D-V's Desk

 Recently an article has been making the social media rounds.  The article is written by a pastor who made the tough decision to leave the ministry.  At least for now. I can relate to much of what my colleague writes.  Life is rough right now, in general.  People are ruder, more disrepectful, less willing to listen, and angry.   In this climate, being a cleric can seem like an unthankful role.  Even the church is not immune from the divisions and the hostility. So, why do I stay in the ministry . . .  I stay because of a deep sense of being called by God to ordained ministry. I stay because each visit matters to that individual. I stay because (most days) I really enjoy being a priest. I stay because of the people and the relationships that are formed. I stay because I cannot see myself doing anything else. I stay because I feel there is still something to learn . . . and to teach. I stay because of the wonderful moments of baptizing babies a...

September is gearing up to be a very busy month!   Of course, there is the start of a new school year for our students, teachers, and staff.   We pray for a safe and successful academic year.   All who are involved in education are invited to bring their backpacks or book bags for a blessing on Sunday, 10 September.   I will welcome you up to the Altar rail following the Offering and offer a prayer for the coming school year over you. September means that it is also time to get back to our academic year programming.   There will be lots to participate in and be a part of here at St. Mark’s as well as at All Saints’.   Please read on to learn more about Sunday School, Bible study, and some other opportunities for fellowship, fun, and food.   You’ll also want to stay tuned to your weekly announcements and eNotes as well for additional information and/or updates.   And, please, spread the word to your friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Last month...

 Recently, I posted the following meme from Clergy Coaching Network: Needless to say, this post got a few angry faces (for a variety of reasons, I imagine).  I can only guess in a few cases.  Perhaps for some it comes too close to home, even if they may not realize it.  The meme also sparked some comments about what is the past.  This, and another post concerning what churches need to unlearn, has me thinking. Most congregations are stuck.  Those who are in the pews recall a "Golden Age," when the pews were filled, Sunday Schools rooms were packed, and several choirs existed.  There is an inherent longing to go back to those days without much work to make that happen.  Often, this is coupled with a lack of imagination that resists any form of change or innovation that may be much needed. Churches seem to have lost the concept that the people are the ministers.  The people, not the clergy, are responsible for their churches' mission and minist...

 Note:  Summer, with vacation time, has meant that it has been a minute since I have blogged.  My apologies!  Without further ado, here is my August Lion's Roar article. Starting this month, I will take time in each Lion’s Roar to highlight some of the “Ten (plus One) Rules for Respect.”   I have seen these variously attributed to Nazarene Pastor Charles Christian and leadership guru John Maxwell.    I find these basic courtesies helpful as I seek to live out the part of the Baptismal Covenant where I promise to “respect the dignity of every human being” (BCP, p 305). May you also find them helpful. One of the greatest gifts we can give one another is to treat each other with kindness, respect, and compassion.   This includes talking WITH someone as opposed to talking ABOUT him or her.   All of these seem to be lacking in our current climate of deep divisions. Here are the first two rules: 1.        If you ...

  I pray that this summer finds you able to take time to relax, refresh, and restore this summer. Psalm 121 reminds us ,”Behold, the Lord who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4).   God is a 24/7/365 God.   God does not take a vacation from love, grace, and faithfulness.   God’s presence is constant, even if we may not always see it or feel it. There is no better way to honor God and to thank God then by returning God’s love and faithfulness.   So, hopefully, you will find time to participate in worship over the summer.   The schedules, between All Saints’ and St. Mark’s, makes it easy.   Livestreaming also makes it convenient, even when on vacation.   You can attend a nearby church while on vacation, too. And don’t forget about your financial commitment to St. Mark’s.  Every church I have been a part of has struggled during the summer.  Too often summers mean lower attendance and a lag in offerings.  You...

 I am not a digital native.  I leave that to my beloved nieces and nephews.  I do find technology helpful and, even, meaningful. There are several apps I use on an almost daily basis.  There are podcasts that I listen to regularly. Here is a list- in no particular order of preference. The Bible in One Year app gives you a reading from the Hebrew Scriptures, Wisdom literature (Psalms or Proverbs), and the New Testament with a reflection and prayer for each day of the year.  BONUS: read by David Suchet, of Hercule Poirot fame. Pray as You Go is a wonderful app that helps you center and focus amidst the busyness of daily life.  I find it aides me in developing a mindfulness of God's constant presence. Day by Day, a ministry of Forward of Movement, is an app that allows you to pray the Daily Office.  As a bonus, there is a strong sense of community as your voice joins with the voices of the readers and officiants. Forward Movement also has its publication ...

 I have an extra blog for you today.  This is to make up for not blogging earlier this month . . . life, once again, gets in the way of the best laid plans ;-) One of the church I am in ministry with just had a chicken BBQ fundraiser.  This is something they do about twice a year. The chicken is marinated and then set on racks over a pit formed by cinder blocks.  There the birds cook until they are ready. About an hour before we were officially "open," "Gregory" (not his real name) stopped by and bought several chicken dinners. Greg just happened to driving through the area on the highway when he noticed a familiar scent in the air.  He had grown up in an Episcopal church up north and worked the chicken BBQ fundraiser with his dad as a teen. "I know that smell!"  Greg exclaimed. He promptly pulled off the highway and followed the scent to our chicken BBQ. Gregory was warmly welcomed and a few of us had the opportunity to talk with him as he waited for his ...