Ruth Everhart

Author, Pastor, Speaker

Anniversary of Ordination

A few years ago, on my anniversary of ordination, I searched through a few old photos and found this one from my seminary graduation, a year and a half before my ordination. In this photo I'm wearing a stole that my mother (left) and my aunt (right) embroidered as a graduation gift. The picture was … [Read more...] about Anniversary of Ordination

Memorial Service Liturgy

My father wrote the liturgy for his memorial service many years before his death. Working with it after he died, I felt very close to him. As a pastor, I have planned and conducted many funerals. Years ago Dad asked me to send him a list of suitable scriptures. He did a good job choosing -- one of … [Read more...] about Memorial Service Liturgy

There’s a Woman in the Pulpit, a biased book review

I?m a woman who's spent a good portion of my career occupying pulpits. In some circles a preaching woman is seen as a problem. Now comes a book that normalizes my life: "There's a Woman in the Pulpit." What a gift! I?ve always wanted to feel normal. That's why I was so happy to contribute to this … [Read more...] about There’s a Woman in the Pulpit, a biased book review

In Celebration of Clergywomen

October 14, 2014 is my 24th Anniversary of Ordination to the Ministry of Word & Sacrament. What a privilege to live this life! For the past three years I haven't been serving a church full time, and so I have a bit of distance from my vocation. More than ever, I love rubbing elbows with other … [Read more...] about In Celebration of Clergywomen

The Perfect Preaching Outfit

There are lots of women entering ministry these days, which is a wonderful thing. Recently there was a spirited discussion over at RevGalBlogPals about what folks wear on Sunday mornings. Since I've had to choose "what to wear" to lead worship nearly 1,000 times, I have some pretty specific … [Read more...] about The Perfect Preaching Outfit

Hymns, Heat & Heaven

Step back in time with me, won't you? Imagine a church constructed of logs, filled to the brim with 250 people singing hymns without accompaniment. The majority of those people are Old Order Mennonite, dressed in their Sunday go-to-meeting clothes. Balconies on either side of the meetinghouse burst … [Read more...] about Hymns, Heat & Heaven

Minister/Mom: Role Collision

In seminary we were told that occasionally we would encounter a collision of church needs and family needs. Well, there's an understatement! And after 20+ years in ministry, the conflicts do not end. Our Younger Daughter is in her 3rd year of college, studying Entrepreneurship. For the past 9 … [Read more...] about Minister/Mom: Role Collision