Paperwhites at the ranch

February 1, 2020 - It's a beautiful day here in the Sierra Woods where I live. Yes, it's winter but today the temperature is in the 60's. I am compelled to write as I recall the most recent events in my life.

Just two weeks ago, my sister in law, Pat Jordan, died suddenly, leaving my dear brother Ricky bereft. He had no time to prepare as she died of a pulmonary embolism. I was blessed to be with him for five days. Sometimes we would talk about her life and other times we just sat in the quiet at his beautiful ranch and listened to classical music together.

When I returned to California, I was scheduled to attend a clergy retreat on "Pastors and natural disasters." The timing seemed perfect as I had just experienced my own loss but I wasn't prepared for the giftedness of the event.

I won't go on about the content, but the pastors I met enthralled me. In this day and age when a number of churches are dying, clergy are sometimes less than authentic and continually fuss about their parishes; this group is totally committed to service and loving God. The richness of our sharing will carry me for many days.

Light beaming through the clouds

I write today because I want to declare that parish ministry is alive and well. In my own congregation, we are growing - both in numbers, in faith and in service. We have sooo many leaders in our church who step up to the work every day. This week as I was walking around the property I noticed that trees had been trimmed, the garden had been cleaned, the rubbish had been removed, the kitchen cupboards were organized. I had to ask around quite a bit to find out who had done this. It seems a whole cadre of people! Parishioner had reached out to the visitors who were in church last Sunday without my participation. Our parish care team took care of those who were ill. The clergy I met at the retreat also proclaimed of many good things happening among them.

Friends, we can be discouraged about the plethora of problems facing us now or we can BE THE CHURCH and be the light of Christ. thanks to all my colleagues, friends and family for being the light for me!

St. George Chapel