D-V's Desk

 A political activist I am not.  I do believe in the gift and importance of voting, however.  I believe that it is our privilege and our duty to vote in elections. In a few weeks we in the United States of America have a crucial opportunity to let our voices be heard.  Normally, mid-term elections are considered insignificant in comparison with presidential elections.  I  feel that is not the case this year. I truly feel that these year's mid-terms elections are every bit as vital to our nation, to our democracy as the presidential elections. I do not believe that it is my place as a member of clergy to tell you whom to vote for.  That is not my place nor is it ethical.  To tell you whom to vote for is a betrayal of my role as a pastor. You will never hear me tell you to vote for candidate X over candidate Z.  I will not tell you to vote yes or no on a certain amendment/ballot initiative. What you will hear me say is "VOTE!"   In th...

  “At 211*, water is hot. At 212*, it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam. And steam can power a locomotive.”   One degree makes the difference between boiling water and steam powerful enough to run a steam engine.   I first heard these words as a volunteer hospital Chaplain.   I was part of a leadership conference the hospital was hosting.   Leaders from every floor and department were represented. After we watched the short video, “212*: The extra degree,” we spent time in discussion around our tables.   What would it look like if we each gave that one extra degree?   How would that impact our floor or department?   What would the overall effect be upon the hospital? Followers of Jesus often talk about giving in terms of giving of the time, talents, and treasures God has entrusted to our care.   Of how you and I are only temporary caretakers of what God graciously entrusts into our care. What would it look like if eac...

“You know that our Lord Jesus Christ was kind enough to give up all his riches and become poor, so that you could become rich.   A year ago you were the first ones to give, and you gave because you wanted to.   So listen to my advice.   I think you should finish what you started.   If you give according to what you have, you will prove that you are as eager to give as you were to think about giving.   It doesn’t matter how much you have.   What matters is how much you are willing to give from what you have.” These words come from Paul’s second letter to the community in Corinth (8:9-12).   Here Paul is not just talking about money and our financial giving to the Church.   Although our level of giving is a reflection of the true depth of our love for God.   Paul is encouraging all believers to put their faith into action, to give generously of their time, talent, treasure, and testimony. What might such generosity look like?   Below a...

 My first post in this series may give the impression that I am against the Church.  Or that I am jaded or on the verge of burn out.  None of this is the case.  I love the Church, that wonderful and mystical company of believers.   I did not grow up in the Church.  That happened later.  I deliberately chose the Church, time and time again. Nor am I seeking to judge. criticize, or whine.  I am simply making some observations of things that I have seen as both a member and an ordained minister. Finally, this list is not in any particular order nor is it meant to be exhaustive.  I welcome your thoughts and insights on what you are seeing in the church. 6) This follows number five.  With faith being a private matter, discipleship and even worship have all too often become passive spectator sports.  Jesus tells His followers that being a follower is not about being a B.I.P. (bottom in the pew).  Discipleship is meant to be an a...

 I have been in ordained ministry twenty-two years now.  I have been actively involved in church life for another fifteen'ish.  This has given me the opportunity to see both the best and the not so good of the church.  I have observed United Methodist Churches and Episcopal Churches.  Some of these trends are not really new.  Like everything else in life right now, COVID-19 has exacerbated the situation. 1) The 20/80 principle is now probably now more like the 8/92 principle.  That is to say, 8% of the people are actively engaged and doing the work of the other 92%.  There is no sense of personal responsibility or ownership for the communal life and ministry of the local congregation.  Then we throw our hands up in despair when the church is shrinking or a ministry cannot continue. 2) We expect pastors to do all the work.  After all, they are the public, designated Christian who is called to minister on our behalf (we have deluded oursel...

How can it be August already?!?!?!?!   We have been together for one year almost.   That does not seem possible.   One year ago, I was preparing to move to the area and to begin our ministry together. The first year in a new setting is always challenging.   There is so much to do.   There is so much to learn.   This goes both ways.   I am continuing to learn about the history, customs, traditions, and people of St. Mark’s.   You are still learning about me.   And we are learning what it means for God to have called us together in this time and place. The past few years have made church life (well, life in general) even more challenging.   There has been so much going on all at once in our community, in our nation, and in the world.   Communities continue to be torn apart by gun violence and the battle for the full inclusion of all without regard to race, ethnicity, and sexual identity or orientation.   COVID continues to be...

I had major heart surgery almost three years ago.  I was in cardiac rehab for three months following the surgery.  This began a more intentional lifestyle for me.  I started to walk more regularly to continue my progress and to improve my overall health. A few months back I began posting on social media with the hastag walkingwonders. #walkingwonders helps keep me accountable.  It gets me out there to continue walking at least five times a week. #walkingwonders is also about connecting with God's creation.  I feel closer to God when I am out in nature. In addition, #walkingwonders is about being mindful.  About being present in the moment and taking time to notice God's presence around me. I don't always find a flower, a bird, or a rabbit when I walk.  Some days there is just the promise, the glimmer of hope that reminds me God is near.