Ruth Marston-Bihl on Clubhouse

Bio

I’m a pastor to one of the most anti-church, unchurched, wait, church? communities in America.

I’m an ordained elder in a denomination splintering over families like mine, a family currently defined by diaper changes, late night admiration of a partners ability to shush the tears of teething, and deep belly laughs as we discover the wonder of toes together.

I’m a preacher who tries to advocate for dismantling white supremacy to a mostly white church in one of the whitest cities in America. I’m still trying to unlearn what I think I should know.

I’m a Christian in a capitalist, racist, gun-loving, overworked, woman-hating, unsustainable society. This often gets me into trouble, but not nearly enough.

I’m an enthusiastic composter and a slightly failed gardener, ever hopeful each spring, ever forgetful come summer, ever appreciative of other people’s tomatoes.

I have loved Romance novels since I was a teen. As a dear friend reminded me of the L’Engle quote, it’s a genre with a set form, that provides opportunities to ask questions about relationship: “Life, with its rules, its obligations, and its freedoms, is like a sonnet: You're given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself.” Or maybe it was just the genre that gave women the most screen time.

I loved Science-Fiction since I was a child, because I knew that somehow all of this was broken, and it was fun to dream ourselves into something better. And it wasn’t until my 30s that I finally committed to Trek over Wars, to journey over warrior. Yes, I will laugh as we debate this for at least two hours.

At least one cookbook or recipe is always sitting on the counter where I should be writing sermons.

One day, I’ll get around to writing what everyone tells me, “You should write a book about this. No one will believe you.” (Luke 24:11).

This is probably longer than anything I’ll speak in a room. I like to listen.

I look forward to getting to know you.

She/her