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Rev. Anne Abdy Reflections List

Love Incarnate: St. John’s Feast in the Christmas Season

Feast of St. John honors the Beloved disciple, celebrating divine love in Christ and our call to be God’s children this Christmas season.

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Is there a sermon at the Lessons and Carols service?

Lessons & Carols proclaims God’s love through scripture and song—a sermon in story, joy in carols, and music that uplifts.

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The Garnet of Hope: Staying Awake in Advent

Childhood garnet hunts in Kuiseb’s riverbed remind us: Advent calls us to stay awake, watchful, and grounded in Christ.

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Reflections on East Carolina Cursillo Weekend #106

The recent Cursillo weekend offered rest, reflection, and my first East Carolina experience as Spiritual Advisor “pilgrim” observer.

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House-keeping Announcements

Reminder to the faithful at Holy Cross of Bishop’s Visitation and Election of 9th Bishop

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Practices of Contemplative Activism

Christianity is a living tradition of contemplation and action, growing through renewal, justice, and deep spiritual presence.

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Leaping in the Unknown: The Power of Faith

Faith is leaping into the unknown, trusting God to hold us beyond fear—like the springbok, we cannot scale walls when paralyzed by fear.

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The Bleeding Woman and Her Friends

A reflection on the Gospel of Mark, chapter 5 story of the Hemorrhaging Woman who touched Jesus’ cloak and was healed written by The Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, Lutheran minister, author and public theologian.

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Lost and Found

The story of a lost dog reminds us of the parables of the Lost Coin and Lost Sheep, emphasizing the importance of community and love in finding the lost.

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Here I Am, Lord: Listening for God’s Call

God calls in many ways—even at 3 a.m. Through restlessness or invitation, we’re nudged to respond, serve, and say, “Here I am, Lord.”

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Held in the Heart of Christ: A Reflection on Tragedy, Tenderness, and the Call to Peace

In the wake of a devastating school shooting during chapel at Annunciation Catholic School, I grieve the loss of innocent lives, reflect on Christ’s comforting presence in suffering, and find solace in the tender embrace of grandmothering—reminded of our sacred call to love, serve, and be instruments of peace.

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God’s Peace Is A Guardrail For The Heart And Mind.

Divine peace is unearned, overwhelming, comforting in chaos.

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The Power of Prayer

The passage describes a prayer practice where individuals use colored pebbles to symbolize prayers.

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Table for Two, Reserved in Room 401, NHC Hospital

Hospital stay met with lasagna, love, and deep connection.

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Big Sky Country

During a recent trip to Montana, Rev. Anne explored the National Bison Range and reflected on the beauty of nature and the Genesis stories of creation.

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The Spark and the Breath: Seeking Inspiration in Stillness

Lisa Richey's message at Holy Cross encouraged finding renewal in chaotic times through simple acts of creativity, like doing something new each week, as a way to reconnect with one's inner spark. Reflecting on this, Rev. Anne explores the dual meaning of “inspiration”—as both divine breath and creative energy—and invites others to consider how honoring that breath can lead us to deeper motivation, joy, and creative purpose.

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Shaking Up Our Roots: Embracing Change in Worship.

The passage discusses the importance of change and growth in Christian living, and outlines upcoming changes to worship services, including a new seating arrangement for the Season of Ordinary.

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Wisdom from Pope Leo XIV

We have a new Pope! Pope Leo XIV. What a joy he brings to the world and an inspiration to each of us as ministers of God’s Word. This quote from him was taken off a Facebook post and it crystalizes for me how God works in our lives and the reach he has within us. Enjoy!

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“Rest: Come Close To God.”

Amidst the hustle and bustle of our lives today there is a peace that can be found in stillness. In the stillness there is renewal of the spirit. With renewal comes a closer connection to God.

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Stacking Stones: A Metaphor For A Life Lived

Discovering the things of value gives meaning and direction to our lives.

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Life’s Storms and Sunshine: Finding Grace in the Chaos

There are times when storms are gathering, overwhelming us and we are forced to choose, to wait, to plow on, to crawl back in bed. OR, refocus our energies on the tasks at hand and the awareness that the storms of life will pass.

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Faith in Action: Answering the Call

"Go tell it on a mountain, over the hills and everywhere..." we have six wonderful people who have taken on the responsibilities of "Preacher" in our Parish. Their discernment and study will provide us with fresh insights once a month. Join us.

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R-E-S-T and Spiritual Growth

REST (Read-Explore-Study-Thrive), it is the way in which we renew our strength and gain insight and direction. We have been given the ability to solve all problems. The key is in the word "solve." To do that, we need the rest that allows us to refocus, renew energy, and regenerate ideas.

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The Triduum

The Easter Vigil, the awakening of the spirit, increased awareness, and love. Beginning at sundown on Holy Thursday and concluding with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday this continuous vigil encompasses the Mass and highlights our unity in Christ.

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Holy Week: A Journey of Remembrance and Redemption

Remembering that love, freely given, resurrects us from complacency and gives us strength to love others.

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True North

Finding our way as Disciples of Christ is not always easy. We are called to be illuminators of the Word. How do you do that. What is your story?

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A Grown-Up Lent

Changes allow us to stretch and grow as a community of faith and as an individual. Have you been searching for a way to make changes in your life? Here is a suggested reading and a list of possible changes to make. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in opening up to change and making that effort to to expand that we can grow.

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Monk Thay, Tung Lam Buddhist Temple

Transforming our lives, and maybe even the lives of others during Lent, is to be open and engaged in deep soul-searching, listening and then to choosing right action.

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Guided Steps in the Lenten Season

Self-Reflection, slowed down and done with a purpose allows us to act with intention during Lent and grow spiritually as Jesus learned during his 40 days 40 days of discovering Truth and Peace in the wilderness.

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Message from the Bishop of Eastern Carolina with Note from Rev. Anne

"We must see everyone as our neighbor and serve them as we would serve Christ."

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Embracing Change, Growing in Grace

It is the Lenten Season, a time of renewal, a time of new beginnings in faith, in our service, and in our approach to life's challenges. Join us as we welcome those with different footsteps on the same path.

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The Guiding Light

Finding Your Power

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"Hunkering Down"

Opening the Mind and Heart

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Peace from Blessed Sleep

Sleep from Blessed Peace

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The Power of Words in Communication

"AND"

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"If You Want to Walk on Water"

"Get Out of the Boat"

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Each Person is Unique

Each Person is Beautiful and Made in God's Image

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Episcopal Thoughts

Determining Directions

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Pokes and Tugs, God Getting Your Attention

When God "Pokes," Pay Attention

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Epiphany

The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles

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At Holy Cross, you will find a relaxed environment of family, friends and community. Our services emphasize knowing the love of Christ through prayer, teaching, music and Holy Communion while following the traditional Episcopal liturgy. Let us be part of your faith journey!

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