“Qui bene cantat, bis orat” —“He who sings, prays twice” This quote is often associated with the Christian theologian, philosopher, and bishop, St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430). Though scholars differ on opinions as to factual evidence these words were penned or spoken by him, the theme of this statement, whoever the author, has transcended time…
2025 is upon us and the preschool is already buzzing with activity. In addition to getting the children back into the swing of things in the classrooms, we are beginning the process of registering students for the upcoming school year. Looking that far ahead almost feels like pressing fast forward on the current school year.…
After waking New Year’s Day to the news of a deadly terrorist attack in the city of New Orleans and then a second less “successful” attack on the Trump hotel in Las Vegas later in the day, a sense of dread overtook me for a moment, I won’t lie. But many faithful people have…
December 11th is the anniversary of my ordination. It’s a date for me to celebrate and to pause and reflect. Likewise, I like to think about my fellow priests. Angela, Marisa, and Alice, who shared this anniversary with me and made their vows on the same day with me. It got me thinking about this…
‘The Church is the only society on earth that exists for the benefit of non-members.’ William Temple Why am I a priest? Why do I love church? Last week on Halloween day on October 31, I went to a trick or treating event with my son. I did not change my clergy clothing and wore…
For years I’ve harbored low-grade confusion about whether Halloween has any real relationship to Christian practice or is just an excuse for a very strange party; when we remember Saints-with-a-capital-S, such as Saint John or Saint Teresa of Avila; and when we remember the saints-with-a-lower-case-s, our ancestors, neighbors, and strangers who have gone before us.…
“When peace like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul…” Lift Every Voice and Sing, #188 The word from this text of the well-known hymn penned by Horatio Gates Spafford, a 19th-Century…
An Easter Morning Church Farley Lord, Intern September 20, 2024 St. John’s Episcopal Church, Wake Forest, NC As part of my life-long quest to understand myself, I find comfort, and sometimes revelation, in taking personality quizzes. Myers-Briggs (I’m an INFJ), Enneagram (I’m a 9), and Strengths Finder (empathy is my #1) are a few well-known…
James 1:17 ‘Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights … ( NRSV) In the past year, behind the scenes, I have constantly witnessed the skills and talents of many of St. John’s parishioners. In meetings behind closed doors, one-on-one meetings, in church events,…
Greetings! I am a wordsmith nerd. I love words, their origins, how they are used, and the impact they can make. My brain thinks in letters and punctuation. I can’t help it. I start my day reading a bible verse followed by exploring the Merriam-Webster word of the day. And can you guess what my…