Virginia Gilbert
Virginia Gilbert is a retired journalist and educator, a volunteer urban minister and a landlady. She earned a Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary in May, 2007. She took early retirement from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in January, 2004, and entered seminary the same month.
As a newspaper journalist, Gilbert covered the police beat, suburban municipal government, business news and general assignment. She wrote award-winning news stories and columns in her six years as an education reporter. She was a part-time copy editor in the business section, and as a reporter covered, at various times, commercial real estate, small business, science and technology business. She wrote "Tech Talk," the newspaper's technology column in 1998-99, covering consumer technology issues from a "medium-techie" point of view.
Gilbert taught English in a high school and two community colleges in the 1970s. She resumed teaching in 2000, teaching courses in popular science writing, business reporting and deadline reporting as an adjunct professor at Washington University's University College.
As an urban minister, Gilbert is exploring the emergent church, offering alternative worship experiences for the growing segment of American society who say they are "spiritual but not religious," and volunteering in social ministries to poor and disadvantaged neighbors in South St. Louis.
Gilbert's approach to topics in Mind and Spirit at Suite 101 is ecumenical, and she writes for seekers and doubters as well as Christians. See for example: a series on labyrinths, post modern approaches to Bible Study, and Bible study of the books of Exodus and Ruth.
Gilbert also writes about food for Suite 101 and other publications.
She and her husband are resident landlords in a duplex in South St. Louis.
Latest Articles
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Stretch and Meditate: Count With the Psalms
Having trouble finding time for meditation and exercise? Instead of counting to 30 while stretching, read or recite timed verses from scripture.
Feb 19, 2011
- Virginia Gilbert
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How to Order or Make a Hot Toddy
What could be better on a wintry day than a steaming mug of sweetened whiskey? But some bartenders need to be educated on how easy it is to make.
Feb 1, 2011
- Virginia Gilbert
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So You Want a Church Wedding After All: Working with Clergy
A minister or rabbi may be the only wedding "vendor" who sees your ceremony as the beginning of a new relationship, rather than a showcase event.
Feb 1, 2011
- Virginia Gilbert
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Roux: The Secret to Better Gumbo and other Cajun Mixes
Cooked right, this mystical combination of flour and oil called roux can make even an ordinary rice mix taste more like the real thing.
Jan 8, 2011
- Virginia Gilbert
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Recipe for Pumpkin Muffies: Romantic and Comfort Food in One
Muffies are about half the height of muffins, sort of like soft breakfast cookies. Canned pumpkin makes great muffies, as well as regular muffins and bread.
Jan 6, 2011
- Virginia Gilbert
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Teach Me How to Pray: Prayers of Confession
Any decision to reform or ask for forgiveness -- New Year's resolutions, an apology, repentance -- begins with confession of one's faults or shortcomings.
Dec 26, 2010
- Virginia Gilbert
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Teach Me How to Pray: Sentence Prayers
Uttering a single sentence over and over again can be a powerful form of prayer, whether you use your own words or those from a particular faith tradition.
Nov 10, 2010
- Virginia Gilbert
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Key to a Successful Garden: Plant Flowers That Thrive on Neglect
Love flowers but can't spend a lot of time gardening? Choose plants that will thrive, no matter how you treat them.
Sep 21, 2010
- Virginia Gilbert
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Teach Me How to Pray: Structured Forms of Prayer
Many faith traditions offer structures for praying in groups or alone, using established words, inserting one's own prayers, or a combination of the two.
Sep 18, 2010
- Virginia Gilbert
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Hearts and Flowers Stories: Writing About Victims of Violence
Bringing out the humanity of crime or accident victims without sensationalizing their pain or offending their families requires a delicate balance.
Sep 4, 2010
- Virginia Gilbert
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