Messages and The Good Shepherd

By Gabriele Zapata, Grace Northridge There are so many messages in the world. Everywhere you go someone wants to make you believe something. I may not have children, but I sit here writing this knowing I will in seven months’ time. And already the messages are bombarding me: what I can and cannot eat, what…

Setting the Ambiance for Easter Services

With every reading, during the Easter Vigil, the sanctuary starts to get lighter and lighter until the Gospel reading when the Lord’s Table candles are lit and the over head house lights come on! The previously lone and empty floral shelf is fully seen and abloom with a large arrangement of spring flowers.

Worship through Movement

By Ruthie Buescher, Communications Coordinator for Grace Northridge Anglican Church Participants are sitting crossed-legged, some kneeling. A few are lying down on their backs or sides. One is standing, swaying a bit from side to side. Silence reigns, broken only by the occasional deep breath or cleared throat. This is a movement and prayer workshop,…

Advent: Presence in the Waiting

During Advent we wait. And dare to hope. We allow the space for mystery and unanswered questions while choosing to trust that the new creation is coming. And as we feel the pangs of labor and wonder “How long, oh Lord?” we know we are ultimately held by the one who knit us together and chose to be knit together like us.

Advent: A Season of Longing

Longing and joy, reality and hope, today and tomorrow are held together here in Advent.

The Hope of the Church in 2024 Politics

The Christian response to politics is to be the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit: a living, breathing community, set apart by its love of God and pouring out to the world. It is the first fruits of the new Kingdom of God.

Quiet Days

Quiet Days are all about focusing on the love of God and receiving. We come into the presence of God in a posture of receiving, attuning our hearts to the heart of the Father and silencing the noise that drowns out the voice of the Good Shepherd.

Seal Team Navy Chaplain: A day in the life

I ask each person whom I encounter how I can specifically pray for them, and about 90% are open to receiving prayer. Those interactions springboard into deeper spiritual conversations.

Book Review: Children’s Ministry and the Spiritual Child

I was immediately impressed when I flipped through the book to see the vast number of research studies referenced and cited. This book, however, is not just about the studies. It’s an extremely thoughtful integration of that research into very real, sensitive ministry, accounting for complexity and context, based on years of experience and deep reflection.

The Gift of Listening

Your loved ones living with mental health conditions may view the holiday season as a gauntlet of triggers and with overall dread. For many, interactions with particular family members or having to be on point in large group settings can create feelings of anxiety and need for isolation. Here's some ideas on how to help.