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Martha Spong

Martha Spong is a United Church of Christ minister, a clergy coach, and editor of The Words of Her Mouth: Psalms for the Struggle. Find her online at marthaspong.com.

Sunday’s Coming

The prayer in the pause (Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20)

Sometimes I find myself stuck in the Selah.
In the Lectionary

June 29, Ordinary 13C (Luke 9:51-62)

Following Jesus is not something to do later.
Sunday’s Coming

Hostile territory (Luke 8:26-39)

Jesus disrupts the narrative in multiple ways.
In the Lectionary

June 22, Ordinary 12C (1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a; Psalm 42 and 43)

Psalms 42 and 43 remind us of the ways a spiritual practice can prepare us for whatever trials we meet in life.
Sunday’s Coming

The responsibility of care (Psalm 8)

Made in the image of God, we stand in as God’s representatives in creation.
In the Lectionary

June 15, Trinity C (Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31)

Wisdom is frisky and frolicking. She reminds us that God created our impulse to learn and to grow.
Sunday’s Coming

The end of the world (Isaiah 2:1-5; Matthew 24:36-44)

In the midst of anxiety, it can sound like an attractive option for a swift end to come.
In the Lectionary

November 27, Advent 1A  (Romans 13:11–14; Matthew 24:36–44)

We can recognize ourselves in the messy people around Jesus.
Sunday’s Coming

Imagining Christ (Psalm 46; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43)

We may see him as fully human. Scripture resounds with his cosmic nature.
In the Lectionary

November 20, Reign of Christ C (Luke 23:33–43)

In a blockbuster movie, this is when our hero would leap from the cross.

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Sunday’s Coming

Varieties of unexpected gifts (Pentecost A; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13)

We might add to Paul's list gifts for offering comfort, or explaining new guidelines, or displaying ease with technology.
In the Lectionary

May 31, Pentecost (John 20:19–23)

“Receive the Holy Spirit” isn’t an invitation. It’s a command.
In the Lectionary

May 24, Easter 7A (John 17:1–11)

We can’t all be one until we believe that all people matter equally to God.
In the Lectionary

May 21, Ascension (Luke 24:44–53)

The disciples did not understand what was happening. What chance do we have? 
middle school students
CCblogs Network

Talking with our families about school shootings is painful, but necessary 

Our son told me his strategy for getting to safety. I hate that worst-case scenario planning is his reality.
Sunday’s Coming

Candles in the balcony (Isaiah 9:2-7)

I understand the people who only show up once a year, just to hold a candle of their own.

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