Rev Mark All Saints Day Reflections

http://youtu.be/sNwj2zTpjTE


Mark+

The Rev Mark C. McKone-Sweet

Please excuse any spelling and odd short hand ... Sent from my iPhone.

Fwd: St. Bartholomew's Calls New Rector

It's official ... Mixed emotions today. Joy and excitement - sad to leave St Dunstans and a heart full of gratitude. 

Mark+

From: "St. Bart's" <llawson@stbartschurch.org>
Date: August 2, 2014 at 12:01:02 PM 
Subject: St. Bartholomew's Calls New 

St. Bartholomew's Calls New Rector Next Rector of St. Bartholomew's - Father Mark McKone-Sweet    Father Mark McKone-Sweet has accepted the call to serve as the next rector of St. Bart's. He comes to us from St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church in Dover, Massachusetts where he has served as rector for five years. St. Dunstan's is a church which has grown from family size parish to a larger pastoral size parish--approximately 100 households--in the past four years with Fr. Mark's leadership and guidance. Prior to this he spent five years at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Natick, Massachusetts where he was seminarian and later promoted to the Assistant Rector. During this time, St. Paul's went from a pastoral sized parish to a program sized church--about 240 households. Fr. Mark is a lifelong Episcopalian. His family includes wife Kate and children Maya and Marcos. He will begin new ministry with St. Bart's parish on Oct. 4, 2014, the feast day of St. Francis. Educational and Business Background Father Mark's educational background includes a BA from Wheaton College (Norton, Massachusetts) in 1992 where he majored in International Relations (minors in Economics and Music) and an MBA in 2002 from Northeastern University (Boston) where he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. He received his Master's degree in divinity from the Episcopal Divinity School (concentration in Liturgics) in Cambridge, MA in May, 2007. Prior to following his call to ordained ministry, Fr. Mark worked twelve years in the business field for Equal Exchange--a fair-trade gourmet coffee, tea, and chocolate company. At Equal Exchange he served as Director of Sales (grew sales from $1 million to $14 million), and a member of both the Senior Management team and the Board of Directors. Of particular note, during Mark's time at Equal Exchange, he co-led two organizational strategic planning processes, designed and implemented the new product development process, hired and managed a team of 40 people in three offices, initiated cultural exchange programs to visit coffee farmers, and developed partnerships with church denominations. Additionally (while working at Equal Exchange), Mark served three years as the Youth Minister at his home church and then later served two years as the youth minister for a four parish collaborative. Diocesan Work Father Mark plays an active role in the diocese of Massachusetts. He is currently vice president of the Diocesan Standing Committee that just led the diocese through the discernment process and the election of a new Bishop. Father Mark also successfully stepped in to lead management of a $425,000 budget process. He was co-president of the Diocese of Massachusetts Clergy Association, representing over 600 clergy. In this role, Mark helped develop collaborative learning programs for clergy and lay leaders, including workshops with author, Phyllis Tickle and Ray Suarez of the PBS network. Fr. Mark is on the board of directors of the Protestant chaplaincy of the Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Youth and Mission Work "Youth are the future leaders of our country, and we have all made a covenant with God to help deepen their lives. If we see our mission as forming a child for 16 years, into their adulthood, then we can weave together critical milestones, curriculums, worship styles, and outreach to develop each youth to become a spiritual leader by their word and through their example. Shall our goal be to send each youth off to college, military service or whatever with a full spiritual toolbox in hand? I say yes!"...From Father Mark's answers to the supplemental questions from the Calling Committee April 2014. Fr. Mark has been the chaplain for the Massachusetts Diocesan youth retreats and camps for the past five years. He is a leadership council member of the Episcopal Divinity School. Mark volunteers one day per week as a teacher and chaplain (organizing the weekly Eucharist) at the Epiphany School for at-risk middle school students in inner-city Boston. He has annually participated in and led US and international mission trips with youth for the past twenty years. From Father Mark's blog, June 24, 2014..."These fine youth go forth as representatives with the blessings of our parish and diocese. Follow along here as we seek Christ while we serve others, and, God willing, discover Christ within ourselves too." "I have been a leader of annual cultural exchange groups, mission trips, and delegations for over 20 years. I develop, lead by example, train new leadership and get out of the way. I do it because it is critical for people to work together, face to face in ministry. The groups have life changing experiences with Christ... powerful to experience and powerful to witness."...From an email on July 7 to the Calling Committee who were seeking information on Father Mark's mission work. Current Rector Position-St. Dunston's Episcopal Church, Dover, MA At St. Dunstan's, Father Mark led the parish in adopting a five-year ministry strategic plan including a Christian Education "think tank." He grew the annual pledging participation from 56 to 93 family pledging units, and stewardship income from $180,000 to $280,000. He added a new education hour between Sunday services. He expanded outreach ministry to include annual mission trips for adults and youth. He is currently developing a men's group and a women's group. He holds annual retreats for vestry and Sunday school teachers. He re-started the Dover-Sherborn clergy association where he led or organized community discussions on 9/11 memorial services, youth safety, drug use, and gun control. Prior Position-St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Natick, MA Father Mark was called to be seminarian and was later promoted to Assistant Rector at St. Paul's by the rector, Father Jon Strand, as St. Paul's was undergoing considerable growth. Mark was selected because of his business experience in growth management. He led growth in the children and youth programs to better serve over 220 participants. He co-developed a renewed stewardship team with new lay leadership, increasing pledging by 50% over a two-year period. He provided management support for the rector to make improvements in staff development, parish annual planning processes, and management systems needed for continued parish growth. He supported lay-led initiatives to incorporate new members in church activities. Faith Through Technology "Today we held snow church." ...From Father Mark's Reflection on YouTube for those who were unable to leave their homes because of weather. February 16, 2014. Father Mark uses modern technology to reach beyond the walls of the church. This year, his YouTube videos are aimed at parishioners who were unable to make a service and to the community at large. They range from "snow church"--too much snow and sleet for members to get out--to the meaning of Ash Wednesday and a Memorial Day tribute. He uses social media (Facebook, Blogging, and Twitter) to stay in contact with parish members and to let others know the "happenings" at St. Dunstan's. He has participated as a panelist on a local cable station in a multi-faith forum that included four TV shows. Family Father Mark McKone-Sweet brings a wonderful family with him to St. Bart's. His wife, Kathleen (Kate) McKone-Sweet is currently a professor at Babson College where she is the chair of the division of Technology, Operations, and Information Management. Kate and Mark have two children, Maya, who is 10 and Marcos, who is 7. Father Mark is the coach for both children's teams (softball and baseball). "My liturgical style is grounded in tradition and incorporates my deep passion to bring together the full community of God's people: welcoming all, engaging all members of the parish family and lifting everyone for the ministry that awaits as we pass though the narthex doors...this takes work, in addition to prayer. With a shared interest in God's work, companionship emerges. Incorporating is more than creating a feeling of welcome: it is embracing together the opportunity for transformation in shared ministry."...From Father Mark's Ministry Portfolio with application to St. Bart's.

Forward email This email was sent to mark.mc-s@comcast.net by llawson@stbartschurch.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church | 16275 Pomerado Road | Poway | CA | 92064

Day 4 blog post

 Offered by Andrew ...

Today, the confirmation class went white water rafting in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. The specific route that we went on was described by town locals as "impressive", "ambitious", and "petrifying". As soon as Blake heard those words, he started shaking with fear, unable to walk or get out of the car- we were all a little worried. But luckily, Hannah came to the rescue with her comforting words and reassured Blake that everything was going to be fine. With that, we went into the boat.

The start was a little rocky for some of us. Hannah, Charlotte, Zack, Blake, and Cam were all in one boat and from the first moment there was high tension. What's wrong with you?Charlotte asked Zack when he improperly spun the boat out of the proper course. Zack was clearly shaken by Charlotte's harsh response. But as they glided and spun down the river, they slowly started working together. Charlotte was more vocal with Zack, and both of them ended up laughing and smiling together while splashing each other with water.  

The other group, on the other hand, went off fabulously. Linda, Marie, Mark, Kerry, Alexandra, and I floated along the water with the greatest of ease- for the most part. When we ran 

into a group of challenging rapids, Kerry and I were obviously flustered and unwilling to listen to instruction from Mark. As time went on and we gradually got more accustomed to the water, we listened more to each other. Kerry couldn't help but remark how great a team we were, exclaiming I love you guys! when we left the boat. 

As we entered the restaurant, Longhorn Steakhouse- a personal favorite of Charlotte's, our group was not only more solidified but also happier. When a cake was brought in for Zack's upcoming birthday, the whole restaurant joined in and started swaying to the sound of our combined voices. As Zack blushed and Hannah wiped away a sentimental tear, our day came to a close.

 

Please excuse any spelling and odd short hand ... Sent from my iPhone. 

Day 3, part II

Continued ... 

Cameron and Blake worked on the holes in the ground dutifully all day. When we came in contact with a large rock that no one could move, they were on it. The whole confirmation class started cheering for them, and suddenly we were all wrapped up in the excitement of the holes. When the rock was finally uncovered, we found that it was an ancient fossil. I can identify that! Charlotte yelled, a paleontology fanatic, and we all joyfully looked at our new discovery.

The (almost) finished products

With a lack of professional guidance, Mark helped us all day with our tasks. Even when Hannah was on her last wit, ready to throw down the drill and stop off back to Massachusetts, Mark came and, with a calm voice, helped her figure out her problem. When we posed for the last photo, Zack beamed with the pride of a hard day of work. This is all I need he said as the sun set. Kerry put her arm around him and sighed, and they walked back to the cars and went home. 

Please excuse any spelling and odd short hand ... Sent from my iPhone. 

Day 3 - part I

Written by Andrew and Kerry

Our neighbor, Bertha

With one day of work behind them, the confirmation class tiredly arrived at the worksite running on a lack of sleep. As Hannah walked in, she couldn't help but remark on the amount of work that needed to be done. Can we really do this? she asked. With a strong and courageous voice, Cam responded Yes, yes we can. Hannah was inspired by his courage and sense of conviction. Cam went on to explain that we are servants to our neighbor, Bertha, who joked with Cam all day long and lightened the mood immensely. 

Kerry really got to work today. Her level of empowerment was off the charts and everyone could notice. The moment that she started working, the sun shined a little brighter and everyone smiled a little bigger. Not only did she have a positive attitude, but she put in the highest level of energy possible and completed a large amount of work. After stopping work to take a water break, she looked up to the sky and as the clouds slowly moved, so did the love in her heart. 

Please excuse any spelling and odd short hand ... Sent from my iPhone. 

Day 2: the work begins

Written by Hannah and Andrew

The start of our moving and wonderful journey.

With the confirmation class exhausted from a day of travel and worship, we were looking forward to finally meeting our neighbors and starting the project that we had travelled so long to complete. As we entered the trailer park where we would be spending our day, we felt happy to help those who needed our help. Hannah and Andrew, the star students, started digging fantastic holes that would later support the beams of the ramp. I wish I could dig holes like Andrew and HannahCharlotte thought from the sidelines as the sun beamed down on her face.

After a solid day of work, Zack began to show signs of intensive labor. He and Cameron were cutting wood all morning and began to lose track of the time and their appearances. We were lucky to have Blake's knowledge of construction because he lead us much like a boss leads his employees. We though that we would have a more experienced builder to guide us along, but with a sudden change of plans we had to work together and learn to build the ramp as a group. 

As the day came to an end, we wiped the sweat from our brows, picked up our tools, and sighed with confidence as we looked over the progress we made all because of teamwork. That's what it's all about guys, teamworkCam said while sitting on the ground. When we were all packed into the cars, Marie Nagode suggested that we stop for Dairy Queen blizzards. We all shouted with glee and sang harmoniously while driving to the ice cream shop. Filled with ice cream, the confirmation class returned home for a delicious mac and cheese dinner. We look forward to a good night's sleep after a hard days work. By- Andrew with Hannah

XOXO GG

Mark+

The Rev Mark C. McKone-Sweet

Please excuse any spelling and odd short hand ... Sent from my iPhone. 

Day 1: a full day

Content by Andrew ...

We departed from Boston in the morning and arrived in a foreign land called Pittsburg around one-o'clock. We were scared to say the least. What is this place? we thought as we walked through the airport, unsure of what we will be combatting as the day goes on. The future was unknown, even to Mark. Here we go...thought Kerry.

As we walked into the camp, we couldn't help but notice that our surroundings were not only unfamiliar, but beautiful. As a bird flew by Alexandra's shoulder, she smiled and realized that this unknown land isn't as frightening as we had all thought. When we all gathered for orientation, we met the other group that we would be spending our time with. Our laughter soon filled the large meeting room, and we felt right at home.

One group picture just isn't enough!

After orientation, the other group, who we found out is from Ohio, invited us to a bonfire. We went outside and learned everyone's names. With the warm summer breeze encompassing us and the comfort of friends all around, we laughed at how worried we had been when we first arrived. As Hannah roasted a marshmallow, she looked out into the sunset and smiled. 

As the sun went down and our eyelids started to droop, our conversations soon died off with the fire. With stomachs full of s'mores and hearts full of love, we returned to our respective beds where we slept soundly and dreamed of the day to come. 

Group photo: airport

Day 1: flight to Pittsburg

We are safely on the ground in Pittsburg

Mark+

The Rev Mark C. McKone-Sweet

Please excuse any spelling and odd short hand ... Sent from my iPhone.

Mission Trip starts in the Morning

Tomorrow morning, eight members of the 2014 confirmation class will be taking a few of us (their teacher Linda and our parent organizer, Marie) on a mission trip. This year we will be serving in the Appalachian Mountains, at The Sower Work Mission Program. These fine youth go forth as representatives and the blessings of our parish and diocese. Follow along here as we seek Christ while we serve others and, God willing, discover Christ within ourselves too. In deed, it is the sharing of God's love through our actions and presence where we hope to dive deeper into understanding of our baptismal life.

Rev Mark+

The Reverend Mark C. McKone-Sweet, Rector
Saint Dunstan's Episcopal Church

Second edition: The rituals

When I was growing up I learned the rituals not from a book, not from a professor, not web, not a video and definitely not on TV.  I learned the rituals for my family faith traditions from participating in them with my parents. My dad taught me the rituals of baseball. My mom taught me rituals of church.

My hope is that we recognize that our rituals are natural and serve a purpose; they enable us to engage in a personal, intimate way with the worship of God and the baseball game itself.

The baseball rituals learned from home.  We always learned and celebrated the day the Red Sox gear was packed up and shipped to Florida for spring training.  In the dead of winter, we always knew opening day was going to happen (As if there was a risk it would not happen).  Reading the Boston Globe sports section and listening to Bob Lobel on Channel 4 sports, we knew pitchers and catchers had begun their workouts. Before I knew it, I was practicing sliding, on the baseball diamond in the melting snow. In gymnasiums skills workshops had begun. There was a bond formed between all baseball players all around the country, at all age levels, and in all leagues.  Baseball takes time. Baseball requires skill development, mental focus and endurance (especially when you live in the Northeast). I learned the game playing it, participating in it and watching it. Actually, we often listened to the games on the radio if the Red Sox had a TV blackout.  We also learned when to cheer, when to boo, when to shout and when to be silent. For example, never speak to a pitcher when they come of off the mound, until the coach says they are finished for the night.

The baseball rituals were universal. Any field, any night, little league, college or pro, the rituals always guiding everyone from the start to finish: batting practice, snagging fly balls, in-field rounds, stretching and short sprints. Where you leave your glove, hat and bag are sacred decisions, never to be messed with by another person. To do so, was to break a covenant deep in every ball player's heart. How you put on your uniform, which undershirt you wore, etc.  Every detail had a direct impact on the outcome of the game and your participation. 

My mom brought me to church when I was young. We had to dress up, I only had one sport coat, it was a winter wool blue blazer – so my decisions were made easy. We always arrived early to get ready for Sunday school.  Practice, practice. Singing in the choir, serving as an acolyte and helping mom with the altar guild tasks or preparing the flowers: they all required practice, time, patience and working with others. We always knew the season. The color codes make it easy. We always anticipated the next season especially if we had to check supplies or music or make liturgical movement changes.  Soon, the actual worship rituals became part of my being, conscience and unconscious mind.  As grew older, I went to worship in other churches, and found that most of the rituals the same, give or take a nuances. Once and awhile something new would be added (when to stand, sit, kneel, when to open ones hands, when to look up and when to look down. Before I  could recall the words, the actual prayers: I was familiar with the act of ritual and I could participate without effort.

Rituals often start with the wardrobe, what to wear. Usually we wear what will bring good luck to the game and affirm our allegiance to the Red Sox. Red, "B", Hats, earrings and even your actual soxs are all part of the ritual. When you attend Fenway, even for the first time, you are instantly in a large, complex dance. Multiple rituals at the same time.  Same as church, right? The ushers greet you. The ushers guide you to your seat or at least send you in the right direction. As you take your seat, your senses are on over drive: the smells, the lights, trying to anticipate what you will see, the sounds of voices, greetings and storytelling. And then the music starts. At Fenway, we all stand for the national anthem. We know to remove our caps. We know when to sing it or simply listen. We know to start the applause before it is over. We stand for the first pitch and then we sit. Then we watch. Soon we clap, or someone shouts "Go Sox" or "Ump – get glasses".  We watch all nine players on the field, the batter and on-deck circle all at once. Amazing. We stand and sit, we "ooh and ahh" together.  Inning after inning. At the 7^thinning,  we stand and we all sing "Take me out to the ball game".  In the 8^th we sing "Sweet Caroline".  If there is foul ball that lands near you, everyone knows to wave the TV cameras. Then we quickly giv e a shout out:  "give the ball to the cute kid". There is always a cute kid sitting near the person who caught the ball. The faithful stay until the final pitch. We call those "true fans of the game".  What we eat and when matters. I start with a sausage sandwich in the 1^st inning, Fenway frank in the 4^th and sometime ice cream in the 7^th. Did I mention the peanuts before the game?

At church, as we anticipate the start of the service, we look at the bulletin (the line up). We stand as one for the opening, processional (gathering hymn).  At the processional cross passes the corner of your eye, your head bows. After the hymn, we have some call and response prayers and another song. Then we all sit at once. We watch the movement, all of it. We keep an eye on the reader or preacher too. Some of us listen, others pray and sing and others do both. It is all good.  I was taught to mark the pages of the hymnal and prayer book, so I could reference those pages easily when the service arrived at the point.  Like baseball, we often think about that to wear. Sometimes it is time to "dress up" and other times it is something more practical, like a soccer uniform or birding outfit or a warm sweater.

I could go on and on about the rituals of the faith community and attending a Red Sox game. I bet you could too.  Again, my hope is that we recognize that our rituals are natural and serve a purpose; to enable us to engage in a personal, intimate way with worship of God or the baseball game itself.

 

Go Sox! Maybe I will see the rest of you at the altar tomorrow.

Benediction for President Kerry Murphy Healey's Inauguration

(I was invited to offer the benediction, thanks to my wife, who is on the faculty at Babson College).

I invite anyone with an academic hat, that is not pinned into place, to remove it. All Red Sox hats may remain on your heads.

Creator, Sustainer, Pain-bearer and Life Giver:  For centuries, in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, your people have gathered to ask for your Grace, your Companionship and your Blessing, Therefore, we bow our heads as we open our hearts to you.

We call upon you to bless President Dr. Kerry Murphy Healey, the 13^th President of Babson College; Bless her with great wisdom, endless hope, a thirst for justice and intellectual curiosity as she leads this college. Bless her with patience for herself, her family and the Babson Community and bless us, that we may offer President Healey the same.  

Enable her to walk humbly with Thee, so when she falls, You may raise her to succeed to new heights. Bless her with great joy and happiness that only come from her pursuit of loving You, and the privilege of leading Babson into a brighter and greater future. And, may President Healey forever be reminded whom she serves, her Creator and her new family: Babson College of the past, present and future.

Bless the staff, faculty, trustees with a never wavering steadfastness and pursuit of the full mission of this college. Bless the students here today with eager minds and bigger hearts for humanity. Bless the alumni of this college, those who have walked these grounds before us, to appreciate their great value in the future of this college, and our hope instilled within each of them for all they will accomplish for humanity. Bless the former presidents of Babson, as they continue to give themselves fully to the possibilities you have laid before this community.

May everyone here and our family around the globe, the entire Babson family, support President Healey, acknowledging that it takes a village to achieve the hopes we have claimed today. Send us forth from this place with peace in our hearts to celebrate as ONE BABSON FAMILY. Amen.

--
The Reverend Mark C. McKone-Sweet, Rector
Saint Dunstan's Episcopal Church
18 Springdale Avenue. P.O.Box 515
Dover, Massachusetts 02030

(w) 508-785-0879 (cell) 781-801-3586
(e) revmark@saintdunstansma.org (web) www.saintdunstansma.org
Rector's Blog: http://revmark-walkthewalkaftersunday.blogspot.com


Join the fun!

First Edition: There is always a seat

Baseball and the Church have so many characteristics in common, do they not? Every game, like every church service is predictable. Most of us who come to worship, come to receive relief from their lives, to share in the companionship of others and to seek hope and joy. A few come kicking and screaming.

 

The amazing truth, over the past century, there is always a seat waiting for you (expect, perhaps the BIG, high services or October games). We will get to that later.

 

Think about it. 162 games a year. Most of us mortals are lucky to attend 2 games, let alone 10 games at Fenway in a year. There are many churches what would jump for joy if their faithful would attend more than 10 times in six months (think Christmas and Easter), let alone once a month over the year. Two times, usually translates to Christmas and Easter.

 

At Fenway Park, even if you show up once, you are welcomed with open arms. Modern rituals and the age-old traditions tug at your heart, mind and soul. It is an awe inspiring experience to approach Yawkey Way with a ticket in your hand, to walk through the turnstiles, to approach the ramp, to see the light grow, the sounds grow, and the landscape of the park open before your eyes as you step out of the tunnel into the room full of 39,000 people and grand field before you.  All of this before taking a seat in Fenway Park. You take a deep breath and an usher helps you find your seat. The usher becomes you best friend. If these are familiar seats to you, you may get a hand shake or hug from a familiar face.  A few people may greet you, but for the most part, all eyes are forward.

 

At your local church, you walk towards it, across the grass or through the driveway. The doors to the church stand before (closed or open). Like Fenway, the building grows, drawing your eyes to the sky. As you enter the church, you are greeted. The smell, the sounds, the sanctuary grow before you, as you enter. The usher is your friend, if this is you first time or your 1,000 time. As you find your seat, some people may welcome you with a smile, close friends will give you a hug, others are deep in prayer and still others are shy, they don’t know you. All eyes are forward. 

 

At Fenway or in the pew, as you sit down, you can’t help but consider the how many people have sat in your seat? Try to imagine the lives that have crossed over this very seat and worn it down, smooth with prayers, hopes, fears, tears, joys and life changing moments … in the very seat you now place yourself.

 

For easy math, let us assume the Red Sox play 162 games a year, ½ are home games. (Though we all know that have added more games over the years to the regular reason) and let us use 100 years. Well, then in your seat, upper grandstand, section 26, row MM, seat 10:  100 x 81 games = 8,100 people have sat in that seat in the past century. If you are lucky enough, you have sat in the same seat for a few years, maybe even a decade; perhaps you have sat there for a 100 games or perhaps this is your first time in this seat.

 

For the sake of simplicity, let us consider Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, Newton-Lower Falls. They just celebrated 200 years as a congregation. We will assume they have worship 52 Sundays a year, for 200 years = 10,400 Sundays. And so, 10,400 people have sat in that very seat over the past two centuries. If you have been a member of the church for twenty years, then you have may have sat in the same seat for 500 services.

 

Even before the national anthem or the gathering hymn start, you find yourself immersed in history; surround be angels of the past, all living vicariously through you today. Imagine how you add to bless those who will come after you.

 

You are experiencing the past, present and future all at once. 

 

I am simply a Red Sox fan with four decades in my blood. I am simply a child of God with more four decades Christ within me.

 

Go Sox.

 

The Reverend Mark C. McKone-Sweet

 

Come Join the Fun!

 

A priest of the diocese, while we were attending a Red Sox game in September, asked me if I would ever consider writing about the lessons/truths shared between the professional baseball, specifically at Fenway, home of the Boston Red Sox AND the Church (our parishes). Not sure if what I am about to write satisfies his vision, but this is what I have to offer.

And so, I propose to write a short essay on few subjects: I’ll add more if the year is extended further. At this point, I am hopeful Red Sox will play on.  Here is are few of the topics forth coming.  As always, please excuse all the typos, grammar and lack of complete sentences. Writing is not my gift. 

The first edition will be posted in the next 30 minutes. 

First edition: There is always a seat for you

Second edition: The rituals: reach to the depths of your heart and soul

Third edition: Hope, there is always hope

Fourth edition: Taking the experience(s) into daily life

Fifth edition: Passing the tradition from generation to generation.

Sixth edition: Ye of little faith!

Seventh edition: Oh what shall we wear?

Eighth edition: Tithing, the dollar cost of being faithful

Ninth edition: Music, oh the music

Tenth: A family friendly experience, really.

Eleventh: Who is not here?

Twelfth: The food, oh the food.

Day 4: serving a meal to every child

As we waited for Noe to return with cooked food, plates and water: I told the children a few stories. The first was about the boy who became St Francis And the second was Yertle the Turtle.
Here is a photo of Noe and others handing a meal plate to a child. Children first, followed by yourhand the parents until we ran out. The rest of us had no desire to eat, knowing that we could eat at will after we leave.

Day 4: return to Holy Innocents

This morning the songs sing by church musician at St Andre called us from sleep into prayer. We the drove back to Holy Innocents to get to know the children and adults more. Word spread quickly. At first we were greeted by 25, soon it was 50. An hour later it was 100. We served close to 200 meals. While Noe returned to fetch the meal being prepared, Regine and Proscille took control, as only good teachers are able. Soon the kids we learning how to play duck, duck, goose. Then they sang songs and danced. Later, with Regine's help I taught them "do you love Jesus, deep down in your heart".

Day 3: connections

In the evening, we set off from Hinche to visit Partners in Health facility where Paul Farmer began his journey when he was 19. It is also the sight of an Episcopal Church School, sharing the same campus. We had the good fortune to meet the Episcopal priest (Fritz LaFontant - in photo) who befriended Paul Farmer and helped start Friends of Partners in Health in Haiti grow to what is today. He is very proud of the partnership and the subsequent growth of the schools in the region Partners works in (19 schools). Their is another Episcopal Priest (Pere Kesner) here who is the chaplain for the hospital and the priest in charge for schools.

Day 3: road trip

This morning we drove with Noe up to Cap Haitian. Noe had to make a final presentation to the new priest there. The three hour country car ride was an adventure in itself, all dirt roads, driving through rivers, and endless valleys. Needless to say, there is a reason four wheel drive cars are built. In Cap we took time to be tourists and eat breakfast. The photo below is where the city is building a children's beach park. Those who traveled to Cap before (see blog posts from 2011 and 2012) will recall that this spot was a dump before when liter and bottles where literally knee deep. Could this be a symbol of the changes in Haiti?

Day 2 - what could be

Sorry for the delay.
On Wednesday we were introduced to the mission church: Holy Innocents. This community is about 40 min drive, mostly dirt roads, from Hinche. The people in this area are very poor, with no income. They live off the land. The church purchased some land, it's a good size plot, at least a hector. This tent is, believe it or not, the church and single classroom. Mind you, there is no roof.

This is where Noe wants to start his first school outside of Hinche.

He is inviting us to prayerfully join him in partnership.

Can we imagine, Can we see what Noe can almost touch?

More to come.

Day 2-3 email issues.

Dear friends, I am having connectivity problems ... Hope to post more Friday morning. Thank you for your patience and prayers.

Mark+

The Reverend Mark C McKone-Sweet