Dear Friends, Earlier this week, I read something that I want us all to consider, especially as we have recently heard Gospel readings about the reign of God. The following is a reflection from the Center for Action and Contemplation written by spiritual director Ruth Haley Barton who describes [...]
Dear Friends, Many of us who stay in Naples year-round dislike the summer. They mostly cite the heat as their biggest issue. I don’t blame them. On the other hand, I deeply appreciate the frequent rains and beautiful clouds and sunsets they produce. It is a time to just [...]
Dear Parishioners of St. Monica's, I have heard from some Christian writers that the church should be like a school for love; a place where you learn to love. I love that! I am always convicted when I come across the paraphrased scripture: "They will know that we are [...]
Dear Friends, This past week has been particularly slow. And that’s not a bad thing. Normally, summers are a bit slower anyway, with so many away for the season or on vacation. The recent heavy rains have given us a moment to refresh oneself, to contemplate, to reflect, and to [...]
Dear Friends, These slower days of summer invite deeper reflection. This week, I came across a beautiful devotion written on cac.org. I can’t say it better than the writer, so I’ll simply share the text with you. Please take a moment to read and contemplate what this may mean for [...]
Dear Friends, As we enter the summer season and many go away on vacation or have gone to their northern home, we have a wonderful opportunity. In this more intimate setting, we can deepen relationships. We can take more time with one another. We have a slower pace and a [...]
Dear Friends, Last weekend, as we celebrated Pentecost, I spoke about the Spirit and the process of God bringing new life into our lives. In light of being open to new life, I mentioned that we will be engaging in visioning and strategic planning. That is, we will be [...]
Dear Friends, I am away this week on study leave as I work in the last phase of a Doctorate of Ministry in Congregational Development from Bexley Seabury. In my place, we are blessed to have Fr. Tara McGraw with us this weekend. Peace and grace, Fr. Jonathan [...]
Dear Friends, This weekend’s Gospel reading touches on change and the process of change as we abide in God. We are certainly going through change here, and I pray that, in the process, we focus on abiding in God. In so doing, we will bear much fruit. This week, our [...]
Dear Friends, This Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Easter. Every year, we hear about God as the Good Shepherd, and we recite some version of Psalm 23: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads [...]
