Church Family,
I’m back from Atlanta, where I  attended the Festival of Homiletics, an annual preaching conference I’ve attended for many years.  The theme was “Preaching to Heal the Divide.”  The worship was enthusiastic, with wonderful singing,  and the speakers were thought  provoking and challenging.  I always get energized by the experience.
It was also fun connecting with a former associate at our church in Winchester and having lunch with the spouse of a deceased college friend, who died 25 years ago.  
One evening I talked by phone with a friend who has taught at Villanova for more than 50 years, who, when he was a young faculty member, had the new Pope, Leo XIV, as a student. He remembers Bob Prevost not as a “star,” but as a quiet, thoughtful, humble student. My friend is amazed by how God developed and will use this unassuming man. 
The texts for Sunday were Acts 11:19-26  and John 4:4-26.  The sermon, centering on the story of the woman Jesus encounters at the well is titled “Unquenched Thirst.”
See you in church,
Rich