From Latin via media (“middle way”). noun: 1. A third way; a middle course, a compromise. Anglicans/Episcopalians often describe our faith tradition as the "Via Media" or "Middle Way" between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. This blog is just a place to share some thoughts about my walk of faith, especially in terms of discerning my vocation within the Episcopal Church.
It has been a while since my last update. That's because I've been very busy with my studies and activities at the University of Dallas. Originally, I was taking 15 hours, as do most students, but then I auditioned and was awarded a role in the mainstage production of Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, which allows me credit for 3 more hours. So, fingers crossed, at the end of this semester, I'll have 18 more hours to my credit.
So, a brief rundown on my class schedule:
So, the day has finally arrived! Orientation for new students at the University of Dallas starts today. I'm so excited, and a bit nervous. Probably typical feelings for such a new adventure.
Commuter check-in starts at 10:00 this morning, and it's only 08:30 or so now. I've been awake for two hours already, and the clock is dragging.
Orientation starts today and goes through Tuesday. Classes will start on Wednesday, 25th August 2021. I've been registered for 15 hours this semester:
So, last Thursday night, I had dinner at Bavarian Grill in Plano with Deutsche Kirche Dallas (German Church Dallas), which is a group of German-speakers who meet regularly, via Zoom mostly, to do church in German. There is a weekly Bible study. I hope we are able to resume at least monthly worship in person soon. Anyway, it was a very pleasant evening with seven of us there for dinner. The food was amazing as always.
Upon arriving home, I received an email
So I had a new experience last Friday night: I attended Shabbat prayer services at a synagogue for the first time in my life. Temple Emanu-El, a Reform Jewish synagogue in Dallas, returned to in-person services back in May.
I have always had an interest in Judaism, because Christianity grew out of it and Jesus was a Jew. I have always wanted to attend services at a temple, so I took this opportunity to do so. It was a new and interesting experience.
The service was described as an "Expansive Kabbalat Shabbat," which included the singing of select verses from the six Psalms representing the six weekdays leading up to Shabbat: Psalms 91-96. These were sung mostly in Hebrew. Lyrics were presented on screens hung on each side of the dais in the Stern Chapel: the Hebrew on the right side, transliterations on the left, with English translations on the bottom. The music was beautiful. The cantor played guitar and was accompanied by a pianist, violinist, and drummer.
The service as a whole was very contemplative. There was lots of breathing, checking in with oneself, plenty of silent time for quiet reflection. I plan to visit again in the near future, and look forward to holiday and high holy day observances as well.
So, Shalom for now.
Okay, it has been almost five years since I wrote anything for this blog. Oh well. No time like the present to change that.
Quite a lot has changed for me in the last five years,
