New Beginning

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January 2012 is a new beginning for me.  After serving through 2011 as the Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Yellow Springs, I will assume new responsibilities as the Teen Leadership Director of the Miami County YMCA.

I will be responsible for the Teen Programs offered by the Y at the Youth Center and will direct and serve as advisor for teen leadership training through the Y Leaders Club.  I am eager to begin this work of maintaining and expanding upon the Teen Programs already in place at the Y and developing new programs that meet the needs of teens and their families in our community.

This change is good news for my family.  Kazy and I will both work in the same community, where we make our home in Piqua, Ohio.  Here we have found a welcoming community with terrific schools where we all enjoy living, working and playing.  I will continue to serve the church as I teach Sunday School and continue to offer Faith on Tap through the Westminster Presbyterian Church where Kazy serves as pastor.

Blessing to graduates + 15 May 2011

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Today, at First Presbyterian Church of Yellow Springs, we had congregants graduating at four levels: High School, College B.A., Masters Degree, Ph. D.  Following are my notes from the blessing offered…

Congratulations on your achievements, and blessings to you in the future.

Friends, you can read more in the wonderful bulletin insert about these folks who you have nurtured, and will continue to nurture, cherish, and support.

 My job now is to recognize, appreciate, and offer a blessing/prayer for you; and invite us all to stay around after worship for more celebration with these folks and a presentation to them by our Deacons in Westminster Hall.

 First I want to say, “Welcome to the real world.”  Many of you had Prom last night, and you arose with joy this morning to come to church.  That’s how it’s going to be; you have pulled all nighters for projects and exams, and you will do more of that – in your further studies or work.  Hang in there.  You can do it – and you’re life will be richer … When you show up for it

 A blessing is not a prayer, it’s not preaching, and it’s not a wish. It is a sacred promise from God, your creator, the one in whose image you are fearfully and wonderfully made.  God has created you for good, and your community has come to witness you carry this blessing, this promise – this benediction with you, wherever you go.

+  Go with God’s gracious mercy and protection.  May God bless you with an overflowing abundance of love, give light to your heart, with loving wisdom, eternal knowledge, and a hunger for peace and justice.

May you always know God’s presence; near you to defend you, within you to refresh you, before you to guide you, behind you to encourage you, beside you as your companion, and above you with an outpouring of every best blessing, this day and forevermore.  Amen.