From the River's Edge
The Pastors' BlogCelebrate Our Blessings
by Rev. Racquel Ray, Assoc. Minister (Acting). There are moments in our lives when we just have to STOP and PRAISE GOD for all of our blessings! May has been full of those moments for me. We have all been through trials over the past few years. The struggles have been real. And we have had to find ways to cope. We have had to grasp for routines, pray for peace, beg for healing, and actively...
Moments of Joy
by Rev. Dr. Dale Azevedo, Sr. Minister Sitting down to write my blog this week, I realize that I often write and preach about the challenges we face and not so much about the joys we experience. Yes, when discussing our challenges I generally do try to place a positive spin on them or be sure to bring faith into the discussion. But still, the general point is one of challenge and...
The Triduum
by Racquel Ray, Assoc. Minister (Acting) The Triduum, Three Holy Days, are for me the most sacred days of the liturgical year. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are considered one continuous liturgy in remembrance of the Passion of Jesus. Each Christian denomination has their own tradition around Holy Week which consists of the days from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. The...
Water in the Wilderness
by Rev. Dr. Dale Azevedo, Sr. Minister Israel wandered in the wilderness. The Biblical story of "the Exodus" tells of how the Israelites escaped bondage in Egypt only to find themselves wandering through the desert, the wilderness, for an entire generation. They were seeking their "promised land." But this journey wasn't easy. They grumbled. A lot. It was hot and dangerous. They were...
Walking the Labyrinth of Life
by Racquel Ray, Assoc. Minister (Acting) As I approached the labyrinth in the churchyard my mind was racing with the list of things I still had to do. The weather certainly was not cooperating, a misty dreary day had turned into an icy, snowy night. Visibility was low, my glasses were foggy and covered with cold droplets as I gathered my basket filled with battery operated candles,...
The 5 Most Asked Questions Upon My Return
by Rev. Dr. Dale Azevedo, Sr. Minister I thought it would be fun to highlight and address the top 5 questions I have been asked since returning from my sabbatical. So without further ado, here they are: Was it all you hoped it would be? Did you get out of it what you expected? Did you do everything on your list? Are you glad to be back? Did you find a new job while you were away? ...