[Episcopal News Service] Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe preached Dec. 7 at New York’s Trinity Church , describing the Gospel story of John the Baptist as a surprisingly appropriate set-up for the seasonal anticipation of the coming of Christ. “No [better] way to get into that Christmas spirit than hearing about broods of vipers and chaff and unquenchable fire,” Rowe said with a smile, eliciting chuckles from the congregation. John the Baptist is “like the one relative” who is willing to tell “inconvenient truth” at the family’s dinner over his “locust casserole.” But John the Baptist also was following his ministry in the wilderness and calling for repentance at “a good time to be a prophet,” Rowe said, when there was much for the people to complain about. “The kingdom of God was appealing in a way that the world was not,” Rowe said, drawing connections to today’s troubled times. “The wheat and the chaff grow together. None of us are entirely good or entirely bad,” Rowe said. “But the love of God — and this is the gift of judgment — the love of God is so bright, the love of God burns so strong, that when judgment comes it is about the chaff in all of us that will burn away, and all that will be left of us is what is of the kingdom, what is of God what is of love.”
Community Members Gather For A Shape Note Sing
A Season of Reflection and Community As the holiday season begins, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church invites everyone to gather for the four Sundays of Advent. These weekly services offer a peaceful space to reflect, reconnect, and prepare for the coming season with hope and intention. Each service begins at 9:30 AM and is open to all—residents, visitors, families, and anyone looking for a meaningful way to mark this time of year. Service Dates Sunday, November 30 Sunday, December 7 Sunday, December 14 Sunday, December 21 Worship takes place at: 2680 Country Club Drive, Borrego Springs Whether you attend every year or are stepping in for the first time, Advent at St. Barnabas is a thoughtful tradition that brings people together during a special time of year.
[Episcopal News Service] Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe preached Dec. 7 at New York’s Trinity Church , describing the Gospel story of John the Baptist as a surprisingly appropriate set-up for the seasonal anticipation of the coming of Christ. “No [better] way to get into that Christmas spirit than hearing about broods of vipers and chaff and unquenchable fire,” Rowe said with a smile, eliciting chuckles from the congregation. John the Baptist is “like the one relative” who is willing to tell “inconvenient truth” at the family’s dinner over his “locust casserole.” But John the Baptist also was following his ministry in the wilderness and calling for repentance at “a good time to be a prophet,” Rowe said, when there was much for the people to complain about. “The kingdom of God was appealing in a way that the world was not,” Rowe said, drawing connections to today’s troubled times. “The wheat and the chaff grow together. None of us are entirely good or entirely bad,” Rowe said. “But the love of God — and this is the gift of judgment — the love of God is so bright, the love of God burns so strong, that when judgment comes it is about the chaff in all of us that will burn away, and all that will be left of us is what is of the kingdom, what is of God what is of love.”
Community Members Gather For A Shape Note Sing
A Season of Reflection and Community As the holiday season begins, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church invites everyone to gather for the four Sundays of Advent. These weekly services offer a peaceful space to reflect, reconnect, and prepare for the coming season with hope and intention. Each service begins at 9:30 AM and is open to all—residents, visitors, families, and anyone looking for a meaningful way to mark this time of year. Service Dates Sunday, November 30 Sunday, December 7 Sunday, December 14 Sunday, December 21 Worship takes place at: 2680 Country Club Drive, Borrego Springs Whether you attend every year or are stepping in for the first time, Advent at St. Barnabas is a thoughtful tradition that brings people together during a special time of year.
