Journal

Series: Arts and Formation

“Gifts” – A Poem by Ann Bodling

“Gifts” – A Poem by Ann Bodling

by Ann Bodling, Coracle Spiritual Director In this strange, disorienting, sometimes-hopeful sometimes-fearful, sometimes-sad time, I can forget. The gifts are here, as always. The Presence of God is here, as always. To recognize them I need to notice, as always. And...
Why We Return to Beloved Stories

Why We Return to Beloved Stories

In this “Simple Soundings” reflection, Drew Masterson shares why we return to familiar stories even when we already know what will happen.  He ends with a poem from Richard Wilbur, “The Reader.”Explore Other “Simple Soundings”...
A Visible Presence

A Visible Presence

How might we, as Christians, be a visible presence to the communities where we live?  Aside from checking on our neighbors, family, and friends, what might we do to share the love of Jesus with others?  As followers of Jesus, we are people of HOPE!  We have good news...
Why Coracle Takes Stories Seriously

Why Coracle Takes Stories Seriously

At Coracle, we aim “to inspire and enable people to be the presence of God in the brokenness of the world through Spiritual Formation for Kingdom Action.” With that mission clearly stated, it is fair to wonder why we would choose to gather once a month to discuss a...
Deliverer, Delivered

Deliverer, Delivered

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.”  Luke 2:6 (NIV)   In an unknown town, a week’s distance from the womanly wisdom of mother, sisters, aunts, it began.  Plodding heavily beside...
Joseph Speaks

Joseph Speaks

She insisted on seeing me face-to-face, unveiled, defying all custom for the betrothed to remain apart until the wedding feast. I watched her eyes rain when she saw doubt and pain in mine. They said it was a good match: me from David’s royal line, she connected to...
Eucharist Song

Eucharist Song

Poem and Reflection by Julie Harrison Eastwood Coracle Fellow, Class of 2019 Eucharist Song Prepare the fields lay them open and ready to receive graft and seed to be baptized with rain with tears as we wait in the hospitable silence Sing with the fields greening in...
A Poem for Epiphany

A Poem for Epiphany

O God, who am I now? Once, I was secure in familiar territory in my sense of belonging unquestioning of  the norms of my culture the assumptions built into my language the values shared by my society. But now you have called me out and away from home and I do not know...

Palm Sunday Poem

We’re borrowing from G.K. Chesterton and posting a poem told from the perspective of the animal on which Jesus entered Jerusalem.  Welcome to Holy Week everyone! The Donkey BY G. K. CHESTERTON When fishes flew and forests walked    And figs grew upon thorn, Some...

Stars in Spiral Song

“Stars in Spiral Song” Penetrate me with passion, pure and holy flame. Wild and free, galaxies spin cast forth, strewn like dice loaded and shot wide; a sweep and stars dance comets sing, take flight on sparkling wing to find wonders, and praise Your name....

Sleepers, Awake!

Sleepers, Awake! by Bill Haley Sometimes I don’t want to sleep, Because it’s all too wonderful. I sit and ponder nothing And everything at once. I hold my longings unlisted with an open heart And trust the Brooding One, who is here To hear And prod me when my eyelids...

A Poem at the Start of Advent

“At the Beginning of Advent”  by Bill Haley Father, now comes Advent again, Our response is to pause, and recall, That you sent Jesus, for us and for the world, Your glory unfurled vulnerably sweet, that we might see who You are, and be your body to this suffering...