Search for the Next Rector of St. John’s At our July 15 meeting, I informed the Vestry of my intention to retire as Rector of St. John’s in about a year, on September 1, 2020. On that date I will turn 65 and observe my 25th anniversary as your Rector. Over the past few […]
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There is But One Road
There is But One Road Faithful people have long looked for the way to God and his blessings in life. Thomas was among the first seekers as he asked Jesus how he could know the way. Jesus replied, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. In his responses to the questions […]
Vestry Nomination Process
Vestry Nomination Process While it may seem early, it is important that the entire parish begin now to get ready for the Vestry election which will be held at the Annual Meeting in January. It takes a long time for us to receive the names of the people you think would serve well, then […]
Read With Your Heart
Read With Your Heart Many of us have a practice of reading scripture daily. It’s a great way to connect with the manner in which faithful people have understood God’s presence and activity over the years and it inspires us to a more faithful lifestyle. Probably the most effective way to read the bible […]
Let Me Receive My Sight
Let Me Receive My Sight In the 18th chapter of Luke, as Jesus is traveling to Jerusalem near the end of his life, he approaches Jericho and there a blind man is sitting by the roadside begging. He asks Jesus to have mercy on him. When Jesus asks him what he wants, the man […]
God’s Favorite
God’s Favorite In the 5th Grade, as I was leaving the classroom after a day that had not gone very well, Mrs. Rawl called me over to her desk. Since it had been a crummy day, I assumed I was in some sort of trouble. When I approached her desk, she got up and […]
Not From Around Here
Not From Around Here There are a lot of Wisnewskis in the world but not many with a southern accent. As you might imagine, with a name like mine, I am no stranger to the phrase, “You’re not from around here, are you?” When people say that, they’re usually surprised, and relieved, to find […]
Choice and Compassion
Choice and Compassion As a priest, I have opportunities to meet with people in the very most difficult times in their lives, times when they are struggling and seeking to make decisions that hopefully will lead to health and wholeness. Compassion and understanding are so important as people share the difficulties they are dealing […]
Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries Most rectors make a mistake when we come to a church. We come in and act like nothing good has been accomplished before our arrival. In our efforts to spur growth and chart our course of leadership, we talk about our new initiatives and the changes we are going to institute. Changes are […]
Belonging
Belonging We all want to belong. Life is hard and dangerous and lonely. We yearn for a safe place where we can feel connected. When we do realize that there is a force in life larger than us that cares for us we feel that we belong. Then we feel that something larger than us […]