Dear Friends, As we approach Thanksgiving, I am thankful for you. I am thankful for my staff. And I am thankful to be here at this time. It is not easy at times, but it is a joy to see our ministries grow and develop. Behind all the work we [...]
Dear Friends, In this Sunday’s Gospel, we hear Jesus being asked what is essential. He responds, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: [...]
Dear Friends, What a joy it was last Sunday, baptizing Ramona Violet, daughter of Jenny Wise (a vestry member) and her partner, Cristina Hinojosa. When we declare God’s grace and love for us through the sacrament of baptism, it is a joy for us all. Please continue to pray [...]
Dear Friends, A lot is happening at our church. First, I’m saddened by Ron’s departure and his health challenges. We continue to pray for him and his transitions. This Sunday, the music director search committee has its first meeting. Our aim is to ensure reasonable continuity and high-quality music at [...]
Dear Friends, A lot has happened recently. As I write this, I am in quarantine due to covid. I am feeling a little better each day, and I hope to be back at St. Monica’s next week. As noted in an earlier email to the congregation, this will be [...]
Dear Friends, Early in my tenure here at St. Monica’s, the church received a message via Facebook in Spanish. A woman asked in Spanish, “Do you have services in Spanish.” I said, “No, but let’s talk.” So we met - Gustavo, Francis, Linda Flores, and myself. They told me [...]
Dear Friends, I want to recognize someone who has been a pillar of our church for a long, long time. Pat Kearns will be with us on Saturday night for the last time before she moves back to Maryland to be with her family. Pat has been an integral part [...]
Dear Friends, We often hear people talk about churches as something that they attend. The conversation often goes something like this: “What church do you go to?” “I go to _________ Church, they have a great ___ program.” What stands out to me in this brief dialogue are two [...]
Dear Friends, This Sunday in the Gospel we hear about who is who. Peter says to Jesus, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “… And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” Upon hearing [...]
Dear Friends, It is nice to be back! My family and I were able to get away for a few weeks before the school year began. Being away allows us to see things here in a new way and with renewed energy. But honestly, this year I did not feel [...]
