Ministry

This is less a reflection than an update, for those of you who follow the Companions.  The forms of my reflection lately have been geared to present ministry.  Sermons, retreat preparation, meetings have been the product of my creative juices.

So: Since I last wrote I've been to San Francisco for the annual board meeting of the Mastery Foundation, a wonderful group dedicated to strengthening the ministry of those who serve others and to working with leaders in places where religion is a source of division.  It's a long way to go to be with people for two days, but it's so enlivening just to be with them that I go.

We spent most of January serving the people of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in New Paltz.  Their new priest arrives this week, and we are very excited for them.  In the meantime, we've been taking turns supplying there.

Then, last weekend Elizabeth went to an advanced training for Respectful Confrontation, a group dedicated to giving people skills to talk honestly and deeply.  As I've learned, confrontation isn't just about conflict; it is just as confronting to honor and acknowledge people.  (For some of us it's harder to hear praise than criticism or complaint!). That same weekend I went to my diocesan convention in Newark NJ.

But wait, there's more!  This weekend I go to a retreat on memoir writing, beginning a process I'm committed to but terrified about.  I come home, and 3 hours later Elizabeth leaves for two weeks in Israel as the chaplain to a women's pilgrimage.  Then I go off to lead a retreat for the junior class at Berkeley Divinity School.  Thank God for our friends who love to stay here with Shadow!  Thank God for our Coffee Table Companions, who continue to meet whether we are here or not.

Sometimes when we go through these busy periods our friends get worried.  And I don't want to be this busy all the time.  But right now I have a strong feeling that we are being used, and that we are developing skills that will serve us and the Companions in the future.  I hope my writing will inspire others.  I see the results of Elizabeth's confrontation work, as our communication gets stronger and easier.  I love sharing the tools of Mastery with others.  It's all an expression of the Companions charism.

Please pray for us during this busy time.  Pray especially for Elizabeth and her companions, and for the students I will be meeting with.  We are always in the presence of the Holy One, but we need to take time to notice that and to encourage one another.

Thank you for following us, and praying for us.  Thank you for all the ways you serve others.  May you be blessed with ease and flow in all you do today.  Amen.