Near the celebration of his birthday, I always like to post the rules for non-violence used by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for those working in the Civil Rights movement.
They include:
Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.
Remember always that the nonviolent movement in Birmingham or anywhere, seeks justice and reconciliation, not victory.
Walk and talk in the manner of love for God is love.
Pray daily to be used by God in order that all might be free.
Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.
Seek to perform regular service for others and the world.
Refrain from violence of fist, tongue, or heart.
Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
This year, I would like to also add a prescription for nonviolent communication as written by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg in his development of the nonviolent communications model. According to his work, there are four steps in this means of communication.
1. Observation: Notice what is happening around and within you causing you to make a judgment or evaluation.
2. Feeling: Express your emotions without a story or believed thought.
3. Needs: Identify what is most important to you.
4. Requests: Say what you want to meet your needs, remembering that a request is not a demand. Also name what you want and refrain from naming what you don’t want.
As we remember Dr. King this week, as we honor his work and his life, let us do more than just enjoy a holiday, let us remember and live into the model of Christian living that he set before us.
The celebration of Christmas is not a sentimental waiting for a baby to be born, but much more an asking for history to be born! —Fr. Richard Rohr, Preparing for Christmas
What a year! 2025 has been a year of firsts in every living person. And 2025 has been year of first experiences with devastating natural disasters: famine, droughts, etc. 2025 has been a year of many firsts for many nations around the world, including our America’s political/government story.
But Richard Rohr has just reminded us that ‘history is to be born.’ Wasn’t that the story in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago? Asking for a new world order? Asking for brave advocates? Asking for systemic change to make the world safer and more community and caring based? More equity, empowerment versus power over?
‘Love was born on Christmas eve’ say several popular songs and poems.
Taking that to heart would mean for me that love is an action verb. So, what needs born in me to meet the model of life set by Jesus as he ‘grew in stature and knowledge of the Lord.’?
History is to be born. So what do I want my behavior and choices this year to be: who do I choose to be? We do choose! We think we don’t choose much. But that is a myth.
I make conscious and unconscious choices everyday of how to interact with the clerk in the store; how to respond to the pushy driver on my bumper; how to respond when someone states something hateful or derogatory of others. What temperament will I bring inside my home today?
I have heard for many years…what is to be my legacy? I think that is far out ahead of what the real task is. Integrity gets thin in me if my behavior in this moment today isn’t consistent with the hope I have for my legacy of how I hope I am remembered. It is an intentional mindfulness that takes focused pauses in the day to evaluate: “how I am choosing to be, what is my language, my facial expression, my attitude today?”
No small task. To birth history today. Rohr has hit upon a profound idea…it is not the future we are to spend the majority of our energy on. It is the NOW. The Power of Now was written by Eckhart Tolle in 2004 and has sold over 16 million copies in 30 language translations. What have we learned from that popular book? As I look at what the media choses to capture and show us regarding American behaviors in public, I would assume no one has read that book.
But, let us remember, the media is never the whole story. What we say, what we witness, where we interact is where our range of influence is and therein lies my call. “To be whom I am called to be.” Following the Rabbi Jesus’ model and many other peace leaders over centuries. We are a humanity still learning how to ‘birth history’.
My prayer: Creator, help us own the deep awareness that we are living out birthing history with our choices, and it is either working toward hurting others and toward destruction, or making a better world.
Office Ministry by Shandrika McDowell, SWC Executive Assistant
On my normal commute to work one morning, it began to lightly rain. As I stood patiently awaiting the 522 Rapid, I noticed a rainbow on the right side of the sky. I turned and looked to the left, where a soft light was gently peeking through the clouds. Instinctively, I pulled out my phone and captured both—the promise and the light.
In that quiet moment, God reminded me that His presence often shows up in the in-between places—the rain and the sun, the waiting and the moving, the ordinary and the divine. Just as the rainbow signifies God’s promise and the light symbolizes hope, our callings often unfold in that same tension. There are days when it rains, when uncertainty clouds our path, yet God gives glimpses of His faithfulness to remind us that we are seen and guided.
As I continued my commute that morning, I reflected on how this mirrored my own journey in ministry. Balancing the responsibilities of serving as an Executive Assistant while pursuing seminary has not been without its rainy days—moments of exhaustion, doubt, and feeling stretched thin. Yet, even in those times, God sends His reminders: a word of encouragement from a colleague, a breakthrough in understanding, or a sense of peace that surpasses explanation.
In office ministry, we are often the quiet hands and hearts behind the scenes. We support, organize, and serve, sometimes not realizing how our daily work becomes a reflection of God’s steady presence. Just as the rainbow stretched across the sky and the light broke through the clouds, God’s grace stretches over every task, meeting, and conversation. He equips us moment by moment, teaching us to trust that what He has placed before us, He will also sustain.
So, whether you find yourself in the rain, in the light, or somewhere in between, know that God is still revealing His promises. He may not always change the forecast, but He will always show you signs of His faithfulness along the way.
Reflection Question: How has God reminded you of His promises in your everyday routines? Are there “rainbows and lights” appearing in your journey that you might be overlooking?
Office Ministry by Shandrika McDowell, SWC Executive Assistant
As our staff retreat comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on how impactful this short time together has been. Though our gathering was brief, it offered space for rest, renewal, and reconnection — both with one another and with ourselves.
Early this morning, I took a quiet walk through The Desert Labyrinth. The stillness of the desert air, the soft crunch of gravel beneath my feet, and the rising sun created the perfect backdrop for reflection. I couldn’t help but feel how truly blessed I am — to be part of a team that values not just our work, but our spiritual and emotional well-being.
Along the path were stones engraved with words, each offering a moment of pause and purpose:
Gratitude: For the gift of another fresh day of life.
Love: For the Holy One and for all my dear ones.
Hope: For the possibility and growth in each moment.
Compassion: For all of creation and our deep connection.
Generosity: For all that shall be asked of me this day.
Laughter: For the joy that will refresh my heart.
Patience: For the difficult challenges that may arise.
Each word was a gentle reminder of what truly sustains us — the small but sacred virtues that guide how we live, lead, and serve. As I reached the center of the labyrinth, I felt grounded and grateful, carrying with me the wisdom of the walk and the shared spirit of our retreat.
It took three classes of sharing the prompt before it actually landed for me. “Write a letter from Love to yourself,” Elizabeth Gilbert suggested in her essay, “Letters From Love,” in the book, The Book of Alchemy, by Suleika Jaouad.
First, it was with those in the young adult recovery unit and I did feel a slight stirring when I began writing. Then it was with the older adults and young mothers; but I was too concerned about whether or not they understood the prompt to let it settle deeply within me. Still, I wrote. Then it was the behavioral health crisis unit. Only one participant, and I saw how she struggled with the assignment, not because she didn’t understand how to reply to the prompt but because she didn’t really know what love was.
“Think of someone who loves you,” I said, and then wished I hadn’t. I know there are many in these programs who can’t call such a person to mind. I was met with silence.
Finally, she replied softly, “my dog loves me.”
And relieved, I responded, “YES! Write a letter from your dog!”
And she did. And it was beautiful and touching; and suddenly, I couldn’t stop the tears. It was as if she unlocked the gate, as if her words finally broke through the wall, as if I was finally able to receive a message from Love. And it splintered me and then healed me right back up. In a split second, in an unbelievable moment of grace.
I remember when a friend told me that she learned what it was to feel loved by God. It happened for her during a worship service in which the scripture reading was the parable of the treasure in the field found in Matthew 13:44-46.
“As I heard the story again, it dawned on me,” she said, “that maybe I could see this lesson from Jesus in a new way. What if I was the treasure in the field? What if I was not the one searching for it, the one who sold everything to buy it; but what if I was the treasure, and God sold everything to keep me? And with that thought, I sat in that sanctuary, weeping at such loveliness.”
Maybe Love has been trying to speak to you. Maybe Love wants to write you a letter. Or maybe Love just wants to remind you that you are God’s treasure and that nothing can steal away your belovedness. Maybe it’s time for you to let the message in.
A couple of years ago, I was sitting by myself in a quiet casita in northern New Mexico, having my morning cup of coffee and delighting in the rare moments of stillness…
As I gazed out the floor-length window directly in front of the table where I sat, I suddenly caught the faintest reflection of my coffee cup in the window…and immediately I found myself imagining that Jesus was holding that cup. And I found myself eagerly stepping into a space where Jesus was sitting there across the table, holding not only a cup of coffee in his hands but holding me in his gaze…
And I heard him ask, “What do you want me to do for you?”
My answer to that question, and the ensuing conversation we had, were deeply moving– and perhaps the topic for another reflection sometime…
…but for now, I bring it up because the Gospel reading for today–Matthew 20:20-28–brought it to mind. In Matthew 20:21, we find Jesus asking that question of someone else.
“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus along with her sons. Bowing before him, she asked a favor of him.
“‘What do you want?’ he asked.”
And she answered. [If you’re curious, you can read her answer for yourself… Click here to find it.]
And Jesus said, “You don’t know what you’re asking!” (Mt. 20:22a)
You don’t know what you’re asking.
And I thought, how often must that be the Divine response to our prayers??
…because so often, we don’t know what we’re asking…
Although we think we do!
When we’re confused, for example, we want direction and clarity (of course we do!!)…but what if, rather than to be given the “solution,” what we need is to keep muddling through, to look and listen more deeply within ourselves rather than outside of ourselves? What if what we need is to become more comfortable with discomfort, more accepting of what feels unacceptable?…
When we or a loved one is ill, we want healing–healing that looks suspiciously like a cure (of course we do!!)…but what if the deeper wholeness that’s needed looks different? What if, somehow, the more eternal healing will come to pass when the cure doesn’t?…
When there is conflict, we want peace (of course we do!!)…but what if the deeper answers are found in the struggle? What if the only way we will truly grow is by going through the fight? By continuing to resist?…
When fear abounds, we want it go away (of course we do!!)…but what if the greater gift is to feel strength in the midst of the fear, God’s abiding Presence in the midst of chaos, a deep Trust that all shall be well when we are quaking with terror?…
Often, or at least sometimes, we think we know what we’re asking for when we pray…
If Jesus asked us, as he did the woman in today’s story, “What do you want me to do for you?”, often, or at least sometimes, we, like she did, would have an answer…
How often, I can’t help but wonder, would Jesus respond: You don’t know what you’re asking!
How often, I have to ask myself, does Jesus respond: You don’t know what you’re asking!
And when–not if, but when–that happens, I wonder—can we hear it? Can we receive it? Can we accept it? And can we then seek and trust the divine truth behind it?
Last Sunday I had the opportunity to observe Dr. Gloria Smith sit on the floor surrounded by young adults. She was addressing the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, an event that took place before most of them were born. In her typically respectful posture toward the young, Dr. Smith carefully explained the rise of the storm and the circumstances that made it so devastating. She went on to clearly describe not only the real-life physical aftermath of Katrina, but the reality of those who were the most physically, emotionally and morally injured…the harsh reality for the poor and disenfranchised. However, Dr. Smith did not stop here. She talked about the importance of the concept of neighbor helping neighbor, how the UCC rolled up its collective sleeves, and began picking up one stick at a time.
Katrina slammed into New Orleans, reportedly as one of the worst five storms in American history, and like the open casket of Emmett Louis Till, forced Americans to see the ugly divide of race. I watched in horror as Brian Williams reported his personal experience with Katrina’s aftermath in an NBC news special that appeared a year after the storm hit. Williams repeated over and over again that the post Katrina situation did not resemble anything that could happen in the United States, and that the human suffering was incredible by modern standards. As the crowd in the Superdome grew to more than 30,000, Williams lost his reporter’s neutrality, and talked about the inhabitants as being “obviously poor” and mostly African American. He went on to report that the Superdome inhabitants were treated roughly by the National Guard, and the whole situation “felt bad.” After the storm passed, and the levees broke, flooding at least 80% of the city, Williams, hoping to use the media’s influence in a positive way, further dropped his neutrality and pleaded with any authorities who would listen to recognize that there were people still in desperate need of help. Williams stated in an interview that he viewed the situation from his own standing as a father and husband, and related back to his childhood values that we are all of equal value. He summarized that the families of color in New Orleans were not treated with equal value.
This news special put my own mind and heart into motion. Who were these people who remained in New Orleans during and after the storm? Why did they stay? How did the rest of the country view them? Why didn’t we know about them before?
The term “underclass” was coined in the United States by journalist Ken Auletta, and it focuses attention on the basement of the American social system (those who are viewed to be “under” the rest of us). Christopher Jencks suggests three different kinds of “underclass”: economic (those who are working age and unable to get steady work); moral (whose with deviant behavioral norms such as addiction) and educational (those lacking in cultural and social skills). These citizens are the least privileged in our culture. Many of those most harshly affected by Katrina were already the poorest of the poor. The people who remained during and after Katrina lacked basic resources to evacuate the area.
Barack Obama responded by saying, “I hope we realize that the people of New Orleans weren’t just abandoned during the hurricane. They were abandoned long ago—to murder and mayhem in the streets, to substandard schools, to dilapidated housing, to inadequate health care, to a pervasive sense of hopelessness.”
The moral question becomes: Will Americans continue to turn a blind eye to the underclass and support political decisions based on hate, privilege and prejudice or will we come together to form a community of hope, picking up one spiritual stick at a time? Will we learn the painful lessons that Katrina was trying to teach? Will we, like Dr. Gloria Smith, pass on our learnings to the next generation, roll up our sleeves, suit up and show up, and say a resounding “no” to hate and hopelessness??? I say it’s time to get to work.
For clergy or lay members engaged in the demanding and holy work of pastoral care, sustainability is key. The following safeguards are designed to help you protect your spirit, maintain healthy boundaries, and continue to serve from a place of fullness rather than depletion, preventing burnout and compassion fatigue.
Anchor Yourself in Personal Spiritual Practices You cannot pour out what you have not first received. Your personal time for prayer, scripture study, and quiet contemplation is not a luxury – it is the very source of the grace you extend to others. Protect this time fiercely so you can minister from a place of genuine connection with God.
Acknowledge the Sacred Weight of the Work The stories you hear and the pain you witness are heavy. Acknowledge the emotional and spiritual toll of this ministry. Like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, it is okay to feel the weight of this work. Naming it prevents the burden from silently crushing your spirit.
Set Healthy Ministry Boundaries Your role is to be a companion, not a savior. Practice compassionate detachment by walking with people in their pain without taking their burdens on as your own. Know when a visit is over, be clear about your availability, and protect your family and personal time.
Actively Give and Receive Care Within Your Team Your care team meetings should be more than just case management. They must be a safe space for you to be vulnerable, to share your own struggles, and to pray for one another. Intentionally practice being a caregiver to your fellow team members.
Know When to Refer You are a spiritual companion, not a professional therapist or social worker. A critical part of responsible pastoral care is recognizing situations that are beyond the scope of your training. See it as a strength, not a failure, to connect someone with professional counseling or other resources.
Practice Spiritual and Emotional Self-Awareness Regularly and prayerfully check in with yourself. What are your personal signs of stress or fatigue? Are you feeling irritable, cynical, or emotionally numb? Pay attention to these signals from your body and spirit as a prompt to seek rest and support.
Embrace the Discipline of Sabbath True Sabbath is more than just a day off; it is a deliberate ceasing from work and worry to delight in God and creation. Intentionally schedule time for rest, hobbies, and activities that replenish your soul and have nothing to do with your ministry role.
Nurture Your Life Outside of Ministry Your identity is more than “pastoral caregiver.” Cultivate your friendships, family relationships, and personal interests. Maintaining a full and varied life provides perspective, joy, and resilience that will, in turn, enrich your ministry.
Seek Continual Spiritual Formation Continue to be a student of faith. Participating in Bible studies, attending workshops, or going on retreats for your own spiritual growth will deepen your wellspring of wisdom and grace, equipping you for the long haul of ministry.
Practice Grace-Filled Self-Compassion You will not always have the right words. You will sometimes feel like you have failed. In these moments, extend the same grace to yourself that you are called to extend to others. Remember that your worth is not in your effectiveness, but in your identity as a beloved child of God.
Reconnect with Your Calling When you feel weary, take time to remember and reflect on why you first felt called to this ministry. Sharing these stories with your team can be a powerful reminder of your shared purpose and God’s faithfulness.
Lean on Church Leadership You are not in this alone. Your senior minister and other church leaders are there to support you. Be honest with them about the team’s weariness and your personal need for support. A healthy ministry is one where caregivers feel seen, valued, and supported by their leadership.
Based on the works of:
Barton, R. H. (2008). Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry. InterVarsity Press.
Burns, B., Chapman, T. D., & Guthrie, D. C. (2013). Resilient Ministry: What Pastors Told Us About Surviving and Thriving. IVP Books.
In an era where technology increasingly intersects with every facet of our lives, it’s perhaps no surprise that even the sacred halls of worship are beginning to feel its transformative touch. My recent experiment with Suno.com, an innovative AI-powered music creation platform, has opened my eyes to a fascinating and rapidly emerging trend: the use of artificial intelligence to compose and produce music for churches. This isn’t just about novelty; it’s about a profound shift in how congregations can express their faith, embrace inclusivity, and deepen community bonds through the universal language of music.
My first SUNO.COM album created for the Open & Affirming Coalition National Gathering in Kansas City in July of 2025 (click image to listen).
The “Why”: Modernizing Theology and Embracing Diverse Voices
For centuries, church music has served as a cornerstone of worship, a vehicle for communal expression and spiritual reflection. However, as societies evolve and theological understandings broaden, traditional hymns and anthems, while beautiful, may not always resonate with the diverse experiences and contemporary sensibilities of modern congregations. Many churches are grappling with how to make their worship more relevant, inclusive, and reflective of progressive theological stances – those that champion social justice, environmental stewardship, and radical inclusivity for all, regardless of background or identity.
This is where AI music creation steps in as a powerful ally. Platforms like Suno.com allow users to describe a specific “vibe” or musical style, enabling the creation of sounds that speak directly to marginalized communities and younger generations. Imagine worship songs infused with the rhythms of hip-hop, the introspective melodies of indie folk, the vibrant energy of electronic music, or the soulful depth of R&B. These are genres that often feel alien to traditional church settings but are deeply meaningful to many. AI’s versatility allows for this stylistic breadth, breaking down musical barriers and ensuring that the message of faith can be heard and felt by everyone, in a language they understand and appreciate, and representing and respecting the cultures they come from.
The “How”: AI as a Co-Creator in the Worship Experience
The process of creating music with AI is surprisingly intuitive and deeply collaborative. Users can input lyrical themes, specific phrases, or even entire poems, then select desired genres, moods, and instrumental arrangements. The AI then processes these inputs, generating unique musical compositions. This synergy between human intention and artificial intelligence is not about replacing human creativity but enhancing it. AI acts as a tireless co-creator, a boundless musical assistant capable of producing diverse arrangements and melodies at an unprecedented speed.
This capability is particularly transformative for churches with limited musical resources. A small congregation without a full band or a skilled pianist can now produce high-quality, contemporary worship music. AI can overcome the practical limitations of specific instruments or the availability of musicians skilled in certain genres. It allows worship teams to experiment rapidly with different sounds, iterating on ideas until they find the perfect sonic expression for their message. The pastor and worship leaders can work hand-in-hand with the AI, ensuring the music perfectly complements the sermon and the overarching spiritual theme of the service.
Beyond Sunday Service: Fostering Community and Engagement
The implications of AI-generated church music extend far beyond the Sunday service. Imagine an entire congregation having its own “album” – a collection of original songs that reflect their unique spiritual journey and community identity. This isn’t just a novelty; it’s a powerful tool for reinforcing faith and strengthening community bonds outside of formal worship. Members can listen to these songs throughout the week, deepening their connection to the church’s message and to each other. My own experiment, “UCC Open Affirming Anthems,” available on SoundCloud, offers a glimpse into this potential, demonstrating how a distinct musical identity can emerge.
Furthermore, this music becomes an invaluable asset for outreach and promotion. In an increasingly digital world, sharing AI-crafted songs on social media, integrating them into online ministries, or using them in youth group activities provides a fresh, engaging way to connect with potential new members and spread the church’s message. It allows churches to present a modern, vibrant image, attracting individuals who might otherwise feel disconnected from traditional religious institutions.
Practical Advantages and Accessibility
One of the most compelling practical advantages of using AI for church music, especially for non-profit endeavors, is the significant reduction in copyright complexities and costs. Traditional music licensing can be a labyrinthine and expensive process, often prohibitive for smaller churches. By creating original music with AI for non-commercial use, churches can sidestep these hurdles, freeing up resources and creative energy.
Beyond copyright, the cost-effectiveness is undeniable. Hiring professional composers, studio time, and licensing popular contemporary worship songs can incur substantial expenses. AI platforms offer a remarkably affordable alternative, democratizing access to high-quality music production. This accessibility empowers smaller, less affluent churches to produce music that sounds professional and relevant, leveling the playing field and ensuring that financial constraints don’t limit their ability to express their faith through song.
Maintaining Human Connection and Navigating Ethical Considerations
Crucially, the rise of AI in church music does not diminish the importance of human involvement; it redefines it. The goal is not to replace human musicians but to empower them. AI can generate “singable” songs, designed with church choirs and instrumentalists in mind, ensuring that human voices and hands remain central to the worship experience. The beauty lies in a hybrid approach: live performances of AI-inspired compositions, complemented by the playback of AI-generated recordings for more complex arrangements or styles that are difficult to replicate live.
However, as with any transformative technology, ethical considerations must be addressed. The impact on human composers and artists is a valid concern. While many church musicians are volunteers or paid modestly, the broader implications for the music industry warrant ongoing dialogue. Can AI truly convey the spiritual depth, the raw emotion, or the nuanced theological understanding that a human composer pours into their work? This philosophical question remains central. The answer likely lies in recognizing AI as a tool – a powerful brush in the hands of human artists and spiritual leaders – ensuring that the message remains authentic, pastor-led, and ultimately, deeply human.
My experiment with Suno.com has unveiled a promising frontier for church music. It’s a trend that offers unprecedented opportunities for inclusivity, creativity, and community building, inviting churches to explore new harmonies in their journey of faith.
You can listen to an example of my album, “UCC Open Affirming Anthems,” which explores these concepts further:
In the midst of the chaos, hear the wind blowing. The spirit is among us.
God of color and paint, yoga and yearning, God of laughter and longing, hear our prayer.
God of the damaged and dangerous, God of the dreamer and the dragon slayer, be with us today.
Christ the Risen and the revolutionary, lead us where you would have us go. Give us the direction, the dream, the desire to do your will.
God of the weak and weary, God of the faint of heart, breathe in us the breath of life, and armor us to defend the stranger and the vulnerable.
God of Justice. Christ the just. Spirit of the right thing to do, sway us in your wind, envelop us in the Holy Spirit. Catapult us into a world where justice crashes down like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
In remembrance of the martyrs, let us preach like Martin, seek like Romero, risk like the Freedom Riders. In the spirit of the living, let us embrace life like Mandela, laugh like Tutu and stand up like our UCC ancestors and leaders who have said no to war, no to hate, yes to the ordination of women, yes to the ordination of LBGTQ, and yes to extravagant welcome.
And, God, as you have welcomed us, we welcome your presence in this time of chaos and fear. Be with us. Guide us. Bless us as we offer ourselves to you. Thank you, thank you, and thank you again for the courage you have given us to face times such as these.
