Step a bit closer to the microphone, please....
Rev. Barbara Crafton, with her impressive and diverse resume decided to plant the seed that has grown into a remarkable ministry to tens of thousands throughout the world. Beginning as a parish project during her tenure at St. Clement's Church in New York City, she sent out daily meditations via e-mail. Her ability to write from a personal perspective with broad applications to everyday life have made her a popular author to many. An accomplished speaker and spiritual director, The Geranium Farm sprang unto existance after her retirement from regular parish ministry.
A few years into this ministry, Barbara called Debbie S.Loeb and I together for a meeting one frosty mid-day in February 2005 with her idea was to open up the Farm by adding more voices and resouces. The meeting ended up with the seedlings of Hodgepodge and More or Less Church.
Debbie has certainly done a yeoman's job, letting us know about new products, recipe's, charitable causes, a spectrum of handicrafts, touching anecdotes with sweet David, photos from trips, natural remedies.... the list goes on.
Branching from being a story-telling preach to writer has expanded my horizons. In August 2006 I was assigned by Bishop Sisk as Deacon of the Geranium Farm. On occasion I now accompany Barbara on her retreats, driving for local engagements and assisting with liturgy, counseling and the practice of healing touch. I now have some spiritual directees, and occasionally take on assignments of preaching engagements and upcoming retreats.
Fr. Buddy leaves his indisputably delightful interpretations of Barbara's written e-Mo's which, while a pleasure for those of us with decent hearing, is a Godsend for the hearing impaired. Listening to his lyrical, sometimes lilting southern gentleman's voice is an experience unto itself.
Carol Stone opens the world of investments, retirement plans, stocks, etc. for those of us (including myself) who are impaired when understanding the complicated area of global and local finance. Lately her writings have been of specific help for those of us considering looking into that murky crystal ball of our own financial preparedness for retirement and beyond.
Fr. Matt helps us tap into the 'next generation' of evangelists with humor, exhuberance and wit. U Tube is an new tool in the world of internet computer communication, entertainment and education.
If you have never visited other pages/sections of the Farm, give them a gander. Under the banner for News and Events there are entries by impressive writers under the sub-session It's News to Me. Anyone who was able to attend the Farm luncheon at General Convention last June was treated to a marvelous presentation by the remarkable Fr. Lane Denison. He makes a regular contributions with 'Out of Nowhere'. Different authors also make contributions. The current page contains pieces by Rev. Martha Macgill, Alexander MacPhail and Fr. David Wood.
On the Road contains Barbara's engagement schedule and, from time to time, when I'm on the road solo preaching or giving a retreat. Give it a glance from time to time - we might be in your neighborhood and it would be wonderful to meet you face to face!
While there is much here for you to sample or decide to make part of your regular diet, we all encourage you to send in contributions. We know that you have stories, testimonies, sermons, liturgical drama, prayers, and music to share with our growing Farm community. Perhaps you can suggest a link that may be added to our pages as yet another resource for spiritual growth.
We are here for you, that is absolutely truth. It is also true that we are here for each other. To that end, don't hesitate to send in your pieces through me at deaconj@geraniumfarm.org. One of us will have a look at what comes in and find a way for your voice to be heard. The Farm is known as a support of everyday living - and we all need that support.... so if you have some good seeds to sew, toss them our way! Get past your fear of public speaking (or sharing) and step right up and share! Let us hear from you. Feedback, give and take, compliments, contributions from your faith journey have the potential of helping us all grow. God will give you the grace to make this a place of conversation as well as offering. We look forward to hearing from you! All the best to you - DJ
A few years into this ministry, Barbara called Debbie S.Loeb and I together for a meeting one frosty mid-day in February 2005 with her idea was to open up the Farm by adding more voices and resouces. The meeting ended up with the seedlings of Hodgepodge and More or Less Church.
Debbie has certainly done a yeoman's job, letting us know about new products, recipe's, charitable causes, a spectrum of handicrafts, touching anecdotes with sweet David, photos from trips, natural remedies.... the list goes on.
Branching from being a story-telling preach to writer has expanded my horizons. In August 2006 I was assigned by Bishop Sisk as Deacon of the Geranium Farm. On occasion I now accompany Barbara on her retreats, driving for local engagements and assisting with liturgy, counseling and the practice of healing touch. I now have some spiritual directees, and occasionally take on assignments of preaching engagements and upcoming retreats.
Fr. Buddy leaves his indisputably delightful interpretations of Barbara's written e-Mo's which, while a pleasure for those of us with decent hearing, is a Godsend for the hearing impaired. Listening to his lyrical, sometimes lilting southern gentleman's voice is an experience unto itself.
Carol Stone opens the world of investments, retirement plans, stocks, etc. for those of us (including myself) who are impaired when understanding the complicated area of global and local finance. Lately her writings have been of specific help for those of us considering looking into that murky crystal ball of our own financial preparedness for retirement and beyond.
Fr. Matt helps us tap into the 'next generation' of evangelists with humor, exhuberance and wit. U Tube is an new tool in the world of internet computer communication, entertainment and education.
If you have never visited other pages/sections of the Farm, give them a gander. Under the banner for News and Events there are entries by impressive writers under the sub-session It's News to Me. Anyone who was able to attend the Farm luncheon at General Convention last June was treated to a marvelous presentation by the remarkable Fr. Lane Denison. He makes a regular contributions with 'Out of Nowhere'. Different authors also make contributions. The current page contains pieces by Rev. Martha Macgill, Alexander MacPhail and Fr. David Wood.
On the Road contains Barbara's engagement schedule and, from time to time, when I'm on the road solo preaching or giving a retreat. Give it a glance from time to time - we might be in your neighborhood and it would be wonderful to meet you face to face!
While there is much here for you to sample or decide to make part of your regular diet, we all encourage you to send in contributions. We know that you have stories, testimonies, sermons, liturgical drama, prayers, and music to share with our growing Farm community. Perhaps you can suggest a link that may be added to our pages as yet another resource for spiritual growth.
We are here for you, that is absolutely truth. It is also true that we are here for each other. To that end, don't hesitate to send in your pieces through me at deaconj@geraniumfarm.org. One of us will have a look at what comes in and find a way for your voice to be heard. The Farm is known as a support of everyday living - and we all need that support.... so if you have some good seeds to sew, toss them our way! Get past your fear of public speaking (or sharing) and step right up and share! Let us hear from you. Feedback, give and take, compliments, contributions from your faith journey have the potential of helping us all grow. God will give you the grace to make this a place of conversation as well as offering. We look forward to hearing from you! All the best to you - DJ
posted by Joanna Depue | 5:25 AM
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