We can miss so much when we rush through life, especially in the holiday season. Advent allows us to pause, to prepare, and to experience the expectation and hope of the birth of Jesus. Where is God inviting you to slow down, stop, and breathe?

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-9, and 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13. The Gospel reference is Luke21:25-36.

We can miss so much when we rush through life, especially in the holiday season. Advent allows us to pause, to prepare, and to experience the expectation and hope of the birth of Jesus. Where is God inviting you to slow down, stop, and breathe?

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-9, and 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13. The Gospel reference is Luke21:25-36.

Christ's kingdom is unlike any historic earthly kingdom or established church. Saint Julian of Norwich wrote that she saw Christ as a king "reigning in the soul." As we come to the end of another liturgical year, let us give thanks to God and to His Son and lay our blessings before His throne.

The Scripture references are Daniel 7:9-10,13-14, Psalm 93, and Revelation 1:4b-8. The Gospel reference is John 18:33-37.

The ancient Greek root of our name for the Lord's Supper, "eucharist", translates as "thanksgiving." Having an attitude of gratitude is a transforming spiritual experience. It allows us to see the limitless opportunity to transform the world in which we live, and to share our many blessings with those around us.

The Scripture references are Joel 2:21-27, Psalm 126, and 1 Timothy 2:1-7. The Gospel reference is Matthew 6:25-33.

As we look around us at the plight of those who have no one to support them, who are suffering from war, famine, or disaster, we must always remember that every life is precious in God's sight. We must strive always in all our actions to live out our Christian call to God's service, and never to lose sight of those whose faith sustains them in the most difficult times. They serve as an example and a lesson for us and a guide to ease the suffering of those we meet.

The Scripture references are 1 Kings 17:8-16, Psalm 146, and Hebrews 9:24-28. The Gospel reference is Mark 12:38-44.

On All Saints Day we remember that we are forever woven together with all the saints - past, present, and future - through our shared baptism into the body of Christ. When we mourn those who have died, we also bear witness to the hope of everlasting life in Jesus Christ. As we worship, let us remember that gathered together we are the saints of today and that our faith in God and His Son will support and sustain us always.

The Scripture references are Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Psalm 119:1-8, and Hebrews 9:11-14. The Gospel reference is Mark 12:28-34.

As we move forward we are called to truly see what God wishes for us. Jesus offers a clear vision of what true life looks like, but too often we turn a blind eye to the possibilities that lie before us. To truly see is not without risk. Let us be like Bartimaeus and when Jesus asks us what we want him to do, answer "My teacher, let me see."

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 31:7-9, Psalm 126, and Hebrews 7:23-28. The Gospel reference is Mark 10:46-52.

As we move forward we are called to truly see what God wishes for us. Jesus offers a clear vision of what true life looks like, but too often we turn a blind eye to the possibilities that lie before us. To truly see is not without risk. Let us be like Bartimaeus and when Jesus asks us what we want him to do, answer "My teacher, let me see."

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 31:7-9, Psalm 126, and Hebrews 7:23-28. The Gospel reference is Mark 10:46-52.

As we celebrate our time together, Mother Andria remembers the mountaintop moments we have shared and calls us to be mindful that God is with us, always, no matter what. We can look at our past and where we were, at our present where God is with us now, and at our future where God calls us forward to places of promise. For those of us who share this bond there is never a good-bye, only "until we meet again."

The Scripture references are Isaiah 53:4-12, Psalm 91:9-12,15-16, and Hebrews5:1-10. The Gospel reference is Mark 10:35-45.

The wealthy young man in Mark's gospel lives on today, when we see our material riches as an end in themselves. What we have, and how we look at our possessions, can either help to bring about the kingdom of God on earth or act as a barrier to our living lives of God's love. Trusting that sharing our blessings to support our parish mission, to make Emmanuel a welcoming place to those seeking relationship with God, and to come together as a church family truly helps us to make a piece of that kingdom a reality.

The Scripture references are Amos 5:6-7,10-15, Psalm 90:12-17, and Hebrews 4:12-16. The Gospel reference is Mark 10:17-31.