update

There's a phrase said around here that church doesn't "stop" in the summertime like it does in many congregations.  I understand the sentiment.  Most institutions seem to place everything on hold for the summertime, as if ministry does not take place during the hottest days of the year, as if ministry takes place at the beaches and pools of the world for those who can enjoy such vacation.

Many of our guests at BSM don't have the luxury of "stopping" for the summertime.  In case you didn't realize, there is no summer vacation from homelessness!  If anything, things tend to pick up around here, as people seek a place to drop in during the heat of the day.  Not to mention the bursting out of the Youth Initiative, which draws in youth groups for weeklong mission experiences.

However, something must be said for the intentionality of sabbath time.  Although ministry never ceases, all people must find time for reprieve.  Things slow down a little around here in the summer.  Programs need time to re-assess, people need time to recharge.

As for me, I've been in an interesting state of recovery and re-discovery.  I'm recognizing that i'll be travelling for most of the next couple of months and my time at BSM and ASPC will be limited.  This is bitersweet indeed, but also compelling as I seek how I will continue to develop my pastoral identity at Union Presbyterian Seminary (just changed their name today!).  More wrap-up reflections to come...

In the meantime, I've been continuing the work of helping build community and developing our "open table" groups at BSM as a means for connecting one another.  It's hard work, but important work.  Discipleship emerges out of the relationships we build with one another.  This is the task we are called to.