Church: (noun) a building used for public Christian worship Church: the English translation of the Greek word ekklesia, which means "called out." Lent is brutal this year. Lent is preparation for Easter. It's a chance for us to reflect on our sins and challenge ourselves to become better. Lent this year is challenging us to be church. We are a building left unused for worship. But we are called to be church. Our pantry remains open, with the help of church staff, volunteers, and food donors. Dozens of families each day have food to eat. We are keeping in touch with our St. Stephen's family through mail, email, phone calls, and the website. Conversations are being opened between people. We ar
Warning - there might be some endorsement for social media to follow Dear friends, how are you doing with this ‘social isolation?’ I was at the eye doctor yesterday and they had signs instructing patients to sit every other seat for "social isolation." I spoke to some members of the church who are practicing "social isolation" on the phone and a dear friend in Spain through WhatsApp while in quarantine…or forced "social isolation." Tonight the LEAD team will be meeting electronically and this morning I had a class online. The Pacem in Terris Board is not meeting in the Chapel on Thursday for the Board meeting, rather we will be meeting via Zoom. All of these isolations have one thing in comm
Tree of Life The tree of life has been a part of religions and cultures around the world for centuries. The tree represents many things: connection, family, strength, peace, and immortality. It is mentioned in the book of Genesis: "Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil." (Genesis 2:9) The tree of life becomes a part of our focus during Lent, represented by the cross on which Jesus was crucified, the cross which represents new life. Introvert Respect I was at a meeting recently. I got to the large-group meeting room early and was sittin
Dear friends, Thank you for all the prayers and support that you have shown my family and me over these past few months. Your kindness, compassion, and generosity go beyond what any of us could imagine. You truly understand what church means and know how to live the Gospel of love as Christ taught. A special word from my mother Kathy, “thank you and I look forward to thanking you each in person when I am released for extended travel by my many doctors and therapists.” Pr. Jason Do you like to learn new things? When Jesus began his public ministry, he was teaching. Some new things and some refinement of old things, but he was teaching us. Jesus taught us a new way to live. He gave knowledge a
