Betsy and I are on our way to Evan’s graduation from Saint Lawrence University. Yes, I can’t wait to see our son cross the stage and get his diploma, and I am sure I will be a sobbing mess when he does. But as we make our way to northern New York State, I am thinking of the joys I have come through in just the last seven days.
Joy #1: Accepting an honorary doctorate from General Seminary.
l to r, The Rev Carol Anderson, Dean Patrick Malloy, Bp. Andrew Dietsche and moi.
On Wednesday, almost exactly thirty years from the day that I graduated, I knelt again before the Dean in the packed Chapel of the Good Shepherd, and received an honor and a blessing. I was surprised by how moving it all was. Andy Dietsche, the Bishop of New York and my colleague in the House, also received one, as did Carol Anderson, rector emeritus of All Saints, Beverly Hills. Carol was also the priest who, as rector of All Angels, Manhattan, brought Betsy and me back into the life of the Church and sponsored me for ordination three decades ago. It was especially joyous to be in her company.
Joy #2: Wiliiam Ogburn’s ordination. The afternoon following the ceremony at the seminary, I had the joy and privilege of ordaining William to the Sacred Order of Deacons. Archbishop Peter Carnley preached the service held at the Church of the Incarnation in Manhattan, where my old friend Doug Ousley is the rector. It was a well-attended, reverent and Spirit-filled event, and I know William was especially touched to see so many members of his sponsoring parish, Redeemer Squirrel Hill, in the pews. Congratulations, William! And, with three more to be ordained next month and the priestly ordinations last December, what a blessing to have nine new clergy in my first year as a bishop.
Joy #3: Confirmation at Saint Andrew’s. I confirmed or received a total of four people in Highland park last Sunday. I love every visit to this parish, which I think is blessed with wonderful pastoral leadership in the persons of Bruce Robison and Jean Chess, stunning music through the efforts of Peter Luley and his magnificent choir, and is simply one of the most drop-dead gorgeous liturgical spaces I have ever seen. I absolutely loved the worship, and I took the risk of vesting in a red chimere, though I knew Bruce would point out I shouldn’t actually be wearing this until after I had been made a Doctor of Divinity. (He did.) The people could not have been more welcoming to me– a wonderful day.
Joy #4: The Episcopal Church Women United Thank Offering at the Cathedral. The spring ingathering last Saturday morning was an excellent occasion, thanks to the leadership, especially, of Betty Duckstein and Betsy Hetzler. I celebrated and (walking off the cliff) preached on the ministry of women in the Church; my sermon was graciously received and at lunch afterwards I asked their help in partnering with the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Soroti, Uganda, in the area where Pilgrim does most of its work, to help advance their work in rural health and education. I am always impressed by the talent and experience embodied in this group of my sisters in Christ.
Joy #5, and this, perhaps the greatest: Roast Beef Dinner and Eucharist at Saint Barnabas, Brackenridge. Months ago at my first visitation there, I had challenged the parish to re-institute their once-renowned roast-beef dinners, and I then volunteered to help. This lovely church is recovering from a very hurtful experience during the split, but thanks to the grace of God working through Kamila Blessing, Frank Yesko and deeply committed and caring lay leadership, Saint Barnabas is back! Though I was rushing from the Cathedral, I managed to make it just in time to offer grace before dinner, and afterwards I helped clear tables to make good on my promise to volunteer! The evening ended with a Eucharist in that beautiful nave. There were 55 for dinner and well over thirty at the Mass, but most important was the spirit that surrounded the event, of a solid, lively and affectionate fellowship that I now know will grow and will be a blessing to its community for years to come. And thank you, Saint B’s, especially for the t-shirt that says “The Episcopal Church Welcomes Yinz!” I will wear it with pride!