An Anniversary of Sorts

As most of you who read this know, I feel - and have for several years - felt called to the Priesthood. As I look back it feels as if this has always been a part of my life. I think I've been told stories of how I would play church with my stuffed animals - give them communion and everything. I was raised in the church. I can remember so many nights, where my parents would drag me along to various church functions. Then I started acolyte. One of the first times I served was for the Bishop, and it seemed almost every time she came I was one of the acolytes. Every time the Bishop would come she would ask the oldest acolyte if they ever thought about the Priesthood. Even though she wasn't asking me I always thought that would be really cool. Afterwards I would have this weird feeling. Each time she asked this feeling would get a little strong and stay a little longer. Well then one day something changed.

That little bit of background brings me to explaining the Title of this post. I'll never forget the exact moment I knew that God was in fact calling me to the Priesthood. It was the first Sunday of Advent 2001, I was 12 years old, in the 7th grade, and Nancy Olmsted was still the Rector. I was the acolyte at the 8 o'clock service. Nancy had me light the first candle on the Advent wreath. As I was lighting the candle I could feel a pair of hands on my shoulders. The scary thing was, that no one was around me. Later on in the service - during the confession - I closed my eyes to really focus on the prayer. Suddenly, I wasn't in Christ Church anymore. I was in the middle of a field, with a crystal clear blue sky. All of a sudden a mass a pure white clouds rushed over me. The clouds opened and a figured descended. I couldn't make out the figure, but some how I knew it was Jesus. I could feel him hold my hands, and he said to me "Whom shall I send", and I replied "Here I am, send me." Then we began to walk together. We came to a fork in the road. When I turned back to Jesus, I couldn't see him, but I could feel his presence. I had to make a choice. I went down the path on the right. As I walked down the path I was filled with warmth and comfort. At the end of the path was an altar, and I was standing behind it celebrating the Eucharist. All of a sudden I was back at Christ Church kneeling in my pew. I got really nervous that I had missed a huge chunk of the service. But, when I listened to the prayer the members of the congregation were saying. It was the confession - the same spot we were at when I closed my eyes.

From then on I have questioned my calling, but haven't regretted - haven't looked back. I know that morning I picked the right path, and it has put me on a wonderful journey. The adventures I've been on, and the people I've met are gifts I thank God for everyday.

So this Sunday December 2nd is the 1st Sunday of Advent. It has been six years since I've identified my calling. As I look back on the past six years, I am incredibly thankful for every minute, every second, good and bad. I'm thankful for all God has blessed me with these past six years, and can't even begin to imagine what adventures I will have on the journey ahead. May the next six years, be and amazing and blessed as the first.

Catching Up

So it has been over a month since I have posted. I apologize to my faithful readers, but a lot has been going on.

November was an interesting month. Here were some of the highlights

On Sunday Nov. 4th I went to hear the choirs of St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Pawtucket) and St. Luke's Episcopal Church (East Greenwich) sing a service of Evensong then in honor of All Saints and all who have been lost in the current war they sang Gabriel Faure's Requiem, which was breathe taking.

On the 11th, I had the opportunity to go to a confirmation, as it was part of the Bishop's visit at Trinity Saco, ME. It was a very nice service. I can imagine for those members of Trinity it was especially important as it was the last time Bp. Chilton Knudson will (most likely) visit Trinity before she retires.

Nov. 16 - 18 the UNE Players preformed Cupid's Dust. It was wonderful. I had such a blast being Dr. Love. It was great to finally get on stage, but it was sad that our journey as a cast - a family - is finally over.

Wednesday the 21st Mount had it's annual yearbook signing party. It was incredibly awkward, but great to see my friends - and finally get my yearbook.

THANKSGIVING - I had a nice relaxing day with my Mom. I did NOTHING!! It was a nice change from the way things normally work.

Friday the 23rd - Was my first Basement in such a long time. Again it was really great to spend sometime with my friends.

Saturday the 24th - Was most definitely a highlight of the month. I had breakfast with Dan. It was wonderful to see Dan, as I hadn't seen him since August. Then I headed over to Mount to meet Mrs. Smith and her daughter Kelly. we had a blast decorating her room. Than Mr. Smith met us and we went into Boston to go see ELLIOT! It was everything I had imagined and more. It made for a really late night - especially since I had to finish a presentation for church when I got home - but totally worth it.

Sunday the 25th - It was a normal crazy Sunday. I went to the 8 o'clock service at Christ Church Lincoln. I got there a few minutes late, because I went to Starbucks before Church. Then I lead the adult education session. Sunday was the Last Sunday after Pentecost. It was a day that the national church, and the diocese of Rhode Island designated as a special day of prayer, fasting, and giving to the MDGs and global reconciliation. Then I grabbed a few shots of Christ Church, and booked it over to St. Paul's Pawtucket for the 10:30 service. The service was wonderful as always, but coffee hour was the tops. I didn't get pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, and there was pumpkin pie at coffee hour. I was SSSSOOOOO excited! Then I went back to Christ Church met with Scott, and headed to Mount to see the JR. High Drama production of Aladdin. It was marvelous - another classic Rita Maron production! Then back to Christ Church for the Emmaus service done U2charist style. It was great fun!

On Monday, a lot of little things happened that made it just a wonderful day. I went to Morning Prayer at St. Paul's then home and took a nap. i went out to lunch with Bill Locke which was a real treat for me to get to spend some time with him. Then I did some work. After dinner I went to visit Al Barnaby. It was so uplifting to see what progress he has made. I ended up spending about four hours with him as I didn't leave till about 10. How time flies when you're having fun!

Today had it's ups and it's downs. It started off great. Went to Starbucks, then 7:30 Eucharist at St. Paul's then coffee and conversation. Since the clergy had a safe church training at St. Paul's at 9 Bill Locke and Mother Susan couldn't say morning prayer with Bette and I, so I got to lead it. That was really cool. I went home packed my stuff and headed back to school. The day went down hill from there. I got stuck in horrible traffic. When I got back to school I discovered that once again my roommate had shown a lack of respect for my space. She let one of her friends mess with some of my stuff. A couple pictures I had hanging up were all scratched and bent. I really don't want to be here, but I only have 11 more days on Campus.

The Anglican Communion continues to be all over the place. Now that I'm on the House of Bishops/Deputies listserv, I am bombarded with emails. I don't read all of them, but I read one the other day that spoke of Bob Duncan - Queen of Quittsburgh - I mean Bishop of Pittsburgh. It said he and his followers aren't Episcopalians or Anglicans, but instead members of "Duncanism" making them "Dunkers" and pretty soon you will start seeing them gathering at "Dunkin Donuts". I hope that now since a lot of the conservatives are leaving/left/planning on leaving we can move on, and focus on being Christ's body in the world.

Convention Reflection

So Diocesan Convention is over, and I'm back at school. All and all I will say it was an excellent weekend back in good old Rhode Island. So here is a run down of my weekend and then more specifics on convention!

So went to Mount on Friday afternoon and had a nice heart to heart with my favorite teacher and friend Mrs. Carol Smith. Went and got a hair-cut then headed to the Biltmore for Convention - of course I stopped at the Starbucks first! I go up to the Grand Ballroom on the 17th floor, and it was a constant telling of "Not so good. Long story short UNe not a good fit and next semester I'll be back in Rhode Island." The dinner was good. I got to sit with both of my parishes - Christ Church and St. Paul's. Paul Pickens (Christ Church member) got the Bishop Higgins Award. Convention ended relatively early, and then I hung out in Providence with some friends.

Saturday got to the Biltmore a little before eight, and of course got my Starbucks first. Get up to convention, chatted with people had Eucharist convention business. Voted for dupties the first time and three people were elected I was not one of them it took most of the day, until the fourth ballot for myself to be elected. (The four clergy deputies are Jennifer Pedrick, Scott Gunn, Bill Locke, and Craig Burlington. The four lay are Caryl Frink, Maryanne Kolakowski, Becky Gettel, and myself). Then convention business - 18 boring reports + 2 resolutions later we were out of there by like 2:30 quarter of 3. Then I did some stuff, had dinner with Dan Harvey, and hung out with my friend Nick.

Sunday went to Christ Church at 8, helped with the education session (on Diocesan Convention) then went to St. Paul's 10:30 service. Then came back to school.

All and all great weekend.

I will say this. I am incredibly honored and humbled that I was elected to be a Deputy to General Convention. The fact that I was elected as an 18 year-old with two seasoned and loyal deputies on the ballot is amazing. It really hasn't hit me yet, that I am a Deputy from the Diocese of RI.

For a little humor:

Dee you've just been elected what are you going to do now?

I'm going to Disneyland!

Look out Disney here comes the Episcopal Church
General Convention 2009 - Anaheim, California!

Here we go again

So here we go! Today is the day I have been waiting for since may of 2006. This is my third Diocesan Convention, second time as a voting member. But, today is the first time I will be up for election. "Dee for Deputy" as some might say. I'll have to admit I'm a little nervous - i really want to be elected. But, I know the Holy Spirit will guide the delegates of this convention into making the right decision on who you represent them at the 2009 General Convention. Did anyone notice that last year it was pouring on the Saturday of convention. As looked outside this morning I noticed it was raining. Thought it was kind of funny!

On Diocesan Convention

So last night was the deanery pre-convention meeting. So the majority of our meeting was dedicated to Diocesan Convention. This year we have all of two resolutions! I assume there will be late resolutions submitted on the floor, but you just never know.

One of the resolutions - resolution 2 - I like. It is called "Energy Conservation and Sustainable Development." The basics of the resolution are to help congregations become "Greener". As a group we thought that one amendment should be made, but other than that it was good.

The other resolution is another story. Resolution 1 is titled "Statement on Same-Sex Relationships." When someone asked the question "Does anyone here like this resolution?" No one spoke up. It is a poorly written resolution, with was to many resolves, that doesn't actually do anything. I also have a problem with it in that is does not completely follow the proper format by not having an explanation. But, basically it says on the issue of Same-Sex Relationships is a difficult and complex one, and we do not - at this time - agree on it. Therefore, we should respect each others differences, pray that "the grace of God, the love of Christ and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit may guide us as we seek to discern our Creator's will, both on these issues and in all endeavors of our life," and offer love and support to those who must leave us. So basically this resolution is calling us to pray and act like adults. As a group we talked very briefly on a substitute resolution, but I don't think I would agree with that either. The other problem with this resolution is the code language sure to get at Bishop Wolf. "We urge our fellow servants who hold titles of authority within this diocese to be mindful of the diverse perspectives in our ranks and to not publicly imply that the people of the diocese hold a single position on any of the issues regarding same-sex relationships." There is been a lot of talk about people's unhappiness with the Bishop and how she "speaks for the whole diocese" (Every time I've heard her speaks I feel as though she has always been very clear that she does not speak for all of us). However this resolution is trying to speak for the whole diocese.

My biggest problem with this resolution is that I believe - on this and all issues - that we should be making decisions as a whole group and have the consequences of those decisions place on one group of people. In other words we shouldn't as a whole be telling one group of people what to do. At General Convention the national church did this with resolution B033. They basically said that while we as a church made the decision to consecrate Gene Robinson to the episcopate we are going to have the gay and lesbian people bear the burden of our actions. At a post convention meeting I thought General Convention Deputy Rev'd William Locke said it best. He said (and I don't remember his exact words) I couldn't vote for something that was going to put the burden on "them" when we all made the choice. If we - as a Diocese - are going to put forth a resolution on Same-Sex anything we need to have our own "listening process" we need to invite liberals and conservatives and LGBT people to come together. The LGBT community is not a scape goat of the consequences of the church's actions. I know this resolution isn't any where near B033, but seeing this resolution makes me a little nervous. Resolutions like B033 have to start somewhere.

I know I will not be voting for this resolution as it stands. Last night one good idea for a substitute resolution came up, and I might be able to go for that. All I know is that we should all act like adults and say what we mean, we should continue to pray for guidance in our lives, and actually listen to each other to come up with a reasonable resolution that a) does something and b) doesn't put all the burden on 10% of the people.

Greet your new Priest-in-Charge

Just want to say, and I'll write more this upcoming weekend, but I'm proud to say that I officially have a Priest-in-Charge. Last Sunday Bishop Wolf blessed the new ministry of Rev'd Scott A. Gunn. That is a picture of Scott and I taken back in August. I only got one picture of the service because my camera battery died. But, hopefully I will get some pictures from a fellow member of Christ Church to put up here.

of family and community

There are reasons why we are not solitary beings. Humans, whether we like it or not, must have contact with other people in order to survive. Part of the reason for this is support. When was of us is hurting we are all hurting. Thus it is important not to "suck it up." This is something I have most recently learned.

As those back home (RI) will confirm, I have been going home a lot of the weekends. In fact I have been back home almost every weekend since I moved into Featherman Hall at UNE. With going home and seeing people that I know they all ask the same question, "So Dee, how's school going?" I always give the same answer, "School is going great, I love it," or some variation thereof. However, that hasn't been the case. I figured that is what people expected to hear of me. I - as many people see me - make the best out of a situation, adapt to it that conquer it coming out #1. UNE, however much I wish it to be, is not a normal beast!

Let me take you through what happened last night (October 8, 2007). I went out for a drive a little before dinner - I think. At this point I was going to spend and extra night in RI and go back to UNE on Tuesday morning. When I got home from my ride, holding back tears, said to my Mom, "Mom, I think I'm going to go back tonight, because I'm not going to want to go back tomorrow any more than I am now." My Mom could sense that I was about to cry. She just looked at me, to which I replied, "I don't want to go back I hate it there."

My Mom and I had a nice long talk, and this is what I got out of it. UNE while a great school, just isn't right for me. I'm not a big fan of the people here, I've realized however much I love Rivers I am not science major material, and the whole 100% secular thing is killing me. The work load isn't the issue, in fact it is easier than my junior and senior years of high school. Living away form home isn't a problem either. While my Mom spoiled me, I am an independent person. I've travel a lot on my own and can take care of myself. The biggest issue is religion. I have no problem going to a non-Religiously affiliated school. Most schools like that generally have a chapel or a Christian group on campus. UNE, despite what the website says, doesn't not have a Christian group on campus. I figured it wouldn't be to bad if I could find a nice traditional liturgy - like I have gotten used to - at a local church. The churches near me aren't anything like what I am used to. The church I have been going to the past few weeks looks like a Congregationalist Church not an Episcopal Church. Despite the love I have for their Deacon, it just isn't anything near to the amazing liturgies I have back home at both of my churches. What can I say I have been spoil all the way around. I've been working with some clergy who are very serious about liturgy - in my book the way it should be. Now some may say that oh it just takes getting used to. But, I have been to churches like this one up here in Maine and it isn't my cup of tea - or in my case coffee.

So where does that leave me?!?!?!
I'm dropping part of my double major. So now I'm no longer a double in Environmental Studies and Political Science, but a simple major in Political Science. I'm also going to be applying to Providence College, Salve Regina, maybe Rhode Island College, and a school in Boston or two.

I love Maine, but I don't think I'm meant to live here - at least not now.

I'm really glad that I talked to my Mom, because if I didn't I would feel horrible and trapped and totally and completely feel depressed. But now everything is different. I don't feel trapped, and I'm not depressed. I'm excited for an inevitable change - maybe this semester or the next academic year.

All I know is that family and community are extremely important, and without them - I can't speak for you but - I couldn't survive.

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