Rebecca M. Blackwell

From the Margin to the Center (a meditative midrash on the nativity stories in the gospels of Matt and Luke)

It all began simply enough: Boy meets girl… girl and boy become engaged. Mary was betrothed to Joseph: betrothal is a covenantal arrangement in which a couple are promised to one another in marriage. As customary in first century Palestine, once the betrothal was settled, Mary left her family and moved into the home ofContinue reading “From the Margin to the Center (a meditative midrash on the nativity stories in the gospels of Matt and Luke)”

Light in Darkness

One of my favorite Advent/Christmas scriptures is John 1:5 “…the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” Anyone who has experienced the extreme darkness of Mammoth Caves knows what a hope-filled image this is, for even a single match can provide orientation and illumination in the yawning darkness. And so,Continue reading “Light in Darkness”

A Grace-filled Experience and an Intriguing Book

Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend a gathering/conference in Philadelphia. One of the reasons that I went is that it was being held at Broad Street Ministries, which is housed in the building of a congregation that was closed during my tenure on the staff of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. When weContinue reading “A Grace-filled Experience and an Intriguing Book”

A Progressive Thanksgiving, Part 3

Well, yesterday was simply PACKED FULL of joyous events. The day began (for me) at the multi-cultural service of Thanksgiving at Ray Thomas Memorial/Bethany Presbyterian Churches. Worship and praise were shared in four languages: Portuguese, Spanish, Korean and English. I was privileged to give the sermon (in English… the words were translated into Korean byContinue reading “A Progressive Thanksgiving, Part 3”

A Progressive Thanksgiving, Part 2

On Sunday the 14th of November, Marietta First Presbyterian Church celebrated their 175th anniversary with a day of worship, music, food and thanksgiving to God. Psalm 78:3-4 provided the theme for the day: “What we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children: we willContinue reading “A Progressive Thanksgiving, Part 2”