This past Sunday was a highlight in my ordained life! I have never had a church celebrate an anniversary in that way, my family and I felt so loved and honored. I am grateful to the Bible study group and all who helped make it happen, and most of all for all of you. Your love and support mean the world to me. 

I got too choked up talking about my grandkids to add a few words for my wife and kids. I thank Steve Brown and Mary Hauge for honoring Jennifer as well – the life of a clergy spouse is hard, y’all! She will tell you, “I didn’t marry a Priest”, but she was also the first person to recognize my calling and to say it out loud! Thank you Jennifer for your love and support and sacrifices.

And when I was talking about why I have my grandkids join me at the altar whenever they visit, I really should have mentioned how my own children have had to make adjustments and compromises all these years. They even schedule grandchildren birthday parties early on Saturday mornings so I can come and be back for church! 

Every clergy family makes sacrifices and compromises (as do most families I know), and my family is honored and happy to do so. I wish my two sons-in-law John and Wynne, and my son Joseph and daughter-in-law Flannery, with baby George, could have been there too, but having Chelsea with Eliza and Oliver, and Mackenzie with Juby and Mills, along with our son’s first born, Jane, made the day perfect! And I must say, having Juby and Eliza, the two oldest grands, serve at the altar, was the best! What a day!

Again, I am so grateful for all of you and blessed to serve amongst you.