May 1 → I rose early for a workout before heading to the office. I spent my first bit of time finishing my April journal. Bishop-Elect Wells began her new ministry with us this morning! She and I met for a while before we convened an all-staff meeting. After the meeting, we walked over to the Capital Club for a staff luncheon and more welcome to Mississippi time. After lunch, Canon Ponder, Bishop-elect, and I met for another brief meeting. Later in the afternoon, I got busy with a variety of phone calls. A new chapter for the Diocese of Mississippi has begun!
May 2 → My car needed some work so I dropped it at Paul Moak and walked back to the Allin house. I was greeted by a message from Perry Perkins of Working Together Mississippi asking me to join other faith leaders at the Capitol for a last-ditch effort to encourage passage of Medicaid expansion. After the press conference, I walked to Paul Moak and brought my car back. During the afternoon hours, I met with Bishop-elect Wells and Canon Ponder.
May 3 → I woke up with tremendous shoulder pain and decided to skip my morning workout. While watching the morning news, I learned that Medicaid expansion was officially dead. Despite that, I remain grateful for the efforts of everyone who tried to find a way forward. I spent most of the day on the phone and preparing for Sunday. In the evening, I made time to go to the gym for a treadmill.
May 4 → I took a long hike in the morning. I spent the rest of the day running errands. In the evening, I watched Minnesota beat Denver. Anthony Edwards is an incredible basketball talent.
May 5 → I rose early and headed to St. James’ for the 7:30 service. Bishop-elect Wells and I shared the service with me preaching and presiding over two baptisms, seventeen confirmations, two receptions, and two reaffirmations while she celebrated the Eucharist. It was a wonderful day. I should add that it was nice to share liturgical leadership! In the evening, I grabbed supper with Katie and Jacob.
May 6 → Early morning workout and sabbath day off!
May 7 → I spent the morning on Zoom with a staff meeting. After the Zoom meeting, I met with Canon Ponder. After lunch, I was busy working on a project for the Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church. Before calling it a day, I met with one of our clergy by phone.
May 8 → My early workout became a not-so-early workout due to sleeping late! After walking to Allin House, I met with CFO, David Martin, for our regular check-in. The next morning meeting was with the Rev. Billie Abraham who stopped by Allin House for a visit. Over lunch, I met with the Rev. Will Compton to discuss our June Executive Committee meeting. In the afternoon, I drove to Forest for an evening meeting.
May 9 → My morning included a phone call with our Chancellor Emeritus, Granville Tate. In the afternoon, I drove to Hattiesburg for the annual Ascension Day visitation at Church of the Ascension where I confirmed three and received two from Ascension and confirmed one from St. Elizabeth’s in Collins. After a reception, I drove home.
May 10 → After an early morning workout, I met with Andy Andrews over breakfast. The rest of the day included meeting with an aspirant for Holy Orders.
May 11 → I met with the Commission on Ministry over lunch and into the afternoon. In the afternoon/evening, I watched NBA playoffs.
May 12 → The morning visitation was a simple commute accomplished by walking across the garage at Capital Towers and into St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Bishop-elect Wells preached at both services while I confirmed two, reaffirmed one, presided, and celebrated. It was a wonderful joy filled celebration. Upon returning home, I went for a workout before calling Kyle for Mother’s Day greetings. In the evening, I had dinner with Katie and Jacob.
May 13 → In spite of it being my sabbath day, I was busy with a variety of phone calls throughout the day. In the afternoon, I made time for a workout.
May 14 → Happy birthday to Kyle! The morning included staff meetings with the whole staff followed by individuals. I started working my way through a list of calls over the lunch hour. The afternoon was full with a meeting with Seminary of the South Trustees, a meeting with Lay leadership from a local parish, and a meeting with a local clergyperson. I wished Kyle a happy birthday in an evening phone call.
May 15 → Early morning workout! In the office I met with David Martin. The afternoon was full with a two-hour Zoom with the College for Bishops. The Zoom was followed by a meeting with a local clergy person, a phone call, and another individual meeting. In the evening, I had an at-home Zoom meeting.
May 16 → I met Bishop-elect Wells early for a drive to Vicksburg for the All Saints’ School graduation. The AmeriCorps program graduated approximately fifty individuals. It was an honor to speak at the graduation. We rushed back to Allin House for a quick lunch and then meeting with the Trustees of the Diocese. In the evening, I joined the Burnt Offerings Dinner group at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. My steak was so tasty! Thank you!
May 17 → After an early swim, I met with Andy Andrews to discuss congregational vitality work. After meeting with Andy, I discussed my calendar with Peggy Jones. The rest of the morning and lunch time was given to the Mississippi Episcopal Aids Commission. We spent time brainstorming for the future.
May 18 → I drove to Vicksburg for a meeting of the Daughters of the King at Holy Trinity. At the meeting, I preached, celebrated and installed new leadership. I am grateful for the steady and faithful leadership of Linda Tolliver over the past three years and also grateful for Dorothy Wallace’s willingness to step into this important ministry.
May 19 → The Sunday visitation was at Chapel of the Cross in Madison. I preached and celebrated two services. Between services, I dedicated a new scatter garden for the parish. We confirmed twenty and received four at the 10:30 service!
May 20 → I got a tremendous amount accomplished! This included dropping off some books and other household items at Angels Attic, a ministry of Redeemer in Brookhaven. Later, I made several work-related phone calls. In the evening, I had dinner with Katie and Jacob.
May 21 → This was a crazy busy day. It started with a doctor visit before work. While driving back, I joined a Seminary of the Southwest Trustee meeting by phone. I was on the Trustee call for most of the day. In the afternoon, I met with our Reference Panel.
May 22 → I dropped my car off early for a repair. After walking to work, I met with David Martin. In the early afternoon, I attended another virtual Seminary Trustee meeting. After a late lunch, I started driving to Birmingham. Kyle arrived yesterday and Betsy’ baccalaureate is tomorrow with graduation on Friday!
May 23 → Most of the morning was spent with getting Betsy’s apartment loaded and cleaned out. After lunch, Kyle and I attended a university tradition called the “capping” at Birmingham Southern. Kyle placed the mortar board on Betsy during the ceremony. We enjoyed dinner at Kyle’s parents’ home. Katie arrived from Jackson around 7:30.
May 24 → Given the 9:00 a.m. start time for graduation, Katie and I arrived early to stake out seats for the ceremony. It was a beautiful and emotional service. This being the last graduation for Birmingham Southern, there wasn’t a dry eye in the building. Betsy was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, summa cum laude. After the ceremony, we enjoyed a celebratory luncheon at the Birmingham Country Club.
May 25 → We departed Birmingham in the morning and made our way to Grayton Beach, FL for an annual extended family beach trip.
May 26 → The first full day at the beach was lovely. In the afternoon, I managed two work-related meetings via phone.
May 27 → A holy and blessed Memorial Day.
May 28 → Another beautiful day with family.
May 29 → I spent another relaxing day at the beach.
May 30 → In spite of being at the beach, I spent some time in the afternoon returning emails and phone calls.
May 31 → The weather was beautiful. Kyle and I spent the morning on the beach. In the afternoon, we drove home to Jackson.