Category Archives: peacemaking

Tenebrae: the First Noble Truth

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Pastor P

Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam recently wrote a beautiful piece about Tenebrae and his affection for the service in his church.   Our service at First Parish in Milton (7pm on Friday April 22) consists of a simple communion, after which … Continue reading →

Posted in community, peacemaking, practice, sacred places | 4 Comments

That Special

Posted on August 11, 2008 by Pastor P

A few weeks ago, I was picking my son up from camp and uncharacteristically arrived a few minutes early. It was the last day of camp for the week, and as part of their closing ritual they were giving out … Continue reading →

Posted in community, parenting, peacemaking | 2 Comments

Abundance

Posted on June 12, 2008 by Pastor P

There has been a heated conversation over at Peacebang about the appropriate theological attitude toward the rich. It’s not surprising that the conversation quickly becomes very emotional and very personal. Money is our primary outward symbol of value. So it … Continue reading →

Posted in peacemaking | 1 Comment

Because I understand about hummus

Posted on February 4, 2008 by Pastor P

“You must understand about hummus” is one of the stranger things people (and I do mean more than one) have said to me upon learning that I am Iranian-American. It’s rarer than the searching looks that go with the response, … Continue reading →

Posted in multiculturalism, peacemaking | 2 Comments

dangerous and small

Posted on November 16, 2007 by Pastor P

William Sloan Coffin once wrote: “The world is too dangerous for anything but truth and too small for anything but love.” Issues of diversity in my quiet suburban town have once again reached the forefront of our local news, with … Continue reading →

Posted in community, multiculturalism, peacemaking | Leave a comment

Holding the prayers of others: an invitation

Posted on August 17, 2007 by Pastor P

Thank you, Jesus One of my favorite art purchases ever is this ex voto from Guatemala. I found it at my favorite gallery about 9 years ago. It’s a thank you note to God (or in this case Christ the … Continue reading →

Posted in peacemaking, practice, shared prayers, thanks | 6 Comments

when we all have something to learn

Posted on July 14, 2007 by Pastor P

God of the in-between territory, where human needs converge and sometimes clash, guide me through these tender times. I’ve reluctantly gotten used to the referee role of parenting, mediating disputes over sharing and hitting, tattling and bad words. I already … Continue reading →

Posted in parenting, peacemaking | Leave a comment