Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

By the time you have read this I will have had the opportunity to be with you on Easter Sunday, but at this writing I can only look forward to the encounter and reconnection.

I have been spending my time since August at my internship site, St. Joseph – St. John Episcopal Church in Lakewood. I have been learning much in this small congregation of faithful people. I have been working with the Rite-13 program with boys ages 11 – 13 and have found it to be more rewarding than I could have ever hoped. These young men are thoughtful and spirit-filled in their faith. I have also been working off and on, as my schedule permits, with the Liturgy Committee and the Communications Committee. In addition, I spend much time with the Bishop’s Committee as they face serious financial challenges this year. I have been helping with the Lenten Series and I have had the opportunity to preach twice.

The congregation has been having a wilderness experience in the desert by worshiping in the parish hall, and will have returned together to the main church at the Great Vigil of Easter to a newly transformed space as a transformed people. It promises to be a rich and exciting liturgical experience; one filled with the Holy Spirit and the Risen Christ.

The other part of my internship is working with the Diocesan Anti-Racism Training Team. I helped facilitate a workshop at Christ Church in Tacoma, and have been helping to shape a new direction for the Team. While we will continue to hold Anti-Racism Training throughout the Diocese, we are also developing a partnering program to Build Inclusive Multi-Cultural Episcopal Churches. This is an exciting next step and I ask your prayers of support for this work and mission.

I have been continuing my studies at The School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University and my car is holding up to the commute 3 to 4 times a week. I have been learning a great deal about scripture, theology, community development, ecumenism, the Book of Common Prayer, mysticism and transformation, spirituality and prayer, and the list goes on. I have spent time in prayer and reflection with my peers, and have participated in leadership opportunities such as leading retreats and planning and presiding at public worship on campus.

I have one quarter left on my internship and then I will return to you on a more regular basis. I will continue my work with the Anti-Racism Training Team as I have agreed to walk with St. Joseph – St. John as a partner in their further development as an inclusive multi-cultural congregation.

Finally, as many of you know my family has faced health challenges, most recently with my step-father, Dervin. I thank you all for your prayers for him and for my family. I also thank you for your prayers for me as I continue my journey through Postulancy. I have been comforted knowing that you are praying for me, and I rest assured that you will continue. I am deeply humbled by this and I grateful for your continued prayers. I have about another year left of schooling in Seattle and then I will, God willing, be off to Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California. As you know the financial challenges are great. Cathy, Robbie, and I continue to work to get our house ready to sell. Bruce Damitio has been instrumental in helping with upgrades and repairs that I have not had the time to get to.

Blessings to you all as you journey through Easter.

In Christ,