The Spirit's Soundings Online

Join Us for International Sunday, February 8, at St. Barnabas, South Brunswick

2009-01-27T20:10:00.000-05:00

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church will have its annual “International Sunday” celebration on Sunday, February 8, with services at 8:30 and 10:30 am. The liturgy will be drawn from Anglican Prayer Books from around the world, the music will be especially diverse, and the coffee hour following the 10:30 service will include appetizers and desserts brought in by members of the church, which includes people who were born in 24 countries on five continents. All are welcome to attend. We will have our African Praise Worship Chorus included in the music for the day and parishioners are invited to bring displays for the Fellowship Room during coffee hour with fun facts about their country of origin/heritage (whether people came to America last week or their ancestors did 100+ years ago). St. Barnabas is located at 142 Sand Hill Road, one mile from Rte. 27 and ½ mile from Rte. 1. Ample parking is available. For more information, please call 732-297-4607 or log onto www.stbarnabas-sbnj.org <http://www.stbarnabas-sbnj.org/> .

A Celebration for Black History Month

2009-01-27T20:03:00.003-05:00

A message from the Diocese:

Dear Members and Friends of St. Augustine's,

You are cordially invited to attend, and to bring a friend, our Annual Black History Program. This is a presentation to the community, by the community, for the community, to celebrate "Black History Month" and to showcase our talents in vocal, dance, and visual arts. We hope and pray that you will enjoy this presentation as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. See you on Sunday, February 8, at 4:00 pm at St. Augustine's Church, Prospect and Atlantic Aves. in Asbury Park. Thanks again. See you there!!

More News About Vespers at the Cathedral

2009-01-27T19:49:00.004-05:00

Have you seen the Diocese decked out in full regalia lately? It's quite a sight! Here's your chance to see them all represented on Saturday in Trenton when you go to the Vespers service at the Cathedral. Be there at 3 pm. Here's the memo inviting everyone to show off:

Dear Friends,
It's been a while since the clergy processed in full choir vestments: Cassock, Surplice, Academic Hood, Tippet. You've now got ten days to go the dry cleaners! Preaching tabs are only for our guest, Bishop Sutton, of course. The Evensong will express our prayers through a diverse and delightful mix of musical idioms from various communities of faith around our Diocese. Please plan on gathering in the Chapel. Parish Banners (with banner bearer - non- vested) are also asked to be brought for the procession. Thanks! Right Onward PCJ Philip@churchholyspirit.org

A Message from the American Association of Pastoral Counselors

2009-01-27T18:22:00.005-05:00

The Formation Committee of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Eastern Region (NY, NJ), in conjunction with the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City, presents Jill L. McNish, PhD., pastoral theologian, Episcopal priest, attorney, author of Transforming Shame - A Pastoral Response (Howarth Press, 2004) on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine Cathedral House, Second Floor, Amsterdam Avenue and 112th Street, New York, NY10 AM-3 PM (Lunch is available for purchase). ADMISSION IS FREE (sponsored by Eastern Region AAPC).

Dr. McNish will be presenting her book's analysis of the transformative power of shame. As Dr. Donald Capps (Princeton Seminary) states in his reflections on this book, "McNish brings clarity and depth of understanding to a dimension of our human experience whose very ubiquity tends to impede such illumination and insight. Our formal religious rites and practices provide resources for the guilty to confess and experience forgiveness, but leave the shamed stranded, bereft of comfort and lost in their own self-condemnation. Instead she testifies to the various ways ministers may 'make space' through informal acts of attention to care for those whose shame has become an unbearable burden. "This book is also an amazing compendium of interdisciplinary research enlisting the insights of Freud, Jung, Horney, Miller, Kohut, Rank, and Erickson. It constructs a portrait of the shame of Jesus as a father lesson in first century Palestine, employing insights of social-scientific studies on honor and shame systems in first century Mediterranean culture.Please come and enjoy a day of learning, insight, and reflection. This gathering is also a chance for those engaged in doing Pastoral Counseling and/or Psychotherapy or those interested in its study to partake of a thoughtful analysis of an important aspect of this work.For purposes of planning food and seating needs, please RSVP at http://us.mc635.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=hlavengood@aol.com or call 609-744-4204. Hope to see you on Feb.21st!

Hennie Brandt Lavengood D.Min., Chair, AAPC Eastern Region Formation Committee.

An Invitation from Bishop Councell

2009-01-23T12:13:00.003-05:00

We received this email from the Diocese today:

Dear Friends in Christ,

I would love to see you at Vespers at the Cathedral next Saturday, January31st, at 3:00 p.m. The Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton, Bishop of Maryland will be our preacher at this diocesan gathering. Our purpose is "to praise, to proclaim, to celebrate and to claim the Vision which is ours by the gift of the Holy Spirit, by the victory of Christ and by the will of God." Please see the more detailed information below. For all rectors, vicars, and clergy in charge of congregations, I ask that you make an announcement of this gathering at all services this Sunday.Please take note of the challenge for each congregation to send at least a tithe of its average Sunday attendance. Let's rally and let's rock the walls and raise the roof with our prayers and praises so that we may go Right Onward. May our Lord continue to bless and uphold you in His service. Faithfully yours,
The Rt. Rev. George E. Councell

We are inviting you to a Right Onward Worship dedicated for 31 January 2009 at 3 pm and being offered at Trinity Cathedral. Our preacher will be the Rt. Rev. Eugene T. Sutton who was elected the 14th Bishop of Maryland on 29 March 2008 and also served as assistant to the bishop in the Diocese of New Jersey among his many endeavors.We are entering a second year of our Right Onward experience. For the previous twelve months, we have shared ideas and experiences of welcoming and including ministries. We are applying these experiences and insights as we move forward to celebrating a common vision as citizens of the Kingdom of God.One of the primary items learned from a two-year listening process was a yearning for common worship-gatherings of the whole Body of our Diocese. Diocesan Convention liturgies are always a blessing even within the context of annual meeting format. This service is something other. Our purpose is to praise, to proclaim, to celebrate, and this year, to claim the Vision which is ours by the gift of the Holy Spirit, by the victory of Christ and by the will of God.We offer an occasion of worship with an expectation and essential enthusiasm that God is working His purpose out in our midst. Bring those who, when inspired, can pass that enthusiasm on to your local community of faith.We believe this will be of such blessing that we will be calling round to invite each church's clergy, wardens, musicians and others. Spread the word with us.

Yours in Christ, The Right Onward Committee

1 January 2009

Dear Friends in Christ,
I am writing to you on my first day back from a sabbatical leave. In my time away I have enjoyed physical exercise and adventure travel; time for prayer and study, for reflection and renewal; and a Christmas holiday season spent with family but without church responsibilities-the only one in 33 years of ordained ministry. I am enormously grateful to the Diocese of New Jersey for this extraordinary gift and privilege. I thank God for Bishop Romero and the diocesan staff and for all of the diocesan leaders who labored while I rested. I am blessed.The great blessing of this time, however, is to feel again the joy and delight of being a bishop here and now in the Diocese of New Jersey. As grateful as I am for a sabbatical, I am all the more grateful to be your bishop and to feel ready and eager to engage our "Right Onward!" vision together even (especially) in the face of many daunting challenges. I love Jesus and I love Jersey and I love the work that lies before us. In a word that I learned while growing up among surfers near the beaches of Southern California, I am stoked. According to my dictionary, the word stoked means, "to stir up and feed amply." It seems clear enough that our beloved Church and all our people need to be stirred up and amply fed in order to be revived for our mission in the world. So, it strikes me as an amazing grace that, upon my return to this ministry, the first diocesan event is a rally where we may be stirred and stoked and strengthened for the living of our vision. On Saturday, January 31st, at 3:00 pm at Trinity Cathedral, 801 West State Street in Trenton our Diocese will gather in a celebration of that vision. Our preacher will be the Rt. Rev. Eugene T. Sutton-the 14th Bishop of Maryland and a son of this Diocese. In a setting of beauty, with creative and imaginative liturgy well suited to the theme of mission we shall rally for Jesus and be stoked for His mission. Here, in the "bleak, mid-winter," come and be warmed in the fire of the Holy Spirit. I appeal to you, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that every one of our 158 congregations send a deputation to attend this service. As a goal, let each church send at least a tithe of its average Sunday attendance. That is a challenge, but mission is challenging. We need a strong, empowering, joyous and uplifting rally so that we may be lifted up and encouraged. Come, let us rejoice and give thanks for the gift and challenge of doing mission together. We need the Spirit and we need each other. I will hope to see our Cathedral filled on the 31st. In the name of Christ, let us go forth in peace and stoked with the fire of the Spirit. Right Onward!

The Rt. Rev. George E. Councell
XI Bishop of New Jersey

Here is a link from our website where you can download a flyer about this event: <http://newjersey.anglican.org/MI/Spring2009/Visionserviceflyer.pdf%3Ehttp://newjersey.anglican.org/MI/Spring2009/Visionserviceflyer.pdf http://newjersey.anglican.org/MI/Spring2009/Visionserviceflyer.pdf

Please prayerfully consider making this pilgrimage to Trenton on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009. We can carpool for even more fun! See you then.

Christian Food for Thought from Anne Magierski for the Inauguration Celebration

2009-01-23T12:03:00.003-05:00

The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose,but mosquitoes come close.- Anonymous

Going from the ridiculous to the sublime, let's look at the word “purpose” for a moment. I received a book as a Christmas gift entitled, The Purpose of Christmas. I had never read anything by Rick Warren before, and I was surprised at what an easy read it was and how he came right to the point. This was no religious treatise. He never minced words, and spoke to the average person's concept of Christmas...what, why, and when. It was directed to all persons, those of faith and those of no faith. As I read it, I found myself re-examining my own journey as a Christian, a baptised believer, who practices her faith in the Episcopalian tradition. I believe that any book that can stir the soul and conscience of an individual, as this did, and promote self-examination is worthy of discussion here. Mr. Warren has been invited to deliver the inaugural invocation on January 20. Some of his views are controversial in the Christian world, so I will be listening intently to the words of his prayer to Almighty God on behalf of the President-Elect and the United States as a whole. Today's mail brought another book by Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life, which I purchased on the suggestion of a friend who told me it had changed his life. He and three of his co-workers met once a week at lunch for discussions. This man is an educated, successful Christian businessman who appeared to “have it all”, so I was intrigued by his statement. The Purpose Driven Life begins with, “This is more than a book; it is a guide to a 40-day spiritual journey that will enable you to discover the answer to life's most important question: “What on earth am I here for?” Intriguing, yes! Pastor Warren calls it a journey with purpose and strongly urges the reader to get one or more friends to join together in reading the book. “A journey is always better when it is shared.” I agree. I plan to read the 40 chapters, not day by day, but rather week by week. It took my friend and his group 40 weeks- almost a year! At the end of each chapter is a section called, “Thinking about My Purpose”. There you will find: a point to ponder, a verse to remember, a question to consider and discussion questions to share with your partner or a small group of friends. To quote Mr. Warren once more: “Real spiritual growth is never an isolated, individualistic pursuit. Maturity is produced through relationships and community.”

So now the journey begins. Chapter One: It all begins with God!

Christmas Services

2008-12-21T18:13:00.004-05:00

Just to remind everyone, our services this week will be as follows:

Christmas Eve:
5:30 pm, Family Holy Communion, followed by the Birthday Party for Jesus so all the little ones know the "reason for our season" is the birth of the Christ Child;
9:30 pm, Choral Holy Communion. We begin with 30 minutes of music to welcome the Baby as we sing joyously all the carols we love. We then hold our "High Church" Eucharistic service, complete with "smells and bells."

Christmas Day:
10 am, Holy Communion with Carols. A quieter service with a simpler style, but designed to offer thanks for the gift of Jesus.

Sunday, Dec. 28:
8 am, Holy Communion
10:30 Holy Communion

Wednesday, Dec. 31:
4 pm, Community Dinner. Free to all, but please let us know how many will attend.

We hope to see you soon. May God bless us all.

I Corinthians, The Contemporary Christmas Version

2008-12-21T18:03:00.003-05:00

I received this email from several correspondents recently, and offer it for you to ponder. It may not be strictly by the Book, but it reflects true life:

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook. If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point. Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens. Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Merry Christmas and lots of love to you and yours!

Are You Having a "Blue Christmas?"

2008-12-21T17:29:00.002-05:00

Not everyone finds joy in the Christmas season. Sometimes feels of sorrow can cause isolation when you see the happiness of others during December. There is no need to feel alone during this month, though.

A service which addresses the spiritual needs of people who find the Christmas season depressing will be held on Sunday, 21 December at 5 pm in All Saints Church in Lakewood. People may feel blue for many reasons: job loss, poor health, financial worries, or the death of a loved one. The "Blue Christmas" service acknowledges such sadness and concern while trying to help people learn they are not alone with such feelings. The service helps those who mourn and struggle to know that God is present-and God's Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Join us in All Saints' Church, Second Street and Route 9, Lakewood, NJ. For further information, please call All Saints' Church office at 732-367-0933.

Christian Food for Thought About Stewardship by Anne Magierski

2008-12-21T15:53:00.004-05:00

“The most obvious lesson in Christ's teaching is that there is no happiness in having or getting anything, but only in giving." -Henry Drummond, 1851-1897, Scottish evangelist, scientist, and theological writer

Stewardship is choosing what we will do with the gifts God has given us. The key to its success is the premise that as the years pass, each of us will gradually come to a new understanding of the word stewardship: the proper use of all we have received from God. During this time of Advent, we have been asked, as good stewards, to consider making a pledge...a commitment, a promise of how much each of us can give of our time, talent and treasure, enabling our vestry to put together a budget and plans for the coming year.

Years ago, I lived alone and had a steady income as a hospital employee. I pledged to my church each year and the amount was carefully determined after I had made up a monthly budget to see how much I could afford to give. A dear friend hinted that by so doing, I was “giving from what was left”, rather than giving “off the top,” “skimming off the cream”. The idea had never occurred to me to give to God first, and then budget what I had left! It worked! God really does love a cheerful giver. With every increase I received, I upped my pledge until I was able to tithe...10% of my take home pay.

Many things influence the amount of what we can give back to God out of what He has given us. When I made the decision to tithe, I was alone. My children were grown and had families of their own. With a very modest income, I was responsible for only myself. Many things change over the years that influence our giving habits. Financial and physical limitations often determine our decisions, and instead of looking for what we can do with our gifts of time, talent and treasure, we're more inclined to focus on what seems the impossibility of doing anymore than we are right now.

But Christianity MEANS giving. God gave us His creation, He gave us life, He gave us His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus gave food for body and soul, He gave healing to the sick, and He gave His life on the cross for our sins, our unrighteousness, so that we might have God's reward of eternal life with Him. By pledging, we are demonstrating a desire to do the will of God, to be righteous followers of His Son and to participate more actively in the life of Holy Spirit Church.

“Freely, freely, you have received, Freely, freely, give: Go in my name, and because you believe, Others will know that I live."

A Pledge is a Prayer

2008-12-09T11:27:00.001-05:00

Good Morning! Hi, everyone!

For those who don’t know me, my name is Ed Nuttall. My only claim to fame is that I serve as your Finance Chairman on the Vestry Committee. I am also a member of the Stewardship Committee, and I am a reader, an usher and coffee maker at the 8 o’clock services….. You know, all my life I’ve prayed asking God if he would someday make me into a real somebody….Well, I can see now that I should have been more specific!!

Anyhow, the reason I am up here talking to you this morning is that this is the time of our church’s annual pledge drive. My objective is to encourage each and every one of you to fill out and return the pledge form that you received in the mail. Speaking of mail, that reminds me of a little story (you probably heard this one but it sure does fit nicely into this talk!):
Reverend Billy Graham tells of a time early in his ministry when he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was. When the boy had told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and then said, "Now, if you'll come to the Baptist Church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to heaven." The young boy thought about it and then replied, "Well sir, I don't think I'll be there... I mean how can you tell me how to get to heaven when you don't even know your way to the post office?"

Well, I know that all of you know how to get to the post office to mail your pledge forms or that you can simply put your pledge form in the plate on Sunday, and I am not promising you that sending in your pledge will get you into heaven………….. however, I do know that it sure can’t hurt! Pledges have a purpose for our church that is far more than many of us realize: Pledges tell the Diocese how strong, solid and enduring we of Holy Spirit are as a church body and the number of pledges tell them if we are growing and at what rate. Altogether that information helps the Diocese determine what priority to give to Holy Spirit regarding future Diocesan expenditures of time, effort and resources, both physical and monetary. Pledges are also invaluable to our vestry committee in preparing the yearly budget, the annual report and assessing the skills and talents Holy Spirit Church has available not only for accomplishing tasks but also for advice and information. And of course, funding expenses.

One’s attitude toward filling out and sending in the pledge form usually depends on what we think the act of pledging really means. Some think of it primarily as a mandatory responsibility, some as a promise, some a voluntary bill, some a hope or wish, some a charitable gift and some consider pledging as an income tax deduction. Pledging can of course mean all of those things or none of those things. It is all relative to how pledging fits into the life of each person as we are all unique in some way. I would like to offer you another way to look at your pledge, a way in which we all are equal and the same. That is: I would like you to consider looking at your pledge as really being a form of prayer…..a written prayer. I think of it as being similar to the written prayers that the Jews in Israel place into the Wailing Wall. In the same way we are placing our written pledge prayers into the Church of The Holy Spirit. We all know that God answers prayer: sometimes sooner, sometimes later, sometimes yes and sometimes no. But the important thing is that we pray and leave the answer to God. Please don’t worry whether or not you will make your pledge amount. To me, having faith means…….not worrying. Just believe and know that with everyone pledging, the pledge amount total for everyone together will always average out to the right amount. None of us can know the future. Only God can. If your pledge is short one year, the next year you will be over. Presenting your written pledge would be a wonderful way to give a Christmas gift to our Holy Spirit Church. It isn't the size of the gift that matters, what matters is the size of the heart that gives it. Believe it or not even I myself, an esteemed Vestry member, have had a year or two when my pledge has been short. But then, in other years I was over. So, my way of figuring, is that I can always catch up later, if I live long enough. And I plan on living forever. Guess what: so far, so good!! For any person coming short in a given year, yet another person will be over. It all averages out. So, do not be afraid of tomorrow, for God is already there. The more people we have pledging, the more accurate the pledge amount total for the year will be. So this year, please make a special written prayer and place it into the walls of our Church of the Holy Spirit…..that special prayer called a pledge.
Respectfully submitted,

Edward Nuttall - 7 December, 2008

Christian Food for Thought for December 2008 from Anne Magierski

2008-12-05T15:09:00.004-05:00

Step 11 - Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. - 12 Step Recovery Program of AA

Those words came to mind on the first Sunday of Advent, as I recalled my association years ago with Al-Anon, one of the self-help programs that grew out of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was through this particular step that I was drawn back to the Christian faith of my childhood. I am a "cradle-Episcopalian" and I remember vividly a phone conversation I had at age 5 after my tonsillectomy. To prove I was O.K., I sang "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so". I never doubted for a moment that He had been with me every minute of the surgery. Years later, I asked myself, "What happened? Where is God? Why is my world so topsy-turvy? What am I doing wrong?" The answers came as I gradually worked through the 12 steps. I returned to the Episcopal church. It was a new beginning. Step 12 refers to this as a spiritual awakening, i.e. an epiphany. The program had been, in a sense, my Advent season...the time spent preparing to meet God...again. Advent is a season for Christians, intentionally, to remember their need for God to come again into their lives. It is a time for calm and thoughtfulness before the hustle and bustle of preparation for Christmas. It is a marvelous opportunity for spiritual growth and is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. When we take time to shut down the "busyness" and distractions of everyday living and working, even for a few minutes, quiet prayer and meditation help us recall what living should be about...praying for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out. A friend once described her mental state during the month before Christmas as not unlike a tree filled with jabbering monkeys, swinging from limb to limb. This had been an apt description of my own Advent seasons for too many years. While continuing to attend services each Sunday, Advent had become a time for gift shopping, Christmas decorations, card writing, cookie baking and entertaining friends. Once I retired, remarried and moved to the shore, everything began to fall into place. I believe that being here, in this place, at this time, and doing what I am doing, is what God had in mind for me all along. Thank you Jesus!

Holiday Concert News from the Diocese of New Jersey

2008-12-05T14:01:00.004-05:00

The American Boychoir Christmas Concert At Trinity Church, Asbury Park, Dec. 6, 7 pm.

The American Boychoir is regarded as the United States’ premier concert boys’ choir and one of the finest boychoirs in the world. It continues to dazzle audiences with its unique blend of musical sophistication,effervescent spirit and ensemble virtuosity. Its members - boys from grades 4 through 8, reflecting the ethnic, religious and cultural diversity of our nation - come from eight states and four foreign countries to pursue a rigorous musical and academic curriculum at The American Boychoir School,the only non-sectarian boys’ choir school in the nation. Founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1937, The American Boychoir has been located in Princeton, New Jersey, since 1950. In addition to maintaining an active national and international touring schedule, the ensemble performs and records regularly with such world-class artists and ensembles as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, soprano Jessye Norman, pop diva Beyoncé, and jazz vocalist and conductor Bobby McFerrin. They will make a holiday appearance at Trinity Church in Asbury Park this Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets will be on sale after church or via the parish office (http://us.mc635.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=office@TrinityNJ.com or 732-775-5084). Call for more information.

The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra Choir of Christ Church, New Brunswick sings MESSIAH: A SACRED ORATORIO by George Frederic Handel

The New Brunswick Chamber Orchestra Choir of Christ Church will perform Handel's Messiah on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, beginning at 8 pm. The orchestra is conducted by Mark Trautman, and features the voices of Diana Whitener, soprano; Giulia Utz, alto; Jack Zamboni, tenor; and John-Andrew Fernandez, bass. The concert will be held at the NJ State Theatre, 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ. Go to the website http://www.statetheatrenj.org/ for more info.

Trinity Church in Rocky Hill Offers Christmas Concert Dec. 7, 2008 at 5 pm

The choir, parishioners, and friends of Trinity Church in Rocky Hill (in the Trenton Convocation) will present their annual "Christmas Concert" at 5:00 pm, Sunday December 7. All are invited to join the Trinity family for a program of music and fellowship, led by Choirmaster and Organist, Michael Rider. The concert will be followed by a potluck supper (provided by parishioners). Please join us in our historic church, consecrated in 1864. For directions or additional information please call (609) 921-8971 or visit our website at http://www.trinityrockyhill.org/. Email us at TrinityRockyHill@Comcast.net

Music at Trinity Church, Moorestown: Advent Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 4:00 pm

The Trinity, Coventry, Canterbury and Carillon Choirs, with Vernon Williams, director and Joanne Owen, organist. Music will include: Comfort, Comfort Ye My People ~ Claude Goudimel; Carol of Prophecy ~ Shirley W. McRae; Rejoice in the Lord Always ~ Anonymous; Magnificat ~ George Dyson; There Is No Rose ~ Pat Messick; Ave Maria ~ Franz Biebl; We Wait for Thy Loving Kindness ~ William McKie

Please join us on Sunday afternoon for a service of Advent Lessons and Carols in the beautiful setting of Trinity Church. The service will be similar in structure to the familiar Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas as sung at King's College in Cambridge, in which readings, hymns,and choir anthems are interwoven to tell the story of Christmas. In our service, of course, the readings and music will focus on Advent, the season of joyful preparation for and anticipation of the coming of our Lord. Three vocal choirs and the handbell choir will join forces to present a variety of music from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Our guest organist, Joanne Koerber Owen began studying organ with Richard Wegner in Baltimore. She continued her studies with Paul Bunjes, Carl Halter and Richard Heschke at Concordia University, Chicago and received a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance and Church Music from the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester where she was a student of Russell Saunders and David Craighead. Joanne has held positions as church musician in Chicago; Rochester; Wilmington, Delaware and Woodstown, New Jersey. From 1990-2002 she was Minister of Music and Arts at St. John's Episcopal Church in Salem, NJ, serving as organist, choir director, handbell choir director and director of the church's music and arts series. The concert is made possible by the Friends of Trinity Music, Trinity Episcopal Church, 207 West Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057. Phone 857.235.0811 The Rev. Philip W. Stowell, Rector

BREAKFAST WITH ST. NICHOLAS Saturday December 6, 2008, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 142 Sand Hill Road, Monmouth Junction, NJ

You are invited to come to our free St. Nicholas Day celebration! Bring visitors, neighbors, friends and family! Enjoy fellowship and a hot breakfast! Sing Christmas carols and listen to stories about Advent and the legend of St. Nicholas. Afterwards, the children will be invited to sit on his lap and share with him what they want for Christmas. Enjoy making Christmas and Advent crafts. Help us fill St. Nicholas's sack! Everyone is invited to bring a gift of new mittens, warm hat or scarf for St. Nicholas to take to children in an area shelter for the homeless, or bring in items* for him to deliver to the Seaman's Church Institute (SCI),which serves thousands of sailors located in Ports Elizabeth and Newark. Please RSVP to the church office at 732-297-4607 or office@stbarnabas-sbnj.org *items SCI has requested are: unscented hypoallergenic hand lotion (2-4 oz. bottles); unscented, colorless lip balm; sealed packages of holiday sweets; books or activities like Sudoku, word searches and playing cards; microwave popcorn and sugarless gum.

Where We Were

2008-12-01T15:26:00.004-05:00

We were treated this past Sunday to a talk on the growth that Holy Spirit has undergone in the past forty years. Long-time member Marlene Johnson spoke of her history with our church, and the importance of stewardship in our growth. But does "Stewardship" mean only money? Let's listen:

Thank you for the privilege of speaking with you today on stewardship. For those of you who may not know me, I am Marlene Johnson, a past Senior Warden , a member of the church's Audit Committee, and at the 10:30 service you will see me serving as Eucharistic minister, a lay reader and also a member singing in the choir.

When I first moved to Tuckerton in the very early 60's, being what they refer to as a "cradle Episcopalian" (baptized and confirmed in the faith), I looked in the telephone book for an Episcopal church in our area. Much to my dismay, the only one listed on the mainland at that time was in Waretown (I found out later that Holy Spirit could not afford the yellow book advertisement). Now I know that it's not really that far away, but with the time it took in the morning to get the four little ones ready, it seemed a forever trip. So, we attended only sporadically. One day the vicar of St. Stephen's, Father Paul, said to me, "You know, there is - and has been - a church in Parkertown, the Church of the Holy Spirit."

Now at this point in time, I was living in Parkertown, and never saw a church there. So, with address in hand, searching a side street, I found it: a house with a cross on the outside wall, with the worship area in what had been the living room. This area could seat about 36 people, and on Holidays, we had standing room only in the hallway. It was not a place that could be easily found, nor looked inviting from the outside. It took a few weeks of soul searching to make the decision where we should worship, and here I am, 40 plus years later.

We were so excited in 1979 when we made the move to Green Street here in Tuckerton. Once again, the windowless building was not what people expected to find as a church. Some people never even realized that the Episcopal church was next to the firehouse. But, you know, we were ever so grateful and happy to be there!

God had another, far bigger plan for all of us, one that would have been just a dream 10 years ago. In 2006 we made the big move from Green Street to where you're now sitting. Looking around, can you imagine how small we were in Parkertown? Six short pews, holding 3 persons each, and two longer ones.We are so blessed to be in a facility that is easily recognizable, housing not only our worship services and social events, but large enough to serve the greater Tuckerton community.

How did all of this happen over the years? Nobody waved a magic wand. It happened because of all of you, through your stewardship- the three T's: your time, your talents and your treasure. Christian stewardship involves all of us and all that we have. How we live our lives affects our relationship with God. Thinking of stewardship in terms of time, talents and treasures helps us to focus and to apply the concept of stewardship to our lives.

How we use our time for God's service, for work, for the care of others, for the care of ourselves, being part of vestry or any of the various committees of our church, is all a matter of stewardship.

How we use our talents for God's service, whether driving, cooking the community dinners, teaching someone how to crochet, building a home, or just making a call to check in with someone, is all a matter of stewardship.

And finally, there is treasure. We are invited to come into a relationship with God, the Owner and generous Giver of all that we have through our financial giving. Being intentional in our giving, and recognizing that we are giving back to God, consciously making choices on how we "spend" what has been given to us: they're all matters of stewardship. How we use our treasure to support and enhance the church is a matter of stewardship.

You might remember that in Luke 19, Jesus told of a wealthy man who was going away on a trip. He told his stewards, or servants, "Look, I'm going away. You take over. You take my place; do what you think I would do. " He didn't tell them what to do or how to do it. He just told them to do it.

I love my church, and I know all of you feel the same way too.

Let us pray that we will do what He would do.

Thank you. God bless.

Christian Food for Thought from Anne Magierski

2008-11-08T10:50:00.004-05:00

"Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves." James 1:22

Familiar words, but how many of us have deluded ourselves by hearing only and not doing? Let me tell you about one young lady, Kirsten Brydum, age 25, who took these words to heart and devoted her life to helping others. She was a prolific activist in San Francisco who inspired and empowered countless people through her work with The Really Really Free Market, the All Access Cafe, and as co-founder of Collective Autonomy.

The Really Really Free Market (http://www.reallyreallyfree.org/) was set up as an exchange of free goods and services designed, in Kirsten's words, "to move us from competition to cooperation, from selling to giving, and from expecting the government to care for us to doing it ourselves." The Collective Autonomy Network "refers to a strategy: collectivizing our energy and resources in order to approach autonomy from forces of oppression. It is self-sufficiency achieved through cooperation."

She was visiting New Orleans as part of a cross-country tour promoting this very purpose, but on September 27, 2008, Kirsten was murdered, shot multiple times in the head. She was a tireless and selfless community activist. Close friends remarked that "to know her was to be awed and inspired by her wisdom and generosity." "Kirsten dedicated herself to fighting the very social ills of poverty, racism, and systemic violence which helped cause her death," said her friend, Tyson Ayers. "She was not naive, she was streetwise and aware. Don't fault her for refusing to be paralyzed by fear, which only reinforces the gross idea that violence against women is an immutable risk in society, and therefore the woman's responsibility to avoid it instead of society's responsibility to counteract it."

In an open letter posted on the family's memorial site (http://kirstenbrydum.virtualmemorials.com/), Kirsten's partner John Viola called upon her death to help him find a line between "righteous anger" and hatred. "There should be no room left in this world for hatred," he wrote. "That is what took you from us and it will not bring you back. Now more than ever I know that we need to put more love into the world and that you cannot fight hatred with hatred."

Her death leaves an entire community in mourning and her loss will be deeply felt for a long time to come. A memorial Mass was held at St. Bernadine Catholic Church, Woodland Hills, CA on October 4.

This poem was posted on her memorial website by Rabbi Jack Reimer, and all should read it:

We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end war;
For we know that You have made the world in a way
That man must find his own path to peace,
Within himself and with his neighbor.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end starvation;
For You have already given us the resources
With which to feed the entire world,
If we would only use them wisely.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to root out prejudice;
For You have already given us eyes
With which to see the good in all men,
If we would only use them rightly.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end despair;
For You have already given us the power
To clear away slums and to give hope,
If we would only use our power justly.

We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end disease;
For You have already given us great minds with which
To search out cures and healing,
If we would only use them constructively.

Therefore, we pray to You instead, O God,
For strength, determination, and willpower,
To do instead of just to pray,
To become instead of merely to wish.

A Time for Prayerful Mediatation

2008-11-02T23:17:00.004-05:00

As we prepare for Tuesday's presidential election, it becomes very important to approach the voting booth with prayers for God to guide our choice. Join with Father Hartt and other members of our Holy Spirit family as we open our chapel downstairs at 7 pm Monday for prayer and meditation.

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage, we humbly beseech Thee we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance; and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in Thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in

Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

All Saints and All Souls Remembered

2008-11-02T19:57:00.006-05:00

We all know of Hallowe'een, celebrated on October 31. The name comes from the phrase, "All Hallow's Eve." It is the day before we celebrate the lives of All Saints, November 1. In the Episcopal Church, we celebrate the passage of our loved ones and all others into the presence of the Lord on November 2, All Souls Day. Here in Holy Spirit, Father Walter Hartt led us in a commemoration service that combined both of our services into one at 9 am. We read the names of our loved ones and prayed for them by name, led by Tom Paul, Jean Rhoads, Barbara Elstone, Eileen Minett, Mary Lou Malone, and Jim Robbins. It was very moving and, although it lengthened the ceremony, it helped to focus our attention on the "cloud of witnesses" who have gone before us. What a wonderful tradition to begin!

Grant us, with all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, to have our consummation and bliss in Your eternal and everlasting glory, and with all Your saints, to receive the crown of life which You promise to all who share in the victory of Your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Time is Growing Short to Help the Meadowview Nursing Home Christmas Party

2008-11-02T18:28:00.003-05:00

Once again this year, our fabulous ladies of the Episcopal Church Women are asking for your help to provide the residents of Meadowview, the Nursing Home of Atlantic County, with a happy Christmas. Each Sunday from now until December 14, 2008, we will have a donation bottle out on our Coffee Hour table in the Fellowship Hall. We hope to collect at least $400 so we may be certain that each patient gets 2 small Christmas gifts, as well as to provide the party food. We are also collecting handmade shawls to warm the hearts of those who are easily chilled. Please give until it feels good! Thank you.

Good Food and Fun Coming Soon

2008-11-02T18:13:00.002-05:00

Our First Friday Potluck Supper will have something new added for November 2008: we'll follow our delicious meal with Crazy Bingo! It's a lot of fun. Bring a dish to share (plan on enough for six people so all can taste your culinary expertise) and three $1 gifts (just get them at the dollar store- nothing expensive, just fun treats). Dinner begins at 6 pm on November 7th downstairs in the Undercroft. After the food, the fun begins. Be there or be sorry!

I Think I Hear Some Sleigh Bells in the Distance.......

2008-11-02T17:22:00.004-05:00

Can you believe how quickly the year is passing? It's almost here... mark your calendar now and plan to join us on Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 for our annual Christmas Bazaar. We'll be here from 9 am until 2 pm. You will be able to have lunch and begin your Christmas shopping, because we'll have so much to choose from on our many tables. Select home-made baked goods, handmade afghans and other gifts, jams, crafts, jewelry, prayer aids and a Kids' Korner. New this year: The Advent Shoppe, with Advent calendars, Christmas stories, and gifts emblazoned with the Episcopal shield. Talk about one of a kind items! We will also have a raffle table (12 prizes to win!), and it's your last opportunity to buy a chance on our patriotic quilted wallhanging. Come support your church and have a great day.

Vestry Committee Goals, 2008

2008-06-28T20:35:00.004-04:00

Stewardship - Buildings and Grounds (Ernie Tews)

Address safety issues.
Repair stucco inside vestibules
Outdoor/Indoor painting

Stewardship - Fund Raising (Grace O’Connor)

More involvement by members.
More support through attendance.
Suggestion box.

Stewardship - Finance (Ed Nuttal)

Keep congregation informed of expenses and income.
Inform congregation of work of Committee.
Develop and implement fall Stewardship Drive.

Worship (Elaine Paul)

Move choir rehearsals out of church.
Continue to experiment with music.
Raise money to move pipe organ and choir to loft.

Evangelism (Mary Lou Malone)

Re-evaluate advertising and signage.
Name Tags for Vestry, ushers and greeters.
New resident's outreach.
Develop ushers and greeters ministry.

Christian Education (Mary DeJohn)

Bible study (church and home).
Raise money for Youth programs (community outreach).
Vacation bible school.

Pastoral Care (Evie Brown)

Continue existing ministry.
Update congregation.
Tape sermons for homebound.

Service (Linda Aho)

Interfaith Health and Services.
Community dinner / Angel Food Ministries (hunger issues).
Family Promise - Atlantic City Shelter (homelessness issues).

Congregational Development (Jim Robbins)

Pictorial Directory.
Revitalize men's group.
Encourage more expansive peace passing and invite all baptized to communion.
Information boards by entrances.

Vicar (The Rev. Terry Martin)

Home Groups.
Home Visits - Five (5) per week.
Web Site.

Notes from the ECW by Eileen Minett

2008-06-04T19:40:00.000-04:00

As you know, we held our May meeting at Calloway’s in Eagleswood. We enjoyed a friendly luncheon beforehand – and didn’t need to cook or wash dishes!

We had a good turn-out. Fourteen ladies came, and I chaired the meeting in the absence of President Rita Lanorith (feel better soon, Jack. Our prayers are with you).

Our June meeting will be an evening one on Wednesday the 11th, with a potluck supper followed by “Crazy Bingo.” We start at 6 pm, and ask you to bring a dish to share with 6 others. We have a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall. We also need each person to bring three $1.00 gifts for use as prizes. We’ll have fun and make lots of noise. Remember, the sun stays up much later in June, so take advantage of it!

Our June card party will be Thursday, June 26 from noon until 4 pm. Sweets and fun: deal me in!

Fundraiser for Coach Vic Moore

2008-06-04T19:33:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine, Ann Corso, asked me to please pass along the following message. If you are unable to attend or contribute, please keep Vic and his family in your prayers:

“I’m a representative of the Friends of Coach Vic Moore Committee. He is an extremely dedicated man who has donated an untold amount of time to the children of LEHT for the past 25 years. He is suffering from inoperable pancreatic cancer. We are having a spaghetti and meatball dinner on June 8th at the LEH Community Center, 317 W. Calabreeze Way, from 3 to 9 pm. We are in need of support from the community with attendance at the dinner, donations of money, prizes for a Chinese auction, and sponsors. Tickets may be purchased for $20 adults, $10 children 12 & under, 5 & under free. Call Tina@ 713-1754 or Pat @ 296-8126. You can also buy tickets at the Pinelands Athletic Department or the St. Theresa’s Church Office. Tickets at the door are $25 and $15. Thank you.”

The Magnetic Church, Part 1

2008-06-04T19:29:00.002-04:00

You heard us announce it from the altar. You read about it here. Now you can begin to share in the knowledge that we gained during our trips to Trenton last month.

A dedicated group of us – Vicar’s Secretary Eileen Minett, Vestry members Jim Robbins, Evie Brown, Ed Nuttall and myself, in addition to Father Terry – traveled up Rt. 539 to the cathedral, some of us both Friday and Saturday, in an effort to learn how to make our church more visitor friendly and welcoming to everyone. We listened as Andrew Weeks discussed steps that we can take to help the unchurched discover a home with Christ, and then with us. We examined our communications such as this newsletter, for instance, and learned how to be more inclusive and accessible. Some points should have been obvious but weren’t, for we took them for granted. Other points needed to be brought to our attention.

I plan to run this as a continuing feature, because it is important for everyone to be aware of the reason behind any changes we consider. We need your help and feedback to be effective.

For instance, at our last Vestry meeting we spoke about our Sunday fellowship. An observation was made that we frequently gravitate to sit with friends exclusively and virtually ignore visitors. We decided to implement a suggestion to reduce the number of tables available after the services with the intention of encouraging a flow of people and conversations with new faces. The experiment resulted in a return to our original configuration as a result of popular opinion.

Now, the compromise is this: with the tables back, we need everyone to be responsible for speaking to at least one new face every week, someone with whom you don’t normally converse. Try a new seat. You may get a new view in more ways than one!

SUR-vey SAYS!

2008-06-04T19:25:00.001-04:00

Did you ever watch the game show “Family Feud?” It pits two “family” groups of five people against each other as they try to guess answers to questions posed to them by the friendly host. Actually, they attempt to read the minds of a surveyed group of people. They gain points based on knowing the answers that a majority of people give. In the version I best remember, Richard Dawson pats the hands of the struggling contestants, calls them all “darling,’” encourages them to chance a guess, and makes faces with us as they offer a bizarre suggestion.

Now imagine that your vestry is one group of contestants. We know the questions on the survey. But how can we guess the correct answers– or those that most people choose– unless you answered your survey?

You know that you got it in the mail. Did you fill it out and send it back to us? Did you put it aside to complete later? Stop reading right now. Find it. Fill it out. Be (cont’d on pg. 2) honest. Answer all the questions. If you need more room, use another page. Get your spouse to give some input. Mail it right away (we gave you the stamped envelope!). Or bring it with you to church on Sunday and drop it into the box at the entrance to the Fellowship Hall.

We truly want to know what you think. We need to have your responses by June 8, because your vestry will meet for a full day on June 14. This will give us time to compile the answers before we discuss them.

Our annual vestry retreat gives us an opportunity to review our accomplishments during the past year. We plan our targets for the remainder of the year and beyond. Our long-range goals may extend past our individual terms of service. Thus we have a great responsibility.

So tell us what you think. Be truthful. Be specific. Offer suggestions for new classes or fundraisers or hymns. Tell us if you like something we do. Let us know if you dislike something. Tell us what you look for on the website, or if you’ve never been on it. Tell me what you want to read in this newsletter. Tell us what you want your church to be.

We promise to read your answers. We may not be able to incorporate every idea or change. We may take a long-range view and delay implementing it, even if we agree, because something else has a higher priority, or a more pressing need. We have that obligation as your leaders. But share your wisdom with us.

Give our “family unit” a chance to earn some points. That means we can all win. Just let us know, as avuncular Richard Dawson cries, what “SUR-vey SAYS!!”

An International Treat Comes to Tuckerton by Penny Hughes

2008-06-04T19:22:00.001-04:00

ESCAPE!! If only for an evening. Come to International Night and savor the dishes of the Mediterranean and the Continent. Experience a culinary adventure, camaraderie and entertainment as the Holy Spirit Undercroft transforms into a European bistro on Saturday, June 21st. Tickets are on sale now! Invite all your friends and family, or just come solo. We’ll seat you family-style with some new friends!

For only $17, enjoy an inexpensive mini-vacation. Our menu explores the Mediterranean for hors d’ouevres: stuffed grape leaves; spanakopita (spinach and cheese pie); Moroccan olives; hummus and pita. We travel to the Continent for entrees: boeuf Bourguignon and Chicken Marengo. Desserts include international sweets such as Peach Melba, made with raspberry sauce, peaches and ice cream. Embrace your beverage selection of iced tea, coffee, hot tea, or fruit-infused water. Yum-O, as Rachel Ray would say!

The evening will feature postcard photos for the guests to take home (and post on your fridge?), art work, fun and games. Listen for the bistro-style music. Can you identify Edith Piaf? Can you recognize the costumed servers? Have fun! Bon appétit!
Do you have a favorite cookie recipe from the homeland? Would you like to share it? Please see Penny Hughes, Ernie or Anna Tews. We would love to showcase your creations on our international sweets table!

Look for Elizabeth Hill or Carol Lofton after Sunday services to purchase your passports to excitement. If you have any questions or want to volunteer for kitchen help, setting up, serving, or cleaning up, contact me (296-4221) or the Tews (296-2603). Remember, all tickets must be purchased by June15. Now, wouldn’t a gift of two tickets for a special dinner make a great Father’s Day present– better than another tie!

More Free Food!

2008-05-07T18:22:00.001-04:00

Here’s some fabulous news! Our community dinners provide a gathering place for approximately 65 people a month! Whether they come for the free meal or they come for the socializing, we succeed in fulfilling one of our stated mission goals. We are “building community.” Not only that, but we inspire others in our community to reach out also. First Presbyterian Church, our neighbor on Main Street, holds its inaugural free community dinner on the second Wednesday of this month, May 14, at 6 pm. Call them at 296-8894 for more information.

Meanwhile, back at our ranch, we continue to showcase some wonderfully creative cuisine cooked up by our own chefs. Scheduled at the stove:

May– Joyce Ott, spaghetti & meatballs;
June– The Tews, an indoor picnic;
July– Marlene Johnson, lasagna.

Show off your skills soon! Call!!

Pentecost and Mary White

2008-05-07T18:17:00.003-04:00

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4

Try to put yourself in with the apostles. It has been fifty days since Jesus rose from the dead, ten days since “he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” Acts1:9. They still must be reeling from so many strange happenings, so far from everyday life, beyond anything they could imagine. They remain men wanted by the authorities, and one of their own “family” had turned in their leader– for money, for principle, it hardly mattered which. How confused they must feel! How cut adrift from all they know!

And yet they stay hopeful. They select potential replacements for Judas, narrowing down the field until 2 equally strong candidates remain. They “cast lots” to resolve the deadlock, and thus Matthias becomes an apostle.

But still they gather together behind closed doors, on the second floor of a building that tradition says is the same one that they shared their last meal with their friend, mourning their loss and deciding what their next step should be. About 120 followers of Jesus are there, gathered for the Jewish festival of Shavuot, commemorating the day Moses received the Torah, or written law, from God while he was on Mt. Sinai. Pilgrims from around the known world visit Jerusalem for the feast also, so hearing the foreign languages could be expected. But not expected is hearing their friends speak so the out-of-town guests could understand them! Equipped with such a tool, they fan out to all corners of the world to spread the news of these miracles!

Centuries later, in a country on a continent not dreamed of when the apostles spread their news, a widow decided to share that Good News with others in her community. Growing up in Philadelphia, she had access to beautiful, historical Episcopal churches. For example, St. Peter’s at 3rd and Pine was built in 1761, and the nation’s founders worshipped there. Mary White was unable to provide such a setting as the elegant churches of her hometown, but she opened the doors of her home at 127 Wood Street. The first Episcopal church service in Tuckerton was celebrated in her front parlor in 1947. Some current members of our church attended services in her home. Holy Innocents Church in Beach Haven loaned us a priest, The Rev. Russell Clapp, and he officiated at the services until November 1952.

Tragically, Mary White’s home caught fire on December 2, 1952. Burned extensively, she died that day in Paul Kimball Hospital in Lakewood. Neighbors buried Mrs. White in Tuckerton. Mary White was survived by a brother, but we know of no other family members.

Evie Brown told The Rt. Rev. Sylvestre Romero the story of our roots during his visit in October. He remarked that Mrs. White should be honored somewhere in our church. And so a quest began.

Join us on Sunday May 11 as we dedicate our library in her honor. We will rename it “The Mary White Library.” Evie will lead us after the service to the cemetery where Mrs. White is buried. There we can say some private prayers to honor the woman who brought us together.

New Support Group Meeting at Holy Spirit

2008-05-07T18:07:00.002-04:00

Are you a grandparent? Are you a grandparent raising your grandchildren? As we mentioned last month, The Center for Healing and Wholeness, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Tuckerton, will offer a support group facilitated by our own Anna Tews in our own Mary White Library beginning on June 3.

The brochure explains:

Many grandparents are still struggling with the parenting role, whether with their children, grandchildren, or both. Keeping with that, our group will discuss some common issues. The meeting will offer each of us the chance to share our knowledge, hopes and strengths. Together, we will decide what areas of concern we would like to explore. We will have guest speakers and activities. Please join us as we focus on such topics as:
when marriages fail
sense of loss due to the inability to visit your grandchild
changes in your social life due to raising a grandchild
long-distance grandparenting
step-grandparenting
care and wellbeing of the grandparent as parent
real issues in raising grandchildren
tensions between parent and grandparent

The purpose of this support group is to provide a safe environment where individuals receive support, guidance, and validation.

This support group meets the first and third Tuesday of each month, starting June 3, 2008, from 10:00 am until 11:30 am. To register, please call (609)296-8300. Walk-ins are welcome!

The support group is free of charge. Donations are always appreciated to assist with the cost of materials.

Anna tells us that she is excited to start this new service project. Holding the meetings in our Library, with our nursery across the hall, is a major help for the attendees even though babysitting is not provided.

Ernie Tews says that he’s just glad she will get the chance to use her degree in psychology!

Get Away From Everyday by Penny Hughes

2008-05-07T18:05:00.000-04:00

We’ll Have a Hot Time in the Old Town in June

2008-05-07T18:01:00.002-04:00

Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home, or near your kitchen? Do you know how to use it? Have you ever practiced using it?

Have you ever seen the extinguishers in our church? We have ten, five on each floor. Can you find them? Can you use them?

Ernie Tews and our expert Building & Grounds Committee, in conjunction with the Tuckerton Fire department, are setting up a Training Saturday in June that could save your life. The free session will be held in our parking lot and teach you how to use the devices, in our church and especially in our kitchen( and yours!). Many of the other churches in the Tuckerton area will participate with us in this effort. More details about the training session will follow in the next newsletter. Meanwhile, look for the extinguishers in our church!!

A Russian Treasure Found in Tuckerton!

2008-04-15T19:49:00.001-04:00

Ask Maria Doukhnai what the big difference is between her native Russia and the United States, and she’ll tell you, “The language.” The people are the same, with the same concerns of raising a family, paying bills, jobs and so on. It’s just the location and the way they speak that differs.

The beautiful city of St. Petersburg in Russia was Maria’s birthplace and her home for her childhood. Founded on May 27, 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great, the city grew into a capital following western-styled ideas. The Russian Revolution changed its importance (and later its name to Leningrad), moving the capital back to Moscow. Saint Petersburg remained the second largest city in Russia, and the fourth largest in Europe.

Surrounded by palaces, cathedrals, and magnificent buildings, Maria grew up surrounded by history and culture. She chose to honor her God-given talent and become a musician. She earned her degree from the St. Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts, a Bachelor of Arts in Community and Human Services with a concentration in Choral Conducting. Shortly after her graduation, she moved to Moscow. She began her career as a teacher of music and voice, working in a semi-professional theater. She also taught successively in a preschool, a kindergarten, an elementary, a middle and what we call a high school, teaching music and musical theory to children. She moved back to Saint Petersburg and continued her performing career by working as an accompanist and choir director for the Theater of Culture and Arts.

In 1997, she needed to earn more money to support herself, her mother and her young son. The economy was tight in the Soviet Union, and it was difficult to buy food to feed everyone. She recalled at least three times that she needed to feed her son Yuri ice cream for dinner because nothing else was in the stores. Although a dream dinner for most children (and my dad), as a mother she was concerned for his health– not enough vitamins can be supplied in a meal that is not balanced.

Maria embarked on a new career as a travel agent to earn more money. She did well, and enjoyed the perks such as free travel. She saved her time off, and after awhile she decided to visit a friend in the Philadelphia area. She arrived on March 18, in time to attend an engagement party for her friend. She sat at a table in the Chestnut Hill restaurant, unable to speak English, but comfortable because her friend was a member of the Russian expatriate community in that area. A few seats away was a man who also had grown up in Saint Petersburg. They spoke in their native tongue, and by the end of the evening Maria wanted to know the man better.

Before her three week vacation was over, Maria knew that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Alex Doukhnai. She couldn’t return to Russia, because it would take far too many years to reunite. Her son was safely in the care of her mother back in Russia, so Maria and Alex married.

Now financial problems began to surface. In 1998, economic problems following the collapse of the Soviet Union forced more privations on Russian citizens. Older people found that their pension was not enough, but after age 55, it was hard to find a job. The Doukhnais needed to send money back to support both their families. Maria was in a quandary. She had never in her wildest dreams imagined moving to the United States. She did not even speak English. How could she possibly help? What type of job could she get?

Alex combed the classified ads. There it was, an answer to their prayers: a small church in Tuckerton needed an organist. They came to the interview. Maria told me, “Ask Grace or Evie. I sat here, and Alex sat right next to me, translating their questions and my answers. I couldn’t make myself understood. But they took the chance!” Her first service was on August 1, 1998 in the little church on Green Street.

Ten years later, Maria credits her Holy Spirit “family” for helping to teach her to speak English. Her son Yuri graduated from Rutgers University last December with a degree in cartography. He lives in Tampa and works for The Mosaic Company, an international corporation, mapping deposits of phosphate for mining, destined for use in fertilizer. Mosaic is the leading producer of phosphate and potash, and they pride themselves on their role in providing nutrition for the world.

Maria and Alex also have two beautiful daughters, Kassia (8 years old) and Lada (6 1/2 years old). They are very active girls. They study gymnastics, ballet, ice skating, art, and piano (of course!). They are Girl Scouts in addition to everything else. They keep their parents hopping!

Maria’s mom also has joined her daughter on this side of the world. She lives among the Russian community in Boston, and finds everyone truly friendly.

Maria passed the Praxis exam two years ago, and recently began a full time position at Mainland High School in Linwood. She advises the Choir Club as they prepare to compete for the South Jersey Chorus/All-State Chorus. Her club performs 2 formal evening concerts a year, as well as benefits and traveling shows for local schools.

Maria also teaches piano and voice to 28 private students each week. She organizes two recitals a year: one in June and one at Christmas. Maria proudly points to her membership in the National Federation of Music Clubs, and is privileged to be a certified judge of the competitions. She feels that the competitions are valuable learning tools for the students, because they compete against themselves, not each other. She spent 14 hours one Saturday last month evaluating a competition. Sixteen of her students were among the competitors. Afterwards, each student received an individualized assessment of his/her performance, designed to help each one to improve and encouraging each to do better.

Maria has seen huge changes in Moscow since she left the country. “The people live much better. The value of an education, ruined under Gorbachev, is returning. The transitional time was very bad, but now under Putin people feel much better. I remember standing in line to buy food, but now the markets are clean and well stocked. It may have only been a period of 1 1/2 years, but still it was devastating. Old churches are reopening and being restored to their former glory, where possible. (Some of they were razed and others converted to other uses such as museums.) People are happier.” And we couldn’t be happier that a concert-trained professional musician found her way to live with us and share her wonderful gifts! How much poorer we would be without her in our lives- and our church!

Shhh! Be Vewy Quiet! We’re Hunting Bearberries!

2008-04-15T19:41:00.001-04:00

One grey, chilly, damp Saturday morning in March, three intrepid explorers set out from Little Egg Harbor. Junior Warden Ernie Tews, Senior Warden Mary Lou Malone and Joyce Ott were on a hunt for the perfect plants to line the walkway leading from East Main Street to the main entrance of Holy Spirit. They armed themselves with a tank of gas and directions from MapQuest, then headed west on Route 539 to Jackson NJ to find Rare Find Nursery.

They traveled through the Pine Barrens areas burned last spring in the wildfire, and the areas burned this year in a controlled fashion by the NJ Forest Service. They spoke of the delicate balance between the native plants found in our area and the availability of water in the sandy soil surrounding us. The further they rode, the brighter the sky became, until the sun finally came out and blessed their mission. The three travelers encountered few difficulties with their trip until they came close to the nursery. Here the Internet directions became a little confusing: West Commodore Drive intersected West Commodore, and Patterson Road showed itself to be a dirt path. But their final arrival at the nursery was the reward.

Prior to the journey, Ernie, as Junior Warden charged with the care of our Building and Grounds, organized a committee of interested parishioners to lay the groundwork for our long-term landscaping design. Members included Frank Lofton, a certified master gardener, and experienced hobbyists. They considered factors such as the frequency of drought conditions in our region and the lack of a ready source of water for plants in our gardens. The committee concentrated first on the walkway. They recommended a combination of a low-growing, sturdy native evergreen groundcover named red bearberry and a slightly taller evergreen shrub called sand myrtle.

Both plants are native to our region. They stay green all year and require little water after the first few years. Once established, they drop their roots deeply enough into the soil to find water if drought conditions arise. Since water is not readily available so far away from the building, this is a major consideration.
Bearberry grows 6 to 12 inches high and branches trail up to 10 feet away. Flowers appear from March to July, small pinkish temple bells clustered near the ends of the branches. Red berries appear in the fall, providing food for birds and -you guessed it!- bears. Humans can eat them, but we’d find them tasteless. The plants therefore are child-safe. The branches are woody, but they are not brittle. If accidentally stepped on, they should survive.

The travelers saw these plants and literally thousands of others once they arrived. Jay Schoss, resident specialist in plants of the Pine Barrens, showed them bearberry and sand myrtle, then led them on a tour of the greenhouses. They piled onto a golf cart for a complete tour of the acres of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, Japanese maples, hollies and other trees and shrubs growing among the pines. A planned bog garden simulating areas in the Pine Barrens showed more plants, such as the carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, grown for sale and available in a variety of unusual color combinations.

Jay confided in our representatives that all of the plants are grown from seed or cuttings. None are dug up from the wild. And, he told us that he knew of a stand of native bearberry bushes growing partway up the entrance road to Warren Grove Bombing Range. Not anxious to be arrested as terrorist spies, our travelers opted to believe him without taking a side trip to verify his claim. They returned home with catalogues and ample information to agree that the plant choices would accomplish the goal.

Ernie and his committee plan a Spring Dig-up and Clean-up Day once they have arrived. The committee has scheduled it for May 3. Join us, honoring both Earth Day (Apr. 22) and Arbor Day (Apr. 27), and plant some bearberry bushes!

Can You Be A Magnet For Our Church?

2008-04-15T19:30:00.002-04:00

I remember visiting my grandparents as a child and playing with a set of black and white Scottie dog magnets. If you pushed them one way, they chased each other around the table and never caught up. If you turned them another way, they snapped together and were difficult to separate. When one was hidden by a simple piece of paper between them, the unseen one below could move the visible one without the need to touch it. Surely magic was at work!

I had another toy to play with there. It was a small plastic box decorated with the face of a clean-shaven bald man. I used a red metal stick, touching it to the picture and lifting it up, moving iron filings and giving the man hair and a beard. Magnet magic again!

My science teacher later taught me to make my own magnets. Using a bar magnet, I slid a small flat piece of iron across it repeatedly in the same direction, and I “aligned the atoms,” allowing me to pick up nails and paper clips. I made an electromagnet by coiling wire around another nail. When touched to a small square battery, the resulting powerful magnet could pick up items far heavier than the nail. The strength of the magnetic field depended on the number of coils and the diameter of the wire.

Apply this lesson to our church. Magnets are powerful tools to attract people, but if turned the wrong way, they will chase people away. You don’t need to see the magnet for its power to move you. Lastly, the more people who join together into the circle around the core of faith in God, the more powerful the attraction, and the harder it is to break.

Wow! What an idea! How can we use it?

Come to the Magnetic Church Conference led by Andrew Weeks and find out! To quote from the catalogue of the Ministry Institute: “The Magnetic Church Conference is non-confrontational, practical evangelism to help our churches attract and retain new members. The Diocesan Congregational Development Committee is pleased that noted evangelist Andrew Weeks will be presenting this event. To learn more about his ministry, see www.magnetic-church.com. This event is co-sponsored by the Diocesan Congregational Development Committee and the Right Onward Visioning Committee.”

The two-day conference is scheduled for Friday, May 2 from 7 to 10 pm and Saturday, May 3 from 9 am to 4 pm in Trinity Cathedral, Trenton.

To quote Andrew Weeks:

“ Why Bother to Attend? Come for yourself!
Wondering what God’s next call for you might be? If it were your choice, would evangelism be last on your list because your images of evangelism are of weepy, cash-grubbing orators on TV or loud street-corner demagogues? Then come and learn about models of evangelism appropriate for you! Along the way, you may discover your gifts as author, editor, planter, greeter or shepherd, and reap some of the amazing joy of being God’s instrument in changing other people’s lives.

Come for your community!
A staggering percentage of Americans (nationally, 40%) do not attend church. That means so many of the children in your own community are not learning the Lord’s Prayer or any of the stories of Jesus. That means all those adults are stuck with being able to believe only in themselves. You can share with them the life-saving gift of knowing the security of being able to rely on God.

Come for your own church!
You want to become more involved in the mission and ministry of your own church but you’re not sure where to begin, what to do, or how to apply your own unique gifts and personal talents? Begin by coming to this event to learn a whole lot about practical evangelism.

And along the way… You may discover new ways to apply your talents and skills by helping your property team to make all of your signs, buildings and grounds more attractive and inviting. Perhaps you will author or help redesign or edit your church newsletter, Sunday bulletins/inserts or web pages, and assist in transforming them from old, maintenance member-oriented organs to new, evangelism-oriented tools. The possibilities are endless!”

Quoting our catalogue once again: “Andrew Weeks is a cradle Anglican who was born in Canada and moved to the US to work for Arthur Anderson, Walter Kidde, and other corporate entities. He was an executive who became a management consultant for operations. He began his work as an evangelist helping churches to change their ways to reach out to church visitors after encountering obstacles in his own search for a new church community, including attitudes that it was ‘all up to the visitor to figure things out’ and ‘if visitors were really interested, they would figure it out!’”

Join us! Carpool with us! Learn with us! Become a coil in our powerful magnet! Help to change the “faces” of those around you!

Holy Spirit Has A New Association!

2008-04-15T19:06:00.002-04:00

Have you heard about the Center for Healing and Wholeness? Headquartered in the First United Methodist Church on Green Street, the Center brings together people in our community with trained staff who help support them during difficult times. The Center’s mission statement says it “is an interfaith and interdisciplinary center dedicated to serving the community.” Support groups meet once or twice a month for 1-1/2 hours each session. Counselors and facilitators guide the members. The groups do ask for donations to defray costs, purchase literature and provide light refreshments.

Currently these groups are meeting each month in FUMC:

Chronic Pain, 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 pm- 8:30 pm

Living Beyond Grief, 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7 pm– 8:30 pm

Parenting, 1st Tuesday, 7 pm– 8:30 pm

Here’s the exciting news: beginning in June, our own Anna Tews will facilitate a support group for Grandparents (especially grandparents raising grandchildren) which will meet the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays from 10 am to 11:30 am here in HS. She’ll be in our library, with the nursery across the hall available for the children to play. Other groups under discussion include Achieving Economic Goals and Families of Deployed Military Personnel. Call their office at 296-8300 to sign up.

Easter Egg Hunt Today!

2008-03-23T10:15:00.002-04:00

Bring your children and join us after the 10:30 AM service today for the Easter Egg Hunt!

Holy Saturday

2008-03-22T03:23:00.000-04:00

Matthew 27:57-61

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.

1. Silence

2. Read and listen for a word.

3. Meditate.

4. Read and listen for revelation.

5. Read and listen for praxis.

6. Silence.

Good Friday

2008-03-22T03:22:00.000-04:00

John 19:25b-27

Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.

1. Be still.

2. Read and listen for your word.

3. Meditate

4. Read and listen. What is God revealing to you?

5. Read and listen. What is God calling you to do?

6. Be still, resting in God's presence.

Maunday Thursday

2008-03-22T03:21:00.000-04:00

John 13:12-15

After Jesus had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord--and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you."

Wednesday in Holy Week

2008-03-22T03:20:00.001-04:00

John 13:33-35

Jesus said, "Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, `Where I am going, you cannot come.' I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

1. Sit in silence.

2. Read the text, listening for your word or phrase.

3. Return to the silence, meditating on your word or phrase.

4. Read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be revealing to you.

5. Read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling you to do.

6. Return to the silence, resting in God's presence.

Tuesday in Holy Week

2008-03-22T03:18:00.000-04:00

John 12:44-47

Then Jesus cried aloud: "Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world."

1. Enter the silence, quieting your mind and your heart.

2. Engage the text, listening for your word or phrase.

3. Return to the silence, meditating on your word or phrase.

4. Read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be saying or showing you.

5. Read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling you to do.

6. Return to the silence, resting in God's presence.

Monday in Holy Week

2008-03-22T03:16:00.000-04:00

John 12:3-8:

Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."

1. Begin in silence, quieting your mind and your heart, becoming silent, empty, and open to God.

2. Engage the text, preferably reading it aloud to yourself, listening for a word or phrase that seems to speak to you at this moment.

3. Return to the silence, meditating on the word or phrase you have heard, and noting the thoughts or images that it brings forth.

4. Read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be saying or showing you in this passage. Listen with your heart, not your head. How does this passage touch your daily life?

5. Read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling you to do in light of this time of reflection and meditation.

6. Return to the silence, resting in God's presence.

The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

2008-03-22T03:14:00.001-04:00

Matthew 26:69-75:

Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Galilean." But he denied it before all of them, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about." When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." Again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man." After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you." Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, "I do not know the man!" At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: "Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.

1. We begin in silence, quieting our minds and our hearts, becoming silent, empty, and open to God.

2. We engage the text, preferably reading it aloud to ourselves, listening for a word or phrase that seems to speak to us at that moment.

3. We return the silence, meditating on the word or phrase we have heard, and noting the thoughts or images that it brings forth.

4. We read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be saying or showing us in this passage. We listen with our hearts. How does this passage touch your daily life?

5. We read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling us to do in light of this time of reflection and meditation.

6. We return to the silence, resting in God's presence.

Preparing for Holy Week

2008-03-22T03:07:00.002-04:00

This will be a variation of the tradition of Lectio Divina. The variation is very similar to the African/Lambeth Bible Study; I'll introduce a new passage from scripture each day.

We will begin in silence, quieting our minds and our hearts, using centering prayer methods, breathing exercises, the Jesus Prayer, or whatever else helps us become silent, empty, and open to God.

We'll then engage the text, preferably reading it aloud to ourselves, listening for a word or phrase that seems to speak to us at that moment.

We then re-enter the silence, meditating on the word or phrase we have heard, and noting the thoughts or images that it brings forth.

We read the passage a second time, now listening for what God might be saying or showing us in this passage. This is not a time for intellectual pondering, but listening with the heart. How does this passage touch your daily life?

We read the passage a third time, listening for what God might be calling us to do in light of this time of reflection and meditation.

And finally, we return to the silence, resting in God's presence.

I realize that this kind of thing is not for everyone. But even if it seems a bit too "touchy feely" for you, I encourage you to use this as an opportunity to "be still and know that I am God."

Those of you who will be participating are encouraged to share your thoughts and reflections, what you "heard," in the comments.

The Rev. Terry Martin,
Vicar

Episcopal Church Women at Holy Spirit

2008-02-06T15:08:00.000-05:00

We convened our first meeting of the year on January 15 at 1:30 pm. We covered many items with our agenda:

We held our first Card & Game Party of the year on Jan. 22, and had a great, noisy time. Our next scheduled Card & Game Parties are planned for Feb. 21 and Mar. 13, both Thursdays. We start at noon in the Undercroft. Bring a dish to share for lunch and your favorite games. Plan now to join us.

All women from our parish are invited to attend the Atlantic District Meeting on Feb. 12, 2008. It will be held at St. Mark’s & All Saints in Galloway beginning at 10:30 am. I am unable to go due to a conflicting board meeting at Interfaith, and need to have our church represented. If you are interested, please contact me.

Our menu for the Invite A Friend Sunday was to be simple and filling: bagels & spreads, fruit salads, veggies & dips, pies, brownies, and other sweets for a Continental breakfast.

We hope to have a luncheon meeting at Calloway’s in Eagleswood in May. More details will follow.

Meadowview was immensely pleased with our generous gifts and party to celebrate Christmas. As I stood in the hall speaking with one of the nurses, the elevator doors opened and we saw one of the dears in her wheelchair, with one lap robe over her legs and another around her shoulders. That inspires us to alter our projects for this year. We will make bags to hang on the walkers; shawls with ties to keep them on;
small traveling pillows, both knit and made of fabric; and at Christmas– small stockings that hold plastic cutlery: knife, fork, spoon and a napkin. Some material has been purchased, but we can use more. Also, please keep your eyes open for bags of stuffing to use for the pillows. They sometimes go on sale at the local craft stores. You could also use the discount coupon and subtract it from the regular price of the bag. We were very successful this year and provided gifts for 187 residents. We would like to duplicate that success this year. People can do projects at home in their leisure hours, or join us Wednesdays from 10 am until 3 pm. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Beverages will be provided.

Once again our ECW will offer the Hulsizer Scholarship to a graduating senior at Pinelands High School. We would also like to offer an award, which is a smaller amount of money, but still valuable for a student attending college.
Many more topics will be covered in the months to come. Please plan to join us Feb. 19 and enjoy our company!

Whatever Happened to Saint Valentine?

2008-02-06T15:04:00.000-05:00

When we were little, February 14 was called Saint Valentine’s Day. Whatever happened to him?

Well, it turns out that Valentine was a very popular name in ancient Rome, and the Roman Catholic Church dropped the celebration from the list of saints in 1969 because they could not identify one person who could have been the namesake! It could be for a bishop of Terni beheaded during the reign of Claudius II, or a simple priest who was thrown into jail for helping persecuted Christians and beheaded on February 14. Or is it named for someone who secretly married lovers in the Christian fashion when it was forbidden, or wrote letters to his jailer’s daughter, or was a missionary in Africa?

Whoever the inspiration, the concept of expressing your love to someone close to you should not be relegated only to one day in February. Tell people often, and show them. Love one another!

Are You Too Busy for God?

2008-02-06T14:44:00.000-05:00

Are you too busy for God? Sounds sacrilegious, doesn’t it? But that’s how many of us feel. We’re running from doctors’ appointments to sports practice to games to work to shopping to….. We don’t mean to leave Him out of the schedule, but it happens. What can we do to fight it?

During this year’s Lenten Program, we will discuss video presentations by authors Susan and Gregory Jones, who will help us to examine our busy lives and learn to be present with ourselves, with each other, and with God. Topics will include:

Listening to the right voices;
Keeping time;
Self-awareness;
Listening alone, and listening together.

Our Lenten Program will begin on Friday, February 8 at 5:45 pm in the downstairs hall. The schedule for the program will be:

5:45 pm: Evening Prayer

6:00 pm: Simple Meal (soup and bread)

6:15 pm: Program- “Attentiveness: Being Present.”

Please join us as we enjoy some delicious soups and breads, watch some thought-provoking videos, and explore God’s presence among us.

Ash Wednesday Services

2008-02-04T08:31:00.000-05:00

Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist will be held this Wednesday, February 6 at 7 am, 12 noon and 7 pm. Please join us; be marked as Christ’s own with ashes.

A Major Milestone Arrives for Holy Spirit

2008-01-03T20:36:00.000-05:00

Have you marked your calendar yet? Are you planning to attend? It’s that time of year… when our church plans for the future. You are an important part of that future.

Here’s your chance to have a voice in our decision-making process by attending our annual meeting on January 20, 2008. We present reports on the activities of all of our committees during the previous year, and elect the new members of our Vestry
(technically our Mission Committee, but that’s a longer name!), as well as our convention and convocation delegates. This is one difference between the Episcopal Church and many others: we trust– and expect!- our lay members to participate equally in the leadership of our church.

This is a vital time in the life of our congregation. We need to have a firm foundation as we continue the transition from a small church to our current home.
We will vote to fill two three-year seats on our Mission Committee and the position of Senior Warden. In addition, we need to replace 2 MC members who vacated their seats and have 2 years remaining of their terms and formalize the appointment of another member. This election will change the personality of our leadership significantly, since half of the members may change.

Our By-Laws are specific about the nomination process for the candidates. According to the By-Laws of the Church of the Holy Spirit:

Article IV: Committees
4.a) A Nominating Committee shall be comprised of two (2) Mission Committee members and two (2) members of the congregation who are not members of the Mission Committee. Said Nominating Committee shall convene at least forty-five (45) days prior to the annual meeting. The names, addresses and telephone numbers of the Nominating Committee shall be published and the Committee members shall receive recommendations for elective mission officers from any member of the congregation entitled to vote at the annual meeting who in turn shall ascertain from those recommended whether or not they will serve and thereafter make nominations for said elective officers from those recommended at the next annual meeting of the congregation.

b) The Vicar may attend the first meeting to offer suggestions to the Nominating Committee.

c) The recommendations of the Nominating Committee will be made known collectively at the annual meeting when nominations are opened. After which nominations may be received from the floor by a motion and a second by voting members of the congregation.

Our Nominating Committee, comprised of Evie Brown, Mary Malone, and Bill Chapman, all of them reaching the end of their elected terms, as well as Marlene Johnson, feel they were guided by God as they selected a slate of candidates You have the opportunity to submit your name, or that of others, during the election for our new leaders. Candidates for elected office must be eligible voters, and meet the following requirements, according to the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church in New Jersey:

Canon 49, Section 2: The voters shall be baptized, at least sixteen (16) years of age, domiciled in the Parish or adjacent thereto, of good moral character, adhering to this Church and no other religious body, regular attendants at the services of the Church in the said Parish, meaning thereby those who are more frequently present than absent unless for a good cause prevented and regular contributors to the current expenses of the Parish for six months next before the said annual meeting in the manner proscribed by the Vestry of said Parish. Any members not baptized or confirmed in the Parish must have been enrolled as members of the Parish in accordance with the provisions of the Canons, or must be baptized persons who have been received on their written request to the Rector or to one of the Wardens if there be no Rector; and said Rector or Wardens shall keep a list of all who have been received as voters, which list shall be open to inspection by the members of the Parish. No one shall be permitted to vote or be eligible to office in more than one Parish in this Diocese.

Or, if you prefer:
A ”communicant in good standing” is a baptized person who has received Holy Communion in this church at least three times in the preceding year and who has been faithful in corporate worship and in working, praying, and giving for the spread of the Kingdom.

If you wish to nominate someone, please confirm their eligibility with Father Terry prior to the meeting.

You also have an opportunity to examine the 2008 budget approved by your Vestry and Father Terry. We make a bold statement this year with this document: we choose not to ask the Diocesan Board of Missions for a grant this year. This represents a leap of faith that God will continue to guide us in the direction He wishes us to travel.
This decision is not made lightly, but with the knowledge that the Diocese itself must be a cautious steward of its funds. We have received hundreds of thousands of dollars during the last 2 years as we purchased our new home and the property across the street. We must allow other churches the opportunity to share in the limited resources Trenton makes available to all qualifying missions.

This is part of the challenge awaiting our new Mission Committee (or Vestry) members. Yet another challenge will be the expansion of our church membership. Our current membership needs help shouldering the burdens (and physical demands!) of all of our on-going programs and fellowship events. As the old saying goes, “Many hands makes the work light.”

Please join us Jan. 20. Make an informed choice, and make a difference in the future of Holy Spirit.

Free Community Dinner, January 30, 6 to 7 pm

2008-01-03T20:34:00.000-05:00

Free Community Dinner in the Undercroft! Every month we host a free dinner for the community. Holy Spirit pays for the food and supplies. You provide the labor. Are you tempted to try to host, but aren’t sure if your cooking skills are up to the task? Don’t worry– plenty of people are willing to co-chair! Or just help to set up or clean up. Call the parish office for more information.

Boston Coffee Cake Sale, January 6

2008-01-03T20:30:00.000-05:00

Here’s your chance to place orders for the delicious Boston Coffee Cakes which will be delivered for Palm Sunday. Ordering continues only through February 17, so get your info and place your request now. Great-tasting cakes and supporting our church: two good things in one!

How to Make A Difference to Holy Spirit

2008-01-03T20:29:00.000-05:00

January 1 means that many people make new resolutions to become better people during the next year. Often these resolutions fall by the wayside because they are overly ambitious and become burdensome. Here are a few suggestions to help you make a difference without causing you a lot of pain or expense:

1. Buy gift cards to use in Acme, ShopRite, or Shop’N Bag. Yes, you heard correctly. Every Sunday, after each service, members of our fund-raising committee sell gift cards to use in any one of these 3 food stores. Holy Spirit earns a 5% rebate on each card, and you get the full value of the card when you go to the food store. You don’t have any restrictions on when to use them, and you do not need to purchase particular products. You can still receive double coupons or any other promotional offer from the stores. It costs you nothing, so it does not impact your budget. Yet, last year Holy Spirit made over $2,700 to help pay our expenses. Do you spend $200 a month on food? You can donate $10 to Holy Spirit, or another $120 a year, without paying an additional cent. Start now, and start small. Cards are available in denominations of $5, $10, and $25. Just like any other gift card, you don’t need to use the entire card at one time. Unlike other gift cards, there is no penalty for not using it quickly. Buy one to keep in your wallet for times that you stop at the store on your way home from work for milk or bread. But who doesn’t need to buy food? You can always be sure that you have those extra dollars for necessities this way.

2. Host one coffee hour after the Sunday service of your choice. Father Terry calls the fellowship after Holy Communion “the eighth sacrament.” Admit it: you enjoy it too. Why not become a part of the fun? It need not be costly. Just bring milk for the coffee and a snack to share. If you like to bake, you can take this opportunity to show off without needing to keep it all yourself, tempting you to stray from your diet. If you don’t bake, use those gift cards mentioned in #1 to buy coffee cakes or assorted doughnuts at the store. You set up the coffee and tea pots, and stay to clean up afterwards. Let’s see: 52 weeks a year, 2 services, some weeks with special events like the annual meeting, means about 100 coffee hours… yeah, we can all do one week a year.

Look! You made a difference !

It's Mardi Gras Time Again!

2008-01-03T20:24:00.000-05:00

Are you ready? We have an early Easter this year (March 23), so Ash Wednesday falls on February 6– the day after the Presidential primary here in New Jersey! That means the Saturday before Ash Wednesday is February 2– Groundhog Day. How scrambled up is that?

It also means that you better scramble to buy your tickets to our second annual Mardi Gras celebration dinner. Holy Spirit’s answer to Emeril, Anna and Ernie Tews, have whipped up a fabulous menu to be served family-style beginning at 6 pm. This year’s dinner will still only cost $17.00 per person, but here’s what you’ll get: salad/appetizer; your choice of seafood or chicken gumbo; and chicken & sausage etouffee for the main course. Dessert will be New Orleans bread pudding served with bourbon sauce and whipped cream, along with King cake.

Purchase your tickets after each Sunday service. Elizabeth Hill will help you after the 8 am service, and Carol Lofton after the 10:30 am. Last date of sale will be January 27, if any still remain, and no tickets will be sold at the door. Once again, seating is by reservation, but we can accommodate group if you notify us in advance. Just tell us how many will join you, and we’ll block off your seats.

If you need more info, or want to join in the fun, please call the parish office. We still need help decorating, setting up, cooking and serving. Oh– did I mention the 50/50 raffle?

Mardi Gras is the end of Carnival, which always begins on Twelfth Night (Epiphany, January 6) and ends on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras celebrations are held throughout the world, but surely you will have no more fun anywhere else than with us in HS!

A Gift From a Friend: Priceless

2008-01-03T20:20:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had a friend give you a gift that you were not expecting to receive? How did you feel? Were you embarrassed? Did you want to give your friend something back in return? How could you do that graciously, especially if the gift meant something special to your friend or had a great value attached?

Well, Someone has given you a great gift. He gave His life for your salvation. Jesus is that friend, of course. We have an idea for something that you can give Him back in return. At the same time, you can give a friend here on earth a gift even MasterCard would call “priceless”: the gift of eternal life.

January 27, 2008 will be the first Invite A Friend Sunday in the Diocese of New Jersey. The entire Diocese– all 160 parishes! - will participate in this great event to help the “unchurched” (meaning the 80% of the American population who are not associated with any organized religious groups) feel comfortable enough to try to attend one of our services. You will play a major part because you can be a “bridge to God” for a friend who no longer attends church, or never did in the first place.
Think about it. You probably have regular contact with six or seven people who have only been to church for a wedding or a funeral during the past 6 months, if they’ve been at all. These are the people who would never think to attend a Christmas church service, much less an annual meeting!

We call them your “circle of contacts.” These are the people that become your circle for sharing the good news of everlasting life through Jesus. We can suggest at least eight categories: Neighbors; hobby and recreation friends, like your fishing buddies or quilting ladies; co-workers (be careful here not to stop on corporate toes, but let people know how happy you are in your church, and make them feel comfortable asking you questions); personal friends; contacts in clubs and organizations, like the Red Hatters; relatives; newcomers to our community; and families with new babies. You may not know someone in each category, or you may know more than one person in a particular category. That’s okay. These are just general guidelines. Pray for your contacts daily, and ask God to send the Holy Spirit to you. As you pray for your friend, ask God to reveal a need in his/her life which may give you the opportunity to tell your friend how your faith sustains you.

Rely on the Holy Spirit for help. Don’t think that you need to do this alone. Remember how God sent the Holy Spirit on that first Pentecost to help His disciples? Ask Him to help you now.

Be prepared to answer some hard questions. Start by asking yourself some, such as: what prompted me to visit this congregation when I was looking for a new church home? Was it just because it was Episcopal? Why did I become a member of Holy Spirit? What is special and unique about our congregation that would appeal to guests? What would someone new to our congregation receive by becoming one of us? What would our congregation gain by inviting friends to visit with us for worship and other activities? Do I really want new people in our congregation (be honest with yourself. Why or why not?)? Would new people be welcomed in our congregation?

I would answer the last question with an unqualified “yes.” We have learned to greet strange faces and welcome them to coffee hour, or to the altar rail. We must continue to seek them out at the “Sign of the Peace.”

We have a lot to do in the next few weeks leading up to Invite A Friend Sunday. You will receive lots more info as the weeks pass. Please begin now to consider who might benefit from an invitation issued personally by you. As Episcopalians, we will definitely “step out of our comfort zone” when we begin to speak about our faith. But if you begin to prepare now, and drop a few hints occasionally that you are willing to discuss your faith if anyone has questions, you may open the door for others to reach out to God through you.

Now that’s “paying it forward” in a big way! What a great gift to give your friend– at no charge to you! Truly a “Priceless” gift!

Free Community Dinner, December 26

2007-12-02T08:36:00.000-05:00

Looking for a few good people to cook, serve and clean up on Boxing Day, the British holiday for servants to return home. Join us for a home-cooked meal in thanks for God's blessings. To reserve your seat, call the parish office.

ECW Christmas Celebration at Meadowview Nursing Home, December 19

2007-12-02T08:33:00.000-05:00

Our ECW provides gifts and party fixings for all 177 residents so they may celebrate Our Lord’s birth. ECW prepares throughout the year for this very special celebration with the residents of Meadowview, many of whom receive no visitors and receive no gifts from family. For more information, contact the parish office.

Gaudete Sunday, December 16

2007-12-02T08:30:00.000-05:00

In our church, we light the pink (or Gaudete) candle on the third Sunday, the Sunday of “Joy.” The color is lighter because we celebrate the fact that we are now half-way through the season of Advent (one priest told me that there was no truth to the rumor that it was called Mothering Sunday because the mothers were being warned to get their cleaning underway before the holiday arrived!).

This year, the children of our church will participate in our celebration of the lighting of the Advent wreath on Dec. 16 during the 10:30 service. Join us as we light the candle and participate in the service by distributing the bulletins and collecting the offerings.

UTO Ingathering, December 9

2007-12-02T08:28:00.000-05:00

Please drop your box or envelope into the collection basket at the door to help fund good works.

Card and Game Party, December 11

2007-12-02T08:27:00.000-05:00

The ladies of the church gather each month strictly for fun, so come out and play! Bring cards or your favorite board game, and be prepared to wage war!

First Friday Pot Luck, December 7

2007-12-02T08:26:00.000-05:00

Join us in family-style fellowship. Bring an entrée, bread, or dessert– or just yourself! Or see you next month on Friday Jan. 4.

ECW Christmas Dinner 2007

2007-12-02T08:24:00.000-05:00

Once again our ECW has arranged for a parish holiday celebration at Creevey’s on Atlantis, the fine dining restaurant located in the clubhouse of Atlantis Golf Course, Country Club Boulevard in LEH. Mike Creevey always does a fabulous job and we go away well fed.

This year’s menu is a choice of tilapia, loin of pork, or chicken francese, along with veggies, potato, rolls, dessert and coffee or tea. Adults will only pay $20 for their meals. A children’s menu is offered for $10, and offers chicken fingers, pasta or a hamburger.

You truly have no choice but to join us on Thursday, December 20 at 6 pm. Sign up now and be sure you have a place at the table!

A Very Special Event at St. Mary's Abbey, Delbarton

2007-12-02T08:23:00.000-05:00

Here’s a letter we received for an upcoming event:

This is a “save the date” notice for a lecture which will be held in the Fine Arts Center of St. Mary’s Abbey/Delbarton in December, 2007. St. Mary’s Abbey/Delbarton is located three miles west of Morristown Square on Route 124; and the Fine Arts Center can be found on the great lawn on the School Property. This public lecture is part of the sesquicentennial celebration of the New Jersey Benedictines in 2007-2008. You are welcome to be the guests of St. Mary’s Abbey/Delbarton for this event.

Monday evening, Dec.10, 2007– 7:30 pm, a public lecture by Bishop Frank Griswold. Bishop Frank Griswold is the former Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States. A theologian and an authority on monasticism, Bishop Griswold is an oblate of Mt. Savior Priory in Elmira, NY. He will speak about the education if St. Benedict as discerned from the Dialogues of St. Gregory and how we can employ in our contemporary teaching what we can learn from St. Benedict’s education. A reception for Bishop Griswold will be held at 6:30 pm in the Fine Arts Center as well as after his lecture.

Also on display in the foyer of the Fine Arts Center for those who attend Bishop Griswold’s public lecture will be a generous sampling of images from the traveling exhibit of the St. John’s Bible from the monks of St. John's Abbey, Collegeville, MN.

Mark Your Calendars - Annual Meeting January 20

2007-12-02T08:21:00.000-05:00

It’s that time of year… when our church plans for the future. Here’s your chance to have a voice in our decision-making process by attending our annual meeting on January 20, 2008. We present reports on the activities of all of our committees during the previous year, and elect the new members of our Vestry (technically our Mission Committee, but that’s a longer name!), as well as our convention and convocation delegates.

This is a very important time in the life of our congregation. We need to have a firm foundation as we continue the transition from a small church to our current home. We will vote to fill two seats on our Mission Board and the position of Senior Warden. According to the By-Laws of the Church of the Holy Spirit:

Article IV: Committees
4.a) A Nominating Committee shall be comprised of two (2) Mission Committee members and two (2) members of the congregation who are not members of the Mission Committee. Said Nominating Committee shall convene at least forty-five (45) days prior to the annual meeting. The names, addresses and telephone numbers of the Nominating Committee shall be published and the Committee members shall receive recommendations for elective mission officers from any member of the congregation entitled to vote at the annual meeting who in turn shall ascertain from those recommended whether or not they will serve and thereafter make nominations for said elective officers from those recommended at the next annual meeting of the congregation.
B) The Vicar may attend the first meeting to offer suggestions to the Nominating Committee.
C) The recommendations of the Nominating Committee will be made known collectively at the annual meeting when nominations are opened. After which nominations may be received from the floor by a motion and a second by voting members of the congregation.

Our Nominating Committee to date is comprised of Evie Brown, Mary Malone and Bill Chapman, all of them reaching the end of their elected terms. Please pray for God to guide them during their search for our new leaders.

Christmas Services at Holy Spirit

2007-12-02T08:18:00.000-05:00

It’s finally here! Advent is nearly over. By now you plan to help “green” the church for Christmas and will be here Dec. 23 after the 10:30 service. But what about the Christmas season services? When will we see you?

We offer three celebrations for your choice. They begin after sundown on Christmas Eve, as our wait for the birth of Jesus comes to an end.

The first service is our traditional Children’s Celebration at 7 pm. Father Terry asks all young people to join as we set up the crèche. This was the time that Joseph brought Mary to the stable in search of shelter as her time drew near to deliver Our Saviour. Father also invites everyone to stay for a few minutes after the Eucharist to party in our Fellowship Hall.

We extend an invitation to everyone to join our second celebration as we begin with the Carol Sing at 9:30 pm on Dec. 24. Our choir practices all month to lead us as we rejoice in the birth of Jesus and commemorate the appearance of the angels to the shepherds as the Good News was made known to all.

A Solemn High Eucharist begins at 10 pm on Dec. 24. We welcome the arrival of the Baby with full reverence and display, including incense and choir, concluding with a candlelit Silent Night.

Christmas Day begins with a quieter, more reflective Eucharist at 10 am. Join us to observe the birth of our Saviour before you celebrate with your family. May God bless all of us and watch us.

Free Community Dinner, November 28, 6:00 PM

2007-11-16T06:59:00.002-05:00

Marlene Johnson and Anna Tews lead the way with a home cooked meal of thanks for God’s blessings. Sign up now to join this month's meal. Maybe even host next month's meal! Details are available at the parish office.

ECW Meeting, November 20, 1:30 PM

2007-11-16T06:59:00.001-05:00

All women of the church are automatically members, so join us each month and reach your full leadership potential.

Christmas Bazaar, November 17, Downstairs

2007-11-16T06:56:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season! Come and choose some handmade gifts for friends and family, buy some homemade baked treats, share some laughs and good times, and support your church at the same time.

Giving Thanks by Donating Blood

2007-11-16T06:54:00.000-05:00

December 1, 2007 will bring a first-time event to our new home. Sally Sedon and Mary Malone plan to hold a blood drive in conjunction with Central Jersey Blood Center, a non-profit organization which for over 40 years has provided blood for such hospitals as Saint Barnabas in Livingston and the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.

Blood is always needed by hospitals, and holidays make the need crucial. Blood cannot be synthesized by science at this time, and must be donated.

Leukemia, the general name covering 4 types of cancer of the blood, affects the ability of the body to produce normal red cells to carry oxygen and white red cells to fight infection. Colleen Richard of our congregation suffered from this disease. We dedicate this drive to her honor. At your request, we will add your name to a certificate we will present to the Richard family.

Please call the church office to sign up. We will have either the Bloodmobile in the parking lot or tables in the Undercroft, depending on the number of donors expected. The CJBC will be with us from 9 am until 1 pm, and we are accepting appointments. Allow about 1 to 1 1/2 hour for the whole process.

I’ve given blood at least 10 times, and the discomfort is minimal. Drink lots of fluids in the days before your donation, and eat well. (What an excuse!!)We’ll give you a souvenir tee shirt, some juice and some special treats. I’ll see you there.
Make this a gift to Jesus for His birthday and help others to celebrate it also.

Giving Thanks by Planting Trees

2007-11-16T06:49:00.000-05:00

We’ve lived the nightmare ourselves. Pictures of flames reaching into the night-blackened skies tell of unfathomable damage to the denizens of the arroyos and mountains. Stories of the wildfires in southern California bring back some recent memories for those of us who live among the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey.

For five days last May, we experienced the same fears as our brothers and sisters across the country. We prayed for our neighbors and friends as over 6,000 people were evacuated during the fires, which eventually consumed more than 18,000 acres of woods. Through the grace of God, we were luckier than the Californians: no one died. Fire destroyed five homes, and damaged thirteen others. God’s rain came late Wednesday night, and aided the fire fighters in their battle.

Our fire was set accidentally; the California fires were set, in part, deliberately by arsonists. At least seven people died, and estimates say 2,300 homes were destroyed in California. Despite Do you know the purpose of your “little blue box?” Many of us have gotten them for years without fully understanding their existence.

The United Thank Offering began life in 1889. The General Convention of the Episcopal Church met every three years, and the Women’s Auxiliary held worship services during the convention. During the 1886 service, over 500 women attended but only $87 was collected. A delegate from Pittsburgh, Mrs. Ida Soule, was horrified by the miniscule amount. She spoke with Julia Emery, who agreed that more knowledge of the intended recipients of the money might inspire people to be more generous. Just before the next Triennial Meeting, Ms. Emery published a letter in the Spirit of Missions from Mrs. Soule designating the intended recipients. Thus began the UTO.

The mission of the United Thank Offering is to encourage people to offer daily prayers of thanksgiving to God. The donation made daily will be tangible evidence of thanks.

According to the UTO Website, “God calls each of us to grow in awareness of God, our own relationship with God, and our relationship in community with all whom God has created. As habits of daily thankful prayer mature, our personal relationship with God grows. Daily prayers of thanksgiving strengthen our being and doing. The blue box can be a reminder of our many blessings. Uniting our own gifts of thanks with those of others keeps us in thankful relationship with them and with all of creation.

In sharing our thank offerings with those throughout the Communion who seek to address compelling human need and extend the mission of the Church, we deepen our sense of participation in the lives of others. The shared prayer and money offerings help others to respond to God’s call and to grow in their own deepened sense of living within the greater Christian community. Through our shared stories, God calls us to continue to grow into the fullness of the Kingdom.”

These little “mite boxes” provided grants of $2.4 million last year, and funded Episcopal projects such as the completion of a hospital in Pakistan, the building of a new church in Homer, Alaska, and the inauguration of a Sunday school program in Jackson, Mississippi. Remember the goals when the ECW collects.

Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost

2007-08-12T18:47:00.000-04:00

August 12, 2007

In his letter to the Hebrews, Paul begins with this statement; ”Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Let’s talk about this thing called faith this morning.

Each of us here today most likely have faith in modern technology to help us get through our days, get us where we're going, keep us warm, comfortable, fed and entertained? And, despite the problems that naturally accompany anything with moving parts, we have grown to have great faith in these devices.

But let me ask you this: Would you fly in a plane that was run by a computer that was programmed beyond the intellectual control and comprehension of any human being?

Your immediate response is most likely is "No," but, guess what? We fly in such planes all the time. The old saying that a computer is only as smart as the person who programmed it is no longer true. It hasn't been true since 1987 when computer scientist John Holland discovered that he could let computer programs evolve.

Such programs turned out to be better than those of human programmers, but they were also beyond our mental grasp. We are already flying on airlines that run on software that no human mind or human pilot can understand, much less control. We are creating things that behave as if they're alive, things like organically grown networks (like the Internet), things like computers writing their own software (like on airplanes). What faith we have in technology!

That is how faith works. When I turn on a light switch, I have faith that the light will come on. I don’t have to understand electricity to have such faith. All I need to know is that yesterday when I threw the switch, it happened. But, if I want to understand electricity, I would need to have faith that it wasn’t just a weird theory. I would need faith that it worked.

Many philosophers and theologians have suggested the idea that faith is the basis of all knowledge. One example is St. Augustine of Hippo. One of his key contributions to philosophy is the idea of "faith seeking understanding" What Augustine is claiming is that , faith must be present in order to know anything. In other words, one must assume, or have faith in the credibility of a person, place, thing, or idea in order to have a basis for knowledge.

We see this most clearly in the way children learn. For their early years, they place their faith in their parents. They are not intellectually developed enough to understand how things work, or what they should do. So, they put their faith, their trust, in mom and dad. From that foundation of trust, they can then begin to understand the world around them.

Faith seeking understanding.

Now, when we bring the idea of faith into contemporary Christianity, we run into a problem. Unfortunately, the word “faith” has become understood by many Christians as a synonym for “belief.” Consequently, the test of being the right kind of Christian has become that you hold the right set of beliefs.

I think we need to sort out this confusion. Seekers of God begin with two basic questions. The first is “Is there a God?” That question requires a yes or no answer. To ‘have faith” is to answer yes to this question. The second question is “What is God?” That is a question of belief, and the answer is going to be complex, and always inadequate. Beliefs are intellectual expressions of our faith.

Another way we can define religious belief is to say that belief is what we predicate of God. Most of you probably remember learning about predicate nominatives and predicate adjectives. They are the noun or the adjective that follow the verb in a sentence. For instance, if we say “Jesus is the Son of God”, Son of God is the predicate nominative, or the belief we are stating. I we say “God is good,” then “good” is the predicate adjective, or the belief we have about the character of God. These are both belief statements.

A faith statement would be “God is.” Nothing more. God exists. That is all we have to say yes to if we desire to begin seeking understanding, of growing our relationship, with God.

Faith has an absolute quality that belief does not. Either you have faith, or you don’t. Either you answer yes or no. There’s no such thing as partial faith.
Beliefs, on the other hand, tend to shift depending on the time in history we are in and the cultural setting of the belief system. It also varies according to the abilities of the person. A child’s beliefs will not be the same as an adult.

Beliefs are important, don’t get me wrong. It is our beliefs, our understanding built upon our faith, that guides our actions. But we can allow a diversity of understandings within our community. It is our faith in God that unites us.

Christianity is not built on intellectual ideas. It is about having a relationship with the living God. Much like children have faith in their parents, we begin by placing our faith in God. And the first step in establishing such a relationship is to say yes to God. Over time, if we nurture our relationship with God, the understanding will grow as well.

It is our faith in God that is our greatest treasure. And where our treasure is, there our heart must be also.

Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

2007-08-05T19:29:00.000-04:00

August 5, 2007

Jesus told a parable that strikes at the soul of our age. A parable so close to our culture that we cringe just a bit upon hearing it. A man gains so much in the way of material goods that he begins to worry about it. He wonders, "How shall I protect my investments? How can I get a better return on my goods. Where shall I put the abundance and the extra that I have?"

Upon making plans to keep all that he has and store even more, the man in Jesus' story breathes a sigh of relief only to hear a final summons;"This very night your life will be required of you...then whose will all this be?"

"So it is," Jesus says, "With those who store things up for themselves, but are not rich toward God."

You probably recall the old routine from a Jack Benny program (at least some of us will recall this) - where Benny is confronted by a robber who pokes a gun in his ribs and says, "Your money or your life!" Jack Benny does not answer right away and the thief angrily says again, "I said... your money or your life!" There is a longer silence and the thief becomes really angry as he shouts, "Why don't you answer me. I said your money or your life!" Benny finally answers, "I'm thinking, I'm thinking.

Sometimes, we are all a bit like Jack Benny, aren’’t we? We are so hungry, so full of indiscriminate desire. And we are so worried that there will not be enough, so we store our treasures, like the man in Jesus parable.

And sometimes, if you are like me, I get so caught up in worrying about the future, that I forget to really live in this present moment.

As the poet William Wordsworth put it;

The world is too much with us; late and soon,
Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;
Little we see in Nature that is ours;
We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!
This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon,
The winds that will be howling at all hours,
And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers,
For this, for everything, we are out of tune;
It moves us not.--Great God! I'd rather be
A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn;
So might I, standing on this pleasant lea,
Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn;
Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea;
Or hear old Triton blow his wreathed horn.

Is there more to this life than just getting and spending? Do worldly treasures really satisfy our deepest desires?

What do we really want?

Sometimes, it seems as if we know that something is not quite right in our lives; and so we try to fix it; we try to fill that hunger for the illusive “something more.” What often happens is we end up living for some future destination. We are just one more promotion, one more new car, one more dream home, away from nirvana. When some of these dreams become concrete realities, we are surprised to find they don’t satisfy our deep, unnamed longing. Something seems missing, or maybe broken inside, and we just can’t fix it.

In some religions, like Buddhism, the teaching is that the purpose of religion is to get you over your wants, to help you to get rid of your desires, that longing for the elusive something more. Complete detachment is their goal. Open to everything, but attached to nothing.

Christianity is different. We don’t try to quench all desire. Passion is a good thing, if directed properly.

The Confessions of St. Augustine begins with this line: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rest in you.” Augustine did not eliminate his passion. He redirected it. Only God’s love can satisfy us, because it is for that relationship of love we are created. Nothing else can ever satisfy the depth of our longing for God.

The Psalmist, in Psalm 42, expresses our deepest longing this way:

As a deer longs for flowing streams,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
2My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.

What do we really want? We want to love, and be loved. And we learn what love is through our relationship with God. That relationship is our heart’s desire. All other love flows from it.

May we recognize that the love of the living God is our heart’s desire. And then may we allow the gift of God’s love to flow out from us into the world.

Fifth Sunday After Pentecost

2007-07-01T21:37:00.000-04:00

July 1, 2007

Jesus has set his face towards Jerusalem. He is moving towards the cross. He knows his time among his disciples is short. It is time to prepare them for continuing his ministry. It is time to make sure that they have their priorities straight.

And maybe it is time that we do the same thing. So many of us live such busy lives, with so many demands being made on our time, on our attention. In the hustle and bustle of our lives, few of us probably have an opportunity to take an honest look at our own priorities.

What are the most important things in your life? What are your priorities? Take a few moments to think about that question. Be honest. What aspects of your life would you list as a high priority? Family? Friends? Relationships? Job? God? Good health? Happiness?

Juggling all these things can be quite difficult sometimes. And every once in awhile, we probably get them mixed up. Our child needs our attention, but the priority of the job wins out. Our friend needs our help, but family commitments keep us from offering the help they need. The doctor tells us we must lose some weight, but that extra bowl of ice cream makes us happy.

How do we sort out all of these priorities?

Jesus disciples seemed to have the same problem. They were struggling with how to fit being a follower of Jesus into their own priority system. Maybe by looking at Jesus response to their struggle, we can get some insight into how to sort out our own priorities.

First, we have Jesus being rejected by the people of a Samaritan village. In response, the disciples want to bring down fire from heaven and destroy them.

There’s some history behind this. The Samaritans and the Jews had been feuding for some time. Their disagreement had to do with, among other things, where the holiest place in Israel was. The Samaritans claimed it was Mount Gerizim. The Jews claimed it was Jerusalem. The Samaritans were descended from the Northern kingdom of Israel. The Jews came from the Southern kingdom of Judah. After both kingdoms were conquered and taken into exile, when remnants returned to Israel, the Jews claimed that the Samaritans had inter married with their captors, making their blood line unclean. Similar derogatory accusations were made by the Samaritans regarding the Jews. Even though both groups claimed to be sons of Abraham, there was much animosity between them.

Because Jesus was headed for Jerusalem, the false temple, according to the Samaritans, they wanted nothing to do with them. The disciples, who are all devout Jews, are outraged. Let’s zap them all with holy fire, they suggest.

How does Jesus respond? Let it go. Drop your high priority on what is pure and what is not. We have no time for family feuds. If you’re going to walk with me, let go of your religious bias.

This is our first lesson on reordering our priorities. We are to avoid breaking people up into our group versus their group. There is no us and them. All are children of God. And if others reject us, and even despise us, we do not respond in kind. That only perpetuates the divisions. We let it go, and move on.

Next they meet a potential disciple along the road who tells Jesus he will follow him wherever he goes. Jesus responds by telling him that "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." As Jesus heads for Jerusalem, where Pilate and the cross await him, there’s no time for creature comforts. In a crisis, our happiness has to take a lower priority. To be a follower of Jesus, to give the kingdom of God a high priority, is going to be uncomfortable sometimes.

Then they encounter a man who wants to bury his father before following Jesus. Jesus responds by saying, "Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God."

That sounds pretty harsh, doesn’t it? Add to it the next encounter, in which a potential follower wants to say good bye to his family before joining Jesus. What is Jesus response? "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God."

I think it is important that we try to wrap our heads around what Jesus is saying here. When in the midst of a crisis, what will be our priorities?

In a crisis, it is so very important that we stay in the present moment. The temptation is to be drawn into regretting the past or fretting about the future. Once you have made a decision, let go of the past. Let the dead bury the dead. Dwelling on the past will only cloud your thinking and keep you from moving forward on the path you have chosen.

When it comes to our relationship with God, it is critical that we remain in this present moment. Because it is only in this present moment that we encounter the living God.

We are each invited to walk with Jesus, to become his disciple. No one is to be forced to make this journey, but it is an opportunity which must be seized no matter what the costs involved. It is the way to eternal life, not only for ourselves, but for everyone. This needs to be a high priority in our lives.

These encounters with Jesus from this morning’s gospel can help us set our priorities. But they should not be seen as demands. They represent a sense that important things are happening every day of our lives and we must seize the opportunities while they are still available. Today’s opportunities will never return.

Will we continue to mix up our priorities? Will we still make a wrong decision once in awhile? Will we still freeze up in a moment of crisis? Most likely. After all, we are only human.

But here’s the exciting part of being a follower of Jesus. Once we say yes to God, and agree to walk in the way that god has revealed to us through Jesus Christ, something miraculous happens. We begin to be transformed from the inside out. God, who dwells within us, begins to adjust our priorities. We become a new creation.

And that is where we find our hope. Left to our own devices, most likely we will continue to make the wrong calls and be less than we want to be. Our trust is not that we will be able to trust our own priorities. Our trust is in God, who will reorder those priorities.

That’s what I have experienced in my life. Left on my own, I can be a pretty selfish person. I am my first priority. That attitude got me in a lot of trouble in my younger years. But over time, God working within me has slowly transformed my own self-centeredness.

That spiritual transformation still has to struggle with my human nature. Someone drops in at the office here. I’m late for a meeting and have a phone call to make before I can go. I really don’t have time for this person. So I only half listen to what they are saying. But then something within me whispers “Pay attention.” And, usually, not always, but when I’m open to God’s spirit, I make time, I shift my priorities. There is a child of God before me who is in crisis. I have to let go of everything else.

Let go of the family feuds. Let go of the past. Be in this present moment, and allow God to set your priorities. Let us put our trust in God to transform us from the inside out. Let us be followers of Jesus, and together work to transform the world.

Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

2007-06-24T20:34:00.000-04:00

June 24, 2007

In Paul’s letter to the Church in Galatia, he wrote these words:

As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

For you are all one in Christ. If only we could live that out.

It seems more and more in the conversations going on in the Christian Church, we find a list of "beliefs" that one must adhere to in order to be classified as a "REAL" Christian.

I often find these lists of beliefs troubling. Do we really think that we can know the full nature of God?

We cannot contain God as God really is in words or ideas. This doesn't mean we give up on trying to know God, however. And, within the limits of our humanity, aided by divine revelation, we can gain some knowledge of God. But it is always incomplete knowledge. Whenever we say, "This is God," we need to add, "But God is more than this."

Does this mean we embrace an "anything goes" perspective? I don't think so. If you want to know what Episcopalians believe, worship in an Episcopal Church. It's all there in the liturgy. When we offer our praise and thanksgivings to God, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, we are attempting to express, in our own finite and limited way, using time-tested forms and customs, the way we have found to build a closer relationship with the living God.

However, our ushers do not administer entrance exams at the door. I do not test those who come to the altar before offering the sacrament. When the world wants to know who we are, and who God is, our response is "Come and see."

If we like it or not, the religious landscape of the world has shifted. Christianity is no longer The Main Event. We have become simply another booth at the fair. Such a shift requires that we rethink how we present our faith.

The area in which I live grows a lot of blueberries. Imagine going to a farmer's market, approaching a booth offering blueberries, and being told that before you can make a purchase, you must state without reservation that these are the best berries, and in fact the only REAL berries. Further, you must renounce all previous berry purchases, and believe in the stated formulary and history regarding the creation of these berries, which is included in the 25 page booklet that the vendor thrusts in your face. I don't know about you, but I know I would avoid such a booth in future trips. It's not the pedigree of berries that interests me. The question on my mind was "Do they taste good?" ...Taste and see...

I think of some of our children who come forward to receive communion. Do we insist that they hold the “right beliefs,” even when their intellectual development does not allow them to deal with such complex ideas? No, we don’t. They know something is going on that is important to everyone else. And they know that it has something to do with God. That is enough. Yes, we need to offer a fuller understanding as they grow older. And we’ll do that, through our Christian Education programs.

In the end, I don’t think when I get to heaven that God is going to ask me much about what I believed. But I would imagine there will be quite a few questions about what I did, or did not do. It is through our actions that we express what we believe. And I think excluding someone from the body of Christ because they don’t live up to our expectations is a wrong action. When we do that, we are standing in the doorway of the kingdom, blocking the way for others.

But how can we have unity if there is no common belief? Yes, there are some things that we have to agree on. We do have some core doctrines. There are some points on which we have to come to some kind of agreement, or it will be impossible for us to act in the name of Christ.

Our Gospel lesson points us towards one of these core doctrines. Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, "The Messiah of God." The Hebrew word mashah is translated into messiah, which means anointed. Christ is the Greek word christos which also means 'anointed.' For the first time in Luke's gospel, Jesus is proclaimed Messiah. Peter said that Jesus is anointed king and comes to free people and establish the kingdom of God.

This is important. It’s not enough to understand Jesus to be just another prophet, or a wise teacher, or a good man. And here’s why it is important:

We believe that Jesus is the manifestation of the divine; that Jesus is God incarnate. The reason this is important is that Jesus the Christ, Jesus the Messiah, represents the bridge between heaven and earth. God is no longer a distant deity. The word became flesh and dwelt among us. God has entered our world. God is among us.

This keeps us from falling into the common human error of thinking we can save ourselves. We can’t. We’re broken and we can’t fix ourselves. We need a savior. We need a God with skin on. And that is who Jesus Christ is for us.

That is our foundation. Our believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the word made flesh and moving among us, is the glue that holds all Christians together.

Do I think it matters how a person comes to this belief? No. It could be through the experience of God in their lives. It could be from hearing the scriptures. It could be from the example of God’s love that they have seen through Christians in action. There are many ways to encounter the risen Christ. And, since we all start at a different point, the way we express our beliefs are going to be different.

In essentials, unity
In nonessentials, diversity
In all things, charity.

Let us not consider our diversity of beliefs as a problem. Instead, let us celebrate this diversity, giving thanks to God who is revealed to us in so many ways, and so allowing all people to see and respond to God’s gift of grace. Let us be one in Christ Jesus.

Third Sunday After Pentecost

2007-06-17T20:29:00.000-04:00

June 17, 2007

This morning, we have heard about Jesus going to a dinner party hosted by Simon, one of the leading citizens of Jerusalem. In the middle of the meal, something unexpected, something astonishing happened. A woman crashed the party. And not just any woman. A woman from the streets; a notorious sinner…a prostitute. She walks in and starts pouring expensive feet. Then she begin to cry, her tears falling on his feet. She begins to wipe his feet with her hair.

The actions of this woman broke just about every social custom of that day. Beyond that, it broke most of our social customs today.

Imagine if this happened to you. You’re having dinner, and a woman you’ve never seen before suddenly bursts into the dining room, and begins to wash your feet with her tears. I don’t know about you, but I’d be terribly embarrassed. What are people going to think? Aren’t they going to wonder how I came to know such a woman? This is going to destroy my reputation. Someone call 911. Get this crazy woman out of here.

That’s probably how Simon, the host of the party, saw things. He’s outraged by the whole thing. He thinks to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him-- that she is a sinner."

And sometimes, I think that is how the Church responds to some people. Not all the time, but sometimes. When we throw open the doors of the Church, and send out the message that are a welcome to join in the feast, some people may respond to that invitation that may make us feel uncomfortable. They’re different. Their a little strange. They don’t look like most of us. They dress differently. They talk differently. And maybe we know some of them to be notorious sinners.

And when persons like the woman in this morning’s Gospel story show up, they feel our reaction to their presence. The sad truth is that much too often, people who, like her, were drawn to Jesus too often avoid the church today.

Phillip Yancey tells the story of a friend of his in Chicago who worked with poor persons in the city. He was visited once by a prostitute who was in dire straits. She had been renting out her two-year old daughter to men for sex in order to support her drug habit; and she was homeless, sick, and unable to buy food for herself or her daughter. Yancey's friend asked if she had thought about going to a church for help, and the woman seemed horrified. "Church?! Why would I ever go there? I was already feeling terrible about myself. They'd just make me feel worse." She had experienced church as a place of judgment and inhospitality.

How can we be more hospitable to the stranger in our midst, even if we feel uncomfortable? We may want to take a closer look at Jesus’ response to this woman.

Instead of worrying about himself and his reputation, Jesus immediately jumped to the defense of this woman. We're not told exactly what had happened to this woman before she showed up at the party, ; but, obviously, something had taken place that was absolutely life-changing…life changing enough for her to kneel at Jesus feet and weep. Somehow, she had become aware of the love and mercy of God. Since it was to Jesus that she offered her gift of perfume, it must have been ministry of Jesus that was the catalyst for her change of heart.

Somehow, this woman had come to see that God's goodness is always bigger than our sinfulness. This woman had come to understand that there is nothing we can do to make God love us any more than God already loves us, and there is nothing we can do to make God stop loving us.

So how did Jesus respond to Simon’s outrage? He said to him, “"Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little."

Her sins have been forgiven; hence her great love. There’s a point here that we need to make sure we get straight. This woman was not trying to earn God’s forgiveness by washing Jesus’ feet. God’s grace is a free gift. We don’t deserve. And we can’t get it through good works. The woman in this story had already experienced God’s grace, God’s forgiveness. The act of ministering to Jesus was in response to this gift of grace. It was an act of thanksgiving for the good thing that god has already done.

When we find a stranger in our midst here at church, we need to always remember that God has already touched their lives. They wouldn’t be here otherwise. Our role is to celebrate with them the good thing that god has already done, and love them with the love of God.

In his commentary on this Gospel story, Fred Craddock wonders where one goes when told to go in peace as Jesus instructs this woman to do at the end of our story. "What she needs," Craddock says, "is a community of forgiven and forgiving sinners. The story," he says, "screams the need for a church, one that says you are welcome here."

There is an old legend about Judas that Madeleine L'Engle tells. The legend is that after his death Judas found himself at the bottom of a deep and slimy pit. For thousands of years he wept his repentance, and when the tears were finally spent, he looked up and saw way, way up a tiny glimmer of light. After he had contemplated it for another thousand years or so, he began to try to climb up towards the light. The walls of the pit were dark and slimy, and he kept slipping back down. Finally, after great effort, he neared the top and then he slipped and fell all the way back down to the bottom. It took him many years to recover, all the time weeping bitter tears of grief and repentance, and then he started to climb up again. After many more falls and efforts and failures, he reached the top and dragged himself into an upper room with twelve people seated around the table. "We've been waiting for you, Judas," Jesus said. "We couldn't begin till you came."

So many people are looking for a community of forgiven and forgiving sinners. May they find such a community on the corner of Main and Cedar in downtown Tuckerton.

Homeless Outreach

2007-06-17T16:20:00.000-04:00

We are supporting two ministries to the homeless: The Atlantic City Rescue Mission and The Lakewood Outreach Ministry. You can help by providing new towels, tooth paste and brushes, shampoo, bar soap, disposable razors, combs, brushes, toilet tissue and disposable diapers.

Items may be placed in the two large boxes in the Fellowship Hall marked for our ministry to the homeless. For more information, please contact the parish office at 609-296-9618. Please note that clothing is not needed at this time.

Vendor's Fair, Saturday, August 4

2007-06-17T16:18:00.001-04:00

From 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, vendors will be set up in the parking lot across the street. Contact the parish office at 609-296-9618 to reserve a vendor space. First come, first served. An 8' space is $25, rain date is August 11.

Fellowship Dinners

2007-06-17T16:16:00.001-04:00

On the last Wednesday of each month, we are offering a free hot meal to anyone who shows up. Leave your wallets home! Please call the parish office at 609-296-9618 to make your reservation.

ECW Potluck and Crazy Bingo, Tuesday, June 19

2007-06-17T16:14:00.000-04:00

Bring a covered dish at 6:00 pm to share with 6, along with three $1 gifts, and join in the fun! Sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall, or call the parish office at 609-296-9618.

Blueberry Festival, Saturday, July 14

2007-06-17T16:13:00.000-04:00

Order your homemade blueberry pie today! The sign-up sheet is in Fellowship Hall, or call the parish office at 609-296-9618.

The Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 10, 2007

2007-06-17T16:03:00.000-04:00

This morning we encounter two processions. One is going into the town of Nain and the other is coming out. Nain is a town in the South of Galilee, a short distance from Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth.

At the head of the procession going into Nain is Jesus. The procession coming out is led by a coffin. What will happen when these two processions cross paths at the town gate? Which one will give way?

Jesus sees the grieving mother. What does He do? How does He respond? His heart went out to her. He feels compassion for her. He chose to share in her sorrow.

Moved by compassion, Jesus acts. "Young man, I say to you, get up!" he shouts. And the dead man sat up and began to talk. The compassion of Jesus led to something amazing happening, something unexpected. Death was trampled down by the Lord of Life.

This is our Christian hope. Through Jesus Christ, death, our ancient enemy, has been cast down and trampled underfoot. Death has been swallowed up in victory. We no longer have to live in fear of death.

But, sometimes, we do anyway, don’t we? It's difficult not to fear death. I’m not just talking about physical death. We die many little deaths throughout our lives. Many of the changes we face feel much like a little death. We grieve the loss of the familiar. We long to relive days from our past.

But the reality is that if we are to continue to grow, we must accept these little deaths. We must allow ourselves to be transformed into the full stature of Christ. And for that to happen, we have to let go of some of the baggage that we are dragging around with us; those old grudges, those past regrets, and those character flaws. There are aspects of ourselves that we have to allow to die.

In our Epistle lesson, Paul speaks about his earlier life in Judaism; about how he was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. You may recall when St. Stephen was stoned to death, it was Saul, who later became Paul, who held the coats of the stone hurling crowd. When Paul encountered Christ on the road to Damascus, he was transformed. But that transformation required a little death as well; the zealous persecutor of the Church had to die.

Congregations have to pass through these little deaths as well, if they are to be transformed and follow the call of God. I was an interim priest for a few years. I would be assigned to serve in a congregation while they made their transition from one spiritual leader to another. Sometimes their former priest was the beloved rector. Sometimes he or she was not so beloved.

Regardless of the case, there was always some element of a grieving process going on in that congregation. Interims were expected to allow that process to happen, and attend to any pastoral needs that might result from it. It was only when the congregation faced that that particular chapter in their life was now over that they could begin to dream about the future. There had to be a little death before there could be room for new life.

Sometimes, we fear these little deaths so much, that we are a bit too cautious. We hesitate to do anything new or risky. What if we fail? What if there isn’t enough? What if we make a mistake? We stick to the familiar, to the comfortable, because we are afraid of dying.

Barbara Brown Taylor, an author and an Episcopal priest, recently wrote a thoughtful article in the Christian Century entitled, “The Poured-Out Church”. I want to share part of it with you:

…when I consider my life of faith, this world is clearly where my transformation has taken place. It is in the world that I have met the people who have changed me—some of them believers, but far more of them not—people who have loved me, fought me, shamed me, forgiven me, sanding down my edges on one side while they broke whole ragged chunks of me off the other. The world is where I have been struck dumb by beauty, by cruelty, by human invention and greed. The world is where my notions of God have been destroyed, reformed, chastened, redeemed. The world is where I have occasionally been good for something and where I have done irreparable harm.

The reason I know this, however, is that the church has given me the eyes with which I see, as well as the words with which I speak. The church has given me a community in which to figure out what has happened to me in the world. It has given me a place to love and grieve, within a tradition far older and wiser than I. It is the church that has poured me into the world, in other words—which is counterintuitive. How can a church survive that keeps pouring itself into the world? I cannot possibly say. All I know is the gospel truth: those willing to give everything away are the ones with anything worth keeping; those willing to look death full in the face are the ones with the most abundant lives. Go figure...

“…those willing to look death full in the face are the ones with the most abundant lives.” Can we look death full in the face? Are we willing to pour ourselves into the world? Will we risk much for the sake of the Gospel?

We can. And we will. Because we are Christians. Because we do not live in fear of death. Because we are those who proclaim the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I’m not suggesting we be foolish. There’s a difference between being bold and risking much and being foolish. We are certainly called to be good stewards of the gifts God has given us.

But we must always remember that our mission field is out there in the world. And to be effective witnesses for God, we must pour ourselves into the world, even if it seems risky; even if it seems deadly.

How do we know where to pour ourselves out? In this morning’s Gospel, when those two processions met, one led by life, and one led by death, it was at the moment that Jesus was filled with compassion for the widow that everything was transformed. Life overcame death. Mourning was transformed into laughter and joy. This transformation began with compassion; with Jesus opening his heart to the grief of the mother. Where do we begin to pour ourselves out? In those places where people are hurting; in those places where we find ourselves moved to open our hearts and reveal the compassion of Christ.

Let us always remember that we do not exist for the sake of the Church. We exist for the sake of the world. We are called to pour ourselves out, driven by compassion for those who are hurting in this world. If that means we have to look death full in the face, so be it. Cannot God raise up something new from the ashes of our vanquished dreams?

Let us not live in fear of death, or the little deaths that each of us will face as we walk together with Christ in our midst. Let us be willing to risk much for the sake of the world, and proclaim with our every word and deed the healing power of God’s love.

Fourth Sunday in Lent

2007-03-20T21:32:00.000-04:00

In this morning’s Gospel Jesus tells the parable that is commonly known as the story of the prodigal son. The term “prodigal” is defined as “being wastefully or recklessly extravagant.

I think that a more appropriate title for this story would be “the prodigal father,” as, from our perspective, I think it is the father who acts in a most extravagant manner.

The two sons in this story represent two rather typical ways that most people respond to treasures entrusted into their care. It is the classic distinction between those who see a half glass of water as either being half full or half empty. One of these brothers is an incurable optimist. The other is a stubborn pessimist.

One way to define a pessimist is to imagine that a child is placed in a room full of toys, and after an hour, is found sitting in a corner, not having touched one of the toys. When asked why he refused to play with them, he responds, “I knew I’d just break them.” A definition of an optimist would be to put another child in a room full of horse manure, and when you came back in an hour, you’d find the child digging like crazy. When you asked why he is digging, his response would be, “Well, with all this manure, I just know there’s a pony in here somewhere!”

I think that there are times when it is appropriate to be optimistic, but there are also times when it is prudent to be a bit pessimistic as well. In this morning’s Gospel the two brothers represent the extremes of these two perspectives. One is a foolish optimist. The other is a joyless pessimist.

The issue is their inheritance; the wealth they will receive from their father. One demands it, and then squanders it. The other accuses his father of wasting it on his worthless brother.

These two brothers are not that unusual. We probably all know someone who has come into an inheritance and managed to spend every penny in a short time. And we also probably know those who most likely still own the first nickel they ever earned.

Note that both of these sons are stewards, not the owners, of this wealth. Their inheritance was the result of their father’s labor. Being good stewards, caretakers of that entrusted to us by another, requires a mixture of optimism; the willingness to invest in the future, and pessimism, the wisdom to not invest foolishly.

What is reckless, and even extravagant, is the response of the father to both of his sons. He greets the one who has squandered his inheritance with joy, and throws a party to celebrate his homecoming. In response to his angry elder son, he invites him to set aside his preoccupation of what is fair and what is not, and join in the party.

The reckless extravagance of the father has nothing to do with the inheritance of material wealth. It is about what is lost being found. It is all about his love for his sons. It is about his relationship with his sons. It is about grace, the unmerited favor a father offered to his sons.

It is with this same grace, this same unmerited favor, that God responds to each of us. It doesn’t matter if we are inclined to be optimistic or pessimistic, a squanderer or a hoarder; God wants us all to come home and join the party.

In his book, A Passion for Pilgrimage, Dean Alan Jones offers these words about homecoming:

The Great Memory is simply this; God has fallen in love with you and wants you to come home! Our first memory is God's love for us, and it is this memory that has been buried and repressed. Your first memory (if only you could get back to it) is that of being God's joy and delight. Why is it difficult to remember the joy of our beginnings in the heart of God? I wonder if it has something to do with our unwillingness to face the fact of our limited future? Memory and hope are intimately related. Perhaps we cannot recall the love that brought us into being in the first place, because we cannot imagine a love strong enough to pull us through the gates of death. I refuse to remember, because I dare not hope. I refuse to remember and I dare not hope, because I am frightened and angry because I will have to change.

God is madly, head over heals in love with each and every one of us. And, as the people of God, it is with this same passionate love that we are called to greet every person who walks through our doors. It doesn’t matter if we think they are worthy. It doesn’t matter where they have come from. We rejoice that one who was lost has once again returned to the family of God, and we invite them to join in the celebration.

We who are already members of the church might consider ourselves in the role of the eldest son. Our culture would the younger son who has left home. The biggest challenge in this story is for the eldest son to accept the prodigal grace, the recklessly extravagant grace, of God. Our challenge is to accept that those who are new to the kingdom of God are seen as equals in God’s eyes with those of us who have worked in the kingdom for most of our lives. There is no pecking order in God’s kingdom. And that doesn’t seem fair, does it? It’s not. God’s free gift of grace is not fair. It is freely given to all.

During this season of Lent, let us seek to return to God, and rejoice with the heavenly hosts when those who once were without hope experience the depth of God’s love. This parable has no ending. We are not told how the older brother responds to his father’s invitation to join the party. The celebration pauses as the guests await the brother’s response, and our response as well. This morning God asks each of us what we will do in response to God’s recklessly extravagant grace.

May we observe a holy Lent, resulting in abundant Easter joy.

Second Sunday in Lent

2007-03-04T19:42:00.000-05:00

Last week, we talked about temptation and personal sin. I mentioned that a good way to think about sin is to consider it as “twisted good.” Sin is a symptom of a spiritual dis-ease. The cure is to repent, to recognize that we have somehow allowed our focus to be turned to something else and to reorient our lives so that our focus is back on God. With God’s help, we can return to the good root.

That is an important part of what we do during the season of Lent. We seek out the sin in our lives, confess it, amend our lives, and turn our eyes once again toward God. That’s part of what we are called to do during this season, but that’s not the end of it. We don’t live in a vacuum. Our personal repentance is the beginning of our Lenten journey. Now we must look beyond ourselves. We look for the need for our larger community to repent and return to the Lord.

To some degree, cleaning up our personal lives is the easy part. Going out into the world with a message of repentance is a lot harder. But, unfortunately, if we are to be followers of Jesus Christ, I don’t think we have a choice.

In this morning’s Gospel, Jesus is warned that Herod is going to kill him. He does not waiver in his mission. He sets his face toward Jerusalem, and the cross. Neither can we hesitate when it comes to proclaiming the message of Christ to the world outside these walls.

The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. To Restore All People. We are Christians not only for our own sakes, but for the sake of the world.

It seems to me that one of the primary roles of any congregation is to "equip the saints for ministry." To some degree, we offer worship and Christian Education opportunities to prepare us for the work God has set before us. But so many times there seems to be a lot of equipping going on, but not a whole lot of ministry. It's as if sometimes we feel that we're not quite ready -- one more class, one more experience of the living God, or one more prayer, and then (and only then!) we'll go out into the world and proclaim the Good News.

In the Gospel According to Mark we hear of John the Baptizer boldly proclaiming repentance and forgiveness through Baptism. We hear also of John's confronting King Herod. I would imagine that more than a few of John's followers gulped hard before accompanying him. But John and his followers continued in their prophetic preaching, and their ministries were blessed by God.

We have been called to go forth into the world and bear witness to the healing power of God's love. Inspired by the prophetic ministries of the Old Testament prophets, John and Jesus, we bear witness in word and deed. And we always remember that with each step of the way, we will find Christ in our midst, who breathes the Spirit upon all disciples. That is all we need. We are ready for this mission, whether we know it or not. What are we waiting for?

Amidst the struggles that the Church faces today, there will be times as we venture out into the world when we are called to prophetic ministry. We must put our hope in Christ, and not shy away from this calling.

We are called to prophetic action. We are called to be the John the Baptists of the world, proclaiming the message, “Repent! For the kingdom of God is at hand!”

The image of John the Baptist may make some of us a bit uncomfortable. He is depicted in scripture as being a hard, angry man, usually delivering his message stridently. And maybe we have good reasons to question if such a strident way of proclaiming our message would be well received outside these walls.

Maybe there’s another way to express our prophetic role. Let’s return to the example of Jesus in this morning’s Gospel. Consider his response to Jerusalem, the beloved center of the world for all Israelites:"Jerusalem, Jerusalem," he says, "how often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!"

Jesus knows that he is going to Jerusalem, and will be will be rejected by the people. He knows what he is going to face there, that he will be arrested, suffer and be executed by his enemies. And yet, he weeps, not for himself but for the very people who will reject him. His heart breaks because he cares for them. He is willing to do whatever it takes to gather them under God’s wings. He weeps over Jerusalem, and all of humanity, because he has the heart of God. And God cares.

Those who follow Jesus, follow his example. At the root of the ministry of Jesus is love. And so, at the root of our message to the world must be God’s love. Two men were sitting at lunch one day when the topic of church came up. The first said that his congregation had a new preacher.

"What happened to the old one?" his friend asked.

"We didn’t much care for him, so he left."

"What didn’t you like about him?"

"It was his preaching," the man said. "He kept telling us we are sinners and that if we didn’t repent we would face the judgment of God."

"Oh," the second man said. "So what does the new one preach?"

"He tells us that we’re sinners and that if we don’t repent we will face the judgment of God."

The second man looked a little confused. "I don’t understand," he said. "What’s the difference?"

"The new one," his friend noted, "has tears in his eyes when he says it."

What was the difference between the two? The new one cared. The plight of people mattered enough for him to weep over their place before God.

Writing in a journal on ministry, William Easum once asked, "When was the last time your church leaders wept over the plight of your city instead of worrying about paying the bills?"

It is a good question isn’t it?

When was the last time we wept for the homeless men and women who live in camps just outside of our towns?

When was the last time we wept for the children who go to bed hungry every night?

When was the last time we wept over the people who have never heard the Good News of God in Christ?

When was the last time we wept because people refused to let God gather them under God’s wings?

Stepping into such a prophetic role will be difficult. We will make some people uncomfortable with our words and actions. No doubt this role was difficult for the prophets of the Old Testament as well, and John the Baptist handed over his very life to it. But if we have been called by God to this ministry, it is time to drop the excuses and go! The road may be hard, but the joy and peace we find on it will be deep, for our companion on the journey is Christ, who promised, "I am with you always, to the end of the age."

First Sunday in Lent, February 24, 2007

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As we enter this season of Lent, we are offered the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness.

The three temptations that he faces symbolize many of the temptations that each of us face on a regular basis. This morning I want to look at each of them a little closer, in hopes of helping us be more prepared when we encounter them.

First of all, maybe I need to make it clear that we need to be very careful about confusing temptation with sin. Lots of different things might wander through our minds. Some of those thoughts might be quite ugly. We might be able to limit such thoughts by more closely monitoring what we let into our heads…what we watch on TV, what we read, the kinds of conversations we engage in, for instance. But I think we need to be clear that ugly thoughts wandering through our heads are not necessarily sinful. It is how we respond to such thoughts. Do we dwell on them? Do we act on them? Or do we let them just pass by?

Jesus was tempted, as we are. Yet he did not sin. He rejected those ugly thoughts.

The first temptation is to satisfy his hunger by turning stones into bread. Satisfying our physical appetites is a strong temptation for most people. And at its root is something that is not necessarily wrong.

To understand that, let me give you a definition of sin that I’ve found helpful. Sin is twisted good. At the root of every sin is something good. Sometimes when I hear the suggestion that the way to deal with sin is to cut it out over our lives, I find that idea making little sense to me. Do we really think we can surgically remove a part of ourselves without such a surgery affecting the rest of our being? I don’t think we can do that. We may be able to suppress those parts of who we are that we find tempts us to sin, but eventually it will come back to trouble us again.
I think a healthier way is to untwist the sin…to find its healthy root.

Let’s take for instance the temptation to satisfy our appetites. Often this arises out of the uncomfortable longing that most people experience for that elusive “something more.” We feel something missing. Life isn’t quite right. And so we seek some form of physical gratification to fill that void. Often whatever it is we use; food, sex, alcohol, drugs, whatever our particular temptation is, it seems to satisfy us for the moment, but eventually we find ourselves struggling with that same longing, now complicated by our possible feelings of guilt and remorse because of having given in to the temptation previously.

There’s nothing wrong in recognizing our longing for something more. Actually, that is a healthy thing. When tempted Jesus responded, “Man does not live by bread alone.” In another version of this story, he says, “man does not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” This is what we truly long for…God. It is God who will fill that empty void.

Most times, there is nothing wrong with addressing our felt needs: our need for food, shelter, security, companionship. The problem comes when we confuse these things with our real needs, our eternal needs. As Thomas a Kempis said, we use things temporal, but we desire things eternal.

The next temptation Jesus faced was power. He was offered the rule of many kingdoms. Power and authority is a strong temptation for some of us. At its root is a desire to have some control of our lives…to assert some authority over those things we can control. This is not necessarily a bad thing. We could even say that it is an appropriate role for good stewards of God’s creation. The problem comes in when we begin to think that the power rests fully in us; that we rule instead of being stewards. The occasion of sin is when we try to play God.

The reality is that we are never in control, and we can never be God. But we are tempted to try. If we give in to that temptation, we might feel for awhile that we are God, but eventually we will come to realize that we have replaced God with another idol; something outside of ourselves that is driving us to seek power. Jesus’ response to this temptation is to say 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" We let God be God, and we serve as God’s stewards.
The last temptation grows out of the one before it. Once we realize that we are not God, there is the temptation to try to control God, to find ways to manipulate God’s power. I’d suggest to you that throughout history, one of the institutions that has given in to this temptation is the Church.

I’ll let you think about that one a little bit. For now let me just say that as Christians, we are not into magic, or magical thinking. We are not trying to manipulate God. Our intention is to become aware of the ways in which God is already manifest, the ways in which God is already among us. We are not summoning God to make an appearance here this morning through our prayers. God is already here, and always has been. The change happens within us; we grow to see God moving among us, and then join in God’s dance, usually referred to as doing God’s will in the world.

We do not put God to the test by trying to control or manipulate God. Instead, we seek out God among us, within each of us, and rolling through all things.

When faced with temptations, seek things eternal. Let God be God, and open your eyes to God’s presence among us.

May we observe a holy Lent, resulting in abundant Easter joy.

Telephone Tree

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Do you have news or prayer requests? If so, Vestry member Evie Brown can help you. Contact the parish office at 609-296-9618.

Boston Coffee Cakes

2007-02-25T22:35:00.000-05:00

This is a popular annual fund raiser for Holy Spirit. Orders must be in by Sunday, March 4. Sign up for your cakes and take an order sheet if you can sell some to family, friends or neighbors. Each cake is 24 oz, costs $9.95 (of which the church receives 40%) and will arrive freshly baked for Palm Sunday.

The Craft Group

2007-02-25T22:30:00.000-05:00

The Craft Group meets on Wednesdays from 10 am to 3 pm. Everyone is welcome. Bring your lunch; coffee, tea, soda are available. Our current year's outreach project is making lap robes for Meadowview Nursing Home. If you knit or crochet, but can't come on Wednesdays and would like to work on this project from home, let us know. We can supply you with yarn.

Card and Game Party, March 5

2007-02-25T22:29:00.000-05:00

On Monday, March 5 from noon to 4:00 pm, bring a snack to share to the church and let the fun begin!

World Day of Prayer

2007-02-25T22:27:00.000-05:00

On March 2, churches in the Tuckerton area will gather at 2:00 pm at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located on the corner of Mathistown Road and Highway 9. Everyone is invited.

Thursday Night "Equipping the Saints" Class

2007-02-25T22:26:00.000-05:00

Please join us for a study of the third volume of The Church's Teaching Series, The Practice of Prayer, by Margaret Guenther. The study of this particular volume is especially appropriate as part of your Lenten discipline. We begin at 6:30 pm in the library. Books are available from Fr. Terry.

"Welcome to the Episcopal Church" Class

2007-02-25T22:23:00.000-05:00

This class meets on Sundays at noon in the undercroft (downstairs hall). This is a class to help us learn more about what it means to be an Episcopalian. Everyone is welcome, newcomers and those seeking a refresher course.

Lenten Program, Fridays During Lent

2007-02-25T22:19:00.000-05:00

5:45 - Evening Prayer
6:00 - Simple meal (soup and bread provided)
6:15 - Program: "Groundwork - Digging Deep for Change and Growth" - The goal of Groundwork is to encourage personal and congregational transformation, to ask our members and leaders to dig deeply into the soil of our mission and context so that we may engage in serious and joyful learning about evangelism and service.

Nothing Like A Professional

2006-10-22T18:29:00.000-04:00

A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her small daughter was very sick with a fever.

She left her work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication. She got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys inside!

She didn’t know what to do, so she called home and told the baby sitter what had happened. The baby sitter told her that the fever was getting worse. She said, “You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door.”

The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been left on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time had locked their keys in their car. She looked at the hanger and said, “I don’t know how to use this.”

She bowed her head and asked God to send her help. Within five minutes a beat up old motorcycle pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head.

The woman thought, “This is what you sent to help me?”

But she was desperate, so she was also very thankful.

The man got off of his cycle and asked if he could help.

She said, “Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?

He said, “Sure.” He walked over to the car, and in less than a minute the car was opened. She hugged the man and through her tears she said, “Thank you so much! You are a very nice man!”

The man replied, “Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison today. I was in prison for car theft and have only been out for about an hour.”

The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud,

“Oh, Thank you, Lord! You even sent me a professional!”

Our Big Day

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A big day in the life of our parish happens tomorrow, Saturday, September 30th, 2006, when we will welcome our bishop, +George Councell, and together with him celebrate the new ministry of our Vicar. We will also give thanks for our new building and dedicate it for the use of our parish. The celebration begins at three pm in the former St. Theresa's RC church on Main Street in Tuckerton, which is now known as The Church of the Holy Spirit, Episcopal.

Come, Holy Ghost
Creator blest
And in our hearts take up Thy rest.
Come with Thy grace
And heavenly aid
To fill the hearts
Which Thou hast made
To fill the hearts
Which Thou hast made.

Who Is St. Therese of Lisieux?

2006-08-23T21:06:00.000-04:00

We are now moved into the former St. Theresa's RC Church on East Main Street, Tuckerton! That building will now be known as Holy Spirit Episcopal Church.

Who is the Theresa for which our new parish home was named in its first incarnation?

There are a few saints with this name, but this Theresa was also known as "the Little Flower" of Jesus. She stumbled upon a brand of spirituality that is absolute genius, because anyone at all can follow it.

As a young girl, Theresa dreamed of doing grand things for God. She often fantasized about becoming a missionary in a wild, dangerous place, or becoming an explorer, or some daring and courageous person who would die a dramatic death and become a martyr.

Instead, she died of tuberculosis after having lived as a cloistered Carmelite, and did not live to see her thirtieth year.

But Therese discovered a great spiritual truth more or less by accident: it was that sanctity was available to everyone, no matter what their station in life, or their occupation. It was, she realized, simply a matter of doing whatever you were doing as well as you possibly could, and dedicate it all to God. No matter where you were in life--a doctor or a dishwasher, it didn't matter--the path of holiness and sainthood was open to you.

Such a simple and obvious truth. No wonder we all missed it until Theresa pointed it out to us.

Theresa is known for her love of roses. She said, "I want to spend my heaven doing good on earth, and I will send a shower of roses so that you know I am with you."

St. Theresa

May 14, 2006

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Today, throughout this country, we honor one of the most important roles of humanity. Today, we honor Motherhood.

In today's culture, you would think that this day would be decreed to be something a little more inclusive. Parent's Day, maybe? But no, over time, this day has managed to keep its significance, and identify the role of Mother as being unique to the role of Father. Is there a difference?

In today's households, many roles are shared by the parents, making the line between Moms and Dads a little more blurry. The stereotypical roles no longer define parents in today's world. The reality is that we are each a composite of many different characteristics; some masculine, and some feminine. More than ever before, the title Parent seems more appropriate.

Our Parent, who art in heaven... That doesn't quite have the same ring to it, does it? That's the problem with language. It is not always a rational endeavor. And maybe that's a good thing, as our images of God are not always rationale, either. When it comes to the nature of God, we know very little. We talk about God using metaphors. Sometimes metaphors are helpful. Sometimes they're not. If our reference to God as Father leads us to believe that God must be male, much like our earthly fathers, and our experience of earthly fathers is negative, then the metaphor of God as father may hinder our relationship and our understanding of God. Speaking of God as Parent probably isn't much better, as our relationship with God might become yoked to our interaction with our earthly parents.

Our Father/Mother, who art in heaven... This is a cumbersome way to address God, but it does have some merit. It is a complex image, a unique image, and one that is not readily accepted literally. It contains an element of mystery. But, once again, it just doesn't sound right to our ear, does it?

Our Mother who art in heaven... This metaphor has the same problem as the Father metaphor. Referring to God as Mother makes it easy to let our earthly Mother become our model of God. Yet, it is a metaphor worth exploring, as I think it is an option that has been neglected for much too long.

God is both Father and Mother. God has both masculine and feminine characteristics. You may have never thought of God before with feminine characteristics. I invite you today to consider God as Mother; to consider God as the One who gathers us under Her wings.

Mother's Day is not specifically a religious holiday, although it is interesting that the lectionary provides us with today's Gospel for the Sunday set aside to honor mothers. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments…and I will love you and reveal myself to you."

If there was ever a human metaphor for the love of God, it would probably be the love of a mother for her child; an unconditional love. God's love is totally unconditional.

I invite you to recall some of your memories of unconditional love from your life. They don't have to be memories of your mother's love. You might remember such love from your father, grandparents, spouse, or any other significant person in your life. We are referring to this "no strings attached" love as motherly love, but it didn't have to come from your mom. We've all experienced this kind of love, expressions of care that were unearned and undeserved. Even though it may not have been your personal experience, the idea of unconditional love, born through the ages in song and literature, has been wrapped up with the image of Mother.

This morning I want to suggest to you that the term Mother is an appropriate way to address God, who offers us unconditional love, and who gives us a new commandment, that we love one another.

Let me tell a story to illustrate the difference between the masculine and the feminine, a story that might help illustrate why I think right now, in this time in history, the image of Mother is a good way to envision God. It is a story told by Ed Gentry, a bible study leader at a church in Texas.

When I was a kid, we used to go to my grandparents dairy farm for a week each year. Each morning my grandmother would wake up at 4am and head out to the pasture to round up the cows and take them to the barn for milking. I will never forget the day I came of age. It was announced the following morning I would be allowed to get up and go with my grandmother as she performed her duties.

By the time grandmother was ready to go, so was I...decked out completely with cowboy boots, plastic chaps, genuine leather holster, metal cap gun, bandana, cowboy hat, and, if memory serves, she found me digging around for a piece of rope to be used to wrangle the particularly reluctant doggies.

You can imagine my surprise when, as we started to walk to the barn, she began to softly call out the cows names into the darkness. By the time we got to the barn, the first few cows were lining up to come in and get milked. I don't remember if the surprise knocked me off my feet or I slipped on a cow patty, but I was really bothered. This was not how you were supposed to round up cattle. It bothered me for a long time. As we studied Psalm 23 last month, this memory came rushing back. My vision is of God gently calling our names in the dark as we walk through our lives. I think cattle prods would be more effective.

Our Mother, who art in heaven, softly calling our names in the darkness. God the Creator giving birth to all creation, nurturing and sustaining Her creation, and expressing an inclusive love for all of creation. I think our world needs this metaphor for God right now. One who creates, nurtures and sustains.

Today, I have invited you to stretch your understanding of God, to explore the possibility of seeing God as your heavenly Mother. I have found this metaphor to be helpful in my life. I suspect it may be helpful to some of you.

Let us celebrate motherhood this day, and give thanks to God our Mother. Let us also honor God as we encounter Her in those around us. Express your love for the mothers in your life. They are created in the image of God.

April 30, 2006

2006-04-30T17:35:00.000-04:00

The resurrected Christ appears to his disciples and tells them, "You are the witnesses of these things."

The disciples were called witnesses. What do you think of when you hear the word "witness"? I think of Perry Mason, one of my favorite shows as a kid. A good witness could steal the whole episode. What else leaps to mind? I have another image that springs to mind; from my childhood Pentecostal days, of witnessing on street corners. Sometimes it felt more like shoving Jesus down someone's throat if they wanted it or not. But we understood that's what Jesus called us to do.

And, to some degree, I think this approach is correct. I don’t think aggressive evangelism is very successful today, but if we really believe that we have found a way that gives meaning and purpose to our lives, it would seem that we would be bursting to share what we have found with those we encounter each day. We are called to be witnesses. But I'm not sure that street corners are the best place to find people who are open to the Gospel.

We are each being called to be witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today, it is the church that keeps Jesus alive in our midst by becoming the risen body of Christ. Jesus the Christ has become known to us, through the witness of scripture, and through the witness of how Jesus Christ has touched our lives.

How has Jesus Christ touched your life? What are the particular things that you can proclaim as a witness for Christ?

Being a witness can be difficult. We don't know what to say, or when to say it, or when to stop. Don't feel bad. At first, right after the resurrection, the disciples didn't feel up to the job, and they weren’t. Jesus told them to wait, to not start being his witness yet. Jesus knew that though the disciples were full of enthusiasm and good intentions, when push came to shove, they were really only ordinary people. They were to wait, until they were filled with the Holy Spirit, until they were filled with the presence of the living God.

It is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that allows the Church to become the body of Christ. When we try to run on our own power, or our own strength, we are setting ourselves up for failure. We cannot present an authentic witness to Jesus Christ without the Holy Spirit.

Who are the witnesses for the Church? Who affirms that we are indeed the resurrected body of Christ? If the Church is to be heard in this world, if the Gospel is to be preached to open ears, the Church must also have witnesses. Who speaks for the church today?

Unfortunately, the church’s witness to the world has not always been a positive one. Mahatma Gandhi followed the teachings of Jesus, but said he could never become a Christian because of the example of Christianity he had witnessed. Today, there are young people who will not even consider Christianity as an option because of the harsh message they hear coming from the Church.

But, we do have other examples in the history of the Church. One of these examples would be St. Lawrence, who was martyred in 258. He was the Archdeacon of Rome. His assignment was to maintaining the sacred vessels and disperse alms to the poor. Governor of Rome took Pope Sextus captive. He demanded to know, "Where are the treasures of the church?" When the Pope refused to give up the treasure, he was tortured to death. The Governor gave Lawrence the same demand. “Bring me the treasures of the Church. "Give me three days, and I will grant your demand," said Lawrence. When he returned threee days later, he was accompanied by crowd of the lame, blind, and deaf, the nobodies of society. “Here are the treasures of the church," proclaimed Lawrence.

If our message is to be heard, we need to proclaim it in both word and deed. If we are to be effective witnesses to Jesus Christ in today's world, we need witnesses that will say, "Yes, these people live the life that they profess."

We are called to be witnesses. May God grant that each of us might encounter the risen Christ, be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and show forth in our lives what we profess by our faith.

Alleluia, Christ is risen!

Easter, 2006

2006-04-17T21:12:00.000-04:00

Easter 2006

Sometime between Friday and this morning, over 2000 years ago, something happened. We don’t know exactly what happened. All we have is the testimony of those who saw evidence of this “something” that first Easter morning. A wandering rabbi by the name of Jesus had been executed by the Romans for the crime of treason. They said he claimed to be king of the Jews.

Three days later, his tomb was found to be empty. Some of his followers told stories of seeing him alive. Throughout his small band of followers spread the message; “He is Risen!” At first, these followers weren’t sure what that meant exactly, except that one they loved, whose loss they had mourned, had somehow appeared once again in their midst.

Over time, this “something” that happened, this event, became the definitive moment in the faith tradition known as Christianity. Eventually it came to be understood to mean something like this; “through Jesus Christ, death, our ancient enemy, has been cast down and trampled underfoot.”

We are no longer held captive by our fear of death. That is a wonderful thing in and of itself, but is that it? Is that what Easter is all about? Not being afraid to die?

I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t seem to cover the myriad of emotions I feel when confronted with the story of the resurrection. I think overcoming fear is a big part of it, but I’m not sure it is simply overcoming the fear of dying.

In the Gospel account, the risen Christ tells the women, “Do not be afraid.” That’s all well and good for them. If I was able to see Jesus Christ, the son of the living God risen from the grave, I wouldn’t be afraid either!

With those in the Gospel story, we proclaim, “He is risen!” What do we mean by that? If he is risen, then where is he?

It’s time for my thunderstorm story again. A little boy was scared during a thunderstorm. His Mom tried to comfort. “Don’t be scared,” she said. “God will keep you safe.”

“But Mom!” the little boy cried. “Right now, I need a God with skin on!”

Sometimes we all need a God with skin on. In order for this idea, this concept of resurrection and immortality to not just float away, it needs to be concrete; it needs to put on some flesh.

One way of understanding a sacrament, an outward sign of an inward grace, is that these things, wine, bread, water, oil, words, people, in a sense become for us concrete ways that we can hold on to the lofty concepts that they represent. We understand Jesus to be the sacrament, the outward and visible sign, of God. We understand the Church to be the sacrament, the outward and visible sign, of Jesus Christ. We, those who are baptized and filled with the spirit of the living God, are the Church. Each one of us is a living sacrament. Each one of us can be God, with skin on for each other. We can represent the risen Christ to one another.

It isn’t always easy to see Christ in your neighbor. Sometimes it’s because your neighbor is a jerk. But most times, I think we cannot see Christ clearly in others because our own vision has become cloudy. How do we clear our vision?

Friday night I spoke to you about suffering and death, and suggested that sometimes we have to let something die in order to make room for the new thing God might be doing. Sometimes we have to let go of something that we have been clinging to desperately in order to see the risen Christ in our midst.

I spoke of the little pit bull that lives within me, and the need for me to let my old friend die. I mentioned that the reason that now is the time to finally let go of the attack dog inside of me that has kept me safe for so long was because I felt God doing something new within me, and this pit bull, with his growls and long teeth, was barring the way for this new thing.

What is this new thing? I promised you if you came back this morning I’d tell you about it. Now I’m not sure just how to describe it. It’s a particular way to view our relationship with God, and our relationship with each other. It’s not really that new, I suppose. It’s Christianity in its most basic form, actually. It seems that somewhere along the way, most likely while paying too much attention to the barking of my pit bull, I seem to have forgotten some of these basic themes.

I’m relearning this relational approach to God through the writings of one author. Right now, I’m allowing this writer to be God, with skin on, for me.

I’m not going to mention the name of the author who seems to be ushering in a new chapter in my own spiritual life, as some folks might be inclined to run out and buy his books. That would be a mistake. Most likely you would be disappointed. He’s not a great writer, and his ideas are not that novel. He speaks to me right now. I’m not sure he would speak to you.

This guy describes himself as an evangelic, catholic, poetic, biblical, charismatic, contemplative, anabaptist, calvinist, anglican, green, incarnational, depressed, unfinished Christian. I love it! He refuses to be put in a box. I’ve worn most of those labels at one time or another in my life, but the idea that I don’t have to take one off to put another one on is refreshing to me. It eliminates a lot of the internal arguments I have with my little pit bull.

He speaks of evangelism; proclaiming the Good News of God in Christ, as a dance! A dance…how wonderful. He talks about nature as God's artwork, God's text, showing us so much about the Creator.

He describes the tension between science and faith this way; “Science sought to explain the world without God, it produced a story without meaning. And Christians, trying to recast the gospel in the language of science and reason, produced a propositional belief system that lost touch with the story that gave it power. I am interested in seeing science and faith as collaborators.”

He reminds me that diversity is a good thing. “Life evolves to thrive in many different niches. The same should be true among Christians,” he says. "We need incredible diversity to fill many, many niches."

And most importantly, he speaks of Christianity as a relationship, not a set of beliefs. He calls for more conversations, and fewer debates.

The pit bull in me doesn’t like this guy. But right, now, he represents, for me, the whisperings of God.

How do I know that this author is right? I don’t. But when I close the book, and look around, I see evidence surrounding me of the truth of his words. And I see even more evidence for why the pit bull must be allowed to die. I want more conversations, more relationships, and the snarling attack dog within me is in the way.

If I am honest, the main reason I kept the pit bull around was because of my fears; fear of being rejected, fear of being wrong, fear of losing the debate, fear that God could not keep me safe. It’s time for me to hear my Risen Lord saying, “Do not be afraid!” It is time to place my faith in God, instead of an internal pit bull.

Christ is risen, and in our midst this morning. How do I know? Because I feel a new life emerging within me. Because I’ve encounter the risen Christ in the writings of a wonderful man. Because I see Christ being made manifest in the love Cherie offers me each day.

And, I know that my redeemer lives, because I see him in each one of you gathered here this morning.

Do not be afraid. He is risen. Alleluia!

April 3, 2006

2006-04-03T15:16:00.000-04:00

In this morning’s Gospel, we hear of two resurrection appearances of Jesus. The Gospels were written to proclaim the Good News to all people. I think that these two resurrection stories are told so close together for a specific reason. They offer a witness to the ability of the resurrection to transform the lives of two very different kinds of people.

First, we have the disciples, minus Thomas, gathered behind a locked door, afraid that if anyone found them, what happened to Jesus would happen to them. They were afraid that they would become Act II, with matching crosses. So they were hiding,

Most of us can identify with this kind of fear. Fear of what might happen. Fear of what someone might do to us. Fear that something might happen to the children. Fear of the stranger. Fear of the unknown.

Our fear of the unknown can lead to our fear of change. If everything is orderly, everything is routine, then we believe we can be safe. Maybe we can, but I think we need to realize that this safety is often based on an illusion. Change is inevitable, no matter what we do.

There was a little boy who was learning to tie his shoes. When he finally mastered this skill, his mother praised him, telling him what a big boy he was now. Suddenly, the young child broke into tears. “What ‘s wrong?” his mother asked. “You should be so proud of yourself! Now you can tie your own shoes just like all the other kids.”

“But Mom!” the boy wailed, “now I’m going to have to do it myself for the rest of my life!”

William Auden once said;
We would rather be ruined than changed
We would rather die in our dread
Than climb the cross of the moment
And see our illusions die.

Change is inevitable. And maybe we suspect we won’t like it. It’s hard to see our illusions die. But its going to happen anyway. And we have no crystal ball. The fear of the unknown lurking in the misty future is something that no amount of planning, no carefully structured routines, no locked doors or gated communities, can protect us from.

The change in the disciples from the Last Supper to this scene of them huddling in fear is quite dramatic. Jesus was dead, and their world had turned upside down. The future was now completely unknown; but from what they could guess, it was not a very bright.

Then, suddenly, Jesus appears to the disciples in the midst of their fear. He didn’t come to them to take away their fear, but to be present with them in the midst of it. Jesus brought them a word of peace, but not necessarily a word of safety. Most of the disciples went on to face violent deaths. The peace Jesus brought was a peace born of courage. This was a peace that sprung from them seeing who they really were and what they had been called to do.

The situation outside that room did not change. They were still being hunted as criminals. Everything they had been afraid of was still the same. The change happened inside the room; inside each one of them. Jesus said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” The spirit of the living God, dwelling within them, transformed these frightened men into messengers who boldly went out into the world proclaiming God’s love revealed through Jesus Christ.

That’s the story of the first resurrection appearance. Now let’s move on to the second one; the one starring Thomas.

Among every culture and every time in history, there are a few people who are unusual in that they seem to not react to fear the same way as the rest of us. Some of these people are the stuff of legends, the heroes of their generation. Their courage often draws us more timid souls to move beyond our fear, and to move forward into the unknown. I think Thomas was one of these types.

Notice that Thomas was not with the rest of the disciples hiding behind a locked door. He didn’t care if he got arrested. He wasn’t going to cower behind some locked door. He had things to do and people to see. He went on about his business.

You might recall earlier, during Jesus earthly ministry, there was a debate among Jesus and his disciples about returning to Judea, where the people had already tried to kill Jesus by stoning him.. Some of the disciples were afraid if they did, they all might be killed. But Jesus was insistent. Finally, Thomas spoke up saying, “Let us all go, that we may die with him.”

We can imagine that Thomas was a brave, no nonsense kind of guy. He was not afraid to face flying stones. After the crucifixion, he was not afraid of being arrested. But, as it is with some people with this kind of strong personality, he was a bit of a cynic. He is known by the label of “doubting Thomas.”

It does take a bit of courage to doubt, doesn’t it? Some people seem to be willing to believe anything, if such beliefs will help them feel safer. Sometimes, I think we are afraid to question some of our beliefs, as we are afraid that we might lose them; we are afraid of we dig too deep, we might somehow lose God. There is a danger of doubting so much that one becomes skeptical of everything. But, for the most part, I think that doubts can often be the springboard for spiritual growth.

The Thomas we meet in the Gospel has become quite the cynic. Here comes his friends, all excited about Jesus suddenly appearing to them. “Yea, right,” thinks Thomas. “The whole thing was a waste of time. We follow this carpenter around, and what happens? He is executed like a common criminal. And now these airheads show up with this bizarre story. They are in denial, big time. Face it fellows. He’s dead! It’s over! Go back to your homes, and get on with your lives!”

But they will not stop jabbering about this ghost they have seen. Finally, in frustration, Thomas shouts, “Look, here’s the deal; unless I can touch the wounds, unless You give me some kind of evidence that he is real, not some phantom projected out of your heads, I’m not buying it. Now leave me alone!”

But, his friends just keep on babbling about it, for all of the next week. Finally, desperate to shut them up, Thomas agrees to return with them to the room.

And Jesus does appear. And Thomas experiences the risen Christ. This strong, courageous cynic drops to his knees, proclaiming, “MY Lord and My God!”

Thomas was transformed that day, as the disciples had been a week before. The cynicism born from doubt was gone. His courage now became even greater. Some early traditions claim that Thomas carried the message of the Gospel as far as India.

I think we need to take to heart these two stories. We might be people bound by fear. Or we might be one of those courageous folk who have become a bit skeptical of those who lean on what we see as false hopes for protection. Regardless of what kind of person, or community, we are, Jesus stands in our midst, offering us peace, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. “Christ comes to Christians regardless of what their quality of life together may be.,” writes Herbert Driscoll. Christ’s unfailing love and unconquerable power penetrates all locked doors. Christ’s presence among us has nothing to do with our deserving his presence, or our willingness to receive it.

Easter sets us free of our fear, and of our bitter cynicism. We are strengthened through the Holy Spirit to affirm that the risen Christ is in our midst. We become bold enough to dare to see the face of the risen Christ in the person sitting next to us this morning. We are empowered to go forth from this place and proclaim that our savior lives, and offers us a life that is deathless and everlasting.

Jesus is saying to each of us today; “Take courage; for I have overcome the world!” This is the message we are called to offer all of humanity. We no longer have to hide in fear. We no longer have to live in bitter cynicism built on broken dreams. We have been given a new spirit, and a new vision, that goes beyond this world. We have been given the gift of God’s love. We have been given God’s spirit, making us the hands of the risen Christ in the world today. Let us proclaim this good news to the world with our every word and deed.

Alleluia Christ is risen!

March 5, 2006

2006-03-05T21:08:00.000-05:00

"Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan ... And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan" (Mark 1:9-13).

I have lots of problems with this passage. First of all, it seems to have things a bit backwards. Jesus is baptized, claimed as a member of the household of God, and then goes through a period of preparation or purification.

Shouldn't the preparations be made first, and then the baptism? Before an adult is baptized, they prepare themselves. Before we receive communion, we prepare ourselves. Before ordination, the ordinand traditionally makes a retreat.

Just possibly, we have it backwards.

Maybe we need to remind ourselves that there is nothing we can do to earn the sacraments. We cannot earn the right to Holy Baptism, Holy Communion or ordination. These are free gifts of grace offer by God through God's Church. They are given freely. But we do need to keep in mind that the sacraments are a means by which we receive God's grace, and once God's grace gets involved, things are going to change in our lives. Maybe we need a retreat after we have acknowledged the reception of God's gift of grace. Maybe that's when we need to stare in the face the new thing that God has done in our lives.

Jesus is driven by the Spirit into the wilderness. He didn't go by his own volition. The Spirit of God drove him, forced him, to undergo this forty day fast. Such aggressiveness on the part of God makes me nervous. What do we do with that? It appears that God was still preparing Jesus, and time was of the essence. Jesus had more to learn before he would be ready for his ministry.

Seminary was not the wonderful experience I had expected it to be. There is a point when almost every seminarian has a crisis of faith. Most seminaries won't admit it, but I think that its built into the process. The seminaries want their students to face their own doubts, fears, and inadequacies while still in school, and not while serving in their first parish. At times, seminary did seem like being driven into the wilderness by God. I didn't like it, but I wouldn't give up my seminary years for anything. Sometimes, God can be rather insistent, whether we like it or not!

Jesus is driven out into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. If God drove him out there, then Satan is functioning as an agent of God. This is what we also see in the book of Job. Somehow, we have to get a handle on the reality that Satan has to be under God's authority. This brings up lots of problems with evil in the world, but that's another message. This passage refutes the idea that there are two powers fighting it out somewhere, and that there is some danger that God might lose this bout of cosmic fisticuffs! There is only one God of all.

The season of Lent, the forty days preceding Easter, is a call for each of us to enter the wilderness. The wilderness is a frightening place. We have no map. We don't know what we'll encounter. But we are driven into our own wildernesses just the same.

God calls us to enter those strange places in our lives, the places we avoid. God calls us to look into our hearts, and seek out those unexplored wildernesses, and begin to learn who we really are.

Lent is a time to expand our horizons, by charting the unknown wildernesses in our lives. We are called to stretch our understanding of God, and to try on new ways of responding to God. Lent is a time to enter the wilderness within our relationships as well. It is a time to seek reconciliation with those from whom we have been cut off for much too long.

God is pushing us out of our nice, comfortable lives into the unknown of the wilderness. Let us look at those dark places within our hearts, and allow God to heal them and bring them into the light. Let us allow God to stretch us in the wilderness and reveal new ways to respond to God's love with acts of mercy. Let us enter the wilderness with joy, knowing that we will emerge with a heart no longer hardened, but a heart desiring reconciliation with God and one another.

February 26, 2006

2006-02-26T18:23:00.000-05:00

Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings..."

You gotta love Peter. He is so...well...human! Faced with a wondrous mystical experience on the mountaintop, he sees no reason to let it end.

That's how it is with mountaintop experiences. The euphoria is so intense, we never want it to stop.

But most of us don't live on the mountain. Eventually, we have to return to the valley.

For many people in this world, there are few if any mountaintop experiences in their lives. If the Transfiguration is the definitive mountaintop experience, probably most of us don't have much of a mountaintop to climb down from.

Walter Wink and Marcus Borg, among others, have tried to point out that the way we often think about god really doesn’t work if we are honest. It depicts a transcendent God who occasionally intervenes in human affairs. They suggest a God who, as Wordsworth would put it, "rolls through all things."

The difficulty in separating experience into categories of "supernatural" and "natural", or mountaintop and valley, is that it encourages us to believe that God is only encountered in the unusual, the miraculous, the spectacular. The natural world is seen as mundane, or even profane.

The movement of God is always from one moment of glory to the next moment of glory. We might split things up as natural or supernatural, secular or sacred, mundane or momentous, but our perception is not necessarily the reality. We are called to move from faith, to faith, trusting that God is in our midst, moving all around us and through us; transforming all of creation.

Those fishermen on the mountain with Jesus saw this glory, and their eyes were opened. If we open our eyes, maybe we might also? Of course, we may have to redefine what we consider glorious and sacred.

What might be often considered mundane, but might also be considered full of awe and wonder?

Watching the sun rise...amazing!
Beautiful music...awesome!
A child snuggling close...glorious!
Fresh fallen snow...beautiful!
Reconciling an argument...peace!
Quiet prayer...refreshing!

Once we begin to look for God's glory, we find it all around us. It's a matter of perspective.

Beyond the glory we stumble across in our daily routines, we can also be co-creators with God, by transforming our environment.

Recently I came across an article by James McGinnis entitled Households of Faith. He tells about taking each of his young children to a large park, and encouraging them to pick out their own special prayer place. For the next years, as the children grew up, one of their parents would take them to their prayer place the day before any special religious commemorations, such as first communion or confirmation, so that together they could prayerfully reflect on the upcoming event. What a wonderful example of creating a mountaintop experience!

I still say that we need to live in the valley, to serve those who know nothing of the mountaintop. But, if we are to be of service, we need to have something to offer; which may require us to redefine the mountaintop.

It just may be that we may encounter the glory of God in the face of those we serve, if we look carefully, and listen closely.