You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf!
-Jon Kabat-Zinn

September 29, 2014

Wow, what a weekend! I’m still blown away by the amazing sense of community and spirit that enveloped us during the celebration on Saturday. Yes, the Holy Spirit was very present … with or without … the loud explosions prior to and during the prayer of consecration! As Bishop Rickel reminded us this was a celebration for the Church in Mississippi and what a grace filled celebration it was! I pray that our time together on Saturday will serve to stoke the fire of the Holy Spirit within each of us.

I am excited and frankly “stoked” to be moving into this new role in leadership in this Diocese. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m a little scared as well! I ask for your prayers during this time of transition while I learn how to be a bishop. Thankfully, I’ve been able to watch and learn from several important mentors and teachers. Over the weekend I was blown away by the collegiality extended by the many bishops in attendance. Most, I had never met before but all reached out welcoming me and offering their experience and insight. I thank God for Bishop Gray’s ministry. He is a great bishop and a wonderful pastor who has slowly and carefully shared his wisdom and know-how.

At the start of this post is a quote from Jon Kabat-Zinn that Margaret Ayres shared with me. I like it. God’s creation never stops moving whether it is waves in the water or ministry in our churches. I like to say that we practice ministry … because … as we reach out we find that every person and situation is different. We, the body of Christ, are called to share in creation by learning how to reach out to a world hungry for God’s love and presence in their lives. Every opportunity to share God’s grace is different and requires us to creatively engage how to best re-present the love of Christ. We can’t stop the waves, nor can we stop humankind from needing God’s grace. We can, however, learn to surf … and … work with and within God’s holy creation.

Thank you for the blessings you give me and thank you for joining me in the practice of ministry in this special place.

Peace be with you!

+Brian