by Deacon Pat Derry A Lost Son says: God loves my bad brother? Luke tells us that “tax collectors and sinners” were drawn to Jesus. How could someone who is drowning in the consequences of wrong choices, experience such gracious acceptance and not feel loved! By contrast, the “church leaders”...
Thoughts from the Water Tower
by Deacon Pat Derry From Martin Luther to Jonah: What’s the connection? What do you associate with the name of Martin Luther? •Grace alone, Faith alone, Word alone? The first Bible in German vernacular? “Here I Stand!” What do you associate with the name of Jonah? •Jonah and the Big...
Sanctuary Support Opportunities in January 2018
What's happening on Immigration and Sanctuary Support fronts? Join the Gloria Dei Sanctuary Support Team at Adult Forum on Sunday, January 21 for an update on Gloria Dei’s efforts to support immigrants in our community and to discuss the current status of immigration actions locally and nationally. Our featured...
Walk into the New Year: Open Labyrinth Time
What are your hopes, plans, goals, questions, and concerns as you begin the new year? The spiritual practice of walking a labyrinth is a way to reflect on the movement of God in your life. On Tuesday, January 9 the canvas labyrinth will be available from 1:00-6:00 p.m. in The...
Practice Hope — By Martha Wegner Member Blog, Day 20
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Practice Hope – By Julie Schulz. Member Blog, Day 18
I’ve had my share the last few years. Our oldest son struggles with addiction. The fallout from that journey has put stress on my relationships with my husband and younger son. I’ve had two hospitalizations, one broken neck requiring surgery, and I discovered at age 48 that I was adopted,...
Practice Hope – By Meg Stevenson. Member Blog, Day 17
This year, the Thanksgiving holiday was filled with many blessings, as so many of the people I love gathered over the four days. In many ways my family is my rock, but it is also very much my hope. This strong bond of love fuels my hope and sustains my...
Practice Hope – By Joanne Kendall. Member Blog, Day 16
Waiting for the late-January (2018) birth of my first great-grandchild is a wonderful way for me to practice hope in Advent 2017. To welcome new life into the world always involves hope and expectation. It gives new significance, too, to these words of a 12th Century mystic, telling me that...
Humor and Hope – By Susan Gangl. Member Blog, Day 15
Humor gives us hope by approaching a situation from a new and unexpected perspective. When done properly - retaining respect for all involved - it can offer relief from the serious frame of mind in which we may find ourselves. Humor is harder and more elegant than wit (I’m good...
Practicing Hope – By Tracy Taubert. Member Blog, Day 14
My niece, along with three girlfriends, recently completed a cross-country bicycle trip from San Francisco to St. Augustine, FL. In addition to logging over 5,000 miles in three months on two wheels, they accumulated a wealth of wonderful stories of hope and faith to share. First of all, they biked...