Stuck in a Tree

08Aug

When I was young I had a favorite climbing tree. Did you?

When you're up in a tree you often have a pretty good vantage point of the area around. You may also be relatively hidden depending on the foliage. Witness Zacchaeus in Luke 19.

When you're up in a tree you are also often vulnerable. And, generally speaking, if you are stuck in a tree, you are likely quite vulnerable.

On Sunday, August 11 we will gather in person at 7:30 AM and 10 AM and via livestream at 10 AM as well (equipment repairs allowing). The first reading for that day, the twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, comes from 2 Samuel 18. It's about getting stuck in a tree, suspended between heaven and earth. What does this story of David, Absalom, Joab, and others have to say to us? And how might it connect to readings from Paul's letter to the Ephesians and the Bread of Life discourse in John's gospel? Let's find out together.

Padre's Blog A la Mote
Tags
treevulnerabilitystuck
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.

View All Posts

Leave a Comment:

Name:

Comment:


Previous Page

Date
Category
Author
Latest Posts
Tags
12 days of christmas abc sale advent alignment all saints all the faithful departed alms ancestors anniversary assistance backgrounds baptism basic human needs beauty bells benefactors bishops blessing blessings blue christmas brace breakfast buddhism business capital campaign celebration celebrations celtic heritage change christmas clarence jordan classmates clergy coffee hour collaboration collaborators commemorations community confirmation connection contemplation contemplative continuing education convention cost of living cuba death deeds diapers diocesan convention diocese diocese of southeast florida discernment docents dogs donations dreams easter day eastertide episcopal church eucharist evidence facade faith feast day feast of saints peter and paul feasts fellowship festival fingerprints forward full measure of christ future generosity gifts giving good friday good news grants gratitude great 50 days great vigil of easter greyhound bus haiti hardship heritage heroes historic buildings historic rectory history holy week horses hospitality in the streets independence day investiture isolation joy june justice key west keys deanery laity leadership lectio divina legacy lent lenten love across the straits life life together lightning liturgical colors loads of love loaves and fishes loneliness loss love loving service mandala martyrs mass maundy thursday ministries mission mlk mourning nation national fund for sacred places national trust for historic preservation nave neighboring observational cinema office hours ordination organ palm sunday palms parade parish administrator parish hall partners for sacred places paschal triduum patronal feast paul pentecost people in need personalities peter police practices prayer preaching preservation presiding bishop pride pride parade pride sunday progress psalm 22 psalms public trust quiet morning reconnecting reconnection rector's special assistance fund red relationships renewing old ties repair restoration resurrection reunion san juan evangelista scholarships school school supplies scotland second anniversary service slow productivity south florida haiti project st francis st paul st peter stained glass stained glass windows stories struggle stuck suicide sunday of the passion thanksgiving thirty-fourth rector towers traditions transfiguration treasurer tree true fund unity vestry visio divina visual anthropology vulnerability welcome windows winsome witness wisdom work worship