Dec 11, 2019 | Grace Notes
When I opened the that present – the one I had been longing for and begging for as a child – it was there. When I saw her walking down the aisle – her radiant smile lighting the chapel and holding me entranced – it was there. When I watched as...
Dec 5, 2019 | Grace Notes
Paz, pax, paix, pace, friede, salam, dohiyi, or eirene. It doesn’t really matter what language you use to say it, the concept of “peace” is at the heart of the Advent season. The carols we sing reflect it well: “Silent night, holy night…Sleep in heavenly peace,” “It...
Nov 20, 2019 | Grace Notes
As a family, we knelt at the altar, waiting for the minister to bring around the tiny wafer and miniature cup, brimming with red liquid. The minister served me, looked at my ten year old son, looked back at me, looked at my son, and raised her eyebrows. The thought...
Nov 13, 2019 | Grace Notes
“Do you want to come in and see the confessional booth?” Father Adrian had been such a gracious host, allowing my class of ninth grade Bible students to explore the ins and outs of his sanctuary. The majority of them had grown up in Protestant traditions and had never...
Nov 6, 2019 | Grace Notes
“Hello, my name is Steven.” I have to confess: I really don’t like name tags. When you go to a conference full of people that you don’t know, however, name tags can be helpful. I found myself in just such a situation this week, gathering with colleagues from across...
Oct 30, 2019 | Grace Notes
Is salvation a universal experience? Now, before anyone jumps to conclusions and accuses me of some form of heresy, let me be clear. I’m not talking about universalism here – the idea that everyone will be saved, regardless of their beliefs. What I am asking is...
