This Week from Mitch

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This week Christopher Johnson will serve at the altar and preach as one of the newest deacons in the church. Chris, who is the lead chaplain at Heathwood Hall has a unique calling. He is a chaplain. A chaplain at a school or in the military or even a hospital is in the unique position of supporting others through the love of God in their primary purpose. For Chris, his role in an Episcopal School is to support students, teachers, parents, and administrators in their callings to teach and to learn. It's a special job that I believe exists in the questions. Questions like "Pastor do you have a minute? I have a question for you?" Questions like "Pastor, can we talk?" It's a job that requires a person to, as Jesus says, "stay awake," because you never know when these questions may come. 

As I look forward to Chris's words, I found myself thinking about the need to be mindful of the questions we ask and the questions we answer. Each of us have people in our lives who look to us for advice, love, affection, and help in times of trouble. When we get the "why" questions and the "do you have a second" questions, it is important for us to remember Christ's words to "stay awake." If we are alert, we just might have the opportunity to share the love of God with a person who needs it. We may even have the opportunity to share the faith of God that exists in us.

I give thanks for the chaplains in my life and for the opportunities I have had to be a chaplain. I also give thanks for the reminder that any one of us can be a chaplain when we accept the role of serving others for the glory of God by supporting their primary purpose and well-being. 

In Christ,

Mitch+