It has been a month since I've put a post up here: I apologize for my relative silence up here on the blogs and updates for the last month. Unfortunately, sometimes when there is the most to tell, the fact that I am so busy presents an obstacle to my giving supporters and prayer warriors the updates that they need. I'll try to work on being more regular on these updates.
The seasons of Advent and Christmastide went great at church as we finished up a year of ministry at Resurrection. However, in addition to the stress of special services and special sermons, I decided to move out of my apartment by January. This was due mostly to the termination of my salary at Resurrection at the end of 2010. However, I was able to effectively move out by December 31st, and I have been living on the very generous hospitality of families in the San Diego area since.
January 6 (Epiphany) saw my commissioning as a missionary from Resurrection. Our choirs did a wonderful job of leading the congregation in a traditional choral evensong, and Bishop Bill Thompson did me the honor of receiving my vows and laying his hands on me to send me out as a missionary. The following Sunday I gave my parting sermon at Resurrection (from Acts 20:25-35), and will be spending the balance of my Sundays in the States visiting churches to raise support regarding the mission. It has been a bittersweet pair of weeks, but necessary as I prepare to serve the Lord abroad.
I spent the past week at the Napa Valley Clericus with fourteen other brother clergy in what was a tremendous time of worship, fellowship, and encouragement. The following day (after driving back from Napa) was this past Sunday, and I had a great time visiting Church of the Blessed Trinity in Alpine, preaching and sharing about the mission.
This coming week will involve quite a lot: a trip up to a diocesan missions committee meeting on Saturday and sharing about the mission at St. David's Church in North Hollywood on Sunday. Please keep me and everyone involved in your prayers!
