Dear Friends in Christ -
You know there's been enough snow when you tell the kids that it's going to snow again and they say, "Nooooooooo! No more snow! We want spring!!"
Well, despite our protests and desires to see crocuses begin to rise from the earth, it may well snow again tonight.
As you know, our general policy is to GO AHEAD with Sunday morning services unless it's just too dangerous. Any decision to cancel will be made approximately 2 hours before the scheduled service, so check here for bulletins.
Confirmation, Christianity 101 and other stuff will go ahead as planned, too, as long as church is ON. There is one adjustment to tomorrow's schedule - not due to snow but due the illness of our fearless Christian Ed. Director, Dawn (say a prayer for her!): there will be no "God and Me" class tomorrow for first graders.
So set out your boots and coat and get your snow shovel ready! Let's prepare to meet God at church in the morning.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Blessed Lenten Surprise
Dear Friends in Christ -
As we begin walking our Lenten journey, a special blessing has arrived in our midst - a Labyrinth.
A labyrinth is a path for meditative walking. Unlike a maze, there are no wrong turns, no dead ends. The intricate, winding path leads only to the center (symbolizing a place with God, heaven) and then out again (symbolizing God's guiding us out into the places he calls us).
The labyrinth will be available for walking tonight as part of our first Lenten Friday Soup Supper and Study night. It will also be available on Sunday afternoon. At tonight's supper, I'll give a little history of the labyrinth and helpful guidance for walking it.
I hope this labyrinth and the Lenten booklet written by our parishioners (you can pick one of those up tonight, too, if you didn't get one on Ash Wednesday) will provide just a couple of tools for your journey through Lent . . . into the arms of our living, loving Lord.
Faithfully,
Janet+
As we begin walking our Lenten journey, a special blessing has arrived in our midst - a Labyrinth.
A labyrinth is a path for meditative walking. Unlike a maze, there are no wrong turns, no dead ends. The intricate, winding path leads only to the center (symbolizing a place with God, heaven) and then out again (symbolizing God's guiding us out into the places he calls us).
The labyrinth will be available for walking tonight as part of our first Lenten Friday Soup Supper and Study night. It will also be available on Sunday afternoon. At tonight's supper, I'll give a little history of the labyrinth and helpful guidance for walking it.
I hope this labyrinth and the Lenten booklet written by our parishioners (you can pick one of those up tonight, too, if you didn't get one on Ash Wednesday) will provide just a couple of tools for your journey through Lent . . . into the arms of our living, loving Lord.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sooty Ash Wednesday
Dear Friends in Christ -
AAARRRGGGHHH! After spending 30 minutes writing an Ash Wednesday post for all of you, POOF, it disappeared as if in a puff of smoke. "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust."
I chuckle at myself. Especially on days like today, I'm tempted to take myself a little too seriously. Sigh. Not that this Ash Wednesday/Lent stuff isn't serious business. It is indeed. But the purpose of the seriousness of this day of penitence and fasting is to put ourselves in a position to hear God's invitation to draw closer.
We begin this process of getting closer to God by doing nothing less than putting a sign on our foreheads that serves as something of a giant sticky note announcing, "It's a mess in here!" God already knew that. Wearing black crosses on our foreheads just tells others what God knows - and what we usually try to hide behind a tidy veneer of tidy clothing and (at least mostly) responsible behavior.
Now that everyone's on the same page and has been served notice of our untidiness, we can fling wide the doors and start the process of cleaning up the mess. Where to begin? Let God help. He didn't get us into our messes, but I have it on good authority that (1) he wants to help and (2) he has the power to help. That doesn't mean we won't have our part to do, it just means that we don't have to do it alone. Good news? You bet. And there's more to come . . .
On this sooty Ash Wednesday, as ashes from the early service drift down from time to time on my nose and glasses, I offer this solemn prayer and blessing for you as you begin the observance of a holy Lent:
Grant, most merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve you with a quiet mind, through Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - be upon you and remain with you, now and forever. Amen.
Faithfully (again!),
Janet+
AAARRRGGGHHH! After spending 30 minutes writing an Ash Wednesday post for all of you, POOF, it disappeared as if in a puff of smoke. "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust."
I chuckle at myself. Especially on days like today, I'm tempted to take myself a little too seriously. Sigh. Not that this Ash Wednesday/Lent stuff isn't serious business. It is indeed. But the purpose of the seriousness of this day of penitence and fasting is to put ourselves in a position to hear God's invitation to draw closer.
We begin this process of getting closer to God by doing nothing less than putting a sign on our foreheads that serves as something of a giant sticky note announcing, "It's a mess in here!" God already knew that. Wearing black crosses on our foreheads just tells others what God knows - and what we usually try to hide behind a tidy veneer of tidy clothing and (at least mostly) responsible behavior.
Now that everyone's on the same page and has been served notice of our untidiness, we can fling wide the doors and start the process of cleaning up the mess. Where to begin? Let God help. He didn't get us into our messes, but I have it on good authority that (1) he wants to help and (2) he has the power to help. That doesn't mean we won't have our part to do, it just means that we don't have to do it alone. Good news? You bet. And there's more to come . . .
On this sooty Ash Wednesday, as ashes from the early service drift down from time to time on my nose and glasses, I offer this solemn prayer and blessing for you as you begin the observance of a holy Lent:
Grant, most merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace, that they may be cleansed from all their sins, and serve you with a quiet mind, through Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - be upon you and remain with you, now and forever. Amen.
Faithfully (again!),
Janet+
Friday, February 20, 2009
Good News
Dear Friends in Christ -
I woke up this morning feeling a bit worn around the edges. And then I saw the TV news. I didn't really mean to see it; I was putting in my yoga DVD and caught a couple of stories. VERY depressing. Bad economy. Missing child. Woman mauled by chimp. Good grief. I really DIDN'T need to hear all that.
Why is it that that's what we pay to see? Because we do pay to see it. That's what's on the TV stations supported by advertisements for products we buy, supported by our cable/satellite hook-up fees.
When I sat down at my computer this morning, I wondered what would happen if I typed "good news" into my Google browser. What do you know?! Instead of blowing up or responding "none found," I was presented with a whole string of "good news" news websites. And also some "Good News" Bible-related websites.
An article on the first "good news" website caught my attention: A car dealer in Wisconsin decided to "not believe in" the recession. He hired extra staff and his business is doing well. Hmmm. It makes me wonder . . . While it is clearly irrational to disbelieve in the impact of the recession in some ways (getting hit with a pay cut or losing your job is hard!), is everything about the recession negative? What happens if I/we choose to "spin" recession as "good news," and make choices in that direction? For example, one person who lost her job told me, "It was just the kick in the pants I needed. I never would have left on my own; I was too comfortable. Though it means big cutbacks in lifestyle, I'm going take the time now to finish my training and do the work I've always wanted to do."
For my family and I, the "good news" of the recession is that we're focusing more on helping others and less on getting stuff for ourselves. Our credit card bill tells the story. We're spending less - less on pretty much everything: clothing, food, gas, eating out, entertainment. We're still well-dressed and well-fed - and, to be honest, I'm a little happier. I'm dreading the arrival of the credit card bill a little less. I'm also feeling less pressure from my friends to "keep up" with the latest gadget or clothing fad: they can't afford it either.
In troubled times, we are called to discipline our hearts and minds to focus on the "good news." We must give ourselves permission to mourn the losses (jobs, vacations, 401ks) and, then, choose to MOVE ON, embracing the challenges as opportunities to find new life. It's not easy, but it is the right thing to do. And as we do it, we experience again God's saving grace. As the apostle Paul reminds us: "All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose."
Faithfully choosing "good news" and "Good News" with you,
Janet+
I woke up this morning feeling a bit worn around the edges. And then I saw the TV news. I didn't really mean to see it; I was putting in my yoga DVD and caught a couple of stories. VERY depressing. Bad economy. Missing child. Woman mauled by chimp. Good grief. I really DIDN'T need to hear all that.
Why is it that that's what we pay to see? Because we do pay to see it. That's what's on the TV stations supported by advertisements for products we buy, supported by our cable/satellite hook-up fees.
When I sat down at my computer this morning, I wondered what would happen if I typed "good news" into my Google browser. What do you know?! Instead of blowing up or responding "none found," I was presented with a whole string of "good news" news websites. And also some "Good News" Bible-related websites.
An article on the first "good news" website caught my attention: A car dealer in Wisconsin decided to "not believe in" the recession. He hired extra staff and his business is doing well. Hmmm. It makes me wonder . . . While it is clearly irrational to disbelieve in the impact of the recession in some ways (getting hit with a pay cut or losing your job is hard!), is everything about the recession negative? What happens if I/we choose to "spin" recession as "good news," and make choices in that direction? For example, one person who lost her job told me, "It was just the kick in the pants I needed. I never would have left on my own; I was too comfortable. Though it means big cutbacks in lifestyle, I'm going take the time now to finish my training and do the work I've always wanted to do."
For my family and I, the "good news" of the recession is that we're focusing more on helping others and less on getting stuff for ourselves. Our credit card bill tells the story. We're spending less - less on pretty much everything: clothing, food, gas, eating out, entertainment. We're still well-dressed and well-fed - and, to be honest, I'm a little happier. I'm dreading the arrival of the credit card bill a little less. I'm also feeling less pressure from my friends to "keep up" with the latest gadget or clothing fad: they can't afford it either.
In troubled times, we are called to discipline our hearts and minds to focus on the "good news." We must give ourselves permission to mourn the losses (jobs, vacations, 401ks) and, then, choose to MOVE ON, embracing the challenges as opportunities to find new life. It's not easy, but it is the right thing to do. And as we do it, we experience again God's saving grace. As the apostle Paul reminds us: "All things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose."
Faithfully choosing "good news" and "Good News" with you,
Janet+
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Blind Painter
Dear Friends in Christ -
An article in yesterday's newspaper caught my attention. It was about a blind painter. He was born with his sight, but numerous seizures over the course of his life caused him to lose his sight. Now, he's completely blind. But art critics say that his painting has improved - evidence of which was shown in the article: a recent portrait that was quite good. How is it possible that a man's painting improved as his sight gave out? He says his painting is better now because he's no longer afraid. Blindness has caused him to accept what he paints; he can no longer look at his work, judge it to be bad, and block his creative process.
Life is difficult. And unfair. But God offers us transformation in the midst of it all. "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." The thing that we would love to forego, trade in or avoid if we could may be the just the place where we will experience the greatest grace, see the most unexpected marvels.
God doesn't will everything. But He does have a will in everything. The apostle Paul (a guy who spent a lot of time suffering and in prison) bravely reminds us that His will is this, that "all things work together for good for those who love God."
On this day may you be drawn, even and especially through the dark places in your life, into God's transforming love and light.
Faithfully,
Janet+
An article in yesterday's newspaper caught my attention. It was about a blind painter. He was born with his sight, but numerous seizures over the course of his life caused him to lose his sight. Now, he's completely blind. But art critics say that his painting has improved - evidence of which was shown in the article: a recent portrait that was quite good. How is it possible that a man's painting improved as his sight gave out? He says his painting is better now because he's no longer afraid. Blindness has caused him to accept what he paints; he can no longer look at his work, judge it to be bad, and block his creative process.
Life is difficult. And unfair. But God offers us transformation in the midst of it all. "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." The thing that we would love to forego, trade in or avoid if we could may be the just the place where we will experience the greatest grace, see the most unexpected marvels.
God doesn't will everything. But He does have a will in everything. The apostle Paul (a guy who spent a lot of time suffering and in prison) bravely reminds us that His will is this, that "all things work together for good for those who love God."
On this day may you be drawn, even and especially through the dark places in your life, into God's transforming love and light.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Conscience
Dear Friends in Christ -
Today's reading from the Paul's first letter to Timothy hit me like a ton of bricks: "By rejecting conscience, certain persons have suffered shipwreck in the faith . . ."
Perhaps my conscience is overactive (I'm hardwired with this assumption: "He who knoweth the good and doeth it not, to him it is sin"), but my conscience is constantly speaking. Interestingly, the messages it's usually sending are messages that could get me in trouble. For example, here are three things that my conscience has told me to do over the past few days:
- Drop everything and call someone because the person was on my mind, causing me to miss a deadline
- Spend extra time with my son at a transition point in the day, knowing that we would be late to our next appointment
- Call a physician to account for a mistake she made
Granted, these aren't big things. But they are places where I've surely run into others' impatience, frustration, and/or disdain in just attempting to do them (I actually fully succeeded in doing only one of the three). If Paul's right, though, going against my conscience is a bigger problem. Failing to follow my conscience results in my heart being run aground, instead of floating on the sea of faith.
Hmmm. Where might God call me - and you - to risk following conscience today? Let's push our boats further out to sea and see . . .
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Today's reading from the Paul's first letter to Timothy hit me like a ton of bricks: "By rejecting conscience, certain persons have suffered shipwreck in the faith . . ."
Perhaps my conscience is overactive (I'm hardwired with this assumption: "He who knoweth the good and doeth it not, to him it is sin"), but my conscience is constantly speaking. Interestingly, the messages it's usually sending are messages that could get me in trouble. For example, here are three things that my conscience has told me to do over the past few days:
- Drop everything and call someone because the person was on my mind, causing me to miss a deadline
- Spend extra time with my son at a transition point in the day, knowing that we would be late to our next appointment
- Call a physician to account for a mistake she made
Granted, these aren't big things. But they are places where I've surely run into others' impatience, frustration, and/or disdain in just attempting to do them (I actually fully succeeded in doing only one of the three). If Paul's right, though, going against my conscience is a bigger problem. Failing to follow my conscience results in my heart being run aground, instead of floating on the sea of faith.
Hmmm. Where might God call me - and you - to risk following conscience today? Let's push our boats further out to sea and see . . .
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Friday, February 13, 2009
More Dancing!!
Dear Friends in Christ -
I hope you're planning to come to the church tomorrow night for a little Valentine's dancing and dessert fun! There is something deeply joyful and spiritual in getting together to dance and play. Our culture so values "skills" and "success," that it's hard for us adults to just let our hair down and have fun, but it's GOOOOD. Over these past weeks, I have felt God smiling as we've gotten together on these dark winter evenings.
Tomorrow night, our instructor, Piers, will come a little early (6:00 p.m.!) to help you get a jump on things - if you've not come for dance lessons before - or if you want to brush up for Piers' "contest!"
Come put on your dancin' shoes and strut your stuff!!! Join in the joy!
Blessings,
Janet+
I hope you're planning to come to the church tomorrow night for a little Valentine's dancing and dessert fun! There is something deeply joyful and spiritual in getting together to dance and play. Our culture so values "skills" and "success," that it's hard for us adults to just let our hair down and have fun, but it's GOOOOD. Over these past weeks, I have felt God smiling as we've gotten together on these dark winter evenings.
Tomorrow night, our instructor, Piers, will come a little early (6:00 p.m.!) to help you get a jump on things - if you've not come for dance lessons before - or if you want to brush up for Piers' "contest!"
Come put on your dancin' shoes and strut your stuff!!! Join in the joy!
Blessings,
Janet+
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
I'm not above begging . . .
Dear Friends in Christ -
When it comes to something I really believe in, I'm not above begging. So I'm begging. I'm begging you to call Nancy today and sign up to write a Lenten Meditation for our parish booklet.
I know you're busy. For some of you, writing is not your "thing." Others of you would secretly like to try it, but you're afraid you won't do a good job.
Please set those things aside for a minute, call Nancy in the parish office (929-1722) and sign up to write a meditation. She'll give you a verse to write about; the guidelines are below. In these uncertain, stressful times, this is the best gift you can give to yourself and to the people you love at St. Paul's this Lent.
I wasn't going to beg . . . but I was moved to do so as I prepared for this morning's Eucharist. I was thinking about something I heard last week at Clergy Conference. The speaker, Diana Butler Bass, said, "Vibrant congregations are the places where God's people gather in the Spirit to intentionally become . . . a Community of Practice."
My hope is that you will help all of us practice our faith by practicing yours through writing a meditation to share.
THANK YOU for all the ways you support St. Paul's - and for responding to this plea.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Writing a Personal Reflection on Scripture . . .
1. Ask God to guide you and bring your thoughts together
2. Read the Scripture passage through a couple of times
3. Jot down what sticks out to you
a. Identify why that particular thing sticks out to you
b. If you have a question about details in the text, research it briefly
4. Reflect quietly on one or more of these questions:
a. How does this connect with your life?
b. How has God blessed you in a way related to this?
c. How do you struggle with what’s said in this passage?
d. What’s the most beautiful thing that you’ve experienced related to this passage?
5. Jot down your answer to ONE of these questions
6. Form your answer into a short, two or three paragraph sharing
a. Include enough details to give people a glimpse of the setting
b. Focus on ONE point
7. Step back from what you’ve written and ask,
a. Does it focus on what God does (or what I did)?
b. Does it show what God teaches (or what I think people ought to know)?
8. Ask a friend to read it
a. Can he/she see something of God’s goodness or beauty or power in it? If so, then you’re done!
When it comes to something I really believe in, I'm not above begging. So I'm begging. I'm begging you to call Nancy today and sign up to write a Lenten Meditation for our parish booklet.
I know you're busy. For some of you, writing is not your "thing." Others of you would secretly like to try it, but you're afraid you won't do a good job.
Please set those things aside for a minute, call Nancy in the parish office (929-1722) and sign up to write a meditation. She'll give you a verse to write about; the guidelines are below. In these uncertain, stressful times, this is the best gift you can give to yourself and to the people you love at St. Paul's this Lent.
I wasn't going to beg . . . but I was moved to do so as I prepared for this morning's Eucharist. I was thinking about something I heard last week at Clergy Conference. The speaker, Diana Butler Bass, said, "Vibrant congregations are the places where God's people gather in the Spirit to intentionally become . . . a Community of Practice."
My hope is that you will help all of us practice our faith by practicing yours through writing a meditation to share.
THANK YOU for all the ways you support St. Paul's - and for responding to this plea.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Writing a Personal Reflection on Scripture . . .
1. Ask God to guide you and bring your thoughts together
2. Read the Scripture passage through a couple of times
3. Jot down what sticks out to you
a. Identify why that particular thing sticks out to you
b. If you have a question about details in the text, research it briefly
4. Reflect quietly on one or more of these questions:
a. How does this connect with your life?
b. How has God blessed you in a way related to this?
c. How do you struggle with what’s said in this passage?
d. What’s the most beautiful thing that you’ve experienced related to this passage?
5. Jot down your answer to ONE of these questions
6. Form your answer into a short, two or three paragraph sharing
a. Include enough details to give people a glimpse of the setting
b. Focus on ONE point
7. Step back from what you’ve written and ask,
a. Does it focus on what God does (or what I did)?
b. Does it show what God teaches (or what I think people ought to know)?
8. Ask a friend to read it
a. Can he/she see something of God’s goodness or beauty or power in it? If so, then you’re done!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Another Cryptic Word from Jesus
Dear Friends in Christ -
In today's daily office readings, we hear this from Jesus: "For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."
When I read stuff like this in Scripture, I wonder: was what Jesus was saying as hard for the disciples to understand as it is for us to understand?
From the footnotes in my Bible, I learn that Jesus is using salt as a three-faceted metaphor here, related to preparation for sacrifice (purification), as a preservative, and as a seasoning. One thing is clear: salt has a purpose. It's useful. My mother used to say: you don't have to work at staying out of trouble if you're doing what you're supposed to be doing. Perhaps what Jesus is saying here is that if we have good purpose in ourselves, things won't be easy, but we will be able to be at peace - with ourselves and with one another.
The question the Spirit is speaking to me is: "Do you know what your purpose is for today? Are you willing to live that purpose gently and clearly, not running over things and people to "get things done," but to let My purpose unfold through you?"
Hmmm. Sounds like hard work, but I'm willing to give it a try. Want to join me?
Faithfully,
Janet+
In today's daily office readings, we hear this from Jesus: "For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."
When I read stuff like this in Scripture, I wonder: was what Jesus was saying as hard for the disciples to understand as it is for us to understand?
From the footnotes in my Bible, I learn that Jesus is using salt as a three-faceted metaphor here, related to preparation for sacrifice (purification), as a preservative, and as a seasoning. One thing is clear: salt has a purpose. It's useful. My mother used to say: you don't have to work at staying out of trouble if you're doing what you're supposed to be doing. Perhaps what Jesus is saying here is that if we have good purpose in ourselves, things won't be easy, but we will be able to be at peace - with ourselves and with one another.
The question the Spirit is speaking to me is: "Do you know what your purpose is for today? Are you willing to live that purpose gently and clearly, not running over things and people to "get things done," but to let My purpose unfold through you?"
Hmmm. Sounds like hard work, but I'm willing to give it a try. Want to join me?
Faithfully,
Janet+
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Bearing One Another's Burdens
Dear Friends in Christ -
Today, Dawn Barber and I went to a funeral service for one of the moms involved in the AlphaBets playdate group. Last week, Jennifer Stoverchy died suddenly of a breathing problem, leaving behind a husband, John, and two little girls, ages 6 and 3.
Attending the service was tough. Things aren't supposed to be this way. Moms are supposed to get to stick around "forever" - or at least 'til their kids and grandkids are grown. It was heartbreaking to see the sadness in the little girls' faces.
As we went forward for communion, each person took bread and wine, and then turn and say a word or give a hug to John and the girls, who were sitting in the front pew. Grief overflowed in touches and tears. The sadness was almost unbearable. Almost, - but not quite.
The sadness wasn't crushing because it was shared. As people took a piece of the bread and a sip of the wine, it was as if they offered to take a bit of the sadness, too. (The phrase "cup of sorrows" gained new meaning for me.) As we greeted the family again on our way out of the church, people made promises to continue sharing the burden of grief and suffering. You could tell people would make good on their promises to bring casseroles and look out for John and the girls. They seem like such small things. And yet, each small act will help John and the girls "bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things."
I thank God for light in the darkness. I thank God for love that doesn't end.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Today, Dawn Barber and I went to a funeral service for one of the moms involved in the AlphaBets playdate group. Last week, Jennifer Stoverchy died suddenly of a breathing problem, leaving behind a husband, John, and two little girls, ages 6 and 3.
Attending the service was tough. Things aren't supposed to be this way. Moms are supposed to get to stick around "forever" - or at least 'til their kids and grandkids are grown. It was heartbreaking to see the sadness in the little girls' faces.
As we went forward for communion, each person took bread and wine, and then turn and say a word or give a hug to John and the girls, who were sitting in the front pew. Grief overflowed in touches and tears. The sadness was almost unbearable. Almost, - but not quite.
The sadness wasn't crushing because it was shared. As people took a piece of the bread and a sip of the wine, it was as if they offered to take a bit of the sadness, too. (The phrase "cup of sorrows" gained new meaning for me.) As we greeted the family again on our way out of the church, people made promises to continue sharing the burden of grief and suffering. You could tell people would make good on their promises to bring casseroles and look out for John and the girls. They seem like such small things. And yet, each small act will help John and the girls "bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things."
I thank God for light in the darkness. I thank God for love that doesn't end.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Thursday, February 5, 2009
"Gracious Restraint"
Dear Friends in Christ -
I just read the following news posting from the Episcopal News Service: "[Episcopal News Service -- Alexandria, Egypt] Anglican leaders meeting in Egypt have affirmed the recommendations of the Windsor Continuation Group and called for the development of a "pastoral council" and the appointment of "pastoral visitors" to assist in healing and reconciliation given the current "situation of tension" in the Anglican Communion.
In a communiqué released on the final day of their February 1-5 meeting in Alexandria, Egypt, the primates are also encouraging all parties in the current controversies to maintain "gracious restraint" with respect to actions that could exacerbate the tensions, such as same-gender blessings, cross-border interventions and the ordination of gay and lesbian people to the episcopate."
"Gracious restraint." Hmmm. Sounds to me like the leaders ("primates") of our Anglican Communion are asking us to do what my mother tried to teach my brother and I to do: "think before you act," and "consider others before yourself." Sounds to me like the leaders of our Anglican Communion are trying to keep everyone at the table, to get us to work things out together.
For the past couple of days, the little song that's been rolling through my head is
"Father make us one;
Father make us one;
that the world may know
that you sent your Son,
Father make us one."
I had sort of forgotten that the Primates of our Anglican Communion were meeting, but my sub-conscious must have remembered, because I've been humming this song, praying for unity.
I was in a coffee shop today, and as I got to talking with the guy behind the counter, he said, "Are you from that Episcopal church?" When I said that I was, he said, "Isn't the Episcopal church the church that's going through that split?" I felt wounded, and I thought: how sad that that's how people see our denomination - we're the church of folks who can't get along, the church of folks who are fighting so much we're "splitting."
Of course, I took some time to have a longer talk with the coffee shop dude. By the time we finished talking, I think he heard a different message from me than he gets from the media. The message he got from me, through word and example, was that I/we aren't people who "split." At least some of us aren't. We (at least most of us) are people who stay, who are willing to listen and to talk, who have differences that we try to work through together rather than to run away from.
I think that if God was interested in us all agreeing with each other, he would have made us all more alike. He didn't, so I take that as a sign that there's something beautiful and interesting about difference, - and that if we dare to cling to God and to listen more closely to each other, the Father might make us "one" in ways that we have never imagined.
What do you think? I would love to know . . .
Faithfully,
Janet+
I just read the following news posting from the Episcopal News Service: "[Episcopal News Service -- Alexandria, Egypt] Anglican leaders meeting in Egypt have affirmed the recommendations of the Windsor Continuation Group and called for the development of a "pastoral council" and the appointment of "pastoral visitors" to assist in healing and reconciliation given the current "situation of tension" in the Anglican Communion.
In a communiqué released on the final day of their February 1-5 meeting in Alexandria, Egypt, the primates are also encouraging all parties in the current controversies to maintain "gracious restraint" with respect to actions that could exacerbate the tensions, such as same-gender blessings, cross-border interventions and the ordination of gay and lesbian people to the episcopate."
"Gracious restraint." Hmmm. Sounds to me like the leaders ("primates") of our Anglican Communion are asking us to do what my mother tried to teach my brother and I to do: "think before you act," and "consider others before yourself." Sounds to me like the leaders of our Anglican Communion are trying to keep everyone at the table, to get us to work things out together.
For the past couple of days, the little song that's been rolling through my head is
"Father make us one;
Father make us one;
that the world may know
that you sent your Son,
Father make us one."
I had sort of forgotten that the Primates of our Anglican Communion were meeting, but my sub-conscious must have remembered, because I've been humming this song, praying for unity.
I was in a coffee shop today, and as I got to talking with the guy behind the counter, he said, "Are you from that Episcopal church?" When I said that I was, he said, "Isn't the Episcopal church the church that's going through that split?" I felt wounded, and I thought: how sad that that's how people see our denomination - we're the church of folks who can't get along, the church of folks who are fighting so much we're "splitting."
Of course, I took some time to have a longer talk with the coffee shop dude. By the time we finished talking, I think he heard a different message from me than he gets from the media. The message he got from me, through word and example, was that I/we aren't people who "split." At least some of us aren't. We (at least most of us) are people who stay, who are willing to listen and to talk, who have differences that we try to work through together rather than to run away from.
I think that if God was interested in us all agreeing with each other, he would have made us all more alike. He didn't, so I take that as a sign that there's something beautiful and interesting about difference, - and that if we dare to cling to God and to listen more closely to each other, the Father might make us "one" in ways that we have never imagined.
What do you think? I would love to know . . .
Faithfully,
Janet+
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Sometimes there's a miracle
Dear Friends in Christ -
Several weeks back, I wrote a "blognote" about a terrible landslide in Guatemala, and asked for your prayers for the people there. Many people died in the landslide, and many others had their lives and livelihoods seriously impacted by being cut off from friends, family and jobs.
I was relieved today to finally hear from my friend who is a missionary near where the slide took place. I knew that she and her family were spared from the slide, but I also knew that this tragedy would take a toll on her and her family as they tried to help those impacted by the slide.
As my friend's husband was helping people in the aftermath of the slide, he heard one story that was increadible - and inspiring: On the morning of January 4 before the slide happened, a man crossing the mountain, with many other people in single file, suddenly felt a strong wind whipping against his body and he heard a terrible thunder. He stopped, bewildered, and suddenly everything went black! He was caught in the avalanche, but because he was standing just under a large overhang of rock, the landslide roared right over him and he was safe. He said it was as black as night where he stood for about 20 minutes while the tons of earth passed over him. When the slide stopped, he said there was so much dust, and he cautiously ventured out beyond the overhang. He saw a young woman's broken, lifeless body nearby. Then several feet away, he saw a bundle of cloth. Approaching, he lifted the cloth--and a 6-month old baby, unhurt, stared back at him! He scooped up the tiny survivor and they both hurried to safety. Beautiful!
I asked Beth if there was any way that I/we can help them in the aftermath of this slide and she replied: We appreciate your offer of help. Your prayers are vital. If anyone is moved to give financially to help needy families, earmark your gift to Wycliffe "for Boris and Beth Ramirez, to help landslide refugees" and we will see to it that the offering gets into the hands of the Pokomchi families who need it most.
Miracles do happen - in two ways. There's the straight from heaven kind. And there's the kind that we help make when we join hearts and hands to help in whatever way we can.
If you want to join me in helping Beth and Boris and the Pokomchi families, just let me know.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Several weeks back, I wrote a "blognote" about a terrible landslide in Guatemala, and asked for your prayers for the people there. Many people died in the landslide, and many others had their lives and livelihoods seriously impacted by being cut off from friends, family and jobs.
I was relieved today to finally hear from my friend who is a missionary near where the slide took place. I knew that she and her family were spared from the slide, but I also knew that this tragedy would take a toll on her and her family as they tried to help those impacted by the slide.
As my friend's husband was helping people in the aftermath of the slide, he heard one story that was increadible - and inspiring: On the morning of January 4 before the slide happened, a man crossing the mountain, with many other people in single file, suddenly felt a strong wind whipping against his body and he heard a terrible thunder. He stopped, bewildered, and suddenly everything went black! He was caught in the avalanche, but because he was standing just under a large overhang of rock, the landslide roared right over him and he was safe. He said it was as black as night where he stood for about 20 minutes while the tons of earth passed over him. When the slide stopped, he said there was so much dust, and he cautiously ventured out beyond the overhang. He saw a young woman's broken, lifeless body nearby. Then several feet away, he saw a bundle of cloth. Approaching, he lifted the cloth--and a 6-month old baby, unhurt, stared back at him! He scooped up the tiny survivor and they both hurried to safety. Beautiful!
I asked Beth if there was any way that I/we can help them in the aftermath of this slide and she replied: We appreciate your offer of help. Your prayers are vital. If anyone is moved to give financially to help needy families, earmark your gift to Wycliffe "for Boris and Beth Ramirez, to help landslide refugees" and we will see to it that the offering gets into the hands of the Pokomchi families who need it most.
Miracles do happen - in two ways. There's the straight from heaven kind. And there's the kind that we help make when we join hearts and hands to help in whatever way we can.
If you want to join me in helping Beth and Boris and the Pokomchi families, just let me know.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Monday, February 2, 2009
Before Groundhog Day there was . . .
. . . the Christian celebration of Candlemas, the 40th day after Christmas, half way between Christmas and the coming of Spring. Among other traditions of the day, there was a notion that the weather on Candlemas predicted the weather of the rest of the season. Here's a rhyme that explains the tradition . . .
If Candlemas day be fair and bright
Winter will have another fight.
If Candlemas day brings cloud and rain,
Winter won't come again.
If Candlemas day be dry and fair
The half o' the Winter's to come and mair;
If Candlemas day be wet and foul,
The half o' the Winter's gane at Yule.
(In case you're wondering about the spelling, the proverb's in Old English! The proverbs express the idea that a bright, sunny Candlemas [like the one we're having today!] means that there is more winter to come, whereas a cloudy wet stormy Candlemas day means that the worst of winter is over.)
For those who love snow, it looks like this is your year!
Happy Candlemas!!
Blessings,
Janet+
If Candlemas day be fair and bright
Winter will have another fight.
If Candlemas day brings cloud and rain,
Winter won't come again.
If Candlemas day be dry and fair
The half o' the Winter's to come and mair;
If Candlemas day be wet and foul,
The half o' the Winter's gane at Yule.
(In case you're wondering about the spelling, the proverb's in Old English! The proverbs express the idea that a bright, sunny Candlemas [like the one we're having today!] means that there is more winter to come, whereas a cloudy wet stormy Candlemas day means that the worst of winter is over.)
For those who love snow, it looks like this is your year!
Happy Candlemas!!
Blessings,
Janet+
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