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Father Phil on the Move 

The airplane leaves for Kilimanjaro, Tanzania today, Wed July 18. After some acclimation, we begin the hike to summit on 7/28 at 19,2341 feet. Mt Kili is the tallest single mountain and volcano in the world. Many people travel to its peak and I hope to join them, though much may not be up to me. 
Follow Father Phil on his journey!  See his Shawls of Love Video >

Hiking Kili Et Cetera, now 6 of 5: Stuck not Courage.

8/9/2018

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There is nothing noble or character building about voluntarily trekking up an old volcano, however tall it might be. Nothing special to see here when thousands do it every year. But then, we had no idea what we got ourselves into on this trip. Quite like every day I plant my feet on the side of the bed in the morning. 

I did feel trapped though, only seeing up and no real way back down. The feelings of being stuck are soul sucking. Being stuck happens. 

When last in Africa, it was the west coast, in Senegal. Made a visit to Goree island off of Dakar, a slavers house with a door of no return. Under the sweeping stairs were tiny hot rooms labeled “Recalcitrants”. A visiting Pope had shaken off his handlers and crawled into one to pray. Upon being found, he emerged claiming,”unless you know what it is to be a prisoner, you have yet to learn what Christianity means.” 

Being captive to an event that must be seen through reminded me of that moment. It must be said strongly this little musing is not to diminish the incomprehensible cruelty of the real thing of slavery. 
​
That said, we get a minimal glimpse in daily life of being in places and relations that feel less than free choice, though I enter into them freely. Life still seems stuck some days. Maybe it’s why I am drawn to work in a prison setting, quite apart from Deacon Byrer’s not so subtle recruitment! Not to pander to those there, but because I know I am one of them. (I’m wearing a Kufi a friend in prison made for me)
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Church of the Holy Spirit - 3 Haytown Road - Lebanon, New Jersey  08833
908 236-6301  www.churchholyspirit.org

To become Christ as we serve others, proclaim God’s love, and grow in the Spirit.
ABOUT US
Who We Are
Our Rector
Our Deacon
Our Staff
Our Vestry
Our Photos
Our History
Legacy Giving
Building Use
​
WORSHIP
Visiting CHS​
Sunday Services
Sermons
​Weekdays and Holy Days Services
Music
Baptisms
Weddings
​Memorial Services
FORMATION
​Sunday School
Nursery
Adult Education
Tuesday Morning Bible Study
​"Windows of the Spirit"
SERVING OTHERS
Family
Youth
We Care
Pastoral Care
Country Arch
Culinary Angels
Food Pantry
Prison Ministry
Shawl Ministry
​Good Friday Day of Service