By doubting we come to inquire, and so to truth. — Abelard
by Ken Sehested
“The reason I speak to them in parables is that ‘seeing they do not perceive. . . .”
—Matthew 13:13
President Barack Obama, speaking at the opening ceremony of the African American Museum in Washington, DC, said: “Hopefully, this museum can help us talk to each other, and more importantly listen to each other, and most importantly see each other.”
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Text: Luke 19:1-10
It seems like we’ve turned to the story of Zacchaeus on several occasions during this past year. I was surprised when it showed up as the lectionary reading for this Sunday; and I almost chose an alternate text, since we’ve given so much attention to the “wee little man.” But I decided to stay with it, to see what new vistas it might open up.
We’ve given a good deal of attention to questions of economic justice since January. Andy Loving, a friend from Louisville, preached for us in February when he was coming through Asheville, and he spoke about “The God of Maximum Return.” Andy is a certified financial planner and an advocate for socially responsibly investing; and his commentary was so stimulating that several of you asked if we could get him back, to help us think about how we can invest our savings in ways that support our values. He did come back in the spring, to do a forum on alternative investing; and quite a few of you signed up for personal consulting on how to align your investments with your faith commitments.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you, “Violence!” and you will not save?
We pound the doors of Heaven, shouting “Listen! Pay attention! Are you asleep!”
Read more ›Signs of the Times • 13 October 2016 • No. 92
¶ Processional. “Am I Wrong,” Damien Escobar. (Thanks Gwenyth.)
by Ken Sehested
Hear, O people of Promise and heirs of Provision,
You who strayed from Providence,
Read more ›©Ina J. Hughs
We pray for children
who put chocolate fingers everywhere,
who like to be tickled,
who stomp in puddles and ruin their new pants,
who sneak Popsicles before supper,
who erase holes in math workbooks,
who can never find their shoes.
And we pray for those
who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,
who’ve never squeaked across the floor in new sneakers,
who never “counted potatoes,”
who are born in places we wouldn't be caught dead,
who never go to the circus,
who live in an X-rated world.
by Ken Sehested
Kyrie, kyrie, eleison
Let mercy magnify
May all my days reflect thy praise
And earth and heav’n reply
Let nothing justify my way
Save grace, unmeasured still
Let every hour reflect thy power
And life with love instill
by Ken Sehested
Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion; and to you shall praise be given and promises be made.
Praised be your presence, and worthy be our promises.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Happy are those who walk in the Way of Beauty, harnessed in the Bridle of Mercy and according to the Weal of Justice.
In this Law I delight! May it rule soul and soil and society alike.
Read more ›Signs of the Times • 7 October 2016 • No. 91
The significant proximity of two dates prompts this abbreviated edition of "Signs of the Times."
¶ On 7 October 2001, 15 years ago today, President George W. Bush’s announced the start of the war in Afghanistan, 
saying “Today we focus on Afghanistan, but the battle is broader.”
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