It is oddly gratifying and encouraging that we live in perhaps a “golden” time for those who grieve and mourn. It is commonplace this time of year, in addition to the joyous posts of children on Santa’s lap and endless photos of cookies, to read posts by and about those who struggle to make it […]
In mid-February 2017 we had a funeral for a beloved member of the parish. He had lived a long, full life and his family surrounded him at his departing and gathered for the service. The first reading was this beautiful passage from The Book of Wisdom (in the Apocrypha). Wis. 3:1 But the souls of the righteous are in […]
Elizabeth’s essay Día De Muertos: Eat, Speak, And Remember posted this weekend. It is a wonderful reflection on the importance of remembering those who have died. As some Christians create these atrocious “hell houses” and most Americans get a bit silly with their costumes, this season can also be a gracious reminder that we are never […]
Sermon for Sunday, 10 July 2016. St. Paul’s in Philipsburg, PA. Proper 10, Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Deuteronomy 30:9-14 and Psalm 25:1-10 • Colossians 1:1-14 • Luke 10:25-37 Endure everything with patience Colossians 1:11 May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure […]
The Collect: Second Sunday of Easter, Rite Two Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives […]
Some Christians believe God rewards the faithful. So why did I get Stage 4 cancer? A powerful piece by Kate Bowler of Duke Divinity. She has literally written the book on the prosperity gospel and was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She notes the irony of her having written a book about the gospel of […]
Today, January 11, 2016, we woke to news that David Bowie had died. He had been battling with cancer for the last 18 months. I was a fan from the 80’s. His under appreciated album “Tonight” was highly appreciated by this brooding 18 year old. I guess I wasn’t a great fan though, because although I knew […]
Compline has always been to me the most gentle and consoling of the offices. I can never, however, escape the knowledge that as they prepared to take him on the helicopter I prayed with Mack our simple nightly prayer. “Now we lay you down to sleep and pray the Lord your soul to keep. His […]
The following is the homily I shared for Jake’s funeral this past Saturday. It is shared here with the blessing and permission of his family. Jake Correll We came here today to share our grief and sadness, to give thanks for the life of Jake Correll and to hear God’s word and receive the grace of […]
We have lost a young member of our community this week and as I prepare for the service I am drawn to this particular reading. I have thought often of it with regards to those who die from debilitating illness, whether physical or mental. Like the plant we are sown in a hard, scrabbly seed but […]
