Today is the first day of September and Fall is already upon us. I have lots to share with you all about my "doings," lately. I also want to share a bit about the beauty of the Gospel. But I am going to let all that wait until my next NewesLetter, which I hope to send soon. However, in light of my contribution in evangelical spirituality to the volume on Four Views of Christian Spirituality, and in view of my recent trip to Assisi, I thought that it would be appropriate to use this NewesLetter to share with you three stories of my experiences related to participating in communion. I'm sure you will get something of the message in the stories themselves. Nevertheless, I will offer a bit of reflection after I recount my tales.

The Gift of Tears: Three Stories of Ecumenical Experience

by Evan B. Howard (8/22/11)

Story One

My first story goes back to January of 2002. I was visiting Marin county, that section of rolling hills and beautiful homes just north of the Golden Gate bridge. It was Sunday and I was "on my own" so to speak. I had no obligations that would require me to attend any particular church. Earlier in the week I had seen a delightful little dome near where I was staying and discovered that it was the top of a local Orthodox church building. By peeking in the yard and reading a few signs, I learned that this was the active home of a local Orthodox community. I also learned when they had worship on Sunday.

So I found myself at 9:30am on Sunday morning standing in a smallish sanctuary with an ordinary collection of people gathered from around the area to offer praise to God.

For more, just click on the pdf attachment.