Oily Culpability

The news is still overshadowed by the oily mess in the Gulf of Mexico. How long has it been? Over a month? The underwater oil well malfunctioned and now barrels of oil are spewing into the gulf, about a mile deep. What comes to the surface is creating a huge economic disaster as it is now reaching shore along Louisiana's coastal marshes and estuaries. The full impact cannot be understood this early,

it's Pentecost

Beginning Introduction

For about twelve years I have been working as a hospice chaplain. This is a full-time job that can be very rewarding, but can also be emotionally draining, as you could imagine. Over the years I have also taken on part-time pastoral work with smaller membership congregations in the area. Most recently, I spent almost three years with a church where I would lead worship and preach on a weekly basis, plus take on some other responsibilities with pastoral leadership. It has been about a year since that job came to an end. It has been a pleasure to become part of another community of faith in a non-clergy role. As it turns out, the pastor is taking a three month sabbatical this summer and has asked if I could provide temporary pastoral supply during her absence. Of course, I said yes. So now I am preparing for my summer. I anticipate making occasional posts related to my journey through this experience. You are welcome to journey with me and offer your reflections. 

Friday Five: Family Trees

From RevGalBlogPals: The most recent weekly Friday Five is about Family Trees. My answers follow the posted questions. 

1. Do you have any interest in genealogy?
Some interest. My dad has done a good bit of work in this area, on which I have piggy backed.

2. Which countries did your ancestors come from?
Mostly England, although I claim Scotts-Irish roots, being the good Presbyterian that I am.

3. Who is the farthest back ancestor whose name you know?
My dad located ancestors who fought in the American Revolution. There was at least one on each side.

4. Any favorite saints or sinners in the group?
Just a bunch of characters.

5. What would you want your descendants to remember about you?
They will probably remember that I ministered to people who were dying (hospice chaplain); I wonder if anyone will remember how I would make people groan with a single pun?

Bonus: a song, prayer, or poem that speaks of family--blood or chosen--to you.
I rather like "Secret O' Life," by James Taylor

Roses are Knockouts.

We planted these roses last Mothers Day. They were beautiful last summer. Already they are gorgeous. I enjoy working with Melissa on the yard. We've done a nice job, if I do say so myself. And she is a delight to work with.