Hope and a Future

Carrie and I are now back from the "Hope and a Future" conference in Pittsburgh. All that I have to say is that I am feeling very encouraged. The image that I keep getting is that of a water balloon. When you hook it up to a faucet and keep the water running, eventually the balloon will break. I really feel as though we are now moving forward.

It seemed to me that the whole theme of the conference was choice. We have a choice to remain in ECUSA or do something about it. More importantly, however, we have a choice to wallow in our self-pity or to carry on with the mission of the Church and to continue making disciples of Jesus Christ. This later choice is the one that the conference planners seemed to be encouraging us to make.

I realize that many people were frustrated about the conference headline speakers all being evangelicals. These people must not have looked at the schedule very closely, because it was absolutely packed with Anglicans from across the globe. I do have to say, however, that Rick Warren really impressed me. In fact, I think I shed a tear or two as I sat and listened to his vision. People can criticize him all they want about how he is too popular, but he has a simple, and biblical vision and he has a talent for putting it in words that people understand. I too was skeptical, but I am now a big supporter of Rick Warren's ministry. I'm looking forward to reading my free copy of "Purpose Driven Church." Thanks Rick!

All I can say is that I am very excited to be so near to graduation. I am getting anxious to get out there and to start working in the vineyard. The time I spent with my New England friends has really reminded me how desperate they are for pastoral care. They need all of the prayer that they can get. I hope that I will be able to go back and join them soon.

Anglican Diocese of Peru

This week we have been blessed this week at Nashotah with a visit from The Rt. Rev'd H. William Godfrey from the Diocese of Peru. It is so fascinating and inspiring to hear from people who work on the front lines of world mission. Yesterday he was telling us about his church planting model, "The Spider." He plants 3-4 bigger, nicer church buildings in a city, and from there he sends out priests and catechists to plant 4-5 more satellite churches.

It is amazing how hungry the people in his diocese are for the Gospel. He is always looking for more workers to help out in the vineyard, so if you are looking for a place to go he might be able to find something for you to do!

Enneagram

One thing that I learned about CPE this summer is that they love to talk about the Enneagram personality profile. Unfortunately, we did not really have time to work with this in my group this summer, so we mostly just alluded to it. Recently, however, I stumbled across a post on my friend Dixon Kinser's blog which brought the enneagram back to my attention.

This is something that many people have been using in spiritual direction, CPE, the office, and a myriad of other places. I am only just starting to look into it, so I may post more in the future. For now I will just leave you with the fact that I tested as a:

CMK Squared

Carrie and I now have a new family blog which you can check for family news and updates. As a bonus, one of the first posts has links to various pictures from our wedding! See you there.

Married

For those of you who haven't heard the news, I married Carrie Estridge (now Klukas) on August 20th. All that I can say is that married life is great. I love my wife, and I am very much looking forward to spending the rest of my life with her.

Following the wedding, we decided to fly down to the Domincan Rebublic for a week of all inclusive fun. Aside from some minor dietary issues, we had a great time relaxing in the sun (Carrie) and shade (me).

To all of my family and groomsmen I would like to extend a big thankyou for all of your help and support through this whole wedding/engagement process. It was really something to stand at the front of that church with my new wife and see all of these people supporting us. It was one of the most moving experiences of my whole life.

We will soon post a link to the photographers pictures so that you can see them.