Category: Episcopal Identity

Recently, I texted a former student of mine whose mother, an actress, is featured in the series Elsbeth. I was delighted when I received an immediate reply from the young man I had coached in lacrosse and soccer, his secondary sports (he starred in basketball and plays in college). And, despite our Episcopal school requiring 3x weekly chapel, this student-athlete was decidedly not a chapel enthusiast. That being said, he had recently returned from China where he reported “listening to a lot of podcasts and reading from religious texts.” He continued, “I used not to think religion would have been a big part of my life but I’ve recently been interested in implementing it into my daily life.” After telling me he was reading Genesis, he asked for my recommendation for religious practices and texts. Knowing how brief and cryptic my twenty-something son’s texts can be—I was deeply moved by the fact that this young alum had replied and done so with a clear desire for spiritual growth. As school chaplains, we are very familiar with those students who seem to have no interest in our weekly worship services and sit seemingly disengaged through the required chapel gatherings. Then this same young person comes back to an alumni gathering and reports that they feel as though something is “missing” from their lives post-graduation. They find themselves searching for spiritual belonging and the opportunity to gather in worship. How many of our former students have surprised us by asking us to officiate a wedding, baptize their child, or bury their loved one? Alums whom we didn’t think were paying attention while they were attending our chapel services who later felt a pullback to devotional experiences. Read More »

In the week before coming to the NAES conference this year, our chaplaincy and school came together to prepare a memorial service for a beloved faculty member who died suddenly on Halloween. One evening, in the difficult days that followed her death, I opened a file in the chaplain’s office containing years of memorial service bulletins faithfully prepared in the midst of similar tragedies. These service bulletins, compiled by chaplains, like the Rev. Preston Hannibal, who will soon celebrate 50 years of school ministry, serve as a reminder that we are not alone. For we are accompanied by those who walked this way before us–the men and women who faithfully ran chapels, pastored students and faculty, taught classes, and served as advisors and coaches.  Read More »

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 Amid a disgruntled parent, a leaking roof, or dismissal... Read More »

In the middle of September, I marked the occasion of my birthday in a typical Coloradan fashion: by hiking a “fourteen-er.” A picture-worthy occasion, I shared it on social media and a dear friend commented, “Radiant creature!” “Sleep-deprived and super tired creature,” I replied. A week earlier, the same friend comforted me by reminding me that my “greatness” doesn’t stem merely from what I do, but from who I actually am, in God.  Read More »

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be... Read More »

Both Episcopal and non-Episcopal schools are in the business of educating students of all ages, backgrounds, races, religions, cultures, and abilities in caring, nurturing environments. What is unique about Episcopal Schools however, is that Episcopal Schools are “embodiments of the Christian faith…that honor, celebrate and worship God as the center of life,” and as such “are created to be models of God’s love and grace.”  One important way we share God’s love is through pastoral care. The Episcopal Church defines pastoral care as “The ministry of caring at the heart of the church's (or school’s) life.” In my ministry as a school chaplain, pastoral care is woven into every aspect of my day. Tending to Jesus’ sheep is multifaceted, and the following are a few of my reflections about pastoral care after serving forty years in education, the last ten as a chaplain in an Episcopal School. Read More »

In recent months, the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in schools has faced increasing scrutiny, with some arguing that it promotes indoctrination rather than education. More than two dozen states, including here in North Carolina, have taken legislative steps to restrict or outright eliminate DEI initiatives and roles in public colleges. This debate has significant implications for the education sector, particularly for schools rooted in principles of diversity and inclusivity, such as those affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Read More »

I have lived and worked in boarding and day schools—secular and Episcopal—for thirty years. Throughout this time, I have appreciated the different ways that schools sustain community. The... Read More »