Public discussion

The public discussion about end of life issues is very prominent this week. The conversation started by Brittany Maynard as she chose to end her life before terminal brain cancer completely claimed her body is unfolding in our workplaces, homes, and among friends. The communication rich world in which we live carries all ages into some dimension of this conversation. Yet, this is a very personal conversation to have - one's wishes and thoughts about death and the time of death. And, it is a conversation that deeply touches our spirituality, our beliefs, and our life in Christ. As a pastor, priest, and as an Episcopalian, I am not taking a stand or teaching an issue. I am opening a door to conversation and prayer. As a pastor, I encourage questions, wonderings, and exploration of our life with God in each day as the way we live faithfully. I asked each member of the clergy team of St. John's to contact members of the ministries in which they are most closely involved. We want the church to be the church among our members. We seek as pastes to be spiritual guides as well as scriptural interpreters when the questions of our life in the world presents itself in important ways. We pray that no member of our parish will need to make the decisions the unfolded in Brittany's life over the last several months. However, we are also aware that we all contemplate the final chapter of life as well as that of our loved ones. "Will you undertake to be a faithful pastor to all whom you are called to serve, laboring together with them and with your fellow ministers to build up the family of God? I will." (from the Ordination of a Priest, Book of Common Prayer Page 532)