Welcome to the Friends’ Meditation Collection
Here you will find all of the monthly meditations we’ve sent to the Friends of the Center since the beginning of the program. Our hope is that this page will make it easy for you to refer back to these thought-provoking, short reflections written by a diverse community of contributors, including pastoral leaders, theologians, scholars, graduate students, and faithful members active in their churches and communities.
In addition to the chronological ordering of the meditations, you can search by the seasons of the liturgical calendar through the buttons to the right.
Poetry and the Old Testament
Michelle Navarrete
Michelle is the daughter of Mexican immigrants and was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament at Emory University and is passionate about bridging spaces of church and academy more fully.
This reflection invites readers to consider the beauty and depth of the poetry, music, and songwriting found in the Psalms.
How Does the Protestant Reformation Influence Us Today?
Rev. Esteban González Doble
Rev. González, ordained in the Christian Church, has served as a pastor for several years in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Puerto Rico and has also held numerous leadership positions.
This meditation invites readers to reflect on the ways the Church continues to reform and renew itself.
When the Spirit Repairs What Babel Destroyed
Rev. Dr. Rafael Lemos Viana
Rev. Viana is a Brazilian pastor, church planter, life coach, and theological educator serving immigrant communities in Georgia through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree that focuses on pastoral burnout and resilience among Latino/a immigrant pastors.
This mediation explains how Pentecost reverses Babel's division, uniting people through the Spirit's healing power.
Creation and Redemption
Kelmadis Pérez Rivera
Kelmadis has served in various ministries, including over 30 years as a Bible teacher, and has also been a committed leader in environmental causes through organizations such as Ciudadana Botánica and Para la Naturaleza, groups involved with reforestation and protection of Puerto Rico’s fragile ecosystems.
This meditation highlights God's presence in creation and our responsibility to care for it.