April is Stress Awareness Month

         “…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 Learning to cope with our stress and finding healthy ways to deal with these situations can go a long way in living a healthy and positive life.  What does stress mean to you?

We all experience stress – yet we may experience it in very different ways. Because of this, there is no single definition for stress, but the most common explanation is a physical, mental, or emotional strain or

Receiving and Reflecting Christ’s Light

The journey through Lent shows us the profound truth that Christ's light shines brightly within each of us. In this season of reflection and renewal, it is crucial to ponder not only how we receive this light but also how we reflect it onto others through our words and actions.

 We believe that we receive Christ's light primarily through two channels: the Word and the Sacraments. Through the reading and hearing of Scripture, we encounter the living and breathing Word of God

Christ is Risen… So What?

“The time has come… the kingdom of God has drawn near. Repent and believe the gospel!” (Mark 1:15)

When I was a young Christian, I remember attending Good Friday services and becoming overwhelmed by them. The Tenebrae service that we use for our Good Friday evening service is updated from that service (I asked my boyhood pastor to “borrow” it when I was a vicar. I’ve used it ever since.) I remember leaving the darkened sanctuary awestruck, sometimes in tears, to hear again

What Did You Give Up for Lent?

“…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18           

What Did You Give Up for Lent?

    I was in elementary school when I first learned about giving up something for Lent.  My best friend, Nina, was a strong-willed good Catholic who thought all her friends should also give up something for Lent.  It wasn’t until later that I learned the theological meaning of Lenten sacrifice.  Reflecting on the practice I began to wonder if what I was g

Tips for Family Worship

In the busyness of modern life, amidst all the obligations and distractions, lies a major responsibility and opportunity for parents, godparents, grandparents, and other influential figures: the shaping of the faith of our children and youth.

While the task may seem daunting, it is within our power to instill in them a deep reverence for spirituality and an active participation in worship. Here's how we can make a difference:

1. Put a Priority on Worship and Family Study: L

In Like a Lamb; Out Like a Lion

In elementary school, we were told the old proverb: March comes in like lion and goes out like a lamb. I remember doing art projects gluing cotton balls to a cut-out lamb and doing the same with brown, tan, and yellow yarn to a lion’s mane. This, of course, points to the weather patterns that typically define March: usually the weather is fierce in the first week and more spring-like in the last week.

 With Easter falling on March 31 this year, the Church will see that Jesu

Heart Month

                             “…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18                    

    February is often identified as Heart Month.  Cardiac topics are many and varied.  One cardiac problem is Broken Heart Syndrome.  Broken heart syndrome is a heart condition that's often brought on by stressful situations and extreme emotions. The condition also can be triggered by a serious physical illness, surgery, or loss of a loved one.  A

Summer Programing

    Over the years, Vacation Bible School (VBS) has been a cherished tradition, bringing together children, families, and volunteers in a fun-filled week of learning and fellowship. However, as we navigate the ebb and flow of our community dynamics, we find ourselves faced with the reality of declining numbers in recent VBS participation.

    After careful consideration and prayerful discernment, the board of education has decided to make a change and transition from the tr

True Love

It’s February and love is all around us!

A person can’t walk through any store and not be surrounded by pink and red decorations to remind us to buy something for the one that we love. And what is the universal symbol of “love”? The heart, of course! The way we communicate our love is through the symbol of a heart, to remind people that they are in our hearts because we love them.

 This year has a wonderful coincidence. Not only is February 14 Valentine’s Day, as it always

Wellness Resolutions

                                                          “…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18                    

     January is that time of year when we examine our lives and possibly make resolutions for the new year.  How is your wellness?  Have you made any resolutions to improve your wellness? 

Spiritual/ Baptismal Wellness: Do I, by my daily and weekly disciplines of scripture reading, prayer, and worship exhibit my recepti

Does God Seem Deaf?

    In the journey of faith, there are moments when we pour out our hearts to God in prayer, yet it seems as though our prayers are met with silence. In those times of struggle, it is human nature to wonder if God hears our cries and if He is truly attentive to our needs. Today, let us reflect on the words of Psalms 13 and 77, seeking solace and guidance in understanding why it may seem as though God is deaf to our prayers.

    Psalm 13 expresses the depths of David's soul

His Word

Have you ever looked at a famous musician and  said, “I wonder what he’s like in real life?” Or  maybe you’ve seen a well-known actress and thought, “She seems like she wouldn’t be very nice to meet in person.” One thing that I often read about on-line is how certain celebrities turn out to be much different in person than they appear to be on screen. Some who people think would be nice turn out to be jerks. And others, who seem like they would be rude, turn out to be the

Loneliness

“…let us not [only] love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”   

                                                                                  1 John 3:18

   There is an epidemic of loneliness in the United States and lacking connection can increase the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to a new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General.  In recent years, about one-in-two adults in America reported experiencing lon

Guilt

    There can be no question that guilt is one of the great destroyers of the soul. Guilt, whether imagined or real, leads individuals on a downward spiral which will destroy their relationships in life and render them worthless in the kingdom of God. An individual with a guilty conscience often becomes bitter and lashes out to those who are trying to help. Sin is at the root of the problem, for sin leads to guilt and depression, and sinful handling of sin further complica

The Clothes of the King

    Every morning, the sun rises, alarm clocks sound, foggy eyes open, and then, at some point, we get dressed. Socks, underwear, pants, shirts, and shoes: we don clothing that rightly corresponds to our vocations, our culture, and even the weather outside. Our clothing serves as the marker that sets us apart as a species and as an indicator of societal and individual values and traits. As Mark Twain once said, “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influenc