Thursday, September 6, 2018

#19 September 6, 2018 "A Place to Grow"









Dear Friends

As we will be on the road, then on the ferry, and then “on the road again” for a couple of weeks, this will be my last blog post regarding our summer ministry in Alaska. I’m glad that some have enjoyed these reflections and I appreciate your comments. If and when I continue to do this, I will try to figure out how to respond to them!

While our main community and ministry was with the amazing and wonderful residents of Thomas Center, (Kathleen will be posting a group picture on Facebook later) it was also a blessing to have a wonderful congregation to worship with each Sunday. I got to preach again last Sunday, Sept. 2nd, and you are welcome to check out the video on the St. Mary’s website. (The sermon begins about the 6 minute mark)

As seen on the coffee mug, one of St. Mary's slogans is “A Place to Grow”. This summer was not only a chance to see how people grow REALLY BIG VEGETABLES (a new record was set in the pumpkin contest at the state fair we attended last week…1,471.5 pounds!) 





It was also a chance to grow by living with and listening to and learning from others at Thomas Center and St. Mary's.  I spoke in an earlier blog about having already won the lottery when it comes to the basics; food, clothing and shelter. Now Kathleen and I feel like we won another lottery by being called to this ministry in the 49th state. Our hearts are not just full; they are overflowing. We have learned and grown so much, in so many ways.

This comes with best prayers and blessings as we all continue to be ready to keep learning and growing in the Spirit. 

John


Saturday, September 1, 2018

#18 September 1, 2018 "Have you got me resurrected yet?"



Dear Friends

I read an article several years ago which reported that Gerald Ford was in a planning meeting for his memorial service with family and friends. He had to leave to take a call and when he returned he asked "Well, have you got me resurrected yet?"

This morning, many of us watched the well planned and moving memorial service for John McCain. It was a wonderful mixture of timely testimonies, timeless scriptures, glorious music and familiar prayers from our Book of Common Prayer burial service.

Some words that especially caught my heart and attention were those quoted by President Obama during his eloquent eulogy. Earnest Hemingway wrote:

Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be.
But what will happen in all the other days that ever come
can depend on what you do today.

This reminded me of the title of a favorite meditation book I use: Tomorrow Starts Today.

May the words which stirred our souls today, words about honor, honesty, courage and selfless service, help drown out words from any source that demonize and divide, tomorrow and every day.

John

P.S. Thanks to Kathleen for the picture of the foxgloves taken at today's Alaska State Fair which we attended after watching the memorial service. (And for all the amazing pictures she has taken this summer!)

Cruelty v. Compassion

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