Many years ago, I was doing congregational development in the diocese of Upper South Carolina, working with a parish in a county seat. All they could talk about was attracting young families. I pointed out that the demographics were 50% single parent family and asked what outreach to them could be
It’s sad in a way because we had a thriving children’s program but it collapsed during the pandemic. Also, we’ve got no parking so it’s a challenge for families and the elderly
Yeah. Our big growth demographic is retirees who move here to be with kids and grandkids. They’re great because they don’t know anyone and are looking for opportunities to connect
Today's sermon: a bit of the gospel, a bit of my history, a bit of Reformation history: jonathangrieser.com/2026/04/19/i... ⚓
Nazi symbols are illegal in Germany
Anyone want to be my neighbor in parish ministry (at least for the next couple of years)? St. Andrew's Madison is receiving applications for rector: www.diowis.org/openpositions ⚓
Brilliant.
Me: I spoke to the New York Times about the Trump triumphal arch plans today.
Husband: What did you tell them?
Me: That I am the structure’s Arch Nemesis.
Husband: Puns? To the NYT?
Me: It’s a good pun. 10/10 Cicero would support this.
Husband: *exasperated sigh*
While I can’t imagine the hubris of someone admonishing the Pope to think more carefully before speaking theologically, I do think it’s good advice to anyone who’s not the Pope
Since I have been out of the loop for twenty years, I’m hoping to get lots of recommendations for reading when I retire from the ministry. Though I’m not sure I would call it a monograph, Lyndal Roper’s Summer of Fire and Blood is a tour de force.
I always smile internally as I say the words "we are worthy to stand before you" (Prayer B) while watching people kneeling
One of the benefits of not having a parking lot is that I have no idea what kind of cars most of my parishioners drive
BIG FISH
(and a big project. I hope the Brits notice how long this kind of effort takes. They're a long way behind w/their rivers.)
Dilapidated yellow storefront with “S&M COMMUNION BREAD” painted in black just below the roof
In my wife’s office beginning to prepare for the move to a new building and subsequent retirement. I had forgotten about this image purchased decades ago in Tennessee
I was thinking he would be the guy Trump would elevate to the papacy after kidnapping Leo.
They could get rid of a bunch of deans, associate deans, assistant deans, and other administrators and probably run a surplus.
Watching A Taste for Murder. Yes, we watch anything that involves Italy. Among the stars: "Urbano Barberini, born in Rome. The Renaissance papacy wants to have its moment alongside Avignon tonight.
I can see the headline now. “Seal Team 6 captures the pope in daring raid.”
This is actually not news. When I toured the new shelter in mid-March, city staff and Porchlight all said that they hoped it would open by end of June
Our services were lovely but some might think that after doing this for twenty years, I wouldn’t make glaring mistakes. The highlight for me was the music selections of our (interim) music director. A Daniel Pinkham psalm setting, his own compositions, and one by our tenor soloist.
“Early in the morning on the first day of the week”
The chancel is lit, showing an altar with white superfrontal and an array of flowers in front of it. The nave is dark
Taken before the beginning of the Great Vigil of Easter
I worked with a rector who would have lost his voice every year by the end of Holy Week. I’ll confess, I found it a blessing 😏
I don’t think the canons can adapt to the reality of people’s religious lives. They’re complicated. People make connections in different ways and for many reasons. We should be willing to accompany folks on their journeys wherever they end up.
I was there on election night 2016
Years ago, I was serving with a retired priest who turned to me as I lit the new fire and said, "I've had the fire department come three times to the vigil over the years." Later, as we were settling in for the liturgy of the word, I looked out and saw 6-foot flames. Fortunately an usher doused them
Well, that would be an improvement
Having one tonight!
Yup. Only requirements for an MDiv were distribution courses in Biblical Studies, Theology, History, Ethics (all one area), and World Religions; 3 "Arts in Ministry" courses, and 2 units of field ed; plus a course in the first semester and senior seminar, including a thesis.
