Welcome to My Blog
Here is a masonry blog layout with no sidebarCivil Discourse Program
The Diocesan Council of the Diocese of Ohio has been intentionally engaging in hard conversations about issues that separate us from each other and prevent us from being the body of Christ into which we are all called in Baptism. The Council has developed materials for our congregations and Mission Areas to help all communicants have these conversations with one another … Read More
“Listening with our Eyes and Breaking our Hearts: Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas”
In this last installment of my Listening with our Eyes and Breaking Our Hearts series I’d like to introduce you all to Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas. Since September of 2017, she has been the Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary. Her...
At the Start
Beloved Friends, Here we are at the beginning of the journey we call Lent, and a season that is often described as the church’s darkest season. I feel that description of darkness deep in my soul these days as we watch the news, learn of the continued wars and...
Listening with our eyes and breaking our hearts: James Baldwin
In my opinion, one of the most moving and important writers or voices of the 20th century was James Baldwin. I first read his book, The Fire Next Time in 2016 and it has left a mark on me that I have yet, and never want to, be rid of. Baldwin was a playwright,...
Climbing up the Mountain with Jesus
Beloved Friends- This Sunday ushers in two moments of mystery and grace as we mark the end of our journey through the season of Epiphany and celebrate the wonder of the story of the Transfiguration. As we turn and listen to the words of Matthew (17:1-9), we will be...
SONAR: A Music Series… during Lent? Sonar
Sonar: noun , a system for the detection of objects under water and for measuring the water's depth by emitting sound pulses and detecting or measuring their return after being reflected. Lent gives us the opportunity as Christians to look inward. As it is often a...
Little by Little Then All At Once
Beloved Friends, Little by little and then all at once.This is what I am thinking about, and how I am feeling, as I sit down to write to you this week. As I look around at what is happening in our ministry and in our building, we have indeed reached the “all at once”...
And We Will Have Been a Part of It
This week, Trinity is opening her doors to TAPA (Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts) and the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. Three students have competed and won the opportunity to play with the Symphony, and it is in our spiritual home that their dreams will become a...
Who is My Neighbor?
February 26- This Lenten Season, Episcopal Relief & Development invites you to meditate on the commandment to love our neighbor and consider the meaning of this fundamental instruction in our daily lives. You can sign up to receive a meditation…Read More
A Message from the Bishop: Absalom Jones
The annual Absalom Jones service is an important event in our common journey toward Becoming Beloved Community. This year, it provides an opportunity to remember both the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first African American to be ordained…Read More
How can we support those who are around us?
Last week I stated that I wouldn’t be writing much of my own words in these posts this month, and already I must amend that. While I am very excited to dive into some Michelle Alexander, there is other business to attend to. This week is the exception as we have our...
Richard Smallwood – A Music Legend
My music people, Richard Smallwood is a giant in the gospel music industry. If you don’t know him exactly by name, then you’ll certainly know him by his works. His first big hit was “I Love The Lord”, and is the creator of others like “Total Praise,” which has been...
Shrove Tuesday Pancakes!
February 21 – Come celebrate Shrove Tuesday with All Saints Toledo!!!
This is the return of their long running tradition. This year they will be more festive than ever with Mardi Gras beads, dine-in and carry-out food, and more…Read More
“Listening with our eyes and breaking our hearts: Rev. Dr. James H. Cone”
In his book, Said I Wasn’t Gonna Tell No One, Rev. Dr. James H. Cone, pastor, teacher, theologian, and author points out that theology isn’t universal, and that it all begins with our own experience (pg. 112). So, for the month of February, as it is African American...
Salt and Light
Beloved Friends, Taped to the inside page of my monthly planner is a tattered piece of paper with these words from Methodist pastor Ted Loder: Empower me to be a bold participant, rather than a timid saint in waiting,in the difficult ordinariness of now;to exercise...
Winter Convocation
February 3 – Every February, the Diocese of Ohio holds its Winter Convocation, focused on fun, fellowship, and formation. This year, it will be back in-person at Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky, Friday, February 3, and Saturday, February 4. The theme of this year’s event is Real Connections: Ministries to Strengthen Church and Community Relationships.
The keynote speaker is… read more
“Words Create Worlds”
More than a decade ago I was introduced to the Toledo based non-profit, Food for Thought (FFT). At the time I was the College Ministry Director for Crossroads Community Church off of exit 1 on US-23 in Ottawa Lake Michigan. My wife and I were freshly married and...
Take a Listen
Hello, fellow music lovers! Today, it is my delight to share with you this musical setting of “The Beatitudes” by Philip Stopford. Much popular music, referring specifically to much of the Top 40s that play on the radio, and the music widely consumed through movies,...