conjectural navel gazing; jesus in lint form

"what can I say?"

A seminary friend of mine, Fr David Knight, is the priest of St Patrick's Episcopal Church in Long Beach Mississippi. His church was razed to the ground by Katrina. In the process of recovering, almost half of the area residents (David's church included) have moved elsewhere. St. Patrick's has been worshiping in a gym on Sundays. They are trying to figure out how to rebuild. I invite you to visit their website. They have posted photos from the service they had at the site of their old church. The bishop came to celebrate. They celebrated the baptism of two (?) of their children. They offered holy unction. It was quite the day.

David and I did not know one another very well. He was a senior when I was in my first year. But we connected because he was raied Baptist and had made the journey to Canterbury. I on the other hand was baptized in the Episcopal Church and had somehow made my way into the ranks of the Baptist Churches. David was and is a good preacher. I still recall a sermon he preached in seminary about standing in the gap...that we are called as pastors to stand in the gap between the fires of hell and the promises of heaven and show people the way to God. David means business. So, when I found out he quoted me in the sermon for this Sunday, I was honored...more than I can say.

So, go to the website. Listen to David's sermon. They link to the audio file. "What Can I Say?" is the title. He mentions me at the end. I am still stunned. David, I am honored.

Pray for the victims of Katrina.

May the waters of our baptisms roll. And, David, may God uphold you in this ministry. May God grant you bread for the journey, peace, and all good things.

Posted by tripp at August 29, 2006 06:30 AM