One of the early parenting lessons I learned is routines are lifesavers. Whether it was trying to create a predictable bedtime routine, figuring out how often the child needed to eat to prevent meltdowns, or simply helping the child live into the routine of childcare and school, routines...
Driving home from school this week, my daughter and I talked about some challenges she is having with poor behavior in the classroom. We talked about some strategies to help her work on it. I encouraged her to just keep trying. Exasperated, she said to me, “I am trying. It’s just so...
We often talk about spiritual disciplines in Church. We encourage regular prayer, daily devotions, or time set aside for Bible study or journaling. The options are endless really. The idea is that you create space for regular connection to God. Otherwise, we can easily get swept up in the...
This week we continue a series of guest blog posts by parishioners at the Episcopal Church of St. Margaret in Plainview, N.Y. Bloggers are reflecting on what stewardship means to them, and how God the Giver has been a part of their lives. Our guest post this week is from parishioner Mike...
This week we begin a series of guest blog posts by parishioners at the Episcopal Church of St. Margaret in Plainview, N.Y. They are reflecting on what stewardship means to them, and how God the Giver has been a part of their lives. Our first guest post is from parishioner Phil R. I am grateful...
October is Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month. In some ways, it seems like a strange month to choose. In October, we are often focused on the harvest. We have harvest-themed door wreaths and table decorations. We enjoy a taste of the harvest ourselves – picking apples and pumpkins. This is a...
I must admit, the Pope’s visit to the United States last week was awesome. Though I have been happy for the Roman Catholic Church since Pope Francis was elected, last week I realized his witness is good for all Christians. Too often people professing to be Christian make Christians look...
Over the course of the last year, I have read countless articles about the state of our struggling Church. The struggle is not just an Episcopal one, but is common across most denominations. There are all sorts of theories about why it is happening and who or what is to blame. I myself have...
Our Vestry and Parish just completed a Mutual Ministry Review – a time to reflect on the health of our congregation and to strategize about how to move toward greater health and wholeness. There was a lot of positive feedback in the survey indicating the ways in which we have grown and...
This Monday our parish walked in our local Memorial Day Parade. I did a lot of cajoling to get our parishioners out among the community that day. But I must admit, that morning all I wanted to do was stay in bed. I had experienced some sleepless nights with the little one, Monday is normally my...
