A very good Good Friday

A Catholic Priest, Orthodox Priest, Episcopal Priest and Reformed Minister walk into a room... It's no joke, it was my day. This afternoon I was honored to help lead a prayer and worship time like no other I have ever participated in.

Initiated by an Episcopalian Priest in his thirties, held in a Catholic church which seats 800 people, joined by a Priest from a branch of the Orthodox church I had never even heard of before meeting the man (Antiochian), and welcomed in as a Reformer - together we held a Good Friday observance of the Stations of the Cross. A time of hearing from 14 Bible passages recounting Jesus' crucifixion, joining our voices in song, and honoring the One who redeemed us by the cross. It was a simple yet powerful time, punctuated by the 8 different voices showing the powerful underlying unity of the cross throughout all Chritianity.

It was all made possible by relationship. The ministers involved all gather monthly to have lunch. In this simple act of grabbing a sandwich, meeting in a church basement, and getting to know each other - something which might seem like (and sometimes feels like) a waste of time - we were able to make a large and profound statement within our community. And once again my mind returns to discipline.

It is yet another discipline in my life - one that I have done since becoming a pastor - to gather with other pastors when invited. This is the fourth group I have been part of: the first was primarily mainline pastors, the second primarily evangelical independant pastors, and now there are two I make time for. One being younger pastors, many are in newer churches often of a Baptist leaning and the other a gathering of primarily Catholic/Orthodox ministers. Each group has enriched my life, and leads to activities where God's hand is clearly at work. It is not always easy to take the time, but by remaining faithful... you never know.

PS. Jashton was an acolyte, carrying a flame to each Station of the Cross in the sancuary filled with hundreds of people - he did great and now knows what a cassock and a crucifix are.