Author Archives: Joan

The following poem touched me this season: The gate is open dare we enterthe snow looks heavy, deep,the woods, dark, deeper still the Star we’re told, is somewhere beyondon the other side of fear, of hopelessness The gate is open … Continue reading →

Would not this world be a wonderful, awesome place, if we made real the words of the Prophet Isaiah? They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift sword against nation, neither … Continue reading →

Christ is risen. Alleluia!Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia, Alleluia! May we move out of darkness and chaosinto the light and new life.In joy and hope,A Blessed Easter to all.

Allen and Sue is a novel-length story written in collaboration with my husband, John, as an extension of our ministry. It is our hope that this story will be of interest to those who have experienced PTSD, suffered domestic violence, struggled … Continue reading →

These weeks, days and hours have been filled with xenophobia, hatred and violence. Christ have mercy on us. To God’s People at Tree of Life Synagogue, and to the people of Pittsburgh, Shalom. We are with you in your pain. … Continue reading →

May you be spiritually blessed during the Triduum: Holy Thursday Eucharist, a day of remembrance, a meal of thanksgiving, and washing of the feet as symbol of service. Good Friday, a day of sacrifice, of making holy; a cross, symbol … Continue reading →

May God shower many blessings upon you in the New Year 2018!

Come, Holy Spirit, breathe down upon our troubled world. Shake the tired foundations of our crumbling institutions. Break the rules that keep you out of all our sacred spaces, and from the dust and rubble, gather up the seedlings of … Continue reading →

It can create magic. It empowers people. It lightens spirits, calms the soul and generates love. It is there when you need it. It is selfless and it is joyful. It knows no bounds and reaches to the edge of existence and … Continue reading →

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.