The Mission of San Juan Capistrano celebrates the return of the swallows on March 19th, St. Joseph’s Day. There is excitement throughout the area as the swift flying birds that have flown from Argentina signal a new season, and display the miraculous phenomenon of migration. I think that I also know some of the excitement the people of Capistrano must... READ MORE >
“Next I’ll speak about the celestial gift of honey from the air.” Virgil. Many of you know that Virgil was a poet from 70 – 19 BCE. He was thought by some to be Rome’s greatest poet. He wrote a classic about the founding of Rome, the Aeneid. I like him because he also wrote about bees and was a... READ MORE >
We handed out Advent calendars to all the children at church at the beginning of December. I’m sure you remember those fun calendars with the little doors – you open one each day until Christmas Day, December 25. The children were excited and remembered similar calendars from the previous year. Other younger children needed the instructions about opening only one,... READ MORE >
Last week as I prepared to lock the doors after our Sunday church service and fellowship hour I saw one of the children finishing up something that was an important task to him before he could run out and join his family as they waited outside. With sincere and extreme care he was signing his name. What caught my eye... READ MORE >
Each Monday evening since October 15 I have had the enjoyable privilege of listening to the Borealis Orchestra and Chorale practicing in the Bethlehem sanctuary. On those special Monday evenings, the beauty of the music drifts down the hallway to my office and blends with my Advent preparations as I read commentaries for the coming season. It is hard to... READ MORE >
Christmas is over for some, the season continues for others, and the New Year is soon upon us. Right now as I prepare for another Sunday, I am unwrapping a gift that is perfect for this moment. It is Luke chapter two. This week in church we will hear a simple story of Mary and Joseph following through with the... READ MORE >
Now that the frigid temperatures of our deep winter are promised to soon close in on us I am thankful for the thermostat that keeps me warm. It is such a relief to trust that the little device on the wall will adjust and correct and maintain our house as we want it. Of course, I can adjust it; and... READ MORE >
One of the great gifts of the Advent/Christmas tradition is the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. At Bethlehem, we hold this service on the Wednesday evening before Christmas. It has become a cherished gift of grace and beauty that our choir joyfully bestows on all. Besides getting rehearsed for each Sunday, our choir has been preparing for the Lessons... READ MORE >
It was an unseasonably warm first Sunday of Advent, and we heard an unseasonable reference to the branches of a fig tree becoming tender, putting forth its leaves and giving us a sign that summer is near. (Mark 13) But Jesus wasn’t talking about the seasons; he was guiding the disciples to be aware of the signs of God’s will... READ MORE >
This week many congregations in many Christian denominations will begin the season of Advent. I encourage all to attend one of our churches to find its blessings. One of the best-known customs for the season is the Advent wreath. The wreath and winter candle lighting alone in the midst of the growing darkness is a practice of turning in the... READ MORE >
