Friends and Neighbors, During this hot week, The Episcopal Church meets for it's triennial General Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Our own RJ Powell is a delegate representing our diocese. One big action this year is electing a presiding bishop. The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, bishop of The Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania has been elected as of Wednesday afternoon as the new Presiding Bishop for the Episcopal Church of the United States. There are many other issues before the convention. You can follow the news at this link. We are reminded that our church is larger than our local parish and our diocese. I am thankful for those who take on the work of governance and administration. It takes various gifts to share the love of Christ in our world.

Friends and Neighbors, I am writing this as our nation commemorates Juneteenth. Many of us learned late that even though the Emancipation Proclamation proclaimed that "all shall be free" on January 1, 1863, it wasn't until June 19, 1865 when word of that liberation reached Texas.

Friends and Neighbors, The theme of curiosity keeps showing up for me lately. I heard someone suggesting that whenever we feel fear about a situation or taking an action, that curiosity is a healthy response. I like that. A pause and a thoughtful question may have helped me avoid some tense conversations and misunderstandings. Fans of the show Ted Lasso remember the call to "Always be curious, not judgmental."

Friends and Neighbors, For practical purposes, it is summer. I have particularly enjoyed seeing various wildlife out about. In town, it has mostly been various birds and a bunny or two. On a recent visit to Grace Point, I was greeted by a deer, and later delighted to see two bald eagles in flight. Whatever the season, I am practicing pausing and giving thanks whenever these creatures cross my path. What little things give you pause? Can you imagine it as a "hello" from God? May summer be filled with moments that cause us to remember that God is with us.

Friends and Neighbors, Big news! An opportunity presented itself and it was too great to pass up. St. James has joined with the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to hire a youth coordinator. The Rev. Dorrie Pratt and I interviewed and called Lesley Starck. Yes, that is the Lesley you know from St. James. She will begin planning and getting to know folks in June. We plan to see joint youth group (grade 6-12) activities growing throughout the year. I am excited about this partnership.

Step into a world of tranquility and join us at St. James as we unveil our exciting new monthly meditative initiative! We are thrilled to announce that our labyrinth in the nave will be open for community exploration every fourth Saturday of the month, starting on June 22nd, between 10 am and 2 pm. Whether you seek solace, spiritual reflection, or simply a leisurely stroll, our labyrinth is open to all, embracing diversity and unity. If you're curious about the profound benefits of labyrinth walking or eager to lend a hand in facilitating these serene events,

Grace Point Summer Camp Sessions are here! Check out the Grace Point website at THIS LINK for camp sessions available. Register early to reserve your spot. If you need assistance with camp fees please contact Theresa Russell - 727-858-8444 (ECW has camp scholarship help available).

Friends and Neighbors, As we approach this Memorial Day, I am reminded of the Thanksgiving for Heroic Service found on page 839 in The Book of Common Prayer. "O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy.

Friends and Neighbors, We celebrate Pentecost this coming Sunday (May 19). We often refer to this event as the birthday of the Church. We celebrate that the promised Holy Spirit was given to those early followers and that we all have the Holy Spirit working in us. The gift of the Holy Spirit reminds me that we are all connected to God and each other. In fact, we need the Spirit and we need each other.