In this blog, clergy and lay leaders share helpful resources, ideas, and reflections. The topics range from soul care, to effectiveness, to practical solutions for common issues we are facing. If you have something you would like to submit to be included, please email it to Jessica Jones. We hope these articles are a blessing to you in your ministry.
by The Rev. Mark Eldredge, Canon for Congregational Health I think you'd agree that in the Fall of 2020 in America we could all use more love. We could use more joy. More peace, more patience, more kindness, more goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (especially on social media). Wouldn't more of all those be beneficial to all of us? Those hopefully sound f...
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As a new priest, I have been reflecting on the last four years of formation leading up to my ordination. The days were simply packed with studying, classes, working in my job during the day, and being present to my family. That busy pace is not specific to seminarians or clergy. It seems everyone I know feels strapped for time and energy. It is a constant challenge to main...
Keep Reading A Message To You In Troubled Times The year 2020, to say the least, is a troubled year. My daughter asked me last week how long I thought it might be before the term "2020" starts to be used as a profanity. Like when someone hits their hand with a hammer they will cry out, "2020" instead of some other more common term! Given the way this year has gone so far, I could see ...
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ABUNDANCE FOR OTHERS: Church Planting in New England The Very Rev. Mike McDonald, Rector of Grace Anglican Church and Dean of the Northeast Deanery, Gulf Atlantic Diocese In a season overshadowed by a global pandemic, it may seem strange to focus on abundance for others, but that was the "word" the Lord gave me for our church this year. I knew we would be attempting one ...
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Camp Araminta continues to be integral to our diocesan discipleship of the next generation, even during a pandemic! This summer, approximately 30 leaders (mainly young adult counselors), coordinated and launched Camp Araminta Nights. Camp was held during the scheduled week, but virtually in the evenings. These counselors planned elaborate skits, worship, activities, and ga...
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byRev. Bill Krizner, St. Peter's Anglican Cathedral, Tallahassee "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am! Send me.'" - Isaiah 6:8 June 21, 2020. . . I count it as the 5th best day of my life. The date of my ordination to the priesthood fallsonly after my marriage to my covenant partner and best frien...
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Beth Kirby, Servants of Christ, Gainesville "I can't breathe." This phrase has reverberated through our collective national consciousness in the last few months. The brutal death of George Floyd has led to numerous protests, as well as many participants wearing masks emblazoned with the words, "I can't breathe." I was struck by the confluence of three things: Covid-19, a ...
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How does it feel to be a deaf in a hearing world? Helen Keller, both blind and deaf, compares her experience of each, "Blindness separates me from things; but deafness separates me from people." Deafness is not the actual problem; deaf people can do anything hearing people can do, except hear. Communication barriers create the primary issues, with relational isolation bein...
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Phased re-entry has begun by now and many churches are already rolling out phase 1 and perhaps even phase 2. According to most guidelines, children's Sunday school is feasible for phase 3 and beyond. If you have read the most recent CDC guidelines for schools, however, you will quickly realize the implications for children's Sunday school programs are significant. Re-entry...
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10 Considerations for Building Online Church Communities When the pandemic closed Sunday services, churches quickly (and adeptly!) moved online. Everyone I know has been immensely grateful for the work that pastors and church leadership teams have completed, enabling the people to be part of their worshiping community while safe at home. But how has this pandemic changed...
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