Christ Church CONVERSATIONS

"Newton was right that an object remains at rest until an external force acts upon it. Our external force is the one God who calls us into a deep, deep relationship. The beauty of this relationship is that, just like the servants who were handed talents, it has never been about force or coercion." Father Manny might not enjoy learning about science or sci-fi, but he sees the connection b...

"There’s no doubt that our weary throats need something soothing. It needs some good news, it needs some hopeful news. More than that, we need God’s help." Father Manny reminds us that during moments of struggle, pain, and suffering, it's vital that we have an audience open and receptive to transformation.  We are excited to share this first episode of the second series of Christ Ch...

"It is indeed true that not all circumstances are of our own making. There are times when we become victims - either of the circumstances that we have created for ourselves or others have created for us. The real issue is this: whether it is created by someone, or you created it yourself, you owe it to yourself to transcend them - especially when they become debilitating." Father Manny r...

"When we are filled with gratitude, we give with joy in response to the gratitude we feel in our hearts and lives. And we give, not out of any sense of obligation, but as an act of duty. A duty we owe to ourselves, to others, and the God who gives us the cup of life - after all, this same God loves a cheerful giver. And a cheerful giver is always a grateful giver." Father Manny recalls a...

"Ideas are what turn our world around from its dark places to places of vitality and growth. Ideas turn our beleaguered selves into engines of optimism. Ideas always question our disposition to violence, and ideas lift people and inspire them to offer their very best selves, shape the destiny of our world, and renew the human promise."  This week, Father Manny expands on the perspective...

"I am thankful for each day that she spent with us, each time that she shared her faith story with us, and each day that she advocated for justice for those left on the margins of our society. Each moment of a hug, a handshake, a moment of listening to her share her wisdom at staff meetings, and her devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ."  This week, Father Manny reflects on the years w...

"All of this was set in motion by a deceptively simple question asked by one Christ Church parishioner in what turned out to be at the right time, in the right place." All of what? What is that quote referring to? To find out the answer, listen to this week's podcast - a beautiful and true story that parishioner Ann Barnes shares with us.  It stems from a recent meeting of Christ Ch...

"When Christ tells us to love our neighbor, when he tells the parable of the Good Samaritan helping the stranger, he does not say that it will be easy, or quick, or painless, or without problems. What He tells us is that this is what we are supposed to do and that in doing so, we are loving Him. Here at Christ Church, we really try to live into these commandments in all sorts of ways – the Re...

"The question has always been, would the church, especially Christ Church, have the wherewithal to continue its ministry into the future? I am convinced that we can, but we will have to take certain steps today to prevent a challenging future for those who will be worshipping in the same space 300 years from today." Father Manny's recap of his first 25 years in ministry concludes th...

"This September will mark seven years for me here, and I think it has been a wonderful ministry. I am so grateful to God for the gift and blessing of being at Christ Church. Providence has a way of bringing things together. M3daas3." Father Manny's recap of his first 25 years in ministry continues this week, as he reflects on his time at St. Paul's in the Chestnut Hill neighbor...

"Our singing voices are a beautiful, human way to express emotions, so let us all join together as one congregation, one family, and lift our voices in hymns of praise to God." Our Music Director, Larissa Sanders, explains why we - a multicultural parish representing many different cultures, histories, and voices - incorporate some songs and hymns into our worship that lots of other chur...

"I have had more than enough time to reflect on this part of my ministry and life story. It simultaneously marked both the highest point and the lowest. The whole experience reminds me of the assurance from the Shepherd's psalm: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me. Thy rod and staff they comfort me.” What is Father Manny describing above? Liste...

"Indeed, the Baptismal Covenant in the Book of Common Prayer invites us to respect the dignity of every human being. But I differ - respect doesn’t cut it for me. I would’ve wished that the framers of the Prayer Book had used the word HONOR instead. Honor appears more divine and encapsulates every responsibility we owe all people." Before his sabbatical began, Father Manny took a few wee...

"I cannot thank each of you enough for your kind words of encouragement and the blessings you showered on me - not that I deserve them, but you showered them on me anyway. Thank you for 25 amazing years." Before his sabbatical began, Father Manny took a few weeks and looked back on the many challenges and blessings he has experienced in his first twenty-five years of ministry. We are exc...

"...even this explanation is a pale understanding of this unique and powerful program full of transformation, conversion, and spiritual growth." What is Mother Marcia referring to? Listen to this episode, and find out all about Education for Ministry, an intensive program brought alive at Christ Church this past year. It's one filled with worship, prayer, study, reflection, and disc...

"You know the old saying that you never forget your first love? I would add that for clergy, you never forget your first congregation. My official “formation” experience ended with my ordination in 2020, but I believe formation is lifelong. And Christ Church has played a pivotal part in my continuing growth as a Deacon and as a disciple of Christ." This week, Deacon Denise Schiavone take...

"Praise doesn’t only spring up because we have experienced some healing, but also because there’s been some significant achievement in our lives. Praise springs up because of a milestone. Praise springs up because of an undeserved blessing. One more thing, praise grounds us because we come to appreciate the One on whom we depend." This week, Father Manny reminds us that praise of every e...

"Our first task is to abide in Christ. Like a seed which abides in the soil in order to produce, we also have to abide in him if we are to produce. Our second task is to produce the fruit we are meant to be producing." This week, Father Manny reflects on our recent Youth Sunday, and how the four high school graduates who gave the sermon that day beautifully represented the potential and...

"We hope we are planting seeds that will produce fruit for subsequent generations in this community... It is our hope that more people will be inspired to spread the word to loved ones, encouraging them to join us in future months." This week, our Seminarian, Mike Looney, shares his experience in helping create Christ Church's new Center for Spiritual Nourishment, a space for spirit...

"There’s an adage that says you spend a lot of your time telling God about your troubles. Sometimes you need to tell your troubles about God. Let your troubles and pain know that you rely and depend on a living God. Let your weariness know that you trust a living God. Let your hopes be rekindled in the God of our salvation who takes up our burdens." This week, Father Manny reminds us of...

"Our reverence for God isn’t based on God’s judgment of us; instead, it is based on God’s mercy, God’s forgiveness, God’s compassion, and God’s desire to be blind to our imperfections." This week, Father Manny shares the truth that, if we learn to accept that we are imperfect beings who have lots to learn and improve in life, the power of that gift will help us to be more focused on our...

"This Easter season, I invite you to reflect rather deeply on your own spiritual journey. What are the things that hold you back? What sort of things consume your attention? How easily do you fall prey to the words of others? The searing question is, do you, and can you, offer your very best in all circumstances?" This week, Father Manny reminds us that although we constantly face challe...

"This Easter season, I invite you to reflect rather deeply on your own spiritual journey. What are the things that hold you back? What sort of things consume your attention? How easily do you fall prey to the words of others? The searing question is, do you, and can you, offer your very best in all circumstances?" This week, Father Manny reminds us that although we constantly face challe...

"Being Christian is like riding a bicycle - the day you stop moving forward is the day you fall." This week, Father Manny reminds us that there is never a time when you should convince yourself that you have arrived spiritually and therefore don’t need any more growth. We are excited to share this episode of Christ Church Conversations with you, our podcast series! This series takes shap...

"What really excited me was the belief that each of us can be a joyful gift to others." This week, Father Manny expresses to us that in Christ Church's Spiritual Life Theme for 2024 - Be a Joyful Gift to Others - the focus isn’t so much on the gift, but whether it is a joyful giving of the gift... a joyful giving of the self. We are excited to share this episode of Christ Church Con...