News and Updates

One of the beautiful features of our Church life is our liturgical calendar. It has a very different flow from the seasonal monthly calendar that dictates our individual schedules. From Advent to Easter, the story of Jesus’ life and ministry is woven into the story of...

Pastor John C. Maxwell once wrote, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” And so it is, whether in our personal life, parish life, nation, or world. Change occurs all around us at an alarming speed and happens without our consent. Pandemics arrive, accidents...

Twenty years ago, I began visiting ships at Port Everglades. It was exciting boarding large container ships from all over the world, meeting the crews at break and answering questions about places to see in Ft. Lauderdale, services offered at Seafarer’s House at Port...

“Change” is something of a dirty word in the Church. The phrase “We’ve always done it that way” holds more power than many doctrines ever have. I’m not exactly sure why that is. Maybe it’s because we want the Church to mirror an unchanging, eternal God. Maybe it’s...

Dear Fellow Parishioners, One of the most common questions we have been asked is how to best express our thanks to Father James and Father Burl. First, please come to the farewell services and receptions for Father Burl on May 30th and for Father James on June 27th...

Dear Bethesda Family, Following on the news I shared just the other day about my resignation and new call, I bring news that Father Burl has also accepted a new call. I want him to share this exciting news himself in the note below. Before reading that, though, I...

Thin Places come from the ancient Celtic tradition. The term “Thin Places” is used to describe a place where the distance between God and ourselves is very thin, and God is only a breath away. Thin Places were usually ancient holy sites, such as wells and hilltops...

Dear Bethesda Family, I write today to announce my resignation as Rector of the Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea. I have accepted a call to become the Canon Evangelist for the Diocese of Southern Virginia. Eli and I will say farewell and celebrate our grace-filled 10...

While the pandemic is far from over—and we will continue to care for the most vulnerable among us—there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. These have been a difficult 13 months, but we have seen such thoughtfulness among the faithful during this time. In the...