The tulips bloomed yesterday, and the azaleas and dogwoods bloomed this morning! What a wonderful time of year here in Williamsburg!

And, as of yesterday, I am now a "long term pastor" at St. Stephen. That is according to the Alban Institute, which defines a long term pastorate as seven years and longer. (Think of what that says: of how many pastorates are cut short after only a few years, due to any number of factors -- parish conflict, personal failings...)

Since arriving on April Fool's Day, 2001, it has just been a joy to be here. My only disappointment, really, is that the Sunday morning adult faith formation has been a priority for only a small handful of people. So, I look at that as an opportunity to begin working with the senior high youth on Sunday mornings, beginning in the fall. I'll be able to play a role, then, in that crucial period in a youth's life, as s/he makes the transition from a childhood faith to a deeper, more dynamic adult faith that has the resources needed for the challenges of adulthood. I've been able to have very little contact with senior high youth in years past. And, in our congregation, adults do respond to faith formation opportunities during the week, so I'll continue to enjoy that contact.

Health update: my histoplasmosis count has dropped over the past four months. It was at 5.6 then. It's down to 2.59!