Category Reflections

As I gaze out at the endless blue of ocean and sky, my soul delights at the abundance and vulnerability of the Creator. It is wonderful that the Church has designated a Season of Creation as a way to focus on the revelation of God in creation and open ourselves to what God is showing us today. St. Mary’s will observe this season from September 1 through October 4.

Read More

Jesus said, “the kingdom of heaven is like…
A mustard seed that grows into a huge shrub; Weeds and wheat growing in the same field; A treasure hidden in a field…

Read More
This past weekend was our diocesan Spring Renewal, and our theme was “Courage in the Wilderness.” The Rt. Rev. Diana Akiyama, Bishop of Oregon, was our excellent speaker, and for ...
Read More
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you ...
Read More
Dear friends in Christ, “I invite you, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and ...
Read More
Dear friends in Christ, Happy New Year! My reflection this month is about reflection. I normally publish one each month, as close to the beginning of the month as possible. ...
Read More
Dear friends in Christ, In this first week of Advent, I’ve been thinking a lot about how Jesus came as a baby--tiny, vulnerable, demanding. I wish we had more stories ...
Read More
Thanks Be To God? At the end of each of our readings on Sunday morning the reader says “hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.” We reply “thanks ...
Read More
Rector’s Reflection July 2022 This month, we celebrate the 135th anniversary of the dedication of St. Mary’s by-the-Sea, the first church building constructed in Pacific Grove. The first church building, ...
Read More
Dear friends in Christ, I am writing this on May 31, the Feast of the Visitation. When Mary, newly pregnant with Jesus, journeys from Nazareth to visit her cousin Elizabeth ...
Read More
April 1, 2022 What a wonderful spirit of celebration and community we had last Sunday with Bishop Lucinda’s visitation! With those being confirmed and reaffirmed, we renewed our Baptismal Covenant, ...
Read More