My Lent discipline this year is taking on something new. One week into experimenting with a new FB page called Spiritual Leaders and I’m fumbling. When the page comes up, immediately I have three options for creating a story, posting, and boosting my post. But, I think to myself, I’ve done all that before. Why … More Lent Update
Last year, I cleaned my pantry closets on Shrove Tuesday. It was a job that needed doing and a symbolic day seemed like a good time to set aside a couple of hours. What surprised me was how literally cleansing it was both for the shelves and for my inner self. I threw away half … More Pre Lent preparations
On February 17 the Washington Post columnist, Michael Gerson, offered the sermon at the National Cathedral. View it by going to http://www.cathedral.org. On my phone I can scroll down to videos. February 17, 2019@11:15 A.M. is featured prominently and is an easy click to open the video. Here are some of the ways Spiritual Leaders, clergy … More Sermon by Michael Gerson
Trustworthiness is a the top of most parish members list when it comes the priest that serves their community. Although they may not say it in those exact words. When asked what are the most important gifts for your priest, the most frequent answers I hear are good preaching, pastoral care, and a sense of … More Trustworthiness
His nickname is Curly. This nickname was affectionately given by a friend who says Curly looks like the “Curly” of the Three Stooges. That will give some an idea how long this friendship has lasted – over 40 years. Curly and his friend see one another twice a year. Curly works at hotel in a … More The seeds we plant
As a sense of the new year and its new beginnings still rings, I am in the midst of an ending. I am saying “farewell” to a congregation and school community that I have loved serving as an associate rector and chaplain for more than 10 years, to begin a new call. While this ending … More Good Grief and Good-Bye’s by the Rev. Jenni Ovenstone Smith, Senior Associate at St. John’s Ellicott City, MD
Often Jesus taught by answering questions. What always impresses me is that the person always knows what question to ask: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” “How many times must I forgive?” These are two classics. What would be the classic questions of a clergy or lay leader whose leader encompasses her or … More Figuring out the questions
