Dear Friends in Christ— It is often said that we give in response to gratitude. I believe this maxim is true. But I also want to suggest that the reverse is equally true: we become grateful by giving. Generosity does not just spring from gratitude. It also cultivates gratitude. It is our actions…
Dear Friends in Christ, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD.” (Micah 7:7) This week, I am thinking a good deal about how we invest in our future. I am thinking about it in the context of our Diocesan Convention, which is gathering as you read this message. I…
This weekend, we’ll celebrate Halloween at Grace with Trunk or Treat on Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, and I’m already in the Halloween spirit. I’ve been thinking about twilight – not the book, but that magical time between sunset and dusk, where light and dark meet. In the Middle Ages, twilight held deep significance…
This coming Sunday we will celebrate the ongoing connection between Grace Church and Grace School through our annual Grace School Sunday! While the two entities function independently in many ways, we also share our Episcopal identity, our physical buildings, and many of our values. The short version of Grace School’s mission is to honor the gift…
In last week’s reflection, I wrote about the gift of our spiritual practices as a means to presence the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. I invited you to consider what spiritual practices are most meaningful to you. What did you notice about your emotions, senses, and how you feel in your body while you engaged…
Do not be conformed to this world, rather be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may determine what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and mature. (Romans: 12:2) In last week’s reflection, I shared some thoughts on the Benedictine practice of stability and invited us to…
“Where does God reliably show up in the here and now of your congregation?” I love this question posed in the book, Vital Christian Community: Twelve Characteristics of Healthy Congregations. As the reflective prompt, the authors, Philip Brochard and Alissabeth Newton, write about the Benedictine practice or value of stability. They share that stability, in this sense,…
Welcome back, my friends! To those who came to Shrine Mont last weekend, welcome back to northern Virginia. To those who haven’t been to church since COVID or are just discovering our livestreams, welcome back. To those who decided to renew their relationship with church and God this month, welcome back, and welcome home! …
On Tuesday, I arrived at Grace for my “first day of school.” I’ve been wholeheartedly welcomed by staff and the few parishioners I’ve encountered as I’ve walked the halls, and I’m looking forward to more introductions this weekend at Shrine Mont. Much of this week, however, has been about the nitty-gritty, logistical onboarding. Getting a…
Next week I will thank you for our time together. This week the reality of leaving hangs heavy. Here’s what I will miss: Walks to the river The distant view of the US Capitol Watching airplanes descend toward National Airport Elmo’s, Trader Joe’s, Del Ray Cafe and Zento Sushi The quiet of my apartment…