon with lists. To begin, a list of Christian one-liners sent to me by one of you. To end, the ABCs of Christian living, as written by a colleague of mine in ministry. In between, I invite us to search the scriptures together—to celebrate God’s living Word, offered to us in love. Love is, after

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-89352537894859135822009-05-13T19:15:00.004-05:002009-11-24T20:34:53.088-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, Osage, Iowa10 May 2009John 15:1-81 John 4:7-21Mother’s DayThis morning I want to tell you a story about my mom. As is the case with so many things in life, she is better at telling this story than I. Perhaps some time she will share it with you, in her own words. Until then, bear with me, telling a bit of her story of “coming to faith,” as she calls it. Hers is a story

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-42177178318399084212009-05-09T14:47:00.004-05:002009-05-09T14:50:56.765-05:00

Anna Blaedel3 May 2009First UMC, OsagePsalm 231 John 3:16-24Hear these Easter words, written by Rev. Odette Lockwood-Stewart:"Whether the world is ready or not,Whether the church is ready or not,Whether you and I are ready or not,Christ is risen.Resurrection means that truth will not stay buried,That justice cannot be kept down,That love shall not be destroyed by death.Christ is

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-18391675890603890092009-04-19T18:04:00.000-05:002009-04-19T18:06:25.873-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageApril 19, 2009Acts 4:32-35John 20:19-29For Thomas, a risen, resurrected, present Jesus was simply too good to be true. This possibility was beyond his grasp. This gift, his gratitude, the grace of it all, simply too much to comprehend. Afraid to get his hopes up, scared all this might be revealed as a cruel joke, Thomas has to see the risen Christ, in order to

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-66981464465248328782009-04-10T16:46:00.005-05:002009-04-13T11:22:27.402-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageApril 12, 2009Easter SundayPsalm 118:1-2, 14-24John 20:1-18Those of you who read the Easter article on the front page of this week’s Press News have glimpsed a preview of my Easter sermon. You know what’s coming. Let me quote, myself: “At Easter, we celebrate God’s Resurrection Power. We celebrate signs of this power for renewed life and love for all—the empty tomb

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-10116231387627873272009-04-05T13:06:00.004-05:002009-04-05T13:14:29.114-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageApril 5, 2009Passion/Palm SundayMark 14:1-72Today I want to share two stories with you. One is from the gospel of Mark—the 14th chapter, in its entirety. The other is a story written by a woman in Iowa. Her name is Diane. I am scared to tell both stories. Neither are easy stories to hear. Both have brought me to tears. In the first, Jesus admits openly who he is

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-11234203743363835242009-03-31T10:46:00.001-05:002009-03-31T10:47:51.078-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageMarch 29, 2009“Extravagant Generosity”Psalm 51:1-12Jeremiah 31:31-34This past week I ran across a quote from Willa Cather, one of my favorite authors. Hear her wise, prophetic words: “Where there is great love, there are always miracles.” Where there is great love, there are always miracles. Let us pray…Recall the story from 1 Kings 17, the widow from Zarepheth,

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-91998758466739649692009-03-31T10:43:00.002-05:002009-03-31T10:46:15.569-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageMarch 15, 2009Psalm 19Exodus 20:1-17Today, we’re going to try something new. I’m going to ask you to participate in this sermon. Get a little call and response going on. And nothing is more embarrassing than inviting people to participate, only to have them refuse. So, let us pray…Who can name the four seasons…this isn’t a trick question…call it out, now…(winter,

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-1632475191453748742009-03-01T14:38:00.001-06:002009-03-01T14:41:37.389-06:00

Genesis 9:8-17Mark 1:9-15I want to share a snippet one of you e-mailed to me this past week. The following is a theological treatise, written by Danny Dutton. Danny is 8 years old. He wrote this for his third grade homework. The assignment, to ‘explain God.’Hear the words of this budding theologian: Jesus is God’s child. Jesus used to do all the hard work, like walking on water and

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-33382899858125206222009-02-25T07:37:00.000-06:002009-02-25T07:38:32.101-06:00

Holy and Healing God, we confess our fear—at bearing our souls, uncovering our wounds, pouring out our hearts, naming our shortcomings, and being seen for all we are, and all we do. We confess our reluctance—to set aside disappointments, find release for our anger, let go of deep hurts, and feel forgiven for failings.When we give into easy apathy or frenzied fear, fuel in us passion, born of

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-27849144313635450372009-02-23T10:12:00.003-06:002009-02-23T10:15:28.385-06:00

First UMC, OsageTransfiguration Sunday2 Kings 2:1-12Mark 9:2-8These are not easy stories in scripture to hear. It can be hard to pay attention. We’ve got both chariots of fire and horses of fire. We’ve got revelation on a mountain top, and Jesus transfigured, transformed, all dazzling and perplexing. In the first story we’ve got Elijah, about to be lifted up into the heavens, and in the next

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-84693129391576981312009-02-19T11:00:00.003-06:002009-02-19T11:03:00.707-06:00

“When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the stranger. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the stranger as yourself, for you too were once strangers in a foreign land…” (Leviticus 19:33-34)This Saturday, February 28, from 12:30-1:30pm, First United Methodist Church in Osage is hosting an Immigration Prayer Vigil

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-24689911390778936132009-02-17T08:29:00.002-06:002009-02-17T08:32:30.703-06:00

Anna Blaedel, First UMC, OsagePsalm 30Mark 1:40-45February 15, 2009The story is simple. A leper comes begging. He is unnamed. Unclean. Untouchable. He is known, before and above all else, for being dirty. And diseased. In the context of this biblical text, leprosy destroyed lives not just because of the painful skin lesions and progressive damage to a person’s skin, nerves, limbs, and eyes

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-44141607956838928532009-02-12T21:53:00.003-06:002009-02-12T21:56:10.811-06:00

Mark 1:40-45The story is simple. A leper comes begging. He is unnamed. Unclean. Untouchable. He is known, before and above all else, for being dirty. And diseased. He is begging. Desperate. Jesus, Jesus! “If you choose…” Do you dare? If you are willing. Might you be moved? And Jesus hears the need. And responds.Frederick Buechner reminds us of call—where the world’s deep hunger and

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-61475257139853271882009-02-12T21:19:00.002-06:002009-02-12T21:24:02.320-06:00

O persistent GodDeliver us from assuming your mercy is gentle.Pressure us that we may grow more human, not through the lessening of our struggles, but through an expansion of them, that will undamn us and unbury our gifts.Deepen our hurt, until we learn to share it, and ourselves, openly, and our needs honestly.Sharpen our fears until we name them, and release the power we have locked in them and

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-69554007243528814352009-02-05T07:48:00.001-06:002009-02-05T07:51:39.638-06:00

"can we hold both anger and hope?...if one doesn't feel outrage at the injustice we see and experience, we have numbed ourselves to levels of evil, detached ourselves from our connectedness. but if we don't experience the realty of hope as well, a vision of what can be, we have no compass. anger cannot be our only motivator. we will only burn. and hope, without the truth that anger unveils,

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-80489169522728074442009-02-01T12:58:00.001-06:002009-02-01T13:00:48.206-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageFebruary 1, 2009Psalm 111; Mark 1:21-28One day a bus driver was driving along his usual route when a great big hulk of a man got on. He was six feet eight inches tall, built like a wrestler, and filled the doorway of the bus. He towered over the driver and hold him, “Big John doesn’t pay!” Then he walked to the back of the bus and sat down. The driver, barely five

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-4461014996844229832009-01-29T10:20:00.003-06:002009-01-29T10:28:24.434-06:00

(Names have been removed to protect confidentiality)I got the mailing you stuck in the door, from the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute on The Vagina Monologues. Whew. Quite a letter, huh? No wonder your friend was worried. The language of this letter is intended to strike fear and panic in the minds and hearts of everyone who reads it. While I respect your ability to make your own

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-74086320749714905262009-01-17T21:26:00.003-06:002009-01-18T07:58:27.994-06:00

Anna Blaedel18 January 20091 Samuel 3:1-10“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere…We are caught in an inescapable web of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny…Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”These are words written by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Words echoing the gospel, the Good News of Jesus our Christ. Calling us to remember, calling us

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-59683052626534727372009-01-11T18:02:00.002-06:002009-01-11T18:04:38.636-06:00

Anna Blaedel01.11.09Genesis 1:1-5Mark 1:4-11On Christmas morning, I opened a package from my dad. Inside were three light bulbs. Three CFL bulbs, or Compact Fluorescent Lights. My dad is known in my family for occasionally giving strange gifts, sometimes accompanied by cryptic notes requiring deciphering and, often, loud groaning. Three energy efficient bulbs. Ok, I thought. Do my part in a

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-14129604603319372362009-01-06T10:00:00.002-06:002009-01-06T10:02:11.306-06:00

Anna BlaedelJanuary 4, 2009First UMC, OsagePsalm 72:1-7, 10-14Matthew 2:1-12Today we celebrate Epiphany Sunday. We usher in the New Year, together. We continue the Christmas celebration, of welcoming God into our hearts and lives and world anew. We celebrate communion, and remember the promise that in eating together, far more than our bodies are fed.Today I want to share two stories with you,

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-10046208521575844762009-01-06T09:59:00.002-06:002009-01-06T10:00:11.000-06:00

anna blaedelfirst umc, osagechristmas eveservice of scripture and songWe gather to hear the Christmas story. To celebrate this season, and witness to this wonder… We hear and sing and share and become this story. We become the story we create.The Christmas story means more than a mere child in a manger. Unto us a child is born. The one who gives us hope for the future, the one who calls us

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-19233286729983807602008-12-21T19:41:00.002-06:002008-12-21T19:46:59.768-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, Osage12.21.084th Sunday in Advent—PEACEEphesians 2:14-20Luke 1:26-38 “It gets darker and darker, and then Jesus is born.” It gets darker and darker, and then Jesus is born. Today is winter solstice, the shortest day, the longest night, of our year. When we most need light. As we tell and retell the Christmas story in the sing-song rhymes and soul soothing familiar

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-5483868350582499872008-12-16T09:08:00.001-06:002008-12-16T09:11:04.973-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageDecember 14, 20083rd Sunday of Advent—JOYIsaiah 61:1-4, 8-11Luke 1:46b-55I want to begin by sharing one of my favorite poems with you, written by one of my favorite poets. If you are comfortable doing so, I invite you to close your eyes as you listen. “Magnificat,” by Christina Hutchins.What shall I dowith this quiet joy?It calls forth the expanseof my soul,

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-61077694248357857812008-12-09T10:14:00.001-06:002008-12-09T10:17:43.640-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageDecember 7, 20082nd Sunday of Advent, HOPEIsaiah 40:1-11Mark 1:1-8Last week I was at Faith Home, visiting with Phyllis Watson. A member of this faith community for over 50 years. Her three children, baptized and confirmed here. Her husband and oldest son, laid to rest here. Now Phyllis is transitioning to Hospice Care, living her final months of life here on earth.

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-33417484931461327302008-12-02T15:15:00.003-06:002008-12-02T15:52:58.079-06:00

may peace and hope and joy and love break into our lives and crack through the chaos in spite of it all and because of it all and in the midst of in allmay we look up, look out, look in, to find a star shining.may we look for ways of being Love Incarnate. may we be open to receive Love Incarnate from God and those around us.o come, o come, Emmanuel...

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-41885826305692753112008-12-01T21:30:00.002-06:002008-12-01T21:34:22.877-06:00

anna blaedelfirst umc, osagenovember 30, 2008first sunday of adventsunday of LIGHTIsaiah 64:1-9Mark 13:24-37Let us pray: Have thine own way, God, have thine own way. Thou are the potter, we are the clay. Mold us and make us, after thy will, while we are waiting, silent and still.On Thanksgiving eve—violent attacks consumed Mumbai, formerly called Bombay, India—at least 150 dead, over 370

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-1612054444715812912008-12-01T21:20:00.002-06:002008-12-01T21:28:39.490-06:00

anna blaedelfirst umc, osagenovember 23, 2008psalm 100matthew 25:31-46stewardship sundayI hate asking people for money. And I am not inclined to preach about God’s judgment. But. And. It is Stewardship Sunday, and our lectionary text from Matthew is the story of God’s final judgment, and I am your pastor, your preacher. So, I am stuck. And so are you. Let us pray. O God, may the words of

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-17158357870824767522008-11-12T09:19:00.001-06:002008-11-12T09:20:13.900-06:00

...was "thank you!"that would suffice.--meister eckhart

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-68001934087876788952008-11-11T09:42:00.001-06:002008-11-11T09:42:39.689-06:00

i want to stay in bed, all day.

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-8621906686930724312008-11-11T09:41:00.000-06:002008-11-11T09:42:04.480-06:00

Beloved, let us once more praise the rain. Let us discover some new alphabet, For this, the often praised; and be ourselves, The rain, the chickweed, and the burdock leaf, The green-white privet flower, the spotted stone, And all that welcomes the rain; the sparrow too,—Who watches with a hard eye from seclusion, Beneath the elm-tree bough, till rain is done. There is an oriole who, upside down,

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-87301243550061142572008-11-11T07:47:00.000-06:002008-11-11T07:51:45.485-06:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageNovember 9, 2008Psalm 78:1-7Matthew 25: 1-13My mom happens to be here in worship this morning. So, now I don’t have to talk about her behind her back. This morning’s gospel reading first took on meaning in my life, first became the Living Word, the good news to guide my life, because of my mom. She takes this text seriously. She wants, always, to have oil in her

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-59007106645228505942008-11-11T07:45:00.002-06:002008-11-11T07:47:05.715-06:00

With tears, hymns and prayers, a jubilant United Methodist Council of Bishops celebrated the election of Barack Obama as U.S. president, while affirming his vision of change for the nation "based on hope for all the people, especially those who are disinherited and disenfranchised."During their semiannual meeting in St. Simons Island, the clergy leaders hugged and many cried in their opening

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-84572215812837201062008-11-11T07:43:00.000-06:002008-11-11T07:44:26.024-06:00

Hope survivedBy Jim Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church & SocietyI was present at the meeting of the Council of Bishops on Nov. 4. There was great enthusiasm and delight at the news Barack Obama has been elected president. All present are aware we are witnesses to history.In days immediately following the election, thousands of people lined up at the offices of newspapers such as

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-72221299604235074652008-11-05T19:04:00.002-06:002008-11-05T19:09:42.304-06:00

Anna BlaedelNovember 2, 2008Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37Matthew 5:1-12Celebrating All Saints Day and CommunionI want to tell you about one of God’s saints. A couple of you might even know him. His name is Bob Farr. Bob is still with us, still living life on earth into his 80s. Bob began his ministry as a Methodist pastor in 1948, 20 years before, in fact, there even was a United Methodist Church. Bob

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-29898674874591846732008-10-30T09:29:00.001-05:002008-10-30T09:31:48.465-05:00

Anna BlaedelFirst UMC, OsageOctober 26, 2008Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17Matthew 22:34-46About nine hours ago, I returned from Washington DC from our fall meeting of the General Board of Church and Society, of the United Methodist Church. Have you heard of the work and witness of this part of our church? I invite you—Google it. Ask me about it. Talk to the members of this community who have been to

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-67233950588612942372008-10-18T17:36:00.002-05:002008-10-18T17:37:00.461-05:00

... an apology for the mixed up dating of the sermon order.

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-25084865180913490162008-10-18T17:32:00.001-05:002008-10-18T17:35:53.923-05:00

Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16Matthew 21:23-32September 28, 2008I need to begin this morning’s sermon with a confession. You know the age-old adage, “Do as I say, not as I do?” This past Friday, my day off, I started my morning meditating on the 46th Psalm, “Be still, and know that I am God.” I prayed that God might slow me down, might help me place prayer and prayerful work at the center of my day, and

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-54664006122565894112008-10-18T17:28:00.002-05:002008-10-18T17:31:44.223-05:00

Exodus 33:12-33Matthew 22:15-22October 19, 2008Last Wednesday, the youth in this community chose to make another trip to Mason City to hear John Bul Dau, one of the almost 30,000 Lost Boys of Sudan, share and speak to the violence, struggle, and hope woven into his life’s story. The week before, we viewed the film "God Grew Tired of Us," featuring John Bul Dau and other Lost Boys. Torn from his

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-53827699862559311702008-10-18T17:24:00.001-05:002008-10-18T17:27:23.393-05:00

Mark 9:38-50First UMC, Osage10.05.2008I want to share something I read in this month’s Upper Room, something my mom read, and called to remind me, “Perhaps we think the spiritual life would be easier if there were clear rules about behavior in every situation. But Jesus tells us always that the spiritual life is not about rules; it is about relationship.”Let us pray. May the words of my mouth,

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-34690326318375623392008-09-29T23:32:00.000-05:002008-09-29T23:33:12.793-05:00

“A spirituality which takes human sexuality with theological and pastoral seriousness (as well as theological and pastoral fun!) will not see sexual desire as a problem to be dealt with, but as a gift, as the raw material of holiness and creativity. It will be a spirituality of liberation which recognises the close link between the policing of desire and the repressive machinery of society as a

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-28448434844102958332008-09-08T15:38:00.000-05:002008-09-08T15:39:08.923-05:00

something opens our wings.somethings makes boredomand hurt disappear. someonefills the cup in front of us.we taste only sacredness.

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-39466472727353715452008-09-08T14:52:00.000-05:002008-09-08T14:55:16.981-05:00

“Wherever Two or More Are Gathered”Romans 13:8-14Matthew 18:15-20Pastor Anna BlaedelFirst United Methodist Church, Osage, IowaSeptember 7, 2008This morning I want to briefly offer a glimpse into two different communities, each struggling to be faithful, each striving to know and worship God, each sensing their deep need for revival and renewal. Let us pray…May the words of my mouth, and the

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-57888473780810924122008-09-08T14:51:00.001-05:002008-09-08T14:51:55.445-05:00

Scripture guidance is clearBy the Rev. Clayton Childers, Director for Annual Conference Relations, General Board of Church & SocietyThe argument is being put forth that the United States cannot afford more immigrants, that we need to build a fence along our southern border, put new restrictions on legal immigration, and prosecute the estimated 10 million foreigners among us who do not have proper

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-45786501401060924112008-08-10T03:27:00.000-05:002008-08-10T03:29:38.920-05:00

"'The Dynamics of Inter-Being and Mono Logical mperatiives in Dick and Jane: A Study in Psychic Transrelational Gender Modes.'Academia, here I come."

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-44585626278033254712008-08-04T13:50:00.000-05:002008-08-04T13:51:07.623-05:00

Perception vs. TruthBy Jim Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church & SocietyI read a news report recently in which an Ohio voter declared that he’s not sure what to believe. The voter said he has heard repeatedly that Barack Obama is a Muslim, was born in Africa and is hostile to the American flag. The refusal of people who are perpetuating these lies to stop doing so is creating

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-75350231538273246502008-07-29T18:40:00.000-05:002008-07-29T18:41:41.365-05:00

Hate for Liberals and Gay People Drove Gunman, Police SayBy SHAILA DEWANPublished: July 29, 2008A man who the police say entered a Unitarian Universalist church in Knoxville, Tenn., on Sunday and shot eight people, killing two, was motivated by a hatred for liberals and gay people, Chief Sterling P. Owen IV of the Knoxville Police Department said Monday.“It appears that what brought him to this

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-50328519033023527282008-07-28T17:32:00.000-05:002008-07-28T17:33:24.210-05:00

To love is to suffer. To avoid suffering, one must not love. But then, one suffers from not loving. Therefore, to love is to suffer; not to love is to suffer; to suffer is to suffer. To be happy is to love. To be happy, then, is to suffer, but suffering makes one unhappy. Therefore, to be happy, one must love or love to suffer or suffer from too much happiness.--Woody Allen

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-67300084210612558152008-07-28T17:00:00.000-05:002008-07-28T17:03:13.966-05:00

...i have neglected yet one more possibility.my fear that i might STOP blogging kept me, for years, from ever starting.permission to mess up, to stop, to quit, to forget, had to be granted before i could begin.so, rather than guilt or shame or any of those other sneaking forms of self destruction, i guess i'll just begin again.

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-85345712949179445582008-06-29T11:25:00.000-05:002008-06-29T11:32:50.100-05:00

it seems every day i am confronted by my own inability to understand, make meaning of, theologically respond to, and faithfully engage the depth of human suffering, fear, and devesation marking this world and her days...i post this letter not because it answers all my rumbling, rambling questions on theodicy, not because it captures an answer to the age old questions "where is God in the midst of

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-25958053983179646392008-05-21T10:49:00.001-05:002008-05-21T10:49:49.717-05:00

you do not have to be good.you do not have to walk on your kneesfor a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.you only have to let the soft animal of your bodylove what it loves.tell me about despair, yours,and I will tell you mine.meanwhile the world goes on.meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rainare moving across the landscapes.over the prairies and the deep trees,the mountains

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-8310931480446604132008-05-17T14:08:00.000-05:002008-05-17T14:09:48.702-05:00

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-46765406864080016102008-05-17T11:48:00.001-05:002008-05-17T11:49:06.649-05:00

birdsong brings reliefto my longing.i am just as ecstatic as they are,but with nothing to say.please, universal soul, practicesome song, or something, through me.

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-35329140580927131782008-05-16T22:23:00.000-05:002008-05-16T22:36:31.298-05:00

i need youyou need mewe're all a part of god's bodystand with me...we're all a part of god's bodyit is god's willthat every need be suppliedyou are important to mei need you to survivei pray for youyou pray for mei love youi need you to survivei won't harm youwith words from my mouthi love youi need you to survive

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-81173608219085268002008-05-14T11:24:00.000-05:002008-05-14T11:25:39.651-05:00

"don't ask what the world needs. ask what makes you come alive. because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-85202075627857608842008-05-14T11:10:00.001-05:002008-05-14T11:11:51.106-05:00

anna khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15643833255587215692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7366267653600413461.post-50717163810720606422008-05-13T11:30:00.000-05:002008-05-13T11:40:52.160-05:00

“What will you do with your one wild and precious life?”(Mary Oliver). Living into this question led me to into ministry, shifted my sensibilities from biological and chemical to the theological and philosophical, directed me away from medical school and into seminary. What will I do with my one wild and precious life? With this question I deviated from the relative secured certainty of a

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