grace in the 'cuse

A New Presiding Bishop!

I'm not above admitting to having that oft experienced but little spoken about condition called Episco-fatigue.  Yes, after nearly two weeks of General Convention in Columbus I might say that I'm a bit worn out from church--and yes, priests get worn out too.  But then I remember what an incredible thing we did in Columbus in the House of Bishops electing, and the House of Deputies affirming, the Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefforts Schori as the next Presiding Bishop.

Wisdom is indeed alive and well in the Episcopal Church.

Jefferts Schori graduated from my alma mater, The Church Divinity School of the Pacific in 1994, just a few months before I began my studies there.  We serve on several committees together around the national church and when I was on staff at CDSP, I had the pleasure of seeing her incredible, revitalizing ministry first hand during one of my visits to the Diocese of Nevada.

While we are in a difficult place vis a vis our relationship with other members of the Anglican Communion and our ability to speak with one voice on the place of LBGT people in the church--we are working on it.  At Grace, we are resolute about Jesus' ministry as being one of faithfulness and inclusion of EVERYBODY.  I hope and trust that our new Presiding Bishop will be able to help us navigate through some turbulent waters and bring us ALL to a place at the table.

What I'm reading these days

A colleague recently asked me what I'm reading these days and I was horrorfied at how long the list was.  I don't usually take breaks for lunch in my day unless the meal occurs over a meeting.  Actually, that too, is a bit horrifying.  Hmm.  So what I think I should do is take "reading lunches".  This would ensure that I actually slow down enough to eat a proper lunch and also finish the many books on my nightstand that are eagerly awaiting their turn.  Here's what I'm into now--don't ask about the books I have yet to crack open...

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't by Jim Collins (recommeded by the aformentioned colleague and the Bishop)

In Praise of Slowness:  Challenging the Cult of Speed by Carl Honore

The Shame of the Nation:  The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America by Jonothan Kozol

The Runner's Diet:  The Ultimate Eating Plan that will make Every Runner (and Walker) Leaner, Faster, and Fitter by Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, CNS

Simply in Season:  A World Community Cookbook edited by Mary Beth Lind and Cathleen Hockman-Wert (one of a few cookbooks that I'm reading before they go down to the kitchen bookshelf)

Relief for the Gulf Coast

Today is a national Blogging for Relief Day to assist those in need--and those who are helping the relief efforts from the devastation brought by Hurricane Katrina.  How can you help? Pray for those who survivved and for those who grieve the loss of loved ones.  Pray for the relief workers and those who are attempting to put the communities of the Gulf Coast back together.  Also keep in prayer our sister churches in the Dioceses of Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast.  For updates on Episcopal churches in the region check in with ENS--Episcopal News Service .

Episcopal Relief and Development is already on the scene and you can make a contribution by clicking the Donate Now button.  A special collection will be taken up on Sunday at Grace's 9:00am service for those who would rather donate to ERD that way. Let us remember that even--and especially--in the midst of grief and tragedy, God is there.