Dear Friends in Christ -
I won't be blogging for the next week, because I'll be on vacation with my family.
But I won't stop praying for you. I'm not taking a vacation FROM you. I'm taking a vacation FOR myself and my family - and for you. It's that whole "put your own oxygen mask on before you try to help the person next to you" thing.
Please keep praying for me! When I see you again I look forward to swapping stories of what God has done with you and with me "on vacation."
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Failure, compassion and prayer
Dear Friends in Christ -
For the past four days, I've been trying to write a post about Lambeth Conference. It's important for us to think, pray and talk about what's going on there. The relationships between our bishops and the decisions they make together will affect churches like ours around the world.
The issues they're talking about - unity, Scripture and human sexuality - are deep and difficult. As I've tried to articulate ideas and concerns on these topics, I've discovered just how hard it is to be clear about the issues and helpful to everyone involved. My failure has made me more compassionate toward our bishops - and more prayerful.
As we all listen to reports from Lambeth Conference on the web and in the news, may God give us compassion and deepen our faithfulness in our worship of him and in our care for one another.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
For the past four days, I've been trying to write a post about Lambeth Conference. It's important for us to think, pray and talk about what's going on there. The relationships between our bishops and the decisions they make together will affect churches like ours around the world.
The issues they're talking about - unity, Scripture and human sexuality - are deep and difficult. As I've tried to articulate ideas and concerns on these topics, I've discovered just how hard it is to be clear about the issues and helpful to everyone involved. My failure has made me more compassionate toward our bishops - and more prayerful.
As we all listen to reports from Lambeth Conference on the web and in the news, may God give us compassion and deepen our faithfulness in our worship of him and in our care for one another.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Thursday, July 17, 2008
BOOK GROUP TOMORROW NIGHT
Dear Friends in Christ -
The Parish Book Group will meet tomorrow night (July 18 - 7:00 p.m. - Rectory) to discuss what we've been reading in "JOHN," the Daily Bible Commentary on - you guessed it! - John.
This commentary has proven VERY thought-provoking and faith-stirring for me. If you're curious, but haven't read anything, you can join in, too. Enthusiasm for God's word is catching, so come along!
Two people have submitted questions/reflections for consideration in our discussion. If you would like to submit something in advance, please email me at revjanet@stpaulsct.org.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Blessings,
Janet+
PS - The rectory is AIR CONDITIONED! :-)
The Parish Book Group will meet tomorrow night (July 18 - 7:00 p.m. - Rectory) to discuss what we've been reading in "JOHN," the Daily Bible Commentary on - you guessed it! - John.
This commentary has proven VERY thought-provoking and faith-stirring for me. If you're curious, but haven't read anything, you can join in, too. Enthusiasm for God's word is catching, so come along!
Two people have submitted questions/reflections for consideration in our discussion. If you would like to submit something in advance, please email me at revjanet@stpaulsct.org.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Blessings,
Janet+
PS - The rectory is AIR CONDITIONED! :-)
Friday, July 4, 2008
Prayers for Independence Day
Dear Friends in Christ -
On this day as we celebrate our freedom in this country, may we also celebrate our freedom in Christ, offering to our Lord a sacrifice of praise and interceding in prayer . . . (all from the Book of Common Prayer)
Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant, we pray, that we and all the peoples of this land may have grace to maintain these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, who have given us this good land for our heritage: Grant that we may always show ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here out of many kindreds and tongues. Fill with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, permit not our trust in you to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart and especially the hearts of the people of this land, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Praying for you and with you this day . . .
Faithfully,
Janet+
On this day as we celebrate our freedom in this country, may we also celebrate our freedom in Christ, offering to our Lord a sacrifice of praise and interceding in prayer . . . (all from the Book of Common Prayer)
Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant, we pray, that we and all the peoples of this land may have grace to maintain these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, who have given us this good land for our heritage: Grant that we may always show ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought here out of many kindreds and tongues. Fill with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, permit not our trust in you to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart and especially the hearts of the people of this land, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Praying for you and with you this day . . .
Faithfully,
Janet+
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Awe and Wonder
Dear Friends in Christ -
Want to experience joy? See fireworks with a thrillseeking 3-year-old.
Last night, Ed and I and Wynne and Ben went down to the Riverwalk to see fireworks with our friends. It was a perfect summer evening. The weather was glorious, the food was delicious, and the company was delightful. We ate and talked as the kids snacked off our plates, listened to the band, had a gross-out adventure using the port-a-potties, and then settled in to watch the fireworks.
Ben sat next to me in the umbrella stroller, with a dazzling smile on his face as the first firework burst, lighting up the sky and pouring light down on us. After the second and third fireworks popped open like umbrellas of colored stars, he turned to me, poked my arm with his little finger and said with an awe-filled voice, "Thaaaat's greaaaat!"
Time ceased to exist as we reveled in the bursts exploding endlessly overhead; we aaahhed and gasped and clapped, exclaiming over our favorite ones. Mid-way through the show, Wynne climbed into Ed's lap and Ben climbed into mine. Ben, in full-blown amazement that the brilliant explosions kept coming, felt words insufficient to express his wonder, so he simply started yelling, "YEEEAAAHHH!" as loud and long as he could. Our joy rolled in waves together as we all started yelling together each time he initiated the call, "YEEEAAAHHH!" "YEEEAAAHHH!" "YEEEAAAHHH!
Wonder-full, simply wonder-full. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of joy and wonder in all your works - this night, in fireworks. Amen.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Want to experience joy? See fireworks with a thrillseeking 3-year-old.
Last night, Ed and I and Wynne and Ben went down to the Riverwalk to see fireworks with our friends. It was a perfect summer evening. The weather was glorious, the food was delicious, and the company was delightful. We ate and talked as the kids snacked off our plates, listened to the band, had a gross-out adventure using the port-a-potties, and then settled in to watch the fireworks.
Ben sat next to me in the umbrella stroller, with a dazzling smile on his face as the first firework burst, lighting up the sky and pouring light down on us. After the second and third fireworks popped open like umbrellas of colored stars, he turned to me, poked my arm with his little finger and said with an awe-filled voice, "Thaaaat's greaaaat!"
Time ceased to exist as we reveled in the bursts exploding endlessly overhead; we aaahhed and gasped and clapped, exclaiming over our favorite ones. Mid-way through the show, Wynne climbed into Ed's lap and Ben climbed into mine. Ben, in full-blown amazement that the brilliant explosions kept coming, felt words insufficient to express his wonder, so he simply started yelling, "YEEEAAAHHH!" as loud and long as he could. Our joy rolled in waves together as we all started yelling together each time he initiated the call, "YEEEAAAHHH!" "YEEEAAAHHH!" "YEEEAAAHHH!
Wonder-full, simply wonder-full. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of joy and wonder in all your works - this night, in fireworks. Amen.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
July 2 - Choosing Independence
Dear Friends in Christ -
Today is July 2nd. It's not the day that Canada celebrates Independence Day - that's July 1st. It's not the day that the US celebrates Independence Day - that's July 4th. But July 2nd is a special day - it's the day that our Founding Fathers in the Continental Congress voted that the "united States of America" would be independent from the British Crown. July 2nd is a day that marks our choice as a people "under God" to live in a way that reflects our rights ("Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness") and values ("all men are created equal").
So how are we managing this heritage of independence? As I read through the Declaration of Independence this week, I noticed one of the grievances the Founding Fathers had against the Brits: the Crown obstructed immigration. Of course, the States needed immigrants to help fight the British and build a nation. The Founding Fathers were angry that the Crown was standing in the way of freedom - the freedom of the immigrants to go where they desired to go, the freedom of the States to become all that they could be.
Ironically, we now fight among ourselves about the issue of immigration: do "we" (those of us whose ancestors immigrated decades or centuries ago) need help from immigrants? How should "we" treat those who cross the borders of our country to work, to live, to help our farms and industries, to help themselves?
The Gospel lesson appointed for this day (Matthew 5:43-48) asks us hard questions and reminds us of Christ's call to us, his followers: "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
As Christians, we are called to do more than argue points and take sides in legal debates over immigration law and walls at the border. We are called to love everyone and to help create not only a land, but also a world, in which there is freedom and justice for all. Whether or not this sounds utopian to our ears, it's what our Lord asks of us - and what we committed to doing in our baptismal vows when we said that we would "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the diginity of every human being."
When our Founding Fathers chose independence, it brought freedom to us. May our choosing independence bring freedom in this generation, and in generations to come.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Today is July 2nd. It's not the day that Canada celebrates Independence Day - that's July 1st. It's not the day that the US celebrates Independence Day - that's July 4th. But July 2nd is a special day - it's the day that our Founding Fathers in the Continental Congress voted that the "united States of America" would be independent from the British Crown. July 2nd is a day that marks our choice as a people "under God" to live in a way that reflects our rights ("Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness") and values ("all men are created equal").
So how are we managing this heritage of independence? As I read through the Declaration of Independence this week, I noticed one of the grievances the Founding Fathers had against the Brits: the Crown obstructed immigration. Of course, the States needed immigrants to help fight the British and build a nation. The Founding Fathers were angry that the Crown was standing in the way of freedom - the freedom of the immigrants to go where they desired to go, the freedom of the States to become all that they could be.
Ironically, we now fight among ourselves about the issue of immigration: do "we" (those of us whose ancestors immigrated decades or centuries ago) need help from immigrants? How should "we" treat those who cross the borders of our country to work, to live, to help our farms and industries, to help themselves?
The Gospel lesson appointed for this day (Matthew 5:43-48) asks us hard questions and reminds us of Christ's call to us, his followers: "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
As Christians, we are called to do more than argue points and take sides in legal debates over immigration law and walls at the border. We are called to love everyone and to help create not only a land, but also a world, in which there is freedom and justice for all. Whether or not this sounds utopian to our ears, it's what our Lord asks of us - and what we committed to doing in our baptismal vows when we said that we would "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the diginity of every human being."
When our Founding Fathers chose independence, it brought freedom to us. May our choosing independence bring freedom in this generation, and in generations to come.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
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