Recently the story of Elizabeth drew my attention. In the gospel of Luke, we find that she and her husband, the priest Zechariah, did not have a child, “because Elizabeth was barren, and they were very old” (Lk 1:7). Barren, a word laden with hard emotions. However, when an angel visits the virgin Mary withContinue reading “Knowing God’s Favor”
Author Archives: Rev. Dr. Markene
I Was Glad When They Said unto Me…
Since its infancy the Church has gathered for worship, sometimes under threat of great danger and persecution. At Trinity Lakeside our shared way of life orients around three essentials: corporate worship, prayer and care of souls. These three are meant to be the ordering practices, the structure around which the rest of life falls. ItContinue reading “I Was Glad When They Said unto Me…”
The Last Week of Advent: Praying the O Antiphons
In these last days of Advent (beginning December 16) join us in preparing for Christmas by praying daily the O Antiphons. Each of these brief ancient prayers emphasizes a different name of Jesus. Each O Antiphon corresponds with a verse in the beloved Advent hymn, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Below are listed the sevenContinue reading “The Last Week of Advent: Praying the O Antiphons”
Beginnings
Since our inception on Trinity Sunday 2020, people have asked how Trinity Lakeside began and what we are about. The vision for this community began in January 2019 at a convent atop a hill in the San Francisco bay area. Towering over the convent grounds are coastal live oak and eucalyptus trees, their great verdantContinue reading “Beginnings”
The slow work of God
I’m a gardener. Not a fussy or showy one, just average. I enjoy getting my hands in the dirt daily and nurturing life in the garden. I tend to grow tried and true, old fashioned plants like Turk’s Cap, Four-o-clocks or Chaste Tree, which grow well in almost any conditions, attracting bees and hummingbirds allContinue reading “The slow work of God”
Contemplation as privilege?
Over coffee one morning a friend suggested that practicing contemplation may be a sign of privilege. His comment reflects a common misunderstanding. Is it the privilege of a few to lean into the contemplative side of the spiritual life? Is contemplation a luxury, like taking a spiritual spa day? In the culture and time inContinue reading “Contemplation as privilege?”
Worship as a Way of Life
To worship is not only to delight in our God, but to participate in his story. To find our place in God’s story, rather than finding a place for him in ours.
An Absurd Little Bird
“Don’t be afraid to be a fool for Jesus,” our retreat leader urged. “Don’t be afraid to be a fool for Jesus.” She repeated her impassioned plea again and again over a period of several days. It wove through her messages, her prayers, her exhortations and her actions. It stayed with us as we eachContinue reading “An Absurd Little Bird”
The hospitality of an unhurried presence
You may have seen our Trinity Lakeside mission on our home page: To joyfully participate in God’s story of loving the world. To celebrate what is good, beautiful and true. To know our neighbors and welcome newcomers. To offer the hospitality of an unhurried presence and listening well. To worship together in Word and sacrament.Continue reading “The hospitality of an unhurried presence”
Why Trinity Lakeside Part 2
“You are unceasing spiritual being, created for an intimate and transforming friendship with the creative community that is the Trinity.” If you’ve emailed with me you’ve seen this quote by Dallas Willard. This is our true identity and vocation—to live in loving friendship with God the Father, Son and Spirit. This relationship profoundly changes us!Continue reading “Why Trinity Lakeside Part 2”