An invitation to Pause, Encounter, and Grow together.
1949 – 2023
I MET STEVE AND HIS WIFE, KATHY, in 2016 at the opening retreat of Living From the Heart. Steve immediately greeted me and said, “You’re pretty.” That’s so Steve–effusive in praise. He had a good sense of humor, if a bit corny. I could count on seeing Kathy roll her eyes. But all in good humor.
I recall he actively participated in the group discussions. His sharing was candid, honest, transparent and raw. He pulled off any “public persona masks” when in group conversations. In turn, he gave me courage to share more openly. He also gave good hugs.
Steve and Kathy remained active with Selah Center after Living From the Heart. I would meet them at workshops and retreats. Steve became a Selah Companion in 2018. Later, he said he felt unworthy of the beautiful chalice presented to him.
Steve passed last week at the age of 74. Too young, perhaps, but he lived life large and well. I’ll miss you, Steve, but know you’re up to mischief in heaven.
Debora Buerk
“Steve McPhail was a Selah Companion since 2018. He brought joy to those who crossed his path. And what is most clear is how much he loved God, praying for those around him to find the same freedom and love he experienced.”
– Mary Pandiani, Executive Director of Selah Center
“Steve…you were LIFE lived large and had a heart bigger than most moments. Now you dwell in perpetual Light with the One who called you into being. Rest and rejoice! Thanks for being among us, capturing our hearts with a story or two, and taking the risk to love often and deeply…just because. You certainly brightened our ways. To Kathy and your family and friends, may Comfort and Peace be regular companions.”
– John Kiemele, Director Emeritus of Selah Center
“Such a hard loss. I’m grateful for having gotten to be with Steve in Kairos breakout rooms and be touched by his beautiful spirit.”
– Lorina Meade
“We’ve had many fun times with Steve at our home. I’m glad to hear he has passed peacefully.”
– Jim Moats
“I remember him. What a fine fellow. Thank you for inviting us into the community that embraces Steve and Kathy with joyous memory and love.”
– Evelyn Gerardo Challis
“I always smiled when I greeted Steve at a gathering, because I knew he would always contribute something almost painfully authentic to awaken my own heart responses to our conversations. Thank you, Steve, for your vitality and joyful enthusiasm. And Kathy, I pray around you my own saving grace in loss, that you may “walk and not be faint” in this journey Isaiah knew so well.”
– Sandy Anderson
Plus, many more. We invite you to add your tribute to Steve for his family in the comments box below on this page.
We dedicate the Here & Now blog’s Lent & Easter series to Steve’s memory.
— Debora Buerk, Editor
Kate Bowler
from
The Lives We Actually Live
This world.
Impossible.
Unthinkable.
We are brought to our knees.
* * *
God, today, there is no true north.
And when I last checked,
The sun did not rise at all.
Today, the innocent still suffer,
Buildings still fall,
Families still grieve.
A world has ended without
Any reasonable fanfare.
* * *
This is the way of tragedy,
How it breaks in and robs us while we sleep.
* * *
Help us to know what to fee,
What to do,
How to grieve – together.
* * *
Blessed are we
Who try to see things clearly,
Though the truth of it all feels
unimaginable.
* * *
Blessed are we
Who ask and wait, and ask again,
For answers that may not come,
For hope that seems hards to find,
For comfort that is no easily offered.
* * *
Along the way
Show us how to live
When we’ve lost the things
We cannot get back.
* * *
Remind us that you, oh God,
Are our home and our refuge.
When life’s unthinkable fragility
Is too difficult to hold,
Take my hands.
* * *
(Source: Kate Bowler, p. 74-75 The Lives We Actually Live)
A six-week small group study of Sacred Rhythms, introducing prayer practices used for centuries by Christians who desire a deeper closeness with God. The study includes videos by author Ruth Haley Barton, a home-study guide and group discussion of the lessons.
JUNE 1: A quiet day of Prayer and Contemplation for the season's transition. Gather on Zoom for instructions and reflection.
An online contemplative gathering that meets for 1 hour every Friday at 10am. It is free for anyone anytime. Register to receive the link.
A six-week small group study of Sacred Rhythms, introducing prayer practices used for centuries by Christians who desire a deeper closeness with God. The study includes videos by author Ruth Haley Barton, a home-study guide and group discussion of the lessons.
An online contemplative gathering that meets for 1 hour every Friday at 10am. It is free for anyone anytime. Register to receive the link.
Gathering Hubs facilitate in-person contemplative community, intended to cultivate a space to reawaken our deeper presence with God and each other. Held in Gig Harbor, WA and Edmonds, WA.
JUNE & JULY 2023: Get your words flowing by writing, in community, through Zoom on alternating Tuesday evenings (every two weeks) from 6-7 pm.
A six-week small group study of Sacred Rhythms, introducing prayer practices used for centuries by Christians who desire a deeper closeness with God. The study includes videos by author Ruth Haley Barton, a home-study guide and group discussion of the lessons.
An online contemplative gathering that meets for 1 hour every Friday at 10am. It is free for anyone anytime. Register to receive the link.
A three-session course providing content, resources and practices for facilitators of contemplative groups.
An online contemplative gathering that meets for 1 hour every Friday at 10am. It is free for anyone anytime. Register to receive the link.
JUNE & JULY 2023: Get your words flowing by writing, in community, through Zoom on alternating Tuesday evenings (every two weeks) from 6-7 pm.
A three-session course providing content, resources and practices for facilitators of contemplative groups.
A three-session course providing content, resources and practices for facilitators of contemplative groups.
An online contemplative gathering that meets for 1 hour every Friday at 10am. It is free for anyone anytime. Register to receive the link.
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