Chris Yaw

I am a Christ Lover

Chris Yaw

Welcome! I’m an Episcopal priest serving a congregation in Metro Detroit... With a passion for gun safety... A zest for online Christian formation... A zeal for video blogging... A budding writer... A heart for those who have unintentionally harmed... A commitment to workforce housing... A love for marrying people... And a wonderful wife, three kids, and a cat... If we have common interests or not, I'd love to connect with you.

Me

Contact Details


  • St. David's Episcopal Church, 16200 W. Twelve Mile Road, Southfield, Michigan, 48076, USA


  • +011 248-557-5430


  • chris@stdavidssf.org

St. David's

I have served as rector of St. David's Episcopal Church in Southfield, MI for 16 years, join us Sundays in person or via zoom.

St. David's Gun Disposal

Working on the issue of unwanted gun disposal, we've made some real progress in helping rid the U.S. of unwanted firearms.

ChurchNext

Since 2013 we have been helping people learn more about faith through our online learning courses at ChurchNext.

Oakland Housing

Helping middle income families get better housing is a challenge that Oakland Housing has been addressing for 75 years.

Hyacinth Fellowship

Because hurting others hurts us, the Hyacinth Fellowship organizes support groups and reminds us that we are not our worst mistakes.

Yaw Wedding

I have been officiating weddings for more than 20 years and continue to find joy in helping couples build lifelong relationships.

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U.S. Guns Produced Today
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Americans Accidentally Killed Today
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Homeless Americans
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Weddings Performed
  • Silencing the Critics

    Silencing the Critics

     

    When I was training to be a priest I had a lot of people tell me it was a bad idea.

    Very bad idea!

    I had come from 15 years in the hustle and drama of TV news and they said, "You don't have the temperament, patience, or people skills to run a church."

    I disagreed not with their assessment of my skills, but their perception of my call.

    I knew God had spoken. I clung to Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful."

    When God puts that new profession, project, or person in your life, brace for the pushback. 

    When you step out to make your mark in the world not everyone will applaud. You will have critics and doubts from without and within.

    Our job is to silence them, which Jesus does on many occasions - by staying focused on our call, determined in our direction, knowing that our aim is not to please everyone, just the Holy one.
  • Picasso had a party...

    Picasso had a party...

     

    Pablo Picasso is planning a party.

    Says everyone who comes gets a priceless print that he has made especially for the occasion.
    He invites a select crowd, but no one comes.

    He puts an ad out and invites everyone.
    On the night of the party the place is packed.

    One by one, Picasso hands out his prints.
    People slip them in sturdy frames and protective tubes as the gawk over their beautiful fortune!

    Then Picasso notices a man at a table, enjoying his food and drink, and using that priceless print as a placemat!

    Picasso, well-known for his fiery temper says,
    'Don't you know you can sell that print for millions of dollars?'
    To which the patron says,
    'Actually, I didn't.'

    That patron is you and me
    We have something priceless and we don't know it.

    At least, maybe not yet!

    Learning about the art and the artist is what the spiritual life is all about.

    The real riches of peace of mind, grounded purpose, compassionate caring for others all come in spades as we immerse ourselves in the art and the artist.

    Ditch the distractions
    Realign the priorities
    You've got a masterpiece to discover!
  • People Before Stuff!

    People Before Stuff!

     

    In line at a fast food restaurant recently, the guy in front of me was absorbed by his smartphone!

    When it came time to order, pay, then pick up his food, he barely looked up from his phone, and never made eye contact with his server.

    I'm not sure what he was doing on his smartphone, maybe he was a doctor reviewing important x-rays? But he failed to take the time, even just a few seconds to look somebody in the eye, give them a smile or a nod, and acknowledge our shared humanity.

    And I'm not picking on this guy, because he's just me on another day. It is to acknowledge the busy world we live in, and the constant temptation you and I have to put stuff before people.

    This Sunday we will hear. Moses deliver the Ten Commandments, God's pinnacle expression of our greatest challenge, to put God first by putting people first,

    What's that look like for you today? Who is that? Valet, nosy neighbor, or Amazon driver who needs our acknowledgment and encouragement?
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    ADDRESS

    St. David's Episcopal Church, 16200 W. Twelve Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48076 USA

    EMAIL

    chris@stdavidssf.org

    TELEPHONE

    +011 248-557-5430