Diocesan Convention

So I just went to my mailbox and was shocked to see my Diocesan Convention materials there waiting for me. After my first look through of the material this is what I have come up with.

(1) For the first time in the three or four diocesan conventions I've been to there will actually be real elections.

~ The Standing Committee has 4 candidates in the lay order to fill 1 position.
~ Diocesan Council has 3 candidates in the clergy order to fill 2 positions
~ (I guess you could say) The Commission of Congregational Development has a race in both orders as they each have 2 candidates for 1 position.

But here is the big one!

DEPUTIES TO GENERAL CONVENTION

Deputies: 4 Clerics and 4 Lay persons
Alternates: 4 Clerics and 4 Lay persons

* The 4 Deputies in each order and the 1st Alternates in each order get to attend General Convention

In the Clergy order there are a total of 8 candidates. We vote for 4.
In the Lay order there are a total of 6 candidates. We vote for 4.

In all of the offices I'm pretty sure I know who I am going to vote for except for the Clergy order of Deputies to General Convention. There are 8 very qualified candidates and I would feel comfortable with any of them. This will not be an easy vote. I know two I WILL be voting for, but I get to vote for two more and I have no idea who that will be.

(2) As for the resolutions, we have a grand total of 2 resolutions. Hopefully some people will come up with resolutions from the floor, or I have a feeling we will make record time at this convention in about 3 weeks.

Let us all pray for those people involved on all levels of this convention.
Let us pray for guidance on our resolutions and offices for elections.
Let us pray that the decisions made and those who we elect will be done with faithful hearts and with respect for those who may not be happy with the outcome.
Most of all let us pray that we as a diocese can work together to build up our community, foster growth, and spread the light and love of Christ throughout our diocese and the larger community.




P.S. for those of you who read this blog and don't already know, I am one of the 6 lay persons running to be a deputy to General Convention.

Dee for Deputy (GC 2009)

Around the communion

I know there are a ton going on in the Anglican Communion. Every dissenting male priest is being consecrated a Bishop, the HoB (House of Bishops) has just met in New Orleans for a very important meeting, that was another meeting in Pittsburg, and the JSC said the HoB's statement was good, etc., etc., etc.

But, really is that what we should focus so much of our time and energy on? How many churches are closing due to lack of funding or lack of membership. I know in my Diocese (RI) there have been several merges of parishes and from what I can tell have worked pretty well. Shouldn't we be focusing our time and effort on supporting our parishes and making decisions that will help them grow and succeed. How many average parishioners know who Gene Robinson, Bob Duncan, Rowan Williams, or Peter Akinola are. I bet there are some people who don't even know who their own diocesan bishop is, and they are getting along just fine.

Why aren't we focusing more of our energy on the work of the Millennium Development Goals. A plethora of Diocese and the National Church have committed themselves to this work. The national church even made the MDGs the number one mission priority for the next three years - so why aren't Susan Russell and Kendall Harmon writing about that. We can focus on so many other things peace, environmental sustainability, youth ministries, fostering vocations for ordained ministry in young people, and the list goes on.

If we are going to survive as a church we need to start talking about more than just who is sleeping with who and who doesn't want Katherine JEfferts Schori as their Presiding Bishop.

I'm not saying what is going on the TEC and the global Anglican Communion isn't important, because it is. I believe in an inclusive church. A church where everyone - gay, straight, black, white, yellow, green, purple, conservative, liberal, high church, low church, and any other thing you can think of - belongs and is loved and accepted.

Jesus didn't say, "If you are a straight white male and believe in me you will have eternal life." Jesus said, "WHOEVER believes in me will have eternal life." Open your church doors let everyone. Because when we can worship side by side with those who we disagree with then we are truly following - what I believe to be - the most important principles of Anglicanism. When we worship together, we can work together. We can realize that no one province is perfect and that we will all do things that upset each other, but in the end we will find we have more in common than we think. If we can't worship together how can we expect to say in communion together, how can we expect to bring Christ's light into the world.

Lessons from Africa

So I know it has been a while since I've written, but keeping up with all of my classes and blogospheria Anglicana (I believe is how Scott Gunn says it) I haven't had much time for blogging of my own.

One of the classes I am taking this semester is Introduction to Environmental Issues. In this class we read a chapter of "The Healing Wisdom of Africa". The chapter we read was titled "The Healing Power of Nature". The book is about the experiences of a man named Some and his life having been educated in French schools, but being a member of the Dargara Tribe in Africa. Within chapter two Some speaks of Nature and Community.

"Community is about communion, about serving, about being intimately connected. The intimate connections one has in a community cloak he individual with love and acceptance, making that individual feel extremely at home. Home here does not mean some territorial construction, a mere roof over one's head. It is, rather, the place you belong."

This is a lesson our Anglican Communion, TEC, our diocese, and our parishes need to learn. Even on the simplest level of our church structure I hear so many stories of people not being welcomed for one reason or another. People go to churches in search for God, and they find no connection. They are not served; they are not cloaked in love and acceptance, but rather treated as outsiders and turned away.

How many times have you seen someone in your church sitting alone? Or at coffee hour seen someone standing in the corner? Instead of saying to your friends, "Who is that and why are they in our church." Invite them to sit and worship with you and share a cup of coffee and get to know who they are.

When going to a church for the first time I always rate the church based on the "coffee hour test." After worship - which is generally good - I go to coffee hour and see if people come over and talk to me. If only the priest comes up to me or someone I already know I decide that they have failed the test. They have not opened themselves up as a community to receive new people whether they be there for a week, a month, a year, or a lifetime. If people come over to me, try to get to know me, and sincerely care about what I have to say then they pass. These congregations are places of growth, of warmth, and of love.

With the knowledge of Episcopal Churches that I have, I think it is safe to say that your church is trying to grow. To bring more people into the church and closer to God. But, would your church pass the coffee hour test?

Next time someone new is at the church go over and sit with them. Welcome them into the community and cloak them in a blanket of love and acceptance. Because for all you know that person may be in search for a home, and what better place to make a home than a church, a Christian community, a place centered around God's love and acceptance.

A theory behind all the consecrations

So everyday there are a few blogs that I read. One is InclusiveChurch. Earlier this evening I needed to take a break from my Biology and Chemistry homework, so I took a look at InclusiveChurch to see if Scott Gunn had anything to say. As I was looking though the new posts I stumbled across one titled To the victor belong the spoils! It is a great theory on all of the consecrations going on. I don't know about you, but it seems to me that for an episcopal male priest to become a bishop he just has to join up with an Archbishop of an African Province. Anyway, take a look at InclusiveChurch. Read what Scott has to say about this, and a lot of other ongoings in the Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion. He's got a lot of good ideas. It's time to get back to my Biology and Chemistry!

College

This is BIG! This is my first blog entry sitting at my new desk, in my new dorm, in my new school, in a new state! WOW! So I've finally made it. I've moved in, unpacked, and set up all my stuff. Everything seems really great. I have two roommates. One I already new who was and is still awesome. Kate and I get along really well. I'm just getting to know Lindsay. She has been playing World of Warcraft (?) for most of the night. Not to much else to say. I'll try to post as often as I can - I'm hoping a couple times a week. Below are a few pictures I took of my room.





It's hard to read, but the thing above my desk says "believe"



Those are my roommates beds. The one at the computer is Lindsay.

A message from Vacationland

So it is the morning of day 3 and I figured that I would give an account of what I've been up to. Last time we met, was my first night here. Remember I told you about the Portland Seadogs games? Anyway . . .

Yesterday I got virtually no sleep. I went to bed at 1 am (Saturday morning) and was up at 3. Two hours of sleep was not enough! At about 5am I went down to the dock. it wasn't very nice out. Cold, raining, yuck! I was going to say morning prayer, but it was raining harder than I would have liked, and I didn't want my prayer book and bible getting all went. So at about 5:30 I walked back up to the house sat on the porch and said morning prayer. Then I hung out with Pam until around 7:30 when John graced us with his presence. We then had coffee and sat on the porch. At around 9:30 we had breakfast and then drove up to the apartment to see how the LaFreniers were doing. Then to the barn to check on the Bowens. Once we had our game plan set. John and I drove into town to reserve the really cool - I think it's called - auger so we can put the fence up on Monday. We came back to Tidewater Way and picked up Pam and the gang. Then we were off to the Granite Mill Store. What an experience! I love that place. I bought some peanuts and a yo-yo. By the time we were done it was time for lunch. MOODY'S DINER!!!! It was just like John had described it. It was really good. Then we went back to the Van Siclens. It had gotten a lot nicer so the kids went down to the river. By this time I was starting to fade form the lack of sleep. So I sat out on the porch for a little while with John trying to get some energy. Turns out all I needed was a little action to get the energy going. John and I started working on the fence. That was fun. Some posts just didn't want to come out so with a little sweat and a lot of determination we got all of the posts and rails down. We went back to the house, I took a shower, and by the time I was back outside the Cappers had arrived. We all had dinner and then went to ice cream. By the time we got back to the house, and cleaned up I was exhausted! So I went to bed really early for me. I think I was asleep by 10:30pm! I finally sleep more than a few hours. I woke up and it was 6:30 this morning. John was up once I got up and we had some coffee, hung out and now I'm writing here.

It's a glourious morning! I was freezing when I got up. I guess I'll have to get used to that! Well it's about that time. Have to go get ready then go to church.

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!!!

So here I am my first night of vacation! It feels like so long since I've taken time for myself, so I'm doing it now. Yesterday I traveled up to South Bristol, Maine to a wonderful place called Tidewater Way. Tidewater Way is this wonderful retreat established by John and Pam Van Siclen. (p.s. this is the John for which the blog is named). So last night on the way I met up with two other Christ Church families who are also here at Tidewater this weekend.

So there isn't too much to say now, but this. I've been feeling burnt out lately, and I really needed to get away. I'm hoping these next few days will be the perfect recharge for me. I can't wait to see what these five days will bring.

Jonathan Daniels Day 2007

I can't believe another year has passed, and we've already celebrated the feast day of Jonathan Myrick Daniels. My how time flies by when were having fun.

This year as I have reflected on the life and ministry of Jonathan Daniels, I a, reminded of two very important things: (1) the vows of our baptismal covenant; and, (2) my own call to serve. For Jonathan and I think for most of us these two things are extremely difficult to separate.

The last three questions of The Baptismal Covenant have to do directly with work and ministry. The first, "Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?" We are required and challenged to live out the values and beliefs of the Gospels - the life of Christ - to create this idea of the kingdom here on earth.

"Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?" During Jonathan's life African American people were not treated equally. They were truly second class citizens. Yet, Jonathan was able to recognize the face of Christ in each one of them. During his time in the south he lived, worked, and worshiped side by side with people many different people that society wouldn't have him associate with. But, Jonathan understood what Jesus meant when he said "love you neighbor."

"Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?" This is my favorite promise made during The Baptismal Covenant. This is how Jonathan lived out the final years of his life. He saw injustice in the country. He knew that it was not right that African Americans were being denied the basic Consitutional right to vote. He worked, rather, he strived for justice. He went to the south he marched and demanded for fair voting laws. Through working for justice he also worked for peace. He did this because Jonathan respected the dignity of every human being.

Jonathan answered two very important calls in his life (1) to enter into the priesthood, and (2) the call to march on Selma to gain voting rights for a peoples. His willingness to give up his life for others both literally and figuratively challenges us all. How are we, as people of faith, called to give up our lives in service of Christ and our fellow human being. How are we called to work for justice, freedom, and peace? How will we respect the dignity of every person? How will seek and serve Christ in those we meet? Jonathan made the ultimate sacrifice. He gave his life for his friend.

I'm still not to sure what to think having celebrated another Jonathan Daniels Day, but I find myself challenged now to think how I might serve others. May we all find the courage that filled Jonathan, and be willing to sacrifice our lives - hopefully figuratively - for others.

Jedi and Jesus, Harry and the Holy Spirit

It is often very difficult for young people to connect with the message of the Church. But, religious leaders are becoming more creative. A few years ago I was given a book titled "Christian Wisdom for the Jedi Masters." It was Jedi and Jesus. Looking at the teachings of Christ and the ministry of His apostles and how they aren't that different than Yoda and the work of the Jedi.

Well it took a while, but Christian leaders are finally coming around on Harry Potter. When the first of seven books came out, many Christian leaders demonized the series - saying Potter was "the king of darkness" and "evil". But, now they are using the adventures of Harry and his friends to translate the Christian message to today's youth.

Read more here

Lambeth 2008

One of the hot topics in the Anglican Communion has been the next Lambeth Conference set to take place next summer. There are a lot of things that can happen at Lambeth. But, before anything can happen people need to go. I've been thinking a lot about Lambeth lately and some of the news that I have read around it. Bishops and Provinces have threatened not to attend if certain bishops go and other threaten if certain bishops do not go. I think it is time for us to be a little less American. As I have said before I fully cupport the election of Bishop Robinson, and I think that he is a wonderful person. But, maybe it will be ok if he doesn't go in his full episcopal capacity. For some members of the Anglican Communion his concecration to the Episcopate is a very difficult thing. It will take time for some to accept or understand or whatever word you want to use Bishop Robinson. Maybe if he goes as a guest it will give some of the others the time to talk to him and better understand. We need to not say it's our way or no way, we need to be open to those who are not as inclusive as us. It will not be easy, but nothing worth it will be easy. Unfortunately a small group will pay for the actions of the whole church. But, as a member of that group I am ready for whatever comes. Because, I know that in the end if we can all learn to live in Christ and Serve Christ together to greatness will be achieve. We will be better exaples of Christ's light and messagers of his Word. When it comes down to it that is what matters most.

And now his Holiness . . .

Well, it's been said before, but he'll say it again. On Tuesday Pope Benedict approved a document be released that says other Christian communities are either defective or not true churches and Catholicisimprovides the only true path to salvation. This is the second move the Pope has made this past week that brings the Catholic Church back to a pre Vatican II. Earlier he revived the old Latin Mass. Benedict attended Vatican II as a young theologian where he critized the church for being to liberal. His moves have been celebrated by the more conservative Catholics, however it has many worried. Several Protestant leaders have been to question past and future ecumenical talks with the Vatican. For an article on the latest from the Pontiff click here

In my opinion this is just more of the same old stuff. The Pope is a conservative man, trying to bring the Roman Catholic Church back in time to more conservative practices - particularly pre Vatican II. However, I think that if continues to reverse Vatican II and bring back the old ways he will agrivate and alienate himself from the other Christian Churches - which doesn't seem to bother him much. However, I think he will loose many from his flock. These changes are, most likely, being celebrated by the conservatives but could very well be turning off the more moderate and liberal Roman Catholics. People who aren't really sure what Church they want to belong to may try the Catholic Church, and after this may leave. Only time will tell what this does for the Roman Catholic Church. But I have a feeling it will either strengthen it or kill it.

On the funny side

So here is something that I found thanks to Susan Russell over at An Inch At A Time. I greatly enjoyed it.

Letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury

Invite Bishop Gene Robinson to Lambeth in 2008

Your Grace ,

I am writing to express my profound disappointment at your decision to withhold an invitation to participate in the 2008 Lambeth Conference from the Rt. Rev'd Gene Robinson. Bishop Robinson is a duly elected and consecrated bishop of The Episcopal Church. As the only openly gay bishop in the Anglican Communion, it is imperative that Bishop Robinson be present at the Lambeth Conference so that real listening and learning can occur.

I strongly urge you to reconsider your decision and invite Bishop Robinson to the Lambeth Conference as a full participant.

Sincerely,

Dee Tavolaro

So that is a copy of the letter I sent to Archbishop Rowan. This afternoon I recieved a letter in return. It is copied below.

Canon Flora Winfield
The Archbishop of Canterbury's Office
for International, Ecumenical and
Anglican Communion Affairs


Dear Ms Tavolaro

The Archbishop of Canterbury has asked me to thank you for your letter of 21 June 2007 regarding his invitation to bishops of the Anglican Communion to next year's Lambeth Conference. The Archbishop is taking a period of study leave this summer and he has therefore asked me to respond to your letter on his behalf.

Prior to his departure, Archbishop Rowan noted carefully the level of disappointment expressed by correspondents, following his decision not to extend an invitation to Bishop Gene Robinson to attend the Lambeht Conference along with the other bishops. He stressed in his letter to the bishops that he did not take this decision lightly, but that he regarded it as appropriate in the light of the recommendations set out in the Windsor Report.

The Windsor Report counselled that in the future proper regard should be taken to the bonds of affection and interdependence between member Churches when considering the acceptability of a candidate for episcopal appointment. While it is recognised that Bishop Robinson was duly elected and consecrated according to the canons of The Episcopal Church, in view of the widespread objections to Bishop Robinson's ministry in other Provinces of the Communion, the Windsor Report further recommended that the Archbishop 'exercise very considerable caution in inviting him to the councils of the Communion'.

From the time of the election of Bishop Robinson to the See of New Hampshire, both the representatives of many Anglican Provinces and the Instruments of Communion made it clear that full recognition by the Communion could not be given to a bishop whose chosen lifestyle would, in most Provinces of the Communion, give rise to canonical impediment to his consecration as a bishop. The Archbishop has to be loyal to that widespread concern as well as bearing in mind the position of Bishop Robinson within The Episcopal Church. The Archbishop is therefore exploring inviting Bishop Robinson to the conference in another status.

Thank you once again for writing.

Yours sincerely

Flora Winfield

Feeding Fire

I love recieving gifts with extra meaning behind them. One of the gifts I think I will treasure the most from my graduation is John B. Coburn's "Feeding Fire". It was given to me by Mike and Carol Coburn. Mike is the son of John B. Coburn. I've gotten to become good friends with Mike and Carol in a relatively small amount of time. I thought it was so special that Mike would share something with me that his father had written. It was a wonderful read. Feeding Fire is a book of poems. These free verse poems lead to a series of meditations. Coburn's poems on various topics are extremel thought provoking. It is a must read for any poetry fan, and any fan of spiritual reading.

Thoughts in Solitude

Thoughts in Solitude is a spiritual classic. It is exactly what I expected from Thomas Merton. It was a quick read, but I wouldn't say easy. It challenged me to look at what a prayer life it, what it means to speak with and be with God in the silence. It challenge me to look at my own faith and spiritual life. It helped me gain a better and deeper understanding of what it means to live life in the solitary, to search for God. I recommend it to anyone and everyone. For those interested in prayer life, theological reading, and those interested in learning more about their relationship with God.

The Devil Wears Pinstripes

So here are a few thoughts after reading Jim Caple's "The Devil Wears Pinstripes". First I thought the book was hysterical. Caple's obvious hatred for the yankees is extremely entertaining. As a yankee fan, I have enjoyed my fair share of making fun of the Red Sox's, but as Caple points out at times it makes sense. There are also times when, I agree, that the yankees and their fans can be really annoying. But, that is true with any team. However, you can't hate all of them. Caple even a section on the yankees that you can't hate like Joe Torre and Bernie Williams. I'd recommed this book to every red sox fan, and to yankee's fan who don't take the dynasty too seriously. I mean if you are a yankees fan who can stand the red sox and their fans then dive right in.

Summer Reading

So I don't have summering reading (yet) for school. So since I'm not bogged down with reading for school. I thought I would take the time to read some stuff that I've collected from graduation and other occasions. So far I have read:
Jim Caple's "The Devil Wears Pinstripes"
and Thomas Merton's "Thoughts in Solitude"
both very good, and I recommend them both.

My list for other reading is as follows:
John B. Coburn's "Feeding Fire" (I'm halfway through)
Khaled Hosseini's "A Thousand Splendid Suns"
John McDonald's "Down the Road a Piece"
Anthony DeStefano's "Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To"
Dante Alighieri's "The Inferno"
Tim Sample and Steve Bither's "Maine Curiosities"
Barack Obama's "In His Own Words"

That is all I have so far. I'll probably reread Merton's "The Seven Story Mountain" again. After finishing "Thoughts in Solitude" I'm in a bit of a Thomas Merton mood. If anyone actually reads this and has any other suggestion leave them in the comments. If I don't get to it this summer, I'll get to it soon enough. Heck if it looks good enough it may even jump the list.

Thoughts in Solitude

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

~ Thomas Merton "Thoughts in Solitude" p. 83

The trip of a life time

6-25-07

I survived my first camping trip! Our Trailblazer trip was amazing, words cannot describe how much fun I had. I was really nervous going into it. All the other incoming 1st years didn't seem like the type of people I would ever hang out with. But, we were more or less forced to bond. Now I have 19 new friends. Some I will only hang out with when we have session 2 reunions. Others, however, I know my friendship with will only get stronger. Jess, Sam, Drew, and Theresa were so cool. Not only were they great at teaching myself and others the ins and outs of camping they helped show us what it means to be a student at UNE. We have so many inside jokes now - no making purple, sappy, the poop glove, highway to hell, shut yo face. One night 15 of us hung out in one of the tents and just chilled. Another afternoon a couple of us were relaxing in our tents and had some great comversations. Dance parties in the van, Ryan not letting me sleep, too many memories to count. ONe that is particularly memorable was my award. i recieved the dinosaur mascot as a spirit award. It was for helping out and always being willing to try new things. While it only cost 89 cents at Walmart - it sure means a hall of a lot. The more time I spend here on campus and with the REAL Trailblazers, the more I can't wait to start school. But, by the same token the more time I spend the more I miss Mount and home. On our way to and from lake mooselookmeguntic we passed Trinity Saco. It made me think of Deacon Linda and Christ church. See Trinity is where - most likely - I'll be worshipping next year. Seeing my new church for the first time made me want to be at Christ Church. It was really bad Sunday morning as I laid on the beach after we did some canoeing. I couldn't help but think of the new service and education program going on while I wasn't there. Dancing to Bohemian Rapsodey, singing baby shark, the dance at the campus center blow out, talking about Environmental Studies / Science, having people be called numb nuts all reminded me of experiences and inside jokes from back home. When I really started to miss home I would sing Elliott in my head and look at pictures from graduation on my camera. It helped a lot. Elliott reminded me of all the good tiems. The pictures reminded me of all the people who have been there for me over the years. I knew that I needed to keep strong and do great things to make them proud. Plus I knew a lot of people from back home were praying for me and that helped the most. I think everything will be ok. I really am excited to start school in the fall, to bring Nick up to visit, and to be back with my friends. but, I will enjoy every minute of my summer vacation. It's Senior Summer it will only get better form here!

GO!
BIG BLUE!
GO!
BIG BLUE!
GO!
BIG BLUE!
POWERCHECK!
::clap::::clap::::clap::
::clap::::clap::::clap::
::clap::::clap::::clap::
::clap::
HUH!

My first night at UNE

The following entry is from my journal. I'm adding it here a few days after the fact.

I arrived at UNE for my orientation today (6-21-07). I'm really excited, but really nervous at the same time. I miss talking with my friends and my church. I don't knopw how I'll survive next year, I mean I've only been here for one day! I guess it will be easier with my cell phone and computer here! It seems that almost everyday I've been talking to Mrs. smith. I didn't realize how much that meant to me. I've missed talking with her.

Anyway, my guides are really cool and my roommate seems really nice. But, the other students on the trip don't seem like the type of people I would be friends with. However, this sense of "loneliness" may be heightened because I'm reading Thomas Merton's "THoughts in Solitude." I;m sure once we are off campus and on the trip I'll be able to bond better with my new classmates. I'm very different from them. They were all talking about parties, drinking, smoking, doing drugs, and camping with friends. Well I've never been camping, and the last time I went canoeing was last summer with Mrs. Ferry and the Blackstone Valley Rivers Project. The more I sit in silence the more I think about Smith, Ferry, and Nick. Nick, because he is one of my best friends. Also, I'm a little worried about him. He talked about homeschooling for next year earlier in the year, and most of his friends were in my class. So they graduated, and he is left with one more year. But, Smith and Ferry, because while I miss them dearly and wish I could be back in their classrooms, I know I can't. However, they have prepared me well. Now it is my turn to go forth and do great things. I'm now a Nor'easter part of Big Blue, but being a Mountie is still who I am.

It's funny tonight we watched the fireworks from a Franco-American celebration in Biddeford. How ironic I find myself in yet another French Canadian mill village! I wear my class ring with pride, and as the summer progresses my tan lines get darker. When I take my ring off you can see that something is missing. It's like when you look at me you can see I'm not a Mount student anymore, you can see that something is missing. The ring has left a mark on my hand, just like Mount has left a mark on my heart. While now I'm a Nor'easter on the outside, I will ALWAYS be a Mountie on the inside!

The life cycle of summer

Change is always hard. Even though we always have summer vacation, and at times during the school year can't wait for it to come, there is a natural let down when the school year ends. I have found this particularly true at Mount - at least for me. Having friends that live all over RI and Mass, makes it even more challenging. It isn't like when I went to Lincoln and during the summer, I would walk to the next street and there were my friends from school.

We get into a routine of getting up early going to school and living by a bell. We get used to the same teachers, students, lunch menus, and that begins to shape our lives. We become set, we begin to feel safe. Like things are working ok. But, then summer - or graduation - come along and that all changes.

No more uniforms, no books, no more getting up at the crack of dawn to get to jazz band on time. There is a great fear in that. What am I going to do now? It is the fear of the unknown. I know I'm pretty nervous and a little scared to go off on my new student orientation camping trip tomorrow. But, besides fear there is a let down. My schedule is no longer jam packed. I have time to sit out by the pool and read. I have time to go out to lunch with friends. I have time to go to work, and not be stressed out about getting my school work done. I have down time, time to relax. The high energy school year is over.

Summer, as I have come to know it, is a time of great saddness, it is an ending. But, it is also a beginning. Time for new experiences and adventures both here and abroad. It is a time to relax and restore ourselves, so when the fall comes we can once again jump into school life.

This day in history

Today we remember June 18, 2006. It was a day where the Episcopal Church gave the Boys Club (a.k.a the Primates) the greatest Father's Day gift of all. It was on this day just one year ago, that the House of Bishops elected The Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori as the first female Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. It has been an interesting year. Congrats to her and to us for all we have achieved. But, there are many more things to come we shall see what another year will.

The greatest gift of all

So I look back on the events of my Senior Week, I realized that my teachers gave me the greatest gift of all. First off the number of teachers that came to my party on Saturday was amazing. They didn't just stop by too, they hung out and had a great time. The comments they had, and the words shared on their cards were so inspirational. Then on Sunday at the graduation, the number of teachers that came up to me and gave me hugs to congratulate me was remarkable. Also many of them said how proud of me they are, and how much they are going to miss me. These are the people I've looked up to, admire, and respect. It made me realize the mark I have lef on Mount St. Charles. I guess that it wasn't all for nothing. My teachers are amazing and have changed my life. I will deeply and truly miss them all.

Graduation

So it's official! I am a high school graduate! It was a wonderful day, sad, but wonderful. It's weird not being a Mount student any more. I really don't know what to say other than it was a great day. Here are some pictures from the celebration.

Fairways and Greens

So today I'm playing in the Girl's State Tournament for golf at Point Judith Country Club. When I told one of the teachers at school that I couldn't be there for set up today, because of the tournament she told me good luck. She told me "fairways and grrens." So today pray for good weather, little wind, and fairways and greens.

A loss for the whole church

Today the Episcopal Church lost one of it's finest. Bishop James Kelsey was killed in an auto accident today. His passing is a sad, tragic loss not only for his family and diocese but for the whole church.

Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon him.



[ENS] Bishop James Kelsey of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan waskilled in a road accident at around 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 3, whilereturning to Marquette from a parish visitation, Jane Cisluycis, diocesanoperations coordinator confirmed.
Kelsey was traveling alone, but it is unclear at this time whether any othervehicles were involved in the incident.
"The Episcopal Church has today lost one of its bright lights," PresidingBishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said. "We will be less without the easy grace of Bishop James Kelsey -- Jim to most of us -- and we shall miss hishumor, insight, and passion for the ministry of all. He gave us much. We pray for the repose of his soul, and for his family. We pray also for the Diocese of Northern Michigan. All of us have lost a friend. May he rest inpeace and rise in glory."
Born in 1952 in Baltimore, Maryland, Kelsey graduated from Ithaca College in1974, and from General Theological Seminary in New York City in 1977. In1985, Kelsey moved with his family to Oklahoma, where he served for fouryears as canon missioner for Cluster Ministries. In 1989, he was called tothe Diocese of Northern Michigan, where he served for 10 years as ministrydevelopment coordinator before being elected bishop in 1999.
Kelsey will be remembered as a welcoming and open person who always endeavored to include others, Cisluycis said. "It is hard to imagine the hole he will leave behind," she said. Kelsey is survived by his wife, Mary, and three grown children. Funeral arrangements are pending.

May you rest in peace Bishop Kelsey, you will be missed.

Goodbye, Father Mike

So today June 3 was Mike Coburn's last Sunday at Christ Church. It was sad, but he and I had just as much fun as always. He wore his orange flowered print chasuble, it looked great. I wish I had a picture! Since John left the week before Christmas (December 17) Mike has been with us. It has been a great six months and today we said goodbye. He also had the confirmation class of 2005 (high school class of 2007) recognized. I also served the ten o'clock service today. It was great, Mike and I had just as much fun up there as we always do. While some may see it as goofing around, I see it as our showing that we are filled with th Holy Spirit and a passion to serve. And who ever said church couldn't be fun? But, I realized that this was my last ten o'clock service, because I won't be on the schedule next year. It was really weird. In a wayit was like Mike and I were both graduating today. In any event, it has been amazing serving with Mike - I will truly miss him.

Not only have I had the privledge of getting to know Mike, it has been amazing to get to know his wife Carol. She is funny and all around amazing. I will miss her just as much. I always had someone to sit with in Church with Carol around.

Thanks for everything, and you will both be deeply missed.

Prom 2007

So Friday June 1, 2007 was the day we had been waiting for, our Senior Prom!

That's Dan, Steve, and I. We're the Seniors of tc 210.

Then we added Nick, the four greatest people of tc 210 (boy do we look tall)
So everybody met at my house before hand and Scott (the worst limo driver ever) picked us up.

At the prom we danced the night away

Mrs. Smith and Mr. Daigle even got out there with us and did the twist

It was so much fun. I have the Daigle and Smith down, and we took a picture together.

Dan, Steve, and I were our normal selves



We had a great time, it was everything Senior Prom should be. A night we will never forget!

Jesus Drives a Tow truck

So on Pentecost Sunday I was driving home form Church, and I got a flat tie. I was trying to avoid a squirrel and hit the curb. So I tried to change the tie myself, I didn't put the jack in the right place the car roled back and the jack broke. All of a sudden a tow truck pulls up. The guy saw us on the side of the road. He didn't ask for our name or our AAA card or anything else. I only had ten bucks and a piece of cake, so I gave that to him. The guy was so nice, I felt as if it was Jesus. The situation was perfect. He saved my Sunday afternoon.

Pentecost Sermon

Below is a copy of my sermon from Church of the Epiphany East Providence on Pentecost Sunday.

It is wonderful to be with you here this morning, particularly during your time of youth ministries awareness. Over the past six years I have become more and more involved in the Episcopal Church, on all levels from my parish to the national church. Throughout my ministry I am constantly asked why I chose to become involved in the Episcopal Church. Now it has taken me a while, but I have finally figured out what it was that attracted me to the Episcopal Church. My parish was the first place, besides my home, where I felt safe – where I felt at home. It was that comfort level that allowed me to easily immerse myself in anything and everything at Christ Church. Over the years I have figured out what it was that made my parish so comfortable for me, it was the sense of community that kept bringing me back. It was the fact that I knew that they were my family that made everything so easy. It is the idea of community that I would like to reflect on this morning.

According to Webster’s American College Dictionary the definition of community is, “a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists.” But what is community really all about? Community is about being there for each other through good times and bad. It is about helping one another grow to be better Christians and better human beings. And community is most importantly about love. Love for each other, love for the common good, and in our case love of Christ.

Being a part of a community is one of the most important parts of life. We as human beings are not solitary beings, we must, in order to survive, have contact with other people. Take for example a person’s years in high school. In order to survive the high school years, people join clubs and other such things. I know I would not have survived my four years of high school, if it were not for the band, campus ministry, model legislature, National Honor Society, and the golf team. These activities and various others were the communities that I was apart of within the Mount Saint Charles community.

Communities have also played an extremely important role in the life of the Church both past and present. Take a look at the Church today. For many years we have been arguing over who will stay in the communion, who will stay in the community. We have been fighting over whom we should allow in to share in His sacred meal. We must come to realize that if as parishes, dioceses, and as a national church we are to endure we must stay together. We must continue to live in Christ and serve Christ as a community.

We can find great inspiration for the idea of community life in a plethora of ways throughout history. Today we remember the day of Pentecost, and this is where I believe we can find the greatest inspiration. On the day of Pentecost Jesus’ disciples were scared, and with good reason. They were hiding in the upper room fearing for their lives. In this time of great confusion and pain the disciples stuck together. They remained a community. And what happened next? The Holy Spirit descended upon them and they were filled with it. They spoke with great tongues of fire, and went out to bring thousands of people into the Church. They stuck together, remained a community, and look what happened. A church was born. While sticking together may not result in another day of Pentecost, I guarantee great things will happen. We must remember that if this Church we love will continue to flourish and grow to spread Christ’s ministry we must stay together. May the day of Pentecost and the gifts of the Holy Spirit be a reminder for us day after day of what being a community is really all about. AMEN.

Friendly Evangelism

We have just entered into the season of Pentecost. It is a seaon in which we are called upon to bring new people into the Church, to bring new people into the community. So here in the spirit of Pentecost is a story about Evangelism, and how it can truly happen anywhere.

This past Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, I went to Church of the Epiphany East Providence to preach. I was a littl eon the nervous side as my new Priest-In-Charge just left that parish. But, the people were great and excited for Christ Church (my parish). My sermon and the 8 o'clock service went great.

In between the two services their rector, Jennifer, took myself, and another young man out to breakfast at Friendly's. We all had two scarmbled eggs and toast - in other words we were all boring. Well towards the end of the meal, Jennifer got up from the table for a few moments, and Matt and I were sitting there. Our waitress came over to us and asked Matt what Rite 13 was (he had a name tag on that said ask me about Rite 13). He told her about the program, and then she asked some questions about the Episcopal Church. We talked for a few moments, then Jennifer came back. Before we knew it she was asking Jennifer for contact information for Church of the Epiphany.

Over breakfast we had done exactly what the season calls us to do. We spread Christ's message, and hopefully brought someone new into the Church community.

May the day of Pentecost and the gifts of the Holy Spirit be a reminder for us all day after day of what being members of the Church community is all about.

Don't pump gas on May 15th

In April 1997, there was a "gas out" conducted nationwide in protest of gas prices.
Gasoline prices dropped 30 cents a gallon overnight.

On May 15th 2007, all myspace and facebook members are asked to not go to a gas station in protest of
high gas prices. Gas is now over $3.00 a gallon in most places.

There are 73,000,000+ American members currently on the myspace network, and the
average car takes about 20 to 30 dollars to fill up.

If all myspace members did not go to the pump on the 15th, it would take
$2,200,000,000.00 (that's BILLION) out of the oil companys pockets for just one day,
so please do not go to the gas station on May 15th and lets try to put a dent in the
Middle Eastern oil industry for at least one day.

If you agree (which I cant see why you wouldnt) repost this bulletin repost it with
'Don't pump gas on May 15th

IRELAND

Hey all,
I love these airport internet access points! We have safely arrived at the Dublin airport after an amazing week. It looks like I will be home in the early evening and should have time to post more then. I have so many great stories and pictures to share!

Passport Hell

So I'm supposed to go to Ireland on Saturday for a band trip with school. Well last week I still hadn't recieved my passport, so we called to make sure everything was ok. The person we talked to said there was no problem and we would have it no later than Tuesday morning. Well we called night and were on hold for about four hours. We called back this morning, and they said that there was a problem. Due to having my name changed about four years ago they had an issue processing it. So I left school at 8:30 this morning. We've been on hold all morning. My band director has used his connections and Sheldon Whitehouse is trying to get me an appointment in Boston. We couldn't get an appointment today in Boston so now we are trying for Connecticut. I don't know if I will be able to get a passport in time for Ireland. I have until 1:45 on Saturday afternoon to get a passport. (That is the time I have to be at Mount to leave for JFK airport.) If any one has any connections with anyone would could help me with getting a passport please email me ASAP at BigDee6541@aol.com or at dtavolaro@mac.com. Thanks and keep me in your prayers.

Priest In Charge

It was announced today. We have a priest in charge! Unfortunately I cannot release his name at this time, because his current parish has not yet been informed. However, I know who it is and I am very excited! Things are finally starting to look up! I'm excited to see our new priest in charge come, but extremely sad to see Mike go.

In Observance of the Feast Day of Hope Springs Eternal

AKA

OPENING DAY!

For the gift of new beginnings, clean slates and new seasons;
We give you thanks, O Lord.

For the hope that springs eternal with every new at bat;
We give you thanks, O Lord.

For fresh mown grass, seventh inning stretches, hot dogs, peanuts and crackerjacks;
We give you thanks, O Lord.

For the inspiration to work collaboratively, strive for excellence and build relationships in pursuit of common goals;
We give you thanks, O Lord.

For perspective in defeat and for graciousness in victory;
We pray to you, O Lord.

Holy God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to offer our common thanks for the gift of baseball. Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions for this new season ahead as maybe best for us; granting us in the regular season success on the field and in the playoffs to come a shot at the World Series. Amen.

Statehouse Day

Today is Statehouse Day! In a few hours a couple of hundrend high school students will be taking over the Statehouse to participate in the final event in Model Legislature 2006-2007. I am the Honorable Senator Diamante A. Tavolaro, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I'll report back later on how the day goes and if my bills pass.

No election for South Carolina

From the Rev. J. Haden McCormick, President of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of South Carolina via titusonenine

titusonenine:

"I received a phone call late this afternoon from the Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori giving notification that she was declaring null and void the election of The Very Rev. Mark Lawrence to be bishop of The Diocese of South Carolina. Although more than a majority of dioceses had voted to consent to Fr. Mark’s election, there were canonical deficiencies in the written responses sent to us. Several dioceses, both on and off American soil, thought that electronic permission was sufficient as had been their past accepted practice. The canons which apply are III.11.4(b), pp. 101-102 in the newly published 2006 Constitutions and Canons that require the prescribed testimonial to the consent be signed by a majority of each standing committee."

Read the rest here

... and do keep Fr. Lawrence and his family in your prayers along with the Diocese of South Carolina as it continues its search for a new bishop.


Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has declared “null and void” the election of the Very Rev. Mark Lawrence to be the 14th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina Diocese of SC


The announcement was first made in a letter written by the Rev. J. Haden McCormick, president of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of South Carolina, and posted to the diocesan website late in the afternoon of March 15.

See the full story at ENS

"Just Do It"

Yesterday members of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island gathered for Diocesan Convocation. It was a wonderful day of workshops and fellowship. The day began with prayer, and then a plenary session with the 4 under 40. The 4 under 40 and the 4 priests in the Diocese who are under 40 years old. They are Rev'ds Scott Gunn, Peter Mayer, Greg Lisby, and unfortunatly I can't remember the last one. Well they talked about a variety of things, it was great. But, one of the questions asked towards the end was in relation to how the people in their 20's ad 30's see things. And Scott, I believe, said that the Church needs to stop forming committees and start doing something. Well later in the day I had lunch with Scott Gunn, Peterr (can't think of his last name member of Grace Church Prov.) Greg Lisby, the Bishop, Canon Bob Vanderau, and some ladies form Christ Church Lincoln. Well at one point we were discussing what Scott mentioned in the plenary session. It was then that I realized that what we need to begin doing as a Church is what Nike has been telling us for years. We need to "Just Do It". I could see it all in my mind, and of course shared this with those I was sitting with, I see a partnership between the Episcopal Church and Nike. Now I warn you this is when we got a little silly. We started discussing advertizing options. We could have the Nike logo on clerical collars, and the Bishop's miter is a really big Bill Board, and on that we could put the symbol and verbal logo "Just Do It". But, all kidding aside, it really is time we start doing something. We need to stop sitting around and talking about things, and forming committees and just go out and do it. We must go out and live in Christ . . . transform the world.

The Rainbow Presence

LGBT Episcopalians to be Visible with Rainbow Presence at Easter

On Easter, April 8, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, and supportive allies in The Episcopal Church will wear a sign of the rainbow to Church in response to the February 19, 2007 Communiqué of the Primates Meeting in Tanzania.. This Rainbow Presence will be a visible witness to The Episcopal Church's Welcome of all the children of God and the value of their ministries in church and in the world.

The Rainbow Presence will be a visible sign to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Episcopalians that they have a community of support.. It will also give a human face to the “issue” being discussed by the Primates and the leadership of The Episcopal Church. We believe that decisions about our place in the church cannot be made without knowing who we are and talking with us rather than about us.

The Primates’ Communiqué laid out steps to be taken by the Episcopal Church, specifically by the House of Bishops, by September 30, 2007. We do not agree with the course of action recommended in this Communiqué as it calls for sacrifice of the ministries and loving relationships of gays and lesbians for an illusive false unity. We also do not believe the bishops should take these steps given the clear decisions made by General Convention in its Constitution and Canons.

We are asking lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual Episcopalians and their supporters to wear something that shows your support: a pin, a scarf, a stole, hat, button or some other piece of rainbow apparel. You can find resources by checking out our Blog at http://rainbow-presence.blogspot.com, and for more information write to Ann Fontaine and Jeffri Harre at rainbopres@yahoo.com.

U2 eucharist sermon

Here is a rough copy of my sermon from the U2 Eucharist. I gave my sermon from the heart not have written anything out or having any notes. So I wrote this a week or so after from what I recalled saying.

Isn’t this fun? Where else, other that the Episcopal Church, can we combine the history and tradition of the Eucharist with the music of Irish rock band U2?

I could go on ad nauseam about the plethora of reasons for why we are all here tonight. But, when it comes down to it we are all here for one reason. One word can tell you why we are here tonight, and why billions of people around the world have joined in this cause. That one word is unity. Tonight I’d like to take a look at this idea of unity from three different points of view.

A few weeks ago we remembered the Lord’s baptism. In my opinion some of the most beautiful and poetic words come from the opening of the Baptismal service. The call and response between the celebrant and the congregation is the perfect verbiage to describe how we are all united as one. The celebrant begins the service by saying, “There is one Body and one Spirit” and we respond, “There is one hope in God’s call to us”. Again the celebrant says to the congregation, “ One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism” and we respond “one God and Father of all.” Those two lines, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism. One hope in God’s call to us.” Those two lines explain why we are all here. We all share in one Lord, one faith and one baptism, and through that we share in the one hope in God’s call to us. It is the hope of that call that draws us here tonight. It is that call that drives us to stand up for those who cannot stand for themselves, to give voice to those who have none, and to be Christ’s light in a seemingly dark world.

For the past two years I have been working with a grassroots organization in the Episcopal Church called Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation. To make it a little easier I will refer to this organization as EGR. At EGR we focus on working to end extreme poverty and hunger via the Millennium Development Goals or MDGs. For this work we have a slogan or catch phrase, and that’s catch phrase is, “The MDGs: the REAL instruments of Unity.” That is really in black and white. By working to ensure the achievement and progression of the MDGs we are uniting as one, acting as one to make the world a better and safer place for all. By making the world a safer place for all of God’s children we are answer his call to us.

Tonight we hear from John’s Gospel one of the most powerful versus in the bible. John 3:16 says in the more familiar version, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son so that all who believe in him may not perish, but have eternal life.” It’s all right there. We are all united through Christ’s death and the promise of eternal life. But, there is another part of that sentence that is the core of unity. It is nearly impossible to have unity without love. In the verse we are first told the reason why God gives up his one and only son, it is because God loves the world.

As you prepare to receive communion tonight, as you leave this place and go continue on with your life I pray and beg you to work to make the world a better place, to work for the achievement of the MDGs, to save millions of lives from dieing needlessly. Why should you do this? You should do this because we all share One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, and through that One hope in God’s call to us. We live out that call via the MDGs: the REAL instruments of unity. Why do we do all of this? We do this because God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that all who believe in him may not perish, but have life eternal. Amen.

Lent 1

Pasted below is a copy of the sermon that I gave on Feb. 25, 2007 at St. Augustine's Kingston.

It is wonderful to be here with you this morning, and actually a bit of a miracle. I arrived at TF Green at about 1 o’clock this morning after a ten hour lay over in Chicago. I owe a great deal of thanks to my classmates who I traveled with because they unanimously agreed to let me take the first stand by seat of the group so that I could make it here this morning. I would also like to share my congratulations with you on recently receiving parish status. Everyone around the Diocese is extremely proud of all that you have accomplished and all that you will continue to achieve.

Over the past two years I have to travel all over the country. The stories I could share from my mission trip to Arizona last week would keep us here until Easter. But, as I reflected on today’s scripture readings I was reminded of two particularly powerful experiences.

The Old Testament reading from Deuteronomy allowed me to relive an extremely prayerful, and also painful experience form my most recent trip to Maine. Two weeks ago I traveled to South Bristol Maine with the students form Christ Church Lincoln, my home parish, who are to be confirmed in May. I was particularly excited to attend the retreat, because the retreat center we were going to, Tidewater Way, is owned by my former interim rector – John Van Siclen – and his wife Pam. After an amazing and jam packed day, we returned to the Van Siclen’s home for dinner and a movie. The movie John had picked for us was “The Saint of 9-11.” It was an incredible story about a Franciscan Priest who was one of the first killed on that Tuesday morning. I was very nervous to watch this movie, as I had not begun to heal from those events five years ago. The movie began by showing the footage of the attacks. My hands began to shake, my breath became very labored, and my heart jumped into my throat. I tried to hold back the tears, but it was just too hard. When the movie was over John could tell I was in a great deal of pain, so he took me into his office so we could talk. As we talked I began to realize that, for five years I had been trying to heal this wound on my own, not even letting God in. After our long talk I went to bed feeling worse that I did before. The next morning I woke up at around five to watch the sunrise. As I sat on the dock praying and meditating John’s words continued to echo through my head. “The only way to begin to heal is to let God in.” As I started praying to God to enter into my heart the sun began to rise over the trees. It was breath taking. An orange glow hovered over the frozen John’s River, the trees danced in the cold breeze, the silence was deafening, but if I focused and listened really hard I could hear the tide coming in under the icy covering. It was as if God had heard my cry and was letting me know that he had been waiting to fill my heart and soul with his joy and love. This morning we read from Deuteronomy a beautiful message of hope. “We cried to the Lord, the God of our fathers, and he heard our cry and saw our affliction, our toil and our oppression. He brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand and outstretched arm, with terrifying power, with signs and wonders.” God did for me, and does for all of us, what he did for the Israelites so long ago. He brings us out of our own personal Egypt into a land of milk and honey.

I’d like to transition our reflection to our Gospel reading. Luke tells us of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. This temptation to separate from the Father and from our true mission is a temptation currently plaguing The Episcopal Church. Actions taken at this past general Convetion and the results of those actions are in a sense our temptation to separate from the Father and our true mission as a church. We constantly hear of parishes leaving their respective dioceses, dioceses asking for alternative primal oversight, and primates refusing to worship with fellow primates. People leaving, breaking away from our mission to live, worship, and serve together in the name of the Lord. However, experiencing general Convention first hand showed me that as a majority we are repeating Christ’s words through our actions when faced with the thought of schism. Just as Jesus was tempted our leaders are being tempted. We respond to that temptation just as Jesus did. At General Convention when we could have split, we passed legislation to end extreme poverty and hunger via the Millennium Development Goals. When we could have split we joined together in worship and fellowship through the Eucharist. And when we could have split we elected the first female Presiding Bishop in the history of the Anglican Communion. We as a church have followed Christ’s example and have thus far avoided splitting up and instead have focused our energy on the mission and work God has given us to do.

As we begin Lent we are called to look inward and prepare ourselves to share in Christ’s death and resurrection. We must cry out to the Lord so that on Easter day He carries us with a strong hand and an out stretched arm out of Egypt and into the promise land. We must avoid temptation and be mindful of the work God has given us to do. AMEN.

Precious Arizona

Over Feb vacation myself and ten other Mount students traveled to Arizona to work with the Navajo. It was an unbelievable experience, one difficult to put to words. But, I did learn something that I think is important. While we did a lot of work and hung out with the Navajo people a lot, but that isn't the most importnat thing we learned. What happened was that these ten different kids became a family. We learned what it is like to work together and become ONE. It is just like Bono sings in the sone "One". Bono sings about love. And in the son he sings about being ONE. "We're ONE but we're not the same we get to carry each other carry each other ONE." That is what not only mission work, but life is all about. We have the opprotunity to carry each other through the tough times, to work together for a common good. It is not just something Bono calls us to do, it is what God calls us to do. Preicous Arizona may live on or it may not, but what we learned form that week will never be forgotten. We're ONE but we're not the same we get to carry each other carry each other ONE.

U2charist

What does the service of Holy Baptism, EGR, and John's Gospel have in common? Come tomorrow night to St. Luke's East Greenwich to find out.

U2charist!!!
St. Luke's East Greenwich
7pm
Friday Feb. 9, 2007!

The Rev'd Craig Burlington and Rev'd Alan Gates are the celebrants
Dee Tavolaro (that's me) is the preacher

Never to late fore love

(Please note this picture was not taken in reaction of the Bishop's engagement.)
The word is out, and it is official! The Right Reverend Geralyn Wolf, who next month marks her 11th anniversary as Rhode Island's Episcopal bishop, is getting married. On April 21, 2007 Bishop Wolf will marry Thomas Charles Bair Jr. at the Cathedral of St. John, Providence. For more you can checkout today's (Sunday) providence journal.

But, here is how many in the diocese found out. Yesterday, Januaray 6th, myself and many others from around the diocese gathered at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Providence to celebrate the Ordination of Greg Lisby. After a beautiful luncheon we all entered the hall for a spectacular luncheon. During the lucheon I sat with various clergy and friends that I have gotten to know over the past couple of years. Then as we were about to start have our chocolate cake a group of three clergy came over to our table, and handed one of the priests sitting down a letter from the Bishop. He read the letter and then passed it around. I didn't believe it until I read the letter. I thought it was the most amazing practical joke in the entire world. But, it was confirmed during that lunch that it was not a joke. We were all in complete and total shock. I haven't seen similar facial expressions since it was announced that Katharine Jefferts Schori would be our next Presiding Bishop. Please note that the above picture is not in reaction to the Bishop's engagement, however it depicts the reaction of those of us who found out yesterday. We all began to predict various things for the wedding. As I read the Providence Journal this morning I noticed that many of our predictions came true. She will be wearing a white A-line gown rather than her usual Bishops gard. "I think that on this one day, being a bride is more important that being a bishop," she said. Also, as will not be a shock to many that know the Bishop well, the former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold will be officiating. Bishop Wolf and Bishop Griswold are very good friends. In fact Bishop Griswold even baptized Bishop Wolf many years ago.

However, I am extremely happy for the Bishop and I wish her and her husband-to-be the very best and all of God's blessings.



Pictured above is the Bishop and her husband-to-be Thomas Charles Bair Jr.

Videos

Found these videos on YouTube thought you might enjoy them. Dee

The Prayer

Presiding Bishop Nominee Jefferts Schori

Grow in Peace

Jefferts Schori's Convention address following her election

Episcopal Youth Event 2005

Led To Believe Trailer

How Can We End Poverty?

Bono´s live message Poverty history campaing

The family is splitting up

Once a week I drive down Mendon Road towards Nate Whipple Highway to go to my saxophone lesson. As I turn onto Nate Whipple Highway there is a white and blue sign with the Episcopal sheild on it, and under the sheild it says "The Episcopl Church Welcomes You". I personally believe that that saying is our greatest gift. Despite our differences we still gather once a week the altar and recieve communion as a family. We respect each others difference, put our arguements aside and answer our weekly altar call. Recently, when I have been asked what I think about the Episcopal Church, I tell them the above story. I tell them that we are a church of no fine print and when we say "we welcome you" we mean it. I do not think that on these controversial issues we will ever all agree. Because we have placed to much on something so little. We have focused to much on our differences, and not enough on our similarities. we have lost sight on our common mission of loving our neighbor and working to bring Christ's light into this very dark world. When I tell people what the greatest thing about my church is, I tell them that despite our political and theological differences we all still share together in the Lord's table. Yet, those who have decided to leave have decided that they can no longer put their differences aside and join us at the altar. I can't say if they are right or wrong, but I can say I feel that they are breaking our greatest tradition of all. So if those who left, those who are leaving, and those who will leave ever want to come back we will welcome them.

Putting His Miter Where His Mouth Is

This is a post from Susan Russel (president of Integrity) about the Bishop of California.

Giving thanks for the witness and ministry of the Bishop of California ... another voice crying, "In the wilderness of war, prepare the Way of Shalom!"



Episcopal bishop arrested in protest over war in Iraq
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SAN FRANCISCO - Northern California's Episcopalian leader, the newly elected Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus, was arrested Thursday afternoon for blocking the front door of the San Francisco federal building to protest the Iraq war.

Andrus, carrying a shepherd's staff and singing "Down by the Riverside,'' was among about 200 protesters who had marched from Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill to join the weekly anti-war rally on Golden Gate Avenue near City Hall.

The bishop celebrated communion at the entrance plaza before Federal Protective Service officers began arresting protesters shortly after 2 p.m. for lying down and blocking the two main doors.

The officers passed Andrus in their first round of arrests because he was not positioned in front of the doors. After Andrus, in his purple robe, got up, moved a few steps and lay down again directly in front of the entrance, the officers returned and placed him in handcuffs -- while one said, "How are you?'' and shook the cleric's hand.

Protesters applauded, cheered and sang as Andrus was photographed by another officer and led inside the building.

"God is with all who have suffered in Iraq,'' the bishop said. "This war needs to be opposed. Even though there is widespread sentiment against the war, we need to continue to push for peace. There is good reason to believe this is an unjust war.''

Andrus became the eighth bishop of the 80-congregation Episcopal Diocese of California in July.
Eleven other protesters were arrested for blocking the door. All were cited and released. A half-dozen other people who lay down in front of the door got up and left when the crowd began to disperse and it was clear that the officers were all done arresting people.

"What do you have to do to get arrested in this town?' said Matt Cantor, in exasperation. "The war in Iraq is horrible, unthinkable, and we cannot stand by while children are dying.''

"Well, the bishop got arrested,'' said Cathy Lipscomb, another nonarrested door blocker. "That was the important thing."

Several hundred people crowded into the plaza for the rally and religious service, the biggest turnout for the protest and vigil that has been held weekly in front of the federal building for about five years.

In another anti-war protest Thursday, several dozen students at Stanford University drew chalk outlines representing the Iraq war dead at major locations around campus, including the library and post office.

College

I'M GOING TO COLLEGE!!!

Today I got an acceptance letter from the University of New England. Maine here I come!!

Amazing

The Macy's Parade was amazing. The experience of a life time. There are no words to describe it, but AMAZING!

What you get is what you give

Well day one is over I can't believe it. After a 6am wake up call, a 6-hour rehearsal, uniform fitting, and dinner, the last thing I wanted to do was sit through a 2-hour leadership seminar. I had been to many leadership seminars before and they all said the same thing. So naturally, I assumed that this would just another boring lecture. The last word on earth to describe this lecture would be boring. Mr. Lang was the most thought provoking, energetic, and honest person I have ever had the honor to meet. He started his talk off by saying that he did not have to hear us play or see us march to know how we are going to perform on Thursday. He sat in front of the room for 24 minutes and no one said anything to him. He watched us disrespect and talk over one of the staff members for ten minutes. He knew we were not giving them anything so how should we expect to get anything. Kids not knowing the music, not knowing the steps, not giving anything into it. So how could we expect to get anything out of it? As Mr. Lang continued he said that there are three things we teach in band that aren't taught anywhere else. The first is that in order to get you got to give. Many times in life we get something for giving nothing. Yet, it is the band students who understand that you have to give to get. Well once a student is in band, they decided they want to be in marching band. Well that takes more time, but once you are in marching band then you have to try out for jazz band, but that takes more time too. Then you have to be in All State, but to be in All State you have to be in All District. It is a never-ending cycle that is the life of every band student. The second is this. Win = Win. In order for me to win, we all have to win. If the color guard messes up, the band's score goes down. If the drum line messes up the whole band's score goes down. It doesn't matter how well I know the moves and music the rest of the Tenor Sax section doesn't know them. If other areas of life my winning depends on someone else losing. In order to be a class officer some else had to lose. The third thing is this. Band members don't quit until it's perfect. On Monday we will practice something over and over and over and over and over again. Just to go back on Tuesday and play that same section over and over and over and over again. And when the Band director says, "Ok band one more time" we all know it is a lie. (A note of warning to all the band directors, Mr. Lang told us to throw something at our directors next time they said, "One last time".) But, we will practice moves, music, whatever until it is perfect. And only once it is perfect will we move on to the next section. Teachers say that the band kids are the best kids, but we are the best because we think differently. Through the three things, and the fact that we can be told to do something and we will do it, we become the best. No other thing does that. Sports don't do it; they only do it for those who don't get cut. Anyone who wants to be in band can be. And that is why we are the best. The more you give the more you get. In order for me to win, we all have to win. Never quit unless it is perfect.

Macy's Parade Day 1

So After a very nice three hour drive to New Jersey, Lunch/Dinner with my Aunt Mary ad Uncle Joe, my Dad and I arrived at the Crowne Plaza here in Englewood, NJ. I checked in went up to my room and met my roommate Lauren. She is really cool. A trombone player from Ohio. Shortly after we met we headed down to one of the ballrooms, for uniform fitting. We waited in line for like an hour and a half, my uniform along with many others did not fit right. So bright and early tomorrow morning I have to go get a new one. While waiting in line we talked to some kids from Philly, and a kid from Kentucky. It was pretty cool, we all exchanged band stories as we waited. The high light of the evening was getting the funky hat. I think it is called a Shako. It is so cool. But, we don't get to keep them. After that I headed back to my room, my roommate was still trying stuff on. When I got back I decided to go through my goodie bag. It was filled with all sorts of cool stuff. Stickers, patches, pins, pens, pencils, etc. from all the states. But, once again RI gets shafted. So my roommate and I continue to get to know each other. In a little bit we have room check and then it's lights out, because starting tomorrow we have a lot of work ahead of us. I'll try to post stuff everyday. If I can find a cable for my camera I will post some pictures here too!

The gift

A wise teacher once told me that if we did not dream big, nothing big would ever happen. Sine then I've always - and will always - dream big. At times it has proven incredibly beneficial, and at others not so much. When the Bishop challeneged myself and three others to help the poor with $250, I instantaniously began to dream big. I thought to myself, "How can I save the world with $250?" After much prayer, doing some research, and thinking big I have come to realize what I need to do with the money. After hearing this many of you may think I am absolutely insane, and you will not be the to tell me that I'm nuts. Before I can explain my plan I'd like to give you a little background. Throughout my time at Mount, myself and the other students at Mount St. Charles Academy (a Jr/Sr High School run by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart) have been raising funds every year for our lenten mission drive. These funds have benefited Kabwe, Africa. This city - population of around 300,000 - has been named the toxic city. In Kabwe, we have been working to build a school for the street children. Besides the construction of the actual building we have also helped to purchase unifrom so the children have something to wear. We have purchased desks and through other drives, have given them the tools needed to learn. We have also given the schools enough supplies to feed around 40 children - the children we have adopted - at least one meal a day. Without this insurance some of these children would only have one meal a week. Through working with my school chaplian and some of the bothers in Kabwe I plan on helping that community.