by Kirstin Paisley, cross-posted from my other blog.
I’m just back from Reading Week; rather, I came back yesterday. I spent the first weekend of it at the Ranch, hosting and having a really great time. I walked outside as much as I could. It took me forever to make it up the hill to the peace pole, but I got there. For the first time ever, I didn’t leave a prayer—I just sat with everything around me. And I walked around the refectory playing count-the-friends; I knew at least somebody in each of the groups.
Came back that Sunday night to do field ed at the Night Ministry. Again, I’m in the right place. I love the work, and the people. The hours suck, but I knew that.
I spent the rest of the week with A. in the valley. I really wanted and needed to catch up on work—but instead I took a lot of naps. I don’t regret them.
I would have stayed this weekend and taken care of the cats, or perhaps gone back to the Ranch, but I had to come back for another training last night, and Elisa’s funeral this afternoon. She died on Monday. I miss her, and I’m more sad now than I had been. The service itself was wonderful—though crowded, and hot. I really, really wish I’d seen her more. Last I saw her was about six months ago, at church, shortly after my own diagnosis. I came back in the fall, busy and sick, and kept meaning to send her a card but didn’t do it. I wish now that I had just seen her once in the last while.
I’m not even sure what I want to thank her for—we weren’t even all that close. But she had a way of seeing people. And, she was funny as hell. In a sly, dry, blunt and honest way.
I know it’s a cliché, but you only have people while you have them. Notice the gifts all around you. This is what matters. Give your love, and your time.
I escaped a much more dangerous diagnosis by sheer dumb luck. I had the tumor (stage II melanoma) for at least two years. Nobody was expecting me to get cancer; least of all myself. It happens. Elisa died. I live.
Love the people around you. Be a gift to them.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Priesthood of All Believers
Tommy Dillon
In her book Leaving Church Barbara Brown Taylor chronicles her spiritual journey as she decided to leave the local parish priesthood and enter a life of teaching. She candidly struggles with her own second-guessing and the difficulties in leaving a calling that she loved, but that had drained life from her. In talking about the loss of her identity she writes:
“A priest is a priest, no matter where she happens to be. Her job is to recognize the holiness in things and hold them up to God.”
If you have been around St. Aidan's and the Episcopal Church very long, you probably have heard the saying “the ministers are the ones in the pews.” There is an ancient belief of the Church called “the priesthood of all believers.” In very simple terms it means that no matter your profession (teacher, mechanic, pharmacist) your vocation is to serve God and to serve neighbor. So no matter if you have been ordained or not, your vocation in Barbara Brown Taylor’s words is to “recognize the holiness in things and hold them up to God.” What an amazing calling! What an amazing opportunity!
So what is it in your life that is holy that you need to hold up to God? What is it in the lives of those around you that is holy and that you need to hold up to God? As people of faith, it is our sacred calling; it is our sacred vocation to be witnesses to all that is holy around us.
In a time where our nation seems to be in the grips of fear-mongers, perhaps we can rise above that and be the ministers that God has called each of us to be. Perhaps we can respond in faith, rather than fear.
In her book Leaving Church Barbara Brown Taylor chronicles her spiritual journey as she decided to leave the local parish priesthood and enter a life of teaching. She candidly struggles with her own second-guessing and the difficulties in leaving a calling that she loved, but that had drained life from her. In talking about the loss of her identity she writes:
“A priest is a priest, no matter where she happens to be. Her job is to recognize the holiness in things and hold them up to God.”
If you have been around St. Aidan's and the Episcopal Church very long, you probably have heard the saying “the ministers are the ones in the pews.” There is an ancient belief of the Church called “the priesthood of all believers.” In very simple terms it means that no matter your profession (teacher, mechanic, pharmacist) your vocation is to serve God and to serve neighbor. So no matter if you have been ordained or not, your vocation in Barbara Brown Taylor’s words is to “recognize the holiness in things and hold them up to God.” What an amazing calling! What an amazing opportunity!
So what is it in your life that is holy that you need to hold up to God? What is it in the lives of those around you that is holy and that you need to hold up to God? As people of faith, it is our sacred calling; it is our sacred vocation to be witnesses to all that is holy around us.
In a time where our nation seems to be in the grips of fear-mongers, perhaps we can rise above that and be the ministers that God has called each of us to be. Perhaps we can respond in faith, rather than fear.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
SEEING THE FUTURE, A Meditation, by Tommy Dillon
During a trip to New Orleans last week, I noticed that at every possible spot some enterprising psychic had set up a table complete with Tarot cards or crystal balls.
People of every era and culture have been intrigued with the future. Methods have varied, from charting stars to reading the entrails of animals. One way works as well as another. Most of us know that predicting the future is a fool’s endeavor, but who among us can resist reading that tiny slip of paper we find in cookies at the end of a meal of Chinese food? Even confirmed skeptics occasionally glance through our horoscopes … just in case.
Now, don’t misunderstand me. I believe there are psychic phenomena beyond scientific explanations, but seeing into the future is an impossibility. The reason it is impossible is simple. Only people with serious mental health issues see things that don’t exist, and the future doesn’t exist. All that really exists is today. That which we call the future is only a wide spectrum of endless possibilities.
Even God cannot know that which does not exist. God does know the possibilities and the probabilities much better than anyone else. Still, the only way God can know the future is if it is all planned and we are really just puppets living out those prearranged plans.
There are times when the Bible makes predictions of the future, but they usually are forecasts of what God intends to do. Others are simple predictions of the consequences some human action will bring. It is not psychic to predict the kind of fruit a certain seed will ultimately produce, and that is mostly what the Bible tells us about the future.
When Paul predicted the world would end and Jesus would return in his lifetime maybe he was wrong. Or perhaps Paul and the other disciples were so effective in spreading the Gospel they changed the future by changing the world. Using the Bible as a sanctified Ouija board is sacrilegious. God has chosen not to know the future because God has chosen not to program us.
The Psalm says God’s word is a lamp unto our feet. God gives us enough light to take the next step, not enough to see into the future
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Let hope be your mantra
Tommy Dillon
If you are like me and listen to the radio in the mornings and watch the news each night, you are probably in the uneasy place of wondering what is going on with our economy and how bad things are going to get before they get better. When all we hear are the doomsayers that preach a diet of fear, it is easy to be afraid. Without even knowing it, we can become anxious, and fearful, and disheartened, and worried as fear becomes our mantra: fear of the future, fear that there will not be enough, fear of what might happen next … fear!
So, instead of letting fear be your mantra, why not make a choice for hope, for possibility and for promise? Why not choose life? So, I offer to you today an ancient prayer, first sung by the Psalmist. It carried within it the joys of loving God and knowing that nothing, not even death, could separate the one who sang it from the love of God.
When the news tells you that we need to be afraid, very afraid, and that there will never be enough—enough gasoline, enough money, enough love, enough hope—and fear takes hold of your heart and your imagination, I invite you to pray with me:
Repeat it until the fear subsides.
The real question for people of faith in these days is whether we will worship Wall Street or worship God. I, for one, choose the latter because I am convinced that, in the end, God will be with me in life, in death, in life beyond death. So why not throw your lot in with God right now and trust that God’s love will always be enough, in the good times and in the bad, in the light and in the darkness, in life and in death?
If you are like me and listen to the radio in the mornings and watch the news each night, you are probably in the uneasy place of wondering what is going on with our economy and how bad things are going to get before they get better. When all we hear are the doomsayers that preach a diet of fear, it is easy to be afraid. Without even knowing it, we can become anxious, and fearful, and disheartened, and worried as fear becomes our mantra: fear of the future, fear that there will not be enough, fear of what might happen next … fear!
So, instead of letting fear be your mantra, why not make a choice for hope, for possibility and for promise? Why not choose life? So, I offer to you today an ancient prayer, first sung by the Psalmist. It carried within it the joys of loving God and knowing that nothing, not even death, could separate the one who sang it from the love of God.
When the news tells you that we need to be afraid, very afraid, and that there will never be enough—enough gasoline, enough money, enough love, enough hope—and fear takes hold of your heart and your imagination, I invite you to pray with me:
“For the LORD is good; God’s steadfast love endures for ever.”
Repeat it until the fear subsides.
The real question for people of faith in these days is whether we will worship Wall Street or worship God. I, for one, choose the latter because I am convinced that, in the end, God will be with me in life, in death, in life beyond death. So why not throw your lot in with God right now and trust that God’s love will always be enough, in the good times and in the bad, in the light and in the darkness, in life and in death?
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Not an April Fool's Joke
Tommy Dillon
Today is April Fool’s Day and I was thinking about a reading from the Hebrew scripture featuring one of the Bible’s most famous stories. The prophet Jonah, as you will recall, had been called by God to go preach the message of repentance to the people of Nineveh (The Hebrew people’s arch- enemies of the time). Jonah wanted no part of the plan and sailed off in the opposite direction to Tarshish. A storm at sea and other plot twists resulted in Jonah’s being swallowed up by the huge sea creature and finally unceremoniously regurgitated on the shores of, you guessed it, Nineveh, where the reluctant prophet begrudgingly delivered the sermon that would result in the salvation of his enemies. It was God’s ultimate April Fool’s joke.
Like many movies today, Jonah’s principle story line is often overwhelmed and forgotten by the spectacular special effects. The great fish, whale, sea monster or ocean creature, depending on which translation you follow, is a much more memorable image to most of us than the picture of some wet rebellious guy delivering a sermon. But the real plot is about the futility of resisting God’s call, as well as one of the First Testament’s greatest examples of loving our enemies. And the fish turns out to be not a monster, but a symbol of God’s provision for our welfare even when we think we have sunk below our last hope.
Is it time God sent a great fish into your life? We are surrounded these days with depressing, fear-based news and dire predictions that tend to make us forget that God has calmly been waiting for us in our depths well before we ever knew we would go there. And like Jonah, regardless of our fears, doubts or outright rebellions, God’s plans for us will be accomplished in ways beyond our imaginings. That’s no April Fool’s joke. It’s a promise.
Today is April Fool’s Day and I was thinking about a reading from the Hebrew scripture featuring one of the Bible’s most famous stories. The prophet Jonah, as you will recall, had been called by God to go preach the message of repentance to the people of Nineveh (The Hebrew people’s arch- enemies of the time). Jonah wanted no part of the plan and sailed off in the opposite direction to Tarshish. A storm at sea and other plot twists resulted in Jonah’s being swallowed up by the huge sea creature and finally unceremoniously regurgitated on the shores of, you guessed it, Nineveh, where the reluctant prophet begrudgingly delivered the sermon that would result in the salvation of his enemies. It was God’s ultimate April Fool’s joke.
Like many movies today, Jonah’s principle story line is often overwhelmed and forgotten by the spectacular special effects. The great fish, whale, sea monster or ocean creature, depending on which translation you follow, is a much more memorable image to most of us than the picture of some wet rebellious guy delivering a sermon. But the real plot is about the futility of resisting God’s call, as well as one of the First Testament’s greatest examples of loving our enemies. And the fish turns out to be not a monster, but a symbol of God’s provision for our welfare even when we think we have sunk below our last hope.
Is it time God sent a great fish into your life? We are surrounded these days with depressing, fear-based news and dire predictions that tend to make us forget that God has calmly been waiting for us in our depths well before we ever knew we would go there. And like Jonah, regardless of our fears, doubts or outright rebellions, God’s plans for us will be accomplished in ways beyond our imaginings. That’s no April Fool’s joke. It’s a promise.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
What do you do after Easter?
Tommy Dillon
On Easter Day we heard the story of Mary Magdalene and another Mary going to the tomb early in the morning and encountering the Risen Christ, who said to the women: “Do not be afraid: go and tell my disciples to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” With that sentence the reading ends. But I always wonder, "What do you do after Easter?" After you have encountered the Risen Christ, after you have celebrated the resurrection, after you have told all your friends that love and life have won the day, what next?
Many of us will return to the routine of everyday life. Churches that were filled to overflowing on Easter Sunday will be half empty the Sunday after Easter. Why do you think that is so? Maybe it is because so many of us believe that the Easter message is just too good to be true. How could it be that love really overcomes hate, when there is still so much hate in the world? How could it be that hope wins out over heartache, when there is still so much heartache in the world? How could it be that life actually conquers death when all of us still die? I suppose the answer to those questions is where faith is born.
The Gospel of Matthew didn’t end with the Risen Christ telling the women to go and tell the disciples to go to Galilee. No, the story goes on to say that the eleven disciples went to Galilee, where they saw Jesus whose final words to them were, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Notice that Jesus did not say, “And remember, now there will be no more hate, no more heartache, no more death.” No, he said, “I am with you always.” Maybe the real resurrection happens in our lives when we embrace the reality that no moment of our lives, no breath we take, no joy or heartache, no death of someone we love, nothing happens that God is not with us.
So, tell me, how would living that truth change your life?
On Easter Day we heard the story of Mary Magdalene and another Mary going to the tomb early in the morning and encountering the Risen Christ, who said to the women: “Do not be afraid: go and tell my disciples to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” With that sentence the reading ends. But I always wonder, "What do you do after Easter?" After you have encountered the Risen Christ, after you have celebrated the resurrection, after you have told all your friends that love and life have won the day, what next?
Many of us will return to the routine of everyday life. Churches that were filled to overflowing on Easter Sunday will be half empty the Sunday after Easter. Why do you think that is so? Maybe it is because so many of us believe that the Easter message is just too good to be true. How could it be that love really overcomes hate, when there is still so much hate in the world? How could it be that hope wins out over heartache, when there is still so much heartache in the world? How could it be that life actually conquers death when all of us still die? I suppose the answer to those questions is where faith is born.
The Gospel of Matthew didn’t end with the Risen Christ telling the women to go and tell the disciples to go to Galilee. No, the story goes on to say that the eleven disciples went to Galilee, where they saw Jesus whose final words to them were, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Notice that Jesus did not say, “And remember, now there will be no more hate, no more heartache, no more death.” No, he said, “I am with you always.” Maybe the real resurrection happens in our lives when we embrace the reality that no moment of our lives, no breath we take, no joy or heartache, no death of someone we love, nothing happens that God is not with us.
So, tell me, how would living that truth change your life?
Monday, March 17, 2008
HOW TO DO PERMANENT GOOD, BY Richard Schaper
How to Do Permanent Good
“I want to give something that won’t ever go away,” asserted the prospective giver.” “Making a gift that won’t ever go away is called an endowment fund,” I replied. “When you establish an endowment fund, your gift is reinvested long term and only the annual income is spent, so that the gift goes on giving forever.”
A gift in the form of an endowment fund makes it possible for the giver to do permanent good. Some examples are:
§ The woman who left her house to the church to be sold and the proceeds are used to establish an endowment fund for ministry to children and youth
§ The vestry member who endowed his annual pledge
§ The sisters who established an endowment fund as a memorial to their parents whose love for the church so shaped their lives
§ A music-lover whose endowment gift provides trumpets and strings for church festivals
A legacy gift to the church may either be spent for some immediate need or become part of a permanent endowment. In planning your gift, consider the advantage of designating it for endowment, if you wish it to be permanent.
If you wish the income from your endowment gift to be used for some specific purpose, it is very important that:
·
You consult with the church regarding your intended purpose
· Your gift instrument (will, trust) frames the terms of the endowment so that it will be flexible if circumstances should change in the distant future
· You recognize that while any gift may be added to an existing endowment fund, a fund with a specific purpose or name requires a certain minimum dollar amount (e.g., $100,000) to justify the accounting necessary over the next several centuries.
If you are thinking about making a endowment gift, please call me at (415) 869-7812 so that I may let you know your best options for accomplishing your objectives.
_______________________________________________________________________
The Rev. Richard L. Schaper, CFP® Gift Planning Officer Diocese of California
EpiscopalGift.org (415) 869-7812 richards@diocal.org
“I want to give something that won’t ever go away,” asserted the prospective giver.” “Making a gift that won’t ever go away is called an endowment fund,” I replied. “When you establish an endowment fund, your gift is reinvested long term and only the annual income is spent, so that the gift goes on giving forever.”
A gift in the form of an endowment fund makes it possible for the giver to do permanent good. Some examples are:
§ The woman who left her house to the church to be sold and the proceeds are used to establish an endowment fund for ministry to children and youth
§ The vestry member who endowed his annual pledge
§ The sisters who established an endowment fund as a memorial to their parents whose love for the church so shaped their lives
§ A music-lover whose endowment gift provides trumpets and strings for church festivals
A legacy gift to the church may either be spent for some immediate need or become part of a permanent endowment. In planning your gift, consider the advantage of designating it for endowment, if you wish it to be permanent.
If you wish the income from your endowment gift to be used for some specific purpose, it is very important that:
·
You consult with the church regarding your intended purpose
· Your gift instrument (will, trust) frames the terms of the endowment so that it will be flexible if circumstances should change in the distant future
· You recognize that while any gift may be added to an existing endowment fund, a fund with a specific purpose or name requires a certain minimum dollar amount (e.g., $100,000) to justify the accounting necessary over the next several centuries.
If you are thinking about making a endowment gift, please call me at (415) 869-7812 so that I may let you know your best options for accomplishing your objectives.
_______________________________________________________________________
The Rev. Richard L. Schaper, CFP® Gift Planning Officer Diocese of California
EpiscopalGift.org (415) 869-7812 richards@diocal.org
The End Of Lent - A Meditation, by Tommy Dillon
We are arriving at the end of our Lenten journey. Sometimes, Lent can be a frustrating time for us. We have to look no further than Job, "the just one," to know about life’s conflicts.
Be quiet and I will speak.
Let whatever comes happen to me.
Why do I put myself at risk
and take my life in my own hands?
Even if God kills me, I will hope in God.
I will still defend my ways before God.
Yes, this will result in my deliverance,
for no godless person can appear before God.
Pay close attention to my words;
let my declaration ring in your ears.
Now then, I have prepared my case;
I know that I am right.
Can anyone indict me?
If so, I will be silent and die. (Job 13: 13 – 16)
We all know that, in the end, Job had an encounter with the God that gives meaning to life. However, sometimes we cannot see beyond our own problems. We find ourselves enclosed in our own world rather than allowing God to be the focus of our life.
Lent is a time of anticipation, preparation, penitence, giving, self-denial and self-forgiveness.
We are at the door of the Holy Week. We now will discover the mystery revealed. Let us listen, pray and sing; let us rediscover the resurrected One, the One that can take us beyond worldly
Be quiet and I will speak.
Let whatever comes happen to me.
Why do I put myself at risk
and take my life in my own hands?
Even if God kills me, I will hope in God.
I will still defend my ways before God.
Yes, this will result in my deliverance,
for no godless person can appear before God.
Pay close attention to my words;
let my declaration ring in your ears.
Now then, I have prepared my case;
I know that I am right.
Can anyone indict me?
If so, I will be silent and die. (Job 13: 13 – 16)
We all know that, in the end, Job had an encounter with the God that gives meaning to life. However, sometimes we cannot see beyond our own problems. We find ourselves enclosed in our own world rather than allowing God to be the focus of our life.
Lent is a time of anticipation, preparation, penitence, giving, self-denial and self-forgiveness.
We are at the door of the Holy Week. We now will discover the mystery revealed. Let us listen, pray and sing; let us rediscover the resurrected One, the One that can take us beyond worldly
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
El Salvador, 2008, Day 3
DAY 3This morning we were able to sleep in a little bit and enjoy breakfast here at the El Tropico Hotel. One member of our mission team is sick and was not able to come out with us this morning while two others are having stomach problems but came along anyway.
The lobby was FULL of ARENA supporters- the right wing party of the country- who were having a rally at the hotel- Talk about chaos! We drove to the prison in San Miguel where we were able to tour both the men's and women's sections.
- - - The director of the Men's Prison introduces Fr Tommy for a talk
The director of the prison gave us a tour and introduced us to hundreds of men who had just celebrated the Eucharist. I was put on the spot to speak, with a translator, to the men of the prison. They were very gracious. We looked at the woodworking area as well as the area where the men make hammocks. We then toured the women's prison where we presented the 25 mattresses that we
purchased for them along with women's clothing. We introduced ourselves and had a Q&A session. I offered a prayer and blessing over the gifts we brought as well as to the women present. Our group broke apart and had several personal conversations with the women.- - - Men in the prison show the group some of their woodworking
We were then presented with sweet breads filled with jam which was prepared in the prison by the women as a gift to us. Very yummy! We had many photos taken with the women. We went outside the prison where we were able to purchase items that were made by both the men and women of the prison- woodwork, hammocks, needle crafts, purses, etc. We came back to the hotel where the political rally was in full swing. We met one of the presidential candidates who was the Chief of Police for the nation. We have heard he is very corrupt. One more member of our group has decided to stay in due to sickness. We were treated to lunch at a local Chinese restaurant by the director of the San Miguel Prison. The restaurant was so hot and smokey but was very yummy.
We walked back to the hotel where we met with Elvira, the Anglican chaplain to the women's prison, and Manuel who is in the process for becoming an Episcopal priest here in El Salvador. Elvira talked about her ministry in the prison and Manuel spoke about his dream of creating a new church plant here in San Miguel among the most marginalized in the area.- - - The Mission Team present the women in the prison 25 mattresses and clothing for the newest inmates. Fr. Tommy blesses them.
We then traveled to the Franciscan orphanage where Doris was able to tell a story to many of the children in Spanish. We toured the grounds and spent time with the children and one of the nuns. Then we traveled outside the town to where Manuel would like to start the new church. It is on a ridge overlooking the city and volcano. It was a very peaceful and holy place.
We drove down into the village to meet one of the families that he has been in contact with on a regular basis. We returned to the hotel after a very long day for showers and dinner. There is much hope for the expansion of the church here in San Miguel and the ministry of San Lucas will live on in the ministries of Elvira and Manuel.
- - - Doris tells an exciting story in Spanish to the children in the Franciscan orphanage
- - - Tommy and John enjoy the company of new friends in the orphanage
- - - The Mission Team stands where a new congregation might start with San Miguel Volcano in the background
- - - Chaplain Manuel introduces the team to a family in the new church start village near San Miguel
Saturday, March 08, 2008
El Salvador, 2008, Day 2
Day two began with the check out of our hotel and the one and a half hour drive to a town near the main river of El Salvador which separates the West from the East. We had to leave some of our luggage back in San Salvador since the police would stop the van due to the van being so full with people and luggage which blocked the windows.
- - - - A local man welcomes us to the town closest to the mission of El Carmen
We arrived near the Episcopal Congregation of El Carmel which is up a dirt road and one had to go through two rivers to get to it. We met up with Audrey and Noah, young missionaries from the Episcopal Church in the United States. They talked to us about the political climate of the area and about the new congregation.- - - Cristosal missionaries Audrey and Noah orient our group to the area and political history of Eastern El Salvador
We were going to witness the people of the village building a bridge from rocks and cement. The bridge would allow them to get out from their village during the rainy season. Once we arrived at the bridge site we witnessed so many members of the mission making cement and throwing rocks in a moat which had been dug out. It was very hot and several in our group went to work throwing rocks into the moat. It was very powerful.
After an hour we all gathered up a hill and under a tree to introduce ourselves to one another and talk about our experiences at the site. We then went to a local restaurant for really good food and a little break before we headed to the congregation of Cristo Rey.
- - - - We stopped on the river banks for a break to witness the natural beauty of the area. Some of the members of our team road in the back of a pickup truck with Padre John and Noah. We arrived at the village where Cristo Rey is located and admired an open thatch roofed structure which functions as the church. We walked for about 45 minutes in the village meeting members of the parish and others. Stations of the Cross were being prayed throughout the village. Stops were at people's homes where a wooden cross was flanked by flowers. We viewed the land where the new church will be built after the land is purchased. They are going to build the church two meters above sea level due to floods in the area. The church will become a refugee shelter during the floods and will hold over 300 people in the village and will provide bathroom facilities.
We then loaded up the van and drove an hour and a half to San Miguel. We checked in the hotel and took well deserved showers and then headed to an local restaurant where we enjoyed great food, music and fellowship. We gathered back at the bar of the hotel and several of stayed up till almost 2am talking with Audrey and Noah about the missions and their exciting work. We are so impressed with these two individuals who are doing God's work in a very profound way through liberation theology.
- - - - Our mission team spends time with the bridge builders from the Episcopal community of El Carmen sharing God's love with one another
- - - - Mission Team members have a relaxing moment on the river Lempe which separates the Western part of El Salvador from the Eastern Part. Much of the civil war of the 80's was fought here
- - - - Padre John talks about the new Episcopal Mission of Cristo Rey which meets for church under this thatch roof structure
- - - - Doris eats fresh fruit on our walk through a village near Jiquilisco
- - - - Joe and Audrey pose with Padre John who is the priest for three missions in Eastern
- - - - The Mission Team visits the Centro Pastroal Anglican in Jiquilisco where four of the missionaries live
More El Salvador Pics, Day 1
The Mission Team shares a Q&A Session with the bishop at the Diocesan Center in San Salvador
The mission team poses with the bishop outside the diocesan center
We visit the home of Archbishop Oscar Romero
Carmelite nun talks about the life of Oscar Romero at his home near the chapel where he was killed
This is the altar where Oscar Romero was assassinated while saying mass. His death prompted the civil war in the 80's
Bishop Barahona, his wife Betty and their two daughters have dinner with the Mission Team at the hotel on the first night.
Members of the team enjoy some libations in the hotel before dinnerVAYA CON DIOS, GUYS
=
El Salvador, 2008, Day 1, by Tommy Dillon
EL SALVADOR, DAY 1 Th, March 6 , Day 1 (PICS BELOW)
Eleven of us left San Francisco International Airport at 12:30 AM for a 5 and a half hour flight directly to El Salvador. We were sad to find out one of our mission team members, Diana Wheeler, could not join us since she had come down with the flu. Seven of us are members of St. Aidan's, two are members of Holy Innocents, and two are members of St. John the Evangelist.
We arrived the main airport of the country at 8 AM and we all were lucky to get our luggage and make it through security with no problems. We boarded a small bus where it
We visit the home of Archbishop Oscar Romero
A Carmeseemed that half of the space inside was full with our luggage. We all had an extra bag filled with supplies - baby clothes, Spanish Prayer Books, and art supplies. The weather was not as hot and we thought it would be since it was overcast. The 45 minute bus ride to San Salvador was very quiet since most of us did not get much sleep on the plane. We arrived at the hotel where we were all able to check in the hotel early which was great. It gave us a chance to shower and get a few minutes of rest (15 minutes) before we loaded the bus up again for a trip to the Anglican/Episcopal Diocesan Center of El Salvador.
We were greeted by Archbishop Martin Barahona, Bishop of El Salvador who also serves as the Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Central America. We met with Bishop Barahona for an hour an a half. He told us about the history of the diocese and about his life. We were able to have a Q&A session where we were all moved by the bishop's commitment to Justice issues based upon our Baptismal Covenant. We traveled to an art gallery where we enjoyed a traditional Salvadoran lunch and shopped a bit in the gallery which is home to the national artist of the country, LLoyd. Our final stop of the afternoon was to the home and martyr site of Archbishop Oscar Romero. We were given a tour of Romero's small home and the chapel where he was assassinated while saying mass at the altar by a Carmelite nun who was probably a friend of Romero. It was great to see so many young pilgrims at this site which is in a hospital compound.
After arriving back at the hotel we were able to enjoy a three hour break where we could finally get a little sleep. In the evening we were joined by Archbishop Barahona, his wife Betty, and their two daughters for a dinner at the Brazilian restaurant in the hotel. As a group we probably ate about two cows because the meat would not stop coming! Wonderful friendships were formed and holy talk filled the dinner. We then gathered outside in the plaza of the hotel to tell the Barahonas how much we thank them for their work among the people of this beautiful country. At 10 PM everyone was ready for bed.
Children of Aidan's Way make a banner for children in El Salvador
We all arrive El Salvador tired but with all of our luggage!
The group is packed into our travel van with LOTS OF LUGGAGE!
Archbishop Martin Barahona shares stories about the history of the Episcopal Diocese in El Salvador and about his life.
Eleven of us left San Francisco International Airport at 12:30 AM for a 5 and a half hour flight directly to El Salvador. We were sad to find out one of our mission team members, Diana Wheeler, could not join us since she had come down with the flu. Seven of us are members of St. Aidan's, two are members of Holy Innocents, and two are members of St. John the Evangelist.
We arrived the main airport of the country at 8 AM and we all were lucky to get our luggage and make it through security with no problems. We boarded a small bus where it
We visit the home of Archbishop Oscar Romero
A Carmeseemed that half of the space inside was full with our luggage. We all had an extra bag filled with supplies - baby clothes, Spanish Prayer Books, and art supplies. The weather was not as hot and we thought it would be since it was overcast. The 45 minute bus ride to San Salvador was very quiet since most of us did not get much sleep on the plane. We arrived at the hotel where we were all able to check in the hotel early which was great. It gave us a chance to shower and get a few minutes of rest (15 minutes) before we loaded the bus up again for a trip to the Anglican/Episcopal Diocesan Center of El Salvador.
We were greeted by Archbishop Martin Barahona, Bishop of El Salvador who also serves as the Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Central America. We met with Bishop Barahona for an hour an a half. He told us about the history of the diocese and about his life. We were able to have a Q&A session where we were all moved by the bishop's commitment to Justice issues based upon our Baptismal Covenant. We traveled to an art gallery where we enjoyed a traditional Salvadoran lunch and shopped a bit in the gallery which is home to the national artist of the country, LLoyd. Our final stop of the afternoon was to the home and martyr site of Archbishop Oscar Romero. We were given a tour of Romero's small home and the chapel where he was assassinated while saying mass at the altar by a Carmelite nun who was probably a friend of Romero. It was great to see so many young pilgrims at this site which is in a hospital compound.
After arriving back at the hotel we were able to enjoy a three hour break where we could finally get a little sleep. In the evening we were joined by Archbishop Barahona, his wife Betty, and their two daughters for a dinner at the Brazilian restaurant in the hotel. As a group we probably ate about two cows because the meat would not stop coming! Wonderful friendships were formed and holy talk filled the dinner. We then gathered outside in the plaza of the hotel to tell the Barahonas how much we thank them for their work among the people of this beautiful country. At 10 PM everyone was ready for bed.
Children of Aidan's Way make a banner for children in El Salvador
We all arrive El Salvador tired but with all of our luggage!
The group is packed into our travel van with LOTS OF LUGGAGE!
Archbishop Martin Barahona shares stories about the history of the Episcopal Diocese in El Salvador and about his life.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
GOD CALLING? - by Tommy Dillon
This week is the 161st anniversary of the birth of Alexander Graham Bell. Known best for his invention of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell had many other interests. He was a founding member of the National Geographic Society, invented the metal detector and also studied aviation science. It is interesting to note that Mr. Bell actually viewed his most famous invention, the telephone, as a nuisance to his scientific work. Alexander Graham Bell refused to have a phone in his study where he did his work and research.
In our culture today, through technology, we are able to speak to anyone, anywhere at anytime. However, I believe that as people as faith, we often lose sight of the fact that God yearns for that from us as well. God yearns for us to turn the noise off around us and simply “be” in the presence of God.
During this Lenten journey, my prayer is that we can all be led beyond the music and beyond the noise to simply be wholly and holy present with God. When Alexander Graham Bell died in 1922, all the telephones in the world fell silent for one minute in honor of the one who brought them into existence. Perhaps God is calling to us in the same way. Perhaps God is asking for silence in reverence of the one who brought us into being. Can you hear the silence calling you?
In our culture today, through technology, we are able to speak to anyone, anywhere at anytime. However, I believe that as people as faith, we often lose sight of the fact that God yearns for that from us as well. God yearns for us to turn the noise off around us and simply “be” in the presence of God.
During this Lenten journey, my prayer is that we can all be led beyond the music and beyond the noise to simply be wholly and holy present with God. When Alexander Graham Bell died in 1922, all the telephones in the world fell silent for one minute in honor of the one who brought them into existence. Perhaps God is calling to us in the same way. Perhaps God is asking for silence in reverence of the one who brought us into being. Can you hear the silence calling you?
PEACE PRAYER, Jeanne Robinson
I picked this up from the Cursillo newsletter and thought we could pass it on...
ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT
In WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped!
There is now a group of people who are organizing the same thing here in America.
If you would like to participate: each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying: for the safety of the United States, our troops (and all troops), our citizens (and all citizens) and for a just peace in the world. (Perhaps we could add the Presidential election this fall?)
Someone said, "If people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless."
Our prayer is the most powerful asset we have. Please pass this on to anyone whom you think will pray.
(Rev) Sue Thompson
St Edmund's Episcopal Church
ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT
In WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped!
There is now a group of people who are organizing the same thing here in America.
If you would like to participate: each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying: for the safety of the United States, our troops (and all troops), our citizens (and all citizens) and for a just peace in the world. (Perhaps we could add the Presidential election this fall?)
Someone said, "If people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless."
Our prayer is the most powerful asset we have. Please pass this on to anyone whom you think will pray.
(Rev) Sue Thompson
St Edmund's Episcopal Church
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Remain Episcopal in the Diocese of San Joaquin
Kirstin Paisley
You will notice a new item in the sidebar. Under the St. Aidan’s logo, the red “Remain Episcopal” button takes you directly to the website. Here you will learn about the struggle that the continuing Episcopalians in the Diocese of San Joaquin are facing. You will see who they are, and where they are, and what you can do to help.
My best friend lives in this diocese. Many of you have met Andee; she has spoken to our community about what life is like as a faithful Episcopalian in the Central Valley. She is a member of St. John’s, Lodi, and Contingency Representative to the Remain Episcopal board. Her charge for the past few years has been to help strategize in preparation of a diocesan vote to secede from the Episcopal Church. This vote, first passed in December 2006, was finalized at the San Joaquin convention this past December 8. Her own parish, relatively “liberal,” is safe—but she, and now I, have many friends and acquaintances who worship in exile. (Learn more about these communities here and here.)
For two and a half years, I was very peripherally involved in the struggle in San Joaquin. It was my friend’s work; I supported her, but never claimed it for my own. That changed this past December 23. Andee and I went to St. Nicholas, Atwater, to witness what happened there when the erstwhile, ex-Episcopal bishop of San Joaquin showed up for a visit on short notice. What I saw there crystallized my own calling to minister to the forgotten, the mistreated, the exiled. The vicar, Fred Risard, had only recently dared to speak out against the diocese’s move to split from the Episcopal Church and align with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone. John-David Schofield proceeded to fire him, in front of the congregation, during the liturgy. Two days later, on Christmas, John-David locked Fred out of the building. His authority to take either of these actions is highly questionable, as he is no longer an Episcopal bishop.
The community of St. Nicholas currently worships in a rec center in Atwater. Fr. Fred's salary is being paid by contributions primarily from outside the diocese of San Joaquin.
I’m currently hoping to do my Field Education in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. My heart is with the exiles, and I very much want to be part of the re-birthing. Meanwhile, asking for your support is easy to do.
These things are most needed now:
Financial donations. Anything you can give is needed and appreciated. Money goes to further publicity, pay legal fees, and support people like Fr. Fred Risard.
Witnessing. Fr. Fred mentioned that other vicars, clergy who serve at the pleasure of the bishop, had spoken with him. He may represent the first of many confrontations. If you can, worship in the Central Valley. If you hear of a threatened community, go there. Be present to that community, and share what you saw, when you come home.
Worshipping in solidarity. The closest continuing Episcopal parishes to the Bay Area are St. John’s, Lodi and St. Anne’s, Stockton. Further south, there’s Holy Family, Fresno and Church of the Saviour, Hanford. In Atwater, St. Nicholas Mission welcomes everyone to join them in worship. Communities in exile exist in Bakersfield and Turlock, where the parishes voted with the diocese to secede. Faithful Episcopalians hold services elsewhere, most often without benefit of clergy. This means that they pray in community, but rarely receive Communion. (It isn't hyperbole to say that this schism is starving people.)
Worshipping courageously. If you have a chance to worship with a congregation whose leaders voted to leave the Episcopal Church, visit there, too. During announcements or coffee hour, let it be known that you are visiting in support of those who want to stay in the Episcopal Church. Be prepared for some possible unpleasantness--but realize that your visit may be life-saving to some who believe they are isolated and without hope.
Prayer. Hold San Joaquin before God, in your hearts. There are human beings on all sides of this struggle. We speak of it differently, but all seek God, and healing.
On Sundays I’m not here, I’m usually in the Valley. If you are interested in worshipping in San Joaquin, and don’t particularly want to go alone, please contact me.
Father Jake has been following developments in San Joaquin for years, and has been collecting the witnesses of others (including, recently, me). He is the best place to start, if you want to educate yourself quickly.
The relevant postings on my personal blog are here.
Thank you.
UPDATE: One of the commenters at Jake's place mentioned that there were people from St. A's in attendance at St. Nicholas' first Sunday in exile. (Yay, thank you!) If that was you, would you be open to telling your story in this thread? If you'd be more comfortable, you can e-mail me and I'll do it. Public anonymity is OK. They/we are looking for windows on what it was like there--and I'm just plain proud of whomever it was, for going.
ANOTHER UPDATE: I know who you are. Thank you, so much.
You will notice a new item in the sidebar. Under the St. Aidan’s logo, the red “Remain Episcopal” button takes you directly to the website. Here you will learn about the struggle that the continuing Episcopalians in the Diocese of San Joaquin are facing. You will see who they are, and where they are, and what you can do to help.
My best friend lives in this diocese. Many of you have met Andee; she has spoken to our community about what life is like as a faithful Episcopalian in the Central Valley. She is a member of St. John’s, Lodi, and Contingency Representative to the Remain Episcopal board. Her charge for the past few years has been to help strategize in preparation of a diocesan vote to secede from the Episcopal Church. This vote, first passed in December 2006, was finalized at the San Joaquin convention this past December 8. Her own parish, relatively “liberal,” is safe—but she, and now I, have many friends and acquaintances who worship in exile. (Learn more about these communities here and here.)
For two and a half years, I was very peripherally involved in the struggle in San Joaquin. It was my friend’s work; I supported her, but never claimed it for my own. That changed this past December 23. Andee and I went to St. Nicholas, Atwater, to witness what happened there when the erstwhile, ex-Episcopal bishop of San Joaquin showed up for a visit on short notice. What I saw there crystallized my own calling to minister to the forgotten, the mistreated, the exiled. The vicar, Fred Risard, had only recently dared to speak out against the diocese’s move to split from the Episcopal Church and align with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone. John-David Schofield proceeded to fire him, in front of the congregation, during the liturgy. Two days later, on Christmas, John-David locked Fred out of the building. His authority to take either of these actions is highly questionable, as he is no longer an Episcopal bishop.
The community of St. Nicholas currently worships in a rec center in Atwater. Fr. Fred's salary is being paid by contributions primarily from outside the diocese of San Joaquin.
I’m currently hoping to do my Field Education in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. My heart is with the exiles, and I very much want to be part of the re-birthing. Meanwhile, asking for your support is easy to do.
These things are most needed now:
Financial donations. Anything you can give is needed and appreciated. Money goes to further publicity, pay legal fees, and support people like Fr. Fred Risard.
Witnessing. Fr. Fred mentioned that other vicars, clergy who serve at the pleasure of the bishop, had spoken with him. He may represent the first of many confrontations. If you can, worship in the Central Valley. If you hear of a threatened community, go there. Be present to that community, and share what you saw, when you come home.
Worshipping in solidarity. The closest continuing Episcopal parishes to the Bay Area are St. John’s, Lodi and St. Anne’s, Stockton. Further south, there’s Holy Family, Fresno and Church of the Saviour, Hanford. In Atwater, St. Nicholas Mission welcomes everyone to join them in worship. Communities in exile exist in Bakersfield and Turlock, where the parishes voted with the diocese to secede. Faithful Episcopalians hold services elsewhere, most often without benefit of clergy. This means that they pray in community, but rarely receive Communion. (It isn't hyperbole to say that this schism is starving people.)
Worshipping courageously. If you have a chance to worship with a congregation whose leaders voted to leave the Episcopal Church, visit there, too. During announcements or coffee hour, let it be known that you are visiting in support of those who want to stay in the Episcopal Church. Be prepared for some possible unpleasantness--but realize that your visit may be life-saving to some who believe they are isolated and without hope.
Prayer. Hold San Joaquin before God, in your hearts. There are human beings on all sides of this struggle. We speak of it differently, but all seek God, and healing.
On Sundays I’m not here, I’m usually in the Valley. If you are interested in worshipping in San Joaquin, and don’t particularly want to go alone, please contact me.
Father Jake has been following developments in San Joaquin for years, and has been collecting the witnesses of others (including, recently, me). He is the best place to start, if you want to educate yourself quickly.
The relevant postings on my personal blog are here.
Thank you.
UPDATE: One of the commenters at Jake's place mentioned that there were people from St. A's in attendance at St. Nicholas' first Sunday in exile. (Yay, thank you!) If that was you, would you be open to telling your story in this thread? If you'd be more comfortable, you can e-mail me and I'll do it. Public anonymity is OK. They/we are looking for windows on what it was like there--and I'm just plain proud of whomever it was, for going.
ANOTHER UPDATE: I know who you are. Thank you, so much.
A Week in the Life of St. Aidan's
Aidan's Way students learn folk dancing from Pam Wong
Future "Dancing with the Stars" contestants
Food Pantry guests and volunteer Jessica showing off their holiday hats
St. Aidan's Food Pantry Volunteers dressed in holiday cheer
Youth Coop Musicians
Youth Coop after their Christmas Play at St. Aidan's
Monday, December 17, 2007
Sadie Remembers Last Year's Christmas Party
Dear all,
Regarding that shopping Christmas party on Friday, December 15th (2006) at Under One Roof, we had a marvelous time! The folks at Under One Roof said that ours was the liveliest, with a very good profit turn-out from our shopping. (The profits go to AIDS agencies.) Miss B.B. Sweetbryer performed (actually sang, with her gorgeous voice, NOT lip-synched,) two beautiful Christmas songs. Sadie M.C.’d, presented her lovely Holly Jolly Winter Wonderland Manger Scene Jell-O, and sang a song about it. Here is a description of the Jell-O, and the song that followed:
“Well, let me tell you about my Jell-O recipe that I’m auctioning off here for the fundraiser. It’s called “The Holly Jolly Winter Wonderland Manger Scene Jell-O”.
As you can see, it’s a Winter Wonderland, with snow all over the place. The bottom layer represents the snow. I put coconut all over the bottom of the plate. And you get to keep this plate if you win this auction. (And it has a picture of Santy Clause on it – I got it at Walmart where my friend Daisy works.) The middle layer is green, representin’ the trees. So I put broccoli in it to look like the trees too. The uppa layer is red for the barn in the manger scene. I put candy canes in there ‘cuz they probably had the manger all decorated for Christmas, don’t ya think? I added dollops of Miracle Whip around the sides for more snow, and some mara-shi-ano cherries to symbolize Rudulph the Red-nosed Reindeer’s nose. So I artfully cut away a chunk of the Jell-O ring in front, in order to create the manger for Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus, and those Kings who is always following them around. They’re all comfy and cozy in there, even though there’s all kinds of snow on the ground that blew in. And on top, I made an angel out of the lid of a tuna fish can. She’s lookin’ down on everybody and telling everybody about how good the mom and the baby is doin’ in spite of givin’ birth next to some smelly donkeys and cows, with Joseph faintin’ all over the place ‘cuz he can’t stand the sight of blood. Oh – and there’s the star. I made it out of a piece of part-skim pasteurized mozzarella cheese. I made it like the Star of David, since Jesus was Jewish. And last but not least, there’s Santy Clause peekin’ around the corner to see the baby Jesus and ask him if he’s been naughty or nice, and to find out what he wants for Christmas!
So I wrote a little song about my
Holly Jolly Winter Wonderland Manger Jell-O Scene, and it goes like this:
Buy a holly, jolly Jell-o,
It's the best dessert of the year
I don't know if there'll be real snow,
but you’ve got some jiggling right here.
Buy a holly, jolly Jell-O,
And when you walk down the street
Say Hello to friends you know
and let everybody eat.
HO, HO, there’s Mary and Joe
Proud as they can be;
They’ve just won the Parents of the Millennium award
For bringing Jesus to you and me!
Buy a holly jolly Jell-O,
and in case you didn't hear,
Oh by golly, buy a Holly,
Jolly Winter Wonderland Manger Jell-O this year!”
There was a hot competition for the Jell-O that got auctioned off for $69. Here are a few photos. We want to thank Tommy Dillon and the folks at Under One Roof for putting on a fun and meaningful holiday party for the parish. For those who missed the party, we missed you, and hope you have a wonderful Christmas holiday.
Love,
Nancy Sabin, Sadie’s press secretary
Monday, December 03, 2007
Advent 2007, from the Diocese of Washington
From the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, here is an interactive Advent calendar. When you click on a day, you don't get chocolate--you get a carol, a meditation, that day's Daily Office readings, and a giving opportunity. (Yesterday's linked to the Heifer Project, which you can still contribute to.) The art displayed is from the creche at the Cathedral.
It's a really neat site. Go here to explore.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Alternative Christmas Shopping
Kirstin Paisley
Jane Redmont, formerly of the GTU and now teaching at a Quaker college in North Carolina, has a wonderful blog called Acts of Hope. She posted a list of resources for alternative, environmental and social-justice friendly gift buying. Other ideas are listed in the comments. Go check it out!
Jane Redmont, formerly of the GTU and now teaching at a Quaker college in North Carolina, has a wonderful blog called Acts of Hope. She posted a list of resources for alternative, environmental and social-justice friendly gift buying. Other ideas are listed in the comments. Go check it out!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Media and News Resources
Deborah Frangquist and Kirstin Paisley
At the Adult Forum on November 18, with Bishop Marc Andrus, we talked about being better informed about the Millennium Development Goals and reducing world poverty.
One important part of being informed is having good information. Resurgence Magazine, the wonderful British magazine about sustainable living principles for individuals, communities, and nations, is an alternative to mainstream US news media. Whether you subscribe to the hard copy or the electronic version, Resurgence provides an excellent way to know about possibilities, projects, and ideas that we may not ordinarily hear about.
Bishop Marc mentioned the Episcopal Public Policy Network. Registration is quick and easy. Specify your areas of interest, and EPPN will send you updates that allow you to stay informed about pending legislation and the positions the Episcopal Church has taken. The updates that arrive in your inbox include links for more information and to write to your Senators and Representatives when you choose.
It can be really hard as a single Christian to keep up with the public policy issues which relate to the Gospel. EPPN makes it possible to be more informed and engaged as Christians and as citizens.
Links to Resurgence, EPPN, and other outlets have been added to the sidebar to the left, under the heading "Media/News Resources." Please explore them, and post in the comments any links that inform your way of living in the world. (You may also e-mail your links to Kirstin directly; she'll be happy to add them.)
At the Adult Forum on November 18, with Bishop Marc Andrus, we talked about being better informed about the Millennium Development Goals and reducing world poverty.
One important part of being informed is having good information. Resurgence Magazine, the wonderful British magazine about sustainable living principles for individuals, communities, and nations, is an alternative to mainstream US news media. Whether you subscribe to the hard copy or the electronic version, Resurgence provides an excellent way to know about possibilities, projects, and ideas that we may not ordinarily hear about.
Bishop Marc mentioned the Episcopal Public Policy Network. Registration is quick and easy. Specify your areas of interest, and EPPN will send you updates that allow you to stay informed about pending legislation and the positions the Episcopal Church has taken. The updates that arrive in your inbox include links for more information and to write to your Senators and Representatives when you choose.
It can be really hard as a single Christian to keep up with the public policy issues which relate to the Gospel. EPPN makes it possible to be more informed and engaged as Christians and as citizens.
Links to Resurgence, EPPN, and other outlets have been added to the sidebar to the left, under the heading "Media/News Resources." Please explore them, and post in the comments any links that inform your way of living in the world. (You may also e-mail your links to Kirstin directly; she'll be happy to add them.)
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Questions about Commitment Sunday
In her sermon on November 11, Deborah Frangquist posed SOME QUESTIONS we can each ask as we prepare for Commitment Sunday, November 18, when we will place our pledge cards on the altar. These questions are about giving and receiving and about deepening our spiritual lives.
I invite you to make your stewardship decisions solemnly, to take the time to consider not only how God may be inviting you to give more, but also how God may be inviting you to receive more. Ask, for example, "Am I truly experiencing the abundant life Jesus promises? How can I open my heart more fully to the fullness of life? How can I trust God more faithfully? Do I allow God to teach me how to be closer to God, or do I set limits on how close I let God come to me? Am I willing to enter into ever deeper relationship with God? Am I really willing to receive all that God desires to give to me?
These are the truly holy questions we can ask, far more holy and far more useful than asking ourselves what we can "afford" to "give" back to God from what God has given us. These are questions that will feed you through the year, that will invite you into abundant life, that will transcend fundraising and generosity and make us true stewards of all God has given us. These are questions that are about your gifts to Saint Aidan's and about more than Saint Aidan's. These are questions about how you will live – how you will choose to devote your time, about where you devote your creative and productive energies at work, at home, in the community. How will you conduct your professional development as a steward – retreat, prayer, study, silence & companionship?
Next Sunday is commitment Sunday, when we will bring our pledge cards to the altar, making our commitments to this community, to the presence of Jesus Christ here on Diamond Heights. Two weeks later is the first Sunday in Advent, the beginning of the Christian liturgical year. Let the decisions you make this week about your pledge be not an end but a beginning of new depth in your vocation as a steward of all God continues to entrust to your care.
Thanks
I invite you to make your stewardship decisions solemnly, to take the time to consider not only how God may be inviting you to give more, but also how God may be inviting you to receive more. Ask, for example, "Am I truly experiencing the abundant life Jesus promises? How can I open my heart more fully to the fullness of life? How can I trust God more faithfully? Do I allow God to teach me how to be closer to God, or do I set limits on how close I let God come to me? Am I willing to enter into ever deeper relationship with God? Am I really willing to receive all that God desires to give to me?
These are the truly holy questions we can ask, far more holy and far more useful than asking ourselves what we can "afford" to "give" back to God from what God has given us. These are questions that will feed you through the year, that will invite you into abundant life, that will transcend fundraising and generosity and make us true stewards of all God has given us. These are questions that are about your gifts to Saint Aidan's and about more than Saint Aidan's. These are questions about how you will live – how you will choose to devote your time, about where you devote your creative and productive energies at work, at home, in the community. How will you conduct your professional development as a steward – retreat, prayer, study, silence & companionship?
Next Sunday is commitment Sunday, when we will bring our pledge cards to the altar, making our commitments to this community, to the presence of Jesus Christ here on Diamond Heights. Two weeks later is the first Sunday in Advent, the beginning of the Christian liturgical year. Let the decisions you make this week about your pledge be not an end but a beginning of new depth in your vocation as a steward of all God continues to entrust to your care.
Thanks
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Tightrope: Tradition vs. Change
Tommy Dillon
One of the interesting things about being a priest is that you often walk a tightrope. Nowhere is that more prevalent than in the idea that churches are suppose to be keepers of the tradition of the faith, but in order to stay vibrant and alive churches have to be constantly changing.
From the beginning, the church was called to this kind of tightrope walking. The Apostle Paul was a staunch adherent to the laws of Moses, and yet when it came time to be God’s person in advancing the love of God through the church of Jesus Christ, Paul was the first to open the door to those who were outside the faith of Israel, the foreigners, the Gentiles.
This Sunday, churches all over the world from the reformed tradition will remember when a man named Martin Luther called for a reform of the church. It is called Reformation Sunday. But the truth is, from day one, the Christian church has been changing. Think of it, the revolutionary movement called “The Way,” became a fledgling branch of Judaism. Then it became a collection of small groups that met in secret in order to avoid persecution. Then suddenly it became the imperial church when an emperor named Constantine converted to Christianity.
So it seems to me, if we would be faithful followers of Jesus, if we are to be the church, then we must always be open to change. We must always be ready for the movement of the Holy Spirit within us and among us, calling us to new ways of being re-formed as disciples of Jesus and re-formed into the church for our time.
So, why not step right out onto that tightrope. Frightening? Yes! Invigorating? Probably. Life-giving? Absolutely!
One of the interesting things about being a priest is that you often walk a tightrope. Nowhere is that more prevalent than in the idea that churches are suppose to be keepers of the tradition of the faith, but in order to stay vibrant and alive churches have to be constantly changing.
From the beginning, the church was called to this kind of tightrope walking. The Apostle Paul was a staunch adherent to the laws of Moses, and yet when it came time to be God’s person in advancing the love of God through the church of Jesus Christ, Paul was the first to open the door to those who were outside the faith of Israel, the foreigners, the Gentiles.
This Sunday, churches all over the world from the reformed tradition will remember when a man named Martin Luther called for a reform of the church. It is called Reformation Sunday. But the truth is, from day one, the Christian church has been changing. Think of it, the revolutionary movement called “The Way,” became a fledgling branch of Judaism. Then it became a collection of small groups that met in secret in order to avoid persecution. Then suddenly it became the imperial church when an emperor named Constantine converted to Christianity.
So it seems to me, if we would be faithful followers of Jesus, if we are to be the church, then we must always be open to change. We must always be ready for the movement of the Holy Spirit within us and among us, calling us to new ways of being re-formed as disciples of Jesus and re-formed into the church for our time.
So, why not step right out onto that tightrope. Frightening? Yes! Invigorating? Probably. Life-giving? Absolutely!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Wonderful Mary!
Tommy Dillon
Mary Magdalene's legend often grew out of mistaken identity. There were at least five different Marys in Scripture. (Not surprising, since over half of the women in first century Israel were named Mary, after the Prophet Miriam, the clever and outspoken sister of Moses and Aaron.) Mary Magdalene is often pictured in art as the long haired woman with the little perfume bottle who anointed Jesus' feet, in the assumption the woman was a prostitute and so was Mary. She wasn't. That particular slander originated in an influential sermon given by Pope Gregory I in 591. What the Scriptures do tell us about Mary is that she, Joanna and Susanna financed Jesus' ministry, she was the disciple at the cross, the first witness to the resurrection and, as Susan Haskins puts it, the Herald of the New Life, yet to many people, she is still identified as the repentant prostitute, type-cast in a role she never played.
At least, current scholarship is making a valiant effort to vindicate Mary, but her story is a good reminder to us to avoid being casting directors to those around us. The next time we are tempted to say, "Of course you know about what he used to do?", or "she's just not my kind of person," let's remember Mary. Bad casting can last 1,400 years.
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:18
Have you ever been a victim of type-casting? That question keeps coming to mind lately as I have been reading Susan Haskins' book, Mary Magdalene- Myth and Metaphor. It explores Mary's various assumed or invented roles preserved in literature and art since her entrance into history in the Gospels. You know most of the rumors and speculations. She was either Jesus' wife, lover, confidant; a demon-possessed disreputable sinner, a prostitute; the model of repentance, or maybe all or none of these.
Mary Magdalene's legend often grew out of mistaken identity. There were at least five different Marys in Scripture. (Not surprising, since over half of the women in first century Israel were named Mary, after the Prophet Miriam, the clever and outspoken sister of Moses and Aaron.) Mary Magdalene is often pictured in art as the long haired woman with the little perfume bottle who anointed Jesus' feet, in the assumption the woman was a prostitute and so was Mary. She wasn't. That particular slander originated in an influential sermon given by Pope Gregory I in 591. What the Scriptures do tell us about Mary is that she, Joanna and Susanna financed Jesus' ministry, she was the disciple at the cross, the first witness to the resurrection and, as Susan Haskins puts it, the Herald of the New Life, yet to many people, she is still identified as the repentant prostitute, type-cast in a role she never played.
At least, current scholarship is making a valiant effort to vindicate Mary, but her story is a good reminder to us to avoid being casting directors to those around us. The next time we are tempted to say, "Of course you know about what he used to do?", or "she's just not my kind of person," let's remember Mary. Bad casting can last 1,400 years.
Monday, September 10, 2007
The Iraq Moratorium
Glenda Hope
Update on Faith Community plans September 25:.
The list of activities planned by faith communities for the Iraq Moratorium on September 21 are listed here:
- The First Unitarian Universalist Society at 1187 Franklin (at Geary) in SF will host a pro-peace “speak-out” and vigil from 10-12 am.
- At 11:30, there will be Stop Work Event in Menlo Park. Contact sacredseaturtle@aol.com.
- The IM Faith Community Work Group will sponsor a “silent somber vigil” at Diane Feinstein’s office, Market and Post in SF (at the Embarcadero BART Station) from 5 to 6.
- There will be a “Peace Presence” at Linda and Piedmont Streets in Oakland from 5-7 co-sponsored by ST Leo the Great and Plymouth United Churches.
- The Church of the Brethren and Pax Christi in Fremont will hold a public prayer vigil at Walnut and Paseo Padre at 5:30 to 6:30.
- Temple Methodist Church, 65 Beverly Street (near the intersection of 19th Av and Junipero Serra Blvd) in SF will lead an ecumenical Christian peace service open to the public at 7 pm.
- A drum circle group is planning a vigil at Dolores Park in SF, time TBA.
- Starting October 12: Temple Methodist will also sponsor a free film series about peace and social justice on the second Friday of each month. It will be in the church parish hall at 7:30. See “The Pursuit of Happyness” on October 12, and “The Ground Truth” on November 9.
Update on Faith Community plans September 25:.
The list of activities planned by faith communities for the Iraq Moratorium on September 21 are listed here:
- The First Unitarian Universalist Society at 1187 Franklin (at Geary) in SF will host a pro-peace “speak-out” and vigil from 10-12 am.
- At 11:30, there will be Stop Work Event in Menlo Park. Contact sacredseaturtle@aol.com.
- The IM Faith Community Work Group will sponsor a “silent somber vigil” at Diane Feinstein’s office, Market and Post in SF (at the Embarcadero BART Station) from 5 to 6.
- There will be a “Peace Presence” at Linda and Piedmont Streets in Oakland from 5-7 co-sponsored by ST Leo the Great and Plymouth United Churches.
- The Church of the Brethren and Pax Christi in Fremont will hold a public prayer vigil at Walnut and Paseo Padre at 5:30 to 6:30.
- Temple Methodist Church, 65 Beverly Street (near the intersection of 19th Av and Junipero Serra Blvd) in SF will lead an ecumenical Christian peace service open to the public at 7 pm.
- A drum circle group is planning a vigil at Dolores Park in SF, time TBA.
- Starting October 12: Temple Methodist will also sponsor a free film series about peace and social justice on the second Friday of each month. It will be in the church parish hall at 7:30. See “The Pursuit of Happyness” on October 12, and “The Ground Truth” on November 9.
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