Jesus used parables to illustrate important spiritual truths to listeners hungering to know about the Kingdom of God. Parables also serve to protect timeless truths from skeptics and nay-sayers. We are delighted to review an extended parable written by John Pearring, who is not a stranger to our diocese.

There’s nothing like a thick, juicy slice of sweet watermelon on a hot summer day. With more than 1,200 varieties of watermelons grown around the world, watermelons are available year-round, with peak season in the United States from May to August.

What are the political implications of being a Christian in America? At a time of sharp ideological polarities, as both major political parties seem to be locked in an intractable steel-cage death match, let’s sort out these issues see if there is a road to walk.

Sandy, my older brother, and I both went to St. John Vianney High School in Los Angeles, staffed by Dominican friars. It engendered a great fondness in us for this great cleric, who is the patron saint of parish priests. In the 18th century, with the battered Church in France brought to her knees by revolu-tion, God raised up an unexpectedly gentle champion of the faith.

Vines can be charming and add vertical interest to the landscape. They are considered to be under-used and tend to be over looked at our local nurseries. Silver lace vine is a great choice for gardeners in our diocese who are interested in a fast-growing, easy going and undemanding vine. Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii) is a vigorous, deciduous vine that can grow up to 12 feet in one year. This drought-tolerant vine twists its way around arbors, fences, and porch columns. Beautiful, white flowers embellish this low maintenance plant in the summer and fall.