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
What do you want to learn is the basic question of the Thriving in Ministry Initiative at Virginia Theological Seminary. We ask the members of the peer groups to focus on learning what will build their vocational and personal growth. Answer the question by posting a comment to this blog. What can we share with … More What do you want to learn?
This is the title of the Washington Post editorial for today, Sunday October 28. Read it. Today I will go to church and I am sure in our intercessory prayers we will pray for the latest victims of hate and the gun fueled culture of our country. What I want from my worshipping congregation is … More “We must refuse to become accustomed”
