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