The word ‘epiphany’ means “revelation” or “manifestation.” As Christians, we celebrate Jesus’ birth on Christmas day and throughout the twelve days of Christmas. The feast of Epiphany is held on January 6, on the 12th night. On that night, we remember the story of the magi coming from the east,...
Dear People of Grace, We find ourselves in an intense situation, with challenges on one hand and enormous potential on the other. How do we understand ourselves as "the church" in the midst of this extraordinary time of potential? It is no secret that the institutional church has been struggling...
I don’t know about you, but I never imagined that we would be away from our building this long. I can’t wait to get back together again! I miss you! I also never imagined that I would need to know all the things I’ve learned in the last few months....
We talk a lot these days about trying to stay grounded, to be mindful, to practice gratitude, to notice the things that bring us joy, and to pay attention to the work of the Spirit in and among us. That’s a tall order! What if we don’t know what grounds...
Youth in grades 6-12 will be using Tim Sean Youmans’ Blessed to Bless: An Introduction to the Bible as our curriculum for Sunday School this fall. This is a systematic study of the Hebrew Scriptures (6th – 9th grades) and Christian Scriptures (10th – 12th grades). Because we hear you...
As these days continue on, with the pressures and uncertainties that seem to come in waves, many of the conversations we share all orbit around questions of what we can do in these moments. How does our faith actually give us new eyes, ears, and a heart for living each...
Labyrinths are ancient symbols of the spiritual journey—from the outer world, to the innermost parts of our spiritual hearts, and back to the world again. A labyrinth might look like a maze, but it’s not, because you cannot get lost in a labyrinth. There is one path in and out....
Stuart asked us some pretty tough questions in his sermon last week. Questions like, “What do you really consider most important in your life?” “What are you giving your life to?” What do you desire?” What burdens are you carrying that you need to put down?” These are questions for...
I’ve been meeting with a group of friends who gather (virtually, these days) to support one another in our creative endeavors. Lately, we’ve been looking at poetry. I must confess that I was not particularly excited about this venture, but I was outvoted. I have since adjusted my attitude, but...
The writer of Ecclesiastes reminds there is a time for everything… including things we think of as “unpleasant” or “unfaithful” like weeping, mourning, or breaking apart. (Eccl. 3:1-8). In these days of isolation, unrest, frustration, and loss, many of us are feeling lots of uncomfortable things. These uncomfortable feelings can...