Before I got the job I have now, I did some volunteer work for a local charity that helps homeless folks transition to getting affordable housing. I answered phones and did some other things. I even served on the board of directors for a while. That was a fun thing to do as I looked for work. Volunteering is a good way to keep skills sharp and to give back.
At my church, I serve during the worship services as a communion assistant and as a live video streaming and sound tech. I have also served on the leadership team known as the vestry.
So I would guess I would do things for free that I feel passionate about and that can make a difference.
Today is Ash Wednesday in the Christian tradition. It’s the beginning of the season of Lent. During this season it’s a time to repent, reflect, pray, and draw closer to God. I served at my churches Ash Wednesday service as a way to begin this journey to Easter. Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust
Each February the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee holds its annual convention. This year it was held at the Episcopal School of Knoxville. This event is where delegates from its member churches gather to renew friendships, make connections, and conduct business. My wife and I with our friend Tammy and our priest Fr. Drew were in attendance to represent our parish, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Chattanooga. It was good to get away overnight too. Here are a few snaps of our time there.
Due to the icy weather this morning, our church canceled services. We still attended church, but virtually. My college roommate Joey is a United Methodist pastor. He led a service from his church that we watched this morning. His parishioners stayed home but he went in and streamed services via Facebook. It was good to see him in action this morning.
This reminded me of when everything went virtual due to COVID years ago. It was nice being in my pj’s this morning but my faith is best expressed in community with others and to be present in the parish house at St. Peter’s.
My church does a soup supper every year to support our local food bank. Members will make homemade soups and bread to raise funds that help the mission and create awareness of the important programs of this important agency in our community. Taking care of the least of these is a commandment and central tenet of our faith.
My missus The Soup Diva made this soup and the bread was made by another member of the church. It was a tasty reminder that people do without every day.
This is what I’m doing at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church this morning. Livestreaming our worship service and house sound is something I do at church so people who can’t be at church can worship in real time or whenever they can tune in. Check it out on YouTube.
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