A Simple Prayer

On a day that will be bookmarked by two events of some import, I invite the Holy Spirit into our midst. I suggest we will need this.

This morning, Pat Dunn and I will meet with each of our permanent staff here in the Conference Office for their annual evaluations. I want to personally thank the many of you who took the time to fill out the surveys we sent out. They were very helpful. As you all noted, we have outstanding people working for us. We are lucky to have them, and proud of them.

This evening, we will celebrate the life of Caitlin (Kat) Lucas, daughter of Liz Adler and Len Silvester. Len is pastor at Church of the Palms in Sun City, and Moderator of the Conference. My heart aches for them both.









And so, let us pray:
Holy Spirit of the living God, on days when the daily toils and tasks collide with profound and deep pain, abide. Give us hope. Give us comfort. And through the veil of our tears may joy emerge.

In Nogales

Ok, the point here is I had a good time - a great time.














I spent a lovely evening grilling veggies, talking politics, and watching the full moon rise over San Caytano Mountian in the home of Dave and Joan Jernigan.

I spent the next morning in worship with United Fellowship UCC in Nogales.















I spent the afternoon with the Interfaith Peace and Justice committee of Nogales discussing White Privilege.

All of that was good. It was enjoyable, and I look forward to another visit with them soon.

But none of that explains the following:

I rise Sunday morning after a restful slumber in the guest room of the Jernigan home. I wander a few feet down the hallway to freshen up, shower, shave, and prepare myself for the coming day and there, on the sink in the guest bedroom - right where I would likely see it - was this:














In case you can't read the entire line at the bottom, it's "For Liars, Cheaters, and Wrong-Doers."

So much for Southwest Hospitality, huh?

O Happy Day!

Don't these two look happy and proud?

Well, they should. The younger of the two (I am guessing you will have no trouble identifying which of the two is younger) is captured here leaving his Ordination Exam. That's Jeffrey Dirrim, and he was unanimously and enthusiastically recommended to the Conference for his Ecclesiastical Council - a final examination of sorts before his Ordination.

He is a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Phoenix, which explains why he is standing next to his proud pastor, Rev. Dr. Steve Wayles (who, in a little more than a week, will be my and Mimi's pastor also).

This is an important step in the life of any candidate for authorized ministry, and we are proud of him for having presented himself as well as he did. We wish him the best both in his Ecclesiastical Council, and in his future ministry.