What is this “unraveling?” What does it mean? How long does it take? Does it hurt? Well…. Hmmm…. Those questions are really good. And, really difficult to answer. Umm. Wait — No. They aren’t difficult to answer. Actually, they’re easy to answer. The difficulty arises within you, the reader, and your ability to read with … Continue reading Unraveling: part 2
Author: The Rev. Janie Koch
Episcopal Priest. "If not us, then who? If not now, then when?" ~John Lewis
Unraveling: part 1
At each pulse of my blinking cursor the unseen Being pounds the cage inside. This cage crafted by instruction and stories and time and rules and shame and fear. This Being began its life many years ago; in fact, it’s been alive-not-yet-birthed for close to 40 years. Dormant for much of of those years, prowling … Continue reading Unraveling: part 1
Sweet Dreams, Little One
So, I was driving to work this morning. Turned right on 9th. Saw a small lump of something on the double yellow lines in front of the Assembly of God Church. Looked like a child’s t-shirt. Got closer to see that it was a tiny dead kitten. Oh! You poor sweetie! A pang in my … Continue reading Sweet Dreams, Little One
How will you share your story?
I am not cradle Episcopalian. I was raised in the Baptist Church…Southern Baptist in Texas. Grew up with the beliefs, the traditions, the doctrine, and the expression of that denomination within the Christian faith. I am an alumnus of Baylor University which is the Baptist university within Texas. I will return to this in a … Continue reading How will you share your story?
Who are you?
In the 1997-1998 school year, I taught in an old two-story school building. K-12 in one building. And everyone ate lunch together. All the little children ate with their older brothers and sisters and cousins. It was really a beautiful experience. And 6-man football playing on a 50-yard field with all the trucks parked around … Continue reading Who are you?
Where are you going? Where have you been?
Today, we are a week past the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. A week ago, Jesus left His disciples and walked the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Pain, alone. Some watched Him. Some left Him. One denied Him. One betrayed Him. And then there’s Thomas. Our Thomas who says that he will not … Continue reading Where are you going? Where have you been?
Imago Dei
In 2009 when I was living in Seattle, I had the once-in-a-lifetime privilege to see Dr. Maya Angelou. A teacher colleague had a ticket to see her in a small church venue, but he was unable to attend. He graciously offered the ticket to me. I could not tell you a single word that she … Continue reading Imago Dei
The Dragon is Us
Tonight is a night of extremes. We began with our Agape Meal, breaking bread together, laughing, sharing stories, reuniting in that specific space after many years of not having this meal. The meal is a time of beloved community. And now we have moved into this space of the Maundy Thursday Service. During this service … Continue reading The Dragon is Us
Christ, the King
In some church denominations, this coming Sunday, November 21, is Christ the King Sunday. This day is significant in the lifecycle of the church community for several reasons, but there is an historic foundation to its inception. I’d like to tell you about it. In 1925, the world was in significant turmoil. While World War … Continue reading Christ, the King
All Soul’s Day Interment Service
There was once a velveteen rabbit, and in the beginning he was really splendid. He was fat and bunchy, as a rabbit should be; his coat was spotted brown and white, he had real thread whiskers, and his ears were lined with pink sateen. On Christmas morning, when he sat wedged in the top of … Continue reading All Soul’s Day Interment Service
