Doris Baker Kersten

At first I drew a blank when considering what URL links would attest to my fame and accomplishments.  But now I realize I can share with you a project that has been meaningful for me.  If you take a look at www.Opus30.net/bb and click on "Religion and Spirituality," you'll find that I have been posting the Revised Common Lectionary Sunday readings with brief comments each week, hoping to stimulate some sharing of reflection among readers.  Although the site gets a good number of hits, responses have been sorely lacking recently, leaving me feeling that I may be the one who receives the most benefit from this project.  If any of you would be inclined to join in reading the weekly texts and sharing your thoughts, that would be terrific!  (You'll see I have missed posting for several weeks in July after my computer died on me.  I'm sending this from an office computer.)

If you peruse the Opus30.net website, you'll find another project I'm involved in:  efforts to seek exoneration for Shane Watson, an inmate at Green Haven Correctional Facility in New York State.  We are working to raise funds for legal expenses while also reaching out to Shane and his family.  In addition, I've  taken on the job of coordinating fund raising and other support for a family from our church who are mission workers at the Woodstock School in Mussoorie, India.  You'll find an article about these efforts on our Presbytery's website at

http://www.hudrivpres.org/00.Hudson%20Happenings/2007.01.16%20Newsletter.pdf , page 18. 

There's one more URL you can click to find a photo of me at a meeting of our American Guild of Organists, Westchester Chapter:  http://mysite.verizon.net/vbender/agowestchester/recentmeetingsapril2007.htm . We have monthly meetings with an assortment of interesting musicians, fine music, useful networking, and good parties.

This should give you some idea that I've followed numerous sidetracks off the path to distinguished achievement.  I think I've found a workable balance between some ongoing challenges and healthy doses of music, church, hospital chaplaincy work, family and friends.  I heard it said recently that we're not retired, just rewired.  It works for me!  So far, so good. . .

r.kersten@att.net