A 16th century answer for a 21st century question?

I’m working with our communications director, Andy Merritt, on a project that involves our panel discussion with 6 religiously unaffiliated people at the New England Synod Assembly.  “Nones” as they are sometimes called, because they check the box ‘none’ when asked in surveys: What religion are you?  The project is to create a two session curriculum piece for congregations.  Each session features a 30 minute video of the synod assembly conversation.  Then we have some discussion questions, with suggested action items.  Hey, look at that I've planned two weeks of your sunday adult coffee and conversation for the fall.  And who says, the synod never does anything for us.  We plan to have that ready to distribute later this summer to congregations of the synod, for the cost of postage and handling.  More information to come.

Here is part one, it runs about 30 minutes in length.  We're working on part two.

 

In the meantime, I wanted to follow-up on something that Professor John Hoffmeyer wrote in his response. (See below)

He notes that what he did not hear our panelists articulate was any hint of failure or disconnect that may drive them to faith.  His words:  . In short, none of them articulated for their own lives the problems to which Lutherans have traditionally addressed the promise of the gospel. In the language of the beginnings of Lutheranism in the 16th century, none of them talked about having a “terrified conscience.” In more contemporary terms, none of them expressed a sense of needing to be delivered or healed from the things that Lutherans have traditionally highlighted as the problems for which the gospel offers deliverance and healing.

This statement has peaked my interest significantly.  I’m now wondering if we are offering an answer to a question that is no longer being asked.  Is that possible?  Let me be clear, I am not questioning our theological structure, nor am I doubting our core understanding of Justification by Grace through Faith.  Rather, I’m raising the possibility, that in the 16th century people did experience, feel, think about and have a “terrified conscience”, and therefore Luther’s re-forming of the faith resonated culturally as well as theologically.  Our panelists may suggest that in the 21st century people are not experiencing, thinking or feeling a strong sense of having a “terrified conscience.”  If this is the case, we may be providing answers to a question few are asking.

If this is true, what are the questions people are asking?  As I watch these videos, I’m hearing a desire for:

1)    Safe, non-judgemental places for people to explore the deeper questions of life, faith, God.

2)    The great suspicion of rules, yet the hunger for relationships raises the possibility that people are seeking an authentic community.

3)    I also sense a desire for people to clarify their purpose in life.  What gives life meaning?  How is God connected to that question?

These are all questions and ponderings that have theological implications that need some serious work in my opinion.  Brian McLaren has attempted to get at some of these theological questions in his book “A New Kind of Christianity”  and Phylis Tickle has posed her own belief that an emerging Christianity must become more conversational and interactive as opposed to propositional.  She has also hinted that Christianity has to reclaim its 1st century Jewish connections, as well as some of the theologies lost in the Great Schism of 1054.  This means our pastors should think about reading Greek Orthodox theology as well as rabbinical texts.

I’m not sure where it’s all going, but it’s moving.  We’re on a wave, and I’d advise learning how to surf, cause standing in front of a wave doesn’t yield positive results.

 

 

What about Bonhoeffer?

You know how sometimes, events cluster together.  This has happened to me recently with Dietrich Bonhoeffer. First, I read the relatively new biography by Eric Metaxas.  Here's the two minute promo video.

 

Then I met a young man several weeks ago while worshipping at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kennebunk, Maine.  He has been attending the congregation for less than a year, and initially started coming after he heard an interview with Metaxas on television.  The young man and his wife were so taken with Bonhoeffer's story and writings that they sought out a Lutheran Church.   Hmmm, Bonhoeffer as evangelist.

Then I picked up Cost of Discipleship and started reading it yesterday.  It's been 30 years.  Ask my wife Lisa and she'll say this was the most important book she read in college.  

Now today, I get this wonderful follow up to our synod assembly panel of non-affiliated guests from Professor John Hoffmeyer from our Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia.  I had asked him to write a response to the evening discussion.  Why ask John?  Cause I think John is one of those hidden secrets we have in the Lutheran community.   His response is below, and includes this discussion of Bonhoeffer.

Hmmmm, I'm thinkin' someone might be steering me toward more Bonhoeffer.  If you are not familiar with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I suggest starting with his biography or the movie, Agent of Change.  That should prepare you for his writings.

Here is Professor Hoffmeyer's letter:  In a few days, I'll post my thoughts on his letter, particularly his insights into what was not said by our panelists (see below paragraph two).  I think this may suggest a significant opportunity for us in the christian community, and I'll explain what I mean.

Dear Bishop Hazelwood,

You asked me for reflections on the stimulating conversation with the group of invited guests on Friday evening of the recent Synod Assembly. Two things struck me most. One is the extent to which the guests saw the church as being in the rules business. In their experience, the church told them what to believe, how to act, and how to think. They objected to this.

The fact that our guests had experienced the church as being about rules made me sad. The Christmas angel who appeared to the shepherds outside Bethlehem to announce Jesus’ birth did not say, “I bring you a set of rules that will tell you the right way to think and the right way to act.” The angel said, “Do not be afraid, because I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” How sad it is that we in the church have acted in such a way that people associate the church with rules more than with joy and freedom from fear. How sad it is that our guests perceived the church in this way, but it did not surprise me.

The other thing that struck me was not what our guests said, but what they did not say. None of them, as far as I can remember, said anything about a sense of failure, a sense of tensions and contradictions in life that undermined their own efforts to live a good life and make the world a better place. None of them said anything about a sense of guilt, a sense of being complicit, even against their own desire, in structures and practices that hurt other people or damage the non-human world. In short, none of them articulated for their own lives the problems to which Lutherans have traditionally addressed the promise of the gospel. In the language of the beginnings of Lutheranism in the 16th century, none of them talked about having a “terrified conscience.” In more contemporary terms, none of them expressed a sense of needing to be delivered or healed from the things that Lutherans have traditionally highlighted as the problems for which the gospel offers deliverance and healing.

I think that it is important to listen and not to rush to “fix” things, but I do have one suggestion for something that might help us in thinking about “so what does this mean for the church?” We could read (or re-read) Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s exploration of a “religionless Christianity” or a “non-religious interpretation of biblical concepts” in his letters from a Nazi prison cell beginning in April 1944. Bonhoeffer came to mind for two reasons. First, he was thinking precisely about what the gospel is for people who do not feel a need for God or religion to fill in something missing in their lives. Second, he was very clear that the gospel and religion are two quite different things. That is an insight that we should explore and expand in a time and place where so many persons identify as “spiritual, but not religious.”

Thank you for asking for my thoughts. 

Peace,

John

Talking to those on the Outside

As many of you may already know, the Boston Globe wrote a fine piece on my visit to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Laconia, NH.  The visit coincided with "Bike Week" and Rev. Laura Everett tipped off the Globe's religion beat reporter.  You can read that article here.  The article picks up on the language of outsiders to the faith, which is another way of describing those who are not connected with a community of faith.  This follows nicely on our Synod Assembly conversation with six "nones."  Below is a short teaser video of what we are working on to present in video format for more to view and learn.

 

Why I go to the Leadership Summit...every year.

I believe in leadership.

I believe that every single human being is a leader.  If you are a parent, a school teacher, a baby sitter, a CEO, a pastor, a grand parent, a musician, a student....  You are leading someone, and if no one else, you are leading yourself.

We understand that God is the ultimate leader, but how we turn that around and exercise responsible leadership in our congregations, and our communities is critical. 

Lisa and I have attended the leadership summit every year in recent years.  Because they offer sites throughout the country, even when we have been on vacation, we have found a site to attend.  Every year we get practical ideas plus frameworks in growing our leadership skills.  

This year I want to invite you to join us in attending the Leadership Summit.  There are several locations throughout New England, but if you want to take advantage of a significant discount in the pricing, I'll invite you to join me at the Rehoboth, MA site.  When you register, use the discount code 13DAS.  You can register by clicking here. 

There are other locations that may be closer to you, but I'm not sure if the discount code works on those locations.  Check out this video for some more information.

 

Now some of you might wonder, 'is this a Lutheran event?'  The answer is no it is not. It is produced by the Willow Creek Association, which is the church resourcing ministry of an independent christian congregation in suburban Chicago.  We are not going to this event to learn theology, we are going to learn about leadership.

As I said in a blog post last summer, I've learned from many different traditions over the course of my life, I've been able to filter through the lens of my context and culture and tribe.  So why wouldn't I want to learn from people who offer this rich resource.

This is not a pastor only event, this is for anyone, and I encourage you to consider bringing a team of people from your congregation.  Let me know if you plan on attending, as some of us are discussing having a BBQ on Thursday night at the home of one of our church members.

Hope to see you at the summit.

 

On Listening to the "Nones"

Why double the work, when someone else has done it for you?

Laura Everitt, my chief competitor in the "How many miles can you put on your car" arena, has beat me to the punch composing a serious blog post about last friday evening's panel of nones.

"What are you talking about?" you ask.

Last friday evening, I invited seven people who have no religious affiliation, to be my guests on stage at our New England Synod Assembly.  Six of the seven made it through pouring rain and traffic back-ups on the Mass Turnpike.  The only one who did not make it had the joy of being with his wife, as she gave birth to their first child.  I've been mulling over the almost two hour conversation that we had last friday, and trying to come up with a nice summary.  But, Rev. Laura Everett, Exec Dir of the Mass Council of Churches beat me to the punch. Read her reflections, on her blog.

Click here

 

Monday morning on the couch

It’s Monday, and I’m lying on the couch with a bottle of Nyquil.  I’m in recovery mode from a ponding head cold that decided to invade my body on the first morning of our Synod Assembly last Friday.  I’m bouncing back from an exhausting and exhilarating assembly.  I had wanted to write a blog post as a follow up, but a head cold limits one’s brain power.  So, I’m editing an article I found online that relates to our Friday conversation at the assembly with six people who are not affiliated with any church. The conversation was incredibly fruitful, and I've been contemplating thoughts on how we as Lutheran christians could respond.  In the meantime, I offer these thoughts from Carey Nieuwhof - whoa, try pronouncing that one early in the morning.  The original of this article can be found here.  I think there is some real wisdom here, that challenge is how to get there from where most of our congregations currently sit.  But, that saves me time to think of a response, and something to write about after the sinuses clear.

Carey Nieuwhof writes:

Almost every leader I talk to acknowledges that our culture is shifting.

To reach a changing culture, the church needs to change. Rapidly.

Don’t get me wrong, we don’t need to change the message. Just the method. One is sacred. The other is not.

What isn’t as clear is what the future church will look like, and what kind of characteristics will mark those churches.

However, I think a few trends are becoming clear. Not all of these might be correct, but I think the following traits describe the kind of churches that will have a significant impact a decade from now.

The wise leader is taking steps today to position their church to respond to these things.

Here’s what I see as hallmarks of the churches that will make an impact in the next decade:

1. The ability to say no. One of the reasons churches don’t change is because leaders are unwilling to say no to current members who prefer things the way they were. When you learn to say no to the preferences of some current members, you learn to say yes to a community that is ready to be reached.

2. Outsider focus. Churches that become passionate about people outside their walls will be far more effective than churches that are passionate about keeping the few people they have inside their walls. Better still, you will have a healthier church. We call individuals who are fixated on their wants and needs selfish and immature. Selfless and mature churches will have an impact because of their passion for people God cares about.

3. Quick decision making. Can your church or organizations make quick decisions? If not, amend your constitution so you can. If the congregation needs to vote on everything, just realize this is going to be your achilles heel when it comes to making the changes you need to make. 

4. Flexibility. You don’t need to change your mission (for the most part), but you do need to change your methods. Flexible and adaptable churches that can innovate around strategy and different initiatives will have the freedom to make the changes they need to make an impact moving forward.

5. A willingness to embrace smaller to become bigger. Mega-churches will continue to grow, but most of us won’t lead mega-churches. When small churches stop trying to be mega-churches, good things can happen. In fact, more and more larger churches will start embracing smaller venues, locations and partnerships to keep growing. A greater number of smaller venues might be a hallmark of future churches making an impact.

6. A quicker, lighter footprint.  Churches need a quicker, lighter footprint to grow. If you’re waiting for millions to build your building, you might wait forever. Get innovative and start looking at portable and non-traditional ways of growing your ministry. Quicker, lighter footprints will be necessary (see this Leadership Network article for more on innovate, inexpensive building alternatives).

7. Valuing online relationships as real relationships. Churches that aren’t online beyond a website are going to miss the boat. Real interaction with real people online is…well…real. Sure, face to face is deeper, but people will tell you things online they can’t muster the courage to tell you face to face. Whether you get them to a ‘real’ church is increasingly debatable. I would love that. But we’ll have to see. As much as you might hate it, virtual relationships are becoming real relationships.

8. An openness to questions. Most unchurched people today come in with questions that seem weird to those of us who spent a life time in church. Don’t try to answer them right away. Churches that understand that embracing questions is as important as providing immediate answers will make an impact in the future. We’re discovering that if you embrace questions, the answers eventually find their way into people’s lives. The Holy Spirit actually does move in people’s lives.

9. A high value on experimentation. The more traditional you are, the less you will value experimentation. The more successful you are, the less you will value experimentation. If you start to raise the value of experimentation, you will accelerate change and flexibility. The churches that connect with their community will be the churches willing enough to try a variety of things, and who also have the courage to kill them as soon as they stop producing results.

10. Prioritizing a for you not from you culture. Andy Stanley often talks about what he wants for people, not just what he wants from them. Churches in decline often think in terms of what they can get from people – money, time, growth etc. Churches that will make an impact on the future will be passionate about what they want for people – financial balance, generosity, the joy of serving, better families, and of course, Christ at the center of everyone’s life.

11. A tailored experience, not a tailored message. You don’t have to tailor the message to unchurched people but churches that have an impact will tailor the experience. Churches that decide they will hold the message sacred but tailor the experience to an ever shifting culture will be more effective.

Final Countdown to Synod Assembly

Right now, this is about how I'm feeling.

Yes, indeed, a slight panic has begun to set in, largely around some of the tools that are not in my wheelhouse. Robert's Rules of Order, yikes!  I am in final exam panic mode.  Fortunately, Pr. Tim Oslovich sat down with me today, and walked through the basics.  OK, slight relief, but I feel the need to channel former Senator Robert Byrd, master of the US Senate.

The good news, is I held a preview session with our "nones"

We launched into a great discussion on the prevalent question of "I'm spiritual but not religious."  If the conversation goes as well this friday, as it did last week, we'll be in good shape.

I'm told the workshops are all lined up and most people are excited to be attending.

Saturday evening's entertainment should be wonderful, but I'm a little biased.  Looking forward to our special guest singer:

 

See ya'll there.

 

Conversation with the Nuns, agh, I mean Nones.

I just completed an online video-conference call with our panel of "Nones."  (Those 75% of New Englanders who claim no religious affiliation)  The purpose of the conversation was to prep for our Synod Assembly Keynote event on Friday night.  I am very up on this event.  If the conversation on Firday goes anything like the one we just had online, I will be thrilled.

I've gathered 7 people ranging in age from 20 to 60.  What they all have in common is, they are not going to church.  They are a part of the 75%.  They are also smart, sincere and friendly people.  They are eager to talk about their views, and not in a hostile manner.  Engaging the nones is probably the most important ministry of our faith in this day and age.

Guess what?  You can do this too, in your community.  Friday night, I'll show you how.

The Commissioning of Sarah Huber

Last Sunday, I had the joy of celebrating the commissioning of Sarah Huber as an Associate in Ministry.  Together with the people of Sanctuary in Marshfield, MA, along with members of Harborside United Methodist Church, and a number of clergy and supporters from around the New England Synod, we prayed, sang and communed our way into another chapter for this new mission start.

The worship was an example of how a four fold approach to the liturgy can manifest itself in a new way.  Gathering music, Proclaimed Word, Sacramental Meal and musical Sending formed the framework of the worship. But creative use of new songs and rearranged hymns lead by a full band gave this casual yet sacred worship a unique character.

Pastor Mark Huber (below) explains the time of confession and forgiveness, where participants are invited to come forward and pick up a stone leaving it at the altar, as a sign of confession, and light a small votive candle, as a rememberance of Christ's forgiveness.

Pastor Rachel Tune of Wittenberg University presides at Holy Communion

I preached and presided at the laying on of hands for the commissioning

Sarah receives a symbol of her unique gifts of music ministry.

Sanctuary is an example of a new congregation, and a glimpse of the NeXt Church 2.0.  We can see here some of the new ways God is shaping ministry for a new generation.  Music, yes, but more than that, the space and the design is simple, flexible and creative.  (see a few photos below)  But, even more than that, it is being built on a highly relational framework.  This is not church as organized non-profit with committees and heavy structure.  THis is church as network, partnership and relationship building.  Here is the key thing:  It's not rocket science.  Contact Mark and Sarah, and ask them what they are doing.  THe answer will not be some fancy schmancy new program, my guess is that it will be an answer that involves connecting with people, understanding the unique culture in their neighborhood and building a relational web of pilgrimage exploration on the modern road to Emmaus.

An old piano that died, is resurrected with keys and other parts for a creative design.

Old discarded silverware helps with signage around the building.

Cranes decorate a wall space.

The inside mosaic wall decorated for the Easter and Pentecost season (above)

(below) The building from the outside, a 1960's protestant style church building, once the home of a United Methodist congregation, now the home of Sanctuary and Pudding Hill Preschool.  Evidence that you can do amazing things in an old space on a limited budget.

Photos from the Vermont & New York Congregational visits

Just a few pics for ya.  As well as the Map of the whole tour, 1101 miles of it.  All nine congregations of the conference, a stop at our mission project on immigration in northern Vermont plus an overnight at Camp Calumet at the beginning for our Dean's retreat.

The Vermont dairy industry is increasingly dependent on immigration, particularly from mexico.

Pastor Kim Erno works with farmers, migrant workers, area churches and other organizations in this new ministry that is a cooperative between the ELCA, Episcopal and Methodist churches.  He will have a workshop at synod assembly exploring more on this subject.

Beautiful scenary in the Adirondack Mountains near Saranac lake following my visit to Redeemer in Plattsburgh, NY.

Where'd he go?

I'm posting today from Saranac Lake, New York.  Currently, I am on a tour visiting our Vermont and New York congregations.  Along the way, I picked up a few passengers in Plattsburgh, NY at Redeemer Lutheran.

This trip is taking me to our farthest western congregation, Holy Trinity in Saranac Lake, or so I thought.  While here I've learned that this congregation is yoked with an other Lutheran congregation in Potsdam, NY.  That congregation is about 65 miles northwest of Saranac Lake.  They gather and worship in a hall donated by a local Christian Science community.  Looks, like I'll have to make another trip to this beautiful part of the country.

Here is the trip so far.  Today I'm off to Proctor, Shaftbury & Brattleboro, VT before speaking at the Doing What Matters event in Rutland on Saturday.  I'll soon have visited over 120 congregations of the New England Synod.

 

Self Care and the Mutual Ministry Committee

This week I met with my Mutual Ministry Committee or MMC for short.  For those of you who are not aware, the MMC serves as a kind of support and accountability group for the bishop, or in a parish for a pastor. When the right people are gathered around the table, it can be a very helpful group.  But, if you’ve got the wrong people, well, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

I must admit, I was a little reluctant to form this MMC for myself, but was told that it’s in the Synod Constitution, so I had to do it.  Why was I reluctant?  My first parish in Brooklyn had an MMC, and it was just plain awful.  I inherited a group that had been formed during the interim, and they had one agenda, which was to evaluate me on a monthly basis.  They were mean spirited.  I finally ended it after 9 miserable months, and never formed another one.

Now, as bishop I get to choose the people who are a part of my MMC, and the group met for the first time this past week.  We spent much of our time outlining the parameters and refining a covenant that included mutual honesty as well as confidentiality.  Our conversation focused on my visits to all of the congregations, as well as my use of this blog and facebook and twitter to communicate about those visits.  I also had a chance to rant a bit.  The group asked good questions and encouraged me to attend to my body and soul for well being and the long haul.

I can see how a quality MMC could be very helpful to a pastor.  It strikes me that a couple key ingredients are needed:  1)  The pastor must have the freedom to select the members.  2)  A clear and honest covenant must be established, and probably signed by everyone on the MMC.  3)  I would suggest that consideration be made to include a few people on the MMC who are not members of the congregation being served, and that the total number of people in the group not exceed 5, plus the pastor.

I also believe there are a few tasks that should NOT be in the MMC task list. 1) Evaluation of the pastor  2) Salary and/or compensation recommendations  3)  Nor should the names of the MMC be known in the congregation, because people tend to come to the members with complaints.   The problem with what I’ve just written is that it is 180 degrees counter to what is in many of our congregation’s constitutions.  Sorry, I think the structure that we have put in place in our constitutions for MMC’s is wrong.  It tends to encourage congregations to think of the MMC as the HR department.  And yes, I’ll be advocating for this change in the ELCA model constitution at our next conference of bishops gathering.

I’d suggest that a different group, perhaps the Executive Committee of the council serve as the evaluation and salary committee.  But, even then, the evaluation should not be of just the pastor or rostered leader. It should be of the whole ministry.  After all, most ministry is 50% clergy leadership and 50% lay leadership.  We are in this together.  It’s called the body of Christ building the kingdom of God.  Let’s open our hearts and minds to the spirit to act through us together.

The MMC, with the right people, can be a positive avenue for our leaders to receive support, prayer and the sometimes needed gentle nudge.  Mine is off to a good start, as we are building trust and confidence in one another, and allowing God's Spirit to guide and bring wisdom to the forefront.

The Intersection

This year at our synod assembly, we will ordain Tiffany Chaney.  She is the Pastor and Mission Developer at the Intersection, a new mission church start in Dorchester section of Boston, MA.

Tiffany is a graduate of our partner seminary in Philadelphia, LTSP.  Before seminary she worked in the Health care field, and holds an MBA.

We like to tease her about her accent, as she is originally from Alabama.  But then again, she has every right to return the favor as she meets all these Bostonians.

This past weekend, our Director of Mission, Jane Shields visited the Intersection as they celebrated seven bapstims in worship.

In the words of one person, "this makes God smile."

What is Tiffany doing right?  Connecting faith with daily life, meeting people where they are, and welcoming them into a place that feels like home.  

Just a little news from the Mission field of New England.

 

 Below find a cell phone photo of the group of baptism candidates along with Tiffany and Pastor Shields

Let's talk about God

I am becoming an avid reader of the work of Richard Rohr.  This video runs 10 minutes, and it reveals quite an insight into Rohr's thinking about prayer, God and living in the 21st Century as a Christian.  If you get a chance, read his book, Breathing Underwater.  Good stuff.  The video comes from the good folks at The Work of the People, a resource of video and images.  While at St. Andrew, I would periodically use some of their work to introduce a sermon or another part of worship.

 

Big Time!

While leaving worship at Salem Lutheran in Bridgeport CT today, I said to Pastor Marjo Anderson, "you know this worship just makes me smile."  I should have added, "big time!"

The worship was such a fine blend of tradition, without feeling musty and stiff, combined with great music that invited people to sing and praise with a genuine heart.

What a joy.  Let me tell you about my day.

In five hours, Pastor Marjo Anderson put me to work, beginning with an 8:15 worship service, followed by an Adult Forum, a 10:30 worship, Blessing of the Bikes, BBQ on the lawn and food packing event.   I guess she figured, she should get her moneys worth.  What a great day.  Check out the photos below by Rich Lansing.  By the way, every congregation needs a photographer in the 21st century.

This strikes me as a congregation that is transforming its culture toward Joy, Mission and radical Welcome. During our adult forum, which was extremely well attended by a wide range of people, I was asked about my time as a Pastor at St. Andrew. (I realized that hardly anyone asks me this question). My answer focused on "the culture of a church trumps everything."  I now notice the culture of a congregation more than I look at its mission statement or worship style or programs.  Salem is in the midst of an exciting culture shift, and I really like the direction they are going.  They exude JOY - in worship, in conversation, with children.  They asked a lot of questions around mission, and not so much from the typical, "how can we get more members?", but “how can we serve.”  There is a difference and I can't tell you how important the difference is - it matters a lot. They practice welcome.  Example, a gentleman in his 80s dressed in a full suit and tie walked up to the table where the bikers were eating lunch, and told them how pleased he was that they came for the event.  Then another man from the congregation sat down and ate at their table.  That doesn't happen everywhere. 

Salem Lutheran is getting it.  They are making the pivot toward being a 21st century congregation.  I left the parking lot and headed home with a smile, BIG TIME!   Oh, and they flip the traditional paradigm in staffing.  They are lead by a female Senior Pastor, a female ELCA rostered leader, and the church secretary is a man.

 

Maine and the magic 100

It took a little under 8 months, 7 months and 21 days to be exact.

On Sunday, April 21, I completed my 99th and 100th congregational visit since taking office on September 1st. We have 185 congregations in the New England synod, and my goal of visiting all of them early in my ministry as bishop, now seems to be achievable.

Holy Trinity in North Easton, MA was the 100th visit.  Congratulations, they win a 10% off coupon from Brickley's ice cream store in Narragansett, RI. :)

I'll continue the visits.  I have planned two more trips to different regions in our synod.  Soon, I'll be visiting many of the congregations in the Southern Connecticut Conference.  Later in May, I plan a trip to see all of our Vermont congregations during the week of May 13 to 18.

Earlier in April, I visited seven of our congregations in Maine.  Don't worry, I'll be back again this summer for more visits in Maine, yes, including a trip north to Caribou.

While making the trek south along Route One near Camden, Maine, I stopped and made this short video.