Chris Yaw

I am a Christ Lover

ABOUT ME

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

How Can I Help?

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.

Disarmory Ministries

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 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

Blog

  • Determination


    Keep at it.

    Go ahead, take a short break, take a moment, but then get back to it.

    Keep going - doing what you’re supposed to.

    No matter where you are or what you’re doing, be encouraged - to hear that voice, make sense of it, publicly claim it, and stand up to The Resistance - continue to keep on keeping on.

    Jesus is near you. He has told you what to do, you have the word of God etched in your heart. And you have the gift of the Spirit living inside of you.

    On Sunday we will hear a familiar story about a corrupt judge and a nagging woman whose determination convinces the judge to give her justice. We can fairly assume this woman has no real social standing, money, power, connections, oratory gifts, or influential persuasive strategies - what she does have is something we all either have or can get: determination.

    Nothing takes the place of this
    The world is littered with gifted people who sit on the sidelines. Talent is not all it’s cracked up to be. The real gift is persistence.

    Name your frustration.
    Stare it down.
    Your determination will win.

    Do not lose heart.
    Resolve to take the right path.

    Keep at it.

  • The Thank You Dividend


    Steve needed some help in his college math class

    He was struggling and looking for a tutor.  He found Shawanna, who volunteered to help him for the 12-week semester.

    Both Shawanna and Steve were also part of a research study.  

    In this study, Steve, and other struggling students were given tutors who volunteered to help. At the end of the semester, half of those students, including Steve, were asked to write personal thank you notes to their tutors. Then, the following semester, Shawanna and the other tutors were asked if they would like to volunteer again.

    Would the act of being thanked have any impact on their decision?

    You bet.

    Shawanna and the other students who had been thanked agreed to volunteer again at more than double the rate of those who had not been thanked.

    The conclusion of this study, conducted by Adam Grant and Francesco Gino, meant that Steve’s decision to take the time to say thanks may not have been a big deal for him, but it sure was for the next struggling student.

    Saying thanks, which is at the heart of this Sunday’s gospel, becomes an act of service that goes far beyond the recipient.

    Saying thanks isn’t easy. It takes thought, intention, and action. It can be as small as a text or a thank you note.

    Who needs thanking in our lives?
    Do we do a good job at it?
    How might we do a better one?

    It’s not just important for us, but for the next person. 

  • Stay in Your Lane


    In rush hour traffic the other day I saw someone nearly rear-end Mr. Oblivious.

    You know the type. 

    It’s the slowpoke in the fast lane. Often distracted by a conversation with someone in the car, or perhaps day-dreaming or even texting. For some reason this slow driver did not want to drive in the slow lane. And his decision not only frustrated drivers and slowed traffic, but nearly caused an accident.

    This kind of thing happens not just on the highway, but throughout our lives.

    We see the importance of staying in our lane at work, in our relationships, how we manage our health and handle our money.  When we’re in the wrong lane we underperform - and frustrate others.

    When you stay in your lane you:
    Inventory your gifts. 
    Identify your faults. 
    Own your responsibilities. 
    Articulate your calling.
    Stake your boundaries.
    Know when to say yes - and no.

    Staying in our lane means knowing ourselves and goals and diligently veering away from detours and distractions, keeping our eyes focused on the unique work only we can do - in fact we’ll hear Jesus talk about this on Sunday.

    Our challenge is to examine the ways we stay in our lanes. How firmly do we own our calling? How clearly can we articulate our goals? What tempts us to switch lanes? And what can we do to stay on track? 

  • Cool Radio


    In 1997 Marc Berthier designed the iconic Lexon Rubber Radio.

    It made all the top design lists, which is where I saw it and promptly purchased it.

    The other day my 8-year-old noticed it on the shelf and asked me if I would show it to her.

    ‘Wow,’ she said, 'this is so cool!’

    Of course, being 8 years old, she had never seen a transistor radio. So I turned it on, and out came music. Her eyes lit up. ‘Oh my gosh, you mean it plays music too?!’

    On Sunday you and I will hear a Bible story that’s similar.

    We’ll be reminded that everything we have - all of our most beloved possessions, our amazing vacations, every one of our loving connections - they’re not simply beautifully satisfying in and of themselves - but they point to a greater reality, value, and purpose - to God.

    Like my radio, ya, it’s cool to look at - but it was actually intended for more.


    How might we do better at making those daily connections between our blessings and the One that blesses - knowing the contemplation of the beauty and blessings that surround not only add to our worship - but bring peace to the soul? 

  • Your Best Investment (take the quiz)


    Choose the option that’ll make you happiest:

    a) an extra hour at work b) an extra hour with your children
    a) an hour playing video games b) an hour talking with your spouse
    a) an hour watching TV b) an hour connecting with a friend
    a) an hour surfing the web b) an hour talking with neighbors
    a) an hour reading a book b) an hour comforting an ailing relative

    I think you know where this is going.

    Most of us instinctively choose b) because we know, not only the right option, but the healthiest.

    We’re also not surprised by the Harvard Longitudinal research on long term contentment: "The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”

    In a culture where disconnection is trending up, our souls call us to come back down - to the true riches, to investing in the people around us.

    What does this look like to you?
    How are we making the right investment?
    How are we failing?
    And how is God calling us to deeper relationships - the true riches? 

  • The Fierce Gospel



    To emphasize the lamb as the pinnacle animal world icon for Christianity is to short sheet both the lamb and Jesus.

    After all, the lamb is often depicted as this defenseless, frightened, and shy creature whose life-purpose is to endure harm.

    Of course we understand the ideas of surrender and sacrifice the lamb exemplifies, but we also realize that there is a fierce side to Christianity that often gets lost in the mix.

    This Sunday we will hear Jesus tell stories about a shepherd who leaves the safety of 99 sheep to brave the wilderness and search for the lost one - and the story of a woman who loses one of 10 coins and turns the place upside down trying to find it.

    These are images of assertion and ambition - not apathy and passive acceptance.
    Think tiger, not lamb.

    Yes, we know the gospel is about going out, staking a claim, speaking with a firm voice about things that matter.

    We know the Gospel is about giving us courage to move out of the passive places in our lives, the places of no risk and little chance of failure - 

    God wants us to live our faith with daring - boldness - and grit.

    In what ways are we looking to our religion for courage more than solace? Bravery instead of comfort?

    Friends, the time is short for us to make our mark for good - let us not avoid risk and uncertainty - but be brave - trusting that stepping out in faith and trust - obeying God’s lead - is the way to go. 

  • The Hardest Thing



    The hardest thing we'll do today may be to believe that everything will work out.

    It’s to have faith.

    Faith is believing God is present in all things, all places, and at all times.
    Faith is believing there are no random encounters, no chance meetings, and not one moment in our day is void of purpose.

    Faith is believing that the deepest thing within us, is for us, and is actively working on our behalf.

    Faith, to paraphrase a popular prayer, is to say thanks for all that has passed, and yes to all that will come our way.

    This is why faith is the hardest and most rewarding thing we can do in life. And this is how faith leads to joy.

    We grow in faith through prayer, meditation, and by practicing our beliefs in deeds of love, staying true to the path before us, and keeping our eyes on our constant companion, Jesus.

    What does faith look like for you today?

    And how might we truly believe that God's got this? 

  • Scrubbing Toilets


    When Andrew Fastow went to Federal prison, he had one question.

    'What’s the most detested job among prisoners?'

    Andy was a highly educated, intelligent, and wealthy man. He was the only member of the Enron Corporation executive team to plead guilty and admit to wrongdoing following the huge scandal that bankrupted the company.

    He was Enron’s former treasurer, and among many executives who regularly received hate mail and death threats from people who had lost their life savings when the company went under.

    And when Andy went to prison, he didn’t check his brain at the door.

    ‘Cleaning the toilets’ he was told, was the least desirable job among the prison population.
    ‘Ok, give me that job.’ said Andy.

    And from that day forward he dutifully scrubbed every commode and shower stall until they sparkled. He always smiled and he never complained.

    And Andy Fastow never had a problem with any of the other inmates.

    When we seek humility we choose a road that leads to respect and appreciation. When we seek the lesser chair at the banquet, which we will hear Jesus talk about on Sunday, we acknowledge the position and gifts of others. Humility means listening first and talking second; serving others before serving ourselves; putting the needs of others before our own.

    How is Christ calling us to a deeper place of humility?

  • Handling Hecklers


    Years ago Jerry Seinfeld was doing a midnight comedy show in Las Vegas.

    He was wearing a pair of brown boots, when a heckler in the front row shouted out, "I hate those boots!"

    Seinfeld paused, and said, "Then you are a very, very, lucky man. Because tonight, my boots will not be performing."

    Hecklers, of course, are people who try to gain attention by pulling us off track. 

    Sure, we see them in comedy clubs and baseball stadiums, but we also hear their barbs from well-meaning family members, friends, and respected colleagues, who consciously or unconsciously, can say or do things that push us off track.

    When Jesus meets hecklers he’s not always as kind as Jerry Seinfeld, in fact, he’s a bit more like Amy Schumer, who was once hassled about her boots also and said, ‘Where did I get them? At the intersection of You Can’t Afford Them and Stop Talking to Me…'

    Yes, Jesus makes quick work of shutting down those voices that would pull him off track - and in doing so gives us an example of what we’re supposed to do.

    On Sunday we’ll hear a couple of Bible readings that remind us of how precious and serious life really is - ask anyone over 50 and they’ll tell you ‘it’s so short’ - 

    But we’ve been tapped to do the crucial work of faithfully tending to the people and professions to which we’ve been called.

    We don’t have time to spare for hecklers - let’s stay focussed - stick to the script - let’s keep our eyes on Jesus. 

  • Courage, Please


    Walking along the beach I stopped to pick up a stray candy bar wrapper.

    ‘Why are you doing that?’ a young person asked,
    ‘Because it shouldn’t be here, it should be in the garbage can.’
    ‘But there’s other trash out here, you can’t pick it all up, just leave it.’

    And the temptation to stand by and do nothing once again rears its ugly head.

    From litter to politics to gun violence, the nagging temptation is always the same, isn’t it? 
    ’Speaking up doesn’t do anything.’
    ‘It’s not your responsibility’
    ‘You’re too busy with other things’
    ‘You won’t make a difference.’

    Yet we know it does...
    Not right away.
    Not all at once.
    But doing that next right thing, however small, however seemingly insignificant, has a cumulative effect that has and will change things.

    Progress doesn't come all at once.
    It comes when a whole lot of people do very little things.

    Whatever you’re facing as you read this, take courage and do the next right thing.
    It’s always hard.
    Rarely convenient, comfy, or fun.
    But it can change things.

    It’s the only thing that ever has. 

  • Enough?


    Will this one be the tipping point?


    Will enough people express enough outrage that our gridlocked ruling class finally accomplishes something substantive regarding gun violence?

    “Maybe” is a response I’ve heard - if enough people act. In the aftermaths of such tragedies you and I are not content with simply sitting on our hands and saying another prayer.

    If you’re like me, the arguments in favor of our present gun laws are growing increasingly weak. Here are the ones I hear:

    1) Any changes we make could not have prevented the El Paso and Dayton shootings. True. However, research shows that the more readily guns are available, the more likely there is to be a shooting. As Christians, who are called to work for a more peaceful society, limitations on the availability of guns is part of that. We didn’t prevent these shootings, but can we prevent the next one?  Here’s a helpful article. https://theconversation.com/six-things-to-know-about-mass-shootings-in-america-48934

    2) Gun control limits my rights. In the 1930’s and afterward the government has decided the citizenry shouldn’t own land mines, truckloads of explosives or nuclear weapons. We already have gun control. If Jesus is about anything, it’s freedom. However, our liberties must always regard their affects on others: gun ownership affects more than an individual, but a community as well. 

    3) Liberals won’t stop until all guns are banned. Most Americans have no problem with people going to gun ranges or hunting areas, but we do have a problem when our next door neighbor has assault weapons. Again, Jesus is not a kill-joy, but may likely ask us how his reign of peace is being extended by unbridled gun ownership.

    4) No one paid attention at Columbine, Newtown, or Orlando, we’ll forget about El Paso and Dayton by the next news cycle. Social changes that better our common life never come all at once. The civil rights strides of the 1960’s led to historic legislation, but the spirit of those laws has taken, and is taking, decades to catch up with us. Just because we can’t make big changes doesn’t mean we should not make little ones.

    So what are we to do?

    First off, let us not be apathetic or discouraged: God is at work bringing all of creation into fruition in Christ. Societally, we are getting more peaceful (here's a book that traces that). Change like this does not happen in our time, but God's.
    There’s a group of Episcopal bishops who are keeping this issue alive, you can keep track at www.bishopsunitedagainstgunviolence.org Certainly there are legislators to write, vigils to attend, and movements to be started. But let us never forget that it all starts with Jesus: where are we feeling led, and what are you being prompted to do in the wake of these shootings? (This post was adapted from a 2017 post)

  • I Think I Can, I Think I Can...


    My first year of high school track, I entered a race I didn’t finish.

    It as the 2 mile, which meant 8 laps around the track.
    Exhausted after 6 laps, I skirted off the track and ran into the storage garage, where I flopped onto the high jump pad. Gasping for breath, I eventually regained my composure, tried to dream up some lame excuse, and unsuccessfully evaded the coach’s wrath. This was not my finest hour.

    Quitting makes us embarrassed, ashamed, and sad.
    I was disappointed in myself and literally felt worth less.

    Years later when I went on to actually finish races, I won a few and did well in others. 

    Persistence, though harder than quitting, leads to accomplishment and builds a sense of self-worth.
    Not wonder I felt proud, satisfied, and like I had been true to myself and my calling.

    This Sunday we will hear Jesus tell an iconic story of perseverance - about a man who won’t quit knocking until his request is fulfilled. Jesus commends this, and we think we know why - because we feel happier and more fulfilled when we take the harder, but more rewarding road of perseverance.

    What are we currently facing that’s demanding persistence?
    What project or relationship?

    Let us remember that our perseverance will make us proud - for our hardest times often lead to our greatest moments - so let us not avoid failing as much as quitting.

    • SAY HELLO TO ME

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

    EMAIL

    chris@stdavidssf.org

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    +011 248-557-5430

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