This semester is really flying by! It seems like we just resumed classes, but really the term is almost over. Classes have been great. The focus this term has been on pastoral theology, preaching, and Christian history, especially the early Church. It has been a particular thrill to be working in a church and preaching almost every Sunday because I get to apply the lessons I learn during the week to my preaching work on Sundays. I also visit many elderly persons from my church who cannot attend church. This is a genuinely sweet part of parish ministry and it is always an honor when folks invite you into their homes and allow you to share the good news of Christ with them.
Marti and boys continue to thrive. Brennan and Aidan recently celebrated birthdays, so they are now 11 and 9, respectively. I think it is amazing to be a parent and to watch children grow from small babies into young people. They are both doing great in school, have lots of friends, and are generally pleasant and good guys. We're quite proud. Joshua is almost two and his overall attitude towards life is reflecting the truth of the "terrible twos". He is into everything and loves to scream and cause a ruckus. He is still very sweet in his quieter moments, but those don't last long! Marti is enjoying her class and singing for the choir. Her many friends provide her with a lot of support and fun, plus they all have kids around the same age as Joshua.
We continue to pray for Bishop Howard following his recent surgery. I do not know any details, but I have heard that he is recovering well. Father Mark from St. Andrews visited last month and that was a great treat for us. I am so glad we are staying in contact with our Florida friends and we look forward to a happy reunion when school is finished.
We are spending Thanksgiving in Sewanee this year, but we will be in Jacksonville for at least ten days after Christmas. My last service at our church here is on the 26th, then we'll head for Florida. We hope and pray that you all have a great holiday season and are especially blessed during the quiet and peace of Advent.
Yours in Christ,
Jon
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Great visit to Jax!
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Thanks to all of you who made our recent visit to Jacksonville so wonderful! We had a great time visiting with friends and family while also getting a much needed break from studies and work at the seminary. It feels like we packed in a lot of visiting on our trip, and yet we were unable to see so many great folks, I hope that if we missed you that we'll be able to catch up during our longer visit at Christmas.
One of the many blessings of our trip was attending the worship service at our home parish on Wednesday night. It was wonderful to receive Eucharist in our beautiful sanctuary; surrounded by old friends. It was also great to see many new faces, since St. Andrew's is enjoying a period of significant expansion under the leadership of Father Mark and senior warden Ann. I have always loved the special, almost indescribable, warmth of worship at St. Andrew's... surely the presence of the Lord is in that place.
Our trip ended with a really fun trip to Disney. It was a perfect day, the weather was fine and their were no crowds at all. We spent 5-10 minutes waiting on rides, which was amazing, I'm accustomed to hour-plus waits. The Magic Kingdom employees seem to finally appreciate how much people are spending to be there - my past experience of a 'plastic welcome' has been replaced by genuinely appreciative staffers who were happy to have jobs and happy to have customers. Marti and I had a fun walk down memory lane as we enjoyed the old rides like Pirates and Small World. The kids loved Space Mountain (also an old fave) and Thunder Mountain. The baby cried at almost everything, but he seemed to like the Peter Pan ride. All in all it was a great time and we really thank those of you who made the trip possible.
blessings and peace
Jon
Thanks to all of you who made our recent visit to Jacksonville so wonderful! We had a great time visiting with friends and family while also getting a much needed break from studies and work at the seminary. It feels like we packed in a lot of visiting on our trip, and yet we were unable to see so many great folks, I hope that if we missed you that we'll be able to catch up during our longer visit at Christmas.
One of the many blessings of our trip was attending the worship service at our home parish on Wednesday night. It was wonderful to receive Eucharist in our beautiful sanctuary; surrounded by old friends. It was also great to see many new faces, since St. Andrew's is enjoying a period of significant expansion under the leadership of Father Mark and senior warden Ann. I have always loved the special, almost indescribable, warmth of worship at St. Andrew's... surely the presence of the Lord is in that place.
Our trip ended with a really fun trip to Disney. It was a perfect day, the weather was fine and their were no crowds at all. We spent 5-10 minutes waiting on rides, which was amazing, I'm accustomed to hour-plus waits. The Magic Kingdom employees seem to finally appreciate how much people are spending to be there - my past experience of a 'plastic welcome' has been replaced by genuinely appreciative staffers who were happy to have jobs and happy to have customers. Marti and I had a fun walk down memory lane as we enjoyed the old rides like Pirates and Small World. The kids loved Space Mountain (also an old fave) and Thunder Mountain. The baby cried at almost everything, but he seemed to like the Peter Pan ride. All in all it was a great time and we really thank those of you who made the trip possible.
blessings and peace
Jon
Monday, September 20, 2010
Back to School
It's been a long time since I have posted on my blog, so if are one of the faithful few who missed me, I apologize.
The reason for my absence was that I spent my summmer as a chaplain at a trauma one hospital in Chattanooga. I am not exaggerating when I say that it took everything I had just to climb into the car every morning for the drive from Sewanee. The chaplaincy was much tougher than I expected, the hours were long, the patient situations were challenging and the counseling and teaching we received was unrelenting. All that said, I have no regrets at all. There were many days when I felt like quitting, but I'm so glad I didn't. This type of chaplaincy work, called "Clinical Pastoral Education" is designed to push all of your buttons, sort of like bootcamp, and I assure you that all of mine were pushed! But I learned so much about ministering to suffering people and helping them accept and feel Christ's love that it was worth it. I also learned on a much deeper level how helpless I am without God. I was also able to do my chaplaincy with three other students from my seminary and this may have been the best blessing of all because in the course of the summer we forged friendships that will last a lifetime.
So, school is back and I am student once again. It is so nice to be in class and chapel, to have my routine back. It has also been great to advance to my middler year, the new students seem so starry eyed and overwhelmed, boy I don't miss that!
My prayers for continued blessings and peace go out to all of you,
Yours in Christ,
Jon
The reason for my absence was that I spent my summmer as a chaplain at a trauma one hospital in Chattanooga. I am not exaggerating when I say that it took everything I had just to climb into the car every morning for the drive from Sewanee. The chaplaincy was much tougher than I expected, the hours were long, the patient situations were challenging and the counseling and teaching we received was unrelenting. All that said, I have no regrets at all. There were many days when I felt like quitting, but I'm so glad I didn't. This type of chaplaincy work, called "Clinical Pastoral Education" is designed to push all of your buttons, sort of like bootcamp, and I assure you that all of mine were pushed! But I learned so much about ministering to suffering people and helping them accept and feel Christ's love that it was worth it. I also learned on a much deeper level how helpless I am without God. I was also able to do my chaplaincy with three other students from my seminary and this may have been the best blessing of all because in the course of the summer we forged friendships that will last a lifetime.
So, school is back and I am student once again. It is so nice to be in class and chapel, to have my routine back. It has also been great to advance to my middler year, the new students seem so starry eyed and overwhelmed, boy I don't miss that!
My prayers for continued blessings and peace go out to all of you,
Yours in Christ,
Jon
Friday, June 11, 2010
Chaplain Jon
This week marks the beginning of CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) for most of the students from my class at Sewanee. There are four of us who are commuting from Sewanee to Chattanooga to work at Erlanger medical center. Erlanger is the Level 1 trauma hospital for a large region which includes parts of TN, GA, NC, and AL. This means that in the course of the next ten weeks we are likely to see victims of car and motorcycle accidents, gun shot wounds, strokes, heart attacks, major traumas, etc.
The point of CPE is to expose seminary students to pastoral care in a hospital or rehabilitation setting. As such we are assigned to provide chaplain services to various parts of the hospital and other local facilities, like hospice.
In my first few days I felt very overwhelmed and inadequate to the task, but the staff and long term students who are training us have been very helpful and I am beginning to understand the role of chaplain much better. Within the scheme of activities in the hospital, from surgeries to diagnosis and so on, the chaplain's role is to provide comfort, a listening ear, and a shoulder to cry on. In a humble and quiet way we are to be the face of Christ to suffering people, whether they are Christians or not.
Probably the most important thing to remember in all this process is that God is in charge. What this means specifically in pastoral care is that God will be caring for his children and providing them with all they need to be whole. This can be hard to see while folks are going through profound suffering, but it is true. Approached from this point of understanding, the chaplaincy becomes an opportunity to meet fellow pilgrims in tough places on their journey and spend some time with them. That's really about all we have to offer... I want to think that we offer hope, but patients and family who are not looking for hope probably won't find it in me. I want to think that we are offering faith, but again, those who aren't seeking faith probably won't find that either. There is a better than even chance that over the next several weeks I will meet people who are hostile or scared, but there will also be some who want to talk about baseball or show me pictures of their families... I pray that I can be of some use no matter where they are on their paths.
peace
Jon
The point of CPE is to expose seminary students to pastoral care in a hospital or rehabilitation setting. As such we are assigned to provide chaplain services to various parts of the hospital and other local facilities, like hospice.
In my first few days I felt very overwhelmed and inadequate to the task, but the staff and long term students who are training us have been very helpful and I am beginning to understand the role of chaplain much better. Within the scheme of activities in the hospital, from surgeries to diagnosis and so on, the chaplain's role is to provide comfort, a listening ear, and a shoulder to cry on. In a humble and quiet way we are to be the face of Christ to suffering people, whether they are Christians or not.
Probably the most important thing to remember in all this process is that God is in charge. What this means specifically in pastoral care is that God will be caring for his children and providing them with all they need to be whole. This can be hard to see while folks are going through profound suffering, but it is true. Approached from this point of understanding, the chaplaincy becomes an opportunity to meet fellow pilgrims in tough places on their journey and spend some time with them. That's really about all we have to offer... I want to think that we offer hope, but patients and family who are not looking for hope probably won't find it in me. I want to think that we are offering faith, but again, those who aren't seeking faith probably won't find that either. There is a better than even chance that over the next several weeks I will meet people who are hostile or scared, but there will also be some who want to talk about baseball or show me pictures of their families... I pray that I can be of some use no matter where they are on their paths.
peace
Jon
Friday, June 4, 2010
Summer Plans
Well, we've been out of school for almost a month now and the fun times are almost over! My family has spent the last week in Jacksonville getting some sun and rest and visiting with old friends and family. Overall it has been a great trip. We spent the first few days with my sister and brother and their significant others and offspring. I had lunch yesterday with a friend who will be at seminary with me next year. I also got to visit with our Bishop to discuss the state of the diocese and make some tentative plans for my field education next summer. Last night we did a slide-show of many of our pictures from Sewanee for our home church. That was great; it was wonderful to see everyone and try to catch up a bit. My older sons have been spending time with their friends and they’ve also gone surfing twice. Tonight we went out with my wife’s mom to have sushi, which is a real treat for a Sewanee resident!
This coming Monday will be the first day of ten weeks of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in Chattanooga, TN. It’s basically a chance to serve as a hospital chaplain while receiving clinical oversight and having daily access to counseling as we (I’m on assignment with three classmates) face the challenges of dealing with the sick and suffering at a major city hospital. I’m excited and a bit nervous, but overall I think that CPE will be a welcome change from academia and a welcome challenge for all of us.
I send my heartfelt thanks to all who showed us such great hospitality during our visit to Jacksonville.
Blessings,
Jon
This coming Monday will be the first day of ten weeks of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in Chattanooga, TN. It’s basically a chance to serve as a hospital chaplain while receiving clinical oversight and having daily access to counseling as we (I’m on assignment with three classmates) face the challenges of dealing with the sick and suffering at a major city hospital. I’m excited and a bit nervous, but overall I think that CPE will be a welcome change from academia and a welcome challenge for all of us.
I send my heartfelt thanks to all who showed us such great hospitality during our visit to Jacksonville.
Blessings,
Jon
Thursday, May 13, 2010
School's Out for Summer!
I finished my last final at 4:54 pm on Monday, it was due at 5pm! Our finals schedule was brutal and we're all so glad to be done. In each class 35-50% of our grade was based on the final, so not matter what you had accomplished going in, there was plenty of opportunity to dramatically lower your grade for the class. Fun, fun, fun.
Even better, we'll be in Jacksonville for a the week of May 31 through June 5. This is going to be a great trip because I'll get to see a bunch of folks that I've been missing since Christmas.
Our family is so grateful to St. Andrew's and San Jose in Jacksonville, we've received so much love and support over this first year... it was truly amazing. I don't think any other seminary family has had the kind of help we've had and we brag on you all the time.
We look forward to seeing all of you in June and continue to pray for you each day.
blessings and peace,
Jon
Even better, we'll be in Jacksonville for a the week of May 31 through June 5. This is going to be a great trip because I'll get to see a bunch of folks that I've been missing since Christmas.
Our family is so grateful to St. Andrew's and San Jose in Jacksonville, we've received so much love and support over this first year... it was truly amazing. I don't think any other seminary family has had the kind of help we've had and we brag on you all the time.
We look forward to seeing all of you in June and continue to pray for you each day.
blessings and peace,
Jon
Monday, May 3, 2010
Easter Trip to Jacksonville
Here's some pictures from Marti's trip with the kids to Jacksonville for Easter. They had a blast!
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| Easter Slideshow |
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Richard Smith
Our beloved Greek professor is retiring this semester and we're all very sad to see him go. The Rev. Richard Smith is a retired Luther pastor (ELCA) who spent the last 25 years teaching New Testament Greek to hundreds of Sewanee seminarians. Pastor Smith is a gentle, encouraging man... you found yourself learning Greek mostly because he was so nice and he made it sound so enticing. In his class the New Testament just comes to life.
In addition to retiring, today was also the 57th anniversary of Pastor Smith's ordination. He spent 42 years starting and growing an amazing Lutheran parish in Tullahoma, TN. And during the last 10 or so of these 42 years he was also teaching at Sewanee.
Pastor Smith is an inspiration to every student who knows him and may be simply one of the finest people I've ever met. He will be missed.
In addition to retiring, today was also the 57th anniversary of Pastor Smith's ordination. He spent 42 years starting and growing an amazing Lutheran parish in Tullahoma, TN. And during the last 10 or so of these 42 years he was also teaching at Sewanee.
Pastor Smith is an inspiration to every student who knows him and may be simply one of the finest people I've ever met. He will be missed.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
why we're here
Wow! This year has simply flown past... and yet it feels like we've been here for a long time. My junior year of seminary is almost complete and it has just been such a wild ride. The pace is not always overwhelming, but days turn into weeks and weeks into months much faster than they did in my old life. I think it's because we're headed towards something definite, a visible endpoint. Seminary is 3 years and one of them is nearly done...
As students we've spent a lot of time standing on the shoulders of giants these past nine months, in every class, from Church History to New Testament studies. No matter where we turn intellectually, some genius has gone before us and shown the way. There are lots of deadends, ideas that just don't pan out theologically or pragmatically, but we have found that the exercise is almost always fruitful, if for no other reason than to discover what doesn't work.
What always works is faith. Every time I start to stumble or find myself laid out by some new twist or idea it is Jesus himself that brings me back from the edge. And it is always and only the real Jesus that does this, no pretender can do it. The real Jesus is the one I see in other Christians, sometimes they're leading me or maybe I'm leading them; often we're just moving down the same path together. In worship, in prayer, at lunch, in my kids, in the classroom, at Holy Eucharist... somewhere each week, I wish I could say every day, I encounter the Risen Lord in all his bright-shining-glory and it is more than enough, it's everything. Grades and other concerns are forgotten and I remember why we're really here; to worship and to love, that's it.
As students we've spent a lot of time standing on the shoulders of giants these past nine months, in every class, from Church History to New Testament studies. No matter where we turn intellectually, some genius has gone before us and shown the way. There are lots of deadends, ideas that just don't pan out theologically or pragmatically, but we have found that the exercise is almost always fruitful, if for no other reason than to discover what doesn't work.
What always works is faith. Every time I start to stumble or find myself laid out by some new twist or idea it is Jesus himself that brings me back from the edge. And it is always and only the real Jesus that does this, no pretender can do it. The real Jesus is the one I see in other Christians, sometimes they're leading me or maybe I'm leading them; often we're just moving down the same path together. In worship, in prayer, at lunch, in my kids, in the classroom, at Holy Eucharist... somewhere each week, I wish I could say every day, I encounter the Risen Lord in all his bright-shining-glory and it is more than enough, it's everything. Grades and other concerns are forgotten and I remember why we're really here; to worship and to love, that's it.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Happy Easter
Easter in Sewanee is something else! Starting with Maundy Thursday, it just rolls non-stop for four days straight.
First was the MT service in All Saints chapel; including foot washing, the stripping of the altar and then the all-night vigil commemorating Jesus' time in the Garden.
On Friday morning I went at 5am to process the Holy Elements from All Saints to the Seminary's Chapel of the Apostles (COTA). This is followed by a 9am Good Friday service at COTA, which includes the Veneration of the Cross of Christ. In this beautiful service a large cross is placed at the altar. As you approach the cross you kneel and pray three or four times. Reaching the cross you kneel and pray again. Many are moved to kiss the cross, some place their foreheads against the hard wood, weeping for the Lord's sacrifice for us.
Next is the Stations of the Cross at Otey Parish. This is the on-campus parish church that serves mostly the town folk of Sewanee and many faculty families. (All Saints and COTA serve mainly the campus and seminary communities.) The stations progress from Otey to All Saints, which is about a 1/2 mile walk. About 350 people participated in the Stations and traffic was blocked off so we could walk down the center of University Avenue. Carrying the cross with three other people for a few hundred feet was tough. I can't even imagine the strain on Jesus as he dragged his cross alone to Golgotha...
At Sewanee the Great Vigil takes place in All Saints. It started at 8pm tonight and ended just about an hour ago. You enter the nave in silence and darkness and then light the Easter fire. From this flame everyone lights a candle and the first half of the service is lit with candles only. Following the Vigil the lights came up and we celebrated the Resurrection with baptisms, confirmations, receptions and renewal of baptismal vows. We also celebrated the adoptions of two young children by the Dean of the seminary and his wife. That was amazing! The whole service was incredible and the sense of community and love was wonderful. I have no words to describe my sense of redemption through the Risen Lord.
Tomorrow I'll be worshipping at a little church where I'm interning, followed by more yummy food and further celebration. Maybe Monday I can sleep :)
Wishing you all of God's peace and joy in Christ this Easter!
Jon
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Busy Busy
Wow, I can't believe how fast this semester is flying by! It feels like our Christmas break ended just a few days ago...
School is going well, the classes are great and we're learning a lot. I love them all, but especially Greek and New Testament, which are the two where we actually learn about and discuss Jesus, of all things!
In addition to school, I have also applied to work part time at a small church about 50 miles from Sewanee. If it all pans out, I'll be leading their worship services on non-Communion Sundays, helping out with pastoral care and doing some projects focused on church growth. The church has been around since the 1870's and they have a beautiful facility in the heart of a little town. The congregation is warm and friendly and I could tell the Holy Spirit was moving in awesome ways the moment I stepped into their sanctuary. I'm so excited about this, it would be a good position for someone just graduating from seminary, but for a student it is a dream.
Marti and the kids are doing great. We just got back from a short spring break trip to Nantahala National Forest in NC. We had 4 days and 3 nights with some of our fellow seminarians and their kids. We went on a few hikes, did some fishing, and played lots of board games (it was cold and rainy). Mostly we just relaxed and had some much needed fun! BTW, Joshua can walk with no assistance! (Oh Lord, he is into everything...)
I will be in Sewanee for Easter, but Marti and the boys are flying to Jacksonville. They can't wait to see everyone at St. Andrew's. The boys still miss home a lot and the transition remains a constant topic of discussion. For better or worse, every thing and every person gets compared to their counterpart back in Florida. I think it shows that real growth always comes with some pain and that real love does too. It is an odd thing to see your child hurt and know that it is not only ok, but actually the best thing for them. Growing up is rough, but necessary; although we do try to blunt the sharp edges as best we can.
The reason I can't go to Jacksonville is that Sewanee's Holy Week is mandatory. This is ok, because according to veteran Episcopalians from all over the country, it is absolutely amazingly well done; grand and reverent. All of us new students are very excited, but the middlers and seniors are just as thrilled. It is a huge affair involving the University chapel's two chaplains, half a dozen priests from the seminary faculty, both choirs, bunches of acolytes, readers, organists, etc. All this is for one purpose: celebrating the Resurrection of our Savior!
My final comment is a thanks to Harry Crosby and Gary Walker. They spent a few evenings last week replacing the failed water heater in our house in Jacksonville. It would have cost a mint to have had a plumber install that thing, you guys are the best! Thanks!
My love and affection to all of you, have a blessed Lent and a Holy Easter!
Jon
School is going well, the classes are great and we're learning a lot. I love them all, but especially Greek and New Testament, which are the two where we actually learn about and discuss Jesus, of all things!
In addition to school, I have also applied to work part time at a small church about 50 miles from Sewanee. If it all pans out, I'll be leading their worship services on non-Communion Sundays, helping out with pastoral care and doing some projects focused on church growth. The church has been around since the 1870's and they have a beautiful facility in the heart of a little town. The congregation is warm and friendly and I could tell the Holy Spirit was moving in awesome ways the moment I stepped into their sanctuary. I'm so excited about this, it would be a good position for someone just graduating from seminary, but for a student it is a dream.
Marti and the kids are doing great. We just got back from a short spring break trip to Nantahala National Forest in NC. We had 4 days and 3 nights with some of our fellow seminarians and their kids. We went on a few hikes, did some fishing, and played lots of board games (it was cold and rainy). Mostly we just relaxed and had some much needed fun! BTW, Joshua can walk with no assistance! (Oh Lord, he is into everything...)
I will be in Sewanee for Easter, but Marti and the boys are flying to Jacksonville. They can't wait to see everyone at St. Andrew's. The boys still miss home a lot and the transition remains a constant topic of discussion. For better or worse, every thing and every person gets compared to their counterpart back in Florida. I think it shows that real growth always comes with some pain and that real love does too. It is an odd thing to see your child hurt and know that it is not only ok, but actually the best thing for them. Growing up is rough, but necessary; although we do try to blunt the sharp edges as best we can.
The reason I can't go to Jacksonville is that Sewanee's Holy Week is mandatory. This is ok, because according to veteran Episcopalians from all over the country, it is absolutely amazingly well done; grand and reverent. All of us new students are very excited, but the middlers and seniors are just as thrilled. It is a huge affair involving the University chapel's two chaplains, half a dozen priests from the seminary faculty, both choirs, bunches of acolytes, readers, organists, etc. All this is for one purpose: celebrating the Resurrection of our Savior!
My final comment is a thanks to Harry Crosby and Gary Walker. They spent a few evenings last week replacing the failed water heater in our house in Jacksonville. It would have cost a mint to have had a plumber install that thing, you guys are the best! Thanks!
My love and affection to all of you, have a blessed Lent and a Holy Easter!
Jon
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Favorite Episcopalians
Here's a picture of two of my favorite Episcopalians taken after our Ash Wednesday service. The service was lovely and I pray that everyone has a peaceful Lent filled with the Spirit.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Bishop Howard visits Sewanee
I received a surprise email from Bishop Howard today indicating that he was in Sewanee and that he'd like to have lunch. I accepted immediately and we met a few hours later at a local eatery called the Blue Chair.
It was great to see the bishop! We got to talk about our recent diocesan convention, the state of "things" in our diocese and the church, and he asked me many questions about studying and living at Sewanee.
Our diocesan convention was a few weeks ago and it was simply a wonderful celebration of Christian community. Our diocese has been enjoying significant blessings and hope for the past couple of years; which is a great change from the previous 3-4 years of hellish division and struggle. I was happy to tell the bishop what a great time I had at the convention and how highly I thought of all the lay and clergy leaders who were there to share Christ and enjoy our mutual bonds of affection. We celebrated the reception of a mission church that had finally achieved parish status, began planning funding and other efforts for the Haiti recovery, met some of the vestry of St. Patrick's in Mississippi, who were there to announce the rebuilding of their parish buildings, and most impressively, were introduced to the first Spanish speaking congregation in our diocese. And those are just some of the highlights, it was a great convention!
Then the bishop went on to ask me about life at Sewanee and I just couldn't say enough about how great it is to be here. I love all my classes and classmates, the professors are amazing and life outside the classroom is full and fulfilling. I can't imagine being anywhere else, doing anything else right now. The Diocese of Florida is sending two more people to seminary next year and I can't wait until they come to visit in the next few weeks. One is pretty well convinced that she will be attending here, but the other guy is on the fence between Sewanee and VTS... I think (pray) his visit will seal the deal. Sewanee just has a lot going for it right now and it's an exciting time to be here.
One final thing to share is what a great visit I had at St. Andrew's last week. After the convention I was able to stay in Jacksonville an extra day and so I was able to preach at both Sunday services. It was so much fun and so good to see all my old friends. It's hard to preach at your home church, because they "know" you, but things finally fell into place and for the first time I heard my "voice" in the sermon. Finding your voice, your personal way of preaching, is something that all seminarians talk about. It's tough to do, but very worthwhile. Preaching is often under-rated in liturgical churches, but it's a vital skill and one that takes time and discipline to develop. Great preaching is a gift of the Spirit, but all priests should strive to be very good preachers.
blessings and peace,
Jon
It was great to see the bishop! We got to talk about our recent diocesan convention, the state of "things" in our diocese and the church, and he asked me many questions about studying and living at Sewanee.
Our diocesan convention was a few weeks ago and it was simply a wonderful celebration of Christian community. Our diocese has been enjoying significant blessings and hope for the past couple of years; which is a great change from the previous 3-4 years of hellish division and struggle. I was happy to tell the bishop what a great time I had at the convention and how highly I thought of all the lay and clergy leaders who were there to share Christ and enjoy our mutual bonds of affection. We celebrated the reception of a mission church that had finally achieved parish status, began planning funding and other efforts for the Haiti recovery, met some of the vestry of St. Patrick's in Mississippi, who were there to announce the rebuilding of their parish buildings, and most impressively, were introduced to the first Spanish speaking congregation in our diocese. And those are just some of the highlights, it was a great convention!
Then the bishop went on to ask me about life at Sewanee and I just couldn't say enough about how great it is to be here. I love all my classes and classmates, the professors are amazing and life outside the classroom is full and fulfilling. I can't imagine being anywhere else, doing anything else right now. The Diocese of Florida is sending two more people to seminary next year and I can't wait until they come to visit in the next few weeks. One is pretty well convinced that she will be attending here, but the other guy is on the fence between Sewanee and VTS... I think (pray) his visit will seal the deal. Sewanee just has a lot going for it right now and it's an exciting time to be here.
One final thing to share is what a great visit I had at St. Andrew's last week. After the convention I was able to stay in Jacksonville an extra day and so I was able to preach at both Sunday services. It was so much fun and so good to see all my old friends. It's hard to preach at your home church, because they "know" you, but things finally fell into place and for the first time I heard my "voice" in the sermon. Finding your voice, your personal way of preaching, is something that all seminarians talk about. It's tough to do, but very worthwhile. Preaching is often under-rated in liturgical churches, but it's a vital skill and one that takes time and discipline to develop. Great preaching is a gift of the Spirit, but all priests should strive to be very good preachers.
blessings and peace,
Jon
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
New Term
Well, the new term is under way and we're all doing great. It is such a relief to be a second-semester seminarian! Classes are great, everyone is rested and ready for work (mostly!) and we're so much more settled in to the ebb and flow of seminary life. It really is nice.
On the other hand, a lot of my new friends are seniors and they are already starting to interview for jobs that will take them far away from Sewanee. It seems like we just met and now they're gonna leave... A few have already been ordained as deacons, which makes it easier for them to find jobs since they can be ordained as priests as soon as they get to their new churches. One of my favorite seniors, who is now a deacon, told me that ordination changed him permanently and profoundly and then asked me to give him another few years before I ask him what exactly changed "permanently and profoundly." Being a first year seminarian, you feel like you'll be in school forever, but the truth is that it's over almost before you know it.
It is weird how isolated we can be here at Sewanee. Most of us didn't know about what happened in Haiti for a few days after the first quake. It's not that we're cut off from the news, it's just that we're very busy and you get into a habit of not knowing what's going on in the outside world. I am pleased that the news did not fall on deaf ears and there has been significant fund raising throughout the campus community, but it still seems striking to this former suburbanite that I would so quickly fall into communal habits of isolation.
My final comment is that our baby Joshua had his first birthday a few weeks ago. What a wild ride that has been! Having a baby in your late 30's is so different, you really appreciate all the changes and (hopefully) growth that have taken place in you and your spouse. It's been a incredible blessing to have another shot at parenting a baby because we've had so much fun and worried so much less this time. When I think back to how paranoid we were with the first two kids, I am amazed that they aren't in therapy, yet...
blessings from the Mountain,
Jon
On the other hand, a lot of my new friends are seniors and they are already starting to interview for jobs that will take them far away from Sewanee. It seems like we just met and now they're gonna leave... A few have already been ordained as deacons, which makes it easier for them to find jobs since they can be ordained as priests as soon as they get to their new churches. One of my favorite seniors, who is now a deacon, told me that ordination changed him permanently and profoundly and then asked me to give him another few years before I ask him what exactly changed "permanently and profoundly." Being a first year seminarian, you feel like you'll be in school forever, but the truth is that it's over almost before you know it.
It is weird how isolated we can be here at Sewanee. Most of us didn't know about what happened in Haiti for a few days after the first quake. It's not that we're cut off from the news, it's just that we're very busy and you get into a habit of not knowing what's going on in the outside world. I am pleased that the news did not fall on deaf ears and there has been significant fund raising throughout the campus community, but it still seems striking to this former suburbanite that I would so quickly fall into communal habits of isolation.
My final comment is that our baby Joshua had his first birthday a few weeks ago. What a wild ride that has been! Having a baby in your late 30's is so different, you really appreciate all the changes and (hopefully) growth that have taken place in you and your spouse. It's been a incredible blessing to have another shot at parenting a baby because we've had so much fun and worried so much less this time. When I think back to how paranoid we were with the first two kids, I am amazed that they aren't in therapy, yet...
blessings from the Mountain,
Jon
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Two Homes
Well, we returned to Sewanee from our Christmas trip to Jacksonville about a week ago. It is cold and snowy outside. For the last five days the temperature high temps have been in the mid 20's and the lows have been around 10! My kids love it because they have been out of school since last Wednesday - for the very same reason, I wish it would warm up a bit...
Our trip to Jacksonville was wonderful. We spent the best part of two weeks visiting with all of our old friends from church, cub scouts and work. We also saw all of our family who live in Jax. Many of my new friends at the seminary had warned us to not have too high expectations for our visit, especially regarding how things would be different and we might not feel quite as "at home" anymore. This was not our experience though, what I encountered was that my dear friends in Florida had grown dearer. We didn't do anything fancy, just spent a lot of time visiting and chatting over coffee and lots of food, but it was the best. Our church has grown in the short six months since we left, but the new people were nice and many familiar faces were still there to greet us. Father Mark and the team lead some beautiful services, and as usual, St. Andrew's really shows off nice in her Christmas greenery. We also had a great time at the New Year's party at church, especially the amazing fireworks! Finally, on my last Sunday in Jacksonville I was able to drop by San Jose Episcopal and see my friends there, especially Father Stef. It was a great visit, start to finish.
Another thing that I really enjoyed about our trip to Jacksonville was being able to share about seminary. There were some questions about grades and classes, but for the most part folks wanted to know what it is like to study at Sewanee during this very transitional time in the Episcopal Church. I was delighted to have only good things to report. My classmates and I all started discernment after the "Gene Robinson thing" happened and therefore we've gone into seminary with our eyes wide open in terms of the different issues that are assailing the Anglican Church right now. That's not to say we're all on the same page, but I don't think that Episcopalians have ever been on the same page regarding anything besides faith in Jesus and our creedal beliefs. I can say that, God willing, all of my classmates should make fine priests some day and that the future of our denomination seems to be in good hands. This is a good thing and it was a blessing to be able to share some good news about the Church.
Since we've been back at Sewanee we've had dinner with our extensive seminary family almost every night. There isn't much to do up here and there's no money do it with, so you take turns cooking dinner for one another. This doesn't sound nearly as wonderful as it truly is. These nights are filled with kids playing and lots of laughter and fulfilling conversation. Having not much else to do forces us to do the thing we so seldom did when we lived in suburbia: live in community. A year ago I would never have thought that I would spend the bulk of my time with the same people day after day and love it so much.
Anyway, the trip to Jacksonville was wonderful, but coming back to Sewanee was too, either way, home is home.
Peace and blessings,
Jon
Our trip to Jacksonville was wonderful. We spent the best part of two weeks visiting with all of our old friends from church, cub scouts and work. We also saw all of our family who live in Jax. Many of my new friends at the seminary had warned us to not have too high expectations for our visit, especially regarding how things would be different and we might not feel quite as "at home" anymore. This was not our experience though, what I encountered was that my dear friends in Florida had grown dearer. We didn't do anything fancy, just spent a lot of time visiting and chatting over coffee and lots of food, but it was the best. Our church has grown in the short six months since we left, but the new people were nice and many familiar faces were still there to greet us. Father Mark and the team lead some beautiful services, and as usual, St. Andrew's really shows off nice in her Christmas greenery. We also had a great time at the New Year's party at church, especially the amazing fireworks! Finally, on my last Sunday in Jacksonville I was able to drop by San Jose Episcopal and see my friends there, especially Father Stef. It was a great visit, start to finish.
Another thing that I really enjoyed about our trip to Jacksonville was being able to share about seminary. There were some questions about grades and classes, but for the most part folks wanted to know what it is like to study at Sewanee during this very transitional time in the Episcopal Church. I was delighted to have only good things to report. My classmates and I all started discernment after the "Gene Robinson thing" happened and therefore we've gone into seminary with our eyes wide open in terms of the different issues that are assailing the Anglican Church right now. That's not to say we're all on the same page, but I don't think that Episcopalians have ever been on the same page regarding anything besides faith in Jesus and our creedal beliefs. I can say that, God willing, all of my classmates should make fine priests some day and that the future of our denomination seems to be in good hands. This is a good thing and it was a blessing to be able to share some good news about the Church.
Since we've been back at Sewanee we've had dinner with our extensive seminary family almost every night. There isn't much to do up here and there's no money do it with, so you take turns cooking dinner for one another. This doesn't sound nearly as wonderful as it truly is. These nights are filled with kids playing and lots of laughter and fulfilling conversation. Having not much else to do forces us to do the thing we so seldom did when we lived in suburbia: live in community. A year ago I would never have thought that I would spend the bulk of my time with the same people day after day and love it so much.
Anyway, the trip to Jacksonville was wonderful, but coming back to Sewanee was too, either way, home is home.
Peace and blessings,
Jon
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