Rev. Sarah Almanza
Minister. Bartender. Dog mom.
I am a questioner. A seeker. A person who believes in the transformational love of God.
"God has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Divine require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8
About Me
Rev. Sarah Almanza
I'm an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and served a variety of ministerial positions in churches in Dallas-Fort Worth. I also happen to be a progressive, feminist, ethnically-ambiguous, woman which gives me a unique perspective on God, faith, and life. I'm a long time ally to the LGBTQ+ community. I am pro-choice, passionate about reproductive justice issues and having healthy conversations around sexuality and spirituality.
I believe that love is the foundation of all things and that building healthy relationships between one another, the earth, and God is holy work. Learning to love in radically transforming ways is what guides my faith. I talk a lot about God and the Spirit but, Jesus is really the reason I know about love, justice, and compassion.
I also pour beer. It is basically the same thing. I get to serve people and hear their stories.
Currently reading, watching, & listening to...
Preaching Black Lives (Matter)
Edited by Gayle Fisher-Stewart
Preaching Black Lives (Matter) is an anthology that asks, “What does it mean to be church where Black lives matter?”
Prophetic imagination would have us see a future in which all Christians would be free of the soul-warping belief and practice of racism. This collection of reflections is an incisive look into that future today. It explains why preaching about race is important in the elimination of racism in the church and society, and how preaching has the ability to transform hearts. While programs, protests, conferences, and laws are all important and necessary, less frequently discussed is the role of the church, specifically the Anglican Church and Episcopal Church, in ending systems of injustice. The ability to preach from the pulpit is mandatory for every person, clergy or lay, regardless of race, who has the responsibility to spread the gospel.
For there’s a saying in the Black church, “If it isn’t preached from the pulpit, it isn’t important.”
Projects
I'm always working on some kind of project...
Streaming on Twitch
Streaming is paused for the moment-
Come check out our little streaming community!
Twitch.tv/sarbearstare1
(or click the "twitch" button below)
Monday @ 7:30 cst~ Jackbox Games
Thursday @ 1:00 cst~ Craft & Chat
Thursday Night~ Random Games
Saturday~ DnD (Random Saturdays)
Scripture Art
Check out my Instagram to see my ongoing art projects inspired by scripture
I paint as a hobby and as a spiritual practice. Simply sitting with scripture, reflecting on the feelings it invokes and putting that on paper.
Services and Ministries
Preaching, officiating, and speaking, how can I serve you?
Preaching
I absolutely love preaching! There is something special and humbling getting to share the good news with people on Sunday morning.
I am happy to preach from the lectionary, fit into a sermon series, or pick my own text. Whether your minister is going on vacation for a week or it is time for a sabbatical, I am available to guest preach once or for multiple weeks in a row. Click "Get in Touch" to find out more about my availability and rates.
Weddings
I love love! I love weddings too!
If you are looking for an officiant for your ceremony, it would be my honor to be part of your special day.
From traditional to quick and simple to themed, I love it all!
(LGBTQ+ Friendly)
Click "Get in Touch" to find out more about my rates and services.
Speaker
If your group is looking for a guest or keynote speaker, I would love to be that person.
A few of my favorite topics:
-Reproductive justice and women's rights
-Small church: its all about quality
-Questions you "can't ask your minister"
-Intergenerational relationships
-God, Church, and Jesus
-Women in the Bible
-Spiritual development and guidance
-Leadership training
Click "Get in Touch" to find out about my rates and availability.
The Knot
Find me on The Knot
If you are getting married and using The Knot for all your wedding coordinating purposes, click "The Knot" to go to my storefront on their website.
Wedding Wire
Find me on WeddingWire
If you are organizing your wedding on WeddingWire, click on "WeddingWire" located below and find me there for your officiating needs.
Sermons
A few sermons and devotionals over the years. For more sermons and worship services click "more sermons" and check out May 2020 to February 2021.
Upcoming Speaking Engagements
Two on One
April 21, 2020
Rev. Sarah will be a guest on Two On One, a weekly talk show and podcast on theology and pop culture with Revs. Stephanie Kendell and Arthur Stewart. Her area of expertise in all things Potter will finally come in handy has she reps the great and brave house of Gryffindor!
Guest Preaching
May 2, 2021
Join worship on May 2nd as Rev. Sarah fills in as a guest preacher at Northwest Christian Church in Arlington, Texas. You can participate in the Facebook Live worship service by clicking the "Join Worship" link.
Disciples Women
May 4, 2021
I will share a little bit about living faithfully to a group of women in a fully virtual event. If you would like to know more, contact me!
