Bishop's Blog

It is illusive…but ever present.

Many expect to experience it only  as a lighting bolt while missing the still small voice. There those who believe it is always manifested in a radical, almost “other- worldly” way, while the ‘everyday-ness’ goes unnoticed. Others have no expectations while the truly miraculous goes unacknowledged.  Some assume that it is brought forth by their own volition all the while it is unquestionably a gift.

Yet once you have had a moment, an experience, an awareness or an openness to its movement in your life…

Spirit Truth pure Light of Love,  Guiding Light of God above; make your beacon ours; inspire us to shine so all may know the radiance of the Spirit’s own revealing power. Spirit Wind, sweet Song of Love, stirring song of God above, make your music ours; excite us to sing so all may know the anthem of the Spirit’s own resounding power.  Spirit Fire, fierce Breath of Love, blazing breath of God above, make your passion ours; impel us to live so all may know the fervor of the Spirit’s own resplendent power.  - Carol McClure

Pentecost…it is not a day; it is an endless gift.

This next week I have the good fortune of attending one of my favorite niece’s (okay all of my nieces are my favorite) graduation from high school

As long as I can remember, every time we are together, my niece Cassidy and I go for a walk. Through the years we have had some incredible conversations.  She is a bright, articulate, open, loving person. It has truly been a blessing to literally and figuratively walk with her and my hope is that I will be able to continue to do so in the next chapters of her life.

Alison Feigh, who gave our Episcopal Story Project talk a couple weeks ago, is the program coordinator for the Jacob Wetterling Resource Center.  She talked about how important it is that every young person have five adults besides their parents in their life. If you have not watched it I would really encourage you to do so, especially if you have children at home. (Watch this video now.)

As a person who has worked with young people, and for me personally,  I know how critical it is for all of us to to have mentors to walk with us.

We all need help of companions to be a part of our journeys. If you’ve not volunteered to help with your faith community’s youth ministry program, been a confirmation companion, or volunteered at a local school, please consider doing so.  Your life will be changed and the young person you walk with will undoubtedly benefit from your love and support

As I came around the corner my attention was immediately drawn to the front  lawn of St. Mark’s Cathedral. On this beautiful spring Saturday the place was filled with those who had come to affirm their faith and those who would loudly proclaim “we will” in supporting them in this affirmation.

Walking through the gathered crowd both inside and outside of St. Mark’s, my own enthusiasm was exponentially magnified by excitement and anticipation for that which was about to take place.

Photo taken after more than 70 were confirmed at St. Mark’s Cathedral

One by one faith communities from throughout the metro and beyond came forward to lay hands and pray with me that the Holy Spirit would strengthen and empower those they have walked with in their faith journey. (Listen to the audio from my sermon.)

Within the next couple of weeks I will have prayed that prayer well over 100 times in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota! Each, a uniquely created and gifted child of God, is a privilege and humbling honor for me to participate as their Bishop in this moment of affirmation.

I am also always  acutely aware that leading up to this moment there have been a significant number of people who have walked with them on this journey. Parents, other family members, clergy, youth ministers, mentors, shepherds, companions, peers and friends have all played a role.

Three and a half hours later as I am driving away from this Spirit-filled event I find myself,  as I often do after such an occasion, still praying for those who have gathered…prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of hopefulness,  prayers that WE WILL do all in our power to support each other in our life in Christ.