Emmanuel Church - Newport, RI News and Commentary

Mission Trip Presentation

2008-05-11T21:35:00.002-04:00

It seems hard to believe that a month has past since our mission trip to New Orleans. How ironic, that the daily devotional reading the day after I returned home from the trip was written by a woman from Louisiana. This was the scripture for that day: We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9. She wrote that despite their losses, God’s presence remains today in the stillness of their souls. I would like to invite everyone to attend a slide presentation on Sunday, May 18th at 11:15 a.m. or Wednesday, May 23rd at 7:30 p.m. Come for coffee and dessert and come to hear the stories and share the experiences of our group of twenty missionaries. We worked for an incredible organization called Hands on New Orleans, an affiliate of Hands on Network. This organization is precisely run, well organized, and should be commended for their efforts in helping the various agencies in the City of New Orleans. We left our comfort zone that week and joined Americorp workers, college students, and people that just showed up at HONO because they felt the need to help others. There were various work projects scheduled for us and every evening we were able to pick a project for the next day. The following is a list of agencies that we worked for:

Singleton Charter School – Teacher’s Assistant
Lazarus Home for Aids patients – visit with patients
Miss Evelyn’s house – rebuild historic home
Animal Rescue of New Orleans – work with the rescue animals
Carver Elementary School, Lower 9th Ward – paint mural
Martin Luther King School, Lower 9th Ward – Help catalog over 4,000 books in the school library
Louisiana Children’s Museum – Help with school groups visiting the museum
Green light bulb project – Install energy efficient light bulbs in homes of residents
Unity of Greater New Orleans – Help organize donations for the homeless
Beacon of Hope – Clean debris from yard of local resident
Lower 9th Ward Association – cut lawns to save the residents $100/month fee

I feel that the children have suffered the most since Hurricane Katrina. Some children were out of school for almost two years after the storm. Families have been torn apart and scattered all over the country. Many parents have divorced, leaving their children even more distraught. Some children live in shelters with teenage siblings because their parents are still displaced; some have been discovered living in the back seats of cars.
Homelessness has increased in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina from 6,000 people to 12,000 people today. They live in abandoned housing, on the streets, in cars or in homeless shelters. The homelessness crisis is a result of the persistent housing shortage and drastically inflated rents in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Neighborhoods are still boarded up, lives are still torn apart but in the midst of it all we found people full of hope. Their spirit, their music, their food, and their culture goes deep down into your soul. You return home with a feeling that is difficult to explain. You only know that you will return to New Orleans someday because the need is so great. I look forward to seeing everyone at our presentation. Thank you for your support. Carol Dutton +

Impressions from Joyce

2008-05-06T15:43:00.001-04:00

While our arrival in New Orleans was a success our adventure was about to start. My account of our adventure was mostly with the animal rescue called ARNO. But before we start there our young adults and I headed off to the French Quarter Festival on Sunday for most of the day. Taking the cable car down St. Charles St. to Bourbon St and walking down Bourbon St. was great local flair. We then decided to have some lunch at a café on Jackson Square where we did all New Orleans style food including Gator, Gumbo, Crawfish Poyboy, Smoked Cajan Sausage, and some others. We then crossed the square and watched some street vendors perform. After that a trip to Café du Monde for Beignets and a few more street vendors we headed home.

Monday morning found Tarin, Morgan and I on am KP duty and the Spice Girls were playing to wake the troops. Then some of us got ready to go to ARNO, which is the Animal Rescue of New Orleans. We went and worked with the 2 staff members and others volunteers to take care or several animals including dogs, cats, kittens and puppies. We walked the dogs and cleaned cages and pens for 4 days. You get very attached to these animals and you know their mannerisms and personalities. They are all sweet and you want to just bring them all home. I of us did, good job Anna.

On Friday I went to the Children’s Museum with Debbie, Anna, and Krystal. Debbie and I painted faces for 4 hours of all the children visiting the museum that day. We now see Saints, Dragons and Spiders in our sleep but, we had a lot of fun.

The group we stayed with at Hands On New Orleans were a great group. They have this volunteer thing pretty down pat and what a wonderful location they are in. It was a great experience to share with friends.

Strength in Unity

2008-05-05T19:42:00.002-04:00

"I am he, as you are he, as you are me, and we are all together"...recognize it?? it is the opening set of lyrics from the Beatles song, "I am the Walrus"...

(a personal favorite) but nonetheless a very real statement in being applicable to this week's gospel...John 17:11 "...so that they may be one...".

hmmm. Interesting to think that we cannot be alone. There is indeed strength in numbers! We see that manifesting everyday. People working together, living under the same roof... phrases such as "no man is an island", "no one should live alone"..or the phrase I related to my children yesterday...from the 3 Musketeers ..(don't laugh but I heard 4 children say I love that candy bar!)..."all for one and one for all". This is indeed John's message-

Not one of us was intended to stand alone. Jesus is praying for his disciples to be strong...to pull it together after his ascension...he realizes that he has left a "big job" for his friends to manifest now that he will reside with the Father for good...and he knows they are scared. Pentecost is the coming of the Holy Spirit...thank goodness Jesus did not wait long before completeing the Trinity- they needed this piece to move one... Starting a new church is a very big deal nowadays still, let alone in ancient Hebrew times...remember they were the only monastic religion existing then. Hmmm. Competition...yes a problem...but more importantly, to defend and honor this Jesus would put us...well....on a cross??? maybe. The problem? Not one of them could do this alone. Not one, (Not even Simon-Peter), ...but banded together many good and wonderful possible choices now existed. "Strength in numbers" yes?

I gave the children of EDS some options for our weekly sermon. I asked who was my strongest candidate in the crowd? of course hands flew up...and Ichose one to come up and break one of my Popsicle sticks. A hardy and formidable opponent stepped up and in second..."snap"went that stick! Great...breaking one isn't so hard is it? Then I offer a bundle of Popsicle sticks bound together by a lovely red ribbon..(gotta fit my Holy Spirit in there somewhere), and present our newly tied bundle of sticks to the crowd for breaking.... (surely a lesson in physics was also present)...but regardless...the entire class takes the challenge. Guess what? No one could break my bundle. What did this prove? Well...that strength, did in fact, lie in numbers. One was easily broken, but more than one... well nearly impossible.

I say nearly impossible...as I will relate this same sermon to the children at Chapel yesterday. We did the same story...and all the children took a turn at trying to break the bundle...until the bundle was turned over to my assistant Ben. (He is a big 18 yr old guy). He actually broke the bundle. I sat for a moment..and I sighed and thought..."Did you have to break the bundle?" Then I thought, (as I most often do in my sermons), this is God's message to me... that even though the bundle was strong..very strong mind you..after many attempts of wearing it down it did finally break. A good and valuable lesson in life. One is weak obviously.But many under the "right/wrong" motives/conditions can snap too...it obviously takes a much longer time...(also a valuable lesson)...but it proves that it can happen.
That is why Jesus prayed for the disciples to be strong after his Ascension. That is why!

God has important work for us all. Building churches, not from mortar but from love, requires the strength of many, not few. It needs to be as strong as it can be to sustain any and all outside forces that attempt to weaken its foundation.

Please think about that when the next moment of your life may be too scary to withstand...and you prefer to go it alone- just know that your stick may be easily broken by not finding strength in numbers...

"I get by with a little help from my friends"...The Beatles.

Miss Dawn, Christian Formation Director

Miss Evelyn's House

2008-04-21T02:08:00.001-04:00

Miss Evelyn, as far as I can make out was not affected by the flooding to any degree. Her house was a 19th century three story building in the Upper Garden Ward but being higher up caught the full force of the wind and rain. In a few hours the roof was gone, the windows were shattered, much of the clapperboard facing was ripped or gone and the torrential rain saturated every exposed piece of wood every piece of furniture and wood in what remained of the house.

Being a “listed” historical building, the city authorities decided that its renovation should be in line with historical authenticity and accuracy. But that put several 00’ in the bill for making it habitable again.

Hence the involvement of Hounds On New Orleans (HONO). They have taken it on as a long term project to make it habitable again for Miss Evelyn who for the moment (!?) lives in a trailer beside the house.

Under the eye of several professional advisors, HONO has taken on this long term project. Gutted I think is the word but the roof is on. Things are dry and work progresses.

Give these kids a chance

2008-04-19T21:51:00.003-04:00

The Kindergarten class under the direction of Miss D Young
rehearsing the "graduation" poem

The Party's over...

2008-04-19T20:56:00.002-04:00

,,, but not for the people of New Orleans!

We all ( I think) had a great time down there as a group but were moved, saddened and heart torn by the scale of the tragedy that still surrounds many of the people of New Orleans.

The projects we were involved in this year were unexpected I think but much has happened in the year since we last went. Much more effort and energy is going into the social needs and even the educational psychological and spiritual needs of the people.

Don't get me wrong, housing is still a major priority. There is still some demolition going on and reconstruction too, but other needs arise as some of these priorities are to a cirten extent alleviated.

But that's just me. Hopefully other members will contribute their considered thoughts as the experiences of the last week sink in.

In the meantime...well done Emmanuel for a great bit (or is it bite...remember the elephant!) of Christian love and ministry.

Peter

"There is a house in New orleans...

2008-04-19T01:49:00.004-04:00

...they call Hands on New Orleans"

This is the second go at this! I lost the first wonderful coda to the week so I wont bother to repeat it!
It has been a week of discovery; of self; what a storm can do both to property and peole; and this odd business of finding the fingerprints of the body of Christ smarmed all over the most unlikely people.

There is still so much to do here. Its like eating an elephant. You can only do it one it one mouthful at a time and thank God there are people here willing to bite the bullet (yes I know its a mixed metaphore but its mine and its 2am!
Peter

Friday

2008-04-19T01:25:00.004-04:00

And at last I get to use my industrial boots That's Peter not Carol!!

I tink its T'ursday

2008-04-19T01:23:00.000-04:00

Tomas, Tom and I were on house duty. This means clearing up breakfast then the whole on the house. This “A Team” managed it with distinction in a little over 2hours and transformed the place.

Tine for a great lunch. Basically hamburgers and salads (oh and fries with Mao. of course). My burger was buffalo meat and delicious. Either before or during this lunch a plot was hatched to give a little surprise for everyone when they returned from work. So we decided to buy a large bag of cookies and sweeties and distribute them to each pillow in the house. Discussion followed about entering the girls’ bedrooms but it was considered this was OK for a rector (“Trust me!”) so I got the job with Tom standing shotgun. Also buttered up to the staff by cutting them two roses for their desk.

The it was off to St Georges to help prepare free meals for anyone who wanted/needed them. Big hall attached to the Church. Small kitchen with Steve in charge. Soup with meat, beans, pasta and lots more in it, salad and cake to follow. Very mixed group of clients but all looked as if this was their first real meal of the day (and their last). Served about close on 100 meals including a group of young volunteers from the Cathedral.

Back at the hostel we were greeted with cheers and nominations for studs of the day!

As St Georges ran out of food we had to find our own food so found a local New Orleans restaurant and had a grand meal of local dishes. (Sausage with salad then fish with a side dish of beans and another one of Jambalaya. Then a walk to St Jo’s bar and another to find a lady who runs a warehouse for furniture but sadly she was not there. Perhaps because it was close on 1am?

Fr Peter

Re-establishing a school library

2008-04-17T18:26:00.002-04:00

Jane Perry and I have been having a librarian's dream. On June 10, 2007, the first school to reopen in the Lower Ninth Ward was the site of our work. The Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School for Science and Technology is free and scrubbed clean of between fifteen and twenty feet of water. The school library has become the project of two friends from Michigan, who drove with 500 donated books in their van. Last Wednesday, they started to unbox and we joined them this Tuesday. Jane says, "What kind of rose-colored glasses are you wearing, Maris?" But we know that we are helping to re-establish the school library of one of the best elementary schools in New Orleans. Jane has been invaluable with her school librarian experience, and can asnswer questions. We shall at least get loads of books on the shelves, labelled in broad Dewey Decimal numbers, ready for someone to continue with getting the intellectual control in their catalog. We thought we could do a lot of that, but can see this is a more important first step.

Hands-On New Orleans is a good choice for us this year. Enough of food, sleeping accommodations, great location, transportation. Had a nice service, meal and music at St. Anna's last night. Looking forward to getting home.

EDS eat your heart out

2008-04-17T12:32:00.006-04:00

The Kindergarten class at Singleton Charter School having "creative time".
Looks all too nice and Newport-ish!

Day 3 from Peter

2008-04-17T12:21:00.002-04:00

Usual awakening but in shower at time. Heavy Metal!

Off to Singleton Charter School and with Ms Young again. All kids had been in since 8am. They arrive for breakfast at 7.30am!!

Arrived in the middle of a Spanish lesson taken by a voluminous lady who stood for no nonsense. Through the colours and other r things. .Used a musical DVD as well.

This was followed by a student coming in on creative English. Book about “ME” and what I can do. Anthropomorphised animals. Then they made their own books. Various results from one book colours red from beginning to end others understandable but pretty y basic. Ms Young left!! And things deteriorated rapidly but before she returned some sort of order was restored to the mania. The morning ended at 1045 with lunch! Very noisy.

We had a good lunch for £2.25 in the canteen on our own, The staff opened up for us. They are very kind.

In the afternoon the class had a creative time after their “heads down” nap. During this Ms Young opened up to the needs of the class and school. She was concerned about “outsiders” coming in and telling them what was needed. She asked that other listen to what “we” know we need. It would be more helpful (and less wasteful? PM). The great need for her class was suitable individual books for reading.

I thought there might be something here for Fordingbridge and/or Emmanuel.

PS Bar-B-Q in the evening followed by a drink down at Annie’s Bar on the corner. About to leave after pint when more of the group walked in so we thought it only polite to drink with them too (and the man at the pool table who bought us all a drink each…said “ I’ve made a bit of money and I’d like to spend a little on you lot!” or something to tat effect.) Late night in the end!

One version of Day 2

2008-04-17T12:19:00.001-04:00

7.00am awakened by the top volume Spice Girls singning “Do you really want”! It is the way they wake you up here. There is ingenious way of segregation the single shower room (it has five cubicles. The women have the first half of every hour and the men have the second. It seems to work

By 8.15am we were on the Road to the upper Garden Disrict went to James Singleton Elementrary School. Two of our group were up in the library and six of went to help teachers in the class. It is an entirely black school. Nor dikd I see any white staff.

I had the kindergarten class of six year olds. Very basic language, writing and number skills. Not very high a standard but very mixed ability. Quite good teaching standard with both class and individual work. I did mostly one-to-one work encouraging and helping them with their individual work.

Miss Young seemed grateful for the voluntary help though did not say much!

Another volunteer had a less favourable session being expected to hold the class together on her own for the whole afternoon! There were lots of computers but NO books in the class: odd we thought.

Lunch was chaotic, a single tray and no choices. The noise incredible!

Back for reports and supper: Catfish Po Jos, (covered with bread crumbs and fried) jambalaya, rolls and salad. After, a lemon cake with strawberries.

Walk down to the docks, a drink in and Irish bar called St Patrick’s (full of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and religious tat and paintings…JUDGEMENT! …enough to make you tea-total), and home.

Fr Peter

2008-04-16T20:06:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone this is Morgan
We have all successfully completed three work days down here in New Orleans and everything is going great. In later years we have done mostly construction work, or last year we did deconstruction, but this year is a little different. While there is some construction and physical labor to be done, the work is mostly community building. By now, almost three years after the hurricane, most of the rebuilding is done and the projects include working for various programs dedicated to a specific causes. Personally I have worked for the Animal Rescue of New Orleans (ARNO) and as a teacher's aid at a local charter school. ARNO is the only "no-kill" animal rescue group in New Orleans and work everyday to find animals on the street, take them in, and find them a good home. This school was the first school to open up after the hurricane. It is government funded and accepts everyone who applies. Before Katrina, it was a school for kids who had been expelled from the public school for grades 4-8; But after the hurricane it evolved and it now has kids from pre-k to 8th grade. Yesterday, at the charter school, we helped the eighth graders write and edit their research papers. Today I was a teacher's aid in a 3rd grade classroom. Tomorrow I am headed to a children's museum; I'm not sure what I will be doing there but no doubt it will be awesome. Other people have been working on projects such as rebuilding a historical society house, painting murals, and helping out at a HIV/AIDS resident home.
Sorry we haven't been posting that often but we have had problems with the internet down here.
I hope everything is well at home.

A surprise awaited me

2008-04-13T23:22:00.002-04:00

What was I expecting when I arrived and we drove to out digs from the airport?
Devastation? Dereliction? Disaster evidence? All the negative implications I had heard about and pictured in my head from the first day I decided to come to New Orleans with Emmanuel Church.
But this was day one and a rest day. We strolled down elegant and luscious boulevards; drank beer in rowdy pubs, celebrated the Festival with music, color and thousands of other rioters in the French Quarter.
Little remains from the storm in the physical nature of this part of the city. But it is still frequently quoted from the lips of those we have net who lived here at the time and things were certainly very different last year when that Emmanuel team arrived. It is deep scars that seem to around here rather than open wounds.
But tomorrow is another day and work starts in earnest. Work in a downtown school, restoring an historical dwelling owned but an impoverished widow (?). tending amimals in a rescue center, Gardening and tending aids patients, changing light bulbs to energy effeciant ones and saving people $600 pa (?) and other activities and work.
These are all projects Hands On New Orleans (HONO) are involved in but will I get a chance to wear my new work boots?
Father Peter

Stealing Sheep

2008-04-13T17:12:00.002-04:00

I awoke this morning prepared to deliver a sermon to the children on the importance of not stealing...(today's Gospel John 10: 1-10) indicated that "taking sheep from another's pen is stealing." A great way to speak to children about taking things that do not belong to us....so I thought! But I quickly began to recognize and struggle with my own guilt and mixed messages about when it is acceptable to "take and nurture" vs. "just taking because you think it belongs to you."
I began the story reminding our dedicated chapel-goers about the "good shepherd" story. We then discussed the problem of the 100 sheep peacefully co-existing in one pen for a long time and one deciding to up and leave. "Leaving us with how many?" ...of course the answer ringing out, "99"!!! So, I then asked, "Why didn't we just leave that one and focus on the 99 remaining sheep? Who needs that one anyway??...(I am actually half serious as one who is logical and most especially a realist in most matters...concentrate on the loyal? the steadfast?) And then the overwhelming response..."Because Miss Dawn you tell us that God loves everyone of us. He has created all of us and we all have purpose." "Oh yeah..." "I mean, yes kids, you would be right...God in fact has done that." So- ALL the sheep are to be recognized and saved wherever and however that should be.... "Yes?"

Well today's Gospel is a bit different it speaks to us about a sheep not willing leaving the fold... but one that is taken. What would you call that, children? "That is stealing Miss Dawn."
"Okay, what is stealing then, in definition?" Two respond, "It is taking something..." I say, "Yes, particularly if "...another hand goes up, "..it doesn't belong to you." "Yes, that is correct."

I have been recently perusing a book, entitled, "Stealing Sheep: The Church's Hidden problems of Transfer Growth". (author: William Chadwick). It is book recommended for churches undergoing and/or seeking new growth. Mr. Chadwick holds some very valid observations about stealing sheep. He believes what to be happening in our churches and spirituality, like most of our society does, that Christianity has become too "fast-food"...most especially among the churches who are trying to entice new customers with the latest and hottest menu items. ( We are in a phase of rapidly and steadily decline of Christian converts). He doesn't subscribe to this sheep stealing, and church shopping, "drive-up window spirituality ", to satisfy our hunger. Neither do I. He believes in staying in the "pen" and not being enticed. Grazing on the grass that has been grown especially for us. Yes...that I agree with too. He is tired of abandonment from church to church... hoping that the Super-sized meal will be offered somewhere else at a better price, or classier digs. I agree. He is saying that folks, "sheep", need to stay home and eat in their own pen and not be swayed to eat-out each Sunday, lured in by convenience of the "meal to go". His point being, that stealing from other churches to make yours look better numerically is a definite No-No. I agree. (Please,... how would one compete after a while...you know that the sheep are just going to try out another menu soon enough anyway after sampling yours...think of the work one would have to do in order to keep a stolen sheep)??! it is an interesting concept. He further explains, that converting Christians needs to be #1 on the menu choice board- and we are not doing that. We are just trying to take business from other restaurants.

Have I ever stolen from another pen and why? That was my personal question today. Did I believe I could do better by the sheep that wanted to leave because of what we provided for them?? Does that make it stealing? We do this in our churches every Sunday.
Do we make the environment more loving? Children's Church more fun? A party every week in order to attract the church-goer or deliver a good story instead? Do we effectively deliver our sermons to a hungry crowd? (and perhaps still saved them a buck or two?) IS that all we have set to accomplish? Perhaps money was never the driving force...ever.
What if is was solely.. about the conversion of the spirit? And can only one person do that?

Do we convert at Emmanuel?? Yes, we convert. Did that make us thieves? NO. According to Chadwick. He states there are clearly times when the sheep should be stolen!! He calls it "rescuing sheep".
Many of the Orthodox religions (none mentioned here), have lost their ability to put together a menu to offer to the hungry. It may consist of foods not made organically, or have processed foods involved. Prescribed ways to partake in it. Maybe the consumer purchased more than they received? Maybe they never got what they ordered?? Chadwick calls this acceptable when WE NEED to move pens/ parishes. He refers to it as "healthy transfer growth.... "

Okay, Let's talk about sheep here for a moment. I say....US. We sheep, aren't the brightest of all animals. We tend to follow and need to be herded. Most of us, do not know any better. Sometimes, (maybe the brighter ones would want to leave the pack..maybe? But what is really "out there for us?" Well. Mr. Chadwick reorganizes his herding regime in the last half of his book. He goes on to say , "Healthy transfer growth is about rescuing sheep. In some cases they are rescued from a church where salvation is not articulated. Other times they are rescued from abusive church settings." Good! Why would do we continue to eat at a restaurant that overcharges us, and never gives us enough to grow or stay healthy??

So, it can be okay to "steal" from the non-christian environment even in the more strict, orthodox settings, seemingly "looking like christian environments." Because as Chadwick offers, "Wouldn't it be wiser to encourage them to leave the church and its' errors then to encourage him to stay in it?" Give them a loving environment to thrive in. Isn't that real conversion??

I was glad, to know this information today...to go back to my kid sermon ... I indeed asked my friends... "When is it okay to steal???" .... One boy promptly responded, "When you need to steal Third to get Home!

Miss Dawn, Director of Christian Formation

Day 1

2008-04-12T21:29:00.002-04:00

After a long and tiresome day, we're finally here and enjoying the beautiful weather. A first-timer to the city, I'm more than fascinated by everything New Orleans has to offer. as for the volunteer situation, we will be starting our work on Monday which will give us enough time to get accustomed to this beautiful city and the French Quarter Festival. not a second of this beautiful evening can be wasted! speaking soon..

Tarin

New Orleans Mission Trip

2008-04-05T17:09:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone this is Morgan.
Just so everyone knows our annual mission trip is coming up this Saturday. If you want to stay in touch with us while we're down there and/or want to read about how our trip is going, we will be blogging daily while we are in New Orleans. We will be writing about our day and hopefully we will be able to post pictures and videos too. So be sure to check out this page to see how with your support and fundraising, Emmanuel Chruch is making a difference in the lives of the people of New Orleans.

"Why do you look for the living among the dead?"

2008-03-24T19:32:00.003-04:00

"Why do you look for the living among the dead?"....

I recently read an article about our Easter message. I would like to share with you a thought from the article that reflects on Luke's Gospel. "Easter is what breaks that feverish human cycle of searching for life in things that are dead." (say it a few times to yourself). What an amazing statement! Easter is our time to ask ourselves what are we trying to resurrect in our human lives that is clearly dead and why do we continue to push the envelope and try to make it come alive instead of believing In God's great plan.

Our lives are full of dead things living in our midst. When they are dead, (material items, plants, cars, wardrobe, etc... that is we throw them away. Seemingly we don't mind. We have no use for things that are no longer useful or broken. Society tells us we should live clutter free.....Yet, many times we actually do not do this for a variety of reasons. Why do we continue to look for life in things that have no life in them?? Hmmm. It is indeed the question of all questions to ask this Easter season. I have often posed a similar question to my friends, but mostly I continue to ask myself, when necessary, "why do we keep trying to force two puzzle pieces together that do not fit?". Move on and find the piece that works. The piece intended to fit. The way God intends it to be for us.
Do we do this because we are afraid of loss? Need an immediate answer? Don't want to keep waiting? Do we do it out of fear of what God really has planned for us? Fear of the unknown? We tend to cling to our human faults and needs that keep us living with dead searching for the life we want...but really, can ignoring this message bring us the life we look for? Can worn out friendships, behavior, or abuse bring the life we seek in the Easter message? How about making or needing more money? The bigger home? Needing the things in life to keep up with our neighbors?
What transformation through the resurrection are we looking for if we are unable to view the resurrection for what it is? This is the beauty and simplicity of this 2000 year old message we cannot forget. We cannot be transformed through old tiresome ways. Our ways. Jesus was here to live and die for us to teach us a new way of faith and belief. And it wasn't easy. It still isn't.

This week at Emmanuel Day School we performed a Passion Play. My students are always very prepared for Holy Week and the Easter season. This year was not an exception, only in the sense that I recently chatted with an acquaintance who asked me about how much children at the preschool level could understand about Holy Week. I knew that they knew much about what happened..they had the "facts". But did they get the message? Well. my transformation began to happen on Thursday of this week. I awoke in the morning with the thought of needing to re-enact Jesus' final days. I knew the kids would love it- and perhaps take something away to remember and contemplate as the weekend continued... maybe forever.
At our Morning Meeting I told the children this is how we would spend the better part of our morning. Did they want to? "YES!!!" was the overwhelming response...I will not tell you about casting roles and set designs but I will leave you with my transforming moment(s)....
The first one...not one child readily wanted to play Jesus! Not one. "Jesus...you know, the star of the play????", My response!!! (Most 4 and 5 year old want to be the lead character of any production.) I was astounded. We all sat there. And I thought "Hmmm.... Who really wants to be Jesus is right?" That made me know, they knew the story thoroughly. Then a tiny hand raised above the crowd. A small in stature Pre-K'r stood up, "Michael". He said, "Miss Dawn, I will." It was moving and brave. The rest of the parts cast themselves almost instantly. What 5 year old boy wouldn't want to be a roman soldier? What girl wouldn't want to be the mother of Jesus? (I have to say our girl Pontius Pilot was a surprise and welcoming!) But...nontheless..no one wanted to be Jesus. This is when I felt the betrayal and abandonment by us all.

As the play progressed, (costumed and sets hurriedly put together), I was chilled at Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Palms waving and villagers praising him. Only to be led to my second most pivotal moment of this week...the abandonment and the denial by his friends. This message hit home especially with me this Easter season. I felt Jesus' abandonment so strongly this week. I know the children were sensing the sadness as we began approaching each scene leading to the cruxifiction. First, Judas,then Peter's denial...then the rest of them hiding out in fear until after it was over. Only the woman remained by his side. Such desertion. To think you were facing your final hours and you couldn't even count on the very people you just spent the last 3 years living the Good News with. Faced with death and not a painless one. This poor man.
Jesus' hour came... (I think real tears were shed at the cross in our school)...and then it came... the transformation. Even though Jesus could have easily thought his friends were among the dead themselves, he knew that through his resurrection that they would be changed forever. Oh, it was like having read a great book that was made into a movie and your were excited about the ending. The children could not wait for Sunday morning. The angel was in the tomb and Mary Magdalene running down the path at dawn. The elation to find Jesus stunning and shining before her eyes. All of our eyes! The Living God was present right there among us! Jesus tells Mary to gather the hiding disciples to meet with him...

Well we know the rest of the story...Jesus meets with his friends and they are transformed to change their ways. Be courageous...tell the story of hope and renewal. They are met with a conversation that takes place between Jesus and Thomas, (our doubter), about believing. Well- Thomas isn't present during the first appearance. He does not believe that Jesus' transformation, overcoming death to life, is possible... he was "absent from school" that day. He still wants to find the dead among the living. I wonder about the students who were absent on Maundy Thursday- the day of the play. Like Thomas, I wonder if their absence (for whatever reason), is causing them to doubt and not be able to detect what is living among the dead...who will need to see to believe? As a teacher I am sorry for those who didn't make roll call that day...just as Thomas did not make his role call to say "Here!" Fortunately, Jesus gives us new and transformed life each time we receive his sacrament, or pray as a group in his presence. Every Sunday is Easter is what I tell the children. My thought and Easter message was, "What happens when we are absent?" Not choosing to be a part of Jesus' transformation?
What happens is simple. We continue to look for the dead instead of what is living? We continue to live our way, instead of God's way. Yes, it was not easy. No, not one one of us would want to play the role of Jesus...but fortunately, we do not have to! Jesus has gone ahead and done that for us! Stop looking for the dead among the living...and embrace the Easter message! Believe... Remember it only took Jesus 3 days...it is never too late!
Happy Easter,
Miss Dawn

Partner Parish in Episcopal Life News

2008-03-19T17:35:00.004-04:00

Fr Terry emailed this article to me this afternoon. A happy reminder of our visit by the Stompers and our second-line parade around the block (twice!).

In New Orleans, St. Anna's procession marches to a different tune this Palm Sunday

By Jerry Hames -->March 13, 2008 [Episcopal News Service]

Millions of Christians around the world will mark this Sunday as Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem in the days preceding his trial and execution by crucifixion.
In Episcopal churches across the United States, adults and children will carry home palm leaves, or small palm crosses, as a reminder of the event described in all four gospels when Jesus entered the city, riding on a colt and "the most part of the multitude spread their garments in the way; and others cut branches from the trees, and spread them in the way." (Matthew 21:8. ASV).
At many churches, members with their palms will walk in procession around the building before entering it for the service. The congregation of St. Anna's Episcopal Church in New Orleans will celebrate this date according to its own custom.
As a New Orleans tradition bearer and post-Katrina host to the "Mission to Musicians," the little stone church on the grand avenue of the Creoles will "second line" in a Palm Sunday tribute. Leading the way will be one the city's most famous brass bands, the Storyville Stompers.
"Traditionally, a 'second line' follows a funeral as dancers and revelers follow brass bands from a cemetery," said the Rev. William Terry, St. Anna's priest. "So, St. Anna's uses that language. We play jazz as we walk from the church into the French Quarter, then proceed through another old neighborhood called Marigny, then back to the church via the Treme."
The procession, led by the priest and the Storyville Stompers, will wind through old neighborhoods and city streets. The brass band was the first band to play at St. Anna's Mission to Musicians, a collaborative effort that offers resources and care to musicians and residents alike. Started two years ago, in the first six months it served 1,390 dinners (musicians and artists eat free) and gained employment for 124 working musicians through grants and donations. It has three components: a mental health and wellness clinic in collaboration with Tulane Medical School and Daughters of Charity, a Rite II worship service with anointing and healing, and a community supper, concert, and jam session.
Since Katrina, the band members have played at other Episcopal churches, such as Emmanuel Church in Newport, Rhode Island, and St. Mark's Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, always spreading the word about the New Orleans recovery efforts since the hurricane did its damage, flooding much of the city. Last year they played for Episcopal bishops who met for a week in New Orleans and participated in a work day by rehabilitating damaged houses.
The little church of St. Anna's has also garnered national attention with its "Murder Board" listing the names of all persons in the city who have been murdered since Katrina. In addition, the Diocese of Louisiana and St. Anna's continue to provide free medical care, including mental health practitioners, to the underinsured and uninsured during the city's continuing medical crisis.
Terry, who notes that the church was named 'Innovator of the Year' in 2007, says parishioners also work hard to keep cultural traditions alive, including its partnership with the New Orleans Musicians Clinic and providing a venue for them to play. "As we say, all are welcomed -- none are shunned," he said.

Emmanuel, A Place to Call Home

2008-03-09T22:09:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends,

Recently at our March EDS Open House Registration for Sept'08 I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with many people from the Newport community. They came in to see EDS, and our church on a very stormy Saturday morning, (you'll be happy to know most signed on before leaving). I spoke of curriculum, toured the facility with them, allowed them to pick the teacher's brains for awhile. I met deeply passionate folks who embrace our academic environment so tightly. and others who have heard how committed we are to nurturing our young friends. I met with a strict orthodox family who came to visit us from DC. Local families who have heard nothing but the greatest reviews of EDS from the community. I also heard a very warm and yet disturbing story about a military family that I now want to share with you.

A lovely couple in their late 20's early 30's come to visit EDS. They are friendly and unassuming. Mom is expecting her second child. Mom and Dad come in and tour. They ask questions and then ask to speak with me about our overall program and availability for the Fall. I sit down with them and begin to ask about their lives. I immediately detect an accent indicating, "out west" to me. I notice a few outward physical appearances on dad and immediately sense, a serviceman of some sort. So I inquire where are you folks from? No anwser..readily...we change subjects and then they tell me that an in law is visiting and minding their daughter, whom will begin in Sept. I try to skirt my initial question and rephrase it..trying to be friendly and welcoming and talk about traveling..which is one of my favorite topics! Still evasive. But they are lovely...one of the nicest families I have met in some time. We "sign-on" as I say...and I give them my soliloquy about receiving their welcome packet in August...enough said. I shake their hands extend my thanks and then I am hit with the "confession". I am asked by dad if he can be honest with me...he clearly couldn't leave without this piece. So, of course I turn and assure him him that I am listening. I am concerned now..thinking, "what have I missed?" He then states, "Dawn, I am in the military." So...I am now waiting for the "......" moment, and then nothing! He is just staring at me. I said, "Great. I love military families". He remains panic-stricken. "Is that going to be okay with you?" Now, I am floored. I assure him that this is wonderful and where were we going with this? He states..."Your competition gave us a terrifically horrid time in trying to register our child when we first arrived here in Newport". They don't want military." Outrageously, I retorted..."My father served our country for 30 years before his retirement. I cannot believe that someone would turn away the very people that let us sleep peacefully at night." He says, "So you don't mind..really?" "Mind..I say..Military families are one of the best customers we have at EDS! I cannot believe, that happened to you, and I am sorry....You have come home now!" They smiled at me ear to ear in relief. All I could think of was Mary and Joseph finally finding shelter after being turned away so many times in Bethlehem.
What a lovely way to describe who we are at EC and EDS. Our table welcomes all. I was so proud of us that rainy morning. And I thought about how desperate some are for money and what they are willing to do, or say, in order to profit! You see military/war college families rotate about every year. I guess, the belief is that they are not a good investment because of that? I am not sure about the reasoning. One thing I do know is that they are kind and respectful! They read my handbook cover to cover. They love the education offered here.They applaud our patriotism and observances of cultures/religions around the world. They never step outside of the guidelines in that handbook. They do not fuss about the uniform...and they never "not know" what is going around here...because they read all material. They are in similar positions where the same matters apply. But most of all, they are just looking for a welcoming smile! A place to safely send their child to school and get the very best education. Aplace to worship during their stay in an old yankee town. They love our warmth and welcoming doors. Yes, they may not stay forever...but hey send their friends! What more could you ask? I have enjoyed the most wonderful experiences with our military families here at Emmanuel, both at church and school. I am proud to say that we are a friendly face and an open door to community that has committed themselves, and sacrifice themselves to help our country.
Isn't that what Jesus would have done? Welcomed the lonely, the unknown, the new kid on the block! We are truly living our Christian message here at EC and EDS!

Miss Dawn

Update from St Anna's, NOLA

2008-02-28T14:15:00.003-05:00

Last night I received the latest issue of the Anna's Journal from Fr. Bill.
I'm not sure how he does it but they seem to arrive at just the right time to remind me of what is happening in New Orleans and St. Anna's.

The church and each of us impose an awful lot on Lent. We have lots of memories of how Lent was when we were children. We're confused by what we are taught now. There's lots of guilt. Lots of wailing and bemoaning. Well, maybe not wailing, but a lot of complaining. While I understand the concept of the fast before the feast, the reflection before the rejoicing, does Lent mean we really have to do anything different if we are trying to live a Christ-like life everyday?

There was a line in this past Sunday's Gospel that seemed to get lost in the story of the woman at the well. Jesus said "...the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." God asks for very little - for us to worship in spirit - from the deepest depths of our selves, heart and soul - and in truth - without reservation giving ourselves fully. And Jesus tells us how to do this - by loving each other as we love ourselves.

Ah, there's the rub. Loving each other as we love ourselves is the tricky bit. It means a lot more than being nice to someone, or letting someone cut in from a side street. It's caring for those who are suffering, who've experienced loss, who are in trouble. It's demanding justice for everyone and holding those accountable who refuse to give it. It's reaching out to rebuild a life, to bring hope and a little beauty back to a stranger's world. It's thinking that if I expect something for myself, then other's should too, and I need to be part of the solution.

As I read this issue of the Anna's Journal, I read about a city that keeps being kicked when it's down. Bless those who keep fighting for justice and those who keep building and rebuilding. New Orleans needs more people who live by The New Commandment.

St. Anna's needs our prayers - and we do pray for them each week. They need our support - financial gifts as you can read are always welcome. But they need advocates. Are you willing to be an advocate - to write or call our government and church leaders to keep the needs of NOLA on the front burner? If you are, please speak with me.
Peace,
John

The Anna Journal Lent 2008
If I were not writing this and had I not experienced this myself, I would think that I was a conspiracy theory nut!
Last night we were honored to host the CDC (Center for Disease Control) at St. Anna’s in a public forum. The subject was “Formaldehyde Levels in FEMA-Supplied Trailers.” The officers of the CDC seemed a concerned that the crowd might get unruly so they asked that I open the meeting with prayer; which I did. The crowd did not get unruly and the meeting lasted about two hours with about 100 attending at one point or another.

It seems that the CDC has determined that “Average levels of formaldehyde in all travel trailers and mobile homes were about 77 parts per billion. Breathing this much formaldehyde over time at this level can affect health.” In the crowd, many testified that they and particularly their children were experiencing profound breathing problems; watery eyes; etc. These are all symptoms of the “condition.” When a person asked where can I go to get treated the CDC said they didn’t it wasn’t their mission. When asked about alternative housing the CDC said they didn’t know for sure, it wasn’t their mission. I do not condemn the CDC they were only supposed to alert the government and people of the potential health risk. They did. But no immediate help seemed available certainly no medical help.

FEMA set up tables with case workers in our adjacent Parish Hall but did not actively seek out nor announce alternatives to trailer housing. But they did advise the CDC that they would take quick action. Interestingly, Green Peace tried to inform Congress of this issue one year ago without result.

One man asked for help. He stood up and explained that he and his four children had been living under the bridge for a time. When his father moved out of his trailer back into his home he let his son and children live in the trailer. All four children were ill. The man didn’t look well either. He wanted accountability. He wanted help. The CDC officer, unable to help, offered nothing. I told the man to call St. Anna’s in the morning and we would get him immediate medical help. He wanted accountability. He was frustrated. He was angry. He was about to be homeless. Because FEMA could not get him housing; FEMA would not test the trailer; FEMA could not send him to the Doctor because the trailer was in his father’s name. Live with formaldehyde or live on the street for now.

The red tape and lack of clear responsibility for a fellow citizen by “The Government”, municipal, state, or Federal was a shame.

Please keep in mind that over 100,000 trailers housed people in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas after the hurricanes of 2005. This is perhaps, as one attendee noted the largest single health disaster by poisoning in U.S. history. The scientific reality is that we won’t know the outcomes for about twenty years. To top it all off, guess who gets the used FEMA trailers after use by locals – NATIVE AMERICANS!

Yes, FEMA is recalling them but hey…..Katrina keeps on giving and no everything is not alright….

It is not all bleak!
Because of the support that we received from partner churches we were sustained through 2006 and 2007. I am pleased to report that the average Sunday has risen as follows:
January 2006 - 25
January 2007 - 45
January 2008 - 60
February 2008 - 70
Because of your support for mission we have caught the notice of many younger people who are seeking a spiritual home that lives what it prays and they believe that they have found it in St. Anna’s. The Bishop will visit us this Sunday and we will Receive and Confirm over ten people! Easter, we already have lined up at least two baptisms and perhaps more and by late June we will have performed six weddings at St. Anna’s!
In our quest to serve many, you know that we began an ESL (English as A Second Language) Class. God’ will for us grew to more outreach to the Hispanic community. St. Anna’s was able to secure the support of Bp. Alexander of Atlanta who is sending us his Hispanic Missioner to help us establish a Hispanic Apostolate. We received a grant to do so in the amount of $100,000. Our task will be to establish a “Life Resource Center” for Latinos; establish a Latino church; and to support that work. In conjunction with that we have hired a priest associate to help run the Apostolate. His name will be announced as soon as his background checks are done. But, he is excited and we are very excited to have him!
Our budget, like last year, is over $500,000! This budget, at the recommendation of the Summit attendees, contemplates continuing the Medical Mission; Mission to Musicians; and Hispanic Apostolate.
The challenge is that we have not yet secured a viable grant or funding source for the Medical Mission. Having served over 5,000 people since we hit the road we now have an opportunity to increase our services four fold in a partnership with Daughters of Charity. We still need commitments for $120,000 on our part to keep the Medical Unit rolling. Funding appears to run out on the Medical Mission early summer of this year. A very large contribution was received from St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Louisville, KY. Having pledged their Christmas offering to St. Anna’s!
We believe that the Mission to Musicians we also be more modest in 2008 relying on church sponsored fund raisers. Since starting this mission has issued over 300 checks to working musicians and attended to the medical needs of over 1,800 people by now. Partners in this mission of special note are: Christ Church Chippewa Falls, WI. St. Paul’s, Hudson, WI.; St. Marks Church, Milwaukee, WI.; and Emmanuel Church, Newport, R.I. each has held a special Jazz Fund raiser for the Mission to Musicians; other supporters include: Grace Church, Providence, R.I. , New Orleans Musicians Clinic, and individual donors and visiting mission groups.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Several areas of assistance still remain and we solicit your thoughts or updates:
St. Francis Church, our tireless friends, have agreed to set up a list serve of supporting parishes. We recently heard that it is still being worked on and not forgotten. We look forward to a free exchange of information.
We have a hole in our operating budget ($220,000) of about $20,000. Any congregation willing to take a leap of faith and pledge for the year 2008 will be most appreciated. Stability is a key factor for us right now.
We are undertaking some serious work that MUST be done on the ‘Old Historic House.’ The Old House is giving way. It must be shored up and some exterior repairs to the second floor balconies must be made or it may be condemned. We have formed a work group to study and report on this and to assist in raising funds. If you can help us with grant writing for ‘restoration’ it would be very helpful. This is a big project.
I hope to institute a letter writing campaign to the Presiding Bishop and all Bishops to support the Medical Mission here in New Orleans. Please help us to do this. We will be asking for funding from Diocese and from the National Church to help fund the Medical Unit for a three to four year term. We are seeking a total funding amount of $400-500,000. Any thoughts?
We would really like to hear from you.
One of the points that were made at the Summit was that St. Anna’s needed to communicate more and effectively in order to keep our ‘cause’ before congregations. We do write letters of thanks to each donor. We try to send out Anna Journals when possible. Recently, Diane Dawson sent out a Journal attempting to get some energy going and she received one reply. Help us to communicate. Tell us what you want and what you need.
We still need you. We are nearing sustainability but we are still dealing with Katrina. New Orleans still has not established a viable public health system; schools are still dysfunctional; and re-building is slow in many sectors. Crime is still high and frustration along with depression still higher. For many now is the time of brokenness. After reading all of the MDG’s I can only think of one that does not apply to New Orleans. The more I am here the more I am convinced that the Katrina Disaster is a National shame.
Give us hope. Give us life. Remember us in prayer.

Finding Comfort in God

2008-02-25T19:18:00.003-05:00

I recently saw this quote:
"Comfort is the difference between the way things are and the way we expect them to be. Comfort is an illusion. It is neither present nor welcome here."

After I read this several times, I immediately thought of this week's Gospel, The Samaritan woman at the well. I was, and am always in awe by this week's Gospel. The Samaritan woman by the well meeting up with Jesus. I laugh (sarcastically), thinking about how taken aback this woman must have felt after... a.) not knowing what this "living water" stuff meant that Jesus was going on about, or b.)that really she initially "signed on" to this deal thinking that Jesus was promising her comfort that she would never have to drag herself to that well again to draw water. What a relief and comfort that must have been to know that laborious task was coming to an end!

aha! Her initial narrow-mindedness, and laziness was the bait to get her right where Jesus wanted her!
Funny, we all find comfort in what we know as familiar. It is a blessing indeed. It is a blessing to wake up each day, dress, go to work and pretty much figure out how the day will unfold. So, we think. That brings us comfort. It brings us comfort to "think" we have control. Control over the outcomes. Control over our actions, things we want others to do for us, and ultimately control over feelings and beliefs. Predictability we might call it. But Jesus was here to teach the woman at the well more to do about water than she ever really wanted to know! Jesus wasn't there to talk about the quality of the drinking water..(as I related in Children's Chapel this week in a pitcher of Newport's finest tap water vs. Poland Spring bottled water.) And even the comparisons in that story had its benefits...
Even the finest of waters, (Perrier with Lemon), couldn't compare to Jesus' water!
To never thirst again. To never need to go to the well for another bucket full. (Remember it must have been very difficult physically to draw water however many times a day and walk it back to your home. Maybe 5x! as many husbands she had.) So, to be offered a water that was life-eternal, no need to replenish, restock, or think your thirst would be quenched forever by taking it from Jesus had to be bonus itself...regardless of knowing who Jesus was, or what he professed was actually the message!
The woman took comfort in that fact that her day would be lighter in load because of her water promise. She thought it comfortable to not thirst again. "Whatever that meant". And yet, there was always a "discomfort". That lingering feeling that something was not quite right about all of this. She only knew this man to be a Jew. She wonders why he would first ask her, a Samaritan, for a glass of water...let alone accept a lifetime guarantee on never needing it again. It was grossly uncomfortable and certainly suspicious. The comfortable things at first really are never comfortable in the long run. There was a catch here, and Jesus was quick to point it out to her. In receiving His offer for Living water, she then asked that magical question! Why Me? Why a Samaritan? Do we not like one another? (Remember there are no free lunches!) Jesus then inquires about her husband. "Well...there isn't a current husband." Jesus is quick to respond, lovingly, I believe, "Yes, I know that you are not married to the man you reside with, but you have had 5 previous husbands." The woman is clearly shocked and professes that Jesus is obviously a prophet, a psychic of some kind. Who could know my past? I have never met you before today. How lucky for her that Jesus could prove to her that God knows all, holds all, and will see all things transpire that God has called to be. Imagine her amazement in being told by a stranger your life history. Surely, in the most uncomfortable part of humility she found strength in the fact that this man was not judging her, but in fact pushing her to her destiny. Marry the man or leave him, and proclaim the message that the Messiah was here. The Savior of the World. He was here, knew her story, continued to promise the Living Water if there was just Faith in God and belief in Jesus. What a comfort, in a very uncomfortable moment.

We are faced all the time with comfort vs. uncomfortable. Everyday. The things we have chosen over and over again seem comfortable to us. This is because we have chosen them so many times it seems comfortable, like second nature. (The woman marrying 5 times... it was probably comfortable to her). And yet, perhaps, that the comfort zone we so desperately cling too is precisely why we wind up in these situations! I am sure the woman at the well was not comfortable even in her continuous choices to do this. She was uncomfortable admitting to Jesus that she wasn't married to this man; yet she didn't lie. That I think made Jesus glad. (She was probably tired of choosing the same comfortable mistake she thought and decided reluctantly to not marry him.) Jesus knows our hearts and He isn't afraid to talk to us about the feelings that live in there. Without judgement I might add. He isn't afraid to show what can be if we have faith.
The next time we are faced with doing something that just doesn't seem comfortable- or is not what we think we should/or should not do.... Ask this... Do I want to thirst anymore? Or do I want to drink form the Living Water where I thirst no more?

Miss Dawn, Director of Children's Ministries

On Lent and Repentance

2008-02-08T11:59:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, in observance of the First Sunday in Lent, we will begin the liturgy with a solemn procession and the Great Litany. At the end of the Great Litany, the priest says:

"Give us true repentance; forgive us our sins of negligence and ignorance and our deliberate sins; and grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to your word."

Lent is about repentance, forgiveness, and grace. Those are heavy subjects. However, the good news is that Lent is not an end in itself but an opportunity to prepare for Easter. During this season, we have the opportunity to focus on those parts of our lives that limit our ability to live as competely and fully as God desires. God has created each of us wonderfully and with a purpose that is life giving to us and to others. However, sometimes thoughts, actions, or other impediments limit our ability to live as God intends. We have this time of Lent to think about those impediments and, with God's help, to make some changes.

On Ash Wednesday, I talked about the three "Rs" of repentance - recognize, regret, and reorient. (I am grateful to Robert Voyle of Appreciative Inquiry Leadership Training for sharing these three aspects of repentance). First, we recognize that there is something in our lives that limits our ability to live as God would have us to live. Second, we regret this part of our lives by bringing to consciousness the cost to ourselves and others of our actions. Finally, we reorient ourselves by focussing not on what we don't want to do or be but on something positive. We have to replace the unwanted with something that is truly life giving. As Robert Voyle says, "Any "no" or act of self-denial in the spiritual life is only as helpful as the deeper "yes" that the no allows.

To what can you say "yes" during this season of repentance and preparation? Thank God that God's grace is abundance and that God longs for each of us to live into the richness and fullness of all that God has for us!

Nonviolent Resistance

2008-01-24T09:06:00.000-05:00

One of the lasting aspects of Martin Luther King's legacy is his philosophy of nonviolent resistance. This should not be confused with pacifism but rather seen as an intentional, active means of working towards change in the face of violence and opposition. King's philosophy is as necessary now as it was during his lifetime. As a nation, we seem to have accepted the notion that violence is an acceptable form of defense or resistance, that defending with any means and at any cost is the morally correct way to proceed, and that fighting violence with still more violence is the way to forge a lasting peace. Perhaps we need to take another look at King's philosophy, recognizing that he witnessed to our nation a different way of confronting violence and hatred.

The six principles of nonviolent resistance, as articulated by King and described on the King Center website, are:
1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people.
2. Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding.
3. Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice not people.
4. Nonviolence holds that suffering can educate and inform.
5. Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate.
6. Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice.

Of course, these principles are very challenging. It takes great effort to take the way of nonviolence, not just physical nonviolence, but also emotional and verbal. It is hard work to love and to seek reconciliation with those who have hurt us or who seek to do us harm. However, this is the way of Christ - always seeking reconciliation, justice, peace, and love. This is not a naive, stick your head in the sand, fantasy ideology but rather a real world, difficult, life affirming way of approaching all of our relationships.