The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Chapman
Pastor | Creative | Bad Ass
Writings
I began writing as a hobby in 2012 to chronicle my move from Georgia to Connecticut, my work with Westfield Church, and my ideas, sermons, and notions. In the time since, a little of everything has been posted here, and I think that’s the way it’ll stay.
The Latest
Infinitely Richer: The Eulogy for My Dad
My Dad, Terry Chapman, died on May 13, 2022. He was a remarkable man in a dozen quiet, unassuming ways. I know many people eulogize loved ones. For me, it felt a little different because it's my job. My vocation is, in part, to walk people to the threshold of...
Sermons
The Whole Truth
On Sunday, February 2, I preached a hard reality for me. I shared a portion of that sermon on Facebook, and I am sharing it here in its totality. It's based on Mark 5:21-43. They were all looking for a miracle. Every last one of them who was following Jesus wanted to...
Rejoicing, Weeping, & Moving Beyond Mascots
Killingly has been embroiled in a devastating fight around our high school mascot for the last six months that reached a fever pitch this week when the school board met for 5 hours to address the issue. The scripture for the week, prescribed by the Narrative...
Being a Blessing: A Reflection on Human Decency to Celebrate Rosh Hashanah
Earlier this week, I was invited by our local synagogue to join them for Rosh Hashanah and asked to reflect on the notion of human decency. I was honored to spend the time with them, and I am grateful for their wide welcome and generous spirit of interfaith wisdom,...
Letters to Killingly
A Little Kindness For My Little Town
Dear Killingly, It feels like I've lived here a lifetime, which is remarkable, in way, since I only visited this little town on the Connecticut-Rhode Island border for the first time seven years ago this June. The truth is that I needed a job and there was one open...
Two Times Too Many: Another Letter to the Town I Love
Dear Killingly, I last wrote to you a few months ago when we were deep into dark winter months. It was just after New Year's Day, and, if you recall, it seemed like we just couldn't catch a break. There was one student death. Then another. Then a teacher and another...
A Little Love For My Little Town
Dear Killingly, I moved to your town in October of 2012. I'm a born and bred Southerner who loves all things Southern--things like grits and coca-cola and air conditioning. Late in September of that year, I packed up my life and my cat and drove north. I remember...
Visual Worship
How Westfield Found Their Pulse
When I first moved to Connecticut, my congregation wasn't officially Open and Affirming. For the uninitiated, Open and Affirming (ONA) is an official designation within our denomination, the United Church of Christ, for congregations that welcome and affirm LGBTQ...
Prayer Stations: Fifth Sunday Adventures
Growing up, we had Fifth Sunday Night Sings. Every fifth Sunday, area churches would get together for a potluck and hymn sing. We'd eat all kinds of delicious food, then sing all kinds of beloved songs. It was a cherished way to spend time together with Christians...
Ribbons of Fire
Pentecost is one of my favorite days in the church year. Here's why: I love the color red (although green is my favorite); I love the story of the followers of Jesus not knowing what hit them and how everyone else thought they were drunk; and I LOVE Johnny Cash's...
Stoles
New Stole Sunday: Church Logo Edition
CONFESSION: Before you go any further, dear reader, and decide that I have absolutely no liturgical sensibilities because I wore a WHITE stole on Pentecost, be at peace. I wore this one last week (5/8). I just didn't have a chance before today to highlight it. Also, I...
New Stole Sunday: How Greg Won Christmas
I've a confession to make: I LOVE STOLES. I have lots of them--nearly fifty. (I know. I've got a problem.) My dear husband, Greg, doesn't help. For every gift-giving holiday, he's got a new, custom stole up his sleeves. In fact, there are over 10 waiting in the wings...
Blinded by the Light: A Transfiguration New Stole Sunday
It's no secret that I have a penchant for stoles. In fact, two Christmases ago, my dear G. cataloged them. That's right. I have a catalog of my stoles. Last September, Greg gave me this beauty--a lovely addition to my collection, don't you think? I love the...
Mama’s Boy
Mama’s Boy: The Final Letter
Read the previous letters: Mama's Boy, Vol 1 | Mama's Boy, Vol 2 | Mama's Boy, Vol 3 Mama's Boy, Vol 4 | Mama's Boy, Halloween Edition Dear Mama, For five years now, I've written to you on Mother's Day. For five years, I've lamented the tradition of...
Halloween Special Edition: Mama’s Boy
Oh, Mama. I usually write to you on Mother's Day--a day filled with sweet memories and an undeniable sense of injustice for me. I write about what's going on with me. I tell you about Dad, about life since you died. I write about memories and church and singing. I...
Mama’s Boy, vol. 4
Read the previous letters: Mama's Boy, Vol. 1 Mama's Boy, Vol. 2 Mama's Boy, Vol. 3 Dear Mama, I wore flamingo socks today, and I thought of you all morning. Years ago, you jokingly bought two plastic pink flamingos for the front lawn. Dad and I thought they were...