Going to the Four Corners

On Sunday February 21, 2010 a group of six from St. Peters journeyed to Westerly for a meeting with folks from Christ Church. The purpose of this gathering was to discuss in more detail the proposed Mission and Outreach trip to Navajoland this coming summer.  For the past seven years, Christ Church has actively sponsored mission trips to the Navajo Reservation in the Four Corners of the American southwest (AZ, UT, NM, CO), the purpose of which have been twofold: help in the upgrading of the physical

A Day with Reggie McNeal

This past Saturday five parishioners and I attended the Diocese of Rhode Island Convocation in Providence.  The speaker was Reggie McNeal, a noted church consultant and the author of a couple of excellent books on the church (The Present Future, and Missional Renaissance).

Reggie is a funny, sharp guy, so his biting critiques of the modern church came across less confrontationally than they may have.  The audience of 200+ spent a lot of time laughing, even though what he was talking about is a

Annual Meeting Recap

Sunday's annual meeting went well.  I am grateful for the opportunity to revisit some of our joys and successes in 2009, as well as talk a little bit about where we're headed and how we might get there.  You can listen to my report by visiting the Podcasts page.

I think we are headed in the right direction.  We are developing the sorts of mission, education and worship opportunities that are needed to deepen our faith and grow us into the disciples I believe God is calling us to become.  But as I

A New Year's Message from the ABC

The Archbishop of Canterbury recently published a New Year's message that is well worth a listen.  You may watch it here.

Snow Policy at St. Peter's

The snow policy at St. Peter's by-the-Sea is simple: we never cancel services due to snow.  We will always worship at St. Peter's on Sunday morning, regardless of how much snow falls, or what driving conditions are like.  I (Casey) spend the night at the church in advance of snow storms, so that those who are able to drive or walk to church may share in worship of God.

However, everyone should use wisdom in deciding if it is safe to travel to church.  Pride is not a good reason to drive or walk in

Copenhagen

We're at the climax of the season of Advent, when we focus our lives upon acts of preparation.  It seems somewhat fitting that Advent should coincide with the global summit of national leaders in Copenhagen who are meeting to discuss a treaty related to climate change and environmental issues.  Environmental degradation is a sad reality of modern life, one that I believe causes God tremendous grief.  It is also something that requires significant change on the part of all of us--real, practical, sacrificial

Another Fabulous Bazaar

Tremendous thanks are owed to Mary Jane Long, Justine Greenwell, and the rest of the women and men who created yet another fabulous St. Peter's Holiday Bazaar.  The spirit in the buildings on Saturday was so genuinely full of joy, so warm and friendly, that all who came surely left blessed, even if they didn't actually buy a thing. 

The total figure of proceeds is not finalized yet, but it looks like it will top $5,000, putting it past last year's edition, and a wonderful sum to assist the ministry of

Advent Conspiracy

The Season of Advent

The holy season of Advent is fast upon us.  It's incredible to think that a year has already gone by, and we are once again preparing ourselves for the celebration of Christ's humble entrance into the world. 

When you arrive at church during Advent, you will be greeted by signs that say, "Slow down.  Quiet.  It's Advent."  They are meant to remind us of the counter-cultural call of this season to a slower, more contemplative pace.  During these holy four weeks, we are asked to consider the ways in which