Mind-altering Experiences

15May

I suspect you have had them as I have--experiences that rock your world, pull you up short, make you catch your breath. Sometimes such events are shocking but don't have lasting impact. Other times, they stick. They leave their imprint upon us, and we are never the same thereafter.

This is the kind of mind-altering experience that changes the course of the apostle Peter's life in the reading from Acts coming up this Sunday (Acts 11:1-18). Thanks be to God that it did--otherwise, we might not be here! St Peter's vision becomes more aligned with that of our patron, St Paul's, and the circle of the Jesus movement widens to include, over time, people of all nations, ethnicities, races, classes, genders, and sexualities.

Sometimes when we have a daydream or a dream while sleeping, acting on it it might change the course of history--of our own history and that of our community if not that of the world.

Padre's Blog A la Mote
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Posted by The Very Reverend Donna S. Mote, PhD

Our 34th rector, Dr Mote, was installed by Bishop Eaton on Saturday, June 5th, 2021.  Prior to joining St Paul's, she served as the Vicar of ATL (Episcopal Chaplain to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport).  With Bishop Robert C. Wright she authored, The Go Guide: 10 Steps for Innovations in Ministry from Luke 10. Beginning in 2016, Donna served on the bishop's staff as Missioner for Engagement and Innovation in the Diocese of Atlanta, to consult on, coach, strategize, support, promote, and provoke innovations in ministry in Middle and North Georgia.  She was also Chaplain to the Georgia State Defense Force and the 76th Support Brigade.

Donna earned degrees from Shorter College (BA), Southern Seminary (MDiv), and Emory University’s Graduate Division of Religion (PhD) and completed Anglican studies at Sewanee: The University of the South. Donna was raised up for ordination by the parish of St Bartholomew’s, Atlanta. She is an Associate of the Order of St Helena.  Donna is married to Rebecca England, and they have two sons, Anderson and Jordan.

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