Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Helen, our second daughter, graduated in 1988 from Sewanee: The University of the South. She then joined us as we moved to New York City where I had been called to serve as Rector of All Angels Church.
Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)
Larry was a jerk...he admitted it. When he first came to see me, he was quite proud of himself and his selfish playboy lifestyle. He was a yacht broker, drove a late model Corvette, flew his own plane, and had a couple of girlfriends on the side. I first heard of Larry through his ex-wife – she was a member of our church in Connecticut. Larry had divorced her and as a result, she and their two children were living in the basement of her parents’ home.
Shepherd's Heart Fellowship and Veteran's Home is unique among congregations in the diocese. Near the Pittsburgh city center in the Uptown neighborhood, it is chiefly a congregation "to the homeless, for the homeless," as described by its Rector, The Rev. Mike Wurschmidt. Many in the diocese know Shepherd's Heart for its daily Drop-In Center, where Morning Prayer is held; its Sunday Worship Service followed by a hot meal; and its transitional housing facility for homeless veterans.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:29–30)
They were having one of those painful marital arguments that erupt from time to time. She was determined that this time he would understand just how serious it was for her, so she sent him an email outlining all of his offenses in excruciating detail.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
A contemporary writer, Kristin Higgins, wrote, “If only … the saddest words in the English language.” And while there may be a competition for the very saddest words, these are two of the most debilitating words that I have heard … and at times used! IF ONLY you had done this, IF ONLY we had not done this, IF ONLY you had behaved differently, IF ONLY you had listened, IF ONLY!
Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.(Hebrews 10:25)
Virtual worship –blessing or curse? During COVID it became a gift for those unable to gather for worship and enabled people to stay connected during this terrible season of isolation. I even heard of churches that had virtual coffee hours! At the appointed hour everyone made their own coffee and then chatted together over Zoom...but it’s not quite the same as the real thing! Or is it?
I retired as rector of Christ the Redeemer Canonsburg in July 2018, dreaming of travel to warm climates, lolling on sandy beaches, and gorging on seafood extravaganzas while sipping exotic tropical beverages. What I got was a brief break and a three-month sabbatical coverage, followed by two interim rectorships. I have found it to be an exhilarating couple of years and something I would not change at all.
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God..” (Revelation 21:2–3)
What do you think about heaven?
But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15,16)
Some years ago, Angela and I took a mission trip to Recife, Brazil. At the beginning of the mission we met with the host team to make introductions and to pray for one another. By way of conversation, I asked the team members if they knew they could have one wish granted, any wish at all, what would it be?
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11)
There is something disarmingly powerful about a personal testimony. Trial lawyers know that having one or more eyewitnesses can easily make or break a court case and yet when it comes to matters of faith, we often find ourselves hesitant when it comes to “sharing our testimony.” It really isn’t that complex or difficult...it is simply saying publicly what we know to be true or have personally experienced...and yet we still find ourselves hesitant.
