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Embodying Faith in Changing Times
This edition of our newsletter contains a very meaningful offering from the young people of St. Stephen’s. They are sharing with us how living in the midst of our current stay-at-home order has shaped, and continues to shape, their journeys of faith. Thank you sincerely, to our youth. Our prayers continue to surround them andContinue reading “Embodying Faith in Changing Times”
Our Journey of Lent
Some of us have heard the old saying, “You can’t get there from here.” In the days before GPS it was a response to someone asking directions on how to get from point A to point B. The old saying put a person on notice that there wasn’t one, simple, direct highway or road orContinue reading “Our Journey of Lent”
Greetings
First, thank you to the Vestry for calling me to serve alongside you as your Interim Rector in this unexpected but exciting season at St. Stephen’s! Second, my Swedish last name is easier to pronounce than it appears at first glance. It’s as easy as pretending the ‘j’ isn’t there. I’m a two-time graduate ofContinue reading “Greetings”
The Secret Beauty
It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to be Rector of St. Stephen’s Oxford. To be a part of the rich history and tradition going back to 1823 is very special. And, I thank God for all that we have accomplished together in ministry. Yes, the past eleven years have beenContinue reading “The Secret Beauty”
Contentment
1 Timothy 6:6-8 tells us, ”Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.” The truth is we are never satisfied. As Max LucadoContinue reading “Contentment”
Holy Pilgrimage
Summer is upon us and there is no better time to catch our breath and rest for a while. Some will travel and others will simply stay put and find refreshment in doing nothing. Regardless of where you find yourself this summer – this July – do not forget that God is with you. AlthoughContinue reading “Holy Pilgrimage”
The Quest for Peace
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you… Do not let your hearts be troubled…” This is our perpetual pursuit – the great quest for true peace – the peace and serenity of God. Some have called this the illusive fruit. We seek it for ourselves and the world. WeContinue reading “The Quest for Peace”
The Lord is Risen Indeed!
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” (Luke 24) Cleopas and his friend were saying this to each other after they realized the stranger on the road, the one who walked alongside them from Jerusalem to Emmaus wasContinue reading “The Lord is Risen Indeed!”
What is it All About?
Springtime is a reminder that the Lord is purposefully moving and acting among us even now. The warmer weather, the flowers, the grass, our hearts – everything is re-created anew and comes to life – and it is God unto whom all this belongs, including you and me. In Grace for the Moment, Max Lucado,Continue reading “What is it All About?”
A Blessed Lent
We are officially entering the season of Lent, and this is a time in our Church calendar year where we take a closer look inwardly, and prepare ourselves for the journey to the cross. For many, the season of Lent is simply filled with more things to do at church in an already busy timeContinue reading “A Blessed Lent”
The Five Inclusive Team-Ministries of the Vestry
As we travel a little farther into 2019 and begin the month of February, I would like to highlight the organizational structure of the Vestry and our year ahead. We had a great Vestry Retreat on Saturday, January 12th in the Parish Hall. The Wardens were confirmed and we were off to a great startContinue reading “The Five Inclusive Team-Ministries of the Vestry”
It Was Needed
As we embark upon a new year, just a few days into 2019, I am sure I ponder some of the same things as you. First, how time passes so quickly – in the blink of an eye. And yet, I find myself contemplating anew the meaning of life and the journey we are on. Continue reading “It Was Needed”
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St. Stephen's Episcopal Church 