“In the midst of life we are in death; from whom can we seek help?” This is the beginning line of one of the optional anthems in an Episcopal funeral; it’s usually passed over for the more hopeful “I am Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord” anthem which is pulled largely fromContinue reading “Grief in Action”
Author Archives: Becca Kello
Associate Rector and Chaplain to Western Kentucky University's Episcopal Campus Ministry at Christ Episcopal Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Conversion of Love
Once while driving from Texas to the East Coast, I drove past a large billboard with a black background and big, bold white letters that read, “‘For God so loved the world.’ – John 3:16” and then in an ominous red font below it read, “Believe or Else.” In driving throughout the country I’ve seenContinue reading “Conversion of Love”
Withered Bones in the Embrace of Mercy
One of my great joys as a priest is Lent, and not just because I like to remind folks that they are gonna die on Ash Wednesday – which, if you missed, it…. you’re gonna die one day. I love Lent because it’s an opportunity to pay microscopic attention to our lives. And eachContinue reading “Withered Bones in the Embrace of Mercy”
Light from the Dawn
There is something holy about the break of dawn. Like most folk, my life has had ebbs and flows, but one of my most favorite seasons of life allowed me to witness the slow overwhelm that the day has as night fades away. Dawn tends to happen sort of all at once; it’s aContinue reading “Light from the Dawn”
Sanctified and Called to be Saints
There are things that I have gathered throughout my life that hold special significance. The heavy and effective depression-era quilt that my grandmother sowed with scraps of fabric that would not be valuable to anyone else other than my family. But I love that quilt, and used it everyday until the threads began toContinue reading “Sanctified and Called to be Saints”
The Blessing of Changed Plans
My first Epiphany here at Christ Church, I took home the paper instructions and blue chalk and while I don’t remember if it was me or Father Steve who preached that night, I do remember how the chalk crumbled slightly as I with every bit of prayerful intention I could marked C + M +Continue reading “The Blessing of Changed Plans”
The Practice of Christmas
The memory for me is still visceral. I remember the cool, smooth surface of the standard issue junior-high chair with its metal legs and deep blue seat. I remember exactly where I sat, one-third the way down the third row of the tiered band room; I remember the daily unpacking of my standard issue clarinetContinue reading “The Practice of Christmas”
Changed by the Wilderness
The day started early, with simple and delicious buttered bread and a bowl of coffee, which, I learned that morning, was how the folks in the Basque area of France drink coffee, literally in a bowl. Over breakfast, I sat with other pilgrims, talking about the day, our hopes, and plans for the pilgrimage;Continue reading “Changed by the Wilderness”
A Way Forward
There is not much else I enjoy in this world as much as I love a good story. I love to be drawn in and the rise and fall of a narrative; I love when stories are predictable, and I love when they are surprising. But the thing I love most of all isContinue reading “A Way Forward”
An Increased Faith
Ever since I was a young child, I have been fascinated with trees. The yard of my childhood home has white oak trees that soar more than 100 feet into the sky, with the base of the trunk being so wide you can’t even wrap your arms around half of it; their roots spreadContinue reading “An Increased Faith”
Becca Kello 