And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I … READ MORE…
I think one of the coolest things about being an Episcopalian is that we are more than just our own church. We are a diocese, which extends from North County San Diego to the Mexico-US border, from the Pacific Ocean to Yuma, Arizona. We encompass San Diego, Riverside, Imperial Counties and Yuma, Arizona, with the … READ MORE…
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…
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…
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…
After being on the Holiness in Relationships Task Force for the Diocese, I have to admit I wasnt exactly anxious to read yet another book about the debate between those who use the Bible to uphold their prejudice (fear?) of gays and lesbians and those who feel scripture offers support for gays and lesbians. I … READ MORE…
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…
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…
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…
….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…