Yes, its that time of the year again. Weather turns { somewhat } colder in Florida, football is on TV several times per week, and all things " pumpkin spice" appear at retailers nationwide.
In the Church year, many are familiar with the annual autumn stewardship campaigns.
Anyone who knows me is aware how I've felt in the past about this annual event in the lives of congregations everywhere. I'll admit that I HATE discussing money and budgets-- I tend to feel depressed even THINNKING about money. I do realize that money is our basis of trade in our society, and I accept this fact. However, the subject of finances makes me feel nervous.
My past issues with financial stewardship has NOTHING to do with how I fell about pledging to my Church. As a matter of fact, since I had my own disposable income I've ALWAYS willingly pledged a percentage to the Church. To me, financial support of the work of the Church is a response of gratitude for the many blessings I've received.
My problem with Stewardship Season is knowing that some people's financial gifts to the Church come with " strings attached" Now I am NOT talking about one-time monetary gifts designated for a particular use for a project /ministry; those type of gifts bless many people abundantly. What I speak of is the mindset that its acceptable to not support ministries in one's diocese and/or national Church ministries.
I've heard several justifications for this practice. Frankly, I do not agree with ANY of said justifications. It breaks my heart & sours my stomach that , to some Christians, financial support of the Church comes with " terms & conditions."
To me ,this is just not right and totally against what Christ teaches. he did not discriminate whom He served and whom He ignored . He disregarded cultural norms when it came to helping some of those who sought His healing.
I am on a limited income, and ALL my pledges to the Church go to wherever they need to go. I trust the leadership of both my Diocese and my National Church to make sound, prayerful choices regarding budgeting.
What can we Christians do to help others to open their minds, hearts { and pocketbooks} for the spreading of the Gospel regardless of petty disagreements with Church leadership? We are called to return a portion back to God for use in furthering The Kingdom of Shalom here on Earth.
I pray for those who still think that its acceptable to support programs and ideas what only fits with their understanding of what is Christian stewardship. I also pray that I find enough peace in my own heart to keep on doing what I feel God is calling me to do.
We all do not need to agree, but we need to come together and build up this part of God's Kingdom.
Amen.
Feast Of St Michael the Archangel, 2013
Monday, September 29, 2014
Sunday, September 7, 2014
#Sermonlesson Conflict resolution according to Jesus
Matt 18:15-20
This is a very familiar passage of the Gospel of Matthew that every Christian should know. Jesus is telling His Disciples how they are to deal with strife and disagreements within their community. Jesus says:
"If another member of the church{ or community} sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church {or community}, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. "
This is how we Christians are to deal with small sins against each other. At first we are instructed to talk with the person whom we feel has offended us. If that does not resolve the issue, the next step { according to Jesus}is to take one or two other community members with you and talks with the person AGAIN. And if this approach fails, then we are to bring the community into the conflict resolution. And if THAT fails, then Scripture says that we are to treat the offender as one would a 'Gentile or tax collector'. That is, we are to figuratively or literally " cast him or her out".
How many communities of any kind follow this model of conflict resolution? how many even TRY to follow this model? In my opinion, far too few human communities Too often we humans would rather gossip behind our friends, family members and work associate's backs than respectfully approach him or her with our complaint. Admit it---all of us are guilty of this sin. Those of us who are Christians know better yet still we persist in backhanded " conflict resolution" that too often creates bigger and more numerous conflicts.
Why? Why can we not live honestly together and be open to authenticity? What good does backhanded, gossipy "conflict resolution do in the long run? Are we REALLY in such pain that we seek to hurt our sister & fellow community members just because we do not agree with them?
It is not popular to tell the truth in this society. When one is living or working in a community, decision-makers especially rarely take well to being called out on their misdeeds. Bosses do not wish to be told by their subordinates that their business practices are unethical. Teachers do not wish students to tell them that they are teaching according to a particular political agenda. The list can go on & on....
Yet in order to live authentic lives as members of communities, we must be open to practicing Jesus' model of conflict resolution.
Amen.
This is a very familiar passage of the Gospel of Matthew that every Christian should know. Jesus is telling His Disciples how they are to deal with strife and disagreements within their community. Jesus says:
"If another member of the church{ or community} sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church {or community}, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. "
This is how we Christians are to deal with small sins against each other. At first we are instructed to talk with the person whom we feel has offended us. If that does not resolve the issue, the next step { according to Jesus}is to take one or two other community members with you and talks with the person AGAIN. And if this approach fails, then we are to bring the community into the conflict resolution. And if THAT fails, then Scripture says that we are to treat the offender as one would a 'Gentile or tax collector'. That is, we are to figuratively or literally " cast him or her out".
How many communities of any kind follow this model of conflict resolution? how many even TRY to follow this model? In my opinion, far too few human communities Too often we humans would rather gossip behind our friends, family members and work associate's backs than respectfully approach him or her with our complaint. Admit it---all of us are guilty of this sin. Those of us who are Christians know better yet still we persist in backhanded " conflict resolution" that too often creates bigger and more numerous conflicts.
Why? Why can we not live honestly together and be open to authenticity? What good does backhanded, gossipy "conflict resolution do in the long run? Are we REALLY in such pain that we seek to hurt our sister & fellow community members just because we do not agree with them?
It is not popular to tell the truth in this society. When one is living or working in a community, decision-makers especially rarely take well to being called out on their misdeeds. Bosses do not wish to be told by their subordinates that their business practices are unethical. Teachers do not wish students to tell them that they are teaching according to a particular political agenda. The list can go on & on....
Yet in order to live authentic lives as members of communities, we must be open to practicing Jesus' model of conflict resolution.
Amen.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Review: _Dead Man Walking_
Last evening I started to watch the movie _Dead Man Walking_ on Netflix { thank goodness for Netflix, correct?} I'll finish the movie this evening, but wanted to offer a review while the plot is still fresh in my head.
Anyhow, if you are unfamiliar with the movie's plot, it concerns a nun { played excellently by Susan Sarandon} who is contacted by a Louisiana death row inmate { played by Sean Penn} for some last-chance help in preparing himself for a meeting with his clemency board. She agrees , and travels to Louisiana State Prison in Angola { one of the most notoriously violent prisons in the USA} to meet him.
Without giving away too much of the plot, I can say that this movie makes me think deeply about the death penalty. Normally I like to think that I am against capital punishment, but the inmate in the movie is so deplorable that part of me seeks vengeance against him & others in real life who commit crimes of unabashed senseless violence .
The nun in the movie struggles with these same issues: she seeks to reconcile the life & teachings of Jesus Christ with the everyday world in which she lives. She struggles to understand the inmate & what might have made him commit these crimes yet faces reproach from the media regarding her choice to help this violent criminal.
She asks herself : What would Jesus do? What should SHE do in order to follow Him, to Whom she has given her entire earthly life. Like myself, the character is town between sympathy for the families of the inmate's victims and seeking to see dignity in EVERY human . She maintains a balance in the movie that many people in her life do not understand.
Is it human nature to seek retribution ? Is it ok for any government to routinely & systematically put to death people? Is the " justice system" in this nation truly fair to everyone? I do not know the answers to any of these questions. But I do know that all of we Christ-followers must prayerfully seek what it means for each of us to follow Him.
Amen.
Anyhow, if you are unfamiliar with the movie's plot, it concerns a nun { played excellently by Susan Sarandon} who is contacted by a Louisiana death row inmate { played by Sean Penn} for some last-chance help in preparing himself for a meeting with his clemency board. She agrees , and travels to Louisiana State Prison in Angola { one of the most notoriously violent prisons in the USA} to meet him.
Without giving away too much of the plot, I can say that this movie makes me think deeply about the death penalty. Normally I like to think that I am against capital punishment, but the inmate in the movie is so deplorable that part of me seeks vengeance against him & others in real life who commit crimes of unabashed senseless violence .
The nun in the movie struggles with these same issues: she seeks to reconcile the life & teachings of Jesus Christ with the everyday world in which she lives. She struggles to understand the inmate & what might have made him commit these crimes yet faces reproach from the media regarding her choice to help this violent criminal.
She asks herself : What would Jesus do? What should SHE do in order to follow Him, to Whom she has given her entire earthly life. Like myself, the character is town between sympathy for the families of the inmate's victims and seeking to see dignity in EVERY human . She maintains a balance in the movie that many people in her life do not understand.
Is it human nature to seek retribution ? Is it ok for any government to routinely & systematically put to death people? Is the " justice system" in this nation truly fair to everyone? I do not know the answers to any of these questions. But I do know that all of we Christ-followers must prayerfully seek what it means for each of us to follow Him.
Amen.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
What IS the Church? WE ARE!
Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am fulfilled and recharged weekly by going to Mass at Beach Parish. I do not go to church for entertainment or to fill a social need or obligation { as someone with autism, I have fewer needs for social contacts than does the average person} The main reason I go to church in general and Beach Parish in particular is to worship our LORD Jesus Christ among others who proclaim Him as our Savior.
Jesus Christ is our Lord & Savior. In reality, that is all that we as Christians need to agree upon in order to get along. Jesus is LORD, and the rest is secondary. Today's Gospel lesson REALLY honed that point back to me. it matters not if we Christians label ourselves as progressive , conservative, liturgical, evangelical, ect. It only matters that we recognize WHOM we worship on Sunday mornings & Whose life we should try to emulate daily.
I grew up with parents who did not adhere to any one faith path. My younger brother and I were taught to basically " treat others the way you want others to treat you". Our Mom, Jewish-in-name-only and our fallen-away-Roman Catholic Dad agreed before I was born to let their children choose our own paths { or to continue in their tradition of no organized faith path}
Although I remember attending Roman Catholic Mass with my paternal grandmother as a wee child, my cognizant walk with God started out in the youth choir of a small rural Presbyterian Church in Appalachian Ohio. We were required to sing at the Sunday service monthly during the school year. I suppose I can say that I first learned about Jesus through the medium of song.
It was here that I was formally introduced to the Gospels. At that point I was old enough to be curious about this person Jesus of Nazareth and wanted to know more of what He taught. It was here that the Body Of Christ mobilized to help me and my family during a time of need. At age 12 I underwent two drastic surgeries on my spine to correct severe scoliosis. These procedures required me to stay for 21 days in Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Of course my parents spent almost nightly vigils with me throughout the three long weeks, but I remember people from church visiting me and sending gifts { BOOKS!!} food and flowers. They BECAME the Body of Christ and with their help { and God, of course! } My family and I got through one of the toughest parts of my childhood. My Christian community cared about me and showed the love of Christ in a tangible way during my 12th summer.
We gather at church on Sundays for spiritual nourishment that should carry us out into the world to BE Christ's hands and feet. We should not be afraid to Be Christ's helping hands in the world. Now, with so many people hurting in so many way throughout our local areas, it is a perfect time to live out what we say every Sunday in the Creeds. We, 21st century coastal pilgrims, are Church.
Alleluia. Amen.
Jesus Christ is our Lord & Savior. In reality, that is all that we as Christians need to agree upon in order to get along. Jesus is LORD, and the rest is secondary. Today's Gospel lesson REALLY honed that point back to me. it matters not if we Christians label ourselves as progressive , conservative, liturgical, evangelical, ect. It only matters that we recognize WHOM we worship on Sunday mornings & Whose life we should try to emulate daily.
I grew up with parents who did not adhere to any one faith path. My younger brother and I were taught to basically " treat others the way you want others to treat you". Our Mom, Jewish-in-name-only and our fallen-away-Roman Catholic Dad agreed before I was born to let their children choose our own paths { or to continue in their tradition of no organized faith path}
Although I remember attending Roman Catholic Mass with my paternal grandmother as a wee child, my cognizant walk with God started out in the youth choir of a small rural Presbyterian Church in Appalachian Ohio. We were required to sing at the Sunday service monthly during the school year. I suppose I can say that I first learned about Jesus through the medium of song.
It was here that I was formally introduced to the Gospels. At that point I was old enough to be curious about this person Jesus of Nazareth and wanted to know more of what He taught. It was here that the Body Of Christ mobilized to help me and my family during a time of need. At age 12 I underwent two drastic surgeries on my spine to correct severe scoliosis. These procedures required me to stay for 21 days in Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Of course my parents spent almost nightly vigils with me throughout the three long weeks, but I remember people from church visiting me and sending gifts { BOOKS!!} food and flowers. They BECAME the Body of Christ and with their help { and God, of course! } My family and I got through one of the toughest parts of my childhood. My Christian community cared about me and showed the love of Christ in a tangible way during my 12th summer.
We gather at church on Sundays for spiritual nourishment that should carry us out into the world to BE Christ's hands and feet. We should not be afraid to Be Christ's helping hands in the world. Now, with so many people hurting in so many way throughout our local areas, it is a perfect time to live out what we say every Sunday in the Creeds. We, 21st century coastal pilgrims, are Church.
Alleluia. Amen.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
RIP Robin Williams { A little late, but sincere nonetheless}
There has been a lot on social media and the Internet regarding the tragic passing of one of my all-time favorite actors, the late Robin Williams. When I first learned of his death, I'd originally thought it to be another one of the sick but all-too-common Internet pranks.
Sadly, Robin William's suicide at the young age of 63 is too real. My heart still aches, as he has been one of the few entertainers whose work has defined my childhood{ and made me laugh out loud at every movie in which that he played a part and rerun of _Mork And Mindy_}
It is hard to believe that an entertainer as talented as Williams is no longer with us. Its even sadder to think that his depression left him feeling literally without hope.
Mental illness knows no race, class, gender, family status, ect. Many individuals suffer silently with mental illness including, but not limited to depression. There are limited, if any medical facilities that can care for patience who suffer from severe mental illnesses and many people lack the financial resources necessary to cope with these chronic yet very REAL health problems.
As someone with autism coupled with chronic depression I've suffered my share of " bad" days. I know firsthand what it is like to wake up with a total lack of hope for a better tomorrow---and on my worst days hope for even a better next few hours.
Depression of any sort is a pain that I would not wish on the most vile person living on Earth and I am grateful that medications have helped me to manage both my depression & some of the traits of my autism. { Medications do NOT cure autism, but I've discovered that medication doe help me to cope with my extreme sensory integration problems & also helps me literally " Keep Calmer" when I am overwhelmed. Although I take my medications faithfully, some days are decidedly more difficult than other days.
My struggles with mental illness is something that I do not like to discuss. But if sharing parts of my story with the parts of my community will help others understand more about chronic depression and Autism, than I am willing to share. As there is not a " typical" person with Autism, neither is there a " typical" person who suffers from depression & related illnesses.
May Robin Williams' soul requisitat en pacem. And may we honor his memoriy by educating ourselves and others on issues and solutions pertaining to mental health.
In the Name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, AMEN.
Sadly, Robin William's suicide at the young age of 63 is too real. My heart still aches, as he has been one of the few entertainers whose work has defined my childhood{ and made me laugh out loud at every movie in which that he played a part and rerun of _Mork And Mindy_}
It is hard to believe that an entertainer as talented as Williams is no longer with us. Its even sadder to think that his depression left him feeling literally without hope.
Mental illness knows no race, class, gender, family status, ect. Many individuals suffer silently with mental illness including, but not limited to depression. There are limited, if any medical facilities that can care for patience who suffer from severe mental illnesses and many people lack the financial resources necessary to cope with these chronic yet very REAL health problems.
As someone with autism coupled with chronic depression I've suffered my share of " bad" days. I know firsthand what it is like to wake up with a total lack of hope for a better tomorrow---and on my worst days hope for even a better next few hours.
Depression of any sort is a pain that I would not wish on the most vile person living on Earth and I am grateful that medications have helped me to manage both my depression & some of the traits of my autism. { Medications do NOT cure autism, but I've discovered that medication doe help me to cope with my extreme sensory integration problems & also helps me literally " Keep Calmer" when I am overwhelmed. Although I take my medications faithfully, some days are decidedly more difficult than other days.
My struggles with mental illness is something that I do not like to discuss. But if sharing parts of my story with the parts of my community will help others understand more about chronic depression and Autism, than I am willing to share. As there is not a " typical" person with Autism, neither is there a " typical" person who suffers from depression & related illnesses.
May Robin Williams' soul requisitat en pacem. And may we honor his memoriy by educating ourselves and others on issues and solutions pertaining to mental health.
In the Name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, AMEN.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Storytelling as medicine
I realized today that I am no longer angry. My anger has been replaced with a sadness & sense of loss. Some recent events in my life have wounded me deeply and for weeks I irritated a festering psychic wound. My " burden" has been considerably lifted, and I am at peace with the situation now.
Tonight I am proud to say that I am so OVER IT ALL. Truly. My anger has dissipated.
Instead of anger, I feel sadness. Sadness is not a positive emotion, but sadness is somehow less caustic than anger. Yet I know that the Great Physician will heal me in due time. I also know that healing will not take place in a vacuum Our faith is meant to be practiced in COMMUNITY.
We Christ-followers need to share our stories. By doing so, we remind each other of God's Presence in our lives. When we are in the midst of a situation, we often fail to see God working amidst the chaos. God does work to heal hurts caused by humans being humans...let's face it we are all egotistical creatures who can be selfish and cruel to each other.
I am blessed to have people who allow me to tell my story & " own" my emotions. Sadly, I tend to hang onto grudges and nurse wounds. But my dear friends have listened patiently to my story, and did not force their advice onto me.
Wounds, whether they be emotional or physical, are part of our stories. And it is by telling our stories to each other than bonds of affection form. I am able to heal thanks to a large part of willing ears & open hearts who LISTEN to my story without prejudging me. I try my best to be an active and effective listener. Sometimes all we need is someone to listen to our stories, and not to offer advice.
Thanks be to God for stories & the ability to share them with each other. And thanks be to the Great Physician who heals us and sustains us through anything our sister & fellow humans can throw at us.
Amen.
Tonight I am proud to say that I am so OVER IT ALL. Truly. My anger has dissipated.
Instead of anger, I feel sadness. Sadness is not a positive emotion, but sadness is somehow less caustic than anger. Yet I know that the Great Physician will heal me in due time. I also know that healing will not take place in a vacuum Our faith is meant to be practiced in COMMUNITY.
We Christ-followers need to share our stories. By doing so, we remind each other of God's Presence in our lives. When we are in the midst of a situation, we often fail to see God working amidst the chaos. God does work to heal hurts caused by humans being humans...let's face it we are all egotistical creatures who can be selfish and cruel to each other.
I am blessed to have people who allow me to tell my story & " own" my emotions. Sadly, I tend to hang onto grudges and nurse wounds. But my dear friends have listened patiently to my story, and did not force their advice onto me.
Wounds, whether they be emotional or physical, are part of our stories. And it is by telling our stories to each other than bonds of affection form. I am able to heal thanks to a large part of willing ears & open hearts who LISTEN to my story without prejudging me. I try my best to be an active and effective listener. Sometimes all we need is someone to listen to our stories, and not to offer advice.
Thanks be to God for stories & the ability to share them with each other. And thanks be to the Great Physician who heals us and sustains us through anything our sister & fellow humans can throw at us.
Amen.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Remembering: The " Philadelphia 11" 40 years later
This weekend marks the 40th anniversary of the anniversary of womens' ordination in The Episcopal Church. While I have only been a member of this Church for approximately 6 years, I am glad to know that my Church has been ordaining women for longer than I've been alive.
Maybe some men do not understand what a huge deal it is for we women to acknowledge this important day. Because we Episcopalians ordain both men & women whose calls are affirmed by the wider Church
This quote sums up my feelings towards what those brave women did 40 years ago:
"Women in all orders of ministry--baptized, deacons, priests, and bishops--can walk proudly today in whatever kind of shoes they want to wear because of what happened here 40 years ago."--from the Presiding Bishop's homily on the 40th anniversary of women's ordination.
This morning I had the privilege of serving at the altar at Beach Church. Our altar party consisted of men & women of all ages and life experiences. I probably will get in trouble for making this statement, but I truly believe that God does not take a human's gender into consideration when God calls someone into any type of ministry.
Today I was reminded that it is an honor and a privilege for ALL we Christians to serve God at the altar. We are all called to do our best in whatever ministry we take part in every day. This morning I found myself standing taller and prouder as I walked with a torch in hand during the procession and recession. I did not think about my being " a girl" & I highly doubt that any of my sister & brother parishioners did either.
I am " a girl" , and a very feminine one. While I do not hide the fact that I am feminine, neither do I think that my gender should hinder me or any other woman, in discerning how to serve God.
When I serve at the altar as a layperson, I do not concern myself with my own identity. Altar servers & clergy dress in vestments in part to " blend in" together so that no one serve stands out. Altar serving, like all other ministries, should be about pleasing God.
All the fuss that some Christians make regarding the gender of those serving at the altar seem to miss the point of what we are called to do. ALL we baptized believers are called to spread the love of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. We are not to make disciples of only men, nor are we to make disciples of only women.
O God, thank You for the witness of those brave women in Philadelphia .May other brave men & women work hard to empower all persons to live out their baptismal covenant in any way they feel led by You. In the Name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, Amen.
"
Maybe some men do not understand what a huge deal it is for we women to acknowledge this important day. Because we Episcopalians ordain both men & women whose calls are affirmed by the wider Church
This quote sums up my feelings towards what those brave women did 40 years ago:
"Women in all orders of ministry--baptized, deacons, priests, and bishops--can walk proudly today in whatever kind of shoes they want to wear because of what happened here 40 years ago."--from the Presiding Bishop's homily on the 40th anniversary of women's ordination.
This morning I had the privilege of serving at the altar at Beach Church. Our altar party consisted of men & women of all ages and life experiences. I probably will get in trouble for making this statement, but I truly believe that God does not take a human's gender into consideration when God calls someone into any type of ministry.
Today I was reminded that it is an honor and a privilege for ALL we Christians to serve God at the altar. We are all called to do our best in whatever ministry we take part in every day. This morning I found myself standing taller and prouder as I walked with a torch in hand during the procession and recession. I did not think about my being " a girl" & I highly doubt that any of my sister & brother parishioners did either.
I am " a girl" , and a very feminine one. While I do not hide the fact that I am feminine, neither do I think that my gender should hinder me or any other woman, in discerning how to serve God.
When I serve at the altar as a layperson, I do not concern myself with my own identity. Altar servers & clergy dress in vestments in part to " blend in" together so that no one serve stands out. Altar serving, like all other ministries, should be about pleasing God.
All the fuss that some Christians make regarding the gender of those serving at the altar seem to miss the point of what we are called to do. ALL we baptized believers are called to spread the love of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. We are not to make disciples of only men, nor are we to make disciples of only women.
O God, thank You for the witness of those brave women in Philadelphia .May other brave men & women work hard to empower all persons to live out their baptismal covenant in any way they feel led by You. In the Name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, Amen.
"
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