Tag: London

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Advent Word 2022, Day 9 ‘Rain’ 雨

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Rain #雨 ‘We all relate to rain in a unique way—depending on the hour of the day, the season and our geographical region. The rain may burst on us unexpectedly, or she may arrive while we are gathered to pray for her coming. Whenever she arrives, we’re grateful for her gift. Occasionally she may destroy everything in her path, uncovering injustices and warning us about climate change. More often than not, though, she brings with her moments of peace. Deep within our souls, let us wait for the rain excitedly, knowing that her coming is a gift of divine … Continue reading Advent Word 2022, Day 9 ‘Rain’ 雨

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Advent Word 2022, Day 8 ‘Delight’ 喜悅

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Delight #喜悅 ‘What makes delight different from joy or gratitude? For, me it’s the surprise of it. Delight sneaks up on me unawares, bringing a smile to my face before I even have a chance to realize why. Delight might arrive the first time I notice something beautiful—spring’s first crocus, my baby’s first smile—but it might also show up in a familiar sight or sound that I find myself delighting in all over again. Isaiah tells us that God’s promised child will delight in the fear of the Lord. What would it feel like to have God’s justice, God’s … Continue reading Advent Word 2022, Day 8 ‘Delight’ 喜悅

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Advent Word 2022, Day 5 ‘Make’ 做

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Make #做 ‘Make a plan, make a change, make a difference, make a promise. Make memories, make the most of it, make something of yourself. To make something is to act upon it, to bring it into being. It is intentional, purposeful. What are we being asked to make this Advent? Or is that the wrong question? Would it be better to consider what God is trying to make of us? What is the Maker making here, now? We can work so hard to develop ourselves, to get closer to the life we have imagined. Is it possible that … Continue reading Advent Word 2022, Day 5 ‘Make’ 做

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Advent Word 2022, Day 4 ‘Mountains’ 眾山

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Mountains #眾山 ‘Humans have always been drawn to mountaintop experiences and for good reason—it often takes an effort to get there but the reward more than justifies it. From Abraham and Moses to the Transfiguration and Crucifixion, major events in the Bible are often centered atop mountains. And yet, a mountaintop experience is not how God chose to reveal the Messiah to the world. Instead, Jesus was born in a cave surrounded by domesticated animals, the miracle of our Savior’s birth revealed first to lowly shepherds so that all, especially the lost and the least, might be drawn to … Continue reading Advent Word 2022, Day 4 ‘Mountains’ 眾山

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Advent Word 2022, Day 3 ‘Teach’ 教導

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Teach #教導 ‘When I think about the ministry of Jesus, often the first thing that comes to mind is that he was a preacher and teacher. When I was an elementary school teacher, I always looked forward to my students having a “lightbulb moment”—the moment when a concept they had struggled with suddenly became clear. Jesus was an extremely patient teacher. I imagine he would delight in the “lightbulb moments” he helped facilitate through his teaching. When have you experienced a “lightbulb moment?” Kathryn Nishibayashi ‘Exquisite Pain‘ by Damien Hirst at St. Bartholomew-the-Great’s Church (Great St. Barts), London’s oldest … Continue reading Advent Word 2022, Day 3 ‘Teach’ 教導

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Advent Word 2022, Day 2 ‘Together’ 一起

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Together #一起 ‘In pandemic times, one of the best ways to stay healthy is in isolation. But in every other circumstance, separating ourselves is a path toward unhealth—physically, mentally, and certainly spiritually. We need to be together. Binding ourselves to each other pushes away fear and despair, and together we discover more courage and hopefulness. In coming together, we unlock creativity and joy. In this season of preparation, we remember that God desires to be together with us, so much so that Christ came to walk alongside us and to live among us.’ (Katherine Bush) ‘WE’ by Jaume Plensa … Continue reading Advent Word 2022, Day 2 ‘Together’ 一起

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Advent Word 2022, Day 1 ‘Walk’ 行走

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Walk #行走 ‘The very first journey to the manger begins, not with passive waiting, but with a walk. Imagine the pure physicality of that walk: a heavily pregnant Mary and a weary Joseph place one sore, dusty foot in front of the other, mile after mile. Mary plants each foot carefully, lest she slip and harm her child. Like Mary and Joseph, we embark upon a journey today. Let us walk with God through Advent, mindfully and intentionally, with our hearts and minds open to all the possibilities this expectant season brings.’ (Anita Philbrick) Today is Advent Sunday, and … Continue reading Advent Word 2022, Day 1 ‘Walk’ 行走

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Advent Word 2019, Day 20 ‘Go’

Catherine Lee

#AdventWord #Go Go see. Go hear. Go tell. Following Jesus involves movement, witnessing to his ministry, using our agency for positive change through word and deed. As we go, we must keep our eyes and ears open to what the world is telling us, so that in our going, we are prepared to authentically address the needs of others and of creation. Alan Yarborough is the Communications Coordinator and Office Manager for The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations. A Thames Clipper sails past St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Continue reading Advent Word 2019, Day 20 ‘Go’

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London Churches, Cathedrals and of Course, Celebrations!

Catherine Lee

A great weekend in London!  Another great weekend in London, I should say.  My second in three weeks.  Loved it!  And it was hot and sunny, totally unexpected.  Just check out these photos, taken on Sunday, above is Westminster Abbey, and below is Trafalgar Square and St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church…  This weekend was planned around the 80th birthday celebration (and book launch) of good friend and amazing hymnwriter, Rev. Christopher Idle, who has just published his third volume of collected hymns, this one called, ‘Trees Along The River’. The event was held at St. Mark’s Church, Kennington, near the Oval.  Wonderful to … Continue reading London Churches, Cathedrals and of Course, Celebrations!