Spider-Man and the Beheading of John the Baptist

Year B, Proper 10, 2015

Mark 6:14-29

In celebration of Comic-Con wrapping up today in San Diego, and because of the thought of having to wait until late November for Comic-Con to come to Reno, I have to start this morning by getting my “Geek” on.

Humor Me

Humor me.  

I wear my emotions on my sleeve.  I cry a lot and am wholeheartedly okay with that.  I don’t shy away from it because I know the importance of allowing myself to cry.  It’s important to me because of who I am; what I do.

Who is my Mother? .... Personal Demons .... Who told you that?

June 7, 2015
The Gospel of Mark 3:20-35

There is a lot going on in this Gospel reading from Mark.  We have a crowd of people. Jesus and his disciples are there. The scribes who oppose Jesus are there throwing out words like Beelzebul, Satan, and demons.  There are parables which are usually fun, but it seems a little less so today. 

We also find the words blaspheme, forgiveness, eternal sin, and the will of God.

The Profane, Baptism, and Adoption

Baptismal Sermon: May 10, 2015

Acts Chapter 10

John 15:9-17

Do you remember your baptism?   

Mine was February 7^th 1971 in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Henryetta, Oklahoma.  My baptism was special for that faith community because mine was the first baptism in their new church building.  The priest, Father Bartnick, decided to baptize me during the service, instead of afterwards which was the custom.  They moved the wooden baptismal font from the back left of the church and put it right up front next to the altar.  I did not wear a traditional white christening gown, but a pale blue outfit.  I was also sporting a cast on my broken left leg, the outward and visible sign of my brother dropping me.  

Dear Oklahoma...

Dear Oklahoma,

You know me well.  

I have the expectation that you will listen to what I have to say.  I expect you to listen, not out of some demand or authoritative pressure, but out of respect.  We have been through a lot together…good times and bad.  We have a relationship of which I am thankful.  You are my home state, and I love you.  Maybe my Oklahoma birth certificate will be relational enough for you to give me a few minutes of your time.

Making it Stop

I am so blessed to have a team of preachers in my parish.  This team allows me to be fed by their perspectives on scripture and their witness to the Gospel.  In my diocese we have licensed lay preachers.  These are people who are not called into ordained ministry, but have been blessed with the gifts needed to preach the Good News.

I have never been so moved to share someone else's sermon, but after last weeks middle school shooting here in Sparks, Nevada, I have received permission to share these words with the world.

A Star and Highlights... Nothing New to Me

In the State of Nevada’s August/September newsletter for the Division of Child and Family Services, they have a section called “Highlights”. This section highlights the “Stars”of each division of Child and Family Services covering the entire State of Nevada.

My wife Tricia is a Highlight of Children’s Mental Health in the state.  

I am very excited for her gifts, talents, and hard work to be recognized.  She does not do what she does for the recognition, but like it is for most “helping professionals” it brings positive energy to know what you pour your heart and soul into makes a difference.

Here is what the head of Children’s Mental Health in the State of Nevada had to say about Tricia.

Children’s Mental Health would like to recognize Tricia Woodliff, CPC, Mental Health Counselor II with NNCAS-Early Childhood Mental Health Services. Tricia has taken a leadership role in educating the community about trauma, abuse and attachment, particularly as it relates to infants and toddlers. In addition to providing therapy with a focus on children from birth-four years old, Tricia is actively involved as a trainer with the Trauma Informed Care Project, where she has participated in trainings with NNCAS staff, foster parents and treatment home providers. Additionally, Tricia is a TACSEI trainer who provides trainings and child observations on a routine basis with a variety of child care centers in the Reno-Sparks area through the Child Care Development Fund grant, and she is also a PCIT trainer and a member of Northern Nevada’s DC:0-3R team of trainers! Earlier this year, Tricia was invited to make a presentation at the Nevada Family Jurisdiction Judges 2013 Annual conference in Ely Nevada, where she spoke about “Making Informed Decisions in the Interest of Traumatized Children,” providing judges from all across Nevada with valuable information on the impact of trauma on children and youth. Most recently, Tricia has taken the lead on a collaborative pilot project with Nevada Early Intervention Services, which will allow for stronger social- emotional assessments of infants and toddlers referred to NEIS due to CAPTA requirements, and fast-track them in to mental health services when appropriate. Clearly, Tricia’s love of infant/toddler mental health, and her passion for teaching has been of tremendous benefit to the clients at NNAS, as well as the broader community.

I’m proud of her and I love her...She is my Highlight too...