The Sea of Galilee

The last few weeks in the daily readings, there's been a lot of "traveling" on the part of Jesus.

Lots of crossing water, walking along water, being on the water.

I couldn't help but think back to my time in the Holy Land this past January/February, and our boat trip on the Sea of Galilee -- I could see Jesus walking along the edge of the water. I could see Jesus calling the fisherman in the water to come out and help him fish for people.

My reading the gospels has changed significantly since my trip to the Holy Land -- indeed, my life was changed through that experience. I see the sights, I smell the smells, I taste the bread -- it was a powerful time, and it stays with me!

I hope this few pictures invoke wonderful images for you as you read or hear the gospel in the weeks and months to come.

How lovely is thy dwelling place . . .

The first time I stepped into St. Clement's sanctuary was the day I met with the Search Committee in the library. It was in the winter -- the Sanctuary door was open, so I walked in to see the church before I met with the Committee.

I fell in love!

There was something warm and welcoming about the Church -- I felt love emitting from its walls -- the love of many years, many people.

When I was done with my interview, I was thrilled. I thought to myself, "if these people don't call me as their rector -- I'd still love to attend services here when I'm on vacation -- these people have it going on! With all they've been through, the love of God in Christ is so infused in them, that mission and ministry has alway been a strong focus of who they are. This place rocks!"

Well, thankfully, I was called as the rector, and June 1st was my 9th anniversary! While I was not in town (I was in Scotland), I still celebrated and remembered my first day -- hanging pictures on the wall of my office, Sally Richmond, then the bookkeeper came into my office and said, "Hi, my name is Sally. I'm the bookkeeper. We have $500.00 in the bank and we have to meet payroll -- what do you want me to do?" I thought to myself, "Holy guacamole! What have I gotten myself into?" Well, there was some money in savings, so we used that. I asked her how we were year to date -- she told me that we were, through April, $10,000 in the hole. I made some changes to procedures, and we ended up that year $49.00 to the good!

We've come a long way in 9 years, and we still have the journey in front of us. Mission and ministry are never-ending -- and the opportunities to serve are infinite.

....how lovely is thy dwelling place -- indeed, for me, St. Clement's reflects the depth and breadth of the love of God in Christ, and I am grateful to be your rector!

So many things to celebrate!

This past Saturday and Sunday were VERY busy days in the parish!

First, Bonnie Edwards' ordination to the priesthood on Saturday -- what a joyous event! It was so good to have Bishop Bruno celebrating with us! It was also, for the first time in anyone's memory, that an ordination took place at St. Clement's.

I want to thank all of you who came and celebrated with Bonnie, and especially everyone who worked so hard before, during and after the service as well as all those who put on a beautiful reception -- what a festive day! The bishop and guest clery were blown away by our hospitality and the beauty of our parish church.

In addition, Bishop Bruno took the time to bless the Virgin of Guadalupe banner that our own Sally Edwards recently totally re-did...it's beautiful! What a gift to have our Bishop do the honor of blessing the beautiful handiwork of Sally! Thank you, Sally!

On Sunday, we celebrated the baptism of Alison Lucy James -- I never had a baby look up at me quite the way she did I was preparing to baptise her -- she took my breath away!!! She was asleep before the baptism, woke up for it, and fell asleep again. Wow!

We will have many other opportunities to worship together this fall...most especially on October 4th at 10:00 when Bishop Talton will be with us to celebrate our 80th anniversay as a parish Church! We will be having confirmations that day, as well as our annual stewardship campaign! A BIG birthday celebration, followed by a very festive lunch catered by Bistro 221!

May it always be said of St. Clement's that when we do it, we do it BIG!

Eucharist

In last week's sermon, I spoke about the importance of the Eucharist. Jesus as the Bread of Life is a powerful image we have of who Jesus is for us -- the most incredible nutrient in our lives.

When we receive the divine life into ourselves at the Eucharist, we cup our hands.

Do that -- cup your hands for a moment. Then imagine yourself cupped in God's hands -- for the gesture we use to receive Holy Communion is the mirror image of God holding us in the palm of God's hand.

Whenever you feel yourself overburdened or alone -- imagine those cupped hands of God holding you. Rest in those loving hands -- for they are always extended to receive you as the beloved child of God that you are.