Wednesday Word . . . Connections
Our keynote speaker and preacher at Diocesan Convention was the Rt. Rev. Michael Hunn, Bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande, an area consisting of all New Mexico and southwest Texas. During his convention talks he told stories about an old Episcopal priest who rode the trains and walked throughout the diocese meeting people, collecting funds for mission work, and establishing churches.
Bishop Hunn told us about his own shift in understanding episcopal ministry from one of administration to one of connectivity. He now travels the diocese, camper in tow, visiting with various people of the parishes for several days while parked in the church parking lot. He’s making connections with his people beyond the standard official visitation.
The day before convention I had heard that Nancy had taken a fall so I paid her a visit. She told me about the accident, how she’s doing, and what she needed at that point. I came back later that day with several meals from the church freezer.
While at convention I saw many people greet and spend time with friends they may only see once a year. I talked with several clergy who I’m slowly getting to know. Joelene made some connections about a topic she’s interested in. And on our way home, we stopped to visit Allison in Casper. We had a nice visit and, even though she’s settling into her new home and making connections there, she misses her people in Buffalo.
We are a people of many things, but we should always remember we are a people of connections. There is a connection in God through the Holy Trinity. Jesus sent out the apostles connected in pairs. He told them to stay in one place, making connections with those who lived there. Our parish is connected to every other parish in the diocese. The people of Saint Luke’s are connected to each other in a variety of ways, not the least of which is our baptismal promise to “continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship.”
May we always remember our connections and work to ensure that no one is left alone.
Blessings,
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