Okay. Take a deep breath. Holy Week is almost upon us and yet, no matter the planning that goes into this season, it can feel like we are at loose ends. And, importantly, there is a gap between what it means to be prepared to lead ministry during Holy Week and how we experience this … Read more
When Mary and Joseph walked into the temple, in obedience to the laws of their ancestors, they brought offerings and sacrifices. Unlike many parents, who were undoubtedly there doing the same thing, they also knew something of their child’s future. And of course, while in the temple, not one but two revered elders prophesied over … Read more
I love the Feast of the Epiphany for many reasons, but primarily because it’s when people from other nations are woven into the Jesus story. “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. They asked, ‘Where is the newborn king … Read more
For me, hearing the first Christmas carol played over the intercom at the shopping center brings an initial shock of surprise: the holiday season is here. Whether I like it or not, I know I will soon be swept into the throes of excitement and joy. What many call the Spirit of Christmas begins to fill my … Read more
Is it required upon entering adulthood to begin some sort of Christmas collection? Crechés. Nutcrackers. Santa mugs. Fragile Radko ornaments. Christmas china. Santa Claus mugs. I learned last week that members of my church are Christmas collectors; I am among them. Below our tree sits a brown wicker basket full of Christmas books. I began … Read more
On the far side of the room from where I sit most work days, I can see our Advent wall hanging: the clay half-circles reading Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love cascade down the wall next to our front window. I’ve been able to see them from this seat for the entire last year…because I never … Read more
Every single Advent, at just about the third week, time seems to speed up, and Christmas suddenly feels minutes away. This is when it really hits me that the calendar year is almost over. In the time warp that is working in a church and constantly planning a season or two in advance, just as … Read more
I used to play Saint Nicholas and present his story at Christmas markets designed to inspire giving to non-profits helping needy populations. There, I was astounded by how many Christian children and parents were unaware of Saint Nicholas’s relationship to Santa. But they loved learning about it. I began wondering if Christmas would be less commercialized if families better … Read more
Searching the Gospel for stories of Andrew, we find him in sentences such as this one from Matthew 10: “Simon, also known as Peter, and Andrew his brother…” Andrew almost never gets a mention under his own steam, but is almost always mentioned as being Simon’s brother. Jesus gives Simon a special new name; not … Read more
Part of my family is already observing Advent. And it’s not the clergy parents who are up to their eyeballs in Advent sermons, bulletins, and formation resources. My teenage children participate in the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration’s youth group, just a couple of miles from our house. They typically gather on Wednesday evenings, but … Read more
