Keeping the Holidays

As a youngster I was always surprised each year when I read Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol, or heard the radio broadcast starring Lionel Barrymore (This was before television.) Later, I enjoyed the various television specials. I think my favorite is the one in which the late George Scott portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge. At the climax of … READ MORE…

Dealing with grief during Christmas

I will never forget the Christmas following the sudden death of my 19 year old daughter/college student. We buried Debbie the week before Christmas almost 40 years ago. That “Christmas”never happened for me and my family that year. We were “numbed” with a tragic loss. Christmas is a celebrative time, the world is in a … READ MORE…

The Bridge through Advent

My uncles live in Green Valley, Arizona, where they attend The Good Shepherd UCC church. You might recognize the welcome expressed on their web site . Last Sunday, their good friend and pastor Rev. Randy J. Mayer preached the following, and I thought it very resonant for us in San Diego as well. Careful, it … READ MORE…

In and out of the labyrinth

Have you ever noticed the labyrinth painted on the floor of the Great Hall? Ever wondered what those labyrinth walks advertised in the bulletin are really like? Susan and Lisa attended their first labyrinth walk last Wednesday, and sent us this report. We have been intrigued by the idea of a labyrinth for some time, … READ MORE…

An Addict’s Christmas

Each year when Christmas rolls around I think of a story of about an addict and his recovery. It happened a number of years ago. Life had become about as bad as it could be for this poor fellow. He had reached the point where he had no friends, no meaning in life and was … READ MORE…

Christmas Recitals

Dear Friends at St. Paul’s, I am blessed to have the opportunity to offer my cello playing as a sign of God’s love to our cherished elders, and I invite you to join me at any or all of several informal performances of traditional Christmas carols at St. Paul’s Senior Homes. It would be wonderful … READ MORE…

Recession Self Defense

….or “How can I pledge when my finances are a mess?!?!” This year more than ever, parishioners are sharing stories about lost jobs and reduced hours, shorter work weeks and pay reductions. It seems that this year, the effects of the recession are truly being felt. I’ve had a brother, a sister and several friends … READ MORE…

Tweeting: I’m an EpiscopalianBecause

Do you tweet? From The Lead, Can you say why you are an Episcopalian in less than 140 characters? On the micro-blogging/social media site Twitter, there is an interesting series of posts this week in which all sorts of people are answering the question “I am Episcopalian Because…” You can check out the responses without … READ MORE…