From the Pulpit: the Rev. Robert Towner

the Rev. Robert Towner loves to teach, whether it be to his congregation at Christ Episcopal Church on a Sunday or students in a theology class at Southeast Missouri State University. A lifelong member of the Episcopal faith, Towner has been in a leadership or other role in the church for 40 years.

Full name: The Rev. Robert A. Towner.

What people normally call you: Bob or 'Father Bob' or Pastor Bob.

Age: Just turned 60.

Official title and church: Rector of Christ Episcopal Church.

How long have you been involved with a church? My entire life.

What did you go through to become a pastor? Bachelor's degree, BA Philosophy at Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., M.Div. at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill.; continuing education every subsequent year.

How many years have you served as a pastor? Eight years as lay minister and in my 32nd year as an ordained clergyman.

When did you become the pastor at Christ Episcopal Church? January 2001.

Where are you from and when did you move to Cape Girardeau? I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. I moved to Cape from St. John's Episcopal Church (14 years) in Mason City, Iowa.

Were you involved with Christ Episcopal before becoming the pastor? No.

What do you think makes Christ Episcopal Church special? The longer-term members have been through a great trial and emerged committed disciples. The newer members are here because they embrace our mission, they love God and want to be of service to our neighbors.

What's your favorite verse and why? "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) The answer to this would be the story of my life. Short form: I have been very close to dying twice, and the first time I was also at a moral/spiritual dead end. Both disasters, which I would have done anything to avoid, proved to be God's entry point for transforming me, my family and my ministry.

What program have you done with your church that you are/were proud of? We have in the last three years grown a wonderful food ministry, beginning with a neighborhood food pantry, now also including a monthly free community meal (last Sunday, 4:30 p.m.) and free fresh food distributions. What is best about this is the neighborly way the assistance is delivered. (The dinners are way delicious, too.)

What's your favorite day of the week and why? Sunday, because I see my beloved church family and Friday, because it's my Sabbath Day.

What's your favorite part of being a pastor? Preaching and welcoming new Christians.

What hobbies do you have? Cooking and gardening.

What else do you do besides serve as pastor? I am adjunct faculty at Southeast Missouri State University, teaching world religions, religion and violence, religion and science, and religion and sexuality.

Do you have a prayer, psalm or verse you would like to give our readers for the day?

MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

-- Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude" Abbey of Gethsemani.