News and Updates

Nothing in all of life is more gripping than thinking about one’s death. Much of what we do, or don’t do, is in response to the reality that one day we will all die. But in the face of this reality, Christians declare that death is not the last word in our existence....

“We need more rocks in the river!” Billy, an older and wiser fly-fisherman, used to say that as we approached the Linville River in North Carolina. What he meant was that we needed more stability as we walked upstream. He also meant that in our world, with its...

The oceans and rivers of Florida got in my blood early. Even though we grew up slightly inland, water was everywhere, as far as the eye could see — rivers running, waves rolling, inviting fishing holes and cool eddies. For many years, Valerie, the girls and I went on...

Theologian John S. Dunne tells of a group of early Spanish sailors who reached the continent of South America after an arduous voyage. Their caravels sailed into the headwaters of the Amazon, an expanse of water so wide the sailors presumed it to be a continuation of...

When we leave the disciples on Ascension Day (Today!), they are bewildered and dazed. They just kept staring up into the sky, looking for what was coming next. They were told to wait for the coming of the Spirit. Most of us don’t do well with waiting. We live in an...

Dear People of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, We join with people around our country to pause once again and offer prayers for those who have been killed and injured by senseless gun violence. Join me in praying for the victims and their families, for public officials, and...

The Old Testament writer known as Ecclesiastes made memorable the ancient truth, “For everything there is a season and for every activity under heaven its time.” But he was singularly unsuccessful in suggesting why life must be riddled with so many beginnings and...

One of the gifts of the Episcopal Church is that we value variety, breadth, depth and comprehensiveness. Many refer to us as a “broad church.” Each week we have the remarkable ability to sit in church with complete strangers, go to communion with people who are...

Dear People of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, The Vestry and Search Committee wrote to the congregation this past week regarding the status of the search for a new rector and the need to continue the search into the fall. As you know, I gladly accept the invitation to continue...