I've sketched out for you six of the practices, or disciplines, that help to construct a sanctuary of living for me, that I hope will help you to live daily with an increased awareness of what really matters, as opposed to what others want us to believe is most important....This morning I'd like to introduce the last four disciplines, each of which I practice-practicing since the days that followed my arrival as parish intern, and the start of my education in the realities of servant ministry. They are emotional integrity, creativity, observing the Sabbath, and tithing.

St. Thomas' is the buttress that holds me up as I live out my Christian life; a place that encourages me to experience my faith journey at my own pace.  It is a home that I can turn to in times of crisis and joy.  I also know that there are Episcopal altars elsewhere in the world that I can seek when in times of need.

Two weeks ago, I offered you three disciplines for our spiritual journey, our journey with God. They were not a map to holiness, but points on a compass for staying on the Jesus-way as I have known it - they were the disciplines of practicing gratitude, worship and friendship. This week, I offer you three more: Fasting, Justice, and Beauty. They are not promises of security. They are not spiritual or moral requirements for a badge of holiness. Rather, they are pointers along the road with Jesus, the road towards Jerusalem...

When I think about what it takes to make St. Thomas' thrive, I don't first think of money.  After all, we're not a building or a park, we are a group of people.  It's our people, our parishioners, that make us thrive. The opposite is true: that is, St. Thomas' makes its parishioners thrive.