As I sit today on my back porch working on my upcoming sermon, I find myself thinking a bit differently about the back porch which I love. This last year I was able to replace the screens with windows. I always loved my screened porch but the windows allow me to spend more time there. It is easily my favorite room in my house. 

The month of September is National Suicide Prevention month. I was reminded of that this week as I, along with other United Methodist clergy in Indiana, were informed that this week one of our own clergy, 24 year old Rev. Jarrid Wilson, took his own life. This leaves me with much sadness that Jarrid was experiencing such hopelessness that led to this result and such sadness for his family and friends who now grief his loss.