by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Mar 5, 2016 | forgiveness
What experiences in our lives inform one’s faith and practice of it? And is it any different for clergy as opposed to laity? Episcopal Priest Underwent Abortion to Finish Divinity School, Later Tanked Parish This is a disturbing report of a parish priest...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Sep 28, 2015 | consolation, healing
It was a rough weekend. I found it necessary to dismiss one young lady who secreted beer into the house, drank it and got caught. That, in my experience, has been a very rare occurrence. She had been doing so well, but she let her anger get the best of her. Rather...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jun 8, 2015 | Calling, Ministry
In August 2008, just about six weeks after completing my master’s degree in counseling, I began my application for ministry candidacy and was preparing to meet for the first time with the District Board of Ministry. I was putting together a plan for attending...
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Jun 7, 2015 | The Church
Several times during the Annual Conference meeting of the Alabama-West Florida UMC Conference, as deacons were talking among themselves I heard references to “compassion”. Compassion is part of the specific ministry of deacons, according to our church’s Discipline....
by Cathy Boyd Byrd | Mar 1, 2015 | Scripture Studies
What some people don’t understand is that when one has been called to care for others in a spiritual sense, the well-being of those others is of paramount importance. When threats come against those who are vulnerable, it is the responsibility of the shepherd,...
