Everyone,
I hope you’re staying cool wherever you are and enjoying these last days of Summer. You know me—too much sunshine leaves me miserably depressed, so I’m desperate for chilly, dreary weather. Pray I survive this heat.
A few quick notes to catch you up on what’s happening in my corner of the globe:
First, I want to say a deep thanks to all of you who’re supporting this Substack on a monthly or yearly basis. You can’t know how much it’s helped my family and me. Seriously. What you’re giving is helping to make it possible for me to devote time to work that otherwise I wouldn’t be able to do and to share it more broadly than I otherwise could. These are tough financial times for most of us, obviously, and I want you to know that I’m not taking your support for granted. So, again, thank you for partnering with me.
Second, as I assume most of you already know, this time next week I will be consecrated as a bishop. These last few months have been a whirlwind, but the time is here—I can hardly believe it. Please be in prayer for me and for our diocese. If you can attend the service, do! Everyone is welcome. And if you’d like to watch the livestream, it will be available here.
Third, we’re launching a new Center for Sustainable Ministry at SEU this year, thanks to the vision of our dean, Dr Chris Owen. (Jeremy Sims, a friend of the podcast, has signed on to serve as the director and to head up the DMin program.) I’ll be teaching our doctoral preaching course this Fall and (for the first time) a theology & trauma course as well. I’ll also be giving a public lecture on the topic. I’ll share details as they come available.
Fourth, I’m finishing up the last chapter of The Fire & The Cloud, which is due—in two days. I was honored to give a lecture overviewing the book last week at All Souls in Knoxville, and I will be recording a follow-up podcast with Phil this week. You’ll be able to access both of those talks here soon.
Fifth, on the family front, we’re finally mostly settled in TN. It’s a joy to be with old friends. We love the house. We’re making plans for the church-plant. The boys start school in a few days. (Zoë will be attending OU in the Fall and living in Norman.) Do pray for Auggie, our Weimaraner. He was hit by a car yesterday, and although they expect him to live, he is in a lot of pain and it’s pretty touch-and-go right now.
All to say, there’s been a lot happening—much of it good, some of it delightful. Please do remember to pray for me, and let me know how I can pray for you.
Oh my goodness you have a lot going on. I will remember you in my prayers, especially Auggie. I know how dear our dogs can be.
Thank you so much for so generously sharing your work here. I often listen on the way to dog class. So much of what you say is so encouraging and grace filled. What you said about holy indifference helps me as I work on my writing and being a friend.
Well, the peace and grace of the Lord be with you as you walk into these next days.
Well your consecration and this new expression of ministry is good news for the church. You are certainly in my prayers as Sunday approaches. Greetings from dreary and chilly Melbourne. 🙏