Prayer for the Week: In a world that too easily dismisses the humanity of so many individuals, we seek to know and to become your alternative vision, O Heavenly Father. In you, we find creativity and life. In you, we discover our calling to joyfully celebrate the beauty of every human being. At times, it can be challenging. Within each of us, there is bias that interferes with
Scripture: Luke 6:27-28 But I say to you who are willing to hear: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. Thought for the Day: How many of you have been tempted to rewrite this section of scripture? How many of us, if we were to be honest, would have to admit that the way
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and
Like many of you, I am once again heartbroken over the death of a well known individual. With two such deaths so close together, there is a sudden cultural awakening that will last a few weeks. People will write things on Facebook or blogs (exactly what I’m doing), and we should. There is no simple answer as we see an increase in deaths by suicide…an increase in the
Scripture: Acts 2:16-17 …this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young will see visions. Your elders will dream dreams. Thought for the Day: This is the beginning of Peter’s sermon on Pentecost. In this sermon and others found in the book of Acts, we
Scripture: 1st John 1:5-7 This is the message that we have heard from him and announce to you: “God is light and there is no darkness in him at all.” If we claim, “We have fellowship with him,” and live in the darkness, we are lying and do not act truthfully. But if we live in the light in the same way as he is in the light,
Scripture: John 14:7-10 If you have really known me, you will also know the Father. From now on you know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father; that will be enough for us.” Jesus replied, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been with you all this time? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show
Scripture: Romans 8:1 So now there isn’t any condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Thought for the Day: St. John Chrysostom said that the church is a hospital, not a courtroom for souls. The church does not condemn the sin, but grants remission of sins. When is the church going to learn this important point? There have been so many things we have arrogantly declared as
Prayer for the Week: Where children and youth are given opportunities to serve and share, we believe they are learning who they were created to be and encouraging others to explore this holy identity. O God of All Creation, shape within us an awareness of your beauty and joy that is found in the livese of all human beings. Continue to nudge us beyond our self-centered living and
Scripture: Exodus 39:24-26 On the robe’s lower hem, they added pomegranates made of blue, purple, and deep red yarns and of fine twisted linen. They also made pure gold bells and sewed the bells between the pomegranates, all around the robe’s lower hem, with a bell and a pomegranate alternating all around the lower hem of the robe that is used for ministering as a priest, just as