Sonya Schryer Norris

Ramadan 2018: 2: Reasons Behind Fasting

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a requirement for Muslims. It’s one of the five pillars of Islam. It can be really rewarding, and it’s also really challenging. For me, the whole point is intimacy with God. And fasting is uniquely well suited to creating that intimacy. When I feel that intimacy, Ramadan isContinueContinue reading “Ramadan 2018: 2: Reasons Behind Fasting”

As Ramadan Begins

I’m going to fast to the best of my ability this year. Ramadan begins May 15. I find meaning and beauty and connection to God in the rituals of Islam, although I must admit that fasting alone can sometimes be lonely and hard. I’m trying to read some additional perspectives about the Gospels and I’mContinueContinue reading “As Ramadan Begins”

Bethlehem Lutheran: An Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Congregation

My church buddy has been talking for a couple of months about attending an ELCA church and this week, on the spur of the moment, I joined him. His mother’s family was ECLA. Marie was at Quaker meeting. I gotta tell you. There’s no one particular thing that shouted to me about this experience, butContinueContinue reading “Bethlehem Lutheran: An Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Congregation”

One more post about The Gospel According to Mark

I’ve spent more time thinking about the concern of my last post: whether the message, for me, of Jesus’s healing, is that if my faith were great enough I would be cured of my mental health challenges. I’ve decided to go a completely different way with it. I’ve decided that rather than thinking of myselfContinueContinue reading “One more post about The Gospel According to Mark”

The Gospel According to Mark

Ohhh, I feel so ignorant. I actually spent quite a bit of time in my youth attending Catholic and Baptist churches. How did I not learn more about the Gospels? Here’s one simple thing that raises questions for me. Matthew and Mark tell the story of how Jesus approached a fig tree out of seasonContinueContinue reading “The Gospel According to Mark”

UCC Experience

Marie and I went to a United Church of Christ service this morning. Jacob was away for the weekend celebrating his anniversary. UCC was recommended to me by several folks who heard that the UUs weren’t “churchy” enough for me. It was described to me by several people as “like-UU, but for folks who believeContinueContinue reading “UCC Experience”

All Saints Adult Formation Class: Do I have to believe? Part II: Me

The evangelical Southern Baptists of the Bible Belt farming town I grew up in can take a bow. I came to a new appreciation of their impact on my life and my system of beliefs after taking this All Saints class after a month at the church. This process really is a fascinating one. MyContinueContinue reading “All Saints Adult Formation Class: Do I have to believe? Part II: Me”