Arriving in Amsterdam…

After a rather tense two weeks, we left home for a long-planned (and paid for!) 45th anniversary trip to Europe. (Well, it's a year early - but we were never very good at counting. :>) We rented an … Read more...

Table Prayer

For Communion Sunday this month, we are moving our 'Prayer of Intercession and Dedication,' which usually follows the offering, to our time around the table itself."All who are thirsty, all who are … Read more...

Summer on the Mount: Jesus tells it like it is – Prayer

Matthew 6:5-15, Preached at Montecito Covenant Church - By Diana R.G. TrautweinJuly 19, 2009 I had a conversation with a friend this week, a friend who happens to be a psychologist with a very full … Read more...

Road Trip…

About once a month, I take a two hour drive up the 101 to San Luis Obispo.  For me, this drive is one of the most beautiful in the world.  I'm not quite sure why, except that for the first 20 or so … Read more...

A Prayer for the Holiday Weekend…

Creator God, Sweet Jesus, Comforting Spirit -We're glad to be able to say that we're here this morning.After all the hamburgers and hot dogs,all the chips and dips,the baked beans and potato salad … Read more...

A Prayer for Ordinary Time…

Summer is officially here now, Lord.The slow season, the travel season, the take-a step-away-from-the-usual season:the usual schedule,the usual people,the usual obligations,the usual expectations,the … Read more...

A Prayer for Trinity Sunday…

Holy & Magnificent Triune God,Father, Son and Spirit;Creator, Redeemer, Comforter.MIghty KIng, Gentle Shepherd, Sweet Wind of Grace:we cry with the prophets of old,"Holy, holy, holy! Lord God … Read more...

A Prayer for Tomorrow…

Such a wonderful old hymn -"Jesus loves even me."And so appropriate for all of ustoday, and any day.May we sing with joy, Lord God,proclaiming our gladness and gratitudethat you, Our Father in … Read more...

Friends…

I'm preaching this Sunday on John 15:9-15 - the second half of Jesus' evocative teaching about abiding. This 7-verse chunk of John's gospel offers several avenues for reflection and comment, … Read more...