Hello friends and family,
With Christmas now upon us and 2016 just around the corner, it's hard to believe how quickly the year has flown. As I reflect on the past 12 months, 2015 has definitely been a milestone year in so many ways, with so much to celebrate.
After 5 long hard years (plus 2 for a second Masters before that), I finally completed my Doctor of Ministry at the American Baptist Seminary of the West. In May, I officially became "The Reverend
Doctor Lawrence G. Jay." It may be a long title but really I'm still just the same old Larry.
I am thankful that my initial draft submitted at the end of 2014 needed only minor edits and additions to strength my argument. In March, I passed the oral defense of my dissertation. I was truly blessed to work with a wonderful committee that provided support with my project and insight in my writing.
The final outcome: "A Canticle of Re-Creating: The Franciscan Lectio of Creation as an Eco-Spiritual Practice for Ecological Change" ended up being just under 300 pages. And at graduation, my project was awarded the "Keith A. Russell Leadership Award in Prophetic Leadership in Community Ministry" for outstanding visionary work.
Following graduation, my family hosted a dinner celebration at Chevy's which featured a custom-made, backpacker-themed, "Canticle of the Creatures" cake. Thanks to Sharon Chin for her spectacular creation. It's even better than what I had envisioned.
While my graduation from ABSW was a highlight in 2015, I also passed a few other milestone this year.
In May, I officiated
my 50th wedding. Congratulations to Chris and Chris Shaffer! How significant that 50 weddings after marrying my brother-in-law Rob's sister, Lisa, I get to marry their younger sister, Christina! It was a beautiful day and celebration with extended family. In May, I also celebrated
20 years since my graduation from Golden Gate Seminary with my Master of Divinity in 1995. In June,
I turned 50.
And in October, the
20th anniversary of my ordination was recognized at my denominational
annual meeting. I wasn't able to be there but my boss, Larry Rice (pictured right above) attended and
brought back the plaque. He presented it to me while I was clearing tables in
the dining hall at Redwood Glen for the First Chinese Baptist Church seniors retreat. As I think about the past two
decades, there's something very "Jesus" about being recognized for 20
years of christian ministry while serving dinner.
If that wasn't enough, in 2015 I also became a father - a "feline father" - as I brought two kittens into my home. Francis (the tabby) and Bonaventure (the white one) were born on Earth Day, April 22nd, and came to live with me in early June. Thanks to Jill Ramsey for these two little monstrous, mischievous blessings. Named in tribute of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Bonaventure, who were significant in my doctoral studies, the cats have grown much since this early picture above. After 6 months being with me, these two obligate carnivores are thriving and healthy on a vegan diet. I am thankful for Dr. May, the vegan vet, who has consulted with my local vet to ensure that my cats are doing well.
Other highlights of the year include a family vacation to Mexico...
And new responsibilities at work as I am now the
Director of Guest Services at Redwood Glen, overseeing the guest services, food services, and housekeeping departments of the camp. It's hard to believe but 2016 will mark 10 years of life and ministry in the redwoods.
2015 has been a full year, but a blessed year which included lots of
good drinking chocolate at my usual haunts -
Downtown Local in Pescadero,
Bittersweet in Oakland, and
Rue du The in Burlingame. It is nice to be a regular at these places where the staff knows my drink!
One new discovery this year is
Timothy Adams in Palo Alto which opened just about a year ago. Unlike other places, you create your own sipping chocolate. You select the milk and the chocolate, which ranges from 31% to 99% cacao content. Thus far, my favorite is the 85% with almond milk. They serve up a very thick sipping chocolate which is rich, silky smooth, and extremely filling.
Have a blessed Christmas and a joy-filled 2016.
