Sean and I went to see Sweat, a new play written by Lynn Nottage and directed by Kate Whoriskey. It is a powerful story of long-time friends whose relationships fray and tear as economic change leads to layoffs and picket lines. There are strong performances; it is worth seeing, a good venture back on to Broadway (as an audience member).
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Family, New York, Uncategorized
On Saturday, April 1, 2017, I had the privilege to lead a retreat for the candidates and inquirers for ministry of the Presbytery of New York City. Committee members also attended the retreat which was held at Broadway Presbyterian Church.
Together we explored why followers of Jesus work for justice by engaging in issues of public policy and corporate policy. We remembered that the separation of church and state does not mean the separation of our faith from the processes by which decisions that influence all of us are made.
Thanks to JC for the photo.
See you along the Trail.
I returned to New York for a long weekend. It involved staying with my son Sean and my grand puppy Henrik, leading a workshop for the Committee on Preparation for Ministry of the Presbytery of New York City, and preaching at First Chinese Presbyterian Church.
Henrik did not seem to understand that I was at his apartment to work rather than to play with him.
Maybe next time.
See you along the Trail.
Morningside Gardens
Manhattan, New York
23 February 2017
Filed under New York
Morningside Gardens
Manhattan, New York
23 February 2017
Filed under New York
I finally made time tonight to go through the photos from the farewell party as I left the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. I planned to send photos to some of the individuals who attended.
I still plan to do that.
But a series of photos brought me up short.They showed the last time I talked with my friend Ted Hickman.
Since I cannot send the photo to Ted, I share it here.
And again I give thanks for his life and love and witness and friendship.
The photo reminds me that we never know when the last time we will see each other might be.
Because of that I give thanks for family and friends who bless my life as I remember Ted.
See you along the Trail.
Only 17 short days ago they gathered to bid me farewell. My colleagues and friends from the community of nongovernmental organizations at the United Nations; my friends and colleagues from the Presbytery of New York City.
Ted was there. And after the words were spoken and the time came for people to leave, Ted and I looked at each other across the room.
We smiled. We moved toward one another. And as we had done before, threw open our arms and walked into an embrace, two bears seeking to engulf each other.
He whispered into my ear. Words of thanks. Assurances of prayers. Best wishes for what lay ahead.
I whispered back. Words of thanks. Assurances of prayers. Best wishes for what lay ahead.
As we disengaged, I said my final words. I refused to say goodbye as I left New York. And so I said to Ted, “Until we meet again.”
Only two short hours ago I received the email from the office of the Presbytery of New York City.
“In Memoriam” read the subject line. I had received enough emails with that subject to know what it meant. Someone had died.
I was prepared to learn of a death. I was not prepared to see Ted’s gracious, smiling face. Nor did I expect to read these words:
It is with deep sadness and grief for his family and this presbytery that I tell you that Theodore (Ted) Hickman, the Moderator of our Presbytery of New York City, died last night in his sleep.
Ted was 51.
My initial shock has given way to deep sadness and grief.
I grieve for his family … for Duryea Presbyterian Church where he served as the Commissioned Ruling Elder (pastor) … for his colleagues at NYU-Langone Medical Center … for the Presbytery of New York City … for all who knew and loved this good man.
I grieve for a song and life ended too soon. Too soon.
I grieve for what might have been.
I grieve for myself.
I grieve, knowing that, in life and in death, Ted, and all of us belong to God.
I grieve, knowing that love never ends, even death can never sever the cords of love that bind us together.
I grieve, believing in the resurrection.
I grieve and proclaim “Alleluia.”
I grieve and remember those final words I said:
Until we meet again,
my friend, my brother.
Until we meet again.
Note: the photo of Ted Hickman is the one that appeared in the message from the Presbytery of New York that announced his death.
The Gym at the Shire has been a recurring venue during the Until We Meet Again Tour. I have been one of the house bands. Nicole Kung, of NK Body Philosophy, was a featured artist during these gigs. Desi Aldarando, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, and Elisabeth Lee made guest appearances.
The final show at this favored venue took place this morning. And after the show, the entry fob was turned in. Self care will continue in other locations, but not at the Gym at the Shire, until we meet again.
The Until We Meet Again Tour played the US Open from Friday evening through Monday night, an exhausting and invigorating schedule. A number of friends and family members sat in during the appearance. The heart of the group was Sean and Eric. Great tennis was viewed. Good times were shared. The renovations at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center were impressive. The new Grandstand became a favorite. It was good to see some matches in Louis Armstrong Stadium. Much food was consumed. The hamburgers came highly recommended and lived up to their billing.
The Until We Meet Again Tour, featuring Eric as a guest artist, visited Battery Park. However, our gig at the Irish Hunger Memorial was cancelled due to construction.
Along the Graybeard Trail 