Guns, Fashion, Racism and Civil Rights Activism 2.0

It was early Saturday Morning, 
I was doing a quick read of my email before heading out for the day. A comment about my previous post sat for my review. (see below)

It seems that the reader didn't have the same read on what has been transpiring that I did. He didn't see that guns and gun ownership have been part of the problem which is crying out for change in our nation. 
I replied to him the following: 

Timothy, thank you for your thoughtful response.

In a quick Google search this morning with the keywords "cult of gun ownership" Google shot back to be "About 18,900,000 results". In the first page, this essay brings out important issues that more directly explain my shorthanded reference to cult of the gun. The search revealed that this term is so prevalent as to reach around the globe to Australia, with this article popping at #10 on the first page.

I think our shared places of agreement need to be the primary foci for bringing forth a transformation of hearts and minds. I find hope in Jesus Christ as a source of healing and inner peace which can counter the reliance upon guns for security. The Spirit of God is indeed capable of healing and bringing inner peace. But, as the Apostle Paul pointed out, without God, Law is the only way to point out sin.

While violence is a matter of the heart, plots of acting on violent thoughts are often the result. Social responsibility begs that sane people contemplate the insane, and plan appropriately. Gun Ownership is so deeply embedded into our culture that we strike the hot button by even questioning the needs to limit and control the products of manufacturers.

In the same way that the automobile has proper limits of use and ownership, we need to examine gun ownership. Legislation informed by wisdom, and prudence, meeting ethical standards; to do good, do no harm, do justice.

From my perspective, those of us who believe that the way of Jesus is the answer to bringing inner peace have a duty. We must not only always offer true testimony to the work that God has wrought within our own hearts. We have a duty to also not stand by and blithely buy into the message of a powerful minority lobby whose primary source of funding are the manufacturers of the instruments of death. 

I thought, after I wrote that response, "perhaps I'm wrong. Maybe guns and gun ownership aren't a part of the problem." 

But when I started reading through my twitter feed I found an article that confirmed my assertion. There is was, words coming from leadership at Community Coalition assessing the complexity of responses. The generational differences creeping into the staged political action. 

The aim of the Leimert Park protest was to push for federal prosecution of Zimmerman and changes in "stand your ground" laws.
But Harris-Dawson, who's worked with hundreds of youths in the coalition's education and community programs, said that's not the young people's agenda. Their civil rights battle is different from ours.
"We've been successful in beating back blatant racism," said Harris-Dawson, who is 42. "What they're dealing with is much more complicated and harder to get your arms around."
They don't see the Trayvon Martin case as a product of centuries of racial injustice or a cry for policy changes.
"They see it more as a popular culture issue … about fashion and guns and being profiled because you're young."
This case felt personal to them because it mirrors what they feel on the streets — judged because of the way they dress, worried that the guy next to them has a gun.
"They related it to the hoodie, where generations before them would have emphasized the racial aspects," Harris-Dawson said.
They're more concerned with getting guns off the streets than putting Zimmerman on trial again. And they don't need to gather in Leimert Park, when they've got hundreds of like-minded friends as near as the apps on their cellphones.

Whether we like it or not, somehow we have to break down the walls that continue to perpetuate distrust. From my perspective, white and passing for whites have a lot of work ahead in learning how to listen, to dissolve the incredible level of fear and distrust of people whose background is different from our own. 

In my previous post, I offered suggestions and some resources that could be accessed and applied in any community. Urban or rural. I challenged church leaders, which I mean to be both the lay and clergy leaders to begin to prayerfully look within and around themselves. 

Neighborhood Watch Two Tales

Personal Experience

In my life I've moved around quite a bit so my experience of being in different neighborhoods has been quite rich. We lived in Los Angeles, along the beachfront in Venice where my parents managed an apartment building, and in the projects of Mar Vista Gardens. The community was diverse, not the poorest of all neighborhoods; not like Watts. In San Diego, we also lived in several neighborhoods, sometimes in apartments. On occasion, we were lucky enough to have a "real house" to live in, with a yard and space between our neighbors.

My mother and stepfather did the best they could to earn enough to provide our needs, but we weren't among the middle class. We qualified for and used USDA commodities to help stretch every penny. With that said, I also know that being "poor" didn't equate to poverty. My parents never expressed a feeling of being oppressed. Oppression and poverty were not my experience growing up but for many in my classes while going to school, looking back I realize that was their reality. I have learned as an adult that poverty breeds discontent, and discontent is the fertile field for crime. 


As a child we moved on an annual basis. As a young adult, at first it seemed that same pattern would continue but both my husband and I wanted something more rooted. Ah, you know the American Dream.

One thing was true throughout. I have always lived the reality of White privilege. I need to say that before I venture any farther in this topic.

Neighborhoods for me, no matter where I lived, were places where people interacted and exchanged pleasantries. People recognized us as people who "belonged" to the neighborhood. After being in a place for about a month we could at least identify a people by sight, as individuals who had a place in the community or were visitors to the neighborhood. That was and is my white privilege Southern California experience. In most of those places where we lived crime seemed not to penetrate our day to day existence. When we lived in apartment buildings, we spoke to neighbors in passing. We knew if there was an elderly person living alone and also when more than two generations shared the living quarters.

In apartments we sometimes learned about neighbors because of the thin walls of the building. Condominiums were better constructed. In those we learned about the party neighbors and hot headed neighbors because even the best insulation can't conceal the raised voices in the middle of night. On most occasions when the noise was too disturbing, I would be awoken. I would sit up and listen to hear if this was someone calling for help. Was that gunfire, a car backfire, or firecrackers? Should I call police and report the disturbance? In short, I ran through my mind whether or not a crime was in progress. Most times I simply went right back to sleep. This reality leads into the reasons why Neighborhood Watch programs began in the first place. Sadly, on one night, in New York City, one woman fell victim, and no one came to her aid, and neither did anyone call the police.

Neighorhood Watch members take on a role of being Guardians for the community. Rightly done, the men and women who take on responsibilities increase community safety and security.


One question I always wonder is what motivates someone to become a volunteer in any community activity. It seems to me that one thing that needs to be addressed is the process of screening to insure the wellbeing of the community. This may very well be an issue that has to go right back to the law enforcement agencies which facilitate the formation of neighborhood watch groups. Better screening, training and improved methods of accountability may all need to be invoked for the future success of neighborhood watch programs.

I've seen Neighborhood watch programs at their best. In my church community I've seen how a neighborhood watch leader made every effort to protect an aging member of my community. After the woman died of old age, among the mourners were the neighborhood watch leaders and the deceased's neighbor.

But sadly, in the case of Trayvon Martin, Neighborhood Watch only worked to his bring injury to him. Life lost. Anger at the death and now anger at the injustice of the case that was brought to trial. Trayvon Martin was spotted by George Zimmerman as someone who didn't belong in his neighborhood. What a failed execution of neighborhood watch.   

This case is so much in the news at the present I don't think I need to recount it in detail.

What went wrong?
I'm not going to over analyze the whole case. Others are doing a fine job of that.  This is my take, and I'm just going to name it in short hand: Bad law, unclear intentions, and a gun.

Tensions are now high across the nation. Unfortunately the present age seems to lack a truly noble force for non-violent change, someone like Martin Luther King. Al Sharpton is calling for marches in 100 cities across the nation, but I haven't yet been impressed by his ability to inspire NON-VIOLENT Civil Action. 

So what does the Church do to respond, to provoke justice and the unfolding of the reign of God instead of perpetuating a social construct which perpetuates this troubling tension?

Christena Cleveland is a social psychologist. She is described by Ed Stetzer as a person "with a hopeful passion for overcoming cultural divisions in groups." As a guest writer on Ed Stetzer's Christianity Today Blog, Christena writes about racism and the response to the verdict in the Zimmerman Trial:

"This is a problem for everyone who participates in our society. But I believe that this is an even greater problem for those of us who identify as Christian, are called to live out the metaphor of the diverse and interdependent body of Christ, and hope to follow in our Savior's incarnational and subversive footsteps."

You can read her entire article for yourself, and draw your own conclusions. My conclusion is she is speaking an important truth which the Church, every congregation, big and small, needs to begin to take seriously.

If you are like me, that is someone whose life has been lived in the context of White Privilege, it is time to start listening. It's time to pray for humility and patience to hear our neighbors in the city where you live, where I live.

If we want to see the neighborhoods in which we live become safer places even as we continue to become a more racially diverse  community, more churches might want to look around for ways to facilitate conversations to develop understanding. The resources to do this can be found online. My own experience with study circles on rural poverty using materials produced by Everyday Democracy proved to me how important it is for church leaders to actively engage in the process of community building and community development.  Their resources include discussions on Neighborhoods, Diversity, Poverty, Early Childhood Development and much more.

My last thought is a challenge to the culture of gun ownership and gun use. Having a gun on his possession while George Zimmerman chose to follow and approach Trayvon Martin surely influenced the entire encounter. I cannot help but think that having that gun on him made George Zimmerman feel more powerful, more confident in his task as a Neighborhood Watch commander. If Trayvon Martin had been someone who led a life of crime, that gun could just as easily have been used again George Zimmerman.

Gun laws and the cult of gun ownership in America are part of the problem.^

Of all the public statements I've heard in the last three days, the decision of one performer to refuse to enter the State of Florida until the Stand Your Ground law is revoked strikes me as the wisest individual direct action.

What will Church leaders around the nation do to improve dialogue with our neighbors of different races, and faith traditions? Because from where I observe public discourse, the incivility towards people who differ in many ways is sadly deteriorating.

So, in the end, I'm reduced to a prayer.

Lord God, creator of all things and judge of all creation. You have formed us in your image and invited us to be co-creators with you in this world. Increase in us wisdom that will lead us ever more closely to bring forth a community in which all live together without suspicion. Increase in us love for our unknown neighbor that we will grow to know and embrace them as kindred spirits and equally deserving of health, happiness and justice.  Send upon us your Spirit that will guide us in every day, that what we say and do will always bring glory to your name, most compassionate and merciful God that you are.  AMEN

^MY OPINION.

A prayer for do-overs

“Give us ears to hear your voice and eyes to see the path, hearts willing to step out in faith Lord, that others will be touched by our hands as if by your hands, the only true and compassionate God of all Creation.”

Prayer for All Natural Disasters

Holy and Gracious God, 
we call out to you in these hours of desperate need following the destructive forces of nature. 
Help us most powerful One, by moving within the hearts of all that you have already called and equipped to be first responders. 
Open our hearts to be generous before speaking out. 
Increase in us the power to sit in stillness, offering listening hearts to the broken-hearted of this and all tragedies.
Do not forget us in our hour great pain. 
Do not abandon those whose lives were cut short. 
In your great mercy bring them into your eternal presence that they may become one with you in your majestic realm which dwells impenetrably beyond our human capabilities. All this we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ who lives together with you and the Holy Spirit, Eternally One and reigning in Heaven. Amen

Class Starting May 18

NEW Class: Scripture Models for the Friendship of Women

Most of the time we read scripture looking for ways to understand ourselves in relationship to God. Seldom do we take the time to read the scriptures looking for models of friendship between women in the scriptures. Searching scripture for role models can be a productive and engaging way to expand our ability to love our neighbor as ourselves and to enrich our lives through the development of lasting friendships with other women of the parish and our community.  

Our study will be centered around the book, The Friendship of Women: The Hidden Tradition of the Bible, written by Joan D Chittester. In her book, she offers an easy to read yet delightful look at several of the often overlooked female characters contained within the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Each character study lifts up a specific attribute admirably illustrated by one female member in the immense cast of women contained in God’s stories of the faith. 

We will use the short studies for reflection and for personal growth. We will gain greater appreciation for diverse ways in which women can, and do demonstrate friendship across the ages. Timeless characteristics; wisdom, support, truth, presence, leadership, availability, acceptance, joy, nurturance, trust and love, self, growth, all characteristics which anyone can appreciate and many will want to develop personally into daily living are demonstrated by the female Biblical archetypes which Chittister lifts up to the reader.

We will meet twice a month, on Saturday Mornings from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, gathering for coffee, and refreshments before we settle into the discussion and activities of each meeting.

Leaders for the class will be Barbara Bunsold, M.Div. and Gabrielle McKeever, members of the healing team. One aspect of the class will be learning and using one on one listening, as it was taught to the members of the healing ministry team. Women of all ages and stages of life and relationship are encouraged to join the conversational study with a light emphasis on spiritual growth in prayer, and presence toward one another.

First class will be May 18 in the fellowship hall at 10:30 AM. Dates for June and July are June 1, and 22, July 13. Subsequent dates will be scheduled after our first meeting with the book study finishing in November. 

^^Originally published in the St. Timothy Newsletter, May 2013.

  FOR Location http://www.sttimshd.org/

Field Work

The healing ministry of the church is a wide field.

You know, if you attended our class^  at St. Timothy's two years ago on the healing ministry of Jesus and the Church that our approach, within the Episcopal Tradition, differs significantly from the approach of other evangelical and protestant churches in quite a few ways. What we emphasize is the holistic nature of the healing ministry. We are sacramental in our approach, carrying on the ancient traditions established by the early church. We provide an “outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace”. Within the context of worship we anoint and offer prayers which speak of wellness for body, mind, and spirit. All that transpires after that is God’s work.

No one on our team claims a special spiritual gift of the performance of miracles. Each person does have the gift of intercession. Also, each of the members could tell you an experience of experiencing God’s healing. Yet, I believe each of team members also recognizes limitations, most frequently physical limitations. In our conditions of weakness, we are learning to accept, as the Apostle Paul wrote of his own struggle, that we are made complete by the power of God. “In our weakness, we are made strong.” We aren't the "healers", God is. We offer ourselves to the community to serve as hands of the church to offer presence on Christ's behalf.  

I delight every time I hear a member of the team offer up words of thanksgiving to God as that member rightly recognizes that God is the active force in their improved state of being. It is heartwarming when members of the parish later give an update after having come to the Lady Altar. It brings out my inner evangelical each time I hear a positive report....

"Thanks be to God"

^Three Lecture papers are accessible here

Changing Course

Changing Course and Practicing Forgiveness


In two days I will be in San Diego to participate in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure 5K.

That makes this weekend an historic event in my life, not because it is the longest walk I will
have ever undertaken

It is historic because it represents an intentional act of political forgiveness on my part.

You may remember the commotion that hit the internet. It all started when the Susan G Komen National Foundation dropped planned parenthood from the list of organizations it would fund. The funding that they provided enabled local Planned Parenthood clinics to perform mammograms for women who had limited or no access to health care.

Personally, I joined the wave of outrage. For several years I have had a plan, though no specific date set, in which I would participate in one of the three day Walk for the Cure events. The one in Santa Barbara probably.

In preparation, I have been on the email list to keep up to date. I had "liked" the page in Facebook.

But when the story hit of the decision to drop Planned Parenthood, another organization which I strongly believe needs to be supported in all the work it does to provide young women education and access to health care, my reaction was swift.

I dis-Liked the Page of Susan G Komen. I unsubscribed to the email newsletter. I would NOT allow their decision to drop Planned Parenthood to go unnoticed. I was not the only one to exercise my cyber power And to be fair the reaction  was not all negative toward Susan G Komen Foundation.

Eventually not only was funding restored, but significant leadership changes at the top were made.

With all that said, three weeks ago I signed up to participate in the San Diego Walk because I could do the walk with my grandchildren and children. It was a step of forgiveness to sign up and set any fundraising goal.

I'm curious to learn what impact the national decisions have on the work of the local Susan G Komen affiliate. I don't know if everyone realizes that 75% of every dollar raised by the local event will stay in the community to serve the women of San Diego. At any rate, I've decided that withholding support from Susan G Komen Foundation will not be the best way to promote the much needed life saving efforts of early cancer detection for women in San Diego County. 

I hope that others will also reconsider their positions and once again show support for the work of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  You could even start, today, by making a donation to help me make my goal of $125. Even a small donation, a small $5 will be a sign of moving forward for the health and wellness of sisters who depend on a patchwork health care system.

 My Donation Page

On Conventions

CONVENTIONS

So conventional

Gathering powers to
confirm the intentional

Conventions for discourse
for institutions episcopal
clergy and laity
debating
inaugurating
singing and praying
often delaying
ultimately
waylaying
shalom

Conventions of power
for government leaders
politicians and  laborers
right and left wingers
a few radical singers
with awful one line zingers
void of WHOLE truth
all speak with one purpose
to sway the opinion
of Ms and Mr Minion

Only the anarchists
seem opposed to
conventions
which
might
herald
shalom

Lord in your Dominion
send forth your Spirit
Open the heavens
and pour out you
wisdom.


Come Wild Goose, Come.

Instead of conventions
of Human intentions 
Lead us
headlong
Into

Holy
Conferencing

That
sounds
much more
promising

Going Public

I'm launching into a new form of of public ministry.


Here is the introduction:

The discipline of ministry as a preacher requires time... lots of time... to read... mark... and inwardly digest the texts for the preacher first, as they speak to the preacher. Only then can the preacher continue to the next level and ask what the Spirit might be saying to others through the text.

Once I accepted the call to a public ministry of preaching which God extended to me, I fell in love with the whole process. During the four years that I served as solo pastor of a congregation I never tired of the preparation which included much time in prayer, and reflection. The joy in offering encouragement, food for thought, and a Word which others felt spoke directly to them never faded.

After nearly three years without a location demanding weekly preparation on my part, I have begun to fear I would loose the ability to think beyond the first level of personal application. With that also, is my fear of failing to employ the gift God entrusted to me, not for my benefit alone, but to bring healing, and hope to Gods' beloved people...You, whoever you may be.

This blog is written thinking of anyone who has been thinking that maybe there is something missing in their life, and that the thing that is missing can be found through the reading of the Scriptures of Christianity. I'm not intending to write sermons, nor am I writing to help other preachers. I'm writing for the inquiring hearts and minds of people looking for inspiration and authentic reflection on the texts that are used week by week around the world by churches that use the Revised Common Lectionary.

Whether you where once a member of a church or never even once have visited any Christian worship service but might want to do so now this will be a place for you to "hear" how a progressive Christian, an Episcopalian with a Wesleyan bent, reflects and finds relevance in scripture today.

It could only be enhanced if you and I met face to face from time to time. Only because the spiritual life as Jesus lived it was always a communion of friends, at table, at prayer, in the countryside and at the temple.

The Christian life is a life lived fully in community.

So find me every week at my new blog

Feast of the Holy Name

Sometimes I think we take it all too casually, but names really matter.  We have names that were given to us shortly after our birth, and we like it when people remember our name. Sometimes we get irritated when people give us nicknames, or don’t call us by the right name.

There are rituals for giving names. The details and variety are fascinating; too many to elaborate this morning.

Having a name gives a child a place in the community. A name gives identity. In some societies the name indicates the expected future course of events for the one being named, as it did in the ancient days of Jesus’ birth.

The name a child is given will be carried with him or her for their entire life. The name could inspire and bring life and hope or it could bring shame, sorrow or stigma throughout their life.

Do you know the story behind how you were named?

Is there some special story connected with your name in your family history?

Several years ago, I learned that my great grandfather’s family had a naming tradition which dated back to the revolutionary war. It seems that during the war Ethan Allen had occasion to stay in the home of my ancestors, and later he became a regular visitor in the home during his lifetime. The tradition was that the name the first born son would include the name Ethan. If the first born was a girl the child’s name would include a feminine version, Ethie.

My grandmother was Ruth Ethie Wilson. But sometimes people reject longstanding traditions. It seems that this was a tradition my grandmother had no interest in carrying on. It stopped with her. My uncle was named Richard Berkeley, and my Aunt was Barbara Eloise. I wonder if my grandmother pulled a sly one on her father when she named my aunt, only using the initial E?

I was named after my mother’s sister, my aunt Barbara, and my mother’s best friend in high school. When I was young, I was called BJ, until one day I began demanding that family use my given name. “No more nicknames! Don’t call me Barbie, I’m not a doll. Don’t call me barb, that’s my aunt”

I never took the time to learn about Saint Barbara, even though we lived in Santa Barbara for a period of time growing up. Not until one of my brother’s gifted Tim and I with a pair of Icons, one of St. Timothy and one of St. Barbara.

The other day I was once again reading the hagiography of Saint Barbara. Such a magnitude of martyrdom was contained within the short story I could scarcely imagine myself in the same place.

Living in the third century, Barbara was the daughter of a powerful and wealthy pagan man. The father loved his daughter so much he kept her locked in a tower to keep her safe from the dangers of the world. Her only contact with the outside community was through the tutors her father arranged for her as she grew to maturity. Eventually, however that protection worked against him. Barbara gained knowledge of the Christian religion through some of the tutors. While her father was away she managed to made contact with Ignatius and Valentine, as the story goes, by the providence of God. She accepted this new religion asking to be baptized in a pool on the premises of her father’s estate which he had built for her use, as well as giving instructions to workers altering her fathers original instructions to include a third window in the space, to honor the Holy Trinity.

Upon his return home, the discovery of some architectural changes were the first clues to her father that Barbara had converted to Christianity, and was set on a path of spiritual maturity.

His anger was so intense that after being beaten for her assertion of independence, she escaped to the wilds and took shelter in a cave in the region nearby. Her father did eventually regain custody of her. He demanded that the civil authorities issue a death decree for her paying cult to non-roman gods, even to the point of being her executioner. When her father regained possession of her, in spite of the love he professed which motivated his desire to protect her, in his rage he himself wielded the executioners axe which beheaded her and Julia, another convert to Christ, who sheltered and cared for Barbara while they hid in a cave. I am thankful for her life of faith, and more thankful that Jesus hasn’t called on me to pursue the life he called upon Barbara to endure.

It is more common now for parents in the US to either to choose a name of someone they hold in admiration or to go through lists of names looking for a name that  fits some specific criteria; does it sound good; is it unique; different; or resplendent with meaning;

Names resplendent with meaning, like the name announced by the Angels who appeared to Mary and Joseph, Jesus- the Romanized form of Yeshua, which means “Yahweh is salvation” where often given to children of the people of God’s covenant.

This morning’s gospel lesson brings to a close the Nativity narrative and fulfills all that was required of Mary and Joseph. We missed out on some of the best parts of the story the way the lectionary has started and stopped. We miss out on Simeon and Anna’s encounter with Mary and Joseph, following the circumcision and naming at the temple.

But we cannot miss the testimony of Joseph’s trust in God, demonstrated through his very public act of circumcision. Joseph could have performed the circumcision anywhere, but he made a point of doing the circumcision where the community would be able to see him. In this public act, any concern Mary may have had about what the future held between her and Joseph, was removed. By performing the two rituals in public Joseph made clear to onlookers that he accepted the child as his own. By naming him Jesus he also demonstrated his trust in and faithfulness to God.

Circumcision was a sign of belonging to the covenant people of God. God made the covenant with the people of Israel, not because they were best or worthy, but because God chose them.

Did you know that circumcision was not always conducted at infancy? Just as Isaac was circumcised as a teenager, this was an early tradition of God’s people. In fact, often the circumcision wasn’t performed until the time of Marriage, and it was performed by the father-in-law.

The Hebrew word for father-in-law literally means circumciser

But today’s gospel lesson makes an important point to the people in Judea, and to the listeners of the early church, as well as to us.

Luke tells us that in the case Jesus, he was circumcised at the time of his naming, and through this account we see the faith of parents demonstrated in through their fulfillment of what was instructed to them before the birth.

The emphasis on the use of the name confirms a spiritual truth, while the circumcision itself holds a social function. Commentators Richard Rohrbaugh and Bruce Malina, say that the circumcision could have been performed much later. Joseph’s performing the circumcision on the eighth day conveys a message of acceptance of the child before the baby can begin to demonstrate his character. Joseph unconditionally accepted the baby and followed the instructions of the angel.

For Mary, the concern about any stigma regarding the conception of her fist born has been nullified in the ritual. Together, Joseph and Mary respond to the Angelic instructions with obedience. While they are still within the Temple Precincts the parents receive not just one, but two prophetic announcements of assurance that Jesus will live into the name that has been bestowed upon the little boy child.

What is this holy name that has been placed on the child?  The Hebrew name meant Yahweh is savior.

Savior. What a heavy burden this little baby has been given to carry throughout his life.

The work of God’s coming to be among humanity began in the very common and usual ways any child would have lived in Judea. Only the name he was given at birth was a clue to the work that lie before him when he became a man.

Through our baptism we have each been given new names. We each bear the name of Christ as part of our identity; that special name; Christian. The identification as Christian reflects our being one with Jesus Christ, anointed and claimed by God as one of his own.

As Paul wrote to the Galatians “In the fullness of time, God sent his son.”  God sent his son to reveal the love the Heavenly Father has for us. From that mystery of incarnation we receive faith by faith; that we would experience the completeness of being in Christ. Each of us, have the capacity, by the grace of God, to be bearers of Christ into the world.

Sometimes the name we have been given isn’t good enough. It is incomplete in meaning or leaves the bearer feeling insignificant. In those cases it is for us to give a name and identity, a name that will fill the person with the awareness of God’s abiding love for them.

This is the work God invites us to share, in the example of Jesus as Healer. Our work is a work of reuniting God’s children with God. We can speak new life into being through the words of God. The work of including all people into God’s covenant people is work that removes the mark of insignificance and marginalization. This is our work, joining Joseph in naming and authenticating the children of God.

Today the significance of our feast is recognizing God’s profound love for humanity, that God is Salvation.

“Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart we pray, the love of him who is the savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ: who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen (BCP)

 “So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27

“When the fullness of time had come, God sent his son, born of a woman, born under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.” Galatians 4:4-7

“After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” Luke 2:21

Preached January 1, 2012 for St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Apple Valley, CA

Advent 1 Sermon

Introduction: One of the most public actions I engage in is the act of proclamation of the Word. It is my privilege and honor to be allowed to serve at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church as a lay preacher. Since the summer of this year Fr. Paul Price has given me a regular place in the preaching rota, once every six weeks. 

Sermon preparation is one of the great joys, and challenges in my ministry. Each set of lessons brings new opportunity to learn more about the WORD alive in the text and at work in my life. The reward of preaching comes from the comments that follow. It amazes me that the messages which I am led to preach regularly draw confirming responses from the hearers. NOT EVERYONE every day, but enough each time I preach to confirm that God has been in the product. Even comments from people who feel afflicted by the message, disturbed or irritated with the direction the message took provide confirm of the rightness of my ministry.

Straight out of seminary I employed a strict pattern of manuscript preaching . I found over time, thanks to frank feedback from my most beloved and favorite pew sitter, my husband, that I needed to loosen up. Breaking away from the pulpit came first. But still, I found that the task of crafting a sermon, putting it into manuscript form, left me feeling so invested in the text itself that I wasn't allowing the Holy Spirit freedom to infuse the message of the day. Reading a book, The Jazz of Preaching helped me gain both self-confidence and faith in the work of the Holy Spirit as I engage in the ministry of preaching, from preparation to delivery. Since leaving my first full time pastoral call/appointment, I have increasingly moved away from intensive written preparation. 

This week was an exception. Although I prepared the sermon word for word, I then took the sermon and reduced it down to outline points, and trusted the delivery to the the Holy Spirit. Following preaching, I've made minor adjustments to the manuscript to reflect how the Holy Spirit worked in the moment.  

 Scripture Texts Here

Parousia

Here is one of those 25 thousand dollar words

Parousia

The common mans language in much of the early church was Greek. The educated men of the Roman Empire learned to read and write Greek. The Hebrew Bible was translated and used in Greek. The Apostle Paul most likely also had access to the Septuagint, and most certainly wrote to the Church in Corinth in Greek.  It is for this reason that Seminary education has included instruction in Greek, so that Biblical Scholarship can be pursued using the manuscripts of the early church.

Parousia denotes active presence. The parousia of the gods in the Hellenistic world denoted a helpful appearance. In Hellenistic Philosophy the word was used to indicate an invisible presence of the gods at sacrifices. According to The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, “The Hebrew linguistic world view is more concrete.” The Hebrew word refers to a long tradition of theophanies and judgment. It referred to the expectation of the arrival of the Messiah, God coming as World King. In the Hebrew Scripture God is experienced in sleep through dreams as well as while awake. Experiences of pillars of Fire, visitors to one’s abode, as well as dreams all are ways that the Hebrew scripture refers to the presence of God.

Our reading in Isaiah today speaks of this sense of the word parousia:

“When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.” Through the writing of Isaiah, the Word tells us of times in the lives of the people of Israel when God was experienced as presence, and then felt to be absent from them. They anticipated the perfection of God’s rule over the world.

The psalmist writes of the experience of God’s absence from the community and the feeling of separation from God, as he writes “you have fed them with the bread of tears and given them tears to drink in full measure.” The image is a sharp contrast from our Eucharist of the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation.  Even still, the psalmist asks for something better in the future. In the request there is a tone of hope as he asks “but let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one whom  you made strong for yourself. Then they will never turn back from you; give us life, and we will call upon your name.”  In this we can hear the longing for the Messiah, the one we know to be the Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth, Christ Jesus.

The continuing question of the perfection of God’s rule is the question that the disciples in Palestine were asking Jesus about. This is where chapter 13 in Mark begins. The disciples want to know when, and how will they know that the “the Day of the Lord,” in other words, the end time, has arrived.

Todays’ Gospel lesson is the conclusion of the discourse of chapter 13. As usual, Jesus’ answer feels more like a riddle than anything concrete. Rather than revealing any clear answer of timetables, he concludes with a simple instruction; “Stay awake.” He gives no concrete answer for knowing when to expect or experience the parousia.

In our present age there are many who go around warning of the coming Judgment, the end of the age. Because parousia is a rich word, with multiple understandings, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that there is more than one way in the Church universal to interpret the significance of parousia. Those churches which don’t hold to the tradition of celebrating a season of Advent are more likely to look to the “Day of the Lord” as a fearful event. Their interpretations are based on scripture, but centered upon the Book of Revelation. They speak of the coming of Christ as a fearful event. They ascribe to a theology of Apocalyptic thinking which raises up images of horrible suffering. Some even engage in a form of death wish thinking. They personally have no fear of nuclear destruction because they see in it the end of the world and the end of the age, thus bringing in the time when Jesus reigns in Glory.

A picture, like this {Al Haring’s E=MC2}to these followers of Jesus is not read as a prophetic warning to change our warring ways. It troubles them not, but it is troubling to me that they look upon this something that they might actually desire to facilitate. For Christians with this mindset, tensions between Arabs and Jews in Palestine are something they would sit back and encourage rather than seek to encourage resolution and reconciliation.

How is teaching and expectation in the Episcopal Church different?

I believe that within the Anglican tradition this picture serves as a reminder of the human potential for sin and self-destruction. For myself, I see that it presents the risk of the ultimate failure to care for all creation, to honor the sacred value of every person and thing that has been placed in our care.

The Apostle Paul writes of the hope that he has in seeing the people of Corinth. Paul writes of their waiting for the parousia; “the revealing of our Lord Jesus.” In this passage he tells them that they are already in possession of real presence through the work of the Holy Spirit, in their being a part of the fellowship of God’s Son. It will continue to strengthen them so that they will be found blameless on “the day of the Lord.”

Jesus’ instructions to the disciples at the end are what we need to pay heed to; “Keep awake.”  This isn’t a literal command; it’s a spiritual command.

How do we keep awake? We set seasons in our calendar for preparation.

The season of Advent is preparation time.

It is a time to prepare our hearts by self-examination.

While the world says “buy, consume, spend,” we have options; one is the option to choose to ask for less or ask for nothing material.

While the world says “it’s all about having the best, newest, largest, (or smallest)” we have the option to say “I have enough, thank you. I need nothing, give a gift in my name elsewhere.” and then include gifts for people you’ve never met in person on your wish list. You could ask for a well, a flock of chickens, a house in Haiti, or a “net for life.”

We prepare for Christ’s coming in glory each week as we come to Holy Communion. We say: “Be present to us in the breaking of the bread.” And receive the instruction “feed on him in your hearts by faith.” 

We prepare for Christ’s coming in glory each week as we come to Holy Communion. We proclaim to the world our belief in Christ’s presence experienced through each of us as the corporate body of Christ. Through the myriad actions we engage in we prove or disprove the claim. Our work, our play, our charity, our acts of service and compassion, our political behavior, our shopping, our speaking, and our worship are all “presence of Christ”

Episcopal priests are fond of say that praying shapes believing. I suggest we need to be intentional to complete the cycle of faithful Christian living: praying shapes believing; believing shapes doing. Archdeacon reminded us last week that we have all received the “diakonia of all believers” at our baptism.

There is no doubt that stores and radios will flood the air this season with holiday songs. Not very many of the great hymns of Advent and only a few of the Carols and Hymns of Christmas will be given audition in the next four weeks.

The feast of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra as well as his tradition has become obscured by the greater popularity of Santa Claus and the elves which help fuel the consumer economy of the present age.

We can choose who we will use as our models for giving this year. We can choose the Three Kings who searched for Jesus & the Bishop of Myra who served Jesus giving to the needy. Through these choices we can bring Jesus Christ back to the center of our preparations and celebrations of Christmas.

Santa Claus can and does hold a place within the gift giving season as the almost transcendent and mysterious bearer of gifts. But we can choose to restore Gods’ position as the giver of all good gifts. God, transcendent and immanent; God made known through the revelation of the Son, Emmanuel, Jesus, Prince of Peace, King of Kings.

Jesus’ instructions to the disciples at the end of the passage are the critical message we need to pay heed to; “Keep awake.”  This isn’t a literal command to seek after insomnia. This is a spiritual command to remain alert to the world around us and consequently respond appropriately. It’s time for us to turn the messages of the world upside down.

I think it’s time to supplant the messages of the media.

What if we started singing songs like this?

You better watch out, you better not cry

You better not pout, I’m telling you why

Jesus Christ is coming to town.

He sees you when you’re waking

He knows when you’re asleep

He knows when you’re behaving

Like an onry stupid sheep.

You better watch out, you better not lie,

Always love your neighbor, this is why

Jesus says he’s present in them.

I want you to know there’s nothing to fear

Jesus loves you, he’s holding you dear.

Jesus Christ is present always.

We call upon our Father

in Heaven as we pray.

We ask him to pour blessings

On the bread and wine and us.

When we eat the bread, and take from the cup

Jesus Christ comes into our hearts

So trust in him and do your part.

I want you to know there’s nothing to fear

Jesus loves you, he’s staying quite near.

Watch for Jesus everyday.

“It’s okay to pout, it’s okay to cry
That is reason Jesus came to live and die.
Jesus Christ knows our fears and our pain.
Still, Jesus loves us with our frail ways.” ^

The season of Advent is preparation time.

It is a time to prepare our hearts by self-examination and response to the prodding of the Holy Spirit which is the regenerative force in our lives. It is the Holy Spirit which makes manifest the presence of Christ in the world today, and we can choose to reject or fulfill the advice of the Advocate which Jesus has sent to guide us in our daily life.

Preached 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, November 27, 2011 – St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church
^ added December 22, 2011 

Small things

Do you sometimes wonder if small things make an impression?

Experience proved, once again, that people do connect actions and remember.

Our household has a special affinity for St. Francis of Assisi. We have quoted his admonition to a young monk often as a part of our work representing Habitat for Humanity to churches as we were seeking partners for the building projects in Apple Valley and Orange County, CA. Those words, “preach the gospel every day and if necessary use words” remind Tim and I that many times the only message that people hear are the messages of action.

A year and a half ago, when I began the work as director of outreach for St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, I was looking for information about the community. I went to the Town of Apple Valley website and checked out the community events. It just so happened that the Summer Concert Series was just kicking off. In 2010, it was possible for a community group to rent a venders space to be present at the event. We could distribute information about the work of Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), hand out bottled water (a simple reminder of the relief work that was done in Haiti following their earthquake), and receive donations for ERD’s work. Our members had a good time coming out each week. We gave away about a case of water each night and sent in a small donation of about $45 at the end of the six weeks.

Fast forward thirteen months.

Recently Tim was in a conversation in Apple Valley at a public venue. His conversation was interrupted by someone who overheard him give the name of our church. This woman said “oh, that’s the church that gave out water at the summer concert last year isn’t it?” Tim’s reply, “well yes it is!”

Today’s gospel message about the judgment of the nations reminds us that every person is a vessel, and Christ considers each person served the same as if we served him. Living with this idea ever present is living out an incarnational theology.

You are always a public person.

Bear the light of Christ in all that you do.

Being a Wesleyan theologian

I have to say, with no regret, that The United Methodist Church was where I once belonged and learned new ways to serve, and responded to God’s call to serve as a pastor. Then I was moved to leave the United Methodist Church, returning to the denominational home of my youth, the Episcopal Church. 

I still rise to the defense of John and Charles Wesley, in an effort to maintain historical accuracy.

Every once in a while a statement will be made by someone that claims the work of John Wesley was something other that what the historical record indicates.

Most often two statements are made, both of which seriously misrepresent what the John and Charles Wesley, and the “Methodist movement” was all about.

1)      John Wesley “started Churches.”

2)      John Wesley “left the Church of England to start his own Church.”

The diaries and conference minutes of the movement called Methodists records that the Wesley’s were in fact involved in a movement to form “societies for spreading scriptural holiness.” The supervision of lay preachers was performed by Priests of the Church of England. The admonition to commune often was an admonition to attend worship and Eucharist in the parish churches of the Church of England or another House of worship, not a call to Eucharist in the Methodist Meeting Houses.

John Wesley never left the priesthood of the Church of England.

He did recognize however, that the only way for Methodists living in the colonies of North American to be supervised and maintain a Christian fellowship following the revolutionary war was to provide an independent structure complete with priests and Bishops. (True, he took it upon himself to appoint "superintendents" and those men went on to establish a new line of Bishops. The quality of the Apostolic succession might very well be in jeopardy because of that. I am not one to judge that issue.)

His ministry was always under public scrutiny. He ruffled feathers and found himself dis-invited from the pulpit of many churches in the United Kingdom. That is the price he paid for caring intensely about the souls and bodies of the working class. He held fast to the motto "The world is my Parish" and that rallying mission statement has been taken on by many a man and woman, lay and ordained since his death.

Two years and two months ago, I began to discern a movement in my own life. The Holy Spirit had been working on me since July of 2007 when I participated in the Wesley Pilgrimage conducted under the leadership of General Board of Discipleship staff. For the most part I have remained pretty quiet about the sum total of reasons why returning to the Episcopal Church was where I felt the Spirit leading me. 

Outside of the intimacy of my Lay Discernment Committee and individual face to face conversations I have made no big public pronouncements about the return to my Anglican Heritage. Eventually, I will share more, but maybe that will remain one of those posthumous discoveries now only place within the covers of my journals. Perhaps some great something or other descendent will find the story, long after I have gone on to join the saints in glory. 

Today, I am eight days from the beginning of a course of study with I affectionately call finishing school, at Bloy House which really is called Anglican Studies.

So, now there are new questions to explore as I return to school, to undertake the Anglican Studies which will prepare me for priesthood in the Episcopal Church. I look forward to exploring many questions, some things publicly and some very privately. Will I remain influenced by the Wesleyan concerns? Will I be a "Wesleyan" Episcopal Priest (whatever that might actually mean)? Will the Holy Spirit open up new ways for me to understand God’s call for me to serve both parish and the world? 

The BIG QUESTION is:

Where will God's Spirit call me to serve as the hands, feet, ears and mouth of Christ in the ever expanding Kingdom of God when I complete the course of study?  

For now,  I am filled with a sense of peace and hope as I anticipate the rigors of theological education. I have been privileged to share the support of a great many people and am unable to avoid the responsibility which also leaves me open to the scrutiny of family, friends, and my faith community.

I depend as always, on the prayers and support of good friends in Christ for this leg of the journey. 

Shalom, 

Barbara

 **I attempted to jump the hoops of UMC ordination and learned that I was a star peg, trying to fit in a round hole. Too many points that seemed to protrude and irritate the gatekeepers along the way. 

Post Resurrection Doubt

In the aftermath of the single most important piece of world news, just one week into the Easter season it is a poignant echo of the ancient post resurrection story. If you don’t know the text or remember the story, allow me to paint the image.

Thomas, filled with grief following the death of Jesus, could not stand to be in the company of the other friends. Given the remarkable news that Jesus had been seen following that dark Friday, his response was disbelief. Men were executed by the Roman Empire with such frequency, the results were impressive. That Thomas doubted that any one who had been “hung on a tree” could be seen walking and talking three days later places him among the reasonable and rational of his time. If it were me in his place, I can’t say with certainty that I wouldn’t have been demanding to “feel the holes in his hands and feet” also. In fact, it seems to me that disbelief about the reported resurrection of his crucified teacher was a normal reaction. That, of course, has been the continuing challenge of faith for people of all ages. To suspend reason and logic and to allow the experience of the Holy Spirit to speak a witness to our heart is the very essence of the Christian journey.

The parallel to our world news is a collective case of doubt.

Ever since the news reports of the strategic forces operation and announcements of the death of Osama Bin Laden, people clamor and call for evidence. It isn’t enough that the government has reiterated the deliberations that led to President Obama’s authorization of the maneuvers. Around the nation, indeed, even around the globe, the reverberations of doubt continue to raise a call to see pictures. The report of conclusive evidence obtained by military leaders and attested to our Commander in Chief hasn’t proven satisfactory or sufficient.

“Do you not believe, Thomas?”

I can only wonder what emotions drive these calls for pictures. I fear that the basest of all emotions is driving many of these calls. Blood thirsty warmongering is infecting our ability to trust the testimony of our military. That we have paraded the remains of past high ranking enemies for photo opportunities is a shameful argument. I can only say shame on us.  Shame on us, that we need to resort to the tactics of the Roman Empire.  Shame on us, that we debase ourselves by needing to view the carnage and risk further inciting our enemies. Shame on us that we have sunk to the level of having no trust in our government’s leaders of both the military and executive branch to imply this motive of withholding the pictures is proof of collusion to manipulate future elections.

Let us merely breathe a sigh of relief and pray with all sincerity that with this successful mission accomplished we will begin to see a shift in the minds of extremists of all forms throughout our world, and that the reign of God on earth is increasing within our own time.

Shut my mouth!

What’s the hardest thing for a public person to do?

Keep your mouth shut.

If you don’t believe me, try to avoid saying all those cute little comments that come up in your head during a day.

It’s a problem I’ve had that goes all the way back to the summer of my Junior year in high School. Sitting in my biology class, learning about Mendel’s theory of genetic trait distribution I first realized some spontaneous utterance, spewing forth, eliciting a burst of laughter from the class. As the teacher detailed on the blackboard (yes, it really was black, and he really did use chalk) “Big E- Big E”, “Big E- little e”, “little e - Big E”, “little e - little e” I erupted with a squeaky mousey voice “ee.”

Yes, there I found myself the instant class clown without planning. Fortunately for me, I hadn’t built up a reputation for being disruptive, and demonstrated immediate remorseful embarrassment, avoiding any disciplinary action.

The "problem" goes way back for me but fortunately over the years I've grown in spiritual maturity. I've learned to exercise more control, thanks be the God. But I'm not perfect... like most of you, I'm still going on toward perfection.

 

Sometimes, thoughts strike us as amusing and we humans fail to sensor ourselves. That failure sometimes yields undesirable consequences. Inappropriately timed humor in a congregational setting can have the unintended effect of arousing anxiety among members. 

Not too long ago, I found myself making quite harmlessly intended comment that set off a stir of concern in our congregation. Looking back I want to place blame elsewhere. But truthfully, it was an unplanned joking comment that just didn’t need to be said.

In the end, the anxiety that my comment sparked had some solid basis, but that story will be told later.  That week, I reaffirmed an old lesson, just because you think it’s "only a joke," the thought you are thinking may be better left unsaid.

Public Person Rule: Practice restraint, “pray before you say.”

That must be why the Apostle Paul identified self-control as a fruit of the Spirit.

Sometimes it’s best to just keep your mouth shut.

“The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.”

Proverbs 15:14

“Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.

At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--

and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming-- who can tell him what will happen after him?” Ecclesiastes 10:12- 14

New Beginnings

January…

the month of new beginnings. Already we are 2/52 of the way into this year. 17 days behind and 348 ahead of us…but then we sit here…. in the present.

This one day is all that we can now be absolutely certain of. We can think about the future, and recall the past; yet only in this very moment is there complete certainty. That very realization can be disconcerting beyond all imagination. To live fully into that uncertainty we draw upon the strength that God gives us through the work of the Holy Spirit.

The ancient Roman god for this month in the cycle of the year was Janus.

Janus stood guard at the door of every home. Janus the two-faced god. See Janus here

On a spiritual level it is great to think about having a god able to see both forward and past, providing protection, guidance and favor. Using the representation of two faces for that aspect of the divinity conveys in a very literal way what we come to rely up for spiritual strength.  Christians, Jews and Muslims of course, all view our One True God as having those characteristics.

Who among us hasn’t from time to time wished that we could be able to foresee with perfect clarity as well as remember fully the past?

We might indeed wish to be like Janus, the “two-faced” god, but never do I want to be called two-faced.

What is it about people that are “two faced” that I am loathe to be known for? It is the inference in modern vernacular of one who is deceptive in speech, actions or both.

Scripture clearly dislikes any form of deception. The book of Proverbs describes the untrustworthy person and the propensity to behave with something of two faces. They say one thing and mean another in their heart. Keeping silence however, is a great virtue; it is something to be desired as a sign of wisdom.

Jesus tells his disciples “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” (Matt 5:37)

It seems clear that for those who seek wisdom and instruction from scripture that righteousness includes being straightforward and non-deceptive. The righteous ones also exhibit the ability to keep ones thoughts and words under control. Wisdom among humans then, is marked by a solitary face; honest statements made with restraint and self-control are the hallmarks of a person of integrity.

When we realize and live into the reality that each of us is always in some way a public person we need to ask of ourselves “what are the consequences of becoming known as a two-faced person?”

In a post on the Christian Century blog the question was asked of pastors how they managed their Facebook identity. HERE was a fruitful discussion of the problems encountered particularly by younger ministers. In the discussion which you can read for yourself, the issue is raised about integrity. The comments challenged those that felt that the best way to maintain their professional appearance was through multiple Facebook accounts. The bottomline for those that challenged the two-facebook-er’s was the issue of integrity and character.

If there is something that you would hide from some people, then maybe it just doesn’t belong in Facebook. Period. Always being a public person demands one being able to restrain oneself from behavior that would cause damage to the life of faith of a less mature person in Christ. 

For myself, I have only one facebook account…any more would just be too confusing for me. Life is complicated enough, without putting myself in the position of having to maintain multiple personas in the social networks.*

So, with the image of Janus as a guide to the spiritual tasks for January, start this year afresh with a commitment to lead lives worthy of the calling of Christ.

Deitrich Bonhoeffer would say discipleship is costly.

Very simply, the cost of being a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ is that everyone always judges our actions and words against their own understanding of the kind of life we are called to live; that judgment is made according to their own understanding of Scripture. The damage that is created by inconsistency is the potential of immeasurable loss of respect. The problem is that both non-Christians and Christians alike begin to loose respect for us when we fail to live consistent lives, damaging the prospect of opening new relationships with God through Christ because people are too prone to throw out the baby with the bath water on matters related to church.

The only cure for loss of respect is frank acknowledgment of our faults.

After acknowledgment, a course correction is required to live the life of faithful discipleship.

The psalmist writes, “Search my heart O God, and know me.”

Here is the challenge:  If, in reflection on your past, you can spot places of inconsistency, Today is the perfect day to begin a new unified life of discipleship in three steps.

Acknowledge the faults of the past.

Make amends to injured parties.

Commit anew to a life of integrity supported by the Spirit of God.

With God's grace and mercy abundant to all who call for it, I pray you will find a new and renewed sense of purpose in your call to follow Jesus.


Grace and peace,

Barbara

*I have resorted to multiple blogs for the same reason that people write many books; to keep the content relevant and related in genre.