@ bibledude . May 2

Had the pleasure today of being the keynote speaker for the #cfdiocese Order of the Daughters of the King, talking about themes from my book, "Holy Rhythms for Hurting Hearts" (available on @amazon).

It was a great group... and even as the only dude in the room, I had a blast with everyone.

I`m amazed at how great the feedback is when I talk about that book.

Mental Health carries such a stigma, even in the church. But so many of us carry a weight that often feels unbearable. But in the ancient practices we find in the liturgies of the church, we find peace and that we aren`t alone. More than anything, we find Christ walking with us.

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

#holyrhythmsbook #episcopal #liturgy #mentalhealth

@ bibledude . May 2

I`ve been developing a curriculum for K-8 kids as a mid-week program, and I`m excited to share that it`s now available on @amazon!

If you work with kids/youth ministry, I can tell you that the kids at @stedwardsepiscopal have REALLY enjoyed the stories and activities we`ve done.

"BEST study ever!" -- Sophia, 5th Grader

And... this is just the first in a series (of 4) that I`ve got mapped out to develop.

This one deals with identity, and helps kids discover and realize their worth through the stories of people like David, Ruth, Peter, the Samaritan Woman, St. Patrick, Carrie ten Boom, Harriet Tubman, and more.

This guide is for leaders and volunteers who run kids` programs in their church.

On Amazon, you can get the full guide in print version. But if you prefer printable PDF format, just hit me up and I`ll get you the link to that one on Gumroad.

#EYCmountdora #SEEKmountdora #cfdioceseyouth #episcopalyouth #episcopal

@ bibledude . Apr 28

And just like that, she`s 15. 🥹

I wonder if she`ll ever know how much she changed my life.

@ bibledude . Apr 26

Had a GREAT Youth Sunday! #EYCmountdora took over both services today, and they served SO well!

I`m incredibly proud of them. And one of my favorite things in life right now is having a front row seat to watching what God is doing in their lives.

Their heart to BE the Church is inspiring.

What`s even better than their desire to serve is their hunger to dig deep into the Word. And they are letting it truly shape their lives.

And how do you wrap up a day like this? With @scoopson5th, of course!

#cfdioceseyouth #episcopalyouth #youthministry #mountdora

@ bibledude . Apr 23

I think I figured out why these teens like me... it might be because I bring them food. If it`s not popcorn chicken, then it`s @pizzamoremountdora deliciousness.

And I love hearing everyone call my son by his nickname of "Nugget," because "Rev Dan brings the nuggets."

It`s been really cool having the opportunity to be there and minister to these kids in the Mount Dora High School theater program. They are truly a talented and dedicated group.

And I`m grateful for the support I get for this from @stedwardsepiscopal, a church that`s serious about having an impact in our community.

#EYCmountdora #youthministry #youththeater #episcopal #deaconlife

@ bibledude . Apr 12

Had the honor of serving today at the NW Deanery (@cfdiocese) meeting for the Order of the Daughters of the King.

The coolest part was that I got to be the keynote speaker for the meeting, talking on the topic of my book "Holy Rhythms for Hurting Hearts" (available on Amazon.com).

We heard from someone from InterVarsity share how Gen Z (the lonely generation) is dealing anxiety at a high level. And during the Eucharist, Fr. Mark`s sermon focused on hope and the various place we try to find it.

When I had the opportunity to share about how ancient church rhythms bring healing and hope into our stresses and anxieties, it felt like we were ready to dive deep into that conversation.

My favorite line... "When we come to the Table with all of our junk, He meets us there. Our brokenness meets the broken bread."

I`ll be speaking again at the Diocese DoK retreat coming up on May 2nd. And I`m really looking forward to sharing more on this important conversation.

#holyrhythmsbook #deaconlife #dokcentralfl #ministrylife #mentalhealth

@ bibledude . Apr 10

Had another "Blessing of the Stage" event with the theater crew at MDHS today, and it`s ALWAYS a beautiful time of prayer, blessing, and gratitude.

I shared with them how in these days after Easter Sunday, we remember the day that Joy burst into the world in a new way. And in their upcoming performance, a musical comedy called The Drowsey Chaperone, they deliver joy to their audience... and that`s sacred work!

They always inspire me with their love and respect and gratitude towards one another. The community of that stage is something they`ll always share, and I encouraged them to hold it close to their hearts because it is special.

One of my favorite things to see in all of this is that in the process of sprinkling each other with water as each of then shares a blessing over the others, the stage itself gets soaked... baptized in a way with their prayers and blessings.

Simply beautiful.

And Holy.

Amen.

#EYCmountdora #cfdioceseyouth #mountdora #episcopalyouth #TheaterMinistry

@ bibledude . Apr 4

Had a beautiful Stations of the Cross Youth Prayer Experience and worship night at @stedwardsepiscopal.

This version of the Stations hits a very real and relatable perspective the youth can relate to. And then we finish with a little acoustic worship sitting around in front of the altar.

It`s always beautiful walking the Way of Jesus and spending time on Good Friday remembering and thanking Him for His redemptive sacrifice on the Cross.

#goodfriday #stationsofthecross #EYCmountdora #cfdioceseyouth #episcopalyouth