Blog

This Sunday’s gospel brings us the story of Jesus teaching in the synagogue of his hometown. At first the people gathered that day are impressed and astounded by his wisdom. But quite quickly they turn on him, cutting him down and saying that he’s just a carpenter who’ve they’ve known forever – since he wasRead more

Last week I met with my clergy group for the first time since November of 2019. Prior to the pandemic we have met twice a year since 2002. We met at one of the members summer home in the 1000 Islands on the St. Lawrence River in New York and that is only accessible byRead more

This past year has been challenging. Perhaps that’s an understatement for some of us, and for others of us, perhaps we’ve already forgotten past difficulties as we seek to navigate the latest “normal,” or maybe we’re just worn out and ready for a break. Yesterday, my kids watched their school’s 8th grade graduation live-streamed on YouTube.Read more

Last Sunday, seven of St. John’s youth stepped into the pulpit during our 10am worship and offered thoughtful, authentic, and compelling reflections on faith and life. They were brave and honest and eloquent, and I know many hearts were full of awe as we listened and received their offering. These youth have spent the pastRead more

This Sunday, I want to invite you to listen to the dramatist, the artist, the ballerina, the coxswain, the helper at the family business, the bakers for a soup kitchen, the nature lovers, the soccer players, the golfers, the up and coming reporter, the newly baptized, who are all the future of our church. I’veRead more

When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force – no one could tell where it was from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking inRead more

I have served alongside you for two years as a seminary student and, for these last few months, as your deacon. This coming Sunday is my last one with you, and so I want to say thank you. I am graduating from Church Divinity School of the Pacific next week. Soon after that, I amRead more

In the Wednesday evening bible study we are making our way through the Book of Exodus and the stories of Moses – the great leader who engaged with the mystery of the Holy One in the burning bush, in the plagues, at the Red Sea, in the wilderness, and on Mt. Sinai. Moses interferes whenRead more

This Sunday is the start of the Merry Mary Month of May at St. John’s. During this annual observance we celebrate Mary, mothers, and women. During May all our hymns, offertory anthems and instrumental music will highlight women’s texts and compositions. Many of the prayers we will use are written by women, and women fromRead more

Today we honor the earth – this beautiful, interconnected web of relationships that offers us a space to call home. She deserves far more than one day – she deserves honor and celebration every day – and we need this day to remind us of what we frequently take for granted. We depend on theRead more