Looking back, I can only describe it as a kind of violent mercy — because what shattered was not really my faith in God. What shattered was an idol that had been wearing God’s face.

Midwinter Retreat is coordinated and run by Emmanuel Episcopal Church through the hard work of our Youth & Family Minister Beth Canaday. We host this event each January at Jacob's Ladder Camp & Retreat Center in Chandler, Oklahoma. Midwinter allows an opportunity for youth 6th - 12th grade to grow closer to God and each other through a mini-camp experience.

The word "sanctuary" has deep roots in our faith tradition. This is why the doors to churches are traditionally, red. It was a sign of sanctuary. It means a holy place, a refuge, a space set apart. In medieval times, churches offered literal sanctuary to those fleeing persecution. Today, our calling to be sanctuary is both practical and spiritual.

he story of Jesus’ birth gives 1/2 of one sentence to the fact that there was not enough room in the expected places.