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...
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:30) On December 8, 1968,...
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...
This morning, I want to invite us into a different type of reflection, given what we continue to face in our world. There is such a tendency to fill space with words, with some idea that will relieve anxiety or seek to fix a problem, to make a claim. I...
Prayers of Lament 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...
Dear People of Grace, I am sending this video to you with updates about our proposed first gathering for small group worship in the nave on Sunday, July 19. In the video, you will find broad outlines for this next phase of our common life. More details are forthcoming next...
Recent events in our community, our nation, and around the world have many of us asking lots of questions about race and racism and justice. Questions like: How do we talk to our children about racism and civil unrest? How do we live into our baptismal promises to 'strive for...
You should know I had an entirely different sermon written for today, but yesterday I really struggled to know what to say right now. The original words I had crafted so carefully, with quotes by Meister Eckhart that weaved with the encounter between Abraham and the strangers at the Oakes...
Two Service Format Continues Last week Grace Church returned to offering two services every Sunday morning! The 9:00 AM service meets on Zoom for worship and connection. Readers rotate through, signing on from their homes. The clergy who officiates the service will log in from somewhere in the church building....