Looking back to 1981, my first steps into St. James’ were urged on by my need for an Episcopal Church. Between the Air Force, graduate school, and new jobs, I had sporadically attended church for seven or eight years. And boy what a change – a new Prayer Book – the words I was so…

Left to right: The Rev. Anna Horen, Lynn Locher, Stephen Ferro, Josephine Amadi, Laura Winter, Sylvia Ma, Sally Morgan, Monique Manjarrez (Senior Warden), John Kimber, Elizabeth Hart, Katie Porter (Junior Warden), The Rev. Lori Walton. Not pictured: Julie Guzior, Bob Doherty.

I was not a church-goer growing up. My parents tried some churches when we first moved to Livermore but did not find the right fit for us. Our Sundays were spent together on family outings – sometimes to San Francisco, or to a museum, and most often on that now extinct adventure of a “Sunday…

Regular worship is important to me for so many reasons.  I go to church because I feel refreshed, and reminded, and grounded in what is most important to me.  It’s so easy to forget in our busy, complicated lives to love one another, to think about the bigger picture instead of just the next task…

When I was a young child, I went to a Catholic Church almost every Sunday.  Partly because I had to and partly because I looked forward to the fruit plate or sweet Mexican fried tortilla my grandmother would buy me after Mass.  I did enjoy this regular outing with her because I got to have…

You may be aware that clergy, staff members, lay leadership, Sunday School teachers, and others in positions of responsibility have been asked once again to complete online training in recognizing, reporting, and safeguarding against suspected abuse of children and adults.  It is diocesan policy that such people undergo initial and ongoing training at regular intervals.…

As a born and raised Episcopalian, regular worship with the family was important and the 3 of us went along with Mom on most Sundays. However, over the years–teenage, college, careers–took its toll. Sundays became classroom work days, or just quiet days. I always thought I would commune with Christ on my hikes and visits…

It seems like I’ve always “gone to church.” Well, maybe not so much during my college and military years. I still went to church, but not regularly. Now, it’s what I do on Sunday morning and other times as well. So, maybe church is “home.” Certainly, I have a church family, some like parents, brothers…

In our everyday life, it is easy to get wrapped up in the business of everything.  By intentionally coming to church to worship on Sundays, it sets aside special time for God.  We are good at asking for things and turn to God when things do not go well or we have pain of some…