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Articles by Leah D. Schade
Thanksgiving and Gratitude for Creation: Deut. 8, Luke 17
The Thanksgiving holiday is an ideal time to express gratitude for God’s Creation and reorient our hearts toward service and sustainability. Thanksgiving is an ideal time to express gratitude for God’s Creation. Photo by RDNE Stock Project on Pexels Here are ideas for reading and preaching about Deuteronomy 8:7-18 and Luke 17:11-19. The Revised Common Lectionary assigns these texts for Thanksgiving Eve in Year A.
Prayer for the Earth, to the Earth
This is a prayer for the Earth and to the Earth that I wrote for the EcoPreacher Cohort, a gathering of preachers committed to ecological preaching and ministry. This prayer can be used for liturgical occasions such as Earth Sunday, the Feast of St. Francis, Rogation Sunday, Ash Wednesday, the Triduum, and the Season of Creation. Permission is granted for use with attribution. Prayer for Earth, to Earth. Photo by Mehmet Deniz Aydin on Pexels.
Why Christians Have a Sacred Duty to Vote: Biblical Guidance
Another election is upon us. Here’s a biblical case for why Christians have a sacred duty to vote, speak for justice, and love their neighbors through civic action. Christians–and all people of faith–have a sacred duty to vote. Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels. Voice and Vote—A Biblical Foundation Eight years ago, I heard Rev.
Render Unto Caesar – Faith, Politics, and Elections
Jesus’ famous line—“Render unto Caesar”—isn’t just about taxes. It’s a radical challenge to how Christians engage with power, politics, and elections. Render Unto Caesar – Tiberius Coin, Trump Coin. Image created by the author. Here’s the scene: the religious leaders approach Jesus with a seemingly no-win question intended to make him lose face no matter how he answers. Initially, his response seems like a clever way to thread the needle and avoid their trap.
Preaching About Climate Change: What Clergy Need Most
Climate change is reshaping ministry, yet many clergy feel isolated or underprepared to preach about it. Here’s what helps preachers connect Scripture, Creation, justice, and congregational care. Preaching about climate change is a challenge in some congregations. Here’s what preachers need most. Photo by Samuel Peter on Pexels. Increasing Climate Catastrophes Impact Churches Extreme heat waves, wildfires, monster hurricanes and tornadoes, and massive flooding are making weekly headlines.
Lexington, don’t obey in advance by dumping DEI office. That’s how tyranny grows. | Opinion
I was alarmed to see that the city of Lexington is planning to remove its office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Ordinance 0143-25 would abolish the position of Officer of Diversity and Inclusion in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. Sally Hamilton, the city’s chief administrative officer, has said that Arthur Lucas, who has served as the Officer of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for years, will be transferred to human resources and continue to do his work.
The Power of Preaching and Deliberative Dialogue to Catalyze Congregational Social Action: A Case Study from “The Purple Zone”
1. Introduction North Middletown Christian Church is a 188-year-old congregation located in Bourbon County in central Kentucky. They currently have an average in-person worship attendance of about forty people. The Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moon (hereafter, Rev. Moon) has served the congregation since 2016 and is their first female pastor.
The Volcanic Warning - and Promise - of Micah 1:1-7, 2:12-13
The prophet Micah issued a “volcanic warning” about the consequences of injustice in ancient Israel. What can we learn from his words for our own time and for God’s Creation? (I preached this sermon at the invitation of Hunter Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Ky., on June 12, 2022. You can watch the video of the sermon here: https://youtu.be/xQ0HTnKhYq0. The video begins with the reading of the scriptures.
Rohrer Resigned; Justice for Rev. Nelson Rabell González Still Needed
Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer resigned as Bishop. How did we get here? And where do things stand for Rev. Nelson Rabell González and his congregation? This article addresses these questions. On June 7, 2022, the Synod Council of the ELCA’s Sierra Pacific Synod issued a statement confirming that “Rev.
Bishop Rohrer Threatened Latina Child, ‘Racist Verbal Assault’: ELCA Listening Team Report
The Listening Team Report recommends that “the Presiding Bishop bring disciplinary charges against Bishop Rohrer under Chapter 20 (20.22.01b; 20.22.02c) with the full knowledge that such action could result in removal from the Office of the Bishop and the removal from the ministry of Word and Sacrament of this church.” On May 31, 2022, the Listening Team Report Regarding the Actions of the Sierra Pacific Synod was released – a month after it was submitted to Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
Pentecost & the Divine Purpose of Diversity: Genesis 11, Acts 2
Make Babel great again? Hardly. There’s a reason why that monocultural empire failed. It’s because God desires diversity for both the human and Earth community! Here are ideas for reading and preaching Genesis 11:1-9 and Acts 2:1-21 through a “green” lens on Pentecost Sunday. This is part of the EcoPreacher 1-2-3 series to equip pastors and congregations for engaging the Bible and God’s Creation.
The ELCA’s Whiteness Protection Program: Bishop Eaton and Bishop Rohrer
Bishop Eaton refuses to bring disciplinary charges against Bishop Rohrer. Welcome to the ELCA’s Whiteness Protection Program. Eleven weeks after convening a Listening Panel about Bishop Megan Rohrer of the Sierra Pacific Synod, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton released their “Report to the Church” on May 27. Aside from the fact that she released the statement on the Friday of a holiday weekend, the content of the statement itself is disgraceful.
Justice for Creation is Justice for People: Psalm 97
Here are ideas for reading and preaching Psalm 97 with an eye toward environmental justice and human rights, especially in a time of war. This is part of the EcoPreacher 1-2-3 series to equip pastors and congregations for engaging the Bible through an ecological lens. Justice for Creation is justice for vulnerable peoples.
Bishop Megan Rohrer Doubles Down on Abuse of Power with “Wellness Checks”
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton released a three-part Tweet on May 11 updating the status of the Listening Panel reviewing the actions of Sierra Pacific Synod Bishop Megan Rohrer. As we await her decision on the matter at the end of May, Rohrer continues to double down on abusing their power. In this guest post, my colleague, Rev.
A New Heaven and a New Earth? Revelation 21:1-6
Here are ideas for reading and preaching about “a new heaven and earth” in Revelation 21:1-6 using an environmental ethic. This is part of the EcoPreacher 1-2-3 series to equip pastors and congregations for engaging the Bible through an ecological lens. Some interpret the apocalyptic vision of “a new heaven and a new earth” in Revelation 21:1-6 to mean that we a free to exploit and degrade the Earth today. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Maundy Thursday and Passover: A Holy Eco-Connection
Here are ideas for reading and preaching Exodus 12:1-14 connecting Maundy Thursday and Passover. This is part of the EcoPreacher 1-2-3 series to equip pastors and congregations for engaging the Bible through an ecological lens. Maundy Thursday and Passover Maundy Thursday and Passover have deep environmental connections. The eco-wisdom of the Hebrew Scriptures can expand our experience of this holy day and the journey to Easter.
Remove Bishop Megan Rohrer? Follow the Pattern, Follow the Money
Remove Bishop Megan Rohrer? Follow the Pattern, Follow the Money March 31, 2022 Leah D. Schade Should the ELCA remove Bishop Megan Rohrer? A California Lutheran church raises new questions about Rohrer’s patterns of behavior. Court documents reveal that the problems began long before the ordeal with Rev. Rabell-González and Misión Latina Luterana.
Bishop Rohrer and Rev. Rabell-González: The ELCA’s Double, Triple Standard
Bishop Rohrer and Rev. Rabell-González: The ELCA’s Double, Triple Standard March 14, 2022 Leah D. Schade ELCA Presiding Bishop is convening a “listening panel” to review the interactions of Bishop Megan Rohrer of the Sierra Pacific Synod with Misión Latina Luterana. But this action reveals a double and even triple standard in the application of due process in the ELCA. ELCA, Bishop Rohrer, Rev.
Undo the Folded Lie: A Prayer for Preachers
Undo the Folded Lie: A Prayer for Preachers March 8, 2022 Leah D. Schade W.H. Auden wrote a poem about the beginning of World War II entitled, “September 1, 1939.” Reading it today as Russia attacks Ukraine, as white nationalists attack people of color, as the patriarchy attacks women and trans children and their families, and as humanity attacks Earth itself, Auden’s words are eerily resonant for our own time.
Stars and Baby Chicks: God’s Promises in Genesis 15 and Luke 13
Stars and Baby Chicks: God’s Promises in Genesis 15 and Luke 13 March 7, 2022 Leah D. Schade From the vastness of the cosmos to the tiny, vulnerable chicks, God’s promises both assure and challenge us. Genesis 15 and Luke 13. Baby chicks. Photo by Michael Anfang on Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/LAVcmB1Gli0 Here are ideas for reading and preaching Genesis 15:1-18 and Luke 13:31-35, assigned for March 13th, 2022, the Second Sunday of Lent in the Revised Common Lectionary.
Resisting Malignant Power: What the Temptation of Jesus Teaches Us
Resisting Malignant Power: What the Temptation of Jesus Teaches Us February 28, 2022 Leah D. Schade The story of the Temptation of Jesus in Luke 4:1-15 equips us for resisting malignant power and tyranny. Photo by Nayani Teixeira https://unsplash.com/photos/YZKurB7iEYo His hair still dripping with drops of the baptismal promise, Jesus makes his way to the wilderness of testing.
Accusations and Racist False Flags: Rev. Nelson’s Saga is not Unique
Accusations and Racist False Flags: Rev. Nelson’s Saga is not Unique February 20, 2022 Leah D. Schade It’s important to understand the saga of Rev. Nelson Rabell-González in the context of racist false flags that play on white fear. Rev. Nelson Rabell-González, false flag Remember the story of Amy Cooper? She was the white woman who called police on Christian Cooper (no relation), a black man who was bird-watching in New York City’s Central Park on May 25, 2020. Why did she call the police on him?
Beware of Wolves in Shepherds' Clothing -- Jeremiah 23:1-4
Beware of Wolves in Shepherds’ Clothing — Jeremiah 23:1-4 February 15, 2022 Leah D. Schade “Beware of Wolves in Shepherds’ Clothing” is a sermon I preached to students in the ELCA’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministers (TEEM) program at a worship service on Feb. 9, 2022, hosted by the Indiana-Kentucky Synod. The texts were Jeremiah 1:1-10 and Jeremiah 23:1-4. Let those who have ears hear. Wolves in Shepherds’ Clothing. Image created by Leah D. Schade. It was a tough time to be the sheep.
6 Reasons Why Rev. Nelson Rabell-González was Denied Due Process
6 Reasons Why Rev. Nelson Rabell-González was Denied Due Process February 12, 2022 Leah D. Schade Today marks two months since Rev. Nelson Rabell-González was removed from his position as pastor of Misión Latina Luterana on Dec. 12, 2021. And it marks one week since the Sierra Pacific Synod Council voted on Feb. 7, 2022, to remove him from the rostered ministry of the ELCA. This is a travesty of justice. Rev.
Rev. Nelson Removed from ELCA Rostered Ministry. Now What?
Rev. Nelson Removed from ELCA Rostered Ministry. Now What? February 10, 2022 Leah D. Schade The phone call came on Monday morning, Feb. 7, 2022. Bishop Megan Rohrer informed Rev. Nelson Rabell-González that they (Rohrer uses they/them pronouns) recommended that the Sierra Pacific Synod Council remove Rev. Nelson from the rostered ministry of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). The Synod Council voted as per their recommendation. So Rev.
A Blessed Ecosystem of Faith: Psalm 1, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 6:17-26
A Blessed Ecosystem of Faith: Psalm 1, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 6:17-26 February 6, 2022 Leah D. Schade Create an ecosystem of faith! Both the psalmist and Jeremiah urge us to root ourselves near the flowing waters of God’s word. Here are ideas for reading and preaching Psalm 1, Jeremiah 17:5-10, and Luke 6:17-26, assigned for Feb. 13th, 2022, the sixth Sunday after Epiphany in the Revised Common Lectionary.
God’s Creation PREACHES! Psalm 19 Links Nature and Torah
God’s Creation PREACHES! Psalm 19 Links Nature and Torah January 18, 2022 Leah D. Schade God’s Creation preaches? How can this be? We have to tune our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds to the language of Creation. Here are ideas for reading and preaching Psalm 19, assigned for Jan. 23rd, 2022, the third Sunday after Epiphany in the Revised Common Lectionary. This is part of the EcoPreacher 1-2-3 series to equip pastors and congregations for engaging the Bible through an ecological lens.
Habla la Esposa del Rev. Nelson Rabell: El Año del Dolor
Habla la Esposa del Rev. Nelson Rabell: El Año del Dolor January 17, 2022 Leah D. Schade ¿Cómo es ser la esposa de un pastor sujeto a acusaciones infundadas de mala conducta? En este artículo, la esposa del Rev. Nelson comparte su historia. La Dra. Fabiola B. Ramos DMD, MPH y su familia han sufrido un trauma emocional, espiritual y mental desde que su esposo, el reverendo Nelson Rabell González, se enteró de que se habían presentado acusaciones en su contra el año pasado. Rev.
Pastor Nelson’s Spouse Speaks: The Year of Pain
Pastor Nelson’s Spouse Speaks: The Year of Pain January 16, 2022 Leah D. Schade What is it like to be the spouse of a pastor subjected to unsubstantiated accusations of misconduct? In this piece, Pastor Nelson’s spouse shares her story. Dr. Fabiola B. Ramos DMD, MPH, and her family have endured emotional, spiritual, and mental trauma since her husband, Rev. Nelson Rabell González, learned that allegations had been made against him last year. Rev. Nelson Rabell-González and his spouse, Dr. Fabiola B.
Por qué la ELCA Necesita Investigar el Caso del Rev. Nelson Rabell-González
Por qué la ELCA Necesita Investigar el Caso del Rev. Nelson Rabell-González January 11, 2022 Leah D. Schade Han pasado cuatro semanas desde que el Obispo Megan Rohrer y el Sínodo Sierra Pacific de la ELCA destituyeron al Rev. Nelson Rabell-González de su puesto como pastor y desarrollador de la Misión Latina Luterana en Stockton, California. En ese tiempo, el Rev. Nelson y las personas que lo apoyan le han pedido en repetidas ocasiones a la ELCA que investigue su caso. Rev.
El NDA, la Iglesia y el Intento de Silenciar Rev. Nelson Rabell-González
El NDA, la Iglesia y el Intento de Silenciar Rev. Nelson Rabell-González December 31, 2021 Leah D. Schade Esta es la cuarta parte de la saga del Reverendo Nelson Rabell-González, un pastor hispano de la ELCA que fue despedido por el obispo Megan Rohrer y el Sínodo de Sierra Pacific de su puesto como desarrollador y pastor de la Misión Latina Luterana en Stockton, California. En este segmento, nos enfocamos en el acuerdo de no divulgación (en inglés, NDA) que la antigua congregación del Rev.
Why the ELCA Needs to Investigate the Case of Rev. Nelson Rabell-González
Why the ELCA Needs to Investigate the Case of Rev. Nelson Rabell-González January 9, 2022 Leah D. Schade Four weeks have passed since Bishop Megan Rohrer and the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA removed Rev. Nelson Rabell-González from his position as pastor and mission developer of Misión Latina Luterana in Stockton, Calif. In that time, Rev. Nelson and his supporters have repeatedly called for the ELCA to investigate his case. Rev.
La NDA, la Iglesia y el Intento de Silenciar Rev. Nelson Rabell-González
La NDA, la Iglesia y el Intento de Silenciar Rev. Nelson Rabell-González December 31, 2021 Leah D. Schade Esta es la cuarta parte de la saga del Reverendo Nelson Rabell-González, un pastor hispano de la ELCA que fue despedido por el obispo Megan Rohrer y el Sínodo de Sierra Pacific de su puesto como desarrollador y pastor de la Misión Latina Luterana en Stockton, California. En este segmento, nos enfocamos en el acuerdo de no divulgación (en inglés, NDA) que la antigua congregación del Rev.
The NDA, the Church, and the Attempt to Silence Rev. Nelson Rabell-González
The NDA, the Church, and the Attempt to Silence Rev. Nelson Rabell-González December 29, 2021 Leah D. Schade This is Part Four in the saga of Rev. Nelson Rabell-González, an Hispanic ELCA pastor who was fired by Bishop Megan Rohrer and the Sierra Pacific Synod from his position as mission developer and pastor of Misión Latina Luterana in Stockton, California. In this segment, we focus on the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that Rev.
El Día Sínodo de ELCA ‘Desapareció’ al Pastor Nelson
El Día Sínodo de ELCA ‘Desapareció’ al Pastor Nelson December 26, 2021 Leah D. Schade Esta es la tercera parte de una serie sobre la saga del Rev. Nelson Rabell-González, despedido como pastor y desarrollador de la misión de Misión Latina Luterana el 12 de diciembre de 2021. Lea la primera parte aquí y la segunda parte aquí. Este artículo trata sobre el día en que el Sínodo Sierra Pacific de la ELCA y el obispo Megan Rohrer “desapareció” al pastor Nelson.
The Day an ELCA Synod ‘Disappeared’ Pastor Nelson Rabell-González
The Day an ELCA Synod ‘Disappeared’ Pastor Nelson Rabell-González December 22, 2021 Leah D. Schade This is the third in a series on the saga of Rev. Nelson Rabell-González, fired as pastor and mission developer of Misión Latina Luterana in Stockton, Ca., on Dec. 12, 2021. Read part one here, and part two here. This article is about the day the ELCA’s Sierra Pacific Synod and Bishop Megan Rohrer “disappeared” Pastor Nelson.
ELCA Fires Whistleblower, Rev. Nelson Rabell-González
ELCA Fires Whistleblower, Rev. Nelson Rabell-González December 17, 2021 Leah D. Schade The saga of Rev. Nelson Rabell-González begins with a series of secrets. As reported in my first post on this story, Rev. Nelson Rabell-González (pronouns: he/him) was fired by Bishop Megan Rohrer (pronouns: they/them) as pastor of Misión Latina Luterana in Stockton, California, on December 12, 2021.
ELCA Despidió a un Denunciante, Rev. Nelson Rabell-González
ELCA Despidió a un Denunciante, Rev. Nelson Rabell-González December 18, 2021 Leah D. Schade ELCA Despidió a un Denunciante, Rev. Nelson Rabell-González [Nota: La versión original en Inglés de este artículo puede encontrarse aquí. La traducción al español de este artículo fue escrita con la ayuda de la comunidad Latinx.] La saga del Rev. Nelson Rabell-González comienza con una serie de secretos. Rev.
La Expulsión del Rev. Rabell-González: ELCA Corrupción y el Racismo
La Expulsión del Rev. Rabell-González: ELCA Corrupción y el Racismo December 14, 2021 Leah D. Schade La Expulsión del Rev. Rabell-González [Nota: La versión original en Inglés de este artículo puede encontrarse aquí.
The Removal of Rev. Rabell-González: A Case Study in ELCA Corruption and Racism
The Removal of Rev. Rabell-González: A Case Study in ELCA Corruption and Racism December 13, 2021 Leah D. Schade On Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, Bishop Megan Rohrer and the Synod Council of the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), removed the Rev. Nelson Rabell-González from his call as pastor of Misión Latina Luterana in Stockton, California. Rev.
Peace On Earth and WITH Earth: Christmas, Psalm 96 and 97
Peace On Earth and WITH Earth: Christmas, Psalm 96 and 97 December 12, 2021 Leah D. Schade Here are ideas for reading and preaching Psalm 96 and 97 which are assigned in the Revised Common Lectionary for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This is part of the EcoPreacher 1-2-3 series to equip pastors and congregations to engage the Bible through an ecological lens. Psalm 96 and 97 depict Earth has having agency, voice, and . . . dance. Dance?
When Our Temples Fall: Mark 13:1-8 Through a Dialogical Lens
When Our Temples Fall: Mark 13:1-8 Through a Dialogical Lens November 10, 2021 Leah D. Schade The Bible is filled with stories of people engaging in faithful dialogue about the contemporary issues of their time. These stories can help us engage the difficult conversations of our own time. Mark 13:1-8 which recounts Jesus’s dialogue with his disciples foretelling the fall of the Temple is especially relevant for us today.
Thanksgiving, Manna, and “Just Enough”: Exodus 16:13-21
Thanksgiving, Manna, and “Just Enough”: Exodus 16:13-21 November 9, 2021 Leah D. Schade Ideas for reading and preaching Exodus 16:31-21 for a Thanksgiving sermon or reflection. This is part of the EcoPreacher 1-2-3 series to equip pastors and church members to engage the Bible through an ecological lens. Just enough. Photo credit: Alex Krivec on Unsplash.
Grieving Extinct Species on All Saints Day
Grieving Extinct Species on All Saints Day November 2, 2021 Leah D. Schade Can we make room on All Saints Day to remember species that have been listed as extinct this year? Surely God mourns for these animals and plants that God had created, now erased from this planet by the human hand. Ivory-billed woodpecker, declared extinct in 2021. Public domain.
Lafayette Marching Band’s “Peace of Mind” is Just What We Needed
Lafayette Marching Band’s “Peace of Mind” is Just What We Needed October 31, 2021 Leah D. Schade The Lafayette High School Marching Band, “The Pride of the Bluegrass,” in Lexington, Kentucky, just completed their 2021 season with a first place win in the 5A division at the KMEA state competition on October 30. Their show, “Peace of Mind,” featured 212 students and is the twenty-second state championship for the band.* Peace of Mind, Lafayette H.S. Marching Band’s 2021 show. Photo by Ryan Peters.
How to Love God in the Land Flowing with Milk and Honey
How to Love God in the Land Flowing with Milk and Honey October 25, 2021 Leah D. Schade The “land flowing with milk and honey” is a biblical term used twenty times in the Hebrew scriptures to describe the Promised Land. The descriptor brings to mind lush fields to support grazing animals as well as thriving hives dripping with sweet honey. But the Israelites faced the same challenge we do — how to sustain this land flowing with milk and honey as an act of faith and sustainability.
Clergy Report Preaching More about Climate Change: National Survey
Clergy Report Preaching More about Climate Change: National Survey October 23, 2021 Leah D. Schade As the world prepares for the COP26 summit beginning October 31, 2021, to address climate change, more congregations may be hearing their pastors preach about the climate crisis than in recent years. My team and I have conducted national surveys of mainline Protestant clergy and found that there has been a shift in their willingness to address environmental issues compared to previous years.
Blessing Animals Sunday -- Genesis 2:18-24 Sermon Ideas
Blessing Animals Sunday — Genesis 2:18-24 Sermon Ideas September 28, 2021 Leah D. Schade EcoPreacher 1-2-3 sermon helps for preaching Genesis 2:18-24 using a green lens for Blessing Animals Sunday. Read the full biblical passage here. Genesis 2:18-24 is one of the readings for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost in Year A of Revised Common Lectionary, October 3, 2021. This is the Sunday closest to the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct.
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