This season we have so much to monitor. Our to-do lists, our family dynamics, our blood pressure—to name just a few! We also monitor the news and find it is not good. Tragedy and uncertainty top the headlines. In times like these, we must be extra diligent in caring for ourselves. Remember the truism that “if you don’t take a break, God will give you one.” Being of service requires service to self. Last Monday, I had a joyful evening playing pool with three of our parishione

“Tell me, how may I join in this holy feast With all the kneeling world, and I of all the least? Fear not, O faithful heart, but bring what most is meet: Bring love alone, true love alone, and lay it at his feet.”   Something I’ve tried to do these past few years is write one major composition per year, beginning with my Missa Sancti Bartholomaeus in 2021, followed by Good Night: A Requiem in 2022, my Wellington Canticles and Wellington Responses in 2023, and Precious S

On Sunday, November 16, my group and I worshipped at the Anglican Cathedral of the Redeemer, the bishop’s seat for the Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church in Madrid. Bishop Carlos Lozano invited me to join the worship party, and while we were in the clergy vesting room, he kept peeking out the door to see if any children had arrived. I wondered, Why does he keep checking? Once the service started, I realized he had been looking for a family to light the Advent wreath! But in mi