Anabaptist and Quaker essays, sermons, and other writings
When I was 22, I attended a women’s cabaret in Minneapolis, where I was then living. One of the performers mentioned Camp Sister Spirit, a feminist retreat center in rural Mississippi that was in need of help – not just funds, but volunteers to help in the work of renovating […]
Chibuzo Petty How do you understand the difference between writing and writing as ministry? Nick Patler I am not sure I can explain the difference. For me, particularly as a historian whose interest is largely in African American history, writing is about telling stories, giving voice to persons and narratives […]
How many of you learned about the story of the “Good Samaritan” as a child in Sunday school? It’s a sweet story for kids in some ways if you don’t focus too much on the brutality. A man is traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. He’s attacked by robbers, who strip […]
I am so thankful to be part of a congregation that asks things boldly, though aware that our privilege does not make us worthy of Jesus’ attention; and also a congregation that serves humbly, aware that as part of the body of Christ, our attention needs to go where Jesus’ […]
The third Sunday in Advent is Gaudete Sunday, or Rejoicing Sunday, and the lectionary scriptures all proclaim the joy of God’s work in the world. And yet, beloved church, I have to tell you, I was having a hard time accessing some joy to preach about. It’s been a very […]
I began my role as Prison Justice Learning Action Community Organizer with On Earth Peace in October of 2019. My faith background as a Quaker led me to pursue this position. Some of the Quaker testimonies that are most valuable to me are Community, Equality, and Simplicity. Being exposed to […]
This past week, I was party to a conversation with a relative that turned to the Black Lives Matter protests. This relative, an older person, commented, “I don’t understand where all this is coming from.” Brothers and sisters, let me tell you, I was flabbergasted. For so many reasons. Having […]
Having spent years ministering with Quakers and Brethren, it should come as no surprise that I have often referred to myself as a pacifist. There was even a season when I would have preferred the term non-resistor. I used to pride myself on my peace-loving zeal. I ate up respectability […]
A Reaction to the Article: “Desegregating the Body of Christ: West Charleston Church of the Brethren and the Urgency of Multicultural Ministry” by Caleb Kragt in the Fall/Winter 2018-2019 Issue As I read this article, I have a sense of hope for the ministry, of which I became a part […]
CP: Introduce yourself. Location. Current Congregation. (If not currently at a Brethren congregation, where do you worship now? What is your “home” CoB?) Occupation. Age. Did you know March is Women’s History Month? Either way, what does Women’s History Month mean to you? How do you understand your identity as […]