I'm Still Standing
One of the people I have come to know over the past couple of years always has this refreshing response to the everyday question of 'How...
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Fr. Manny's Blog
Nov 95 min read
New Leaf
Fall reminds us of the falling leaves, whereas springs bring forth new leaves - a burst of new life and new possibilities. In that same...
Nov 16 min read
Principle
During my brief stint in law school, I learned something very important about the American experiment. I learned how the Founders thought...
Oct 254 min read
Thread
This past weekend was one of unexpected challenges, but it was also one of celebration. We held a successful Annual Meeting, celebrating...
Oct 185 min read
Instrument
Whenever I preach, I offer myself the opportunity to reflect on the words that I shared after the service. I even go back and listen to...
Oct 114 min read
Vanity
When I returned from my sabbatical, I began offering a prayer before the final blessing during worship. This is the prayer: Teach us,...
Oct 45 min read
Transcending Circumstances
I have long thought about how our circumstances do shape and influence us. Those circumstances can be a limitation but they can also be...
Sep 275 min read
The Key Word
Vestry Meetings at Christ Church begin with a meal. The meal is usually provided by two Vestry members. Before each meal, we will share...
Sep 204 min read
Violence
A few days ago, we heard in the news of the assassination attempt on the life of the former president-Donald Trump. Thank God this was...
Sep 134 min read
Four Incredible Years
It was a bright sunny afternoon under the trees by the parish hall. Earlier that day, I had cleaned the table and bench because no one...
Jun 287 min read
M3daas3, part 5 (pronounced 'me-daa-si')
When I first spoke to Steve and Donna, I told them that I was on my way to a Mission Trio. They invited me to respond to a few questions...
Jun 217 min read
M3daas3, part 4 (pronounced 'me-daa-si')
I took a call one afternoon from a Pennsylvania number: "Hello - good afternoon," I said. "Good afternoon, Emmanuel. This is Cliff,...
Jun 146 min read
M3daas3, part 3 (pronounced 'me-daa-si')
I started applying for jobs in the fall of 2004 because I knew that my time at Yale Divinity School would end upon graduation in May,...
Jun 111 min read
Happy Birthday, Father Manny!
Today is a super special day as we wish Father Manny a very Happy Birthday! We are so blessed to have you as our Rector at Christ Church,...
May 305 min read
M3daas3, part 2 (pronounced 'me-daa-si')
I remember calling All Saints a couple of times that day and left a voicemail. But I didn’t get a callback. And so, on Sunday, I wore my...
May 263 min read
A Special Message from Father Manny
My Dearly Beloved: Greetings! It has been my greatest pleasure to serve as your pastor and friend. This September will mark my seventh...
May 245 min read
M3daas3 (pronounced 'me-daa-si')
Last Sunday was unique. It was fantastic. I was overjoyed with the festive spirit of celebration. Everyone was happy; from the youngest...
May 175 min read
Praise           Â
The rippling effect of praise. Praise cannot be contained in a box. Praise cannot be held back by the one who has been affected by a...
May 45 min read
Four Preachers
Last Sunday was Youth Sunday. We had the honor of listening to four of our youth who would be graduating high school this spring and...
Apr 265 min read
Holding On
Many are the deep pains, disappointments, and hurt that we carry with us. Some of us have carried these pains, disappointments, and hurts...
Apr 194 min read
Blind To Imperfections
This past Sunday, I had the honor and privilege to officiate a wedding in Arizona. It was my very first visit to the state and I loved...
Apr 126 min read
Eclipse
I am not exactly sure when I got my first lesson about an eclipse, but I remember that it was such a complicated subject and I simply...
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