Farmers with Many Hats and Michael is Making More Candles!

Articulating over 100 years of experiences between Michael and me is going to be an exciting feat for us to attempt to deliver. Be prepared to jump from the present events we are involved in and share our past that we can recall and the sharing of our very distant family history as we uncover our past. That is after all what makes us; us.

Today is Sunday, January 28, 2024 and exactly one week ago an email was sent to Father McCay, Rector of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Philipsburg PA  reaching out to guide me on my path to Priest hood.

Today, I am reaching out to Bishop Gene Robinson, seeking his mentorship and guidance. I invite you to follow Michael and me on my "Pathway to Priesthood."

 Firstly we would like to share  bit about my spiritual upbringing in the rural town of Arcadia Louisiana…Alabama Baptist Church is where I first was introduced to the Word of God as a very young child. To my recollection; Mom, Dad, my brother and I would begin our Sunday Mornings with breakfast then dress in our Sunday’s best dress for first our Bible study in Sunday School. This was in the 1970’s. The church was filled with young ones and new families that filled the classes and greater congregation. The ministers would deliver the sermons in the morning then we were back Sunay evening then there was Wednesday Prayer meeting and us boys would attend RA’s (Royal Ambassadors.)  The Purpose of Royal Ambassadors is to involve boys in missions. Involvement in missions is living one's faith daily: personal experience in witness and ministry and giving and praying to support persons involved in missions. The Royal Ambassador program helps boys to become aware of the needs of people around the world and to respond to those needs. The RA’s seek to lead boys to a personal commitment to Christ and assist them in their Christian growth experience. Through Royal Ambassadors, boys are led to an awareness of their responsibility to Christ and encouraged to become His ambassador. This purpose is outlined in the Royal Ambassador Pledge. I want to share the RA Pledge with you that we recited every week:

"As a Royal Ambassador I will do my best:

• To become a well-informed, responsible follower of Christ

• To have a Christ-like concern for all people

• To learn how to carry the message of Christ around the world

• To work with others in sharing Christ

• To keep myself clean and healthy in mind and body"

• 
  

I guess by now you have realized currently we are living on the East Coast and that is a place as a child I never thought I would be able to visit much less live here. Right now we will stick to the Spiritual journey and weave some more personal experiences that will be related OR just mention as a bit of useless tidbits you might fine as entertaining, disturbing, useful and thought provoking.

Now, let's shift gears as my ADHD kicks in! (I Promise ALL the dots eventually connect!) Okay... swiftly transitioning with us to discussions about our businesses—The Peaceful Kingdom Farms, Project Lagniappe, and the Lagniappe Podcast. We kindly invite you to explore our websites and delve into the "About Us" sections, where you can familiarize yourself with our background, values, and aspirations outlined in our Mission Statements.

We are so blessed to be at Pennsylvania University( where Michael is an alumnus) and were approached by, and are clients of Happy Valley Communication which conducted a comprehensive SWOT analysis of our businesses . Among the commendations, transparency emerged as a cornerstone in our business practices. Transparency, as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary, refers to a situation where business and financial activities are conducted openly, without secrets, fostering trust in the fairness and honesty of our operations. This commitment to transparency is a cherished aspect of our businesses, resonating deeply with our principles.

Those acquainted with us acknowledge that Michael and I wear multiple hats—besides being farmers, business owners, and educators, we are also ordained ministers. Seamus received ordination in 2002, while Michael followed suit in 2020. Engaging with the diverse community at Farmer’s Markets in State College, PA is truly enriching.

We often find ourselves immersed in conversations with students, faculty, staff, and visitors about the shared yearning for a spiritual home, a sense of belonging in the realm of faith, even if our paths might be considered "Different."

These insightful dialogues, coupled with the recent passing of my Mom, Charlotte, have served as the catalyst for me to wholeheartedly embrace my calling into Priesthood.

We invite you to follow Michael and me on my "Pathway to Priesthood."

Now here is the information we promised about Bishop Gene Robinson “God Called Me Out of the Closet”

In 2003 he became the first openly gay bishop in all of Christendom, when the Episcopal Church consecrated Gene Robinson the 9th bishop of New Hampshire. Death threats followed, but so did a shift in the relationship between the LGBTQ community and the church. "Sunday Morning" senior contributor Ted Koppel talks with Bishop Robinson about his quest to live an authentic life; and with other gay bishops serving today whom Robinson calls his legacy. @StThomasEpiscopalDC "CBS News Sunday Morning" features stories on the arts, music, nature, entertainment, sports, history, science and Americana, and highlights unique human accomplishments and achievements. Check local listings for CBS News Sunday Morning broadcast times.

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