For those who haven’t heard, I have accepted the vestry’s call to serve as Interim Rector of Christ Church Parish in downtown Pensacola. I started on December 15th. Jennifer and I had moved our belongings (clothes, etc. – furniture and much else went to storage) when we left Delray just before Thanksgiving. Thanks to the incredible generosity and hospitality of my in-laws, we were invited to stay in their condo in Perdido Key until we figured out where we would go next. As we were driving our uHaul our of Delary, , the interim search committee called to setup an interview, and the rest is history. I am about a 30 minute drive from the church. What a blessing! This has been a real palpable way of living into God’s ways and trusting God will provide for us. It could not have worked out any better!
Jennifer is now certified in Florida so she has started interviews for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner positions. Things are really coming together.

Arriving at a church ten days before Christmas is a different kind of experience. And doing so at a church like Christ Church Parish in Pensacola is even more exciting.
Fortunately CCP is served by two wonderful associate priests and a staff that had things well in hand before I arrived. Which allowed me to just enter into the flow and enjoy a wonderful Christmas experience. My associates handled all the “deacon” and “celebrant” roles until the midnight mass, giving me time to see how things are done around the altar.
I preached 4th Advent, Christmas Eve (with help from Christie, one of the associates, at the family service) and 1st Sunday after Christmas. They are probably sick of me already!

The biggest Christmas blessing for us was having our family with us at the condo. Our son, Joseph, came down Christmas Eve afternoon. Mackenzie and Wynne and 7 month old Juby arrived Christmas Eve, surprising Jennifer by making it to midnight mass just as it began! Juby’s first Christmas was with us and it was wonderful. Then the next day, Chelsea and John and 9 week old Eliza joined us! What a glorious time! Jen and I were on cloud nine having them all together, and I loved having my whole family at church on Sunday.

On Monday I was able to make it to the funeral of the Reverend Deacon Lynne Hough at St. Patrick’s in Long Beach. Lynne and I served that church together for 8 years, Lynne was there far longer and she was the bedrock clergy person for that parish. She was a wonderful deacon and fantastic person. She knew her calling so well, and was a foundation of love and grace and truth for us all. Lynne you are really missed.
From there we made it to Hattiesburg for the gathering of all the Knights at my parents house. All four of my brothers and all of their wives, children, and grand children were there. My parents now have 7 great-grands and all were present, including 3 born this year!

All of the above says one thing – we are truly, truly blessed. Many of you have held us in your prayers and I cannot thank you enough. I will have more “profound” posts coming up soon, but wanted to catch up on all our news. God bless and Merry Christmas (we have 8 more days of Christmas ya know!).