Religion: The pumpkin spice latte: A ridiculous flavor or a fall blessing?
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, one thing has become abundantly clear: it's Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) season once again! Even before fall has arrived, the return of this beloved autumnal beverage brings long lines at Starbucks and various...
Religion: What does a pope do?
With all the excitement over the election of the American Pope Leo XIV, it is appropriate to ask: what does a pope do?
While a pope has several titles, the two most important would be Vicar of Christ and Successor of Peter. A vicar in...
Religion: Quieting distractions and reorienting the heart
As the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar begins, nearly two billion Muslims around the world enter a sacred season known as Ramadan. From bustling cities in the United States to villages across Africa, Asia and Europe, the rhythm of daily life shifts.
For neighbors,...
Congregation Emeth prepares to celebrate High Holy Days
The sound of the shofar, a trumpet-like blast made by blowing on a ram’s horn, will ring through Congregation Emeth in Morgan Hill for the upcoming High Holy Day services.
Congregation Emeth, serving southern Santa Clara County, will be offering a variety of High Holy...
Religion: Living in Peace
It was Christmas morning, but this Christmas was unlike any before. It was 1914, and thousands of soldiers were in the trenches as World War I was beginning to rage.
Yet, in the midst of the war and conflict, something beautiful emerged. Historians do not...
Religion: The most important day of the year
This Sunday, April 20, Christians throughout the world celebrate Easter, the resurrection of Jesus. For Christians, Easter is the most important day of the year (Christmas is a distant second) and this year all Christians celebrate it on the same day.
The date of Easter...
Religion: Acknowledging our independence and interdependence
The United States recently celebrated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The authors and signers announced that they were no longer subject to the king of England. They declared they were independent.
I want to mention another word; interdependence. We...
Religion: To be a peacemaker
One of the greatest blessings of our day, particularly in the United States, is our freedom. I will forever be grateful for all who have worked for, defended and sacrificed much to win and preserve our freedom of speech, freedom of religion and our...
Religion: A Labor Day message: Act with justice and integrity
From the earliest colonial days of America, there emerged an ethic of honest labor and craftsmanship. From farmers to silversmiths and makers of furniture, household implements and tools, there was a value on both the humanity and honor of work.
Yet, by the end of...
Religion: Big questions
What if churches around the Bay Area decided to work together across denominational lines to help people explore some of the big questions of faith and life? Thankfully, it is no longer a “what if,” but a reality.
Currently, more than 150 churches around the...












