About Mark Pitton
I kind of assume that you already know me. This blog is written with my congregation in mind. Of course, it is on the web so anyone who wants to read the posts or listen to the sermons can do so. So, in case you have wandered here or been pointed to here from out side Bethany Church, let me introduce my self.
I am Rev. Mark Pitton. I am currently a Co-Minister at Bethany Church, United Church of Christ in Montpelier Vermont. The other Co-Minister is my wife Amy. Yes it is nice working together and yes it is hard too. We each try to do what we are best at and trust the other one to do things in their own way, even if we do not understand it. We do not really know why this works, but it seems to.
I have also served in churches in Rutland, Vermont and Westport, Connecticut. I was a student minister in Saco, Maine. I have always been with churches of the United Church of Christ. I like it.
I am finding great comfort and understanding in reading Christian thinkers who are coming from the postmodern and emerging churches. I am not concerned about someones brand/expression of faith. I am glad whenever someone finds a faith it something Divine. It can be hard to have faith, especially a Christian faith, when people claiming faith are saying and doing things that give faith such a bad name. In the face of difficult times for faith and religion, I find I worry less and less about names given to a church, religion, faith,or God.
I follow Jesus. He goes to some amazing places in society and in our souls. His words, stories, and example lead me. That which is Holy in him, draws me and impels me forward. I do not have all the answers and I do not get things perfect. I am just on a journey. I travel with others. I try to learn from them and want to help them as well. Doing this as a committed group is what I call a church. I think a ‘community of faith’ is a better description, since the word ‘church’ has had so many connotations and everyone has their own history with the institution.
I like preaching again. For awhile it seemed contrived and a bit empty. Probably it was me that was contrived and empty. But after a Sabbatical in the summer of 2008, I seem to be going through a growth spurt in my preaching. At this same time I gave up preaching from a manuscript. I do not know if this change is catalyst, consequence, or coincidence.
Hi Mark! I looked you up today, Ash Wednesday, because I was having one of my many “remembering times”. Today I remembered the Ash Wednesday services at Grace Church that you and I often shared. I particularly was thinking about the imposition of ashes that you did. One such day really sticks out for me. You won’t probably remember it, but I had been having a really tough time with Kevin, our colleague and Minister of Music. What you said that day about hurt, anger, disappointment has always stayed with me. You placed the ashes on my forehead and it was very meaningful and helpful. Often you were that caring person for me, and I thank you for it. Seems like years ago and perhaps the time has dimmed much of what was truly great in our time of ministry together, but I remember.
Glad to know you and Amy are doing ministry and surviving in good ways. Give her my love. Glad you gave up the manuscript and have found some new fires burning for preaching. Have you made any bread in worship lately? You did that so very well.
We are fine and enjoying retired time. I am an Annuitant Visitors to 73 old dusty clergy, and I love it. Great stories are shared and so many of the “veterans” are good and noble people. Dave Andrews is doing some of this work in Vermont, and we see each other because of this from time to time. Carole and I will be driving to Florida sometime mid-March and will do things volunteering with a Methodist group there until after Easter. We like to escape mud season!
So, dear friend, thanks for an Ash Wednesday thought and for the many times you gave me hope and support in some rather frustrating and crazy times.
Peace, Bob
2091 visits to this blog. But in reading it I hear the same voice (in my head) that always is inspiring. just the way this guy thinks is open from too much judgment.OEN MIND OPEN HEART.
HEY THERE!
There is something about just being honest in worship and liturgy that can allow God to speak. And I remember your work, somewhat sacrificial, to move that church to a new time and place. I think they were able to see that there was a door to something new, even if they would not touch the handle. I sometimes I have the sense that I might be much the same here. I am more the door that will be opened afterwards. But hey, Moses only lead to the Promised Land not into the Promised land. And we remember him fondly.
I still do Ash Wednesday. It is still a cool time.
M
You honor and touch me by checking this out and replying. Saying nice things is even better, but I do not have words for it.
M