“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…