Corrottoman Encuentro

we had an awesome encuentro today.

let me back up.

first we had a really neat, small, sweet wedding. my second. (i mean to perform) got to wear my robe for this one.

all told there were maybe 20 people in the sanctuary. brian and ellen are expecting. they've been engaged for 18 months. i was happy to affirm the committment that they've already made. 'make it official'.

then the gathering. the pastor asked me on thursday night if it would be appropriate to ask the folks to begin the devotional time by reciting the "Hail Mary" ... i said it would be entirely appropriate. his welcome was very much in the liturgical tradition, and once the recitation was over, we proceeded with the singing and the devotional and prayers like we usually do. at the end, frank asked that we share the Lord's Prayer together, and after that he gave the benediction and made the sign of the cross over the congregants.

the weather was perfect, the food was good, the games were fun, the laughter was genuine. we had 4 guys that will be leaving before the next gathering (actually, next saturday) so at the end of the devotional time we prayed over them, that God would keep them safe, return them to their families safely.

all in all, an awesome day.

now i need to write my sermon for tomorrow!!!!