Dear Friends in Christ -
Today's the day . . . Have you ever noticed that as you prepare to make your New Year's resolution - to exercise more, to lose 10 pounds, to spend more time with the kids and/or the dog, to get sober, etc. - that in taking on something new, what you're actually doing is leaving something behind? One reason New Year's resolutions are so hard to keep is that in our rush to get on with the new thing, we don't allow ourselves to name and to grieve the thing we're leaving behind.
If your goal is to exercise more, you're going to be leaving behind time that you used to spend doing something else. What is that thing you're going to give up so that you can exercise? Will you miss it?
If your goal is to lose 10 pounds, you're going to have to quit eating some things that you used to eat - and probably enjoyed. You're also going to have to give up the sense of comfort eating those things gave you. How do you feel about that?
If you're going to spend more time with the kids and/or the dog, what are you giving up at work? Or of your own hobby or time with friends? Have you let other people know about the change you're making so they don't feel gyped or ditched? Or are you going to take the low (and likely unsuccessful) road of trying to get the change past people without they're noticing?
If your goal is to get sober, are you prepared to leave behind hiding? What will it be like to leave behind your safe, comfortable (though deadly) place and face the pain and/or disappointment you've been dodging by numbing yourself?
I invite you to join me on the last day of this year. Let's tell the truth - at least to ourselves, perhaps to someone else - about what's been dogging us, about the things we want to change. Let's name the things(s) we have to leave behind, so that tomorrow, when we try to start something new, there will be an open space for it to fit in.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Two great stories at the close of the year
1 Kings 17:17-24; John 4:46-54
Dear Friends in Christ -
As we draw close to the end of tumultuous 2009, our daily office readings give us two stories that grip the reader and pose some serious questions for looking back and looking ahead.
The first story is a story of the widow of Zarephath. The widow's son is dying and so she cries out to the prophet Elijah (who is staying with her), "What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to cause the death of my son!" The interesting thing about her accusative tirade is that this widow has already been the recipient of a profound miracle. When Elijah first came upon her, she was near starvation; she was preparing to have one last meal with her son and then, seeing no other prospects, she was resigned that she would die. Miraculously, her oil and flour jars were not only filled, but from that point on were always full. In spite of her unreasonably untrusting outburst, Elijah heals her son, but not without having his own tirade at God.
The second story in today's lessons is the story of Jesus doing a second miracle in the place where he had done his first miracle, at Cana, where he had changed the water into wine. Now a royal official has asked Jesus to heal his son. You can just hear the heavy sigh issuing from Jesus as he says to the official and those gathered around, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." Jesus then tells the official to go home; his son has been made well. And the official returns home to find that his son was healed at the exact hour Jesus spoke the words.
Looking back, the big question that both of these stories call out sternly, with finger pointed, to the reader is: "Have you taken notice of the miracles you've already seen, and have they made a single lick of difference in your life?"
Looking ahead, the big question that the stories pose is this: "Will the miracles you've already seen cause you to turn to Jesus next time you're in 'need, sorrow, or any kind of trouble'? Will you trust him, like the widow and official, with those things/people most precious to you?"
Faithfully,
Janet+
Dear Friends in Christ -
As we draw close to the end of tumultuous 2009, our daily office readings give us two stories that grip the reader and pose some serious questions for looking back and looking ahead.
The first story is a story of the widow of Zarephath. The widow's son is dying and so she cries out to the prophet Elijah (who is staying with her), "What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to cause the death of my son!" The interesting thing about her accusative tirade is that this widow has already been the recipient of a profound miracle. When Elijah first came upon her, she was near starvation; she was preparing to have one last meal with her son and then, seeing no other prospects, she was resigned that she would die. Miraculously, her oil and flour jars were not only filled, but from that point on were always full. In spite of her unreasonably untrusting outburst, Elijah heals her son, but not without having his own tirade at God.
The second story in today's lessons is the story of Jesus doing a second miracle in the place where he had done his first miracle, at Cana, where he had changed the water into wine. Now a royal official has asked Jesus to heal his son. You can just hear the heavy sigh issuing from Jesus as he says to the official and those gathered around, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." Jesus then tells the official to go home; his son has been made well. And the official returns home to find that his son was healed at the exact hour Jesus spoke the words.
Looking back, the big question that both of these stories call out sternly, with finger pointed, to the reader is: "Have you taken notice of the miracles you've already seen, and have they made a single lick of difference in your life?"
Looking ahead, the big question that the stories pose is this: "Will the miracles you've already seen cause you to turn to Jesus next time you're in 'need, sorrow, or any kind of trouble'? Will you trust him, like the widow and official, with those things/people most precious to you?"
Faithfully,
Janet+
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Twelve Days of Christmas: the Fifth Day
Dear Friends in Christ -
Today is the 5th day of Christmas. We are given a season of Christmas instead of a day so that we can have some small chance, during this time, of understanding what incarnation actually is. The idea is so strange to us: GREAT BIG GOD stripping himself of all his powers and stuffing himself into a human suit. It just makes me have to ask why He would do such a thing. God was both very smart and very familiar with the nature of the other humans Jesus was be surrounded by. Surely God must have at least sensed the potential for disaster. So the only reasonable conclusion is that God must have a really good reason for this unorthodox, seemingly unwise move on the cosmic chessboard. We're given the gift of time in this holy season to ponder it, to turn it over and over in our minds like a Rubic's cube, to see if we can make heads or tales of it. (spelling "mistake" intentional)
In this holy season, please take some time to join Blessed Mary in pondering these things in your heart.
Faithfully pondering with you,
Janet+
Today is the 5th day of Christmas. We are given a season of Christmas instead of a day so that we can have some small chance, during this time, of understanding what incarnation actually is. The idea is so strange to us: GREAT BIG GOD stripping himself of all his powers and stuffing himself into a human suit. It just makes me have to ask why He would do such a thing. God was both very smart and very familiar with the nature of the other humans Jesus was be surrounded by. Surely God must have at least sensed the potential for disaster. So the only reasonable conclusion is that God must have a really good reason for this unorthodox, seemingly unwise move on the cosmic chessboard. We're given the gift of time in this holy season to ponder it, to turn it over and over in our minds like a Rubic's cube, to see if we can make heads or tales of it. (spelling "mistake" intentional)
In this holy season, please take some time to join Blessed Mary in pondering these things in your heart.
Faithfully pondering with you,
Janet+
Monday, December 28, 2009
Another reflection on incarnation . . .
. . . this time by Robert MacColl Adams, instead of me. A view from 10,000 feet to balance my from-the-ground view I shared yesterday . . .
"So here we are again, a few billion miles farther along our mysterious path among the immensities. What a comfort it is to know the Man in charge of it all. Without Him, it would be easy to think that the whole of time and space, and life itself, are without reason, purpose or meaning - as H.G. Wells said, that it is 'a bad joke beyond our understanding, a flare of vulgarity, an empty laugh braying across the mysteries.' With Jesus forever between God and us, we can understand a few things, and trust Him for the rest. After all, He is one of us: a baby once, as we all were; then, and forever after, a Man, as we all shall always be."
Faithfully,
Janet+
"So here we are again, a few billion miles farther along our mysterious path among the immensities. What a comfort it is to know the Man in charge of it all. Without Him, it would be easy to think that the whole of time and space, and life itself, are without reason, purpose or meaning - as H.G. Wells said, that it is 'a bad joke beyond our understanding, a flare of vulgarity, an empty laugh braying across the mysteries.' With Jesus forever between God and us, we can understand a few things, and trust Him for the rest. After all, He is one of us: a baby once, as we all were; then, and forever after, a Man, as we all shall always be."
Faithfully,
Janet+
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Incarnation
Dear Friends in Christ -
I’ve been thinking a lot about how hard it is to be human. Yesterday, I visited one of our parishioners in the psychiatric ward of a hospital. Let me tell you, there is not a bleaker place on this planet. Colorless, dimly lit, smelling like disinfectant, "safe." Nothing in sight that one could use to hurt oneself. But also no sign whatsoever of anything that felt warm or comforting.
Until I saw a couple of the nurses walk by. One nurse was wearing bright pink scrubs, a ponytail and a Christmas button that flashed red and green. The other nurse was dressed in bright blue scrubs and had on a black hijab (head covering for Muslim women). Their presences brought a sudden little bit warmth to the place.
Then I saw the person I came to see. When we first greeted, I could feel the flame of my spirit flickering so dim, pulled down by the post-Christmas-Day doldrums and the bleakness of the place. But as I talked and prayed with the person I came to see, the flame with in me and, I sensed, within my conversation partner as well, started to burn a little brighter and steadier. This was due to no special magic, no secret wisdom, just a sense of Presence and of connection with people who care beyond the beige walls.
I had a sense that this holy visit ushered in incarnation in its own way. I'm not sure I understand how, but understanding may be less the point than just showing up.
May God send you a visitor when you most need it, and may you be a visitor when someone else most needs it. In this way, may incarnation continue to manifest in our midst.
Faithfully,
Janet+
I’ve been thinking a lot about how hard it is to be human. Yesterday, I visited one of our parishioners in the psychiatric ward of a hospital. Let me tell you, there is not a bleaker place on this planet. Colorless, dimly lit, smelling like disinfectant, "safe." Nothing in sight that one could use to hurt oneself. But also no sign whatsoever of anything that felt warm or comforting.
Until I saw a couple of the nurses walk by. One nurse was wearing bright pink scrubs, a ponytail and a Christmas button that flashed red and green. The other nurse was dressed in bright blue scrubs and had on a black hijab (head covering for Muslim women). Their presences brought a sudden little bit warmth to the place.
Then I saw the person I came to see. When we first greeted, I could feel the flame of my spirit flickering so dim, pulled down by the post-Christmas-Day doldrums and the bleakness of the place. But as I talked and prayed with the person I came to see, the flame with in me and, I sensed, within my conversation partner as well, started to burn a little brighter and steadier. This was due to no special magic, no secret wisdom, just a sense of Presence and of connection with people who care beyond the beige walls.
I had a sense that this holy visit ushered in incarnation in its own way. I'm not sure I understand how, but understanding may be less the point than just showing up.
May God send you a visitor when you most need it, and may you be a visitor when someone else most needs it. In this way, may incarnation continue to manifest in our midst.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Saturday, December 26, 2009
It's the day after Christmas . . .
. . . and all through the house,
toys and trinkets are scattered;
there's no room on the couch.
The stockings are empty
and sag on the floor;
piles of trash are stacked
by the back door.
The parents are tired,
and the kids winding down
but still are quite restless
to get out on the town.
"One more trip to the store,
or to see a movie please."
Even all the stuff they got
doesn't fully apease.
Happy? Oh, yes, but still
hearts long for more . . .
of what? More connection
with the One we adore.
As our hearts turn again
to work, school and play,
may we all remember
the meaning of Christmas Day,
when God came among us
mighty, though small,
just for the purpose
of saving us all.
Continued blessings to you on this second day of Christmas,
Janet+
toys and trinkets are scattered;
there's no room on the couch.
The stockings are empty
and sag on the floor;
piles of trash are stacked
by the back door.
The parents are tired,
and the kids winding down
but still are quite restless
to get out on the town.
"One more trip to the store,
or to see a movie please."
Even all the stuff they got
doesn't fully apease.
Happy? Oh, yes, but still
hearts long for more . . .
of what? More connection
with the One we adore.
As our hearts turn again
to work, school and play,
may we all remember
the meaning of Christmas Day,
when God came among us
mighty, though small,
just for the purpose
of saving us all.
Continued blessings to you on this second day of Christmas,
Janet+
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
Dear Friends in Christ -
As I type this to you, the evening bells are ringing out from the old church. In winter, the sound of the bells is especially bright and resonant in the crisp dry air.
I'm tired. Not because of the church services. Not because of the storm of ebulent energy emanating from my children. I'm tired because this was a day in which the joys and sorrows pressed so closely together. The tremendous happiness of being with my wonderful husband and children in giving and receiving presents - and goodness in general. The delight of connecting on the phone with my brother who just got engaged. The sadness of not having my grandmother's peanut brittle to gnaw on; she passed away this year. The frustration of running into painful old patterns in relationships and being without what I need - the skills? the energy? - to try to forge a new path.
Even in the midst of it all - ESPECIALLY in the midst of it all, the church bells ring out the glad tidings. "Unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given." Emmanuel is with me - with us - in the midst of it all, the glue that not only holds me and my world together, but also holds HOPE.
This morning, the sermon I preached reflected on this little poem . . .
I saw a stable, low and very bare,
A little child in a manger.
The oxen knew Him, had Him in their care,
To men He was a stranger,
The safety of the world was lying there,
And the world’s danger.
... Mary Elizabeth Coleridge (1861-1907)
In this season of Christmas - today is the first day of twelve days of celebration! - I'm going to listen for more on this mystery: that our Savior - who is both radical safety and radical danger - has come, with the promise to make all things new, including me!
May you hear in your heart the pealing of the bells of Christmas, the bells that ring out Emmanuel has come, God is with us!
Merry Christmas!!
Blessings,
Janet+
As I type this to you, the evening bells are ringing out from the old church. In winter, the sound of the bells is especially bright and resonant in the crisp dry air.
I'm tired. Not because of the church services. Not because of the storm of ebulent energy emanating from my children. I'm tired because this was a day in which the joys and sorrows pressed so closely together. The tremendous happiness of being with my wonderful husband and children in giving and receiving presents - and goodness in general. The delight of connecting on the phone with my brother who just got engaged. The sadness of not having my grandmother's peanut brittle to gnaw on; she passed away this year. The frustration of running into painful old patterns in relationships and being without what I need - the skills? the energy? - to try to forge a new path.
Even in the midst of it all - ESPECIALLY in the midst of it all, the church bells ring out the glad tidings. "Unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given." Emmanuel is with me - with us - in the midst of it all, the glue that not only holds me and my world together, but also holds HOPE.
This morning, the sermon I preached reflected on this little poem . . .
I saw a stable, low and very bare,
A little child in a manger.
The oxen knew Him, had Him in their care,
To men He was a stranger,
The safety of the world was lying there,
And the world’s danger.
... Mary Elizabeth Coleridge (1861-1907)
In this season of Christmas - today is the first day of twelve days of celebration! - I'm going to listen for more on this mystery: that our Savior - who is both radical safety and radical danger - has come, with the promise to make all things new, including me!
May you hear in your heart the pealing of the bells of Christmas, the bells that ring out Emmanuel has come, God is with us!
Merry Christmas!!
Blessings,
Janet+
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve . . . the waiting ends . . .
. . . and the unexpected breaks in to startle us again with old news about newness . . .
"This is the irrational season
Where love blooms bright and wild.
Had Mary been filled with reason
There's have been no room for the child."
-- Madeleine L'Engle
May God's newness break into your heart afresh this holy night, through some completely mundane encounter or experience, some earthy happening that makes the incarnation yet more real to you.
Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Janet+
"This is the irrational season
Where love blooms bright and wild.
Had Mary been filled with reason
There's have been no room for the child."
-- Madeleine L'Engle
May God's newness break into your heart afresh this holy night, through some completely mundane encounter or experience, some earthy happening that makes the incarnation yet more real to you.
Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Janet+
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
An Assault on Bleakness
Dear Friends in Christ -
Sorry I've been lagging so badly in the blogging department these past couple of weeks. Busyness is my excuse, but it's no excuse really. Reaching out to you is my number one priority. I've just been doing my reaching out one-on-one these past couple of weeks, connecting with people who are really in need.
I have been collecting things to share with you . . . and now I have a backlog in my brain - and on my desk. I have to get to the church in a few minutes to finish up the bulletins for the Christmas services, but I wanted to pass along to you an email from a colleague of mine . . . it delighted my heart!
Faithfully yours (even when unfaithful in daily blogging!),
Janet+
From the Rev. David Anderson, rector of St. Luke's, Darien:
Dear Friends,
This week I'm sharing one of my favorite video clips. Maybe you've seen it before---something unexpected happens in Central Station, Antwerp. If you're like me, this is a good season to watch again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k
What I love about that movie-ette is the drab, Dutch commuter scene, like any major urban center. People don't talk to strangers. They don't even make eye contact. Then suddenly singing and dancing erupts in a place where only drabness is appropriate, only bleakness is allowed. And the shell of isolation is broken. People with somber faces light up, they clap and smile, they dance and cheer.
About Christmas, the legendary interior designer, Mark Hampton, said:
Without being crude and insensitive to the deeper spiritual aspects of the holiday, one can still be aware of the fact that people everywhere, regardless of religious beliefs, eagerly seize the opportunity to celebrate a holiday that glorifies generosity and hospitality. Christmas is, in fact, an assault on bleakness-spiritual, emotional, and seasonal.
That's what happened in Central Station, Antwerp. Advent says: If you will only look and listen, it is happening always, everywhere.
Advent blessings,
David
Sorry I've been lagging so badly in the blogging department these past couple of weeks. Busyness is my excuse, but it's no excuse really. Reaching out to you is my number one priority. I've just been doing my reaching out one-on-one these past couple of weeks, connecting with people who are really in need.
I have been collecting things to share with you . . . and now I have a backlog in my brain - and on my desk. I have to get to the church in a few minutes to finish up the bulletins for the Christmas services, but I wanted to pass along to you an email from a colleague of mine . . . it delighted my heart!
Faithfully yours (even when unfaithful in daily blogging!),
Janet+
From the Rev. David Anderson, rector of St. Luke's, Darien:
Dear Friends,
This week I'm sharing one of my favorite video clips. Maybe you've seen it before---something unexpected happens in Central Station, Antwerp. If you're like me, this is a good season to watch again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k
What I love about that movie-ette is the drab, Dutch commuter scene, like any major urban center. People don't talk to strangers. They don't even make eye contact. Then suddenly singing and dancing erupts in a place where only drabness is appropriate, only bleakness is allowed. And the shell of isolation is broken. People with somber faces light up, they clap and smile, they dance and cheer.
About Christmas, the legendary interior designer, Mark Hampton, said:
Without being crude and insensitive to the deeper spiritual aspects of the holiday, one can still be aware of the fact that people everywhere, regardless of religious beliefs, eagerly seize the opportunity to celebrate a holiday that glorifies generosity and hospitality. Christmas is, in fact, an assault on bleakness-spiritual, emotional, and seasonal.
That's what happened in Central Station, Antwerp. Advent says: If you will only look and listen, it is happening always, everywhere.
Advent blessings,
David
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Caroling CANCELLED
Dear Friends in Christ -
Just a note to confirm that the Christmas Caroling scheduled for this evening (Sunday, 12/20) is CANCELLED. Though many roads are plowed, it's hard to get out and about, and it will freeze again soon.
Stay safe and warm on this beautiful day!
Faithfully,
Janet+
Just a note to confirm that the Christmas Caroling scheduled for this evening (Sunday, 12/20) is CANCELLED. Though many roads are plowed, it's hard to get out and about, and it will freeze again soon.
Stay safe and warm on this beautiful day!
Faithfully,
Janet+
10:00 a.m. Worship Service is ON
Dear Friends in Christ -
The pageant and worship service at 10:00 a.m. is ON!
If you can shovel or snow-blow yourself out, please come.
The snow-shovel dudes that work for Brad Wells have shovelled us out, so st. Paul's is open for business. Wear your jeans and come as you are. We'll put the coffee on!
Blessings,
Janet+
The pageant and worship service at 10:00 a.m. is ON!
If you can shovel or snow-blow yourself out, please come.
The snow-shovel dudes that work for Brad Wells have shovelled us out, so st. Paul's is open for business. Wear your jeans and come as you are. We'll put the coffee on!
Blessings,
Janet+
8:00 a.m. Worship Service CANCELLED
Dear Friends in Christ -
Though the parking lot has been plowed, the roads are in terrible condition. Our 8:00 a.m. service is, therefore, CANCELLED.
I'll keep you posted about the 10:00 a.m. service! I'm still hoping to have it, but we'll see . . .
Sleep in a little and then get out that snow blower!
Blessings,
Janet+
Though the parking lot has been plowed, the roads are in terrible condition. Our 8:00 a.m. service is, therefore, CANCELLED.
I'll keep you posted about the 10:00 a.m. service! I'm still hoping to have it, but we'll see . . .
Sleep in a little and then get out that snow blower!
Blessings,
Janet+
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Why I'm REALLY looking forward to the Christmas Pageant
Dear Friends in Christ –
As I type this, I’m keeping one eye on the grey sky out my kitchen window. The sky has lightened over these past hours from a dark soot-grey to a lighter feather-grey, a sign that snow will likely start to fall soon. Weather reports predict that a bunch of snow will fall this evening.
I hope it doesn’t snow so much that we have to cancel the Christmas pageant. I’m looking forward to the pageant more than ever this year because of two disappointing events this week at my kids’ schools.
On Wednesday, my husband and kids attended Candlelight Night at my daughter’s school. One of the parents had told me that it would be an ethnic potluck (each family’s encouraged to bring a dish related to their heritage) and time to tell stories about family traditions around the holidays. The woman led me to believe that the kids usually focused on things they did related to their various religious traditions. But my husband came home frustrated, saying that somehow this year’s conversation focused on the favorite presents the kids received and never moved on to anything deeper.
On Friday, I went to participate in the sing-a-long at my son’s preschool. Since the preschool is at a church, I expected there to be a range of songs, at least a few of which would be Christmas carols. No luck with the carols. Songs about reindeer and bells that jingle, songs about Hanukkah dreidels and penguins, but nothing remotely relating to the real meaning of Christmas.
The truth is, Ed and I wouldn’t have been so disturbed about the choice of topics or songs for the events if the sense of community among the participants would have been warmer. But the truly sad thing at both events was that people didn’t make any effort to connect with people they didn’t already know. There was no sense of reaching out, much less seeing beneath the surface. At my son’s sing-a-long, parents were so busy taking pictures and the kids were so busy posing for their parents that there wasn’t much actual singing going on. The music teacher anticipated that problem and came armed with a solution: canned background music that included children’s voices.
So I’m REALLY looking forward to the Christmas pageant. Not only is the pageant about the actual reason the Christmas, the birth of Christ our Savior, but it’s something we do together as a community. Pageant practice today was happy chaos, with kids in sheep costumes poking each other and missing their cues. But the angels helped each other put their wings on, and I saw a girl give “thumbs up” to her sister when she did a good job. The kids’ carol-singing may not be ready for Broadway, but they sing with gusto, and pretty much on key. Snow or no snow, they’re ready.
Christmas is about figuring out how to live into the goodness that Christ brings. I’m glad to be a part of a community where we give our time and talents to share about what we believe, where we really celebrate the Reason for the Season.
Faithfully with you,
Janet+
As I type this, I’m keeping one eye on the grey sky out my kitchen window. The sky has lightened over these past hours from a dark soot-grey to a lighter feather-grey, a sign that snow will likely start to fall soon. Weather reports predict that a bunch of snow will fall this evening.
I hope it doesn’t snow so much that we have to cancel the Christmas pageant. I’m looking forward to the pageant more than ever this year because of two disappointing events this week at my kids’ schools.
On Wednesday, my husband and kids attended Candlelight Night at my daughter’s school. One of the parents had told me that it would be an ethnic potluck (each family’s encouraged to bring a dish related to their heritage) and time to tell stories about family traditions around the holidays. The woman led me to believe that the kids usually focused on things they did related to their various religious traditions. But my husband came home frustrated, saying that somehow this year’s conversation focused on the favorite presents the kids received and never moved on to anything deeper.
On Friday, I went to participate in the sing-a-long at my son’s preschool. Since the preschool is at a church, I expected there to be a range of songs, at least a few of which would be Christmas carols. No luck with the carols. Songs about reindeer and bells that jingle, songs about Hanukkah dreidels and penguins, but nothing remotely relating to the real meaning of Christmas.
The truth is, Ed and I wouldn’t have been so disturbed about the choice of topics or songs for the events if the sense of community among the participants would have been warmer. But the truly sad thing at both events was that people didn’t make any effort to connect with people they didn’t already know. There was no sense of reaching out, much less seeing beneath the surface. At my son’s sing-a-long, parents were so busy taking pictures and the kids were so busy posing for their parents that there wasn’t much actual singing going on. The music teacher anticipated that problem and came armed with a solution: canned background music that included children’s voices.
So I’m REALLY looking forward to the Christmas pageant. Not only is the pageant about the actual reason the Christmas, the birth of Christ our Savior, but it’s something we do together as a community. Pageant practice today was happy chaos, with kids in sheep costumes poking each other and missing their cues. But the angels helped each other put their wings on, and I saw a girl give “thumbs up” to her sister when she did a good job. The kids’ carol-singing may not be ready for Broadway, but they sing with gusto, and pretty much on key. Snow or no snow, they’re ready.
Christmas is about figuring out how to live into the goodness that Christ brings. I’m glad to be a part of a community where we give our time and talents to share about what we believe, where we really celebrate the Reason for the Season.
Faithfully with you,
Janet+
Inclement Weather
Dear Friends in Christ –
First of all, I have to GIVE THANKS TO GOD that the snow held off this week so that the roofers could do their work. Let us rejoice that the entire chapel/parish hall/office complex was roofed without incident or injury, and without losing a moment to bad weather. Thanks be to God that the sun shone all week and for the generosity and wisdom that allowed us to care for our wonderful parish buildings.
Snow is now on it’s way, however. And what else can we expect?! Winter is nearly here! Last year, we watched the snow fall all around as the angels and shepherds made their way in to the sanctuary to tell the story of Christ’s birth. Looks like the ambiance will be much the same this year!
In case of inclement weather, our plan is to keep the parking lot plowed and have church anyway UNLESS the roads are simply too treacherous for safe passage. Because of the huge amount of organization it takes to pull together the pageant, the pageant will not be rescheduled if church needs to be cancelled this Sunday (12/20).
Here’s our policy for inclement weather notifications, this weekend and throughout the winter.
1. Decisions about whether or not to cancel worship services and other activities will be made AT LEAST TWO HOURS in advance of the service/event.
2. CANCELLATIONS will be posted on the blog (www.25church.blogspot.com).. An announcement of cancellations will also be put on the parish office voicemail (203-929-1722). I will also attempt to send an ENEWS notification via email; but this is new to me, so please don’t rely solely on this source for information just yet.
3. If there is no notice on the blog or voicemail, you may safely assume that services and events are ON as scheduled. (Please note, however, that electronics do occasionally fail us. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.
May God keep us all snug and safe during these cold winter days.
Faithfully,
Janet+
First of all, I have to GIVE THANKS TO GOD that the snow held off this week so that the roofers could do their work. Let us rejoice that the entire chapel/parish hall/office complex was roofed without incident or injury, and without losing a moment to bad weather. Thanks be to God that the sun shone all week and for the generosity and wisdom that allowed us to care for our wonderful parish buildings.
Snow is now on it’s way, however. And what else can we expect?! Winter is nearly here! Last year, we watched the snow fall all around as the angels and shepherds made their way in to the sanctuary to tell the story of Christ’s birth. Looks like the ambiance will be much the same this year!
In case of inclement weather, our plan is to keep the parking lot plowed and have church anyway UNLESS the roads are simply too treacherous for safe passage. Because of the huge amount of organization it takes to pull together the pageant, the pageant will not be rescheduled if church needs to be cancelled this Sunday (12/20).
Here’s our policy for inclement weather notifications, this weekend and throughout the winter.
1. Decisions about whether or not to cancel worship services and other activities will be made AT LEAST TWO HOURS in advance of the service/event.
2. CANCELLATIONS will be posted on the blog (www.25church.blogspot.com).. An announcement of cancellations will also be put on the parish office voicemail (203-929-1722). I will also attempt to send an ENEWS notification via email; but this is new to me, so please don’t rely solely on this source for information just yet.
3. If there is no notice on the blog or voicemail, you may safely assume that services and events are ON as scheduled. (Please note, however, that electronics do occasionally fail us. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.
May God keep us all snug and safe during these cold winter days.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Friday, December 18, 2009
Living and writing
Dear Friends in Christ -
Now that I'm in the habit of writing to you every day, I feel "overstuffed" with things to say when it's been a few days since I've had a chance to sit down and write. My writing mentors say that in order to really be a serious, good writer, you have to write every day. Well, the truth is, as a mother and a priest, sometimes those roles have to take precedence.
One of the things that writing well and often presses me to do is to really be present in the moments of my life when I'm not writing. In order to be able to share thoughts and stories with you in a way that catches your imagination, I have to be able to not only tell you, for example, that I went to the post office this morning. But I also have to have paid enough attention that I can convey to you in living color what happened while I was there: the agony expressed on people's faces when the man in front of us needs to send something to a foreign country and hasn't filled out the paperwork, the gentle selflessness of the woman who opens the door for each newcomer who comes inside on a wave icy air. Today, the comraderie I found in the small community of people in the post office, feeling the joys and pains of the season together, was enough to give me a little lift (the caffeine in the coffee I brought along helped, too, make no mistake!).
I have stories from this past week stored up inside me, and now that I've got gifts on the way to friends and family, I'll take time to share them, because hearing and sharing stories of day-in-day-out griefs and glories helps me to understand how it is that the incarnation is still happening, right here, right now, where I/we need it most.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Now that I'm in the habit of writing to you every day, I feel "overstuffed" with things to say when it's been a few days since I've had a chance to sit down and write. My writing mentors say that in order to really be a serious, good writer, you have to write every day. Well, the truth is, as a mother and a priest, sometimes those roles have to take precedence.
One of the things that writing well and often presses me to do is to really be present in the moments of my life when I'm not writing. In order to be able to share thoughts and stories with you in a way that catches your imagination, I have to be able to not only tell you, for example, that I went to the post office this morning. But I also have to have paid enough attention that I can convey to you in living color what happened while I was there: the agony expressed on people's faces when the man in front of us needs to send something to a foreign country and hasn't filled out the paperwork, the gentle selflessness of the woman who opens the door for each newcomer who comes inside on a wave icy air. Today, the comraderie I found in the small community of people in the post office, feeling the joys and pains of the season together, was enough to give me a little lift (the caffeine in the coffee I brought along helped, too, make no mistake!).
I have stories from this past week stored up inside me, and now that I've got gifts on the way to friends and family, I'll take time to share them, because hearing and sharing stories of day-in-day-out griefs and glories helps me to understand how it is that the incarnation is still happening, right here, right now, where I/we need it most.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Light one candle
Dear Friends in Christ -
This past Sunday, our Junior Choir sang about lighting candles . . . light one candle for peace, light one candle for hope, light one candle for joy, light one candle for love . . .
The lighting of candles - and doing so together - has taken on special meaning this week. On Sunday afternoon at a menorah lighting in Fairfield, masked men with swastika flags showed up to interrupt the Jewish services. The men fled before the police could arrive, so now justice must be served in another way. And, perhaps, for the better.
Without each and every one of us taking a stand for peace and justice, darkness will continue to have its place in our world. So please do what you can in these holy days to let the light of God's love, hope, peace and joy be the last word.
Yesterday, I signed a letter in the Connecticut Post condemning acts of hate and inviting all to come together in the name of peace and love, in the name of God. That's just one way to take a stand. Another opportunity - offered to all - is to participate in the menorah lighting at the Jewish Center for Community Services, 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, at 4:45 tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.
In these holy days, please do whatever you can to let the world know that hate and disrespect of any kind is NOT OK. As Christians here as St. Paul's, we take a stand for peace and hope and joy and love.
Faithfully,
Janet+
This past Sunday, our Junior Choir sang about lighting candles . . . light one candle for peace, light one candle for hope, light one candle for joy, light one candle for love . . .
The lighting of candles - and doing so together - has taken on special meaning this week. On Sunday afternoon at a menorah lighting in Fairfield, masked men with swastika flags showed up to interrupt the Jewish services. The men fled before the police could arrive, so now justice must be served in another way. And, perhaps, for the better.
Without each and every one of us taking a stand for peace and justice, darkness will continue to have its place in our world. So please do what you can in these holy days to let the light of God's love, hope, peace and joy be the last word.
Yesterday, I signed a letter in the Connecticut Post condemning acts of hate and inviting all to come together in the name of peace and love, in the name of God. That's just one way to take a stand. Another opportunity - offered to all - is to participate in the menorah lighting at the Jewish Center for Community Services, 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, at 4:45 tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.
In these holy days, please do whatever you can to let the world know that hate and disrespect of any kind is NOT OK. As Christians here as St. Paul's, we take a stand for peace and hope and joy and love.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Unemployment and hope
Dear Friends in Christ -
St. Paul's is a place where there are a lot of folks who work hard and don't complain a lot. But I strongly suspect that some of you are really struggling. Partially I suspect this because it seems that this part of Fairfield County is on the back side of the economic wave: it seems that things don't get really bad here until after they've been really bad in other places for a while. Even as things start to get better in other places, we're still seeing job losses here. I talked to two people last week who have been served notice that they will lose their jobs in the next few weeks.
Also, for many of you, you've been patching it together for a while - with extra jobs and using money from savings, but the stress is now starting to catch up with you. And on the heels of stress comes hopelessness.
If I needed external confirmation of all this, I found it on the front page of the NYTimes. The stresses and strains of unemployment and underemployment are catching up with folks across the country. In reading the article, I could hear the voices of those people - and I could see with the eyes of my heart your pursed lips and weary eyes. You understand because you're living it. And you would like someone to know, but you don't want to complain.
I understand. I really do. My husband has a job that ends in May. At this point, there's no other work in sight. Like you, I'm not complainin'; I'm just sayin' . . .
So, where do we find hope??? I don't know about you, but I need two kinds of hope - the hope the leans into and looks for big things - the celebration of Christmas, a new job for my husband in mid 2010 - AND the hope that just feeds me day to day, like a steady IV drip.
Today, I found a glimmer of hope in today's daily office readings: God's promise to be with me if I invite Him (Rev. 3:20), not just to drop by with a few rah-rah words of encouragement, but to STAY with me in my day to day life.
I need that - and I wanted to remind you of God's promise this morning, in case you need it, too.
Faithfully with you,
Janet+
St. Paul's is a place where there are a lot of folks who work hard and don't complain a lot. But I strongly suspect that some of you are really struggling. Partially I suspect this because it seems that this part of Fairfield County is on the back side of the economic wave: it seems that things don't get really bad here until after they've been really bad in other places for a while. Even as things start to get better in other places, we're still seeing job losses here. I talked to two people last week who have been served notice that they will lose their jobs in the next few weeks.
Also, for many of you, you've been patching it together for a while - with extra jobs and using money from savings, but the stress is now starting to catch up with you. And on the heels of stress comes hopelessness.
If I needed external confirmation of all this, I found it on the front page of the NYTimes. The stresses and strains of unemployment and underemployment are catching up with folks across the country. In reading the article, I could hear the voices of those people - and I could see with the eyes of my heart your pursed lips and weary eyes. You understand because you're living it. And you would like someone to know, but you don't want to complain.
I understand. I really do. My husband has a job that ends in May. At this point, there's no other work in sight. Like you, I'm not complainin'; I'm just sayin' . . .
So, where do we find hope??? I don't know about you, but I need two kinds of hope - the hope the leans into and looks for big things - the celebration of Christmas, a new job for my husband in mid 2010 - AND the hope that just feeds me day to day, like a steady IV drip.
Today, I found a glimmer of hope in today's daily office readings: God's promise to be with me if I invite Him (Rev. 3:20), not just to drop by with a few rah-rah words of encouragement, but to STAY with me in my day to day life.
I need that - and I wanted to remind you of God's promise this morning, in case you need it, too.
Faithfully with you,
Janet+
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Fire
Dear Friends in Christ -
This little thought from Edward Hays in "A Pilgrim's Almanac" inspired and challenged me today . . .
"Advent, like its cousin Lent, is a season for prayer and reformation of our hearts. Since it comes at winter time, fire is a fitting sign to help us celebrate Advent…If Christ is to come more fully into our lives this Christmas, if God is to become really incarnate for us, then fire will have to be present in our prayer. Our worship and devotion will have to stoke the kind of fire in our souls that can truly change our hearts. Ours is a great responsibility not to waste this Advent time."
May your heart so catch fire with the power of the Miracle that you won't even feel the weight of the responsibility of preparing well for His coming.
Blessings,
Janet+
This little thought from Edward Hays in "A Pilgrim's Almanac" inspired and challenged me today . . .
"Advent, like its cousin Lent, is a season for prayer and reformation of our hearts. Since it comes at winter time, fire is a fitting sign to help us celebrate Advent…If Christ is to come more fully into our lives this Christmas, if God is to become really incarnate for us, then fire will have to be present in our prayer. Our worship and devotion will have to stoke the kind of fire in our souls that can truly change our hearts. Ours is a great responsibility not to waste this Advent time."
May your heart so catch fire with the power of the Miracle that you won't even feel the weight of the responsibility of preparing well for His coming.
Blessings,
Janet+
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
About time . . .
Dear Friends in Christ -
This week, a friend of mine invited me to think of time as a gift. I was caught up short by this thought, because so often time seems to be "the enemy." I think of time as a place of scarcity in my life, and so I'm afraid of talking or even thinking about how much there is of it and how I make use of it.
My friend quoted from something he read: "Surely God means for time to be a sign of God's hope in us, God's confidence that we can change. With each new year [or new day!], God extends to us a fresh opportunity to become the people God intends us to be . . . As one year [and even one day] gives way to another, we are invited to give way - to seek forgiveness, or to offer it, and to turn toward the mountain of God where weapons of war are reshaped as tools of human flourishing and violent ways are unlearned." ("Kept awake by love" in The Christian Century 12/01/09).
During this sacred time of repentance and preparation for God's miracle breaking again into our lives, may we take the time given to us as a gift to do the most important things. And may God give us the grace to let the other things go.
Faithfully with you in this time,
Janet+
This week, a friend of mine invited me to think of time as a gift. I was caught up short by this thought, because so often time seems to be "the enemy." I think of time as a place of scarcity in my life, and so I'm afraid of talking or even thinking about how much there is of it and how I make use of it.
My friend quoted from something he read: "Surely God means for time to be a sign of God's hope in us, God's confidence that we can change. With each new year [or new day!], God extends to us a fresh opportunity to become the people God intends us to be . . . As one year [and even one day] gives way to another, we are invited to give way - to seek forgiveness, or to offer it, and to turn toward the mountain of God where weapons of war are reshaped as tools of human flourishing and violent ways are unlearned." ("Kept awake by love" in The Christian Century 12/01/09).
During this sacred time of repentance and preparation for God's miracle breaking again into our lives, may we take the time given to us as a gift to do the most important things. And may God give us the grace to let the other things go.
Faithfully with you in this time,
Janet+
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Frustration! - and a blessing
Dear Friends in Christ -
AAACCCKKK! I learning to make peace with the subtle workings of "mystery" in my life, but I'm NOT in the mood to make peace with technology that just doesn't work.
I've been posting, but somehow the posts don't always show up where they're supposed to when they're supposed to. I've pushed all the buttons and settings that I can find, but "automatic" settings seem to mean that things work when they have a mind to and not when they're told.
Of course, the reason I'm stomping and pouting in my office right now is that I put all this work into writing and then I'm afraid you'll miss what I've invested so much time and energy in writing. Why am I afraid? Because it matters to me to connect with you (and how can I even get credit for trying if this doesn't work?!). And it matters to me that you connect with God. I don't want you to miss out.
May you be blessed this day in knowing that this writer wishes you a special connection with God this day . . . somewhere, somehow, whether or not this frickin' thing works the way it's supposed to!
Faithfully,
Janet+
AAACCCKKK! I learning to make peace with the subtle workings of "mystery" in my life, but I'm NOT in the mood to make peace with technology that just doesn't work.
I've been posting, but somehow the posts don't always show up where they're supposed to when they're supposed to. I've pushed all the buttons and settings that I can find, but "automatic" settings seem to mean that things work when they have a mind to and not when they're told.
Of course, the reason I'm stomping and pouting in my office right now is that I put all this work into writing and then I'm afraid you'll miss what I've invested so much time and energy in writing. Why am I afraid? Because it matters to me to connect with you (and how can I even get credit for trying if this doesn't work?!). And it matters to me that you connect with God. I don't want you to miss out.
May you be blessed this day in knowing that this writer wishes you a special connection with God this day . . . somewhere, somehow, whether or not this frickin' thing works the way it's supposed to!
Faithfully,
Janet+
Monday, December 7, 2009
In Memory
Dear Friends in Christ -
Once again, we find ourselves at the anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day. For a long time, I have sensed that the reason we commemorate this day especially, is that it's a day on which we were taken by surprise. We knew the world was at war, but we hoped and prayed it would not come to us. We knew that something like this "could" happen, but we did everything we knew how to do - diplomatically, militarily - to prevent it.
In order for us to understand the true meaning of this day, we must touch down in a place beyond heroism, into the place where we take seriously that probably no matter what we do, things like this will happen again in this lost and dying world. In this tender place of vulnerability we must FIRST acknowledge our dependence on God. Of course, we must still strive for peace. Of course, we must still maintain military forces that protect and defend. But we must also renew our commitment to hear God's voice and to follow in His way - and to encourage others to do the same.
May we be successful in living in such a way that the world may know the glory of God, the power of His love, and the will of His heart for perfect peace, peace that passes understanding. For when we trust ourselves to live fully in His care, swords can then become plowshares, and we will begin to know heaven, even on earth. This isn't just wishful thinking, it's the promise of God to us.
Once a long time ago when I was working in a nursing home, I asked a man who was a veteran of World War II what he wished I would remember about the Great War. His reply: that war is always terrible and that I should do whatever I can to prevent ever going to war again. I write to you today in memory of him, trusting that this drop in the ocean will somehow make a difference.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Once again, we find ourselves at the anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day. For a long time, I have sensed that the reason we commemorate this day especially, is that it's a day on which we were taken by surprise. We knew the world was at war, but we hoped and prayed it would not come to us. We knew that something like this "could" happen, but we did everything we knew how to do - diplomatically, militarily - to prevent it.
In order for us to understand the true meaning of this day, we must touch down in a place beyond heroism, into the place where we take seriously that probably no matter what we do, things like this will happen again in this lost and dying world. In this tender place of vulnerability we must FIRST acknowledge our dependence on God. Of course, we must still strive for peace. Of course, we must still maintain military forces that protect and defend. But we must also renew our commitment to hear God's voice and to follow in His way - and to encourage others to do the same.
May we be successful in living in such a way that the world may know the glory of God, the power of His love, and the will of His heart for perfect peace, peace that passes understanding. For when we trust ourselves to live fully in His care, swords can then become plowshares, and we will begin to know heaven, even on earth. This isn't just wishful thinking, it's the promise of God to us.
Once a long time ago when I was working in a nursing home, I asked a man who was a veteran of World War II what he wished I would remember about the Great War. His reply: that war is always terrible and that I should do whatever I can to prevent ever going to war again. I write to you today in memory of him, trusting that this drop in the ocean will somehow make a difference.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Advent II
Dear Friends in Christ -
I didn't mince any words in my sermon this morning about what God asks of us this Advent, because the words of the RELENTLESS prophet John the Baptist kept ringing in my ears. Every time I thought about preaching something "milder," I could hear John shouting, "The message is simple: REPENT!"
It's a hard message to preach, because I know my own heart. I'm not perfect. When I point the finger at you and call you to repentance, I feel the other fingers pointing back at me.
Fortunately, God's word keeps coming to me in fresh new ways. This week, I heard a fresh word on repentance from the Rev. Amy Richter, another Episcopal priest:
“Repentance is not the same as remorse or regret. It is not listing all the ways things could have gone differently. It is not wishing you were a better person, that some things had never happened, that bad things wouldn’t keep happening to you. It’s not feeling guilty or ashamed. It’s not feeling afraid. It’s not something that leaves us stuck, or standing still, or spinning in circles, going nowhere.
Repentance is about movement, letting yourself be grasped by God, getting new bearings, and relying on God for [new] directions.”
May her words do for you what they did for me: nourish my soul - and call it to do the hard work necessary in this season of anticipation.
Faithfully,
Janet+
I didn't mince any words in my sermon this morning about what God asks of us this Advent, because the words of the RELENTLESS prophet John the Baptist kept ringing in my ears. Every time I thought about preaching something "milder," I could hear John shouting, "The message is simple: REPENT!"
It's a hard message to preach, because I know my own heart. I'm not perfect. When I point the finger at you and call you to repentance, I feel the other fingers pointing back at me.
Fortunately, God's word keeps coming to me in fresh new ways. This week, I heard a fresh word on repentance from the Rev. Amy Richter, another Episcopal priest:
“Repentance is not the same as remorse or regret. It is not listing all the ways things could have gone differently. It is not wishing you were a better person, that some things had never happened, that bad things wouldn’t keep happening to you. It’s not feeling guilty or ashamed. It’s not feeling afraid. It’s not something that leaves us stuck, or standing still, or spinning in circles, going nowhere.
Repentance is about movement, letting yourself be grasped by God, getting new bearings, and relying on God for [new] directions.”
May her words do for you what they did for me: nourish my soul - and call it to do the hard work necessary in this season of anticipation.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Prayed-in Space
Dear Friends in Christ -
Last night, I put my hat and gloves on and tromped over to the old Church with Ed and the kids. Some of our ladies have spent hours this past week decorating the place, so that we could be included in the fundraiser for our friends at Huntington United Methodist Church.
As I expected, the place was beautiful. Candles flickering in the windows, greens swooping elegantly along the balcony, red poinsettas shouting nature's joy around the altar.
The place was abuzz with the low voices of our tour guests. But what I noticed in my heart was that even the busyness didn't drown out the peacefulness of the place. It was as if a fountain was bubbling up right in the middle of the place and the sound of running water could be heard under and around all the other sound.
It's a prayed-in space. No matter where you come from, no matter where you're going, no matter why you come, the place itself holds you in God's presence because over generations and centuries, people have prayed on that spot.
Someone asked me this week if they could come to the church and pray. Absolutely. Any time. Just bring a lap blanket (we don't keep the heat on during the week) and borrow a key from the parish office. In the midst of it all, God is right here. Come and see.
Blessings,
Janet+
Last night, I put my hat and gloves on and tromped over to the old Church with Ed and the kids. Some of our ladies have spent hours this past week decorating the place, so that we could be included in the fundraiser for our friends at Huntington United Methodist Church.
As I expected, the place was beautiful. Candles flickering in the windows, greens swooping elegantly along the balcony, red poinsettas shouting nature's joy around the altar.
The place was abuzz with the low voices of our tour guests. But what I noticed in my heart was that even the busyness didn't drown out the peacefulness of the place. It was as if a fountain was bubbling up right in the middle of the place and the sound of running water could be heard under and around all the other sound.
It's a prayed-in space. No matter where you come from, no matter where you're going, no matter why you come, the place itself holds you in God's presence because over generations and centuries, people have prayed on that spot.
Someone asked me this week if they could come to the church and pray. Absolutely. Any time. Just bring a lap blanket (we don't keep the heat on during the week) and borrow a key from the parish office. In the midst of it all, God is right here. Come and see.
Blessings,
Janet+
Friday, December 4, 2009
Guilt . . . or something else . . .
Dear Friends in Christ -
I had missed a few days of seeing the online Advent calendar at www.trinitywallstreet.org/advent, so I spent some time catching up today, opening each window, listening and watching as I sipped my morning coffee. The power and tenderness of watching several of these pieces in a row really blew me away.
It took me a while to be able to put a name to the feeling that I have watching these pieces about "creating the Kingdom of God." At first I thought the feeling was guilt. I have so much more than the people shown in these videos. When I hear these stories, I want to give money to help in all of these places. I can't.
And then I realized, it's not guilt I feel. I'm not failing these people by using resources to pay my bills and take care of my children. But I do feel something . . . the feeling I have is one of LONGING. I long to see health and education and beauty and freedom and joy come to all these people - and to me and my family and my neighbors down the street in my own neighborhood.
There is a difference between me and the people in these interviews: they have a clear mission, something they're pouring themselves into. If we listen carefully to their stories, we hear that there's a very personal connection that makes the particular ministry they're working in personal to them.
And I'm sitting here thinking to myself: what is it for me? What's my personal connection to the world that would help me to profoundly connect to make a difference?
And then it hit me: I am involved in something. Here at St. Paul's, we've been working with other churches in our Deanery to build a church in Tacusa, Ecuador. It's not a project I chose; Ecuador is not a country I've been to yet. But then something else hit me: the reason I feel so passionate about building this church is that in Oregon, I used to work with migrant farmworkers from Ecuador.
Recognizing the personal connection opens up my heart, gives me new energy for the work, pressed me on.
What's your personal connection? How are you connected to a place (and a ministry) where you might help create the Kingdom of God?
Faithfully longing,
Janet+
I had missed a few days of seeing the online Advent calendar at www.trinitywallstreet.org/advent, so I spent some time catching up today, opening each window, listening and watching as I sipped my morning coffee. The power and tenderness of watching several of these pieces in a row really blew me away.
It took me a while to be able to put a name to the feeling that I have watching these pieces about "creating the Kingdom of God." At first I thought the feeling was guilt. I have so much more than the people shown in these videos. When I hear these stories, I want to give money to help in all of these places. I can't.
And then I realized, it's not guilt I feel. I'm not failing these people by using resources to pay my bills and take care of my children. But I do feel something . . . the feeling I have is one of LONGING. I long to see health and education and beauty and freedom and joy come to all these people - and to me and my family and my neighbors down the street in my own neighborhood.
There is a difference between me and the people in these interviews: they have a clear mission, something they're pouring themselves into. If we listen carefully to their stories, we hear that there's a very personal connection that makes the particular ministry they're working in personal to them.
And I'm sitting here thinking to myself: what is it for me? What's my personal connection to the world that would help me to profoundly connect to make a difference?
And then it hit me: I am involved in something. Here at St. Paul's, we've been working with other churches in our Deanery to build a church in Tacusa, Ecuador. It's not a project I chose; Ecuador is not a country I've been to yet. But then something else hit me: the reason I feel so passionate about building this church is that in Oregon, I used to work with migrant farmworkers from Ecuador.
Recognizing the personal connection opens up my heart, gives me new energy for the work, pressed me on.
What's your personal connection? How are you connected to a place (and a ministry) where you might help create the Kingdom of God?
Faithfully longing,
Janet+
Thursday, December 3, 2009
An Advent Poem
Dear Friends in Christ -
I'm often caught up in a flurry of words - reading, writing. It's the music and poetry of the season that make me pause, that spark my soul, that take my breath away. Here's the simple poem that brought a fresh breeze through my study today.
Faithfully,
Janet+
That Holy Thing
by George MacDonald
They all were looking for a king
To slay their foes and lift them high;
Thou cam’st, a little baby thing
That made a woman cry.
O Son of Man, to right my lot
Naught but Thy presence can avail;
Yet on the road Thy wheels are not,
Nor on the sea Thy sail!
My how or when Thou wilt not heed,
But come down Thine own secret stair,
That Thou may’st answer all my need-
Yea, every bygone prayer.
I'm often caught up in a flurry of words - reading, writing. It's the music and poetry of the season that make me pause, that spark my soul, that take my breath away. Here's the simple poem that brought a fresh breeze through my study today.
Faithfully,
Janet+
That Holy Thing
by George MacDonald
They all were looking for a king
To slay their foes and lift them high;
Thou cam’st, a little baby thing
That made a woman cry.
O Son of Man, to right my lot
Naught but Thy presence can avail;
Yet on the road Thy wheels are not,
Nor on the sea Thy sail!
My how or when Thou wilt not heed,
But come down Thine own secret stair,
That Thou may’st answer all my need-
Yea, every bygone prayer.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Wednesday mornings
Dear Friends in Christ -
Every Wednesday morning, I get up before the crack of dawn to attend the 7:00 a.m. church service at St. Paul's. To be honest, I'm not sure that I would make it every week if I didn't have to lead it. But I think I would probably come at least once in a while. As an introvert, I love quiet places and small groups. As a working woman, I need a little extra spiritual help to get me through the week.
If you need a little extra help to get you through the week, I encourage you to join us at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesdays. It's not "just another" service. We only gather for 30 minutes (max!). We use some of the Scriptures from the Daily Office Readings appointed for the day. Right now, we're using a Eucharistic prayer from the Church of Scotland; the differences in it help me hear God in new ways. I usually preach the short homily, but once a month our seminarian, Kate, preaches.
This morning, I reflected a little bit on the Gospel lesson for today (Matthew 21:23-32) and how persistent Jesus is in inviting us. Even if we don't respond well to the invitation. Even if he has to take a different approach to get our attention.
This morning, I want to be just as persistent in inviting you. Because when we're gathered together on Wednesday mornings, Jesus is in the midst of us.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Every Wednesday morning, I get up before the crack of dawn to attend the 7:00 a.m. church service at St. Paul's. To be honest, I'm not sure that I would make it every week if I didn't have to lead it. But I think I would probably come at least once in a while. As an introvert, I love quiet places and small groups. As a working woman, I need a little extra spiritual help to get me through the week.
If you need a little extra help to get you through the week, I encourage you to join us at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesdays. It's not "just another" service. We only gather for 30 minutes (max!). We use some of the Scriptures from the Daily Office Readings appointed for the day. Right now, we're using a Eucharistic prayer from the Church of Scotland; the differences in it help me hear God in new ways. I usually preach the short homily, but once a month our seminarian, Kate, preaches.
This morning, I reflected a little bit on the Gospel lesson for today (Matthew 21:23-32) and how persistent Jesus is in inviting us. Even if we don't respond well to the invitation. Even if he has to take a different approach to get our attention.
This morning, I want to be just as persistent in inviting you. Because when we're gathered together on Wednesday mornings, Jesus is in the midst of us.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
November 31st
Dear Friends in Christ -
Yes, I know that there's November 31st doesn't really exist, but I wanted to add one end-of-the-month post to share a prayer. It's a prayer of thanksgiving that was written for Thanksgiving, but is appropriate for giving thanks on "normal" days, too. During this season of expectation, may your heart be made ready for new blessing by giving thanks for the old ones.
Faithfully,
Janet+
A GRACE FOR THANKSGIVING
Dear Lord,
In this heart of celebration
You call the spirit to flight
From the bounty of our mother earth
the blessings flow this night.
Eat and live!
Breathe and live!
Dance and sing, with joy we give
our thanks to you, the Light!
Amen.
Yes, I know that there's November 31st doesn't really exist, but I wanted to add one end-of-the-month post to share a prayer. It's a prayer of thanksgiving that was written for Thanksgiving, but is appropriate for giving thanks on "normal" days, too. During this season of expectation, may your heart be made ready for new blessing by giving thanks for the old ones.
Faithfully,
Janet+
A GRACE FOR THANKSGIVING
Dear Lord,
In this heart of celebration
You call the spirit to flight
From the bounty of our mother earth
the blessings flow this night.
Eat and live!
Breathe and live!
Dance and sing, with joy we give
our thanks to you, the Light!
Amen.
World AIDS Day
Dear Friends in Christ -
Today is World AIDS Day. Truth is, we haven't been hearing so much about AIDS these days - not nearly so much as in the '80s, when the disease had started to ravage communities in the US and around the world and there was so much fear because we didn't even have a name for it, much less a way to fight it. Now that we know that HIV/AIDS is a communicable, preventable disease, much is being done to stop it before it even gets started. But HIV/AIDS is still ravaging peoples lives in this country, and whole communities in Africa and other parts of the world. In many African countries, nearly a whole generation of people (around my age, actually) have been killed by the disease, leaving not only hundreds of thousands of orphans, but also a lack of community leadership and able-bodied people to work to sustain families.
Whether or not we know someone with AIDS, we have a part to play. To give. To raise awareness - even in our own families - of what can be done to prevent the disease. To pray.
A PRAYER
God, we lift up all those suffering from HIV and AIDS; bring your healing and restoration to their bodies. Help us to do our part in ministering in loving care, support, and patience for your people who suffer with HIV and AIDS. Lead us to do whatever it will take to eradicate this illness from the lives of those who are touched by it, both directly and indirectly. Trusting in you and the strength of your Spirit, we pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer by National African American Catholic HIV/AIDS Task Force
Faithfully,
Janet+
Today is World AIDS Day. Truth is, we haven't been hearing so much about AIDS these days - not nearly so much as in the '80s, when the disease had started to ravage communities in the US and around the world and there was so much fear because we didn't even have a name for it, much less a way to fight it. Now that we know that HIV/AIDS is a communicable, preventable disease, much is being done to stop it before it even gets started. But HIV/AIDS is still ravaging peoples lives in this country, and whole communities in Africa and other parts of the world. In many African countries, nearly a whole generation of people (around my age, actually) have been killed by the disease, leaving not only hundreds of thousands of orphans, but also a lack of community leadership and able-bodied people to work to sustain families.
Whether or not we know someone with AIDS, we have a part to play. To give. To raise awareness - even in our own families - of what can be done to prevent the disease. To pray.
A PRAYER
God, we lift up all those suffering from HIV and AIDS; bring your healing and restoration to their bodies. Help us to do our part in ministering in loving care, support, and patience for your people who suffer with HIV and AIDS. Lead us to do whatever it will take to eradicate this illness from the lives of those who are touched by it, both directly and indirectly. Trusting in you and the strength of your Spirit, we pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer by National African American Catholic HIV/AIDS Task Force
Faithfully,
Janet+
Monday, November 30, 2009
Remember When?
Deuteronomy 30:11-14; Romans 10:8b-18; Matthew 4:18-22
Dear Friends in Christ -
It's never easy to wait. Sometimes it's easier to wait for someone or something that we're not excited about. Sometimes it's easier to wait if we just deny how excited we are.
But this Advent, dare to remember how precious Jesus is to you. One way to do this is to take a minute to think back to when you first felt Jesus as a powerful presence in your life. Was it when you saw a sparkle in your favorite aunt's face? Was it hearing the Christmas story read at Sunday School? Was it when a neighbor showed you an unexpected kindness, and you knew there was goodness in the world and wanted a name for that goodness?
We follow Jesus for a reason - because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Getting connected to His goodness makes the waiting . . . harder, but better.
Blessings,
Janet+
Dear Friends in Christ -
It's never easy to wait. Sometimes it's easier to wait for someone or something that we're not excited about. Sometimes it's easier to wait if we just deny how excited we are.
But this Advent, dare to remember how precious Jesus is to you. One way to do this is to take a minute to think back to when you first felt Jesus as a powerful presence in your life. Was it when you saw a sparkle in your favorite aunt's face? Was it hearing the Christmas story read at Sunday School? Was it when a neighbor showed you an unexpected kindness, and you knew there was goodness in the world and wanted a name for that goodness?
We follow Jesus for a reason - because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Getting connected to His goodness makes the waiting . . . harder, but better.
Blessings,
Janet+
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Ready and Waiting
Jeremiah 33:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36
Dear Friends in Christ -
In the midst of our preparations for Christmas, the question that Jesus asks his disciples - and us - is whether we're ready for his SECOND coming. The way to get ready for that, Jesus says, is to "Stand up and raise your heads." In the midst of the scurrying preparations for Christmas, most of us are in a posture that's more head-down-shoulder-to-the wheel. Even, and especially, in the midst of it all, Jesus calls us to stop, stand still, and look up.
Advent is a season for attentive waiting. During the whole season of Advent, the baby Jesus doesn't come. We decorate, and he doesn't come yet. We bake, and he doesn't come yet. We make calls and send cards, and he doesn't come yet. The purpose of all this waiting is NOT to torture children (or adults!), but to give us time to ready our hearts for a mind-blowing, reality-transforming miracle.
This year, my goal is to be ready for that. Oh, I'll wrap some packages and host some parties and all that, but my number one agenda item every day is going to be to take a little time to be still. To wait.
Following is the beautiful little poem that I used in my sermon today, which holds precious inspiration for me in my waiting.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Kneeling -- by R. S. Thomas
Moments of great calm,
Kneeling before an altar
Of wood in a stone church
In summer, waiting for the God
To speak; the air a staircase
For silence; the sun’s light
Ringing me, as though I acted
A great rôle. And the audiences
Still; all that close throng
Of spirits waiting, as I,
For the message.
Prompt me, God;
But not yet. When I speak,
Though it be you who speak
Through me, something is lost.
The meaning is in the waiting.
R. S. Thomas, “Kneeling” from Not That He Brought Flowers. Copyright © 1968 by R. S. Thomas.
Source: Collected Poems 1945-1990 (1993)
Dear Friends in Christ -
In the midst of our preparations for Christmas, the question that Jesus asks his disciples - and us - is whether we're ready for his SECOND coming. The way to get ready for that, Jesus says, is to "Stand up and raise your heads." In the midst of the scurrying preparations for Christmas, most of us are in a posture that's more head-down-shoulder-to-the wheel. Even, and especially, in the midst of it all, Jesus calls us to stop, stand still, and look up.
Advent is a season for attentive waiting. During the whole season of Advent, the baby Jesus doesn't come. We decorate, and he doesn't come yet. We bake, and he doesn't come yet. We make calls and send cards, and he doesn't come yet. The purpose of all this waiting is NOT to torture children (or adults!), but to give us time to ready our hearts for a mind-blowing, reality-transforming miracle.
This year, my goal is to be ready for that. Oh, I'll wrap some packages and host some parties and all that, but my number one agenda item every day is going to be to take a little time to be still. To wait.
Following is the beautiful little poem that I used in my sermon today, which holds precious inspiration for me in my waiting.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Kneeling -- by R. S. Thomas
Moments of great calm,
Kneeling before an altar
Of wood in a stone church
In summer, waiting for the God
To speak; the air a staircase
For silence; the sun’s light
Ringing me, as though I acted
A great rôle. And the audiences
Still; all that close throng
Of spirits waiting, as I,
For the message.
Prompt me, God;
But not yet. When I speak,
Though it be you who speak
Through me, something is lost.
The meaning is in the waiting.
R. S. Thomas, “Kneeling” from Not That He Brought Flowers. Copyright © 1968 by R. S. Thomas.
Source: Collected Poems 1945-1990 (1993)
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Inspiration at the press of a button
Dear Friends in Christ -
One of my favorite things last Advent was an online calendar of meditations hosted by Trinity Wall Street. Each day, the calendar offered a beautiful, powerful opportunity for reflection, through words, visuals and/or music. Our friends at Trinity have given notice that they've created a brand new inspirational Advent calendar for 2009. Beginning tomorrow (11/29), it will be available at: www.trinitywallstreet.org/advent. Enjoy!!!
Blessings,
Janet+
One of my favorite things last Advent was an online calendar of meditations hosted by Trinity Wall Street. Each day, the calendar offered a beautiful, powerful opportunity for reflection, through words, visuals and/or music. Our friends at Trinity have given notice that they've created a brand new inspirational Advent calendar for 2009. Beginning tomorrow (11/29), it will be available at: www.trinitywallstreet.org/advent. Enjoy!!!
Blessings,
Janet+
Friday, November 27, 2009
The unthankful heart . . .
"The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!" - Henry Ward Beecher
May your heart continue to find reasons for thanksgiving!
Faithfully,
Janet+
May your heart continue to find reasons for thanksgiving!
Faithfully,
Janet+
Thursday, November 26, 2009
A Hymn of Thanksgiving
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings.
The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;
The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.
He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.
~ by Cecil Frances Alexander
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings.
The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;
The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them every one.
He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.
~ by Cecil Frances Alexander
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanksgiving: religious or secular?
Dear Friends in Christ -
I've always thought of Thanksgiving as a religious holiday, started by Christians celebrating their survival in a new land. Today I learned that most people think of the modern holiday is a secular celebration. If the amount of shopping done over the weekend is any indication, the religious types may have to cede the point. Certainly WAY more people will shop over this weekend than will go to church.
Going to church isn't the only way to make the holiday holy, though. Making it holy is primarily about the intention of our hearts. Anytime, anywhere (even at the mall!), we can get close to God by simply acknowledging His presence. The special Presence we often feel when we gather together and give thanks is this: that when we bear witness to one another of God's goodness, we catch a glimpse of His glory.
Whether your thanksgiving prayers are little or big, beautifully crafted or impromptu, as long as they're from the heart, they will stir His power again in our midst. Whether the holiday is "religious" or "secular," if we say our prayers, God will be there. And wherever God is is holy.
Faithfully,
Janet+
I've always thought of Thanksgiving as a religious holiday, started by Christians celebrating their survival in a new land. Today I learned that most people think of the modern holiday is a secular celebration. If the amount of shopping done over the weekend is any indication, the religious types may have to cede the point. Certainly WAY more people will shop over this weekend than will go to church.
Going to church isn't the only way to make the holiday holy, though. Making it holy is primarily about the intention of our hearts. Anytime, anywhere (even at the mall!), we can get close to God by simply acknowledging His presence. The special Presence we often feel when we gather together and give thanks is this: that when we bear witness to one another of God's goodness, we catch a glimpse of His glory.
Whether your thanksgiving prayers are little or big, beautifully crafted or impromptu, as long as they're from the heart, they will stir His power again in our midst. Whether the holiday is "religious" or "secular," if we say our prayers, God will be there. And wherever God is is holy.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
32 Shopping Days Left Until Christmas?
Dear Friends in Christ -
Was it this morning or yesterday morning when I heard the countdown on the radio for the first time this season? Because I make many of the Christmas presents that I give, I have already started my Christmas preparations, but I'm not yet ready to start the countdown.
For me, the countdown process has two emotional pulls - one positive, one negative. On the positive side, there's excitement, a sense of anticipation. As an adult, it's different than when I was a kid. It's more about masterminding plans to help my kids find joy and delight during this season. On the negative side, there's the pull toward fear. It seems that it's not only the marketers singing the song, but even my friends - not enough time, not enough money, not enough of the "toy of the year" on store shelves.
This year, I'm going to intentionally steer away from fear by giving myself the gift of serenity, and starting today, I'm going to pray the Serenity Prayer on a regular basis, the WHOLE THING. Then when I'm done praying it, I'm going to try to "stay" in it by continuing its exercises throughout the day. Do you know the Serenity Prayer? The famous part goes like this:
God grant me serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
Here's the rest of Reinhold Niebuhr's prayer - which contains the secret of how to do the first part:
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Amen.
Here's my "final answer": it doesn't matter to me how many shopping days there are until Christmas. Everything thing that needs to get done will get done, God willing, in His time. The rest, I'm letting go of so my heart is free to rejoice.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Was it this morning or yesterday morning when I heard the countdown on the radio for the first time this season? Because I make many of the Christmas presents that I give, I have already started my Christmas preparations, but I'm not yet ready to start the countdown.
For me, the countdown process has two emotional pulls - one positive, one negative. On the positive side, there's excitement, a sense of anticipation. As an adult, it's different than when I was a kid. It's more about masterminding plans to help my kids find joy and delight during this season. On the negative side, there's the pull toward fear. It seems that it's not only the marketers singing the song, but even my friends - not enough time, not enough money, not enough of the "toy of the year" on store shelves.
This year, I'm going to intentionally steer away from fear by giving myself the gift of serenity, and starting today, I'm going to pray the Serenity Prayer on a regular basis, the WHOLE THING. Then when I'm done praying it, I'm going to try to "stay" in it by continuing its exercises throughout the day. Do you know the Serenity Prayer? The famous part goes like this:
God grant me serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
Here's the rest of Reinhold Niebuhr's prayer - which contains the secret of how to do the first part:
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Amen.
Here's my "final answer": it doesn't matter to me how many shopping days there are until Christmas. Everything thing that needs to get done will get done, God willing, in His time. The rest, I'm letting go of so my heart is free to rejoice.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Monday, November 23, 2009
Perception is 9/10 of the Law
Dear Friends in Christ -
I was in the post office today, laden with packages and cards. After I had processed the packages with the postmaster and purchased my stamps, the lady in line behind me said, "Wow. You're so organized;you put me to shame. I haven't started my shopping yet or done my Christmas cards."
I laughed and told her the truth: the packages were Advent calendars to our godchildren, which I rushed around and bought and mailed today, in vain hope of my godchildren in Washington and California receiving them before Advent begins in less than a week. And the "cards" were actually invitations to a party that's happening in less than two weeks; proper etiquette says they should have gone out two weeks ago.
"Whew," she said, "now I don't feel so bad."
How often do we perceive that everyone else is "ahead" of us? Managing their time better? Finding the better bargains?
These perceptions that we have are often not only untrue, they're also dangerous. They cause us to feel inferior and defeated.
As the holidays approach, I invite you to join me in the holy discipline of self esteem. Every time you're tempted to think that someone else is doing more/better, give yourself a pat on the back for the good choices you're making. Say yes to what is good for YOU and YOUR family, and say no to things that don't bring YOU life and joy. Then ask God to help you have confidence in your good choices.
As your self-perception changes from "I'm behind and struggling" to "I'm making good choices and I'm happy about them", so you will be. Happy. And even more connected to the power of God in daily living.
Faithfully with you in this holy discipline,
Janet+
I was in the post office today, laden with packages and cards. After I had processed the packages with the postmaster and purchased my stamps, the lady in line behind me said, "Wow. You're so organized;you put me to shame. I haven't started my shopping yet or done my Christmas cards."
I laughed and told her the truth: the packages were Advent calendars to our godchildren, which I rushed around and bought and mailed today, in vain hope of my godchildren in Washington and California receiving them before Advent begins in less than a week. And the "cards" were actually invitations to a party that's happening in less than two weeks; proper etiquette says they should have gone out two weeks ago.
"Whew," she said, "now I don't feel so bad."
How often do we perceive that everyone else is "ahead" of us? Managing their time better? Finding the better bargains?
These perceptions that we have are often not only untrue, they're also dangerous. They cause us to feel inferior and defeated.
As the holidays approach, I invite you to join me in the holy discipline of self esteem. Every time you're tempted to think that someone else is doing more/better, give yourself a pat on the back for the good choices you're making. Say yes to what is good for YOU and YOUR family, and say no to things that don't bring YOU life and joy. Then ask God to help you have confidence in your good choices.
As your self-perception changes from "I'm behind and struggling" to "I'm making good choices and I'm happy about them", so you will be. Happy. And even more connected to the power of God in daily living.
Faithfully with you in this holy discipline,
Janet+
Sunday, November 22, 2009
If you're looking for inspiration . . .
. . . dear friends, I hope you'll come to church today. If you're up early on Sunday morning surfing the web and deciding how your day will take shape, please make church part of your day! Both choirs will be singing and the kids have made something very special that they're going to present during the Children's Moment.
As I'll say in the opening lines of my sermon, I come to church to learn and to get inspired, too. I know you do, too, and God is already on the move, preparing something special for us today.
See you at church!
Blessings,
Janet=
As I'll say in the opening lines of my sermon, I come to church to learn and to get inspired, too. I know you do, too, and God is already on the move, preparing something special for us today.
See you at church!
Blessings,
Janet=
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Duck! It's the holidays
Dear Friends in Christ -
On Thursday, I read a fairly amusing and very helpful article in the New York Times about the relational stress that we face over the holidays. (see http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/19/garden/19manners.html?pagewanted=3&_r=1). The helpful part was the article tells the truth. The article bravely names some of the bad behaviors that cause breakdowns and subtly invites us to realize and take responsibility for our parts in relational tensions.
The most difficult part necessary for peacemaking is left unaddressed by the author, however. And that part is forgiveness. Forgiveness is a process - a process that begins with telling the truth. And sometimes with making a strong - though sometimes unpopular - move to establish clear boundaries and right the situation.
In the Gospel lesson in today's daily readings, Jesus talks about the importance of forgiveness. And he says there are consequences in leaving forgiveness undone. Really, we know that without his telling us, don't we?
Following is today's reflection from Forward Day by Day, which was helpful to me in thinking about the issue of forgiveness. Helpful to me, personally, and hopefully helpful to you, too, in preparation for the arrival of family and friends during this holiday season.
Blessings,
Janet+
A Reflection on Matthew 18:21-35:
To forgive is as important as to love. Jesus makes forgiveness a radical new imperative. It deflates the "eye for an eye" mentality, and it makes holding grudges unnecessary.
It is so important Jesus includes it in the prayer he teaches the disciples: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." It is the only condition placed on God's mercy. We must forgive one another from our hearts: as we have been forgiven, we must forgive.
This is easier said than done. We build walls around our hearts when we are hurt. Saying to someone who apologizes "Okay, I forgive you," but in a tone of anger or insincerity, does not make for absolution for the offender or for us.
If we need time to process both the hurt and the apology, that is okay. Forgiveness is too important to minimize. But leaving someone hanging indefinitely is not godly behavior, either. Restoring a right relationship is worth the time. Healing two hearts at once can be the most loving act we ever accomplish.
And because we are human and sinful, we will have lots of chances to practice forgiveness.
On Thursday, I read a fairly amusing and very helpful article in the New York Times about the relational stress that we face over the holidays. (see http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/19/garden/19manners.html?pagewanted=3&_r=1). The helpful part was the article tells the truth. The article bravely names some of the bad behaviors that cause breakdowns and subtly invites us to realize and take responsibility for our parts in relational tensions.
The most difficult part necessary for peacemaking is left unaddressed by the author, however. And that part is forgiveness. Forgiveness is a process - a process that begins with telling the truth. And sometimes with making a strong - though sometimes unpopular - move to establish clear boundaries and right the situation.
In the Gospel lesson in today's daily readings, Jesus talks about the importance of forgiveness. And he says there are consequences in leaving forgiveness undone. Really, we know that without his telling us, don't we?
Following is today's reflection from Forward Day by Day, which was helpful to me in thinking about the issue of forgiveness. Helpful to me, personally, and hopefully helpful to you, too, in preparation for the arrival of family and friends during this holiday season.
Blessings,
Janet+
A Reflection on Matthew 18:21-35:
To forgive is as important as to love. Jesus makes forgiveness a radical new imperative. It deflates the "eye for an eye" mentality, and it makes holding grudges unnecessary.
It is so important Jesus includes it in the prayer he teaches the disciples: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." It is the only condition placed on God's mercy. We must forgive one another from our hearts: as we have been forgiven, we must forgive.
This is easier said than done. We build walls around our hearts when we are hurt. Saying to someone who apologizes "Okay, I forgive you," but in a tone of anger or insincerity, does not make for absolution for the offender or for us.
If we need time to process both the hurt and the apology, that is okay. Forgiveness is too important to minimize. But leaving someone hanging indefinitely is not godly behavior, either. Restoring a right relationship is worth the time. Healing two hearts at once can be the most loving act we ever accomplish.
And because we are human and sinful, we will have lots of chances to practice forgiveness.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Unplugging the Christmas Machine
Dear Friends in Christ -
We had a reflective, joyful, full-of-peace conversation this evening about Christmas. About how to participate in the beautiful, lovely, holy things about Christmas and leave the rush and crush and overwhelming expectations behind.
I would recommend the book we used to guide our reflections ("Unplug the Christmas Machine" by Robinson and Staeheli), but I know most of you don't have time to read it - and I don't want you to feel guilty about another thing left undone!
Instead of reading the book, how about taking a few minutes to reflect on "THE CHRISTMAS PLEDGE" that the authors suggest taking at the beginning of the Season?!
Here it is, with my invitation to join me in keeping it throughout the Advent and Christmas season. At the end, let's compare notes and see how we did - OK?
Faithfully,
Janet+
THE CHRISTMAS PLEDGE
Believing in the true spirit of Christmas, I commit myself to:
- Remember those people who truly need my gifts
- Express my love in more direct ways than gifts
- Examine my holiday activities in the light of my deepest values
- Be a peacemaker within my circle of family and friends
- Rededicate myself to my spiritual growth
May God add a blessing to our faith-full endeavors!
We had a reflective, joyful, full-of-peace conversation this evening about Christmas. About how to participate in the beautiful, lovely, holy things about Christmas and leave the rush and crush and overwhelming expectations behind.
I would recommend the book we used to guide our reflections ("Unplug the Christmas Machine" by Robinson and Staeheli), but I know most of you don't have time to read it - and I don't want you to feel guilty about another thing left undone!
Instead of reading the book, how about taking a few minutes to reflect on "THE CHRISTMAS PLEDGE" that the authors suggest taking at the beginning of the Season?!
Here it is, with my invitation to join me in keeping it throughout the Advent and Christmas season. At the end, let's compare notes and see how we did - OK?
Faithfully,
Janet+
THE CHRISTMAS PLEDGE
Believing in the true spirit of Christmas, I commit myself to:
- Remember those people who truly need my gifts
- Express my love in more direct ways than gifts
- Examine my holiday activities in the light of my deepest values
- Be a peacemaker within my circle of family and friends
- Rededicate myself to my spiritual growth
May God add a blessing to our faith-full endeavors!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Apparently, that wasn't the only thing that was cancelled
Dear Friends in Christ -
I've missed posting these past couple of days because our DSL service was cancelled! UGH!
We didn't do it. The phone company doesn't know who did it. But someone put in a disconnect order. It took the phone company the push of an electronic button to cut our service off - and three days and a visit to the house to put it back on.
The epiphany in the midst of this saga: that perhaps the reason something simple like this throws me off my game is that I'm already living too close to the edge. Of course, I could have posted from my office, but didn't have any extra 15-minute space in which to collect my thoughts and type. I could have posted at a coffee shop, but didn't have time on the way to or from picking up the kids to add that in.
Of course, this is why I hate interruptions like this so much: I'm forced to see things from a slightly different angle. If everything goes as planned, I don't have to run into myself coming around the corner - and be challenged to learn something . . . again.
With "service restored," I'm back on the wireless waves. And I'm hoping that things will run smoothly for a day or two. I'm not sure I can stand too many "close encounters of the grace kind" too close together.
Onward and upward!
Faithfully,
Janet+
I've missed posting these past couple of days because our DSL service was cancelled! UGH!
We didn't do it. The phone company doesn't know who did it. But someone put in a disconnect order. It took the phone company the push of an electronic button to cut our service off - and three days and a visit to the house to put it back on.
The epiphany in the midst of this saga: that perhaps the reason something simple like this throws me off my game is that I'm already living too close to the edge. Of course, I could have posted from my office, but didn't have any extra 15-minute space in which to collect my thoughts and type. I could have posted at a coffee shop, but didn't have time on the way to or from picking up the kids to add that in.
Of course, this is why I hate interruptions like this so much: I'm forced to see things from a slightly different angle. If everything goes as planned, I don't have to run into myself coming around the corner - and be challenged to learn something . . . again.
With "service restored," I'm back on the wireless waves. And I'm hoping that things will run smoothly for a day or two. I'm not sure I can stand too many "close encounters of the grace kind" too close together.
Onward and upward!
Faithfully,
Janet+
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
CANCELLED
Dear Friends in Christ -
The Drew and Jack Show scheduled for tomorrow night (WED) has been cancelled. Due to lack of interest.? Certainly, only 5 families signed up on the sign-up sheet. Checking around yesterday, we found 4-5 more families that intended to come but didn't sign up. At Vestry last night, a couple of more people indictated they hadn't signed up, because they didn't intend to come for the dinner, but that they were planning to come. In the end, still only 20 people. Not enough to get Drew and Jack all the way here from Hartford on a cold fall night.
I'm sad that we couldn't pull this off. I really wanted to hear them myself. In fact, in cancelling with them yesterday, Jack said they would still come before the end of January if we want to have them.
RSVPing is a lost art in our culture, but one of several practices that we need to be faithful to in our parish life together. I have to confess, I didn't even sign up on the list, though I bought all the stuff to make a huge cassoulet. Sigh.
This is turning point time in our life together as a parish. Three years in to my relationship with all of you, we've done some great things together - and are ready to receive even more of what God has in store for us. Some of the "old guard" families have moved; some people have passed away. Many, many new families have joined us. In order to move ahead TOGETHER (Jesus has a "no one left behind" policy), we have to pull together and COMMUNICATE with each other.
Thank you to those who did RSVP! For those who didn't and would really like to hear Drew and Jack, let me or Steve Johnson know. Perhaps we will reschedule . . . but only if you really want to. This sort of offering is NOT compulsory. It's simply an offering to help you and to inspire you in the things God is calling you - and me - and all of us - to do.
Whether events like this are CANCELLED or ON, what I most want for each and every one of us is to get closer - to each other and to God. In grace, we can manage to use even a cancellation for that purpose.
Faithfully,
Janet+
PS - I'm hosting the "Unplug the Christmas Machine" discussion at my house on Friday night at 7:00. If you plan to be there, please RSVP by Thursday (tomorrow) at 3:00 p.m. We need at least 10 people to have a dynamic, productive session. Thank you!!!
The Drew and Jack Show scheduled for tomorrow night (WED) has been cancelled. Due to lack of interest.? Certainly, only 5 families signed up on the sign-up sheet. Checking around yesterday, we found 4-5 more families that intended to come but didn't sign up. At Vestry last night, a couple of more people indictated they hadn't signed up, because they didn't intend to come for the dinner, but that they were planning to come. In the end, still only 20 people. Not enough to get Drew and Jack all the way here from Hartford on a cold fall night.
I'm sad that we couldn't pull this off. I really wanted to hear them myself. In fact, in cancelling with them yesterday, Jack said they would still come before the end of January if we want to have them.
RSVPing is a lost art in our culture, but one of several practices that we need to be faithful to in our parish life together. I have to confess, I didn't even sign up on the list, though I bought all the stuff to make a huge cassoulet. Sigh.
This is turning point time in our life together as a parish. Three years in to my relationship with all of you, we've done some great things together - and are ready to receive even more of what God has in store for us. Some of the "old guard" families have moved; some people have passed away. Many, many new families have joined us. In order to move ahead TOGETHER (Jesus has a "no one left behind" policy), we have to pull together and COMMUNICATE with each other.
Thank you to those who did RSVP! For those who didn't and would really like to hear Drew and Jack, let me or Steve Johnson know. Perhaps we will reschedule . . . but only if you really want to. This sort of offering is NOT compulsory. It's simply an offering to help you and to inspire you in the things God is calling you - and me - and all of us - to do.
Whether events like this are CANCELLED or ON, what I most want for each and every one of us is to get closer - to each other and to God. In grace, we can manage to use even a cancellation for that purpose.
Faithfully,
Janet+
PS - I'm hosting the "Unplug the Christmas Machine" discussion at my house on Friday night at 7:00. If you plan to be there, please RSVP by Thursday (tomorrow) at 3:00 p.m. We need at least 10 people to have a dynamic, productive session. Thank you!!!
Monday, November 16, 2009
The sirens stopped
Dear Friends in Christ -
Living right here on the town green with the fire department only a block away, I'm accustomed to hearing the sirens go by. Soft from a distance, louder as they get closer, then fading as the trucks move past.
Today, the sirens were soft at first, then louder as they got closer. Then they stopped. That abrupt end to the regular pattern drew me to the window. When I looked out, I saw two fire trucks, two ambulances, three police cars and a few vehicles of volunteer firemen parked awkwardly on the lawn. Uh oh.
Before I flew down the stairs to greet them, I looked out the window again. No smoke. So at least that was a small comfort.
As I crossed the parking lot, I saw it - a large American-made car perched up on the rock wall surrounding the chapel with its front end mashed into a boulder put in the flower garden as a landscape ornament. If it weren't for the boulder, the car might have ended up in the sacristy!
Even better news: no one was hurt. The elderly gentleman driving the car said that the brakes failed as he was navigating the parking lot. Sure enough, when the tow truck guys came, they could push the brakes all the way to the floor.
All's well that ends well, they say. And that was certainly true today. A couple of other cars in the parking lot were also damaged, but not badly. The gentleman driving the car was shaken up, but not terribly.
The police officer in charge kept saying that we didn't need all the fire trucks. But I was grateful that they came out in such force when they heard something was amiss at the church. They wanted to be sure that the people - and the church - were OK. I thanked them. And I meant it.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Living right here on the town green with the fire department only a block away, I'm accustomed to hearing the sirens go by. Soft from a distance, louder as they get closer, then fading as the trucks move past.
Today, the sirens were soft at first, then louder as they got closer. Then they stopped. That abrupt end to the regular pattern drew me to the window. When I looked out, I saw two fire trucks, two ambulances, three police cars and a few vehicles of volunteer firemen parked awkwardly on the lawn. Uh oh.
Before I flew down the stairs to greet them, I looked out the window again. No smoke. So at least that was a small comfort.
As I crossed the parking lot, I saw it - a large American-made car perched up on the rock wall surrounding the chapel with its front end mashed into a boulder put in the flower garden as a landscape ornament. If it weren't for the boulder, the car might have ended up in the sacristy!
Even better news: no one was hurt. The elderly gentleman driving the car said that the brakes failed as he was navigating the parking lot. Sure enough, when the tow truck guys came, they could push the brakes all the way to the floor.
All's well that ends well, they say. And that was certainly true today. A couple of other cars in the parking lot were also damaged, but not badly. The gentleman driving the car was shaken up, but not terribly.
The police officer in charge kept saying that we didn't need all the fire trucks. But I was grateful that they came out in such force when they heard something was amiss at the church. They wanted to be sure that the people - and the church - were OK. I thanked them. And I meant it.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sorrow, and yet
Dear Friends in Christ -
Not long ago, I had dinner with a friend who confided in me her "unChristian" thoughts about a family member who had, well, really been a jerk, to put it mildly. As our conversation went on, my anger smoldered right alongside hers, but somehow along the way, sorrow also crept in. Sorrow about . . . I'm not quite sure. Sorrow that someone was so careless with my friend. Sorrow that meanness exists at all.
Just hours after I got home that night, I stumbled across this poem, which sticks with me, offering some small ray of hope, though in an unexpected way.
May light also find its way into your darkest experiences.
Faithfully,
Janet+
THE USES OF SORROW by Mary Oliver
(in my sleep I dreamed this poem)
Someone I loved once gave me
a box full of darkness.
It took me years to understand
that this, too, was a gift.
Not long ago, I had dinner with a friend who confided in me her "unChristian" thoughts about a family member who had, well, really been a jerk, to put it mildly. As our conversation went on, my anger smoldered right alongside hers, but somehow along the way, sorrow also crept in. Sorrow about . . . I'm not quite sure. Sorrow that someone was so careless with my friend. Sorrow that meanness exists at all.
Just hours after I got home that night, I stumbled across this poem, which sticks with me, offering some small ray of hope, though in an unexpected way.
May light also find its way into your darkest experiences.
Faithfully,
Janet+
THE USES OF SORROW by Mary Oliver
(in my sleep I dreamed this poem)
Someone I loved once gave me
a box full of darkness.
It took me years to understand
that this, too, was a gift.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Living this goodness
Dear Friends in Christ -
What I really wanted to do was write a poem that captured the simple beauty of this evening. But it's getting late and I need to go to bed. So I'm just taking a minute to remember, and give thanks for ribbons of conversation threading together pearls of laughter. The scrape of metal chairs on wooden floor. The clink of forks and knives on china. The scent of warm winter foods - tomatoey pasta and roast beef and hot coffee - wafting down the hall from the kitchen.
After a busy day with my kids, I wasn't sure I wanted to get gussied up and go to a "church thing." Especially after a couple of folks I had hoped would come called at the last minute to let me know they couldn't make it.
But as I pulled into the parking lot, the lights glinted invitingly through the windows. And the evening rolled out in simple grace and style. Talents graciously shared. Everything lovingly prepared.
Harvest dinner. A time to give thanks. And I am so grateful to be part of this community where I catch glimpses of God in the goodness of being together and in creatively pulling together to give and serve. Living this goodness is its own poetry.
Blessings - and thanks,
Janet+
What I really wanted to do was write a poem that captured the simple beauty of this evening. But it's getting late and I need to go to bed. So I'm just taking a minute to remember, and give thanks for ribbons of conversation threading together pearls of laughter. The scrape of metal chairs on wooden floor. The clink of forks and knives on china. The scent of warm winter foods - tomatoey pasta and roast beef and hot coffee - wafting down the hall from the kitchen.
After a busy day with my kids, I wasn't sure I wanted to get gussied up and go to a "church thing." Especially after a couple of folks I had hoped would come called at the last minute to let me know they couldn't make it.
But as I pulled into the parking lot, the lights glinted invitingly through the windows. And the evening rolled out in simple grace and style. Talents graciously shared. Everything lovingly prepared.
Harvest dinner. A time to give thanks. And I am so grateful to be part of this community where I catch glimpses of God in the goodness of being together and in creatively pulling together to give and serve. Living this goodness is its own poetry.
Blessings - and thanks,
Janet+
Friday, November 13, 2009
Healing
Dear Friends in Christ -
Since Sunday, I've been paying attention to this spot on the top of my foot. Rushing around in the kitchen in my socks, I splashed boiling water on it. Immediately the skin blistered and peeled away leaving, as my kids would say, a big owwie.
As I've dressed the wound each day, giving it air and salve and covering, I've literally watched the skin grow back, millimeter by millimeter. It's so amazing to actually be able to watch healing take place. To see a hurt get better.
I spoke with someone this week who is struggling with his own wounds - internal ones, deep ones. He's waiting for healing to happen, and he wanted to know: How can you tell if healing is happening when the wound is internal? How do you measure progress when you can't see it?
I have to confess that I didn't have any easy answers for him. I'm not sure there are any easy answers. But I suspect if he gives the wound in his heart the air of truth and the salve of faithfulness (putting one foot in front of the other as best he knows how) and the covering of encouragement from those who care for him, his wound will heal. Millimeter by millimeter. And though it's hard to be patient. That kind of healing - the kind that's from the inside out - will last.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Since Sunday, I've been paying attention to this spot on the top of my foot. Rushing around in the kitchen in my socks, I splashed boiling water on it. Immediately the skin blistered and peeled away leaving, as my kids would say, a big owwie.
As I've dressed the wound each day, giving it air and salve and covering, I've literally watched the skin grow back, millimeter by millimeter. It's so amazing to actually be able to watch healing take place. To see a hurt get better.
I spoke with someone this week who is struggling with his own wounds - internal ones, deep ones. He's waiting for healing to happen, and he wanted to know: How can you tell if healing is happening when the wound is internal? How do you measure progress when you can't see it?
I have to confess that I didn't have any easy answers for him. I'm not sure there are any easy answers. But I suspect if he gives the wound in his heart the air of truth and the salve of faithfulness (putting one foot in front of the other as best he knows how) and the covering of encouragement from those who care for him, his wound will heal. Millimeter by millimeter. And though it's hard to be patient. That kind of healing - the kind that's from the inside out - will last.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Thursday, November 12, 2009
My chief work is prayer and yours is . . .
. . . dear friends, also prayer. But prayer is NOT only the pious down-on-your-knees prayers in church, nor just the scripted prayers in the prayer book, nor just words to God shut in your room alone at home.
Prayer is all the conversation we have with God in the room of our mind and soul. Wherever we go, whatever we do. Prayer can be stirred by something we read or something we see in nature, by work or through our interactions with people.
The leader of our clergy retreat, Esther de Waal, is an expert in Benedictine prayer. St. Benedict lived in the end of the 5th century and beginning of the 6th century. Though many people think of him as a priest, he never was. He started monasteries as a "brother," and focused on the life of brothers learning to live in harmony with each other. The traditional model had been more top-down, learning from and being ordered about by a "father" who was mentor and final authority on everything.
Our homes are not unlike these early Benedictine communities: places where we struggle to get along with each other and to love each other, places where we do the work and learning and celebrating and communing which sustains us.
This home community is also the place where we say our daily prayers. Of course, our home communities are also sustained by the weekly coming together with other home communities at church to worship, but these Sabbath prayers are only a small part of the prayers we need to thrive.
Part of my at-home prayers are in the form of poetry. I've always felt short of shy about confessing that, feeling somehow that reading someone else's beautiful meditations must be cheating in some way. But our speaker, Esther, talked about the joy and nourishment she takes in poetry. In poetry, we stand alongside someone who is seeing the beauty and glory of creation, and even across generations and centuries enjoy that poetry together.
So here's a gift of poetry from me to you today, a poem written not be me (as "The Geese" poem that I posted last week was), but by a famous Welsh poet, R.S. Thomas. Enjoy your prayers!
Faithfully,
Janet+
THE BRIGHT FIELD
I have seen the sun break through
to illuminate a small field
for a while, and gone my way
and forgotten it. But that was the pearl
of great price, the one field that had
the treasure in it. I realize now
that I must give all that I have
to possess it. Life is not hurrying
on to a receding future, nor hankering after
an imagined past. It is the turning
aside like Moses to the miracle
of the lit bush, to a brightness
that seemed as transitory as your youth
once, but is the eternity that awaits you.
Prayer is all the conversation we have with God in the room of our mind and soul. Wherever we go, whatever we do. Prayer can be stirred by something we read or something we see in nature, by work or through our interactions with people.
The leader of our clergy retreat, Esther de Waal, is an expert in Benedictine prayer. St. Benedict lived in the end of the 5th century and beginning of the 6th century. Though many people think of him as a priest, he never was. He started monasteries as a "brother," and focused on the life of brothers learning to live in harmony with each other. The traditional model had been more top-down, learning from and being ordered about by a "father" who was mentor and final authority on everything.
Our homes are not unlike these early Benedictine communities: places where we struggle to get along with each other and to love each other, places where we do the work and learning and celebrating and communing which sustains us.
This home community is also the place where we say our daily prayers. Of course, our home communities are also sustained by the weekly coming together with other home communities at church to worship, but these Sabbath prayers are only a small part of the prayers we need to thrive.
Part of my at-home prayers are in the form of poetry. I've always felt short of shy about confessing that, feeling somehow that reading someone else's beautiful meditations must be cheating in some way. But our speaker, Esther, talked about the joy and nourishment she takes in poetry. In poetry, we stand alongside someone who is seeing the beauty and glory of creation, and even across generations and centuries enjoy that poetry together.
So here's a gift of poetry from me to you today, a poem written not be me (as "The Geese" poem that I posted last week was), but by a famous Welsh poet, R.S. Thomas. Enjoy your prayers!
Faithfully,
Janet+
THE BRIGHT FIELD
I have seen the sun break through
to illuminate a small field
for a while, and gone my way
and forgotten it. But that was the pearl
of great price, the one field that had
the treasure in it. I realize now
that I must give all that I have
to possess it. Life is not hurrying
on to a receding future, nor hankering after
an imagined past. It is the turning
aside like Moses to the miracle
of the lit bush, to a brightness
that seemed as transitory as your youth
once, but is the eternity that awaits you.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A Veterans Day Prayer
Dear Friends in Christ -
Here on retreat, I was reminded by a colleague that prayer - saying my own prayers and teaching others to pray - is the #1 thing I'm called to do, not just on retreat days, but every day. How true. Many other things press in, but this is indeed my chief work as a Christian leader, for this work of prayer is nothing more or less than being in relationship with God, myself, those around me, the world.
On this Veterans Day, I invite you to join me in giving thanks for the service so many have given to our country - their labors, their lives. Let us remember to say a kind, encouraging word to the Veterans we know, and to lift them all to God in prayer.
Faithfully,
Janet+
A VETERANS DAY PRAYER
God of peace,
we pray for those who have served our nation
and who laid down their lives
to protect and defend our freedom.
We pray for those who have fought,
whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war,
whose nights are haunted by memories
too painful for the light of day.
We pray for those who serve us now,
especially for those in harm's way.
Shield them from danger
and bring them home.
Turn the hearts and minds
of our leaders and our enemies
to the work of justice and a harvest of peace.
Spare the poor, Lord, spare the poor!
Let the peace you left us,
the peace you gave us,
be the peace that sustains,
the peace that saves us.
Christ Jesus, hear us!
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer!
-Concord Pastor
Here on retreat, I was reminded by a colleague that prayer - saying my own prayers and teaching others to pray - is the #1 thing I'm called to do, not just on retreat days, but every day. How true. Many other things press in, but this is indeed my chief work as a Christian leader, for this work of prayer is nothing more or less than being in relationship with God, myself, those around me, the world.
On this Veterans Day, I invite you to join me in giving thanks for the service so many have given to our country - their labors, their lives. Let us remember to say a kind, encouraging word to the Veterans we know, and to lift them all to God in prayer.
Faithfully,
Janet+
A VETERANS DAY PRAYER
God of peace,
we pray for those who have served our nation
and who laid down their lives
to protect and defend our freedom.
We pray for those who have fought,
whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war,
whose nights are haunted by memories
too painful for the light of day.
We pray for those who serve us now,
especially for those in harm's way.
Shield them from danger
and bring them home.
Turn the hearts and minds
of our leaders and our enemies
to the work of justice and a harvest of peace.
Spare the poor, Lord, spare the poor!
Let the peace you left us,
the peace you gave us,
be the peace that sustains,
the peace that saves us.
Christ Jesus, hear us!
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer!
-Concord Pastor
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
What is seen
Dear Friends in Christ -
I'm on a retreat led by Esther de Waal, a Welsh lay woman who has raised four boys and written many books on prayer and personal faith. She's been talking a lot today about noticing things, living of life in which we really see things rather than just flying from one thing to another, full of busyness and distraction. She talks of this as receiving an invitation directly from God - and taking God up on it.
I don't know about you, but my days can be so busy and my head so full of this thing and the other that I don't even notice the houses and trees I'm driving by, the sound of the leaves skittering across the pavement.
In my retreat room, there was a little scrap of paper on the desk when I arrived; it had writing on it. It took me a minute to notice it, but it was clearly God's invitation to me on this retreat and in the days to come. May you sense God's invitation to you in it, too.
"People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child - our own two eyes. All is a miracle." - Thich Nhat Hanh
Blessings,
Janet+
I'm on a retreat led by Esther de Waal, a Welsh lay woman who has raised four boys and written many books on prayer and personal faith. She's been talking a lot today about noticing things, living of life in which we really see things rather than just flying from one thing to another, full of busyness and distraction. She talks of this as receiving an invitation directly from God - and taking God up on it.
I don't know about you, but my days can be so busy and my head so full of this thing and the other that I don't even notice the houses and trees I'm driving by, the sound of the leaves skittering across the pavement.
In my retreat room, there was a little scrap of paper on the desk when I arrived; it had writing on it. It took me a minute to notice it, but it was clearly God's invitation to me on this retreat and in the days to come. May you sense God's invitation to you in it, too.
"People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child - our own two eyes. All is a miracle." - Thich Nhat Hanh
Blessings,
Janet+
Monday, November 9, 2009
Breaking Bridges
Dear Friends in Christ -
This evening, I was sitting in the drafty, over-lit Bridgeport train station waiting for the arrival of the Amtrak train bearing our speaker for the Clergy Retreat. The train was a bit late, so I plopped myself down on one of the metal benches. The station was fairly crowded so I chose a seat in the midst of a group of African American women who were swapping stories of a common experience they all shared: going to jail.
One of the young women was going on about how it was much better to be arrested in New York than in Connecticut. At least in New York, she said, you know what you're being arrested for. She told the other women how she got in an argument with another woman. Someone called the police and both of them were hauled away in handcuffs. "I couldn't even understand why," the woman said, "the cop kept saying something about breaking bridges. I kept wondering what he talking about."
Eventually, when she got to the police station, someone explained to her that she was being arrested for "breach of peace." But she still didn't know what that meant. And no one, she said, would explain it to her. They just made her take all of the beads and bands out of her hair before taking her picture and finger prints and processing her into the jail. "Great," she said, hanging her head, "and then I look a mess, too."
Curious, but trying not to stare, I glanced at her several times, trying to get pictures in my head to go with the words I was hearing. Life had worn so hard on her that she looked a decade older than her 20-some years. She had teeth that could have used good orthodontics and hardened, down-turned lines around her mouth and eyes. If life were easier, she might have been pretty.
But she was stuck. Stuck in a world where peace is so illusive that she and her friends offhandedly share stories of being jailed. How many bridges in a young woman's life have to be broken before being jailed is just part of the routine for her and her friends? How many bridges in our community have to be broken before we run out of options and resort to repeatedly throwing people in jail?
Faithfully longing for better things,
Janet+
This evening, I was sitting in the drafty, over-lit Bridgeport train station waiting for the arrival of the Amtrak train bearing our speaker for the Clergy Retreat. The train was a bit late, so I plopped myself down on one of the metal benches. The station was fairly crowded so I chose a seat in the midst of a group of African American women who were swapping stories of a common experience they all shared: going to jail.
One of the young women was going on about how it was much better to be arrested in New York than in Connecticut. At least in New York, she said, you know what you're being arrested for. She told the other women how she got in an argument with another woman. Someone called the police and both of them were hauled away in handcuffs. "I couldn't even understand why," the woman said, "the cop kept saying something about breaking bridges. I kept wondering what he talking about."
Eventually, when she got to the police station, someone explained to her that she was being arrested for "breach of peace." But she still didn't know what that meant. And no one, she said, would explain it to her. They just made her take all of the beads and bands out of her hair before taking her picture and finger prints and processing her into the jail. "Great," she said, hanging her head, "and then I look a mess, too."
Curious, but trying not to stare, I glanced at her several times, trying to get pictures in my head to go with the words I was hearing. Life had worn so hard on her that she looked a decade older than her 20-some years. She had teeth that could have used good orthodontics and hardened, down-turned lines around her mouth and eyes. If life were easier, she might have been pretty.
But she was stuck. Stuck in a world where peace is so illusive that she and her friends offhandedly share stories of being jailed. How many bridges in a young woman's life have to be broken before being jailed is just part of the routine for her and her friends? How many bridges in our community have to be broken before we run out of options and resort to repeatedly throwing people in jail?
Faithfully longing for better things,
Janet+
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Thank you
Dear Friends in Christ -
Strains of the song "I get by with a little help from my friends" are running through my head. I'm so grateful for the enthusiastic, hard-working help we had at the church - and at the rectory - raking leaves today. People ask me all the time, "How do you do it all?" The truth is, I don't. I have help. Lots of help.
The leaf raking help was especially touching to me because this really isn't something that Ed and I are equipped to do. We've never owned our own home, so some of the basic tasks that it takes to maintain a house and yard are new to us. Leaf season is particularly daunting, because we have several BIG leaf-producing trees and no leaf blower (not that we would know how to run one if we had it!).
So thank you. Really. A lot. Not only did we get the job done, but I learned a lot from you all about how to do a fall clean-up. Years from now, when I'm retired and own my own home, I'll know what to do with all those leaves!
Faithfully,
Janet+
Strains of the song "I get by with a little help from my friends" are running through my head. I'm so grateful for the enthusiastic, hard-working help we had at the church - and at the rectory - raking leaves today. People ask me all the time, "How do you do it all?" The truth is, I don't. I have help. Lots of help.
The leaf raking help was especially touching to me because this really isn't something that Ed and I are equipped to do. We've never owned our own home, so some of the basic tasks that it takes to maintain a house and yard are new to us. Leaf season is particularly daunting, because we have several BIG leaf-producing trees and no leaf blower (not that we would know how to run one if we had it!).
So thank you. Really. A lot. Not only did we get the job done, but I learned a lot from you all about how to do a fall clean-up. Years from now, when I'm retired and own my own home, I'll know what to do with all those leaves!
Faithfully,
Janet+
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Leaf Raking
Dear Friends in Christ -
Not in New Mexico. Not in Florida. But in New England, leaf raking is a ritual of the fall. Not one of my most favorite rituals, I have to confess, because it's a lot of work. But it does put me in touch with the wonder of creation and the cycle of life.
Sunday promises to be the perfect day for a little leaf raking (the weather forecast predicts sun!), and the Maintenance Team hopes that you'll come to rake leaves here at St. Paul's. Why? Because we need your help! We're struggling to make budget this year, and we're hoping to save the $400-$500 we usually have to pay for fall clean-up.
Many hands make like work (and save money!), so wear your jeans to church and bring a rake. Immediately following the service, we'll get organized (and get a nibble and a cup of coffee). Then we'll rake like mad for an hour. Then we'll have hot cider and donuts. Having worked off the calories in advance, the donuts are guilt free! Bonus.
I look forward to seeing you at church - and in the parish yard afterwards!
Blessings,
Janet+
PS - If you've got a leaf blower, bring it along!!!
Not in New Mexico. Not in Florida. But in New England, leaf raking is a ritual of the fall. Not one of my most favorite rituals, I have to confess, because it's a lot of work. But it does put me in touch with the wonder of creation and the cycle of life.
Sunday promises to be the perfect day for a little leaf raking (the weather forecast predicts sun!), and the Maintenance Team hopes that you'll come to rake leaves here at St. Paul's. Why? Because we need your help! We're struggling to make budget this year, and we're hoping to save the $400-$500 we usually have to pay for fall clean-up.
Many hands make like work (and save money!), so wear your jeans to church and bring a rake. Immediately following the service, we'll get organized (and get a nibble and a cup of coffee). Then we'll rake like mad for an hour. Then we'll have hot cider and donuts. Having worked off the calories in advance, the donuts are guilt free! Bonus.
I look forward to seeing you at church - and in the parish yard afterwards!
Blessings,
Janet+
PS - If you've got a leaf blower, bring it along!!!
Friday, November 6, 2009
They won the lottery, but still . . .
Dear Friends in Christ -
The Old Testament stories in the daily office readings for the end of this week have been from the book of Ezra. Ezra was a priest of the Israelites when they were captive in Babylon. Ezra was singled out by the king for a special mission; he was to lead his people out of slavery, back to Jerusalem, to rebuild the temple and their lives.
The king even gave them a whole huge heap of money and other resources to use in their journey and in the rebuilding. The king gave them everything they could have asked for, and more. It was like they had won the lottery.
The king even offered to have his soldiers and calvary travel to to Jerusalem with the Israelites, to protect them along the way. But this is where Ezra turned off the spigot, saying in effect, "thanks, but no thanks." Ezra didn't want the people to be dependent on anyone but God. If the king kept giving them stuff, how would they know whether or not they were still in relationship with God, relying on HIM as their God, their creator and sustainer?
I have to confess that I have dreamed of winning the lottery. But I have always wondered: if I already had everything, how would I remember, day in and day out, to rely on God? Ezra was stong enough to guide his people into remembering that living in a trusting relationship with God is the BEST place to be.
Faithfully,
Janet+
The Old Testament stories in the daily office readings for the end of this week have been from the book of Ezra. Ezra was a priest of the Israelites when they were captive in Babylon. Ezra was singled out by the king for a special mission; he was to lead his people out of slavery, back to Jerusalem, to rebuild the temple and their lives.
The king even gave them a whole huge heap of money and other resources to use in their journey and in the rebuilding. The king gave them everything they could have asked for, and more. It was like they had won the lottery.
The king even offered to have his soldiers and calvary travel to to Jerusalem with the Israelites, to protect them along the way. But this is where Ezra turned off the spigot, saying in effect, "thanks, but no thanks." Ezra didn't want the people to be dependent on anyone but God. If the king kept giving them stuff, how would they know whether or not they were still in relationship with God, relying on HIM as their God, their creator and sustainer?
I have to confess that I have dreamed of winning the lottery. But I have always wondered: if I already had everything, how would I remember, day in and day out, to rely on God? Ezra was stong enough to guide his people into remembering that living in a trusting relationship with God is the BEST place to be.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Geese
The geese have come.
They landed
at the far end of the field
in the near darkness before night.
They settled in quickly, strutting about,
folding and unfolding their feathers
tight against their round bellies.
They peck the ground, dinner.
But then, all at once,
from their various stations on the ground,
they lift together silently
into the air, as if pulled up
on puppet strings.
Soft finger of air moves
across my face as they pass close above me
to where?
With a twinge of grief at their departure,
the trees and I breathe
goodbye.
They landed
at the far end of the field
in the near darkness before night.
They settled in quickly, strutting about,
folding and unfolding their feathers
tight against their round bellies.
They peck the ground, dinner.
But then, all at once,
from their various stations on the ground,
they lift together silently
into the air, as if pulled up
on puppet strings.
Soft finger of air moves
across my face as they pass close above me
to where?
With a twinge of grief at their departure,
the trees and I breathe
goodbye.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Hardset Biorhythm
Dear Friends in Christ -
Since the time changed, my 4 1/2-year-old son has been getting up by 4:45 a.m. EVERY MORNING. His biorhythm is set hard and fast, time change or no time change. So I'm a little bedraggled.
But sometimes being a little bedraggled myself just helps me to notice (and have compassion for) other folks who are frayed around the edges, too. It doesn't take much to realize how people get this way. Relentless schedules. Downturned economy. Flu raging. Oh, yeah, and then there's the fact that our country's still fighting a war.
In the midst of all of that, how do I keep going? Well, I'm striving to have a spiritual biorhythm that's as attached to God as my son's biorhythm is attached to the time of day. My son knows what time it is because his stomach tells him, "TIME TO EAT." That's why he appears at my bedside at 4:45 a.m. saying, "Mommy, I'm hungry." I'm trying to get back to obeying my spirit when it yells, "TIME OUT." You know, it does say that. And often. Deep breath, a little quiet, a prayer. Nothing too dramatic. But obeying the spiritual biorhythm isn't an added extra. It's what can keep me going. Even on bedraggled days.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Since the time changed, my 4 1/2-year-old son has been getting up by 4:45 a.m. EVERY MORNING. His biorhythm is set hard and fast, time change or no time change. So I'm a little bedraggled.
But sometimes being a little bedraggled myself just helps me to notice (and have compassion for) other folks who are frayed around the edges, too. It doesn't take much to realize how people get this way. Relentless schedules. Downturned economy. Flu raging. Oh, yeah, and then there's the fact that our country's still fighting a war.
In the midst of all of that, how do I keep going? Well, I'm striving to have a spiritual biorhythm that's as attached to God as my son's biorhythm is attached to the time of day. My son knows what time it is because his stomach tells him, "TIME TO EAT." That's why he appears at my bedside at 4:45 a.m. saying, "Mommy, I'm hungry." I'm trying to get back to obeying my spirit when it yells, "TIME OUT." You know, it does say that. And often. Deep breath, a little quiet, a prayer. Nothing too dramatic. But obeying the spiritual biorhythm isn't an added extra. It's what can keep me going. Even on bedraggled days.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Rest in Peace, Rise in Glory
Dear Friends in Christ -
As we were saying our prayers during the 8:00 a.m. service on Sunday morning, our oldest member, Rose Czajkowski, passed from this life into the next. She was 97 years old.
Last week, another one of our oldest members, Virginia Tucker, 92, made her way into eternity. Both of these wonderful women had seen a lot of living.
Though I have known each of these women for only a fraction of their long lives, their passings move me to grief. As they leave this life, the ground beneath us shifts. Things will never be the same.
I felt that way, too, as we said goodbye to Marybeth and Jerry Banks on Sunday. They're not dying, they're just moving. But with their leaving, the ground shifts again.
When things change, so dramatically, so permanently, and deep inside ourselves, our hearts cry, "What's going to happen to me? With the sea of life constantly changing, is my little boat going to be swamped or overturned?"
The promise of God to us is that He will take care of us. As the Bible reminds us, "Jesus Christ is the same - yesterday, today and forever." (Heb. 13:8). We can embrace the changes that happen, even the losses we grieve, because the power of Jesus' resurrection will always see us through. We don't always like change; it's hard to move on without some of the anchors that made us feel so secure. But we can dare to celebrate the lives of those we love and let them move into their own glory, confident that Christ will move us, in good ways, into the next glory He has for us.
Faithfully,
Janet+
As we were saying our prayers during the 8:00 a.m. service on Sunday morning, our oldest member, Rose Czajkowski, passed from this life into the next. She was 97 years old.
Last week, another one of our oldest members, Virginia Tucker, 92, made her way into eternity. Both of these wonderful women had seen a lot of living.
Though I have known each of these women for only a fraction of their long lives, their passings move me to grief. As they leave this life, the ground beneath us shifts. Things will never be the same.
I felt that way, too, as we said goodbye to Marybeth and Jerry Banks on Sunday. They're not dying, they're just moving. But with their leaving, the ground shifts again.
When things change, so dramatically, so permanently, and deep inside ourselves, our hearts cry, "What's going to happen to me? With the sea of life constantly changing, is my little boat going to be swamped or overturned?"
The promise of God to us is that He will take care of us. As the Bible reminds us, "Jesus Christ is the same - yesterday, today and forever." (Heb. 13:8). We can embrace the changes that happen, even the losses we grieve, because the power of Jesus' resurrection will always see us through. We don't always like change; it's hard to move on without some of the anchors that made us feel so secure. But we can dare to celebrate the lives of those we love and let them move into their own glory, confident that Christ will move us, in good ways, into the next glory He has for us.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Monday, November 2, 2009
Pious and boring
Dear Friends in Christ -
When I re-read my blog post from yesterday, I wasn't much pleased with it. I wrote it in a sleep-deprived early morning rush, and upon re-reading it sounds a little, well, pious and boring.
I do love the Feast of All Saints. It's a day when I get to celebrate that as Christians, our team ultimately wins. Every time. Even when it doesn't look like we're going to. Even when nobody thinks whatever we're going through will work out.
There was a real sense of God's presence in the 10:00 a.m. service. Right in the middle of our worship together, we did two things: 1) we baptized four new Christians - Shara, Jeremy, Annabelle and Amery - and 2) we said goodbye to Jerry and Marybeth Banks. The Word of God at the beginning of the service and the Sacrament of the Eucharist at the end of the service wrapped our joys and sorrows together like warm arms. Everlasting arms.
The sadness at seeing Marybeth and Jerry leave is almost unbearable. They've been here for so long and have contributed so much. How will we get along without them? Not only do we wonder who will do all the work, but also we feel a little less certain about how the next adventures will go. We felt more confident when all the heavy hitting players were in place.
But now, as the Banks move to their next calling, we welcome the newest ones who are called to be here, worshipping with us, fellowshipping with us, serving with us. How we will care for each other and work alongside each other, where and how we will see the Glory of God along the way is anybody's guess.
Only this is for sure: whatever's around the corner is likely to awe-inspiring, not stuffily pious, and full of adventure, not boring. Not in the least.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
When I re-read my blog post from yesterday, I wasn't much pleased with it. I wrote it in a sleep-deprived early morning rush, and upon re-reading it sounds a little, well, pious and boring.
I do love the Feast of All Saints. It's a day when I get to celebrate that as Christians, our team ultimately wins. Every time. Even when it doesn't look like we're going to. Even when nobody thinks whatever we're going through will work out.
There was a real sense of God's presence in the 10:00 a.m. service. Right in the middle of our worship together, we did two things: 1) we baptized four new Christians - Shara, Jeremy, Annabelle and Amery - and 2) we said goodbye to Jerry and Marybeth Banks. The Word of God at the beginning of the service and the Sacrament of the Eucharist at the end of the service wrapped our joys and sorrows together like warm arms. Everlasting arms.
The sadness at seeing Marybeth and Jerry leave is almost unbearable. They've been here for so long and have contributed so much. How will we get along without them? Not only do we wonder who will do all the work, but also we feel a little less certain about how the next adventures will go. We felt more confident when all the heavy hitting players were in place.
But now, as the Banks move to their next calling, we welcome the newest ones who are called to be here, worshipping with us, fellowshipping with us, serving with us. How we will care for each other and work alongside each other, where and how we will see the Glory of God along the way is anybody's guess.
Only this is for sure: whatever's around the corner is likely to awe-inspiring, not stuffily pious, and full of adventure, not boring. Not in the least.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Sunday, November 1, 2009
All Saints Day
Dear Friends in Christ -
Every year I muddle through Halloween (a "holiday" I enjoyed as a child only for the dressing up part and as an adult only for getting together with our friends and the joy of seeing my kids enjoy dressing up), to get to All Saints Day.
All Saints Day is this time when I do three things:
1. Look around me and recognize the awesome-ness of the "living saints" I live with in my household and community day-in and day-out and
2. Hold in my heart the saints who I no longer see, remembering the uniquenss of their lives and feeling gratitude for what they gave to me.
3. Pray that I might live up to carrying on their example.
Today, we're going to gather as saints at St. Paul's, worshipping as we always do at 8:00 a.m., in the Church on the edge of the old graveyard, where the saints will be praying and singing with us especially on this day. Then at 10:00 a.m. we'll be gathering with the saints around the font, welcoming our newest saints to join us on the journey to heaven.
As the sun begins to warm the sky this morning, I think I hear the angels' song . . .
Faithfully,
Janet+
Every year I muddle through Halloween (a "holiday" I enjoyed as a child only for the dressing up part and as an adult only for getting together with our friends and the joy of seeing my kids enjoy dressing up), to get to All Saints Day.
All Saints Day is this time when I do three things:
1. Look around me and recognize the awesome-ness of the "living saints" I live with in my household and community day-in and day-out and
2. Hold in my heart the saints who I no longer see, remembering the uniquenss of their lives and feeling gratitude for what they gave to me.
3. Pray that I might live up to carrying on their example.
Today, we're going to gather as saints at St. Paul's, worshipping as we always do at 8:00 a.m., in the Church on the edge of the old graveyard, where the saints will be praying and singing with us especially on this day. Then at 10:00 a.m. we'll be gathering with the saints around the font, welcoming our newest saints to join us on the journey to heaven.
As the sun begins to warm the sky this morning, I think I hear the angels' song . . .
Faithfully,
Janet+
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Trivia and Truth
Dear Friends in Christ -
The Gospel lesson for today is Matthew 12:1-14, the story of the Pharisees confronting Jesus and his disciples about harvesting grain (they were picking wheat kernals in a field for breakfast) and healing on the Sabbath. Clearly the "facts, only the facts" of the law had gotten between them and the truth: that it's good for people to do what's right. Sometimes, it's even better to do what's right than to play by the rules.
The trick is to listen to God enough to know what's what and when's when.
The author of today's reflection in "Forward Day by Day" said something that I found clear, helpful, and inspiring on this point, so I share it with you here . . .
"The amassing of facts--trivial or otherwise--may be an impressive trophy in the human world, but facts should not be confused with the truth of God's all-encompassing grace. A fact in my possession is a small thing. It might save me some time or some money; it might help me save face. But the truth is something else. The truth is immense. The truth saves my life."
May living and doing truth save your life today.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
The Gospel lesson for today is Matthew 12:1-14, the story of the Pharisees confronting Jesus and his disciples about harvesting grain (they were picking wheat kernals in a field for breakfast) and healing on the Sabbath. Clearly the "facts, only the facts" of the law had gotten between them and the truth: that it's good for people to do what's right. Sometimes, it's even better to do what's right than to play by the rules.
The trick is to listen to God enough to know what's what and when's when.
The author of today's reflection in "Forward Day by Day" said something that I found clear, helpful, and inspiring on this point, so I share it with you here . . .
"The amassing of facts--trivial or otherwise--may be an impressive trophy in the human world, but facts should not be confused with the truth of God's all-encompassing grace. A fact in my possession is a small thing. It might save me some time or some money; it might help me save face. But the truth is something else. The truth is immense. The truth saves my life."
May living and doing truth save your life today.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Three Babies Get Wet . . . and . . .
Dear Friends in Christ -
Today, we baptized three little ones at the 10:00 a.m. service. So adorable, these little ones.
The miracle is not just that God welcomes these little ones - after all, who wouldn't?! they're so amazing! - but that he welcomes each and every one of us, too. Even after we grow up and lose our innocence, He welcomes us. Even when we make mistakes and choices so bad that we can't stand ourselves, He welcomes us.
As we renewed our Baptismal vows today, I really experienced the second-chance-ness of His love. During the confessions we say during Lent, we ask God to forgive us for the "pride, hypocrisy and impatience" of our lives. There's not a day that goes by that I don't participate in at least one of those; how about you? And yet, God welcomes us. And not only welcomes us, but rejoices in our return to Him, again and again.
The babies we baptized today know nothing yet of this cycle of repentance and renewal. But they'll make their own mistakes soon enough, because they, too, are human.
My prayer for myself and for all of us this day is that we will indeed fulfill the commitment we made to them today: to show them, by word and example - by returning to God again and again and again to receive His welcome - the way to God in Christ.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Today, we baptized three little ones at the 10:00 a.m. service. So adorable, these little ones.
The miracle is not just that God welcomes these little ones - after all, who wouldn't?! they're so amazing! - but that he welcomes each and every one of us, too. Even after we grow up and lose our innocence, He welcomes us. Even when we make mistakes and choices so bad that we can't stand ourselves, He welcomes us.
As we renewed our Baptismal vows today, I really experienced the second-chance-ness of His love. During the confessions we say during Lent, we ask God to forgive us for the "pride, hypocrisy and impatience" of our lives. There's not a day that goes by that I don't participate in at least one of those; how about you? And yet, God welcomes us. And not only welcomes us, but rejoices in our return to Him, again and again.
The babies we baptized today know nothing yet of this cycle of repentance and renewal. But they'll make their own mistakes soon enough, because they, too, are human.
My prayer for myself and for all of us this day is that we will indeed fulfill the commitment we made to them today: to show them, by word and example - by returning to God again and again and again to receive His welcome - the way to God in Christ.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Friday, October 16, 2009
What I learned . . .
Dear Friends in Christ -
Remember back when we were kids . . . on the first day back from summer vacation, you had to tell your story, "What I did on vacation was . . ."
Ed and I just returned from our anniversary vacation, a celebration of a decade of marriage on our 13th anniversary. We had some celebratory catching up to do, so we decided to do it big - with a trip to Barbados. This was a big adventure for me. I had never been to a far away sunny, sandy island before.
In addition to the sheer beauty of the place, what struck me most was the change of pace. For the entire time we were there, nothing and no one moved quickly. The pace was a marked contrast with life in Connecticut. What did I learn? Simply this: there's another way of living. Another good way of living.
Clergyman Max Warren once said, "It takes the whole world to know the whole Gospel." Indeed, I encountered something true and good that I wouldn't have understood without travelling to another place and experiencing, even for a short time, how some of God's other children live.
May God continue to help us all to encounter places and people that challenge our assumptions and catapult us into new Life.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Remember back when we were kids . . . on the first day back from summer vacation, you had to tell your story, "What I did on vacation was . . ."
Ed and I just returned from our anniversary vacation, a celebration of a decade of marriage on our 13th anniversary. We had some celebratory catching up to do, so we decided to do it big - with a trip to Barbados. This was a big adventure for me. I had never been to a far away sunny, sandy island before.
In addition to the sheer beauty of the place, what struck me most was the change of pace. For the entire time we were there, nothing and no one moved quickly. The pace was a marked contrast with life in Connecticut. What did I learn? Simply this: there's another way of living. Another good way of living.
Clergyman Max Warren once said, "It takes the whole world to know the whole Gospel." Indeed, I encountered something true and good that I wouldn't have understood without travelling to another place and experiencing, even for a short time, how some of God's other children live.
May God continue to help us all to encounter places and people that challenge our assumptions and catapult us into new Life.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Making Peace
Dear Friends in Christ -
Did you know that over 30 people in Connecticut were killed as a result of domestic violence last year? The youngest of these people was under a year old. The oldest was 85.
I never know what to do with statistics like that when I encounter them on mail in my mailbox - or in the newspaper - or at events like this. Or . . . do I?
Last night, I went to the Umbrella Shelter's Candlelight Vigil of the victims of domestic violence in Connecticut. With dozens of other people who came out in the crisp fall air, I prayed for those who have died and gave thanks for those police officers and court advocates and shelter staff people and counselors and friends who give their time and even put their lives on the line to help those who are in danger.
There is something else I can do: I can make peace. As St. Francis of Assisi reminded me this past week, as we celebrated his saint day, peace is made by refusing to stand still and leave it to other people to help, by refusing to remain silent when truth needs to be spoken. Simple acts of helping and truth-telling bring hope, liberation and LIFE to those most in need around us.
Join me in refusing to be too busy to do the right thing. Today might be the day someone needs you to notice their need for encouragement or help.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Did you know that over 30 people in Connecticut were killed as a result of domestic violence last year? The youngest of these people was under a year old. The oldest was 85.
I never know what to do with statistics like that when I encounter them on mail in my mailbox - or in the newspaper - or at events like this. Or . . . do I?
Last night, I went to the Umbrella Shelter's Candlelight Vigil of the victims of domestic violence in Connecticut. With dozens of other people who came out in the crisp fall air, I prayed for those who have died and gave thanks for those police officers and court advocates and shelter staff people and counselors and friends who give their time and even put their lives on the line to help those who are in danger.
There is something else I can do: I can make peace. As St. Francis of Assisi reminded me this past week, as we celebrated his saint day, peace is made by refusing to stand still and leave it to other people to help, by refusing to remain silent when truth needs to be spoken. Simple acts of helping and truth-telling bring hope, liberation and LIFE to those most in need around us.
Join me in refusing to be too busy to do the right thing. Today might be the day someone needs you to notice their need for encouragement or help.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Friday, October 2, 2009
Blog Birthday
Dear Friends in Christ -
The truth is, I don't know what the blog's birthday is. My goal in celebrating the blog birthday today is to give it yet another new start.
It's first start was just getting it off the ground. The second start was recreating it when the first blog blew up in cyberspace and was never heard from again. The third start was in June of this year, after I took a writing class and wanted to make the blog better by writing consistently on a more focused theme - and failed.
So now, I'm celebrating this blog birthday not by changing it up or by starting it over, but by starting to just give thanks for all I've learned in the process of writing it so far and by choosing to enjoy the inherent messy-ness of a communication tool that is multi-purpose and for a broad audience.
If there's something you would like me to write about, please let me know. If you have comments of encouragement or suggestion, please don't hesitate to share those either - revjanet@stpaulsct.org.
Continuing this journey of writing . . . faithfully,
Janet+
The truth is, I don't know what the blog's birthday is. My goal in celebrating the blog birthday today is to give it yet another new start.
It's first start was just getting it off the ground. The second start was recreating it when the first blog blew up in cyberspace and was never heard from again. The third start was in June of this year, after I took a writing class and wanted to make the blog better by writing consistently on a more focused theme - and failed.
So now, I'm celebrating this blog birthday not by changing it up or by starting it over, but by starting to just give thanks for all I've learned in the process of writing it so far and by choosing to enjoy the inherent messy-ness of a communication tool that is multi-purpose and for a broad audience.
If there's something you would like me to write about, please let me know. If you have comments of encouragement or suggestion, please don't hesitate to share those either - revjanet@stpaulsct.org.
Continuing this journey of writing . . . faithfully,
Janet+
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The next great adventure
Dear Friends in Christ -
What does God have for us next, following Faith Alive? I'm not sure, yet. It's a time of listening. As I listened to God in prayer before Faith Alive, the word I heard from God was "relationship." During Faith Alive, the power of the Spirit we experienced together confirmed the specialness, not only of our relationships with God, but also our relationships with each other. Since Faith Alive, the "buzz" I've heard has been about ways in which we might go deeper with God, especially together, in groups large and/or small.
I don't know about you, but new possibilities mean change, and change makes me nervous. Even good change.
Whatever happens in our parish, I know what God is inviting me to: deeper relationships, with Him and with others. That means changing some of my habits. God's calling me to spend more time with Him (in prayer) and with others (for starters via this blog and -gulp - Facebook). Studies show that Christians who go online to find prayers and faith-building resources and connections with other Christians attend church MORE. For the faithful, e-connections enhance in-person connections instead of substituting for them.
Here's the tricky thing: in order to add some things in, I have to cut some things out. What's going to go? I haven't figured that out yet. But I'm working on it. May God give me grace never to sell myself short, grace to risk . . .
Faithfully,
Janet+
“We fear failure more than we love life, so we refuse the great adventures. We are careful to do only what we have always done and know how to do well, so we never break the dull repetition of the old routine for the new creation of God.”
-- C.S. Lewis
What does God have for us next, following Faith Alive? I'm not sure, yet. It's a time of listening. As I listened to God in prayer before Faith Alive, the word I heard from God was "relationship." During Faith Alive, the power of the Spirit we experienced together confirmed the specialness, not only of our relationships with God, but also our relationships with each other. Since Faith Alive, the "buzz" I've heard has been about ways in which we might go deeper with God, especially together, in groups large and/or small.
I don't know about you, but new possibilities mean change, and change makes me nervous. Even good change.
Whatever happens in our parish, I know what God is inviting me to: deeper relationships, with Him and with others. That means changing some of my habits. God's calling me to spend more time with Him (in prayer) and with others (for starters via this blog and -gulp - Facebook). Studies show that Christians who go online to find prayers and faith-building resources and connections with other Christians attend church MORE. For the faithful, e-connections enhance in-person connections instead of substituting for them.
Here's the tricky thing: in order to add some things in, I have to cut some things out. What's going to go? I haven't figured that out yet. But I'm working on it. May God give me grace never to sell myself short, grace to risk . . .
Faithfully,
Janet+
“We fear failure more than we love life, so we refuse the great adventures. We are careful to do only what we have always done and know how to do well, so we never break the dull repetition of the old routine for the new creation of God.”
-- C.S. Lewis
Sunday, September 27, 2009
An open door
Dear Friends in Christ -
Wow. What a totally amazing full-of-the-Holy-Spirit weekend. Dozens and dozens . . . nearly a couple hundred in all . . . came forward at this morning's services to rededicate their lives to Jesus. At the end of the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist, the chapel was practically rocking on its foundation as we lifted our voices together to "Shout to the Lord" in song. People were standing up to eat the yummy potluck supper because all the chairs in the parish hall were full.
Now, hours later, I'm in my home office aerie overlooking the parking lot, basking in the afterglow. Strains of "God is so good" and "waves of mercy, waves of grace; everywhere I look, I see His face" (one of our teens' favorite songs) echo in my head.
Everything in the building has been put back to rights. Except one thing. I notice that the back door is open. And I smile. It's a sign. The door's open to God now; no turning back.
And who would want to? When I'm in a worship service like the one today, I hear echoing back from fellow travelers on this Christian walk that it's hard, that we fall along the way, but it's so good to be reminded that there's a goodness to be found in God's way that doesn't exist anywhere else. Thank you for being there with me today. It was such a joy to be there with you.
Now the journey continues. As I scurried across the parking lot under my umbrella to shut the door, I had this child-like gleeful thought: God's in there now and I'm not going to let him out!
Now I just wonder: what might he do now, rattling around in new spaces in my life? In our lives together?
One place I expect to hear some answers is in our Faith Alive Follow-up Gathering this Wednesday night from 7:30-9:00 p.m. in the Chapel. (Childcare for little ones will be available.) Music, prayer, listening for what's next.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Wow. What a totally amazing full-of-the-Holy-Spirit weekend. Dozens and dozens . . . nearly a couple hundred in all . . . came forward at this morning's services to rededicate their lives to Jesus. At the end of the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist, the chapel was practically rocking on its foundation as we lifted our voices together to "Shout to the Lord" in song. People were standing up to eat the yummy potluck supper because all the chairs in the parish hall were full.
Now, hours later, I'm in my home office aerie overlooking the parking lot, basking in the afterglow. Strains of "God is so good" and "waves of mercy, waves of grace; everywhere I look, I see His face" (one of our teens' favorite songs) echo in my head.
Everything in the building has been put back to rights. Except one thing. I notice that the back door is open. And I smile. It's a sign. The door's open to God now; no turning back.
And who would want to? When I'm in a worship service like the one today, I hear echoing back from fellow travelers on this Christian walk that it's hard, that we fall along the way, but it's so good to be reminded that there's a goodness to be found in God's way that doesn't exist anywhere else. Thank you for being there with me today. It was such a joy to be there with you.
Now the journey continues. As I scurried across the parking lot under my umbrella to shut the door, I had this child-like gleeful thought: God's in there now and I'm not going to let him out!
Now I just wonder: what might he do now, rattling around in new spaces in my life? In our lives together?
One place I expect to hear some answers is in our Faith Alive Follow-up Gathering this Wednesday night from 7:30-9:00 p.m. in the Chapel. (Childcare for little ones will be available.) Music, prayer, listening for what's next.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Friday, September 25, 2009
God Sightings
Dear Friends in Christ -
It's going to be a big weekend at St. Paul's. God's going to be showing up - all over the place.
God will be making appearances in many ways and places at Faith Alive tonight and tomorrow.
God will be present in the ministry of our parish as we extend blessing and care to the Anderson family in the loss of their beloved son/brother. We'll open our parish hall for a post-burial luncheon for the family and close friends. Our beloved chef, Sam (a neighbor of the Andersons), will prepare the luncheon.
God will be show up in a powerful way on Sunday morning, too, as we gather as a whole parish family for worship and a fellowship potluck.
As you look ahead into this weekend, try to make as much time as you can to show up for the God who's showing up for you. You won't regret it.
Blessings,
Janet+
PS - A God-sighting in my own morning prayer time came in humorous form, a verse I didn't remember was in the Bible: " . . . he drives like a maniac." (Aides to King Joram told him that they were sure it was King Jehu approaching. How did they know? His crazy driving!) May we be known in our community by more positive descriptives!
It's going to be a big weekend at St. Paul's. God's going to be showing up - all over the place.
God will be making appearances in many ways and places at Faith Alive tonight and tomorrow.
God will be present in the ministry of our parish as we extend blessing and care to the Anderson family in the loss of their beloved son/brother. We'll open our parish hall for a post-burial luncheon for the family and close friends. Our beloved chef, Sam (a neighbor of the Andersons), will prepare the luncheon.
God will be show up in a powerful way on Sunday morning, too, as we gather as a whole parish family for worship and a fellowship potluck.
As you look ahead into this weekend, try to make as much time as you can to show up for the God who's showing up for you. You won't regret it.
Blessings,
Janet+
PS - A God-sighting in my own morning prayer time came in humorous form, a verse I didn't remember was in the Bible: " . . . he drives like a maniac." (Aides to King Joram told him that they were sure it was King Jehu approaching. How did they know? His crazy driving!) May we be known in our community by more positive descriptives!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
An Invitation
Today is an Ember Day. Ember Days, a longstanding tradition in the Church (three days on the cusp of each new season – March, June, September, December), are times set aside to reflect on the season just past and to prepare for the new season ahead.
In this Year of the Spirit, as we prepare for a new season at St. Paul’s, I found today’s Gospel reading particularly compelling: Matthew 4:18-25, the story of Jesus calling the disciples. There was clearly something about Jesus that caused them to drop everything when he issued a simple invitation: “Follow me.”
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Except, as we know from trying it, following Jesus isn’t easy. Not in the least. So why do it, then?
The author of today’s reflection in Forward Day By Day spoke to this question – and to my heart – with these words . . .
“Several years ago I visited the Holy Land. It is not easy to travel around Jerusalem, Galilee, and Judea. The terrain is uneven and paths are steep and rocky. When I crossed the Sea of Galilee, a sudden windstorm arose and I could identify with the disciples who were afraid. What made those fishermen leave everything and follow this itinerant preacher who offered them nothing but hardship?
This question might also be asked of us today. When we are baptized and confirmed we choose to follow Jesus. Our life would be less complicated without that promise. Following Jesus means putting others ahead of self, striving to meet standards higher than those of the world, and even sacrificing ourselves.
So why do we do it? Because Jesus is pure love, and love is hard to resist. The rational thing for the disciples (and for us) would be to run the other way. But often we do irrational things in the name of love. Sometimes that gets us in trouble. But thank God that I can follow Jesus and be irrational. It is the irrational love of God, seen in Jesus, that I aspire to.”
Together, may we also aspire to experience, and to share, the irrational love of God.
Faithfully,
Janet+
In this Year of the Spirit, as we prepare for a new season at St. Paul’s, I found today’s Gospel reading particularly compelling: Matthew 4:18-25, the story of Jesus calling the disciples. There was clearly something about Jesus that caused them to drop everything when he issued a simple invitation: “Follow me.”
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Except, as we know from trying it, following Jesus isn’t easy. Not in the least. So why do it, then?
The author of today’s reflection in Forward Day By Day spoke to this question – and to my heart – with these words . . .
“Several years ago I visited the Holy Land. It is not easy to travel around Jerusalem, Galilee, and Judea. The terrain is uneven and paths are steep and rocky. When I crossed the Sea of Galilee, a sudden windstorm arose and I could identify with the disciples who were afraid. What made those fishermen leave everything and follow this itinerant preacher who offered them nothing but hardship?
This question might also be asked of us today. When we are baptized and confirmed we choose to follow Jesus. Our life would be less complicated without that promise. Following Jesus means putting others ahead of self, striving to meet standards higher than those of the world, and even sacrificing ourselves.
So why do we do it? Because Jesus is pure love, and love is hard to resist. The rational thing for the disciples (and for us) would be to run the other way. But often we do irrational things in the name of love. Sometimes that gets us in trouble. But thank God that I can follow Jesus and be irrational. It is the irrational love of God, seen in Jesus, that I aspire to.”
Together, may we also aspire to experience, and to share, the irrational love of God.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Lesson #16 - GOING PLACES, OR NOT
Lesson #16 - GOING PLACES, OR NOT (Continuing reflections on Moses and the Israelites and our St. Paul's community)
For the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking hard about the answer to this question, “How do I know for sure that I’m doing the right thing, that I’m obeying God?” I’ve been wondering about that because as I reflect on the story of Moses and the Israelites, I am shocked and puzzled by the harsh reality of their lives: they wandered in the desert for 40 years.
Ugh. Wandering sounds a lot like being lost. Desert sounds barren, lonely, harsh, uncomfortable. 40 years sounds like a long, long time. It’s all the more dismaying when the facts are laid out plain: the desert was a little spit of land that could be walked across in 11 days.
The Israelites were in the desert more than 14,000 days. As a post on “Theology Web” explains: If the Israelites had traveled at the rate of only 1 mile per day for 5 days a week, they could have traveled from Egypt to China and back in 40 years and still had time for the occasional battle or other diversion.
So what were those Israelites doing all that time? Probably they were stationary for large chunks of time. Or they were going in circles, making camp at places where there was water, staying until food for their livestock ran out, and then moving on.
Scripture tells us that God kept them in the desert on purpose because of their disobedience and lack of faith. How? Did he mess with their ancient GPS coordinates by rearranging the stars they guided themselves by? Did he allow the flu bug to circulate through the camp so regularly that they had to keep resting and waiting for people to get better? Did he stir the fires of resentment and argument, keeping them at odds with the other nomadic tribes, who prevented them from taking direct routes across the desert?
But perhaps the more important question this: How do we avoid getting stuck in the desert? The Israelites certainly didn’t set out to be disobedient. We don’t set out to be disobedient. But somehow we, too, find ourselves wandering – sometimes for years – with our hearts aching for something more, something better, but not quite finding it. Existing, but not really living.
As a leader, of course, I can’t help worrying that it was at least partially Moses’ fault. Was he not showing them the way? Was something awry with his own internal compass? Certainly at one point, God told Moses he would be personally punished for not trusting in him (the water incident in Numbers 20, when the people said they were dying of thirst and Moses complained at God, too, fearing he wouldn’t provide for them).
Radical trust is what God requires of us. That’s hard. But I don’t want us all to be wandering the desert for 40 years, so I think I/we should do our best.
So now to tackle the next question: what does radical trust look like?
Faithfully,
Janet+
For the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking hard about the answer to this question, “How do I know for sure that I’m doing the right thing, that I’m obeying God?” I’ve been wondering about that because as I reflect on the story of Moses and the Israelites, I am shocked and puzzled by the harsh reality of their lives: they wandered in the desert for 40 years.
Ugh. Wandering sounds a lot like being lost. Desert sounds barren, lonely, harsh, uncomfortable. 40 years sounds like a long, long time. It’s all the more dismaying when the facts are laid out plain: the desert was a little spit of land that could be walked across in 11 days.
The Israelites were in the desert more than 14,000 days. As a post on “Theology Web” explains: If the Israelites had traveled at the rate of only 1 mile per day for 5 days a week, they could have traveled from Egypt to China and back in 40 years and still had time for the occasional battle or other diversion.
So what were those Israelites doing all that time? Probably they were stationary for large chunks of time. Or they were going in circles, making camp at places where there was water, staying until food for their livestock ran out, and then moving on.
Scripture tells us that God kept them in the desert on purpose because of their disobedience and lack of faith. How? Did he mess with their ancient GPS coordinates by rearranging the stars they guided themselves by? Did he allow the flu bug to circulate through the camp so regularly that they had to keep resting and waiting for people to get better? Did he stir the fires of resentment and argument, keeping them at odds with the other nomadic tribes, who prevented them from taking direct routes across the desert?
But perhaps the more important question this: How do we avoid getting stuck in the desert? The Israelites certainly didn’t set out to be disobedient. We don’t set out to be disobedient. But somehow we, too, find ourselves wandering – sometimes for years – with our hearts aching for something more, something better, but not quite finding it. Existing, but not really living.
As a leader, of course, I can’t help worrying that it was at least partially Moses’ fault. Was he not showing them the way? Was something awry with his own internal compass? Certainly at one point, God told Moses he would be personally punished for not trusting in him (the water incident in Numbers 20, when the people said they were dying of thirst and Moses complained at God, too, fearing he wouldn’t provide for them).
Radical trust is what God requires of us. That’s hard. But I don’t want us all to be wandering the desert for 40 years, so I think I/we should do our best.
So now to tackle the next question: what does radical trust look like?
Faithfully,
Janet+
Sunday, August 30, 2009
A student's prayer
Dear Teens at St. Paul's -
Of all the back-to-school prayers I've read over the past weeks, the following is my favorite. Because high school was a really tough time for me, I have an especially soft heart for you junior high and high school students. You face huge struggles and pressures. For all of you teens out there restlessly heading to bed this evening wondering what this year will bring, hoping for new good things, this one's for you!!!!
Faithfully,
Rev.Janet+
Lord, at school, I see athletes and cheerleaders who seem to have it all together. I see the latest fashions on the coolest kids. I see cars in the parking lot that make me jealous. But then I think about a world I don't really see - an invisible world. It's the world where a lonely freshman is important. It's a world where a genuine smile means so much more than an expensive car. It's a world where the kid in the wheelchair is strong and powerful. It's a world that values honesty and love more than cool and popular stuff. It's a world where I'd discover that even the cool kids struggle and feel insecure sometimes. Help me catch a small glimpse of this invisible world this year. If I do, I just might value what you value, love what you love and want what you want. And I think that might just be a very good thing. Amen.
Copyright © 2004 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine.
Of all the back-to-school prayers I've read over the past weeks, the following is my favorite. Because high school was a really tough time for me, I have an especially soft heart for you junior high and high school students. You face huge struggles and pressures. For all of you teens out there restlessly heading to bed this evening wondering what this year will bring, hoping for new good things, this one's for you!!!!
Faithfully,
Rev.Janet+
Lord, at school, I see athletes and cheerleaders who seem to have it all together. I see the latest fashions on the coolest kids. I see cars in the parking lot that make me jealous. But then I think about a world I don't really see - an invisible world. It's the world where a lonely freshman is important. It's a world where a genuine smile means so much more than an expensive car. It's a world where the kid in the wheelchair is strong and powerful. It's a world that values honesty and love more than cool and popular stuff. It's a world where I'd discover that even the cool kids struggle and feel insecure sometimes. Help me catch a small glimpse of this invisible world this year. If I do, I just might value what you value, love what you love and want what you want. And I think that might just be a very good thing. Amen.
Copyright © 2004 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine.
It's been a whole month . . .
. . . since I posted on this blog. Wow. The time has flown! I don't want to bore you with the details of my life, but I do think you deserve to know where I've been. Since I started this blogging stuff a couple of years ago, I've never had such an extended break in my writing.
As I mentioned in the July 30 post, my grandmother (my mother's mother) passed away after a long decline of health over the past couple of years. I spent the last day of July and the first few days of August in Denver, mourning her loss and attending her memorial and burial services.
Then I returned home for a few days and plopped down into the rauckus fun of Vacation Bible School. "FEAR NOT" was the theme - which was a good one for me personally, with the special guest appearance by the bat, the amazingly wild number of kids and teens participating, and the fierce piles of paperwork (at work) and laundry (at home) I faced returning from one trip and heading off for another.
On August 10th, my family and I left for a two-week vacation in Oregon and Washington, visiting family and friends. We were in places so remote that there was no internet connection and almost no cell phone connection. We played on the beach, ate WAY too much ice cream, and went to a carnival and real live rodeo (we even had a long conversation with the rodeo queen - she told us the secret of how she gets her hat to stay on when she's riding fast!).
We arrived home in the middle of the night on Tuesday night, and since then have been turning our attentions to getting things in order - full steam ahead!
It's been SO good to be home - to work out on my own yoga mat and to eat vegetables from our own garden and to see familiar faces at the grocery store and community center. I missed you all.
Well, now . . . back to work!
Faithfully,
Janet+
As I mentioned in the July 30 post, my grandmother (my mother's mother) passed away after a long decline of health over the past couple of years. I spent the last day of July and the first few days of August in Denver, mourning her loss and attending her memorial and burial services.
Then I returned home for a few days and plopped down into the rauckus fun of Vacation Bible School. "FEAR NOT" was the theme - which was a good one for me personally, with the special guest appearance by the bat, the amazingly wild number of kids and teens participating, and the fierce piles of paperwork (at work) and laundry (at home) I faced returning from one trip and heading off for another.
On August 10th, my family and I left for a two-week vacation in Oregon and Washington, visiting family and friends. We were in places so remote that there was no internet connection and almost no cell phone connection. We played on the beach, ate WAY too much ice cream, and went to a carnival and real live rodeo (we even had a long conversation with the rodeo queen - she told us the secret of how she gets her hat to stay on when she's riding fast!).
We arrived home in the middle of the night on Tuesday night, and since then have been turning our attentions to getting things in order - full steam ahead!
It's been SO good to be home - to work out on my own yoga mat and to eat vegetables from our own garden and to see familiar faces at the grocery store and community center. I missed you all.
Well, now . . . back to work!
Faithfully,
Janet+
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