I loved this. Feel like no matter whose sermon I hear this weekend,I have been fed already. Thank you. And I finished “Wholehearted Faith” last week - a beautiful book that made me both sad for Rachel’s death (again) and grateful for her words. So beautifully curated that I could not discern where hers stopped and yours began. A wonderful tribute to your friend, Jeff. Well done.
Your perseverance is deeply moving and *very* helpful to me in understanding why I shouldn't jump to suggest people free themselves from such determined hope in resistant institutions -hope to experience the culmination of call and affirmation.
Hope to see change through from the inside. Thank you for making clear what you don't need people to say right now. That boundary setting is holy space . No matter where your devotion leads, your process is producing beauty and meaning. So many of us are longing for something that seems like it *should be* by now and without question or opposition. Many will be made uncomfortable by such long-suffering (mixed with beauty and joy). But your willingness seems to create alignment for many of us. Standing in your truth of call brings alignment around you even if it doesn't shift institutions. I pray it does.
My personal take-away- I can be called to be there for folks whose choice was made *for them* to be maligned by churches and institutions and who need refuge. As long as you feel you are making a choice with purpose, I pray others will honor that. Again, thank you for this. It's so helpful to me to gain deeper understanding.
Thank you for this Jeff. It was such good timing for me and my family. My dad passed away at the start of the pandemic, due to other health issues, but Eeyore was also his theme character. He loved all the Winnie the Pooh stories and would read them to his grandchildren, my kids. But Eeyore was the most relatable character to him too - one he embraced! It is so nice to see a reminder of him at Easter time. I always appreciate your "Notes". Thank you for being you!
thank you Jeff. I wonder if you saw this poem this week on "unfolding Light" by Steve Garnaas-Holmes. I adore donkeys and have three burro companions......
Jeff, I loved your sermon excerpt on the way of the donkey. It captured my imagination and helped me think of humility as an invitation. You are such a gifted writer, preacher, and pastor. You are so called- I hear the Spirit in your words and I give thanks for you.
Thanks for this one, Jeff. Donkeys are one of my favorite animals, too. To use another animal metaphor, Petit à petit l’oiseau fait son nid. Also, thanks for posting the lovely song. It will stay with me for a while.
You are always in my prayers, Jeff. Not to offer advice, but just to observe that the Classis of Schenectady found a way around the MFCA board, and the Classis of Rockland Westchester might want to consult with them at some point.
Thank you, Jeff. Your perseverance in what you face with the RCA is quite moving to me. I hope you can hang in there as change is on the way. Many of us look forward to the exodus of a divisive faction. Regarding the donkey, I think I heard once that a horse will allow itself to be worked to death, while a donkey, stubbornly, will not. Keep up your great work! You are a blessing and inspiration to many people.
Jeff, your meditations on the donkey are so beautiful. Thank you for this!
Bronxville loves you. You enriched us tremendously. Please visit anytime, big ideas and shallow thoughts and good food guaranteed. Happy Easter
I loved this. Feel like no matter whose sermon I hear this weekend,I have been fed already. Thank you. And I finished “Wholehearted Faith” last week - a beautiful book that made me both sad for Rachel’s death (again) and grateful for her words. So beautifully curated that I could not discern where hers stopped and yours began. A wonderful tribute to your friend, Jeff. Well done.
Your perseverance is deeply moving and *very* helpful to me in understanding why I shouldn't jump to suggest people free themselves from such determined hope in resistant institutions -hope to experience the culmination of call and affirmation.
Hope to see change through from the inside. Thank you for making clear what you don't need people to say right now. That boundary setting is holy space . No matter where your devotion leads, your process is producing beauty and meaning. So many of us are longing for something that seems like it *should be* by now and without question or opposition. Many will be made uncomfortable by such long-suffering (mixed with beauty and joy). But your willingness seems to create alignment for many of us. Standing in your truth of call brings alignment around you even if it doesn't shift institutions. I pray it does.
My personal take-away- I can be called to be there for folks whose choice was made *for them* to be maligned by churches and institutions and who need refuge. As long as you feel you are making a choice with purpose, I pray others will honor that. Again, thank you for this. It's so helpful to me to gain deeper understanding.
Thank you for this Jeff. It was such good timing for me and my family. My dad passed away at the start of the pandemic, due to other health issues, but Eeyore was also his theme character. He loved all the Winnie the Pooh stories and would read them to his grandchildren, my kids. But Eeyore was the most relatable character to him too - one he embraced! It is so nice to see a reminder of him at Easter time. I always appreciate your "Notes". Thank you for being you!
thank you Jeff. I wonder if you saw this poem this week on "unfolding Light" by Steve Garnaas-Holmes. I adore donkeys and have three burro companions......
The Beloved needs it
“You will find a colt that has never been ridden.
Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you,
‘Why are you untying it?’
just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
—Luke 19.30-31
A humble donkey, not glamorous or powerful,
maybe not even noticed,
but, Loving Mystery, exactly what you need.
So many parts of myself I overlook—
an extraordinary talent or simple presence—
gifts I’ve been given I undervalue;
but you need them
for purposes I can’t yet see.
Beloved, what gifts of mine do you need?
Help me know what humble donkey you require,
and untie it.
Breath prayer:
My donkey … for you
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net
Published April 5, 2022
Jeff, I loved your sermon excerpt on the way of the donkey. It captured my imagination and helped me think of humility as an invitation. You are such a gifted writer, preacher, and pastor. You are so called- I hear the Spirit in your words and I give thanks for you.
“It’s a donkey that carries the sick soul to safety and security.”
Thank you that even in your struggle you share and encourage others. Humility and commitment to the task because we have faith in Him, not ourselves.
Sad with you and hopeful that eventually, after this long wait, your tradition and mine will each see the goodness and calling in people like us.
Beautiful and true reflections here.
I heard Ocean on Glennon Doyle's podcast this week and thought of you. <3
thank you for Eeyore! and the references to the donkeys of scripture.
I am grateful you keep writing. and keep listening to/sharing God's promptings.
"I ask whether it’s ridiculous to stay where I’m not wanted"
what is ridiculous is "church" deciding anyone is not wanted....we keep missing the perspective of our God.
Thanks for this one, Jeff. Donkeys are one of my favorite animals, too. To use another animal metaphor, Petit à petit l’oiseau fait son nid. Also, thanks for posting the lovely song. It will stay with me for a while.
You are always in my prayers, Jeff. Not to offer advice, but just to observe that the Classis of Schenectady found a way around the MFCA board, and the Classis of Rockland Westchester might want to consult with them at some point.
I do not wish to be ordained out of order, nor to have an asterisk next to my ordination. I've made that clear to Classis.
Thank you. Your writings always leave me feeling more hopeful and connected.
Thank you, Jeff. Your perseverance in what you face with the RCA is quite moving to me. I hope you can hang in there as change is on the way. Many of us look forward to the exodus of a divisive faction. Regarding the donkey, I think I heard once that a horse will allow itself to be worked to death, while a donkey, stubbornly, will not. Keep up your great work! You are a blessing and inspiration to many people.
I so much look forward to your emails! Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us! You are a blessing to many!
Thank you for sharing your journey and thoughts, Jeff!