Laura Beall

The Big Grocery Shopping is in the “real” town about an hour drive away. So usually I time it so I’m ‘allowed’ to purchase lunch out without feeling super guilty about it.

the intensity of my anger at those who would criminalize the homeless — a population literally created by the greed and callousness of the ruling class — is very hard to contain. it was you who dismantled the safety net. if you don’t like the results, put it back

We also released a supplement volume in 2020 with 200 more songs! ;) (it’s called All Creation Sings and is numbered where the ELW leaves off)

They ran through a lot during some earlier tech difficulties so that’s likely it

When working for a small museum they refused to get why I would code a woman by her given name. “The document says Mrs. Frank!” Ok well we know her name is Anna, she was also prominent in her own right. We have materials under her maiden and married names. They should be connected as same person? 🤦‍♀️

The last funeral I attended someone sent an entire fruit basket rather than flowers. So. I just don’t know anymore.

I know there are much bigger issues etc etc but I have just had yet another church secretary quit. They (almost) always are just finding better gigs and good for them!! But goodness sake this one hasn’t even been here five months. Here we go. Again.

Copies of “The Backwater Sermon” and “The Vanishing Song” by Jay Hulme on a desk.

This morning I was trying to figure out if the post office lost a package, then it was magically delivered this very day. I read an entire book in one afternoon. Thank you, @jayhulmepoet.bsky.social for your wonderful work!

I heard an audible “oof” from someone when I read it tonight.

On Palm Sunday, Rev. Maria Rudolph was ordained as the first female pastor in the Lutheran Church in Australia and New Zealand. 🙏

#LutheranWorld

okay but listen tho

I would offer this: Bulletins are a lifeline for me with my visual disability, if you are planning on a screen to be the bulletin for you. I can’t see that, usually. Bulletins can be and often are an accessibility aid.

Ok well I’ll be around again in July 😂

Noting that Elon Musk attacked the Lutheran Church's work providing services, and that JD Vance attacked Catholic Bishops for their work with immigrants. Fair to say that this administration is one of the most hostile to religion and religious freedom that we have seen in recent memory.

“I don’t WANT to preach this morning” is how I feel half the time, and also this is better than what I muster most of the time.

"Hierarchies of obligations" are exactly what He came to annihilate, or re-annihilate, because they were always nothing. Do I love my own family more than I love the poor? Yes. Of course I do. I am human. So I pray for a greater heart, to increase my love for all human beings. That is my journey.

make me ready, Lord, for whatever

We are unfortunately outside of town and really only accesible by car but…..

It is not surprising to me that Trumpism has gained so much traction within evangelicalism because they have created a new Christianity that doesn’t actually require anyone to BE Christian. Their gospel does not call for repentance - it merely lightly suggests it while offering Jesus as a loophole.

Can't really explain this away.

🎄

Ok but have you met Snow the Cat, because…..

In photos of the old sanctuary prior to it being repurposed to a fellowship hall there is a hymn board. It did not migrate to the new build. I have no idea where it even was stashed. I am so grateful about this fact.

I’ve been here two Decembers and replaced two (of five) furnaces both in said month so…..solidarity. (The sanctuary one decided Christmas Eve was the day to quit with no warning!)

I was gone one night and miss Snow is being all angry and wouldn’t look at me when I got home.

our common life depends upon each other's toil

It’s both. I think almost everyone yearns for some version of a rose-colored past. Plus the perception (true or not) of ‘no one goes to church these days.’ Add in families which tend to scatter farther than before and there you go.

Does Business Bear come with a tie? I feel like he needs a tie.

The cats are particularly convinced bedtime is at about 6pm, in this household.