Dear Friends in Christ -
Lots of folks in our parish and in our community are feeling the pain of job loss. While only a few of our parishioners have lost their jobs over the past few months, many have seen their companies down-size. Colleagues have been forced out. And many are wondering if their company, their department, their job will be next.
When someone share tough news with us, the impulse is to try to speak words of comfort. The problem is that all the things we're tempted to say are really no comfort at all: "It was bound to happen." "Lots of other people are getting laid off, too." "It's a great time to be unemployed; benefits have been extended." "It'll be OK; nobody's going to starve."
When tough news hits, the thing we really have to offer is listening ears, an invitation to hear more of the person's story. What are they afraid of: losing their house? not being able to keep their kid in sports? not being able to help an aging parent? What is particularly painful: the grief of not working with a favorite co-worker? the frustration of a spouse already on the edge who isn't in a position to help share the load? For each person it's different; and we'll never what the real story for him/her is if we don't ask, or if we fill in the silences with our own stories.
It's painful to keep hearing the stories of those in need. Sometimes we just don't have the internal resources to offer this kind of help and support. But when we can do it, this kind of "suffering with" is the best gift we can give. It honors what people are really going through and reminds them that they're not alone.
This kind of "suffering with" is also the beginning of hope. After the truth of what's hard and painful has been spoken and shared, hope has space to flood in. And hope comes, mostly, not in a flood of words of encouragement, but in the very fact that we're still there listening, holding, and bearing up together -leaning on the strength of God.
What's next for our companies, for our country? Who knows. . . Only God - and He's not telling. He is doing something, though. He's staying. Right here. With us. No matter what. And we have the privilege of bearing witness to His presence by staying with those in need and by being listening beacons of hope.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Leading the Way . . . being light
Dear Friends in Christ -
A clergy colleague of mine wrote the following thoughtful, lovely article in his church's February newsletter. I want to share it with you because the statistics - and the call - are true for us, too!
Faithfully,
Janet+
Leading the Way . . . being light
"I think we have a task, a ministry to our communities this year. I think we are being called to be light bringers to a dark world, to be positive when so many are negative, to be bearers of hope the hopeless. To be people who can testify that good happens, prayer helps, justice matters, and being part of a church community is a blessing.
A minor miracle has happened, one which has given me much pause. We have more pledged for the mission and ministry of Christ Church in 2009 than we had pledged for 2008. It is not that we have been totally spared the effects of the economic downturn; we haven't. Some people had to cut their pledges, sometimes to zero, due to the economy. Yet, when you put it all together, we have more than last year.
It is still hard to believe, but the numbers are real, as are the signed pledge cards. God has continued to richly bless this congregation and our ministry together. And this just echoes the wonderful volunteer support we all experience every week, from ushers to church school teachers to cooks and on and on, five or six or sometimes seven days a week.
This is a positive place, a beacon of light in a very stressed and seemingly dark world. And I think that this year we need to work harder than ever before, we mostly shy New Englanders, to share that light with those around us. Not to build up our numbers, but to lighten people's burdens, to help them see in the darkness, to remind them that they are not alone, that we and God are with them. And as we all know, that support is worth a lot.
I don't usually declare annual themes, but I am this year. Let us be light to the world. Let us be light bearers so that in January 2010 we will be able to say - "the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." And that part of that light was the Spirit shining through us. -- Peter (The Rev. Peter Stebinger, Rector - Christ Church, Bethany, CT)
A clergy colleague of mine wrote the following thoughtful, lovely article in his church's February newsletter. I want to share it with you because the statistics - and the call - are true for us, too!
Faithfully,
Janet+
Leading the Way . . . being light
"I think we have a task, a ministry to our communities this year. I think we are being called to be light bringers to a dark world, to be positive when so many are negative, to be bearers of hope the hopeless. To be people who can testify that good happens, prayer helps, justice matters, and being part of a church community is a blessing.
A minor miracle has happened, one which has given me much pause. We have more pledged for the mission and ministry of Christ Church in 2009 than we had pledged for 2008. It is not that we have been totally spared the effects of the economic downturn; we haven't. Some people had to cut their pledges, sometimes to zero, due to the economy. Yet, when you put it all together, we have more than last year.
It is still hard to believe, but the numbers are real, as are the signed pledge cards. God has continued to richly bless this congregation and our ministry together. And this just echoes the wonderful volunteer support we all experience every week, from ushers to church school teachers to cooks and on and on, five or six or sometimes seven days a week.
This is a positive place, a beacon of light in a very stressed and seemingly dark world. And I think that this year we need to work harder than ever before, we mostly shy New Englanders, to share that light with those around us. Not to build up our numbers, but to lighten people's burdens, to help them see in the darkness, to remind them that they are not alone, that we and God are with them. And as we all know, that support is worth a lot.
I don't usually declare annual themes, but I am this year. Let us be light to the world. Let us be light bearers so that in January 2010 we will be able to say - "the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." And that part of that light was the Spirit shining through us. -- Peter (The Rev. Peter Stebinger, Rector - Christ Church, Bethany, CT)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Let it snow!
Dear Friends in Christ -
Once again, our well-planned schedules are upended. Today, my plan is to surrender. Some work will get done, of course. But my pledge to myself and to my family is not to squander the beauty of this day.
May God give us all the grace to play and work and rest and savor . . .
Stay safe!
Faithfully,
Janet+
PS - Cancellations for today at St. Paul's:
10:30 a.m. - Staff Meeting
11:00 a.m. - Bible Study
12:15 p.m. - Eucharist
Once again, our well-planned schedules are upended. Today, my plan is to surrender. Some work will get done, of course. But my pledge to myself and to my family is not to squander the beauty of this day.
May God give us all the grace to play and work and rest and savor . . .
Stay safe!
Faithfully,
Janet+
PS - Cancellations for today at St. Paul's:
10:30 a.m. - Staff Meeting
11:00 a.m. - Bible Study
12:15 p.m. - Eucharist
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Coming to church tomorrow?
Dear Friends in Christ -
For some folks, going to church isn't a choice. The Sunday morning space is permanently marked out in the calendar. This meeting with God is a regular and important appointment. When I was a kid, this is the way my parent chose to operate, so I got used to tagging along. There weren't fights about going to church; sometimes foot-dragging, but no fights. We were going, and that's all there was to it.
For other folks, the decision to go to church on Sunday is on a play-by-play basis. They get up in the morning and look out the window at the weather. They decide to come to church if it won't put too big a squeeze on other activities in the day. As a teenager and young adult, I experimented with this way of going to church. I have to tell you, I found this way of living a lot harder, a lot more angst ridden. I often felt that I couldn't win for losing. If I went and the sermon wasn't good or there were no donuts left by the time I got to coffee hour, I felt like I had wasted part of "my" day off. If I didn't go, I felt like I was missing a spiritual energy boost, a blessing.
All in all, I think the "block it out on the calendar" method has the greatest pay-off. The most important thing that way of living does is hold open a space to show up in regularly, expecting that God will show up there, too. Do it enough times and - no matter how thick-headed or hard-hearted you've become bouncing around in this old world - you're bound to experience God in a way you never have before.
I look forward to seeing you in church tomorrow.
Faithfully,
Janet+
PS - Tomorrow is going to be a GREAT day in church. The annual meeting will follow the service, and there are some good surprises in store for us!
For some folks, going to church isn't a choice. The Sunday morning space is permanently marked out in the calendar. This meeting with God is a regular and important appointment. When I was a kid, this is the way my parent chose to operate, so I got used to tagging along. There weren't fights about going to church; sometimes foot-dragging, but no fights. We were going, and that's all there was to it.
For other folks, the decision to go to church on Sunday is on a play-by-play basis. They get up in the morning and look out the window at the weather. They decide to come to church if it won't put too big a squeeze on other activities in the day. As a teenager and young adult, I experimented with this way of going to church. I have to tell you, I found this way of living a lot harder, a lot more angst ridden. I often felt that I couldn't win for losing. If I went and the sermon wasn't good or there were no donuts left by the time I got to coffee hour, I felt like I had wasted part of "my" day off. If I didn't go, I felt like I was missing a spiritual energy boost, a blessing.
All in all, I think the "block it out on the calendar" method has the greatest pay-off. The most important thing that way of living does is hold open a space to show up in regularly, expecting that God will show up there, too. Do it enough times and - no matter how thick-headed or hard-hearted you've become bouncing around in this old world - you're bound to experience God in a way you never have before.
I look forward to seeing you in church tomorrow.
Faithfully,
Janet+
PS - Tomorrow is going to be a GREAT day in church. The annual meeting will follow the service, and there are some good surprises in store for us!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Inaugural Poetry
Dear Friends in Christ -
One thing I remember clearly from President Clinton's inauguration: Maya Angelou's poem. I remember her sonorous voice reading it on that day, and her voice has echoed in my ears as I've read it many times since. Here are the closing stanzas of her powerful poem:
The horizon leans forward,
Offering you space to place new steps of change.
Here, on the pulse of this fine day
You may have the courage
To look up and out upon me, the
Rock, the River, the Tree, your country.
No less to Midas than the mendicant.
No less to you now than the mastodon then.
Here on the pulse of this new day
You may have the grace to look up and out
And into your sister's eyes, into
Your brother's face, your country
And say simply
Very simply
With hope
Good morning.
I didn't think that Elizabeth Alexander's poem yesterday reached as high a literary mark as Angelou's. But being myself a writer of words given for a day, I know that you write what you are given - and that the role of the listener is to humbly receive the gift. Following are the words of Alexander's poem which linger in my spirit today. May they bless your day, too.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Some live by "Love thy neighbor as thy self."
Others by first do no harm,
or take no more than you need.
What if the mightiest word is love,
love beyond marital, filial, national.
Love that casts a widening pool of light.
Love with no need to preempt grievance.
In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air,
anything can be made, any sentence begun.
On the brink,
on the brim,
on the cusp --
praise song for walking forward in that light.
One thing I remember clearly from President Clinton's inauguration: Maya Angelou's poem. I remember her sonorous voice reading it on that day, and her voice has echoed in my ears as I've read it many times since. Here are the closing stanzas of her powerful poem:
The horizon leans forward,
Offering you space to place new steps of change.
Here, on the pulse of this fine day
You may have the courage
To look up and out upon me, the
Rock, the River, the Tree, your country.
No less to Midas than the mendicant.
No less to you now than the mastodon then.
Here on the pulse of this new day
You may have the grace to look up and out
And into your sister's eyes, into
Your brother's face, your country
And say simply
Very simply
With hope
Good morning.
I didn't think that Elizabeth Alexander's poem yesterday reached as high a literary mark as Angelou's. But being myself a writer of words given for a day, I know that you write what you are given - and that the role of the listener is to humbly receive the gift. Following are the words of Alexander's poem which linger in my spirit today. May they bless your day, too.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Some live by "Love thy neighbor as thy self."
Others by first do no harm,
or take no more than you need.
What if the mightiest word is love,
love beyond marital, filial, national.
Love that casts a widening pool of light.
Love with no need to preempt grievance.
In today's sharp sparkle, this winter air,
anything can be made, any sentence begun.
On the brink,
on the brim,
on the cusp --
praise song for walking forward in that light.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Day Marked by Prayer
Dear Friends in Christ -
What an amazing day! Over a million people made their way to Washington D.C. for the inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama. How amazing that 45 years ago, most people of color couldn't vote, and now we call Mr. Obama "Mr. President."
Our Gospel call is a call to constant change, thoroughgoing transformation that puts love first, rights all wrongs and brings in Christ's reign of peace and justice. There's a lot of stuff in this world - in this country - that "needs fixin'," as my grandmother used to say. And the path to fixing these things won't be easy or quick, as Mr. Obama reminded us today. But if each of us does our part, it is possible.
And it's not just our joint efforts that bring transformation, but also the power of God. God was mentioned quite a lot today. It struck me that there were more and longer prayers than I remember from inaugurations past. That's no accident. Desperate times call for knowing what to hope for and Who to hope in.
The two "big name," some-what controversial pray-ers - Rev. Rick Warren and the Right Rev. Gene Robinson - both offered thoughtful, beautiful prayers. Unfortunately the prayer offered by Robinson was deleted from Sunday's broadcast of events on HBO because it got edited out of the video tape. HBO has since apologized for this, and has updated the on-line footage of the event to include it. And here's the text of Robinson's prayer, which I invite you to pray with me on this historic occasion:
O God of our many understandings, we pray that you will…
Bless us with tears – for a world in which over a billion people exist on less than a dollar a day, where young women from many lands are beaten and raped for wanting an education, and thousands die daily from malnutrition, malaria, and AIDS.
Bless us with anger – at discrimination, at home and abroad, against refugees and immigrants, women, people of color, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
Bless us with discomfort – at the easy, simplistic “answers” we’ve preferred to hear from our politicians, instead of the truth, about ourselves and the world, which we need to face if we are going to rise to the challenges of the future.
Bless us with patience – and the knowledge that none of what ails us will be “fixed” anytime soon, and the understanding that our new president is a human being, not a messiah.
Bless us with humility – open to understanding that our own needs must always be balanced with those of the world.
Bless us with freedom from mere tolerance – replacing it with a genuine respect and warm embrace of our differences, and an understanding that in our diversity, we are stronger.
Bless us with compassion and generosity – remembering that every religion’s God judges us by the way we care for the most vulnerable in the human community, whether across town or across the world.
And God, we give you thanks for your child Barack, as he assumes the office of President of the United States.
Give him wisdom beyond his years, and inspire him with Lincoln’s reconciling leadership style, President Kennedy’s ability to enlist our best efforts, and Dr. King’s dream of a nation for ALL the people.
Give him a quiet heart, for our Ship of State needs a steady, calm captain in these times.
Give him stirring words, for we will need to be inspired and motivated to make the personal and common sacrifices necessary to facing the challenges ahead.
Make him color-blind, reminding him of his own words that under his leadership, there will be neither red nor blue states, but the United States.
Help him remember his own oppression as a minority, drawing on that experience of discrimination, that he might seek to change the lives of those who are still its victims.
Give him the strength to find family time and privacy, and help him remember that even though he is president, a father only gets one shot at his daughters’ childhoods.
And please, God, keep him safe. We know we ask too much of our presidents, and we’re asking FAR too much of this one. We know the risk he and his wife are taking for all of us, and we implore you, O good and great God, to keep him safe. Hold him in the palm of your hand – that he might do the work we have called him to do, that he might find joy in this impossible calling, and that in the end, he might lead us as a nation to a place of integrity, prosperity and peace.
AMEN.
Amen.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
What an amazing day! Over a million people made their way to Washington D.C. for the inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama. How amazing that 45 years ago, most people of color couldn't vote, and now we call Mr. Obama "Mr. President."
Our Gospel call is a call to constant change, thoroughgoing transformation that puts love first, rights all wrongs and brings in Christ's reign of peace and justice. There's a lot of stuff in this world - in this country - that "needs fixin'," as my grandmother used to say. And the path to fixing these things won't be easy or quick, as Mr. Obama reminded us today. But if each of us does our part, it is possible.
And it's not just our joint efforts that bring transformation, but also the power of God. God was mentioned quite a lot today. It struck me that there were more and longer prayers than I remember from inaugurations past. That's no accident. Desperate times call for knowing what to hope for and Who to hope in.
The two "big name," some-what controversial pray-ers - Rev. Rick Warren and the Right Rev. Gene Robinson - both offered thoughtful, beautiful prayers. Unfortunately the prayer offered by Robinson was deleted from Sunday's broadcast of events on HBO because it got edited out of the video tape. HBO has since apologized for this, and has updated the on-line footage of the event to include it. And here's the text of Robinson's prayer, which I invite you to pray with me on this historic occasion:
O God of our many understandings, we pray that you will…
Bless us with tears – for a world in which over a billion people exist on less than a dollar a day, where young women from many lands are beaten and raped for wanting an education, and thousands die daily from malnutrition, malaria, and AIDS.
Bless us with anger – at discrimination, at home and abroad, against refugees and immigrants, women, people of color, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
Bless us with discomfort – at the easy, simplistic “answers” we’ve preferred to hear from our politicians, instead of the truth, about ourselves and the world, which we need to face if we are going to rise to the challenges of the future.
Bless us with patience – and the knowledge that none of what ails us will be “fixed” anytime soon, and the understanding that our new president is a human being, not a messiah.
Bless us with humility – open to understanding that our own needs must always be balanced with those of the world.
Bless us with freedom from mere tolerance – replacing it with a genuine respect and warm embrace of our differences, and an understanding that in our diversity, we are stronger.
Bless us with compassion and generosity – remembering that every religion’s God judges us by the way we care for the most vulnerable in the human community, whether across town or across the world.
And God, we give you thanks for your child Barack, as he assumes the office of President of the United States.
Give him wisdom beyond his years, and inspire him with Lincoln’s reconciling leadership style, President Kennedy’s ability to enlist our best efforts, and Dr. King’s dream of a nation for ALL the people.
Give him a quiet heart, for our Ship of State needs a steady, calm captain in these times.
Give him stirring words, for we will need to be inspired and motivated to make the personal and common sacrifices necessary to facing the challenges ahead.
Make him color-blind, reminding him of his own words that under his leadership, there will be neither red nor blue states, but the United States.
Help him remember his own oppression as a minority, drawing on that experience of discrimination, that he might seek to change the lives of those who are still its victims.
Give him the strength to find family time and privacy, and help him remember that even though he is president, a father only gets one shot at his daughters’ childhoods.
And please, God, keep him safe. We know we ask too much of our presidents, and we’re asking FAR too much of this one. We know the risk he and his wife are taking for all of us, and we implore you, O good and great God, to keep him safe. Hold him in the palm of your hand – that he might do the work we have called him to do, that he might find joy in this impossible calling, and that in the end, he might lead us as a nation to a place of integrity, prosperity and peace.
AMEN.
Amen.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Obama challenge
Dear Friends in Christ -
Did you know that our President-elect called for today (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) to be a day of service? I learned about Obama's call for a day of service on a couple days ago, so I didn't have much time to plan. But one of our family goals is to participate in "helping others" (loving kindness and social justice) together as a family, so we wanted to do something.
Ed and I have found that with two little kids, "helping others" is harder than you might think. Our kids want to help, but still need help to be helpful - they can't be relied on to have a lot of focus and stamina, they need transportation, and they don't have much money to fund their endeavors. The surprise, for me, is that they do really like to help. I'm surprised, of course, because when we suggest they pick up their shoes or clean their room, we get - shall we say - a less than enthusiastic response. But whenever we've suggested something to help others, they've been game to try. Wynne even heard the announcement at church about the foodbank needing help and asked if she could buy something to donate.
I'm proud of my kids. In the last 4 months, we've done four "good things" (as they call them) as a family: helped with a Halloween party for the kids at Sister Theresa's pre-school in Bridgeport, helped with toys at Toys for Tots, gave food (paid for with money from their allowance!) to help restock the local foodbank that helps families of school kids in Shelton, and, today, took flowers to a lady who's been sick for a while. The best part: all of these things have -in one way or another - been connected with St. Paul's. My kids understand that they're not the only ones doing good things.
Today, my prayer is that, as they grow, my kids - and yours - will have an opportunity to see how all the "good things" they do add up. To make the world a better, more beautiful place. To take us closer to heaven.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Did you know that our President-elect called for today (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) to be a day of service? I learned about Obama's call for a day of service on a couple days ago, so I didn't have much time to plan. But one of our family goals is to participate in "helping others" (loving kindness and social justice) together as a family, so we wanted to do something.
Ed and I have found that with two little kids, "helping others" is harder than you might think. Our kids want to help, but still need help to be helpful - they can't be relied on to have a lot of focus and stamina, they need transportation, and they don't have much money to fund their endeavors. The surprise, for me, is that they do really like to help. I'm surprised, of course, because when we suggest they pick up their shoes or clean their room, we get - shall we say - a less than enthusiastic response. But whenever we've suggested something to help others, they've been game to try. Wynne even heard the announcement at church about the foodbank needing help and asked if she could buy something to donate.
I'm proud of my kids. In the last 4 months, we've done four "good things" (as they call them) as a family: helped with a Halloween party for the kids at Sister Theresa's pre-school in Bridgeport, helped with toys at Toys for Tots, gave food (paid for with money from their allowance!) to help restock the local foodbank that helps families of school kids in Shelton, and, today, took flowers to a lady who's been sick for a while. The best part: all of these things have -in one way or another - been connected with St. Paul's. My kids understand that they're not the only ones doing good things.
Today, my prayer is that, as they grow, my kids - and yours - will have an opportunity to see how all the "good things" they do add up. To make the world a better, more beautiful place. To take us closer to heaven.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Today's Sermon . . .
Dear Friends in Christ -
The sermon preached at St. Paul's today was beautiful, uplifting - and challenging. The Rev. Brian Schofield Bodt preached about "Ordinary Time" - which is what we're in during this season of Epiphany. The season of Epiphany, like the longer season of Pentecost, is a "green season," a time for rhythm and order - and growth.
I wish I had the technology to make the whole text available here, but I'm technologically challenged, so I invite you to get a copy by emailing Nancy, our parish administrator, at stpauls@stpaulsct.org. Just ask for "Brian's Sunday sermon," and she'll email it to you!
I'll be praying for you - and for our whole congregation - as we pray and think through Brian's message. The only thing I know for sure is that God means it to stir something in us!!
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
The sermon preached at St. Paul's today was beautiful, uplifting - and challenging. The Rev. Brian Schofield Bodt preached about "Ordinary Time" - which is what we're in during this season of Epiphany. The season of Epiphany, like the longer season of Pentecost, is a "green season," a time for rhythm and order - and growth.
I wish I had the technology to make the whole text available here, but I'm technologically challenged, so I invite you to get a copy by emailing Nancy, our parish administrator, at stpauls@stpaulsct.org. Just ask for "Brian's Sunday sermon," and she'll email it to you!
I'll be praying for you - and for our whole congregation - as we pray and think through Brian's message. The only thing I know for sure is that God means it to stir something in us!!
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Worship services will run as scheduled
Dear Friends in Christ -
There's a little of that white powdery stuff on the ground, but we'll continue as scheduled today. Come join us!! The Rev. Brian Schofield Bodt will be preaching!! (See Friday's post for more details!)
See you in church!
Blessings,
Janet+
There's a little of that white powdery stuff on the ground, but we'll continue as scheduled today. Come join us!! The Rev. Brian Schofield Bodt will be preaching!! (See Friday's post for more details!)
See you in church!
Blessings,
Janet+
Friday, January 16, 2009
Another good reason to come to worship on Sunday . . .
Dear Friends in Christ -
It's a holiday weekend. With MLK Jr. day on Monday, no school means extra time off. Some folks will go away for the weekend, but most will stay in town. For those who stay home, there will be lots of distractions: two title football games on Sunday afternoon, not to mention the ramp-up to Tuesday's inauguration.
Unfortunately, with the cold weather and everything, many may see it as a golden opportunity to take the weekend off from church. I encourage you to resist the temptation to stay home! In addition to our regularly wonderful liturgy and, at the 10:00 a.m. service, exceptional music, the Rev. Brian Schofield Bodt, President and CEO of the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, will be preaching. Rev. Schofield Bodt brings a message especially for us on this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.
I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday!
Blessings,
Janet+
It's a holiday weekend. With MLK Jr. day on Monday, no school means extra time off. Some folks will go away for the weekend, but most will stay in town. For those who stay home, there will be lots of distractions: two title football games on Sunday afternoon, not to mention the ramp-up to Tuesday's inauguration.
Unfortunately, with the cold weather and everything, many may see it as a golden opportunity to take the weekend off from church. I encourage you to resist the temptation to stay home! In addition to our regularly wonderful liturgy and, at the 10:00 a.m. service, exceptional music, the Rev. Brian Schofield Bodt, President and CEO of the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, will be preaching. Rev. Schofield Bodt brings a message especially for us on this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.
I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday!
Blessings,
Janet+
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Politics and Prayer
Dear Friends in Christ -
So now President-elect Obama has done it. He's not even President yet, and he's upset almost everyone. Folks on the religious Left were upset when he invited the Rev. Rick Warren to offer a prayer at his Inauguration. Folks on the religious Right are now upset because he's invited the Right Rev. Gene Robinson to pray at Inaugural festivities on Sunday.
I have to say, I was surprised about his choice of Warren. From what I understand through reading about the faith of Obama and Warren, there are many issues on which they disagree. Yet Obama still reached out and asked him to pray - for him and for our country. Apparently, Obama thinks "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16), whether or not they agree on everything. Hmmm.
And then I read in yesterday's NYTimes that the Right Rev. Gene Robinson has been asked to pray at an Inaugural event, too. I smiled when I read Robinson's response to a reporter's question about why/how he was invited to pray. Robinson said, "In many ways, it just proves that Barack Obama is exactly who he says he was and would be as president, which is someone who is casting a wide net that will include all Americans."
I have to confess, my smile at Robinson's remarks was sort of a sheepish smile, because Obama's efforts to include all Americans make me uneasy. If I'm honest, I have to confess that there are some people I don't want gathered up in the net with me. Oh, make no mistake, I want the net to always be wide enough to include me. I just don't want to have to put up with people who are "wrong" about issues that I think are important, people I see as standing in the way of truth or progress or unity.
Sigh. When will I learn? God has spent my whole life trying to deliver me of by blindness and bigotry, trying to pry my fingers off those things I hang on to so tightly for security and teach me to find my security in Him.
I'm going to make it a point to pray with all the folks who pray at the Inauguration, whether or not I agree with them on issues political and/or spiritual. Maybe my heart will learn something new . . .
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
So now President-elect Obama has done it. He's not even President yet, and he's upset almost everyone. Folks on the religious Left were upset when he invited the Rev. Rick Warren to offer a prayer at his Inauguration. Folks on the religious Right are now upset because he's invited the Right Rev. Gene Robinson to pray at Inaugural festivities on Sunday.
I have to say, I was surprised about his choice of Warren. From what I understand through reading about the faith of Obama and Warren, there are many issues on which they disagree. Yet Obama still reached out and asked him to pray - for him and for our country. Apparently, Obama thinks "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16), whether or not they agree on everything. Hmmm.
And then I read in yesterday's NYTimes that the Right Rev. Gene Robinson has been asked to pray at an Inaugural event, too. I smiled when I read Robinson's response to a reporter's question about why/how he was invited to pray. Robinson said, "In many ways, it just proves that Barack Obama is exactly who he says he was and would be as president, which is someone who is casting a wide net that will include all Americans."
I have to confess, my smile at Robinson's remarks was sort of a sheepish smile, because Obama's efforts to include all Americans make me uneasy. If I'm honest, I have to confess that there are some people I don't want gathered up in the net with me. Oh, make no mistake, I want the net to always be wide enough to include me. I just don't want to have to put up with people who are "wrong" about issues that I think are important, people I see as standing in the way of truth or progress or unity.
Sigh. When will I learn? God has spent my whole life trying to deliver me of by blindness and bigotry, trying to pry my fingers off those things I hang on to so tightly for security and teach me to find my security in Him.
I'm going to make it a point to pray with all the folks who pray at the Inauguration, whether or not I agree with them on issues political and/or spiritual. Maybe my heart will learn something new . . .
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
TOP 10 REASONS TO PRACTICE YOGA AT ST. PAUL'S
TOP 10 REASONS TO PRACTICE YOGA AT ST. PAUL’S
Adapted from Yoga Alliance, 2006 (The facts are theirs; the enthusiasm’s mine! – JCW+)
Rector’s Disclaimer: OK. So this isn’t as funny as Letterman’s “Top 10” lists, but do read it – you might learn something AND get inspired to join our class, which meets on Thursday nights at 7:30 in the Parish Hall. No need to sign up in advance – JUST COME!!
10. FLEXIBILITY
Many people can’t touch their toes during their first yoga class. Gradually, yoga lengthens and strengthens muscles, improving flexibility and mobility.
9. INCREASED STRENGTH
Yoga postures use every muscle in the body, helping to increase strength literally from head to toe. And, while these postures strengthen the body, they also provide an additional benefit of helping to relieve muscular tension.
8. PAIN RELIEF
Studies demonstrate that practicing yoga postures and doing meditation can reduce physical pain for people with conditions such as cancer, M.S., arthritis, back pain and more.
7. STRESS RELIEF
By encouraging relaxation, yoga helps to lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Related benefits include lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion and boosting the immune system as well as easing symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, asthma and insomnia.
6. BETTER BREATHING
Yoga teaches deeper, slower breathing. This helps to improve lung function, triggers the body’s relaxation response and increases oxygen to the body – and BRAIN!!!
5. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT (Bet you didn’t guess this one!)
Yoga (even the less vigorous style we practice) can aid weight control efforts by reducing the cortisol levels as well as by burning excess calories and reducing stress. Yoga also encourages healthy eating habits and provides a heightened sense of well being and self esteem.
4. GROUP SUPPORT
It’s easier to do yoga consistently if you have a supportive group practicing with you. In our class, it’s not a competition, just a place of encouragement.
3. FOCUS ON THE PRESENT
Yoga helps us become aware of the present moment – and of God’s presence with us. Yoga is a tool for opening us up to more of God’s love and healing.
2. OUR WONDERFUL TEACHER
Yoga instructor Laurie Trupp not only does a gentle, clear, helpful job of leading us through various poses, she also begins and ends each class with Christian meditation on Scripture, poetry or writings which invite us to get closer to God.
1. INNER PEACE
A popular song reminds us, “Can’t buy me love.” Well, the truth is, can’t buy me peace, either. If you’re going through your days with a sense of turmoil, with a sense that things aren’t connected in your life, regular yoga practice can help you reach a deeper, more spiritual and more satisfying place in your life.
Adapted from Yoga Alliance, 2006 (The facts are theirs; the enthusiasm’s mine! – JCW+)
Rector’s Disclaimer: OK. So this isn’t as funny as Letterman’s “Top 10” lists, but do read it – you might learn something AND get inspired to join our class, which meets on Thursday nights at 7:30 in the Parish Hall. No need to sign up in advance – JUST COME!!
10. FLEXIBILITY
Many people can’t touch their toes during their first yoga class. Gradually, yoga lengthens and strengthens muscles, improving flexibility and mobility.
9. INCREASED STRENGTH
Yoga postures use every muscle in the body, helping to increase strength literally from head to toe. And, while these postures strengthen the body, they also provide an additional benefit of helping to relieve muscular tension.
8. PAIN RELIEF
Studies demonstrate that practicing yoga postures and doing meditation can reduce physical pain for people with conditions such as cancer, M.S., arthritis, back pain and more.
7. STRESS RELIEF
By encouraging relaxation, yoga helps to lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Related benefits include lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion and boosting the immune system as well as easing symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, asthma and insomnia.
6. BETTER BREATHING
Yoga teaches deeper, slower breathing. This helps to improve lung function, triggers the body’s relaxation response and increases oxygen to the body – and BRAIN!!!
5. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT (Bet you didn’t guess this one!)
Yoga (even the less vigorous style we practice) can aid weight control efforts by reducing the cortisol levels as well as by burning excess calories and reducing stress. Yoga also encourages healthy eating habits and provides a heightened sense of well being and self esteem.
4. GROUP SUPPORT
It’s easier to do yoga consistently if you have a supportive group practicing with you. In our class, it’s not a competition, just a place of encouragement.
3. FOCUS ON THE PRESENT
Yoga helps us become aware of the present moment – and of God’s presence with us. Yoga is a tool for opening us up to more of God’s love and healing.
2. OUR WONDERFUL TEACHER
Yoga instructor Laurie Trupp not only does a gentle, clear, helpful job of leading us through various poses, she also begins and ends each class with Christian meditation on Scripture, poetry or writings which invite us to get closer to God.
1. INNER PEACE
A popular song reminds us, “Can’t buy me love.” Well, the truth is, can’t buy me peace, either. If you’re going through your days with a sense of turmoil, with a sense that things aren’t connected in your life, regular yoga practice can help you reach a deeper, more spiritual and more satisfying place in your life.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Moved by the Spirit
Dear Friends in Christ -
The Scripture passages for yesterday's worship service and for today's Scripture meditations from the daily office (Forward Day By Day) are all about the movement of the Spirit.
I love the KJV translation of yesterday's reading from Genesis 1:1-5 - "the Spirit moved over the face of the waters." Sounds all mysterious and powerful and creative, doesn't it?
The Spirit does indeed push us out of our comfort zone - and does more (and more powerful) things than we can imagine. But all with a purpose. A purpose which is not a secret to us: "he has made known to us the mystery of his will . . . to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth" (Ephesians 1:9-10). I find the truth of that both profoundly encouraging and profoundly challenging. If I'm honest, I have to confess that I don't want ALL things gathered up in him - I'm biased against some things, I've been hurt by others, and I find still other things just plain ugly or distasteful.
But the more I get to know God, the more I believe that "all things work together for good" and that He wants only good for me, for us. As I trust God, I become more available to be the kind of conduit for grace that He wants me to be.
Today I pray that I - that we - may be moved by the Spirit to go beyond "the rules" and ask God to show us how we can love in ways that break down barriers and free our hearts to invite, to embrace, to give.
Faithfully,
Janet+
P.S. - Following is a story from today's "Forward Day By Day" showing how one person did just that:
"The quiet young man in the back of my English class struggled with literature. I hated giving him an F for the last quarter. He was shy of a D by two points. Sorry, but that's the rule.
Two months later the guidance counselor called me. She said the student I had failed wanted to talk with me. My grading had denied his diploma. Would I speak with him? I said yes and she put him on. "Sir, I know I have no right to ask, but I wanted to see if you'd consider raising my last quarter grade from an F to a D. The Marine Corps will not take me without a diploma. I know you'll say 'no' but I had to ask."
After a pause I asked him three questions: what was the last thing we read in class; who wrote it; and what does it teach us? He said, "Romeo and Juliet; William Shakespeare; and love makes you do stupid things sometimes, but love anyway."
I replied, "Congratulations, Private. Stay safe. Put the counselor on the phone." Sometimes the Holy Spirit moves us to do a better thing than just the normal thing."
The Scripture passages for yesterday's worship service and for today's Scripture meditations from the daily office (Forward Day By Day) are all about the movement of the Spirit.
I love the KJV translation of yesterday's reading from Genesis 1:1-5 - "the Spirit moved over the face of the waters." Sounds all mysterious and powerful and creative, doesn't it?
The Spirit does indeed push us out of our comfort zone - and does more (and more powerful) things than we can imagine. But all with a purpose. A purpose which is not a secret to us: "he has made known to us the mystery of his will . . . to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth" (Ephesians 1:9-10). I find the truth of that both profoundly encouraging and profoundly challenging. If I'm honest, I have to confess that I don't want ALL things gathered up in him - I'm biased against some things, I've been hurt by others, and I find still other things just plain ugly or distasteful.
But the more I get to know God, the more I believe that "all things work together for good" and that He wants only good for me, for us. As I trust God, I become more available to be the kind of conduit for grace that He wants me to be.
Today I pray that I - that we - may be moved by the Spirit to go beyond "the rules" and ask God to show us how we can love in ways that break down barriers and free our hearts to invite, to embrace, to give.
Faithfully,
Janet+
P.S. - Following is a story from today's "Forward Day By Day" showing how one person did just that:
"The quiet young man in the back of my English class struggled with literature. I hated giving him an F for the last quarter. He was shy of a D by two points. Sorry, but that's the rule.
Two months later the guidance counselor called me. She said the student I had failed wanted to talk with me. My grading had denied his diploma. Would I speak with him? I said yes and she put him on. "Sir, I know I have no right to ask, but I wanted to see if you'd consider raising my last quarter grade from an F to a D. The Marine Corps will not take me without a diploma. I know you'll say 'no' but I had to ask."
After a pause I asked him three questions: what was the last thing we read in class; who wrote it; and what does it teach us? He said, "Romeo and Juliet; William Shakespeare; and love makes you do stupid things sometimes, but love anyway."
I replied, "Congratulations, Private. Stay safe. Put the counselor on the phone." Sometimes the Holy Spirit moves us to do a better thing than just the normal thing."
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Come on down to the River!
Dear Friends in Christ -
I'd love to see you for the services here today - at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. We're worshipping as scheduled. (The snow plow is clearing the lot even as I type this note to you.) It's the feast of the Baptism of our Lord, so Bernadette has GREAT music planned (and my sermon shaped up good, too), so come on down to the River to pray.
If you can't make it out, please do spend some time in worship at home. And if you can't make it out but would like to receive communion at home this week, please contact the parish office (929-1722).
See you at church!
Faithfully,
Janet+
I'd love to see you for the services here today - at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. We're worshipping as scheduled. (The snow plow is clearing the lot even as I type this note to you.) It's the feast of the Baptism of our Lord, so Bernadette has GREAT music planned (and my sermon shaped up good, too), so come on down to the River to pray.
If you can't make it out, please do spend some time in worship at home. And if you can't make it out but would like to receive communion at home this week, please contact the parish office (929-1722).
See you at church!
Faithfully,
Janet+
Saturday, January 10, 2009
EVENT CANCELLATIONS
Dear Friends in Christ -
Due to the impending snow storm this evening, BOTH the Latin Dinner Dance at Christ Church in Ansonia AND the Dance Lessons here at St. Paul's are CANCELLED for this evening (Sat. 1/10). BOTH are rescheduled for next Saturday (1/17) - Dinner Dance at 6:00 p.m.; Dance Lessons at 7:00 p.m. Child care will be available for the Dance Lessons. The Latin Dinner Dance is also family event.
The current plan is to have the parking lot plowed and church OPEN for 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services tomorrow (Sun. 1/11). Updated information on these worship services will be available here on this blog and on the parish answering machine (929-1722) two hours in advance of the services.
Stay safe and God bless,
Janet+
Due to the impending snow storm this evening, BOTH the Latin Dinner Dance at Christ Church in Ansonia AND the Dance Lessons here at St. Paul's are CANCELLED for this evening (Sat. 1/10). BOTH are rescheduled for next Saturday (1/17) - Dinner Dance at 6:00 p.m.; Dance Lessons at 7:00 p.m. Child care will be available for the Dance Lessons. The Latin Dinner Dance is also family event.
The current plan is to have the parking lot plowed and church OPEN for 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services tomorrow (Sun. 1/11). Updated information on these worship services will be available here on this blog and on the parish answering machine (929-1722) two hours in advance of the services.
Stay safe and God bless,
Janet+
Friday, January 9, 2009
Weather and the view from my window
Dear Friends in Christ -
Crises big and small bring out the "real" you and me. I think it's why bad weather can be so stressful; it forces us out of our comfort zone - and people are liable to see us in raw form.
I witnessed two responses to small crises this week that I think are worth commenting on . . .
After the ice storm on Tuesday night, I drove my kids to daycare on Wednesday morning. As we drove, a huge branch from a tree broke off and landed across the road right in front of us, blocking the road in both directions. I stopped, said a prayer of thanks that it didn't hit us, put on the hazards and the emergency brake, and got out of the car to move the branch. The pick-up coming from the other direction stopped, turned around and went the other direction. The next car (an Audi) coming from the other direction also stopped. And waited. It took me a couple of minutes to push the branch out of the way and pick up the smaller limbs. As I finished up, the driver of the Audi (a fit, 50+ year old man) pulled alongside me as I stood in the road, rolled down his window and said, "You know, you could hurt yourself doing that." I was speechless. My mother told me if I couldn't say anything nice, not to say anything at all.
Yesterday morning, as I sat in my office at home saying my morning prayers, I looked out to see a man from our parish (a fit, 50+ year old man) opening the gate in the Rectory fence. He spent 20 minutes salting the driveway and sidewalk to help break up the ice-slick that completely covered everything because the snowplow guys forgot about us (and we ran out of salt at the end of the last storm). I was speechless - because of the lump in my throat.
"Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor . . .?" (Luke 10:36a)
I'm so grateful to be part of a community which has neighbors in it.
Humbled and thankful,
Janet+
Crises big and small bring out the "real" you and me. I think it's why bad weather can be so stressful; it forces us out of our comfort zone - and people are liable to see us in raw form.
I witnessed two responses to small crises this week that I think are worth commenting on . . .
After the ice storm on Tuesday night, I drove my kids to daycare on Wednesday morning. As we drove, a huge branch from a tree broke off and landed across the road right in front of us, blocking the road in both directions. I stopped, said a prayer of thanks that it didn't hit us, put on the hazards and the emergency brake, and got out of the car to move the branch. The pick-up coming from the other direction stopped, turned around and went the other direction. The next car (an Audi) coming from the other direction also stopped. And waited. It took me a couple of minutes to push the branch out of the way and pick up the smaller limbs. As I finished up, the driver of the Audi (a fit, 50+ year old man) pulled alongside me as I stood in the road, rolled down his window and said, "You know, you could hurt yourself doing that." I was speechless. My mother told me if I couldn't say anything nice, not to say anything at all.
Yesterday morning, as I sat in my office at home saying my morning prayers, I looked out to see a man from our parish (a fit, 50+ year old man) opening the gate in the Rectory fence. He spent 20 minutes salting the driveway and sidewalk to help break up the ice-slick that completely covered everything because the snowplow guys forgot about us (and we ran out of salt at the end of the last storm). I was speechless - because of the lump in my throat.
"Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor . . .?" (Luke 10:36a)
I'm so grateful to be part of a community which has neighbors in it.
Humbled and thankful,
Janet+
Thursday, January 8, 2009
"Nunca en mi vida habia visto algo haci"
Dear Friends in Christ -
"Never in my life have I seen something like this." A friend who is working with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Guatemala forwarded to me a video clip of the massive "derrumbe" (landslide) that took place in Guatemala on Sunday 1/4. It was taken by a geologist who was there studying the mountain. (It's on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGYiD66i-Tg&feature=related). The clip lasts about 4:45; at about 1:55, the top of the mountain breaks off.
My friend, Beth, and her family are all safe, but have lost many people (16) from two small villages in which they work. It's hard to know what to say, what to think. I offer prayers for the families and friends of those who died, but that hardly seems enough. I am humbled, in my sorrow and distress, by encouragement from Beth herself, whose email to me and other family and friends closed with the following words.
"Though we and those from our village are all safe for the time being, uncertainty fills our minds, for the mountain continues to produce showers of falling rock, and underneath, the geologists tell us, lie faultlines and cracks marking the borders of the three tectonic plates upon which Guatemala rests, and these have been swollen with water by the recent rainy season, with its record levels of rainfall...
But I just remembered a verse--Psalm 46:1-3. "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if...the mountains crumble into the sea...so let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!" That writer was so certain of God's care, he actually seems to say, "Bring it on!"
Your prayers for God's help in this situation, and especially His strength to those who lost loved ones, are greatly appreciated.
Finding refuge,
Beth and Boris and children"
Please join me in prayer for Beth, her family and the people in her villages.
With them, and with you, in His grip,
Janet+
"Never in my life have I seen something like this." A friend who is working with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Guatemala forwarded to me a video clip of the massive "derrumbe" (landslide) that took place in Guatemala on Sunday 1/4. It was taken by a geologist who was there studying the mountain. (It's on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGYiD66i-Tg&feature=related). The clip lasts about 4:45; at about 1:55, the top of the mountain breaks off.
My friend, Beth, and her family are all safe, but have lost many people (16) from two small villages in which they work. It's hard to know what to say, what to think. I offer prayers for the families and friends of those who died, but that hardly seems enough. I am humbled, in my sorrow and distress, by encouragement from Beth herself, whose email to me and other family and friends closed with the following words.
"Though we and those from our village are all safe for the time being, uncertainty fills our minds, for the mountain continues to produce showers of falling rock, and underneath, the geologists tell us, lie faultlines and cracks marking the borders of the three tectonic plates upon which Guatemala rests, and these have been swollen with water by the recent rainy season, with its record levels of rainfall...
But I just remembered a verse--Psalm 46:1-3. "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if...the mountains crumble into the sea...so let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!" That writer was so certain of God's care, he actually seems to say, "Bring it on!"
Your prayers for God's help in this situation, and especially His strength to those who lost loved ones, are greatly appreciated.
Finding refuge,
Beth and Boris and children"
Please join me in prayer for Beth, her family and the people in her villages.
With them, and with you, in His grip,
Janet+
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Resolutions . . . and Oprah
Dear Friends in Christ -
One of the biggest news items to hit the airwaves this week has been Oprah's weight. Being a very weight conscious person myself (I once weighed 200+ pounds), it had not escaped my notice that she was looking heavier and that she hadn't shot a full-length magazine cover this past year.
I've heard several people say that she must have just let herself get fat for the money. Clearly that's someone who has never struggled with his/her weight. Or someone who's jealous that Oprah's going to profit from her struggle.
While it's true that the rating for Oprah's TV show go up when she's heavier (likely because people feel they can relate to her better), believe me when I tell you that no one who truly struggles with his/her weight would "fall off the wagon" just for a few ratings points.
As for profiting from her struggle: to be honest, I hope Oprah does profit from her struggle (and I'm talking about more than financial profit here). The truth is, I hope we ALL profit from our struggles. This is God's hope for us, too.
We all have struggles, places where we're enslaved to one thing or another that keeps us from being our best selves, the beautiful beings God created. Remember Joseph? He was such a snotty, self-righteous brat that his brothers couldn't stand him. So they sold him into slavery. Joseph had a hard life, but through it all, he learned to trust God and live in harmony with others. Later in his life, when he encountered his brothers again, they asked for his forgiveness for the terrible thing that had done to him. Joseph's reply: " Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good . . ."
May this be a year in which you find God in your struggles, helping you - through them - to find that which is good.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
One of the biggest news items to hit the airwaves this week has been Oprah's weight. Being a very weight conscious person myself (I once weighed 200+ pounds), it had not escaped my notice that she was looking heavier and that she hadn't shot a full-length magazine cover this past year.
I've heard several people say that she must have just let herself get fat for the money. Clearly that's someone who has never struggled with his/her weight. Or someone who's jealous that Oprah's going to profit from her struggle.
While it's true that the rating for Oprah's TV show go up when she's heavier (likely because people feel they can relate to her better), believe me when I tell you that no one who truly struggles with his/her weight would "fall off the wagon" just for a few ratings points.
As for profiting from her struggle: to be honest, I hope Oprah does profit from her struggle (and I'm talking about more than financial profit here). The truth is, I hope we ALL profit from our struggles. This is God's hope for us, too.
We all have struggles, places where we're enslaved to one thing or another that keeps us from being our best selves, the beautiful beings God created. Remember Joseph? He was such a snotty, self-righteous brat that his brothers couldn't stand him. So they sold him into slavery. Joseph had a hard life, but through it all, he learned to trust God and live in harmony with others. Later in his life, when he encountered his brothers again, they asked for his forgiveness for the terrible thing that had done to him. Joseph's reply: " Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good . . ."
May this be a year in which you find God in your struggles, helping you - through them - to find that which is good.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
MORE CANCELLATIONS
Dear Friends in Christ -
I just put another toe out the door, and things are slowly thawing in the parking lot. The main roads seem to be good. The stairs and parish lot are still slick enough that I think it best to cancel the 11:00 a.m. Bible Study and the 12:15 p.m. service.
I know some folks are losing branches off of trees and a few folks may have lost power as well. Please don't hesitate to call the parish office if you need assistance with things - food, wood cut up and hauled away, etc. - and we'll notify the pastoral care team. Nancy should be in the office after about 10:00 or 10:30 a.m. (929-1722).
Blessings,
Janet+
I just put another toe out the door, and things are slowly thawing in the parking lot. The main roads seem to be good. The stairs and parish lot are still slick enough that I think it best to cancel the 11:00 a.m. Bible Study and the 12:15 p.m. service.
I know some folks are losing branches off of trees and a few folks may have lost power as well. Please don't hesitate to call the parish office if you need assistance with things - food, wood cut up and hauled away, etc. - and we'll notify the pastoral care team. Nancy should be in the office after about 10:00 or 10:30 a.m. (929-1722).
Blessings,
Janet+
7:00 a.m. SERVICE CANCELLED
Dear Friends in Christ -
It's 5:15 a.m., and it's ICY out there at the moment. I just tried to walk across the parking lot and about fell on my head! It's raining and the weather man tells me that things will thaw out over the course of the day. Please stay inside for the time being, stay warm, and stay safe!
Blessings,
Janet+
It's 5:15 a.m., and it's ICY out there at the moment. I just tried to walk across the parking lot and about fell on my head! It's raining and the weather man tells me that things will thaw out over the course of the day. Please stay inside for the time being, stay warm, and stay safe!
Blessings,
Janet+
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Joyous Epiphany!!
Dear Friends in Christ -
Today is Epiphany, the day we celebrate the arrival of the Wise Men, the seekers who had followed the star for a LONG time. In many cultures around the world, particularly in Latin American countries, big celebrations are held to mark the arrival of the Wise Men! What joy that their journey ended with the discovery of a little baby who was - and is - the incarnate One. On this day, may you, like the Wise Men, find that which you seek.
In celebration, I offer to you the gift of this beautiful little story from today's Forward Day By Day. Enjoy!
Blessings,
Janet+
On a Christmas Day more than twenty years ago, I watched seven people slip inside the front door of the nave during the last hymn of the eucharist. The women and girls were well-dressed and each wore a corsage. "We are Muslim, from Turkey. We don't know what to do," one of the women said. "We know this is Jesus' birthday. We wanted to be in God's house and honor Jesus and Maria."
What an unexpected delight! I took them on a tour of the church explaining the stained glass windows, the objects and sumbols of our faith, and answered their many questions. The woman interpreted for the young ones who knew no English. They were most visibly impressed with the creche. When it was time to conclude, we thanked each other, and I gave each of them a candle and a poinsetta. They asked if they might leave something as well. One by one, each of them removed her corsage and laid it before the creche. Soon, they were out the door into the cold. I felt I had met the magi.
-- This "Forward Day By Day" meditation is offered by a priest who writes anonymously
Today is Epiphany, the day we celebrate the arrival of the Wise Men, the seekers who had followed the star for a LONG time. In many cultures around the world, particularly in Latin American countries, big celebrations are held to mark the arrival of the Wise Men! What joy that their journey ended with the discovery of a little baby who was - and is - the incarnate One. On this day, may you, like the Wise Men, find that which you seek.
In celebration, I offer to you the gift of this beautiful little story from today's Forward Day By Day. Enjoy!
Blessings,
Janet+
On a Christmas Day more than twenty years ago, I watched seven people slip inside the front door of the nave during the last hymn of the eucharist. The women and girls were well-dressed and each wore a corsage. "We are Muslim, from Turkey. We don't know what to do," one of the women said. "We know this is Jesus' birthday. We wanted to be in God's house and honor Jesus and Maria."
What an unexpected delight! I took them on a tour of the church explaining the stained glass windows, the objects and sumbols of our faith, and answered their many questions. The woman interpreted for the young ones who knew no English. They were most visibly impressed with the creche. When it was time to conclude, we thanked each other, and I gave each of them a candle and a poinsetta. They asked if they might leave something as well. One by one, each of them removed her corsage and laid it before the creche. Soon, they were out the door into the cold. I felt I had met the magi.
-- This "Forward Day By Day" meditation is offered by a priest who writes anonymously
Monday, January 5, 2009
Epiphany Blessings
Dear Friends in Christ -
This is the first in a series of lovely, powerful blessings that comes to us in this season of Epiphany, this season of mystery and light.
It's a blessing for you.
Janet+
May Almighty God, who led the Wise Men by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord. Amen.
This is the first in a series of lovely, powerful blessings that comes to us in this season of Epiphany, this season of mystery and light.
It's a blessing for you.
Janet+
May Almighty God, who led the Wise Men by the shining of a star to find the Christ, the Light from Light, lead you also, in your pilgrimage, to find the Lord. Amen.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
In Memoriam
Dear Friends in Christ -
Please keep Mark Thunem, his wife Lauren, and their family in your prayers. Mark's mother, Libby, passed away this week, only days after Christmas.
The family will receive visitors at Hoyt Funeral Home in New Canaan from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 8th, and a memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Church at 3:30 pm on Friday, January 9th. For additional information and directions, please contact Hoyt Funeral Home at www.hoytfuneralhome.com or 203-966-0700.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial gifts be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church or Waveny Care Network.
Thank you for your prayers and loving care extended to the Thunems during this time of loss.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Please keep Mark Thunem, his wife Lauren, and their family in your prayers. Mark's mother, Libby, passed away this week, only days after Christmas.
The family will receive visitors at Hoyt Funeral Home in New Canaan from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 8th, and a memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Church at 3:30 pm on Friday, January 9th. For additional information and directions, please contact Hoyt Funeral Home at www.hoytfuneralhome.com or 203-966-0700.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial gifts be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church or Waveny Care Network.
Thank you for your prayers and loving care extended to the Thunems during this time of loss.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Saturday, January 3, 2009
A poem that speaks to the fresh . . .
newness and possibility of 2009.
Blessings,
Janet+
Wild Geese by Mary Oliver
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
Blessings,
Janet+
Wild Geese by Mary Oliver
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Friday
Dear Friends in Christ -
Friday is a day that often finds me in a reflective state. Coming to the end of the week. There's something sort of slightly "down" about the day . . . this weekly anniversary of the day our Lord died on the cross.
In the midst of this quiet, pensive Friday, beauty and goodness comes to me through this beautiful poem by Mary Oliver. I pray it touches you, too.
Blessings,
Janet+
When Death Comes
When death comes
like the hungry bear in autumn
when death comes and takes all the bright coins from his purse
to buy me, and snaps his purse shut;
when death comes
like the measle pox;
when death comes
like an iceberg between the shoulder blades,
I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering;
what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?
And therefore I look upon everything
as a brotherhood and a sisterhood,
and I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility,
and I think of each life as a flower, as common
as a field daisy, and as singular,
and each name a comfortable music in the mouth
tending as all music does, toward silence,
and each body a lion of courage, and something
precious to the earth.
When it's over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was a bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
When it's over, I don't want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened
or full of argument.
I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.
Friday is a day that often finds me in a reflective state. Coming to the end of the week. There's something sort of slightly "down" about the day . . . this weekly anniversary of the day our Lord died on the cross.
In the midst of this quiet, pensive Friday, beauty and goodness comes to me through this beautiful poem by Mary Oliver. I pray it touches you, too.
Blessings,
Janet+
When Death Comes
When death comes
like the hungry bear in autumn
when death comes and takes all the bright coins from his purse
to buy me, and snaps his purse shut;
when death comes
like the measle pox;
when death comes
like an iceberg between the shoulder blades,
I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering;
what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?
And therefore I look upon everything
as a brotherhood and a sisterhood,
and I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility,
and I think of each life as a flower, as common
as a field daisy, and as singular,
and each name a comfortable music in the mouth
tending as all music does, toward silence,
and each body a lion of courage, and something
precious to the earth.
When it's over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement.
I was a bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.
When it's over, I don't want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened
or full of argument.
I don't want to end up simply having visited this world.
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