My Writing

This Website/Blog

And Yet – My weekly reflections for this site

Each week, usually on a Tuesday, I’ll post a new “And Yet” reflection. I attempt, though I often wander far, to base my ponderings on the lectionary. I hope my words are useful for preachers, believers, doubters, and other folks who might appreciate (and even borrow) some of my faithful and foolish thoughts about following Jesus.

(And if you do quote me, don’t forget to give me a little credit!)

What do I mean by “And Yet?” As a conjunction and yet connects two parts of a sentence or thought. Whenever an and yet appears, it grammatically creates a word bridge to declare that more is coming. It’s one way for me to remember that, with God, there is always “more.” I believe, in God’s Realm of Love, that even the worst news is never the last news.

The Lectionary? I follow the Revised Common Lectionary, and assume most readers of this site know what a lectionary is. If you don’t know, either Google it or remain blissfully ignorant. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy or be irked by my reflections, regardless of your lectionary expertise.

Faith Mutters

I’m trying an experiment with showing a cheap, underproduced, randomly coherent video of me sharing brief reflections on a religious word/phrase. If this is appealing to my global readers (I know at least one reader claims to be from England), I might continue. But, whether in the written or “filmed” version, Faith Mutters is my way to muse about faithful words and ways. Let me know what you think. Here’s the stirring introduction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhBNAW5-3rY&feature=channel_video_title

Other Web Stuff

Now and then, I’ll post other items. I’ve recently become intrigued with situations I’ve “survived” while doing ministry . . . and am curious about folks’ similar experiences. So far I’ve wondered about odd moments at funerals and strange requests from strangers. More will follow. Or not. If you have suggestions, let me know!

A book of reflections…

A COMPANION FOR THE JOURNEY: 41 Reflections (mostly) on the Lord’s Prayer

Written as a “companion” for a daily journey during Lent . . . or other times you wish to deepen, question, or renew your Christian faith. Using words or phrases from the Lord’s Prayer, each reflection invites the reader to see the Holy at work in the world. For more details, click over to the Companion Info page on this site.

Twitter

I’m on Twitter as larrypatten and am focused on tweeting “sermoneets.” For more details, click over to the My Sermoneets page on this site.

Novels I’m Working On…

ORDINARY TIME – Rev. Mark Hart visits friend Grandy Brighton. Brighton shares that his grandson is suspected of arson. This is the second time the teen’s been accused, but now a homeless man nicknamed Burrito has been hurt. The grandfather hopes Hart will help find the grandson innocent. Then Brighton, battling cancer, asks a second favor. He wants Hart to help him “bet on Jesus,” the older man’s preferred phrase for assisted suicide. Following another fire, the still-hospitalized Burrito (the first fire’s only witness) is murdered. Arson and homicide. Will Hart discover who’s framing the teen before Brighton makes his bet? All this unfolds in Ordinary Time, the church season after Easter. This year it’s anything but ordinary. (This novel is finished.)

LONGEST NIGHT – Rev. Mark Hart is asked to join two lesbians in marriage. The same-gender couple plans their wedding during Christmas—the “happiest time of the year”—while a killer stalks one of them. On the surface, the attacks appear to be hate crimes. But Hart learns that all hate crimes are personal, especially when helping two women he admires puts his daughter’s life at risk. (Currently under revision.)

CHRISTMAS JOE – A “coming of age” story, twenty-one year old James March cares for his mother as she dies. After Mary March’s death, James discovers she has a bank account in a town where they once lived. He journeys there on Christmas Eve to claim the money. During that day James uncovers his mother’s past, the relationships she once influenced, and will seek the man his mother called “Christmas Joe” (who may also be James’ father). Throughout his search he’ll learn that everything about “Christmas” is true…even the parts that aren’t. (A first draft finished, to be worked on after LONGEST NIGHT is finished.)