Posts from April 2020

Dear Christ Church Family, Wisdom can sometimes sound like platitudes. But, when those “pithy” sayings of our elders are based on a life well-lived, then they are worth paying attention. Such is the case with our Psalmist this day, as he shares with us his life’s collected wisdom. Peace,Rick+ Music for Your Soul from Richard Thibadeau, Music Ministries This Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Easter – otherwise known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The following link will take you to…

Dear Christ Church Family, Did you know that, right now, there are people out there trying to determine which hymn is the greatest of all? We might wonder why they would bother except that most of us know the power of a great hymn in speaking to our spiritual lives. They have often become our favorites. Paul had some favorite hymns too, and in our epistle lesson today, he quotes one. Peace,Rick+ Wednesday, April 29, 2020                  RCL Daily Office…

Dear Christ Church Family, I missed getting this Daily Devotional out yesterday, due to an unusually debilitating migraine. Still, I think the message of Psalm 15 is important enough that it is worth considering even on the wrong day. I have included links to Tuesday’s readings below the message so that you might read those too. Peace,Rick+ Monday, April 27, 2020 (sent Tuesday)        RCL Daily Office Readings, Year 2 AM Psalm 25 PM Psalm 9, 15 Exod. 18:13-27 1 Pet. 5:1-14 Matt.…

Good morning, Christ Church! I have been reading biographies these last several weeks of sheltering in place. Two have been particularly helpful. Erik Larson’s new biography, “The Splendid and the Vile” tells the story of Winston Churchill, his family, and close associates over the course of the Battle of Britain. It is certainly true that the ultimate trajectory of what we are going through right now is unknowable and therefore scary. But can you imagine going to bed every night…

Dear Christ Church Family, What is the point of reading the life of a saint? Perhaps the best reason is that when that saint truly lives the way of Love vs. Hate, they leave us an example to follow; an example that can change us. Our Gospel lesson contains Jesus’ most famous commandment, to live the way of love, and our Saint this day is someone who lived it, and by doing so showed others who followed him, that way.…

Dear Christ Church Family, Are you struggling to grow your spiritual life? If you’re having a tough time with it, the struggle may be the problem itself. In Jesus teaching today, he tells us how to get there. His prescription, though, just might surprise you. It could be way easier than you think. Peace,Rick+ Wednesday, April 22, 2020                  RCL Daily Office Readings, Year 2 AM Psalm 119:1-24 PM Psalm 12, 13, 14 Exod. 15:22-16:10 1 Pet. 2:1-10 John 15:1-11 Saints Days…

Dear Christ Church Family, What is the difference between a Job and a Calling? In our readings today, both Moses and Jesus tell us, and show us. Hint: it has to do with the ways we change the lives of others. Joy,Rick+ Tuesday, April 21, 2020                        RCL Daily Office Readings, Year 2 AM Psalm 5, 6 PM Psalm 10, 11 Exod. 15:1-21 1 Pet. 1:13-25 John 14:18-31 Saints Days Anselm Exodus: The story of a person whose changed life changed the…

Dear Christ Church Family, As our time of sequestering and social distancing drags on, it is difficult to keep from being discouraged by the loss of all the “normal” simple joys of gathering and being together with those we love. Our very first reading for today, Psalm 1, offers us encouragement this morning. It reminds us that the source of our joy, of life itself, is still with us. We have only to keep drinking it in. Joy,Rick+ Monday, April…