The remnants of Christ the King Sunday: canned goods, the lion and the lamb, and so many paper crowns at the altar Dear Incarnation, Welcome to Advent! Sunday’s Lessons & Carols service was beautiful. I’m so grateful for all of our scripture readers; the amazingly talented singers in our All Y’All Choir and the Beverley Hills choir; the musical leadership of Grant, Russell, and Steve; and the hospitality of so many who contributed pecan pies and Takis and lingered long afterw

Note from Amy: We are excited to celebrate Deacon TJ Ono's ordination to the priesthood this Saturday, Dec 6, at 4pm — everyone's welcome! I've been so grateful for the ways TJ has served Incarnation this year as a deacon, and I invited him to share a bit about his journey to ordination. You can read his story below. This is one of my favorite pictures from our first summer camp. A fun fact about this picture is that one of our summer interns in this picture is now serving as

"Jesus the Good Shepherd’" by Sr. Claire SMMI, India Dear friends, I am writing with a heavy heart. Archbishop Steve Wood has now been inhibited (suspended from ministry) following accusations of misconduct. You can read more about his inhibition in this letter  from the College of Bishops, or in this story  from The Washington Post  (this is a gift link that should bypass the paywall). In addition, our bishop, Chris Warner, has written a letter to our diocese that I recommen

The Little Free Pantry outside of BHCUMC, by the gate to the playground. In every location where God has led Incarnation to worship, he has also provided ways to bless our neighors in that location, and Beverley Hills is no exception. BHCUMC maintains a Little Free Pantry outside the church and would welcome additional contributions. Pastor Deborah has mentioned that any items they stock seem to go really quickly. As we begin spending more time at Beverley Hills, we have an o

1 Thessalonians spotting: I found this nurse log on a recent hike! The Spirit brings life even in places of death and decay. Dear friends, As I announced on Sunday, our broader denomination continues to be in the news; this article  provides a helpful and clear update on the latest allegations. While I am deeply grieved by what is being revealed, I also believe that light dispels darkness. Justice and healing is only possible after an honest reckoning of all that has happened

A fall parish highlight: the retreat hayride! We gathered on the playground for a Parish Meeting after church on Sunday, November 9. I opened the meeting by again expressing my deep gratitude to the staff, vestry, and congregation for allowing me to take a sabbatical this summer. It was so meaningful and restorative, and I can't thank you all enough. Below is a recap of all that was shared in the meeting. Vestry Election Results Thank you to all our members who voted in the v

One of the stations at our All Saints Cemetery Walk last weekend in Rock Creek Cemetery Dear friends, A Prayer in Times of Social Distress Increase, O God, the spirit of neighborliness among us, that in peril we may uphold one another, in suffering tend to one another, and in homelessness, loneliness, or exile befriend one another. Grant us brave and enduring hearts that we may strengthen one another, until the disciplines and testing of these days are ended, and you again gi

Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs, Fra Anglico, 1423 Dear friends, On Saturday, I wrote you a letter (emailed directly to your inbox) with some reflections on the recent, heartbreaking news about the Anglican Church in North America. If you didn’t receive that letter, please let me know; I’m happy to send it along. I invite you to continue to pray for all those who have experienced harm in the church, and for justice, repentance, healing, and renewal in the leade