“How can we possibly shout alleluia in the face of death? As we read in the Prayer Book: ‘The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised. The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy. … This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. … So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.’”

“What are you reading? Please let me know. I’m always happy to receive suggestions of books you find interesting, inspiring, intellectually stimulating and entertaining. “

“Sabbath is not about going to church. It’s about giving yourself time for rest and renewal. Admittedly, setting aside an entire day each week is probably too much for most of us. But how about a morning, afternoon, or evening? Or an hour? Thirty minutes? My Sabbath is Friday. It’s not an entire day of rest. But I do intentionally make time to read, bake and nap, activities I find renewing.”

“God invites us to take a road that includes suffering and struggle as well as joy and celebration. Sometimes the road is easy. Other times it requires more of us than we think it’s possible to give.”

“As we celebrate the founding of our nation this week, let us also give thanks for those who embraced ‘the happy occasion which was offered to them’ and established not only a church but also the principles that continue to guide us today.”

“Pursuing “righteousness, faith, love, and peace” and behaving “kindly to everyone” will not in and of themselves transform the world. But they can create social connections that break down the walls that so often divide and isolate us.”

“…We may not be able to fix a problem or right an injustice. There may not be much we can do or accomplish (though we must keep trying!). Yet by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can always show up, incarnating Christ’s love, grace and compassion in the world.”

“…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. “