Advent Blog

My entire life, words – be they in a book, a poem, sung or prayed – have always fed, sustained, calmed and emboldened me. And so, given the heartbreaking events of the last few weeks, I turn to words to inform and guide. Recently, I heard a Wise One share with a Student that if […]

Luke 2 – The Message (MSG) The Birth of Jesus 2 1-5 About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town […]

I asked the following question to five women, “What does it mean to be Christ like for you?” These are a few of their responses: It is better to give than to receive. Turn a blind eye. Selflessness—put the other person first. Be in his word, his presence dwells in you. Wisdom to keep the […]

Today is Christmas Day, the triumphant end to the Advent Season with the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  The Marble Women’s Ministry Leadership Team and Special Guests wish you a Merry Christmas!  And thank you for joining us this Advent Season…. I want to share a classic clip of Mahalia Jackson singing Sweet […]

I grew up in a large, boisterous Catholic family, where suppertime was a chaotic event. My parents could only hope that their nine scrappy kids would one day turn into peaceful, loving brothers and sisters. Christmas Eve dinner became my mom’s noble attempt to teach us about grace. Wigilia was its name, and it struck […]

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given I would be silent now, Lord, and expectant… that I may receive The gift I need , so I may become the gifts others need. Amen Reverend Kirsty DePree

What do pernil (pork shoulder), arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas) and pasteles (patties) have in common? They bring my family to the table on Christmas Day! At the table, along with these and many other traditional foods, are prayer, laughter, joy, story-telling and reflection on those who have gone to be with our […]

“The true joys in life are not the grand gestures, but the simple moments.” As I attempt to get through the hectic days before Christmas, I am really trying to keep that wonderful phrase in mind. Whether it is having a cup of tea with my somewhat forgetful and elderly mother, or my teenage son […]

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.   Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with […]