In the introductory brochure prepared by the Interim Pastor Search Committee and our talented communications team, you learned a few things about my journey. It spoke of the nine amazing people who bless my life outside of church and the educational and vocational path that preceded my time at BMPC. While there is certainly more than can be said about each of those details I’d like to spend my time in this first article further introducing myself to you. I do so, counting on the fact that in the coming months, you will do the same with me.
I am the middle of five children who grew up in North Carolina and Georgia. Lori is the youngest of five from a household that was based in western New York. We were the last in our families to get married which means that our siblings along with their children and grandchildren live in all parts of our country. I have been blessed to officiate at more than 30 family weddings, baptisms or funerals during my career. Each of those moments was a profound honor.
As a lover of history, I have been a lifelong admirer of Abraham Lincoln and since moving to Pennsylvania have attended an event in Gettysburg called The Lincoln Forum fifteen times. I have always appreciated the gift of travel and during my lifetime have visited 48 states and 30 countries. We will add two more of the latter next year. Other than Alabama football, there is no particular college team that I follow closely, yet on the professional front, I share with many of you the agony and joy of being a fan of the Eagles. The Phillies hold second place in my baseball loyalties as I lived in suburban Atlanta as a boy and attended the first game of the Braves. You will have no trouble picking out my car in the church parking lot!
I used to be a regular runner, including my participation in a Charlotte marathon and the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia. A broken hip four years ago marked an end to such activity as my orthopedic surgeon said “You could keep running, but I wouldn’t recommend it.” For exercise now, I go to our local YMCA three to four times each week with long walks on the days in between. I’m looking forward to exploring new routes on outings from the manse.
In our two years since retirement, we have traveled extensively and doted regularly on our four grandchildren. Two weeks ago, I sang at the Festival of Carols concerts offered by the Montgomery County Chorale and Orchestra. While preparing me for the beautiful music found at BMPC it also gave me new appreciation for the commitment of our choir members and other musicians. In May, I completed training as a voice actor and have narrated two books available on Amazon. At the start of last year, I began a weekly online devotional blog called Ordinary Grace and in June added a podcast version. Both seek to reflect on the everyday moments in life where God is at work. Thus, the 27 months since ending full-time ministry have been a gift.
At my retirement in August of 2023, I had no plan to serve as an Interim Pastor anywhere. Yet through a series of events with God’s fingerprints all over them, I began a conversation with your search committee that has now resulted in the honor of joining you in a time of transition. I am thrilled and humbled to serve in this capacity and look forward to hearing your stories, too, as together we prepare for your next installed pastor.