“…This makes me wonder about the acronym WWJD, “What would Jesus do?” I wonder if a different acronym would be more helpful. How about WWJW? “Who would Jesus be with?” The gospels make clear who this includes. The people on the edges, the excluded, the sick and dying, the sinners and outsiders, and, yes, the faithful religious people of his day. Jesus was with all of them. Doesn’t he call us to start the same way? “

“…the Bible tells us human beings have much more in common than our social and cultural biases lead us to believe. When the social constructs of race, gender and sexuality are the lens through which we see the world, we focus on what separates us. We see strangers. We perceive danger. We act with anxiety.

But what happens when we change the lens, when we see everyone as created in the image of God? We see companions and friends. We perceive security. We act with joy and compassion.”

“…Sabbath can be a season or a day or an hour or a few minutes. Will you take a vacation? Or commit to giving yourself one day without checking your email? Or invest a few minutes each morning in prayer and meditation? Or turn off your devices in the evening to listen to the sounds of God’s creation?”

“…Sacraments, the Catechism of The Book of Common Prayer tells us, “are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.” In a sacrament, a divine gift is given and received. We are made new.”

“…we continue to discern how we will live as a people of faith, hope and love in the world. How will we strengthen our community as we seek to embody the grace, peace and mercy of Christ in all we are and all we do?”

“The Bible encourages us over and over again to be patient. ‘For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.’ (Romans 8:24-25) ‘Love is patient; love is kind.’ (1 Corinthians 13:4) ‘The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.’ (Galatians 5:22-23)…”

“One of the great challenges for organized religion is our tendency to look backwards. The eucharistic liturgy we practice, the creeds we recite, the scripture we read, much of the music we sing; it all comes from the past. This doesn’t make it bad. Indeed, much of it is very good. But focusing primarily on the past can influence us to prioritize continuity over opportunity, to seek safety instead of taking risks.”

“What might it mean for St. Paul’s if we think of ourselves not as a religious institution but as participants in God’s alternative society? Does it transform our ministry? Our mission? Our giving? Our relationships with our neighbors? If we understand ourselves not only as members of a church but also and most especially as stewards of a gift, how might this renew our community? How might it transform our impact?”

“…When we see how divided our nation is, what does St. Paul’s offer? Communion and belonging to every person who accepts the invitation to open their hands and hearts. When the news is filled with intractable problems, what does St. Paul’s offer? A foundation of hope and faith that equips us to love and serve God and our neighbors. When so many people live with anxiety and insecurity, what does St. Paul’s offer? The abundant peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding.”

“…Easter, then, is a not metaphor for new beginnings; it is about encountering the person who, despite every disappointment we experience with ourselves and with the world, gives us a reason to carry on.” - Esau McCaulley

“Easter proclaims that God is much bigger than us, that God’s power is not confined by human concepts of what is possible and doable. Easter invites us to let go of knowledge in order to make room for faith.”

“Whether in person or via our livestream, come hear the stories this Holy Week. Come participate in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Come and choose life. “

“The Rt. Rev. Frank Tracy Griswold III died on March 5 at the age of 85. Well done, good and faithful servant. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. “

“…it’s not necessarily God who disappoints us. Our disillusionment often arises from the unrealistic expectations we project onto God; the prayers that don’t appear to be heard or answered, the tragic events we wish God would prevent. In times of disappointment, we need eyes of faith to perceive God’s presence and promise.”

“Whether you are beginning your Lenten journey in a time of hope or despair, of joy or sorrow, of healing or suffering, of wholeness or brokenness, remember this: God sits here — wherever “here” is right now — with you. And when your “here” changes, God will be there, too.”

“…It’s when we stop striving for perfection that we find what it is we’re truly looking for: grace, acceptance, joy and love. All of the gifts God promises us in Jesus. “

“In the letter of James in the New Testament we read, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27) Too many people who call themselves Christians focus more on being “unstained” than on how they “care” for those society has left behind. Purity of belief is too often prioritized over purity of compassion.”

“…we could try something simple to strengthen our connections as a community. Find someone you don’t know and introduce yourself. ‘Hi, my name is John. I don’t think we’ve met.’ Then see where the conversation goes. In such small ways, Christian community begins to grow.”

“… where is my treasure? Answering this question will tell us if we are ready to say yes to Jesus. As he said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)