An amazing weekend at St. Simon’s. The ordination to the Priesthood of our Curate, the Reverend Forbes Sirmon, on Saturday was really awesome! Joyous and beautiful and the Holy Spirit showed up and “Made him a Priest”! I had the privilege and honor of preaching and really had a fun and holy time with that!

Today we had wonderful services, although we also took time to remember those murdered in cold blood for simply being Jewish on Saturday in Pittsburg. As the preacher today also, that was one of those change-the-sermon-at-5am moments. Like I suspect most if not all preachers, I sure am weary of having to deal with such senseless slaughter and evil as took place at the Synagogue in Pittsburg. It is heart breaking.

All these sermons are posted on our website, usually by Monday afternoon. www.stsimons-fwb.org, if you want to take a listen.

Father Forbes was Celebrant today for the first time ever and he did a wonderful job. Playing with holy fire is exhilarating and dangerous and wonderful, welcome to the college of Presbyters, Forbes!

Then this afternoon we had a really great Trunk or Treat event, with around 80 folks, adults and kids, very cool trunk decorations, fun games, great costumes and, of course, HOT DOGS! It was a beautiful afternoon and evening right there on the Sound, and near the end, the Blue Angels (who are stationed in Pensacola), flew right over us, on their way back to their home base (Zoom in). I bet your trunk or treat didn’t have that! We were reminded of our blessings during a time when people are hurting and afraid, or still recovering, right down the road from us, from Hurricane Michael. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy.

Suffrage’s B from Evening Prayer was the right one for this weekend, for all those suffering, all those afraid, all those seeking answers, all those searching.

That this evening may be holy, good, and peaceful,

We entreat you, O Lord.

That your holy angels may lead us in paths of peace and goodwill,

We entreat you, O Lord.

That we may be pardoned and forgiven for our sins and offenses,

We entreat you, O Lord.

That there may be peace to your Church and to the whole world,

We entreat you, O Lord.

That we may depart this life in your faith and fear, 
and not be condemned before the great judgment seat of Christ,

We entreat you, O Lord.

That we may be bound together by your Holy Spirit in 
the communion of all your saints, 
entrusting one another and all our life to Christ,

We entreat you, O Lord.