by Erika Marksbury Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:13-18 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy … Continue reading
by Lee Hull Moses There’s a moment on Christmas morning at our house in which everything looks lovely. The presents are arranged neatly under the tree. The lights are on. The living room is straightened up. At our house, this moment lasts all of 12 seconds. We spend the rest of the day cleaning up … Continue reading
by Casey W. Fitzgerald Prayer God of our story Be with us As we learn and share As we listen and tell As we seek to know you In this story And to be known by you As we tell it Amen. Spiritual Practice In what follows, families are encouraged to learn to tell the … Continue reading
~ by Dena Hobbs December is a tricky time for me. Though Advent is my favorite church season, December is the hardest month of the year for me emotionally and spiritually. How can this be? For starters, I am an introvert who likes quiet and meditation and December just gets rather loud and busy, doesn’t … Continue reading
New Year’s Day: I am standing at our back window watching the kids play in the backyard. This is a new development, the two of them playing outside by themselves. When I sent them out there I intended to work on one of the myriad post-holiday household chores, but instead I am standing at the … Continue reading
In place of our regular Monday liturgy and Wednesday reflection, we offer you this brief family worship service for Christmas morning. May you all have a grace-filled, joy-filled, love-filled Christmas. Scripture: from Isaiah 9 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on … Continue reading
Earlier this week I was thinking to myself I had done a pretty good job of keeping it peaceful and calm and not cramming too much in among all the special events that show up on the calendar this time of year. Okay, I was feeling just the teensiest bit smug. Then on Monday night … Continue reading
~from Jennifer Difrancesco Gathering: Joseph Engaged to Mary Pondering, Angels visit He did as was told ~Elisabeth Paulk (age 8) Prayer: Open our ears and speak to us, O God. Let us hear you in our watching, waiting, hoping, dreaming, rejoicing, and embracing. And let us be visited and assured by Your Word. Amen. … Continue reading
Today I was surprised to read someone’s prickly remarks about Advent. Their remarks watered the sacred tradition of Advent, its candles and liturgy and reflections, into the spiritual equivalent of weak tea. I was startled. And confused. And I felt myself burn with the malevolent wish to offer some prickly comments in return. Once my … Continue reading
“A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” ~Isaiah 11:10 Advent is one of my favorite times in the church year. It’s a call to the church to wait and prepare. This is not a frenzied preparation, but a hopeful time of anticipation. But, … Continue reading
Practicing Families 