Another Community

19Jun
O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
- Psalm 139:1-2



Today the Episcopal Church remembers Adelaide Teague Chase. She died in 1948 at age 61 not long before I entered this world. She was the first woman appointed to teach at an Episcopal seminary. Her doctoral thesis was Liberal Christianity and Religious Education. Two of her lifelong interests were Christian Education and social reform.


She reminds me of a dear friend we have in Highlands. One of the unexpected blessings about spending time in another community is forming close friendships with women and men whom we had not known before. This lady is at the top of our list. We first met her in 2009 through a mutual friend. John and I then participated in a 4-part retreat (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer) which she led at her guesthouse and art studio on the beautiful grounds of her property. Her home itself is magical, as it was a former grist mill adjacent to a waterfall.


Diane captivated us, inspired us, challenged us, and above all, loved us. Shortly after we purchased our first home in Highlands John approached her about having a men’s retreat on her property. Amazingly, she said she had always wanted to lead a men’s retreat. Thus the Men’s Creativity Retreat, which began at the Solomon Center in Robert, LA found new life in Highlands, NC. All because of the generous soul of Diane McPhail. Her favorite Psalm is 139, part of which is cited above. Diane is a gifted woman: a painter, sculptor, ordained minister, art therapist and now author. She just recently showed me one of her paintings which is based on Psalm 139.  


I stand in awe and loving admiration of Diane for the gifts she has been given and for her willingness to share those gifts with so many. May we each recognize the gifts which God has given us and may we always open our hearts to share them with grace and gratitude.


Musical Reflection - I'm Blessed - Charlie Wilson



Loving creator, source of life and love, thank you for the light which you have shown us. Thank you for opening our hearts and our eyes to the gifts of your creation. May we always remain faithful and grateful for your presence in our lives. Amen.

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