Yesterday my family said goodbye to Good Shepherd after being with them for three years and 6 days. It was an amazing three years and six days, and we are incredibly grateful to have been part of such a wonderful community. We will miss them dearly, even while being excited to join our new parish family, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Plant City, FL.
Here is my last homily at Good Shepherd. You can find the full text of the homily here.
Find the full text of the homily here.
Prayer Practice: The Welcoming Prayer
The prayer of welcoming grace into things unwanted or uncomfortable resonates with the Welcoming Prayer, developed by Mary Mrozowski, a lay contemplative, and Thomas Keating, a Trappist Monk. This has been one my core prayer practices. Click the above link to learn more about the practice.
I also preached a sermon on the Welcoming Prayer a couple years ago. Find it at the link above.
Teaching from the Book of Occasional Services on Exorcisms
There is a very brief explanation of exorcisms in the Episcopal Church’s Book of Occasional Services. If you are interested in learning more, click the above link and scroll down to page 233. While you are there, look at some of the beautiful occasional services included in the book.
I thought when peace moved in
she’d send anxiety a notice of eviction.
Instead she became his roommate.
And at night when he paces the living room,
she makes him a cup of tea.
And in the morning when he snoozes the alarm clock,
she lets in the sunlight.
I thought when peace moved in
anxiety would move out.
But anxiety didn’t go anywhere.
He’s still there.
He’s just no longer alone.
After three incredible years serving as the Associate Rector at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, I have now been called to serve as Rector at St Peter’s Episcopal Church Plant City, Florida!
Good Shepherd has been such a wonderful home for us and we are so grateful to our friends and parish family here. It will not be easy to leave. I have loved working with Sanford Groff and all of our staff and volunteers, and they will continue to do great things with Good Shepherd.
And yet the Holy Spirit is moving in some exciting ways and leading us to a really wonderful parish in St. Peter’s, a community with which we already share so much in common.
St. Peter’s is also just down the road from where I grew up. And now our boys will get to grow up near their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins!
Please pray for us as we make this transition! My last Sunday at Good Shepherd will be July 21st and my first Sunday at St. Peter’s will be August 18th.
Find the full text of the homily here.
Song: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
If I were a baptist or pentecostal preacher, this is the song I’d ask the band to play at the altar call after the homily (and Shane and Shane do it so well!). It preaches the message much better than I have. I like to listen to this song while praying with an icon of Jesus, and looking upon his face. Perhaps it will help calm your fears as it has mine.
Alongside of the text of this homily, I’ve posted pictures from one of my favorite children’s Bibles, Moments with Jesus. What is unique about this Bible (and it is NOT just for children) is that it tells the story in the second person as an imagined, meditative experience and includes reflection questions. Plus the illustrations are beautifully fantastic! In the book’s telling of Jesus calming the storm, it invites the reader to imagine what it would have been like to be on the boat. It also asks these two sets of questions: (1) Have you ever felt as scared as the disciples in the storm? What made you afraid? and (2) Picture that scary moment in your imagination, but this time picture Jesus there with you. Is He scared? What is He doing? What is He saying? How do you feel about that
Find the full text of the homily here.
Livestream: The Poetry Broadcast by Billy Collins
Billy Collins continues to read poetry for the world on his Facebook page every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm. Join him at the link above.
Poem: “Introduction to Poetry” by Billy Collins
This classic poem of Collins draws a distinction between approaching a poem as something to be solved or unlocked rather than poetry as something to be playfully and creatively experienced. I think we are often tempted to read parables the same way. Rather than playfully turning our attention to them, we become too academically rigid in our approach, expecting there to be some single correct answer or solution to the parable.
Book: Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
This book was written in the 16th century by a Carmelite Friar and is a classic. The book speaks about cultivating an awareness of God’s presence in every moment, even in (and especially in) the mundane.
Book: Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zin
This book, from outside the Christian tradition, teaches some of the basic concepts of mindfulness meditation and the art of paying attention. First published in 1994, it has become a consistent best-seller in the area of spiritual practice and living well.
Find the full text of the homily here.
Resources for Further Reflection
For more reflection on Sabbath rest and a deeper engagement with this passage, check out the following resources that inform my thinking on the topic.
Book: The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel
Rabbi Heschel is one of the most influential theologians and teachers of Judaism in the 21st century. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called Rabbi Heschel “his Rabbi” and “a truly great prophet”. Heschel’s book on the Sabbath is a short but incredible read that I highly recommend. It completely changed my perspective and I continue to reflect on its words.
Podcast: “Sabbath and the Art of Rest” from the Ezra Klein Show
In this episode, Ezra Klein interviews Judith Shulevitz about her book, The Sabbath World: Glimpses of a Different Order of Time. They speak not only about the observance of the Sabbath itself, but how the conception of time, morality, and community are shaped by its observance.
TV Episode: “Relax” from the show, Bluey
This is the episode I reference in my homily from the award winning, relatable, and moving Australian children’s show, Bluey. I highly recommend not only this episode, but the others as well! Its on the Larsonage TV screen regularly.
This little study guide (meant for groups, but can be used by individuals) was shared with me by our office coordinator, Mary Lou, and I found it really helpful and enlightening. If you would like to spend some time learning more about the tradition of keeping Sabbath and reflecting on how rest shows up in your life, I recommend it.
Song: “Slow Me Down” by the Porter’s Gate
While not about the Sabbath specifically, this song by one of my favorite artists captures the call of the homily to slow down and rest in the deepness of God’s peace. The refrain’s use of “Good Shepherd” is an added bonus.
Song: “Slow Me Down” by Robby Seay Band
Another song by another band, but with the same name, this song also captures the call to slow down in the presence of God.
Also, I’m trying out something new on the website. With each homily I’m going to start posting some resources connected to the Scripture passage and message I spoke on for deeper reflection. Below are the resources for this week. You can also find them on the homilies page. Let me know if you find it helpful or if you have suggestions!
Resources
For more reflection on this passage from Romans and the practice of wordless prayer see some of the following, and never hesitate to reach out for a conversation!
Song: Spirit Move! (Keep on Moving) by the Porter’s Gate
This song based on Romans 8:22-27 is from a new album by one of my favorite music artists, The Porter’s Gate. It was the soundtrack for the writing of this sermon.
Web Article: Learning to Pray from the Spirit and the Heart by Fr. Jack N. Sparks
This web posting is an adaptation of an old teaching on prayer from the 16th century by priest, Lorenzo Scupoli. I found it really helpful in framing the different types of prayer and praying from the Spirit/heart.
Organization: Contemplative Outreach
https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/
One of the methods of wordless prayer that has been part of my practice is called Centering Prayer, inspired by the ancient monastic tradition and contemporarily developed by Fr. Thomas Keating, a Trappist Monk. Contemplative Outreach is the primary organization that teaches about centering prayer and organizes groups around the country. Below are a few more resources on Centering Prayer.
Group: Centering Prayer Group at Jupiter FIRST Church
Meets on the fourth Monday of each month
https://www.jupiterfirst.org/spiritualformation/
Book: Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating
Book: Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening by Cynthia Bourgeault
The home Pentecost banner is up! Happy Pentecost, everyone!
May the Spirit move among us and in us!
Thoughts on Faith 