Welfare-

a single word that carries so much meaning. Often understood to reflect a benevolent connection with all people – those in need and those in abundance, finding common ground. For decades, this word has been used in our country to describe structures set in place to assist those who are poor and those with unique needs so they might have the basics for living: food, shelter, medical care, and seek meaningful, productive lives.

Of recent, ‘welfare‘ has become a word filled with negative connotations. It has been used to posture opinion as our country, stirring suspicion and.

We risk so much when we turn our backs on one another. If we are not awake, society’s focus on the individual could wash our collective minds and hearts of the importance of caring for one another. How tragic and dangerous.

Helen Keller knew so well the importance of interdependence. Her independence was directly impacted by her community’s support and encouragement. Her life was an example of welfare’s good and brought encouragement for generations to come. The well-being of one person ripples beyond to all people.

Welfare – we must hold this word carefully as we help shape the future of our lives and our country. To allow its definition to be retooled for the sake of greed and prejudice is not an option. The welfare of all people depends on each of us. Not as individuals but as a community shaped by actions – actions that have an ultimate effect on all.

Carry this word to your time of quiet, in prayer and meditation. May its seed take root and give you the strength needed to live by example.

Welfare – a word of compassion and empowerment. May we speak this word carefully and with sincerity.

When you left us
I saw how the clouds parted,
rent curtains,
as you cleared earth’s
drossy smear,
and passed into a heaven
bright beyond
my wildest imagining.

Bereft, fearful, we
shut tight the door
against wolves’ howling
and waited for you
to keep your promise.

At first it was a whisper,
the sea-ward wind
prying loose our
weak walls,

but soon the song rose, until
its power overwhelmed us
with chords of faith,
and, afire at last,
we spoke!

Steven Federle

Soon the song rose…

Its melody attracted people from near and far. From the quiet fear of abandonment to a brave expression of faith – Pentecost arrived.

It is now the time to speak. What energy sweeps down to fill us this day!! The timing is perfect (as God’s timing seems to be). At this moment, in this ever-reaching community known as the world, we need inspiration to speak out. We receive inspiration to raise our voices to reveal injustice and raise our hands to support those in need.

Pentecost has arrived. Breathe deep that the spirit may fill you with everything needed to spread God’s good news.

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration.

It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.

How do we see the world as sacred again?

By radical noticing. Looking for awe in all of life.

LUCY JONES

A good way to ‘travel’ the day!! Don’t stress to notice - the clues are all around. Let them come to you.

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration.

It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.

[There is a reflection after this blessing]

BLESSING WITH MANY ROOMS

As you step inside 
this blessing, 
we wish to tell you 
it is large enough for you to lie down in.
Or (though it may not look it, 
small as it is upon this page) 
you can curl up in this blessing with a cup of tea 
and a good book
beside the window— 
here, just behind you— 
that faces east.

Likewise it is true, 
though you might not have 
paused long enough 
to notice,
that this blessing
is big enough
for a table—
quite a sizeable one 
can be accommodated—

where your guests 
will want to linger
far into the night.
And if they desire to stay, 
you will find that 
through this door—

you did not see it before?

—there are rooms in plenty 
where they can 
lay their heads 
and stretch out with abandon 
in their dreaming sleep.
One room, 
many rooms—
in this blessing 
it is all the same.

The point is that 
there is space enough: 
enough to make 
a life, a home; 
enough to make 
a world; 

enough to make 
your way toward 
the One who has made 
this way for you.

—Jan Richardson

Today is the last day before we enter the Sixth Sunday of Easter.

Last Sunday, we read that Jesus told his followers he was going to prepare a place for them, a place with many rooms [John 14:1-14].

It was another moment of assurance for these disciples, a promise that they would not be left alone.

After reading this scripture and Jan’s poem, I couldn’t help but wonder: how many rooms would it take to house all the people seeking shelter and safety today, and what would it look like to adapt to each person? There are so many looking for a place to belong, to care for themselves and their loved ones, and to feel safe.

One room, many rooms- in this blessing, it is all the same.

These words in Jan Richardson’s ‘Blessing with Many Rooms’ provide a great description. They encouraged me to picture this place, a place large enough for all.

And yes, all means all! Are any of the rooms ADA accessible? This place, designed by one holy architect, would certainly include everything required to meet any need. Beds accessible to anyone. Bathrooms large enough to accommodate people with visible or non-visible disabilities. Kitchens where everything would be accessible to retrieve clean water and cook soup on a stove.

Yes, I am describing an accessible ‘house’ with many rooms. And as I write this description, I realize that anyone thinking about this “house” would imagine it as a place where they could belong. What a creative place this could be!

We live in a time when the idea of belonging is being challenged. There is an effort to disrupt and distract people who seek a familiar, safe place. Hearing this story can bring comfort with its hope-filled promise, or it can create anxiety as we watch our own foundations strain to stay strong.

So this is not a well-thought-out sermon. It is a simple reflection on where we might see ourselves in this place with many rooms. It is an invitation to imagine what it patient could look like. It is a nudge for each of us to engage as if we could be a part of this place’s construction.

The tools at our disposal are not hammers and nails. No, our tools look more like open conversation and patient listening. The tools we need will help us learn from one another as we help create a community where everyone knows they belong.

Accessibility came up for me first. This was my natural segue to considering what this place could look like.

When you think of this place, promised by Jesus to be a house with many rooms, what comes to mind for you? What tools would you need if you were a part of its construction?

(Blessing & image inspired by this past Sunday’s gospel reading: John 14:1-14)

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration.

It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.

(a repost with some revision)

Today -- I celebrate 33 years as an ordained Episcopal priest. Reflecting on one's experience in ministry can be a risky endeavor.

My life as a priest has been unique. I'm sure almost any minister could say that! My unique experience begins with the fact that I am disabled. I have been disabled from birth. I have used an electric wheelchair since they were made available (yes, I've been around for a while!)

There were no role models for me as I prepared to be a priest. I had never seen a minister conduct a service from a wheelchair or received any pastoral care from someone who was disabled, that I was aware of. Looking back, I recognize ‘me’ –the person always ready to try something new. No one told me I couldn't be ordained, so my job was to listen to the Holy Spirit, envision what was possible, and, with confidence, help others do the same.

I planned my ordination for May 8th to correlate with the feast day for Dame Julian of Norwich. Julian was a holy woman - devoted and faith-filled. She lived in the Middle Ages during a time of plagues and war. While struggling with a life-threatening illness, she experienced a compelling and personal encounter with God. She survived the illness and personally knew the gift of health and life. When recovered, Julian vowed to live a mystic's life, sharing this gift with others.

Most of her adult life was spent in a small room connected to St. Julian's Church in Norwich, England. Like an anchor to a boat, Julian ‘anchored’ herself to this church. Through a small window from this room, she met and counseled people who came to her, offering comfort and holy wisdom to the village of Norwich and beyond. Within one room, she counseled those in need, spent hours in prayer, and put into words her insights about God's love and mercy. These writings would come to be known as “Showings - The Revelations of Dame Julian of Norwich”. It is believed that she was the first woman to have her writings published in English.

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I planned my ordination for May 8th. I have always been curious about the connection between my ordination and Julian's feast day. Being a woman and a person with a disability, my life as a priest would present unexpected challenges for me and others. As time has passed, I know my ministry has been filled with courage and grace. Courage – not shy because of my disability - I have entered doorways into churches and homes that had previously not been opened either to women or people with disabilities. Grace- all has been possible through a vision beyond my own.

Anchored in her one-room home, Julian of Norwich shared her wisdom and faith with confidence and compassion. Her story has been an encouragement and inspiration. I know something about being held in one place– anchored. From my wheelchair, I have been present to people in their joy and sorrow, prayerfully spreading God's good news.

Thirty-three years feels like more than a minute! What have I learned? I have learned there are many more questions than answers and much of our time is spent learning how to live with the questions. I have learned that while we live in a world wrought with anxiety, people long for the presence of peace – not a lot of words, but peace. I have learned that miracles do not always manifest as we might have envisioned, but miracles remain.

And I have learned the importance of gratitude.

Most importantly, I reflect each day on the wisest words ever shared by Dame Julian.

“All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”

We waste so much energy trying to cover up who we are when beneath every attitude is the want to be loved, and beneath every anger is a wound to be healed and beneath every sadness is the fear that there will not be enough time.

Mark Nepo. The Book of Awakening

Prayer - Mary Oliver

It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just 
pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.

Looking over my last week’s entries, I see a theme! Quiet –seems to be the word of the week.

The world is filled with noise. Especially heightened, at the moment, the noise in our lives pushes us one way or pulls us another.

So what can we do to settle the noise, what can we do to help calm the anxious energy that surrounds us? Prayer can be something one does to begin the day, to end the day, or it can be woven throughout all daily activities.

For over 10 years, I have posted an invitation for “Saturday Prayers” on Facebook. Bishop Steven Charleston began this tradition, and through it, I learned how far we can reach and be supportive of one another through a simple invitation. It was and still is an open invitation. No requirements. Welcoming all.

I began to offer “Saturday Prayers” while Bishop Charleston needed to take a leave in 2015. He was encouraging and reinforced the importance of this offering.

When I moved my blog to Substack I decided to offer the practice here as well. No pressure, just an open invitation. Same as before, a place to gather and share concerns and celebrations.

You are welcome.

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration. It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.

(A New Zealand Prayer Book)

How many times have you noticed that it’s the little quiet moments in the midst of life that seem to give the rest extra-special meaning?

FRED ROGERS

It can feel like we are too overwhelmed to notice anything right now. Distractions are everywhere, filling us with information that creates anxiety and confusion.

Even for the very skilled, finding a way to rest peacefully in the moment takes more energy. It takes energy to focus. It takes energy to leave expectations behind. You know, the expectations that one should know how to do this after practicing for so long, or that one should be able to rise above the ever-present gravity of all that is happening in the world.

We live in a time like no other. There is a feeling that the calendar is moving ahead at a supersonic pace. So how do we even begin to imagine creating a moment of focus?

Imagine – that is the word. Instead of stressing over the perfect place, where perfect times of focus and regeneration can be created, relax into your imagination. When what used to feel normal now feels overwhelming, take a moment to imagine. It could be something as simple as a small flower in your yard or the cool morning breeze.

Fred Rogers offers insight into how to reduce the stress of creating the perfect environment for a peaceful moment. They don’t have to be long moments. Just something outside all the noise that offers a quiet peace.

I love the time of twilight. Either time of day (twilight can be dusk or dawn), the simple moments between the light of the sun and the gentle, dark sky filled with stars are a time of transition that has always caught my attention. There is a certain quiet as one form of light passes into another.

Nothing needs to be done for this moment to be created. As a gift for all of us who experience the complexity of today’s world, twilight is ever-present.

I am not always able to catch these moments of transition. But there are people in my life who are dedicated to meeting the sun every morning as it rises. I am fortunate to have many photos of their experience at morning twilight. When I am unable to greet it myself, I am thankful for these beautiful pictures. They create the simple Image needed for a moment within the midst of life that can help keep perspective throughout the day.

I share a few of these Photos and thank David Kanigan for his morning journey.

Find your simple moment, and I invite you to share that moment. We could all use new ideas!

All of these pictures were taken at Cove Island Park, Stamford, CT. I thank for sharing these twilight moments through his eyes.

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration. It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.

I write, erase, rewrite.

Erase again, and then…

A poppy blooms

Quote: Hokusai, 1760 – 1849, Japanese painter, printmaker

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration. It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God’s handwriting ~ a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

The beauty of moments – is that you never know when you're making a cherished memory.

Moments with Millie (Millie Mestril)

These words have become a mantra for me. It is an ancient truth spoken again by a creative and ever-wise friend – many moments pass while we hurry to move through the hours and days of life. More often than not, the moments that become most cherished are discovered as we look back.

To be aware of ‘the now’ is not an easy task! It takes a discipline that requires a certain way of living when time is set apart to practice this type of awareness.

Most of us struggle to find enough hours in a day. The world spins at a speed at which we can barely balance. Even so, each moment remains unto itself.

Could there be time this day for you to practice awareness?

No time like the present…

I am an Episcopal priest, retired and grateful for the opportunity to host this sacred space - a chapel of sorts. This is a gathering place for all people and traditions to offer prayers of concern and celebration. It is an honor to welcome you.

Saturday Prayers - As night’s darkness moves toward dawn’s first light, you are invited to leave your prayer requests here in the comments.

Pray- with a single word.

Pray- with a single name.

Pray- with explanation or none.

No format, just an invitation to share

I will pray with you, and I know others who will join us in doing the same. As you read each prayer, please support one another by using the ‘like’ option so all may know we are praying with them.