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Celebrate!
May 25, 2023
We made it. The busy season (known as The Season) has come to a close. We made it through and I think we should celebrate. The Church calendar has us focus on what is next instead of pausing and celebrating what we’ve been through. For us at All Angels, we can celebrate the conclusion of the season. It takes a lot of work to do it, and we should pause to reflect and celebrate.
We made it through our first full post pandemic year (’22-23). In the years ’20 and ‘21 we had no idea what the future would look like. Now we do (and we should celebrate that). The experience of making it through helps us to plan the next season. There are four things we can count on. First, there is a need to continue and grow our online presence. Equally as important, there is a need to continue, and grow, our in-person experience of being a place of welcome and refreshment for folks who are here year-round, or for one weekend, or a month, or the season. Thirdly, we can count on our parishioners to continue traveling and perhaps do more traveling in the next season. Lastly, and equally as important, we can count on the fact that people need a place to connect with God and with one another. And, we can count on the Holy Spirit to continue to bless us as we make opportunities for all those connections.
We have transitioned one of our most important visible ministries – music. David Stasney is fully in charge and is breathing new life into this very important, public and performance-based ministry. He has recruited new choir members, revived the Bell Choir, and is occasionally bringing in professionals to enhance our program. We should celebrate this.
We have transitioned one of our most important invisible ministries – Altar Guild. With Jan Webb retiring as Altar Guild Director, Ginny Upshaw has taken over. We are moving ahead and I continue to see great things in the future. … most of which no one ever sees because it is the epitome of the behind-the-scenes ministry. Our financial processes – in-flow, out-flow, reporting, managing and directing – continues to impress and expand. We have more volunteers now helping the management of this vital ministry (which is also a behind-the-scenes-ministry). Sandy Wood continues to be a doer, a visionary leader, and a servant in this ministry.
In 2020, there was a point when we could only have ten people in worship which means we had to pause almost every other aspect of parish life. Of the ten people on the worship team, two were paid employees (Dale and myself), one was a retired priest; three volunteers have the last name of Marshall, and we had Ginger Shipp, Cathie Wilt, and Bob and Carol Erker. We need to celebrate the fact that we made it through the ’22-’23 season with a renewed Coffee Hour and Outreach ministries. A new group, the Party Planning Committee, has been created. The PPC has brought back the All Angels’ tradition of creating fellowship opportunities to get to know one another. We had the Fall Fling, the Annual Meeting, a St. Patrick’s Day event, Jane’s memorial, the Bishop’s coffee hour, the Spring Fling and more coming too. This too needs celebration.
I am hopeful by what I have seen and experienced this past season. I believe we will continue being good stewards of what we have been given at All Angels. We will continue the Christian tradition of connecting with God and with one another and in our mission of bringing the living Christ to those inside and outside the church. For me, and for my whole household, we give thanks for you all, and for All Angels, and for the privilege and joy to serve here. For all of this, we celebrate.
- Rev. Dave
We made it through our first full post pandemic year (’22-23). In the years ’20 and ‘21 we had no idea what the future would look like. Now we do (and we should celebrate that). The experience of making it through helps us to plan the next season. There are four things we can count on. First, there is a need to continue and grow our online presence. Equally as important, there is a need to continue, and grow, our in-person experience of being a place of welcome and refreshment for folks who are here year-round, or for one weekend, or a month, or the season. Thirdly, we can count on our parishioners to continue traveling and perhaps do more traveling in the next season. Lastly, and equally as important, we can count on the fact that people need a place to connect with God and with one another. And, we can count on the Holy Spirit to continue to bless us as we make opportunities for all those connections.
We have transitioned one of our most important visible ministries – music. David Stasney is fully in charge and is breathing new life into this very important, public and performance-based ministry. He has recruited new choir members, revived the Bell Choir, and is occasionally bringing in professionals to enhance our program. We should celebrate this.
We have transitioned one of our most important invisible ministries – Altar Guild. With Jan Webb retiring as Altar Guild Director, Ginny Upshaw has taken over. We are moving ahead and I continue to see great things in the future. … most of which no one ever sees because it is the epitome of the behind-the-scenes ministry. Our financial processes – in-flow, out-flow, reporting, managing and directing – continues to impress and expand. We have more volunteers now helping the management of this vital ministry (which is also a behind-the-scenes-ministry). Sandy Wood continues to be a doer, a visionary leader, and a servant in this ministry.
In 2020, there was a point when we could only have ten people in worship which means we had to pause almost every other aspect of parish life. Of the ten people on the worship team, two were paid employees (Dale and myself), one was a retired priest; three volunteers have the last name of Marshall, and we had Ginger Shipp, Cathie Wilt, and Bob and Carol Erker. We need to celebrate the fact that we made it through the ’22-’23 season with a renewed Coffee Hour and Outreach ministries. A new group, the Party Planning Committee, has been created. The PPC has brought back the All Angels’ tradition of creating fellowship opportunities to get to know one another. We had the Fall Fling, the Annual Meeting, a St. Patrick’s Day event, Jane’s memorial, the Bishop’s coffee hour, the Spring Fling and more coming too. This too needs celebration.
I am hopeful by what I have seen and experienced this past season. I believe we will continue being good stewards of what we have been given at All Angels. We will continue the Christian tradition of connecting with God and with one another and in our mission of bringing the living Christ to those inside and outside the church. For me, and for my whole household, we give thanks for you all, and for All Angels, and for the privilege and joy to serve here. For all of this, we celebrate.
- Rev. Dave
Snap, Crackle, Pop
May 18, 2023
There are two things I know about my voice: it is soft and it conveys the Good News of Jesus Christ. Two things I know about the congregation at All Angels: we need to have a good amplification system and we want to know more about the Good News. In both cases, you can’t have one without the other. Thankfully, with a generous donation by Jonathan Detwiler, and aided by Ward Maxum, we purchased a new audio and video recording system. During the pandemic, we added onto the system and installed six outdoor speakers.
The system is now four years old. As you probably have noticed, with greater frequency, there is occasionally a loud pop, or snap, or crackle that sounds like lightning hit the building. I have tried a number of fixes for both over-the-ear microphones and yet the problem is getting worse. The final straw was this past Sunday when it happened twice during the sermon.
If you are wondering, the snap/crackle/pop is a loose connection between the wire and the over-the-ear microphone that is just below my earlobe. The microphones are designed for the user to easily switch between a lapel microphone and the over-the-ear style. Unfortunately, that connection point has become worn by the increment of a millimeter; yet, it creates a worship-stopping noise that is not acceptable in our day and time. On Sunday, we encountered the straw that broke the preacher’s back, if you will. After Coffee Hour, I went to our Amazon Business account and purchased two new over-the-ear microphones for $250 each.
The photo (above) shows the two microphones.
The new one is on top. Can you tell a difference? Everything about the new one is bigger. Starting on the right, the microphone is twice the size, the wire is thicker, the part that goes over the ear is three times the width as the old one. But, I bet you noticed the biggest engineering change – the part that goes under the speaker’s ear lobe. No longer can one switch out the ear piece. The connection piece is now a pencil-size hard plastic reinforced cover. There is no way that connection is going to move; even 100th of a millimeter!
I am very pleased. And, I think both Jonathan and Ward are pleased too (although in heaven, where I believe both men to be, I think they can hear just fine).
There are two reasons for this Reflection: first, to let you know it’s safe to listen in church. We’re not going to hear the snap/crackle/pop anymore. Secondly, the microphones are a metaphor for the 21st century Church. This young century has taught us that we need to reinforce our ability to bring the Good News. The yearning to hear messages of love and hope is stronger now than it was in the last century; the challenge is to continue to innovate, renovate and reinforce the structures and methods and means in which we deliver the message. Your parish is innovating, renovating and reinforcing itself – for natural disasters, pandemics, economic slowdowns, and whatever else might come our way. Internally, we are decentralizing our systems and broadening the number of volunteers who can assist the functions of the church. We are continuing to raise up new volunteers and leaders to help in bringing the message of love and hope. And, we are keeping an eye on innovation and invitation. This new microphone is simply an outward sign of innovation of what is growing and developing inwardl
Lastly, I made this purchase on Mother’s Day. For all of God’s timing, would you know it; Amazon had a Mother’s Day IT sale for their business accounts. We saved $100 (25%)! For as frustrated as I was during my sermon to have the snap/crackle/pop, I can now see how that frustration helped us to innovate and renovate, and, just to show me that God’s hand was in on it, we got it on sale.
-Rev. Dave
The system is now four years old. As you probably have noticed, with greater frequency, there is occasionally a loud pop, or snap, or crackle that sounds like lightning hit the building. I have tried a number of fixes for both over-the-ear microphones and yet the problem is getting worse. The final straw was this past Sunday when it happened twice during the sermon.
If you are wondering, the snap/crackle/pop is a loose connection between the wire and the over-the-ear microphone that is just below my earlobe. The microphones are designed for the user to easily switch between a lapel microphone and the over-the-ear style. Unfortunately, that connection point has become worn by the increment of a millimeter; yet, it creates a worship-stopping noise that is not acceptable in our day and time. On Sunday, we encountered the straw that broke the preacher’s back, if you will. After Coffee Hour, I went to our Amazon Business account and purchased two new over-the-ear microphones for $250 each.
The photo (above) shows the two microphones.
The new one is on top. Can you tell a difference? Everything about the new one is bigger. Starting on the right, the microphone is twice the size, the wire is thicker, the part that goes over the ear is three times the width as the old one. But, I bet you noticed the biggest engineering change – the part that goes under the speaker’s ear lobe. No longer can one switch out the ear piece. The connection piece is now a pencil-size hard plastic reinforced cover. There is no way that connection is going to move; even 100th of a millimeter!
I am very pleased. And, I think both Jonathan and Ward are pleased too (although in heaven, where I believe both men to be, I think they can hear just fine).
There are two reasons for this Reflection: first, to let you know it’s safe to listen in church. We’re not going to hear the snap/crackle/pop anymore. Secondly, the microphones are a metaphor for the 21st century Church. This young century has taught us that we need to reinforce our ability to bring the Good News. The yearning to hear messages of love and hope is stronger now than it was in the last century; the challenge is to continue to innovate, renovate and reinforce the structures and methods and means in which we deliver the message. Your parish is innovating, renovating and reinforcing itself – for natural disasters, pandemics, economic slowdowns, and whatever else might come our way. Internally, we are decentralizing our systems and broadening the number of volunteers who can assist the functions of the church. We are continuing to raise up new volunteers and leaders to help in bringing the message of love and hope. And, we are keeping an eye on innovation and invitation. This new microphone is simply an outward sign of innovation of what is growing and developing inwardl
Lastly, I made this purchase on Mother’s Day. For all of God’s timing, would you know it; Amazon had a Mother’s Day IT sale for their business accounts. We saved $100 (25%)! For as frustrated as I was during my sermon to have the snap/crackle/pop, I can now see how that frustration helped us to innovate and renovate, and, just to show me that God’s hand was in on it, we got it on sale.
-Rev. Dave
Trinitarian Voice
May 11, 2023
There are some folks in the congregation who have been asking me to write up my Sunday messages so they can have a copy.
I have learned that saying yes to that request is much easier said than done. This Reflection is about a theological discovery I had during the process of converting a sermon to written form.
I have been working on my writing voice since seminary. More than a writing style, a writing voice is the way the reader hears the written word; like the writer is speaking to you. It takes a lot of writing to develop one’s voice and I’d like to think I am well on my way.
This past Monday, I was pleased to see that the technology worked and my sermon was converted into written form. I was pleased and utterly shocked – shocked that the technology actually worked and shocked at how different my preaching voice is from my written voice. I know the sermon well, and remember delivering it; but, in written form, it felt like it came from a different person. It made me wonder how I am able to have two different communication styles but remain the same person.
I have been pondering how a person can have two vastly different voices and remain the same person. Then, while I was talking with various business leaders in our community – some who I met for the first time and others I have been getting to know during my weekly business networking group – a light bulb turned on inside my head. It dawned on me that my conversational voice is different than my writing and preaching voice; vastly different. Yet, it’s all from the same person, like the Trinity.
One of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith is that of the Trinity – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Or, as found in Scripture – the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. This Trinity is one of the first things you hear at any Sunday service with words something like this: through Jesus Christ who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.
We believe two things: there is one God and God has three distinct personhoods, faces, identities and actions. Unlike polytheistic belief systems with a variety of gods that have a sort of push and pull relationship with one another, we have a monotheistic faith – one God. We believe the three distinctive images of God are in complete unity, synergy and relationship with one another.
After reading my preaching voice, I think I am a step closer to understanding the Trinity. I have three distinct voices – writing, preaching and conversational – but one personhood. Here’s another way to look at it. I have a friend, she holds a public office, and she is a lector at church. The “voice” she uses during a public meeting is different than the voice she uses at church and is different than the voice she uses when we’re relaxing at lunch. Yet, she’s the same person. She’s also a mom, a grandmother and a wife. I imagine those are different voices too, but, the same person that I call friend. This is how I see it with God – there are many voices, or personhoods of God, but there is one God. And, one of those voices I call friend.
-Rev. Dave
I have learned that saying yes to that request is much easier said than done. This Reflection is about a theological discovery I had during the process of converting a sermon to written form.
I have been working on my writing voice since seminary. More than a writing style, a writing voice is the way the reader hears the written word; like the writer is speaking to you. It takes a lot of writing to develop one’s voice and I’d like to think I am well on my way.
This past Monday, I was pleased to see that the technology worked and my sermon was converted into written form. I was pleased and utterly shocked – shocked that the technology actually worked and shocked at how different my preaching voice is from my written voice. I know the sermon well, and remember delivering it; but, in written form, it felt like it came from a different person. It made me wonder how I am able to have two different communication styles but remain the same person.
I have been pondering how a person can have two vastly different voices and remain the same person. Then, while I was talking with various business leaders in our community – some who I met for the first time and others I have been getting to know during my weekly business networking group – a light bulb turned on inside my head. It dawned on me that my conversational voice is different than my writing and preaching voice; vastly different. Yet, it’s all from the same person, like the Trinity.
One of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith is that of the Trinity – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Or, as found in Scripture – the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. This Trinity is one of the first things you hear at any Sunday service with words something like this: through Jesus Christ who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.
We believe two things: there is one God and God has three distinct personhoods, faces, identities and actions. Unlike polytheistic belief systems with a variety of gods that have a sort of push and pull relationship with one another, we have a monotheistic faith – one God. We believe the three distinctive images of God are in complete unity, synergy and relationship with one another.
After reading my preaching voice, I think I am a step closer to understanding the Trinity. I have three distinct voices – writing, preaching and conversational – but one personhood. Here’s another way to look at it. I have a friend, she holds a public office, and she is a lector at church. The “voice” she uses during a public meeting is different than the voice she uses at church and is different than the voice she uses when we’re relaxing at lunch. Yet, she’s the same person. She’s also a mom, a grandmother and a wife. I imagine those are different voices too, but, the same person that I call friend. This is how I see it with God – there are many voices, or personhoods of God, but there is one God. And, one of those voices I call friend.
-Rev. Dave
A Place of Comfort
May 4, 2023
I’d like to share something with you from the article How to Deal with A.I. Grief written by NYU professor Suzy Welch. She wrote the following:
Evolutionary psychologists have been telling us for years that we don’t live in the world our brains were designed for. Research suggests that people function optimally in communities of around 60 to 100 — roughly the size of the first tribes on the African plains. That’s about all the input and output we can take, in terms of talking, listening, nurturing, managing, predicting and leading. Think about the number of images, ideas, requests, demands, feelings and noise poured into your head daily. It’s not 60; it’s probably closer to a multiple of 100.
I think she’s wrong. The amount of images/ideas/requests/opinions/ feelings/noise that is poured into us is way more than the number she suggested. Just think about the number of bumper stickers, billboards, and print advertisements you’ve seen today. And that’s barely scratching the surface.
A NY Times article from 2009 stated the following:
The average American consumes about 34 gigabytes of data and information each day; an increase of about 350% since 1980; consisting of 100,000 words, both in print and on the Web as well as those heard on television and the radio; and most of these experiences happen simultaneously, like talking on the phone while checking email while watching TV. Overall, information consumption is increasing 6% a year.
A 6% increase over a 14-year period means that we are now daily consuming 76 gigabytes of data! Professor Welch wrote, “Technology will change the world in ways that take us even further away from our brain’s design. No wonder life feels so overwhelming.”
Humans have been through a period like this before. The first Information Age was in the 7th century. The rise of technology, industry, education and a shared economic system made it so that people in that era were getting burned out by the rapid pace of society. The asceticism movement provided an answer to those who wanted to unplug from a rapidly evolving world. This movement can be traced through all the major world religions from the 7th to the 9th century. In our Christian tradition, we see the rise of monasteries during that time period; but, we were not the only ones doing it and, to be frank, it wasn’t even our tradition – it was an ancient Jewish ascetic practice from around the 3rd century BC that John the Baptist (and probably Jesus) participated in during the 1st century AD.
There are two basic forms of asceticism – natural and unnatural. Natural asceticism is reducing one’s life to simple clothing, a simple diet, and getting rid of stresses and distractions. Unnatural asceticism is punishing one’s own body to the extreme which includes sleeping on a bed of nails.
I am not advocating asceticism. My life, my diet, my clothing choices are not simple nor am I taking steps to make them simple. But, I know the importance of having a date night, of going out on the boat, singing along to music, floating on the pool, taking a bike ride and fishing. It’s a simple way of turning off the firehose of data and information and just being.
Here is where All Angels fits into this. Professor Welch recommends to her students that they find a small community that offers the “natural peace” the world doesn’t; a church, a club, a volunteer organization. These communities are not the cure for what ails us but a comfort and treatment. There is no way All Angels can stop the flow of information, and disinformation, we are bombarded with every day which is apparently increasing at 6% a year. We are living in a society our brains were not designed for. We can’t fix that; but, this church is a place of comfort and treatment for those worn out by everyday living.
-Rev. Dave
Evolutionary psychologists have been telling us for years that we don’t live in the world our brains were designed for. Research suggests that people function optimally in communities of around 60 to 100 — roughly the size of the first tribes on the African plains. That’s about all the input and output we can take, in terms of talking, listening, nurturing, managing, predicting and leading. Think about the number of images, ideas, requests, demands, feelings and noise poured into your head daily. It’s not 60; it’s probably closer to a multiple of 100.
I think she’s wrong. The amount of images/ideas/requests/opinions/ feelings/noise that is poured into us is way more than the number she suggested. Just think about the number of bumper stickers, billboards, and print advertisements you’ve seen today. And that’s barely scratching the surface.
A NY Times article from 2009 stated the following:
The average American consumes about 34 gigabytes of data and information each day; an increase of about 350% since 1980; consisting of 100,000 words, both in print and on the Web as well as those heard on television and the radio; and most of these experiences happen simultaneously, like talking on the phone while checking email while watching TV. Overall, information consumption is increasing 6% a year.
A 6% increase over a 14-year period means that we are now daily consuming 76 gigabytes of data! Professor Welch wrote, “Technology will change the world in ways that take us even further away from our brain’s design. No wonder life feels so overwhelming.”
Humans have been through a period like this before. The first Information Age was in the 7th century. The rise of technology, industry, education and a shared economic system made it so that people in that era were getting burned out by the rapid pace of society. The asceticism movement provided an answer to those who wanted to unplug from a rapidly evolving world. This movement can be traced through all the major world religions from the 7th to the 9th century. In our Christian tradition, we see the rise of monasteries during that time period; but, we were not the only ones doing it and, to be frank, it wasn’t even our tradition – it was an ancient Jewish ascetic practice from around the 3rd century BC that John the Baptist (and probably Jesus) participated in during the 1st century AD.
There are two basic forms of asceticism – natural and unnatural. Natural asceticism is reducing one’s life to simple clothing, a simple diet, and getting rid of stresses and distractions. Unnatural asceticism is punishing one’s own body to the extreme which includes sleeping on a bed of nails.
I am not advocating asceticism. My life, my diet, my clothing choices are not simple nor am I taking steps to make them simple. But, I know the importance of having a date night, of going out on the boat, singing along to music, floating on the pool, taking a bike ride and fishing. It’s a simple way of turning off the firehose of data and information and just being.
Here is where All Angels fits into this. Professor Welch recommends to her students that they find a small community that offers the “natural peace” the world doesn’t; a church, a club, a volunteer organization. These communities are not the cure for what ails us but a comfort and treatment. There is no way All Angels can stop the flow of information, and disinformation, we are bombarded with every day which is apparently increasing at 6% a year. We are living in a society our brains were not designed for. We can’t fix that; but, this church is a place of comfort and treatment for those worn out by everyday living.
-Rev. Dave
Birthday Grace
April 27, 2023
One of the most difficult parts of the Christian faith to understand (or explain) is the concept of grace. It is also the foundation of our belief and why we call the Good News good news. In this article, I am not referring to “grace” as a blessing before a meal. I am writing to you about the grace of God. Some theologians capitalize “grace” to indicate the difference. But, this author doesn’t want to add confusing punctuation into an already difficult theological discussion so I will write it with lower case.
So what is grace? It is God’s gift of love, mercy, and forgiveness. It’s a gift because it is given. The gift is unmerited, unearned, undeserved, non-transferable, non-refundable and given to all. A gift is free to the recipient but not to the giver. It’s also a gift because the recipient does not have to accept it. Lastly, unlike modern-day gifts which can be re-gifted, returned, or refunded, God’s grace is only for the recipient and thus cannot be re-anything-ed. It can be unused, unopened and ignored but it cannot be returned. It is a gift that waits patiently to be received. Like love, it is not arrogant or rude; this gift does not insist on its own way; but rather it is patient and endures all things.
God’s grace of love, mercy and forgiveness is given because it is the nature of God. God’s grace is God. And yes, God is incomprehensible, hidden, and is inaccessible light. God is creator. God is also redeemer and sustainer. God is unfathomably huge, in other words, but, God’s nature can be slightly grasped by understanding that God is love, mercy and forgiveness.
If you are thinking that this grace thing sounds an awful lot like Jesus, you are on the right track. Jesus is the embodiment, the incarnation, the living-out, the proof, the hands and feet and voice of God’s grace. Everything Jesus did was out of love, mercy and forgiveness. … except for the walking on water thing, that may have been for a different reason which is still beyond our understanding. Or, because he is God’s grace, which is a gift that can be left behind or ignored, he may have arranged for water transportation but the captain decided to leave without him so he took off on his own to catch up with the disciples; which then, would mean Jesus walked on water because of love and presented (gifted) himself to his followers.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, he did not leave us orphaned but gave us the Holy Spirit; which is also a gift, which is also love, mercy and forgiveness. That Spirit is still with us today. That Spirit of love, mercy and forgiveness is felt by many at All Angels – online, on the campus, and most especially with the people. In other words, All Angels is also a gift.
I have avoided writing about the “uns” of grace. The gift is unmerited, unearned, undeserved. This is the aspect of grace that sets us – The Way or Christianity – apart from the other major world religions. Unlike a merit badge in scouting, we – all of humanity and specifically you and me – did no merit-based action to receive God’s grace. We all have worked for a living and earned a wage. We did nothing to earn grace. King Charles was born into royalty. By the mere fact that he outlived his mother, he is deservedly king. Yet, he did nothing to deserve God’s grace. None of us have done, could do, or can do, anything to deserve God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. It is not a birthright, or a right of gender, of status, of accolade, of citizenship, of education, of beauty, strength or wealth, or of poverty, fasting, self-denial or of low estate. It is a gift, to you, to me, to everyone.
I just celebrated another anniversary of my birth. I received many wonderful cards, notes, hugs, gifts and texts. I had little to nothing to do with my birth. My mom, on the other hand, had a lot to do with it. Yet, I’m the one who gets the congratulations, cards and gifts (and yes, key lime pie too). If you are having difficulty with the concept of God’s grace, try thinking about your favorite birthday ever. Did you deserve it? Earn it? Or, was it a gift simply because you were born and are loved. That is God’s grace. God loves you, God forgives you; not because you deserve it; God loves you because God is love – incomprehensible, invisible, unresting, unhasting, not wanting, not wasting, unending Love. And that is Good News.
-Rev. Dave
So what is grace? It is God’s gift of love, mercy, and forgiveness. It’s a gift because it is given. The gift is unmerited, unearned, undeserved, non-transferable, non-refundable and given to all. A gift is free to the recipient but not to the giver. It’s also a gift because the recipient does not have to accept it. Lastly, unlike modern-day gifts which can be re-gifted, returned, or refunded, God’s grace is only for the recipient and thus cannot be re-anything-ed. It can be unused, unopened and ignored but it cannot be returned. It is a gift that waits patiently to be received. Like love, it is not arrogant or rude; this gift does not insist on its own way; but rather it is patient and endures all things.
God’s grace of love, mercy and forgiveness is given because it is the nature of God. God’s grace is God. And yes, God is incomprehensible, hidden, and is inaccessible light. God is creator. God is also redeemer and sustainer. God is unfathomably huge, in other words, but, God’s nature can be slightly grasped by understanding that God is love, mercy and forgiveness.
If you are thinking that this grace thing sounds an awful lot like Jesus, you are on the right track. Jesus is the embodiment, the incarnation, the living-out, the proof, the hands and feet and voice of God’s grace. Everything Jesus did was out of love, mercy and forgiveness. … except for the walking on water thing, that may have been for a different reason which is still beyond our understanding. Or, because he is God’s grace, which is a gift that can be left behind or ignored, he may have arranged for water transportation but the captain decided to leave without him so he took off on his own to catch up with the disciples; which then, would mean Jesus walked on water because of love and presented (gifted) himself to his followers.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, he did not leave us orphaned but gave us the Holy Spirit; which is also a gift, which is also love, mercy and forgiveness. That Spirit is still with us today. That Spirit of love, mercy and forgiveness is felt by many at All Angels – online, on the campus, and most especially with the people. In other words, All Angels is also a gift.
I have avoided writing about the “uns” of grace. The gift is unmerited, unearned, undeserved. This is the aspect of grace that sets us – The Way or Christianity – apart from the other major world religions. Unlike a merit badge in scouting, we – all of humanity and specifically you and me – did no merit-based action to receive God’s grace. We all have worked for a living and earned a wage. We did nothing to earn grace. King Charles was born into royalty. By the mere fact that he outlived his mother, he is deservedly king. Yet, he did nothing to deserve God’s grace. None of us have done, could do, or can do, anything to deserve God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. It is not a birthright, or a right of gender, of status, of accolade, of citizenship, of education, of beauty, strength or wealth, or of poverty, fasting, self-denial or of low estate. It is a gift, to you, to me, to everyone.
I just celebrated another anniversary of my birth. I received many wonderful cards, notes, hugs, gifts and texts. I had little to nothing to do with my birth. My mom, on the other hand, had a lot to do with it. Yet, I’m the one who gets the congratulations, cards and gifts (and yes, key lime pie too). If you are having difficulty with the concept of God’s grace, try thinking about your favorite birthday ever. Did you deserve it? Earn it? Or, was it a gift simply because you were born and are loved. That is God’s grace. God loves you, God forgives you; not because you deserve it; God loves you because God is love – incomprehensible, invisible, unresting, unhasting, not wanting, not wasting, unending Love. And that is Good News.
-Rev. Dave
The First
April 20, 2023
There has been a lot of news lately about free speech. I am quite concerned about (the Wall Street Journal reporter) Evan Gershkovich’s arrest in Russia. The Journal ran a story this week stating that a world-wide record number of journalists were arrested in 2022; the highest number of detainees held were in Iran, China and Myanmar.
Free speech is both a foundation of our country and something we easily take for granted. At the beach last week, I saw a shirtless man, who really should have put on sunscreen before spending the day under the sun, wearing swim shorts that resembled the American flag. Personally, I don’t like clothes that mimic the flag. But, that sunburned man has every right to wear them. Freedom of expression, assembly and speech are so important for Americans that we tend to overlook how blessed and unique we are. Evan’s arrest has reminded me of just how important the 1st Amendment is. Yet, with something as ingrained in our culture as free speech, it’s easy for us to presuppose its permanence. That presupposition comes at great peril.
There is a wide gulf between being able to freely discuss and express oneself and agreeing with everything that is being expressed. It’s my opinion that the Kremlin didn’t like what Evan had written, or was going to write, so they arrested him. Likewise, in other countries, it would appear the governing powers must agree with what the citizenry is saying or there will be problems. But, for us, we distinctly hold that free speech is not hinged to agreeing on what is said or expressed.
There are two weekly discussion groups at All Angels. It is an open forum to listen and speak on a variety of topics – usually pretty controversial ones. There are two rules as follows: each person will have the opportunity to speak; everyone has the obligation to listen. But, we do not have to agree. In fact, the best discussions are the ones in which we do not all agree but leave as friends and, frankly, more educated about a particular topic and various points of view.
A church member, Anne Roberts, sent me an open letter from Havidan Rodriguez, President of the University of Albany – where she was a professor – addressing the importance of having challenging conversations about free speech. He wrote that free speech is the “foundation of the inquiry, scholarship and debate that define the power of higher education. Without it, we could not develop critical thinking; engage in spirited discussions about controversial issues; or express the diversity of ideas that characterize our communities.” President Rodriquez wrote that free speech takes work, commitment and our responsibility to protect the rights of those with whom we agree and those with whom we might vehemently disagree. Protecting our rights also means we must protect the rights of others. He concluded with this: “We do not need to agree in order to co-exist as neighbors, classmates and colleagues. We can embrace our diversity of thought and expression while also treating each other with dignity and respect.”
The Anglican Communion, and our American corner of it, The Episcopal Church, identify as people of common prayer. We believe in prayer and we believe in praying together. Our common prayer does not dictate that we first agree on everything – politically, socially or even theologically. We believe in the importance of gathering, praying, and serving the world in Jesus’ name. We do not believe in agreeing on everything. … if we did it would be a very small Church.
If a sunburned man showed up at church wearing shorts that looked like the American flag, we would welcome him as we welcome others. After all, I don’t have to agree with his clothing choices in order to be in common prayer. And he doesn’t have to agree with my clothing choices either.
-Rev. Dave
Free speech is both a foundation of our country and something we easily take for granted. At the beach last week, I saw a shirtless man, who really should have put on sunscreen before spending the day under the sun, wearing swim shorts that resembled the American flag. Personally, I don’t like clothes that mimic the flag. But, that sunburned man has every right to wear them. Freedom of expression, assembly and speech are so important for Americans that we tend to overlook how blessed and unique we are. Evan’s arrest has reminded me of just how important the 1st Amendment is. Yet, with something as ingrained in our culture as free speech, it’s easy for us to presuppose its permanence. That presupposition comes at great peril.
There is a wide gulf between being able to freely discuss and express oneself and agreeing with everything that is being expressed. It’s my opinion that the Kremlin didn’t like what Evan had written, or was going to write, so they arrested him. Likewise, in other countries, it would appear the governing powers must agree with what the citizenry is saying or there will be problems. But, for us, we distinctly hold that free speech is not hinged to agreeing on what is said or expressed.
There are two weekly discussion groups at All Angels. It is an open forum to listen and speak on a variety of topics – usually pretty controversial ones. There are two rules as follows: each person will have the opportunity to speak; everyone has the obligation to listen. But, we do not have to agree. In fact, the best discussions are the ones in which we do not all agree but leave as friends and, frankly, more educated about a particular topic and various points of view.
A church member, Anne Roberts, sent me an open letter from Havidan Rodriguez, President of the University of Albany – where she was a professor – addressing the importance of having challenging conversations about free speech. He wrote that free speech is the “foundation of the inquiry, scholarship and debate that define the power of higher education. Without it, we could not develop critical thinking; engage in spirited discussions about controversial issues; or express the diversity of ideas that characterize our communities.” President Rodriquez wrote that free speech takes work, commitment and our responsibility to protect the rights of those with whom we agree and those with whom we might vehemently disagree. Protecting our rights also means we must protect the rights of others. He concluded with this: “We do not need to agree in order to co-exist as neighbors, classmates and colleagues. We can embrace our diversity of thought and expression while also treating each other with dignity and respect.”
The Anglican Communion, and our American corner of it, The Episcopal Church, identify as people of common prayer. We believe in prayer and we believe in praying together. Our common prayer does not dictate that we first agree on everything – politically, socially or even theologically. We believe in the importance of gathering, praying, and serving the world in Jesus’ name. We do not believe in agreeing on everything. … if we did it would be a very small Church.
If a sunburned man showed up at church wearing shorts that looked like the American flag, we would welcome him as we welcome others. After all, I don’t have to agree with his clothing choices in order to be in common prayer. And he doesn’t have to agree with my clothing choices either.
-Rev. Dave
Huckleberry
April 13, 2023
I grew up hiking in the mountain ranges of the Pacific Northwest. Two of the best things about hiking involved drinking fresh, quick moving river water on a hot summer day and eating huckleberries. Once, in late August, when snowmelt is the lowest and rivers run slow or become non-existent, we hiked past two watering holes with no luck. We were getting worried we’d have to boil lake water or use horrible iodine tablets to make our water safe to drink. Luckily, around the next bend, we heard a life-giving rushing sound. We dropped our packs, grabbed our empty canteens, and bounded off trail, over rocks and fallen fir trees, in search of that which will hydrate us. When we got there, we stuck our faces right into the cold rushing stream and drank as much as we could. I have experienced no liquid more refreshing or delicious as that.
The other thing I would keep an eye out for were huckleberries. In particular, I would search for the Red Huckleberry which grows during the summer months in the Cascade Range between the elevations of 1,000 to 5,000 feet. If you are not familiar with it, like its cousin the blueberry, the wild huckleberry has a sweet ripe flavor, but is accentuated by a tart acidity. Its skin is notably thicker and the seeds give it an almost crunchy texture. Huckleberry enthusiasts describe the flavor as earthy and more intense than a blueberry. It can be used in exchange for blueberries in most recipes but add some huckleberries to a fresh caught salmon filet and you’ll be in Northwest culinary heaven!
Wild huckleberries are a beneficial source of nutrients and other health compounds. They are the main source of food for various wildlife including deer, birds, and bears. It is estimated that up to 1/3 of a grizzly bear’s sustenance comes from huckleberries. Humans can benefit from the huckleberry’s abundant antioxidants and anti-aging properties that are said to help prevent inflammation and increase tissue strength. Huckleberries also contain a plant compound named arbutin that helps fight the bacteria that contribute to urinary tract and bladder infections – which is helpful when drinking river water. They also make great face paint and the dye is nearly impossible to get out of clothes (just ask my mom).
There is a mystery to the huckleberry’s origin like the paradox of the chicken-and-the-egg. We tried to plant huckleberries around the camp but they all failed. The reason why is simple: the huckleberry seeds must be digested by a deer in order to plant, sprout and grow. The best way to find a huckleberry plant is to ask oneself where a deer would, well, poop in the woods. Find the deer’s toilet and you’ll find huckleberry plants. There is an old allegorical Pacific Northwest Indian tale about a boy who tried to train a deer to scat near where he lived. It didn’t work because deer won’t scat on command. (Similar to the phrase: you can bring a horse to water but can’t make it drink)
The other Indian tale – edited for content in a church publication – goes something like this: no matter how bad the day, or how high the dung is piled, eventually there will be some fruit to glean from it. That saying may have something to do with this idiom: one man’s trash is another’s treasure.
I have never tasted a berry so delicious as that of a red huckleberry of the Cascades. Does it matter that a deer’s digestive system was paramount in the experience; not to me. I also think that if the red huckleberry existed in the Mediterranean ecosystem of Roman-occupied Palestine in the 1st century, Jesus certainly would have come up with a parable about it. As it stands, however, we can learn from the indigenous peoples of the Northwest that everything in God’s creation is important, even scat from a deer. Just imagine then, how important you and your life is to the Creator God and even in a scat-filled day, God can grow fruit from it.
-Rev. Dave
The other thing I would keep an eye out for were huckleberries. In particular, I would search for the Red Huckleberry which grows during the summer months in the Cascade Range between the elevations of 1,000 to 5,000 feet. If you are not familiar with it, like its cousin the blueberry, the wild huckleberry has a sweet ripe flavor, but is accentuated by a tart acidity. Its skin is notably thicker and the seeds give it an almost crunchy texture. Huckleberry enthusiasts describe the flavor as earthy and more intense than a blueberry. It can be used in exchange for blueberries in most recipes but add some huckleberries to a fresh caught salmon filet and you’ll be in Northwest culinary heaven!
Wild huckleberries are a beneficial source of nutrients and other health compounds. They are the main source of food for various wildlife including deer, birds, and bears. It is estimated that up to 1/3 of a grizzly bear’s sustenance comes from huckleberries. Humans can benefit from the huckleberry’s abundant antioxidants and anti-aging properties that are said to help prevent inflammation and increase tissue strength. Huckleberries also contain a plant compound named arbutin that helps fight the bacteria that contribute to urinary tract and bladder infections – which is helpful when drinking river water. They also make great face paint and the dye is nearly impossible to get out of clothes (just ask my mom).
There is a mystery to the huckleberry’s origin like the paradox of the chicken-and-the-egg. We tried to plant huckleberries around the camp but they all failed. The reason why is simple: the huckleberry seeds must be digested by a deer in order to plant, sprout and grow. The best way to find a huckleberry plant is to ask oneself where a deer would, well, poop in the woods. Find the deer’s toilet and you’ll find huckleberry plants. There is an old allegorical Pacific Northwest Indian tale about a boy who tried to train a deer to scat near where he lived. It didn’t work because deer won’t scat on command. (Similar to the phrase: you can bring a horse to water but can’t make it drink)
The other Indian tale – edited for content in a church publication – goes something like this: no matter how bad the day, or how high the dung is piled, eventually there will be some fruit to glean from it. That saying may have something to do with this idiom: one man’s trash is another’s treasure.
I have never tasted a berry so delicious as that of a red huckleberry of the Cascades. Does it matter that a deer’s digestive system was paramount in the experience; not to me. I also think that if the red huckleberry existed in the Mediterranean ecosystem of Roman-occupied Palestine in the 1st century, Jesus certainly would have come up with a parable about it. As it stands, however, we can learn from the indigenous peoples of the Northwest that everything in God’s creation is important, even scat from a deer. Just imagine then, how important you and your life is to the Creator God and even in a scat-filled day, God can grow fruit from it.
-Rev. Dave
Tracking
April 6, 2023
My brother, Tom, who lives in Seattle, is a volunteer wild-animal tracker in the Cascade Mountains. I am not sure how he heard about this volunteer opportunity but initially he didn’t think he could do it.
Washington State was a unique place to grow up in. State law requires Pacific Northwest (PNW) Indian curricula, even in private colleges. Unlike many other tribes in the continental U.S., who spent most of their time hunting and migrating, the PNW Indians had it relatively easy. In western Washington, there are no poisonous animals and food grows abundantly. They had a rich diet of salmon, trout, berries, roots, mushrooms, apples, rabbit, and elk. The abundant food sources and the extremely low danger of being poisoned, eaten or invaded, allowed the indigenous people to spend time creating art. If you are ever in the Northwest, I would highly recommend spending a day at the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia (Canada) which is the world’s foremost center of history of the First Nations people of the Northwest. The art the indigenous people created is stunningly beautiful and tells a story of their relationship with the land and dependence on nature. They would create elaborate plays and performances that were equal parts worship and education. Everything the indigenous people created for shelter, comfort and warmth was art. They had no separation of art and utility.
Back to my brother, we were taught that the indigenous people could track every animal species in the region (including whales). Tom thought that because he wasn’t taught how to track as a child, he wouldn’t be able to do now. But, surprise; he can, especially in snow! He is a part of a volunteer team that tracks migrating patterns of various species who live in the Cascade Mountain range. In 1956, Interstate 90 cut a line through the Cascades and inadvertently blocked migratory patterns. I-90 is the longest interstate freeway in the U.S. It connects Seattle to Chicago, Cleveland, Rochester and Boston. On Snoqualmie Pass, migratory animals used to cross the two-lane highway at night with ease. Nowadays, it is a major freeway that is one of the most important trucking routes in the world. (Seattle is the primary shipping port to the Asian Pacific) There are no longer any safe times to cross I-90.
Tom’s group is tracking migratory animals and where they would prefer, and attempt to, cross I-90. The plan is for the department of transportation to create over/underpasses on Snoqualmie Pass so elk, deer, bears, wolves, coyotes, small mammals, frogs and even bobcats can safely cross where they want to and not where humans think they should.
This project gives me hope. Like the Everglades restoration act that is reversing the effects of Hwy 41, this project is restoring habitats as well as allowing for human progress and achievement. It’s not where environmentalists win and commerce loses (or vice-versa), it is a volunteer project to help all involved. The over/underpass projects also include art. Like the native people of the land that have no separation of art and utility, the projects blend the natural beauty of the land so that it is pleasing to those driving and natural for migrating animals.
I track Jesus through my life, the lives of our parishioners and in our community. I look for his footsteps to see where he has traveled and where he prefers to cross. My hope is to help build bridges or underpasses so that his life and grace may flow freely through my life, your life, and the life of our community. And, in the case of I-90, it’s not that one group wins at another group’s loss. When we track Jesus through our lives, it is not at the loss of independence or freewill, rather, it is following where he wants us to go in love and forgiveness for ourselves and others. Like the Easter lily, that is both pleasing to the eye and has a fragrant smell, the art and utility of tracking Jesus is full of beauty and the sweet-smelling fragrance of grace.
-Rev. Dave
Video: Connecting Wildlife Habitat Under and Over I-90
Washington State was a unique place to grow up in. State law requires Pacific Northwest (PNW) Indian curricula, even in private colleges. Unlike many other tribes in the continental U.S., who spent most of their time hunting and migrating, the PNW Indians had it relatively easy. In western Washington, there are no poisonous animals and food grows abundantly. They had a rich diet of salmon, trout, berries, roots, mushrooms, apples, rabbit, and elk. The abundant food sources and the extremely low danger of being poisoned, eaten or invaded, allowed the indigenous people to spend time creating art. If you are ever in the Northwest, I would highly recommend spending a day at the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia (Canada) which is the world’s foremost center of history of the First Nations people of the Northwest. The art the indigenous people created is stunningly beautiful and tells a story of their relationship with the land and dependence on nature. They would create elaborate plays and performances that were equal parts worship and education. Everything the indigenous people created for shelter, comfort and warmth was art. They had no separation of art and utility.
Back to my brother, we were taught that the indigenous people could track every animal species in the region (including whales). Tom thought that because he wasn’t taught how to track as a child, he wouldn’t be able to do now. But, surprise; he can, especially in snow! He is a part of a volunteer team that tracks migrating patterns of various species who live in the Cascade Mountain range. In 1956, Interstate 90 cut a line through the Cascades and inadvertently blocked migratory patterns. I-90 is the longest interstate freeway in the U.S. It connects Seattle to Chicago, Cleveland, Rochester and Boston. On Snoqualmie Pass, migratory animals used to cross the two-lane highway at night with ease. Nowadays, it is a major freeway that is one of the most important trucking routes in the world. (Seattle is the primary shipping port to the Asian Pacific) There are no longer any safe times to cross I-90.
Tom’s group is tracking migratory animals and where they would prefer, and attempt to, cross I-90. The plan is for the department of transportation to create over/underpasses on Snoqualmie Pass so elk, deer, bears, wolves, coyotes, small mammals, frogs and even bobcats can safely cross where they want to and not where humans think they should.
This project gives me hope. Like the Everglades restoration act that is reversing the effects of Hwy 41, this project is restoring habitats as well as allowing for human progress and achievement. It’s not where environmentalists win and commerce loses (or vice-versa), it is a volunteer project to help all involved. The over/underpass projects also include art. Like the native people of the land that have no separation of art and utility, the projects blend the natural beauty of the land so that it is pleasing to those driving and natural for migrating animals.
I track Jesus through my life, the lives of our parishioners and in our community. I look for his footsteps to see where he has traveled and where he prefers to cross. My hope is to help build bridges or underpasses so that his life and grace may flow freely through my life, your life, and the life of our community. And, in the case of I-90, it’s not that one group wins at another group’s loss. When we track Jesus through our lives, it is not at the loss of independence or freewill, rather, it is following where he wants us to go in love and forgiveness for ourselves and others. Like the Easter lily, that is both pleasing to the eye and has a fragrant smell, the art and utility of tracking Jesus is full of beauty and the sweet-smelling fragrance of grace.
-Rev. Dave
Video: Connecting Wildlife Habitat Under and Over I-90
The All-Embracing Church
March 30, 2023
I’d like to clear up a common misunderstanding of a particular word – “catholic”. We say that word every Sunday with the reciting of the Nicene Creed. Following with the Epiphany theme this year, that word may not mean what you think it means, the same can be said about catholic.
Believe it or not, it’s not a Latin word. Its origin is Greek – “kata” (in respect/recognition of) and “holos” (whole). Put the two together, katholikos, and you get a word that means “universal”. Later on, the word was transliterated into Latin – catholicus. My favorite way of translating that word into 21st century English is calling the word “all-embracing”. Using the word in a non-religious setting, would be something like this: “her design tastes are pretty catholic.” In other words, she’s happy with any design. But, the whole point of this Reflection is that we no longer hear the word “catholic” as meaning universal or all-embracing. I know that if I said, “Her design choices are pretty catholic,” people would think she likes her home to look like the inside of a basilica-style church with statues, candles and a high altar.
The other day, I was stopped at Publix on Longboat and was asked if I was “catholic”. To which I replied, “Yes, but not in the way you are thinking.” The response: “How do you know what I am thinking?” My reply, “It’s a skill I’ve been working on.” I then introduced myself, and then All Angels, and then the Episcopal Church. Her eyes started to gloss over which told me I’m getting somewhere and nowhere fast. I then said, “And, I know Fr. Robert.” (Who is the pastor of St. Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church on Longboat) She replied, “Oh great. I was wondering if you worked with him because I have not seen you at mass.” I wanted to reply: you’re going to the wrong mass; but, I decided since I had already brought All Angels into the conversation that I should follow our mission of bringing the living Christ to those inside and outside the church. Instead, I replied, “You’ll see us together at the Longboat Thanksgiving Service.”
So, here’s the dilemma: catholic means all-embracing but most people think it means Roman Catholic. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to change what most people think; but, I can change the way we think about it here.
A long long time ago, Pope Gregory the Great sent missionaries from Rome to England. They planted the one holy, universal (catholic), apostolic church as spelled out in the Nicene Creed. A long time later, King Henry the 8th declared that the Church in England, although with strong historic roots to Rome, has always been separate and thus cut (financial) ties with Rome. Nevertheless, the Church of England is still a part of the apostolic church which traces the laying on of hands (ordination) back to Jesus who laid his hands on Peter. In England there is no separation of Church and State so as the British Empire grew, so did the Church… all the way to the Americas. We fought and won the War of Independence but the Church of America (later to be called Episcopal) did not break her ties with the mother Church of England. As such, our slice of the catholic (all embracing) pie is our episcopal – which means “bishop” – heritage and connection through the Church of England back to Rome and back to Jerusalem where it all started. That’s the Holy Universal Apostolic Church that I know, love, and serve.
So, you’re catholic, I’m catholic; we’re all catholic. Some are Roman Catholic, others are English Catholic, others are German Catholic, and we’re all-embraced by Jesus and His Body on earth which is The Church.
-Rev. Dave
Believe it or not, it’s not a Latin word. Its origin is Greek – “kata” (in respect/recognition of) and “holos” (whole). Put the two together, katholikos, and you get a word that means “universal”. Later on, the word was transliterated into Latin – catholicus. My favorite way of translating that word into 21st century English is calling the word “all-embracing”. Using the word in a non-religious setting, would be something like this: “her design tastes are pretty catholic.” In other words, she’s happy with any design. But, the whole point of this Reflection is that we no longer hear the word “catholic” as meaning universal or all-embracing. I know that if I said, “Her design choices are pretty catholic,” people would think she likes her home to look like the inside of a basilica-style church with statues, candles and a high altar.
The other day, I was stopped at Publix on Longboat and was asked if I was “catholic”. To which I replied, “Yes, but not in the way you are thinking.” The response: “How do you know what I am thinking?” My reply, “It’s a skill I’ve been working on.” I then introduced myself, and then All Angels, and then the Episcopal Church. Her eyes started to gloss over which told me I’m getting somewhere and nowhere fast. I then said, “And, I know Fr. Robert.” (Who is the pastor of St. Mary Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church on Longboat) She replied, “Oh great. I was wondering if you worked with him because I have not seen you at mass.” I wanted to reply: you’re going to the wrong mass; but, I decided since I had already brought All Angels into the conversation that I should follow our mission of bringing the living Christ to those inside and outside the church. Instead, I replied, “You’ll see us together at the Longboat Thanksgiving Service.”
So, here’s the dilemma: catholic means all-embracing but most people think it means Roman Catholic. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to change what most people think; but, I can change the way we think about it here.
A long long time ago, Pope Gregory the Great sent missionaries from Rome to England. They planted the one holy, universal (catholic), apostolic church as spelled out in the Nicene Creed. A long time later, King Henry the 8th declared that the Church in England, although with strong historic roots to Rome, has always been separate and thus cut (financial) ties with Rome. Nevertheless, the Church of England is still a part of the apostolic church which traces the laying on of hands (ordination) back to Jesus who laid his hands on Peter. In England there is no separation of Church and State so as the British Empire grew, so did the Church… all the way to the Americas. We fought and won the War of Independence but the Church of America (later to be called Episcopal) did not break her ties with the mother Church of England. As such, our slice of the catholic (all embracing) pie is our episcopal – which means “bishop” – heritage and connection through the Church of England back to Rome and back to Jerusalem where it all started. That’s the Holy Universal Apostolic Church that I know, love, and serve.
So, you’re catholic, I’m catholic; we’re all catholic. Some are Roman Catholic, others are English Catholic, others are German Catholic, and we’re all-embraced by Jesus and His Body on earth which is The Church.
-Rev. Dave
Let's Go Safari
March 23, 2023
One of the gems of San Diego is the Wild Animal Safari Park. Started in 1964, the 1,800-acre site was designed to be a farm to support the San Diego Zoo – located 30 miles south in the heart of the city. Someone had the great idea that there could be two zoo-like encounters; one, the traditional zoo in the city and the second would be a tram tour through the farm. The Safari Park opened its doors in 1972 and is still the hands-down favorite of mine for a zoo-like encounter. We had season passes so the Safari Park became a part of the life experience for our kids.
One of the best things about the Safari Park is that visitors get to see the animals in a natural habitat. Fences exist to keep predator from prey but they are not obvious to the casual observer. Unlike a zoo experience, where visitors walk from cage to cage, the Safari Park is like a safari – visitors travel out and wait to see the animals. Another interesting thing to me is that local wildlife interacts with the Park’s inhabitants. Often, we would see indigenous birds interacting with animals from the continent of Africa. I imagine they could share some interesting stories of the world, if they could talk, of course. A safari guide told us one morning that they found the carcass of a local coyote who wandered quite literally into the lion’s den. I imagine that shortly before its demise the coyote was surprised to find it was not the top of the food chain.
The Safari Park is changing the hearts and minds of the visitors by showcasing endangered species and even some who are extinct in the wild. There are two Northern White Rhinos left in the world; both are female. The Safari Park has frozen genetic material of that species and is waiting for the technology to be able to resurrect the animals through artificial insemination in the Southern White Rhino species.
The Crystal River National Wildlife Area, and, in particular, Kings Bay, was like a Safari Park to the Marshalls this past week. The 80-acre refuge, consisting of 20 islands and other parcels of land, was established in 1983 to protect the West Indian manatee. The water system is fed by spring water that maintains a year-round temperature of 72 degrees. It is also host to a large number of local Floridian animals including, yes, alligators. We only saw one and it was about four feet long, but, it told us that we were no longer in the salty water of Sarasota Bay.
Unlike the Safari Park, we could go fishing in the area. Christi caught many catfish and I caught two trout – all safely released back into the wild. We also were able to conduct our own safari tours from the deck of our 21’ boat. We donned wetsuits to float with our manatee friends. Although no manatees were touched during our safari trips, they certainly touched our hearts.
It is difficult to describe the amount of water traffic that congested the waterways of Kings Bay. It was like we were the paparazzi and the manatee were the stars. Yet, one thing I have learned from the Safari Park is this: if you get humans interacting with animals in a natural environment, they are much more likely to support efforts to help maintain and improve nature for generations to come.
The National Park system was created by an act of congress this month in 1872, with the same goal in mind – if we preserve an area and make it so everyday Americans can visit and interact with nature, we will naturally work to preserve it. 151 years later, the US has over 400 national parks. Also, since that time, 100 nations have followed suit and have created over 1,200 national parks worldwide. Lastly, because of school groups, and the accessibility of parks and the rise of privately funded preserves, like the Safari Park, this generation of school kids interacts with nature in a conservation way more than any other generation in US history. This gives me hope about the future of this fragile earth, our island home.
-Rev. Dave
One of the best things about the Safari Park is that visitors get to see the animals in a natural habitat. Fences exist to keep predator from prey but they are not obvious to the casual observer. Unlike a zoo experience, where visitors walk from cage to cage, the Safari Park is like a safari – visitors travel out and wait to see the animals. Another interesting thing to me is that local wildlife interacts with the Park’s inhabitants. Often, we would see indigenous birds interacting with animals from the continent of Africa. I imagine they could share some interesting stories of the world, if they could talk, of course. A safari guide told us one morning that they found the carcass of a local coyote who wandered quite literally into the lion’s den. I imagine that shortly before its demise the coyote was surprised to find it was not the top of the food chain.
The Safari Park is changing the hearts and minds of the visitors by showcasing endangered species and even some who are extinct in the wild. There are two Northern White Rhinos left in the world; both are female. The Safari Park has frozen genetic material of that species and is waiting for the technology to be able to resurrect the animals through artificial insemination in the Southern White Rhino species.
The Crystal River National Wildlife Area, and, in particular, Kings Bay, was like a Safari Park to the Marshalls this past week. The 80-acre refuge, consisting of 20 islands and other parcels of land, was established in 1983 to protect the West Indian manatee. The water system is fed by spring water that maintains a year-round temperature of 72 degrees. It is also host to a large number of local Floridian animals including, yes, alligators. We only saw one and it was about four feet long, but, it told us that we were no longer in the salty water of Sarasota Bay.
Unlike the Safari Park, we could go fishing in the area. Christi caught many catfish and I caught two trout – all safely released back into the wild. We also were able to conduct our own safari tours from the deck of our 21’ boat. We donned wetsuits to float with our manatee friends. Although no manatees were touched during our safari trips, they certainly touched our hearts.
It is difficult to describe the amount of water traffic that congested the waterways of Kings Bay. It was like we were the paparazzi and the manatee were the stars. Yet, one thing I have learned from the Safari Park is this: if you get humans interacting with animals in a natural environment, they are much more likely to support efforts to help maintain and improve nature for generations to come.
The National Park system was created by an act of congress this month in 1872, with the same goal in mind – if we preserve an area and make it so everyday Americans can visit and interact with nature, we will naturally work to preserve it. 151 years later, the US has over 400 national parks. Also, since that time, 100 nations have followed suit and have created over 1,200 national parks worldwide. Lastly, because of school groups, and the accessibility of parks and the rise of privately funded preserves, like the Safari Park, this generation of school kids interacts with nature in a conservation way more than any other generation in US history. This gives me hope about the future of this fragile earth, our island home.
-Rev. Dave
His Eye Watches the Nations
March 16, 2023
I was on the Safety Commission of the City of Chula Vista, which is the 15th largest city in California. Sandwiched between the second largest city in California, San Diego, and the largest international border crossing in the world, life in Chula Vista can be pretty exciting.
Traffic and parking issues in Chula Vista were taking up too much time on the City Council’s monthly agenda. They created the Safety Commission to handle speed limits, parking rules, curb painting and other traffic abatement issues. During my commission tenure, we also approved the autonomous driving program which is currently being tested there. It is a program to drive seniors to their various appointments using autonomous vans.
Also, during my tenure, Chula Vista installed traffic lights in the city that reads real-time traffic patterns and autonomously sets themselves for traffic flow. During the traffic light set-up (which involves cameras that see and read both cars and pedestrians), we discovered every Chula Vista patrol car has a front and rear facing camera that records every license plate it "sees". In just one shift of one patrol car they could see a thousand plates; record where and when they saw it too. It was obviously outside of our Commission to comment on that program but it surprised us nonetheless.
MIT Technology Review recently wrote an article about Chula Vista’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program – 29 drones that respond to 911 calls. On average, an officer can respond to an incident anywhere in Chula Vista in four minutes; it only takes the UAV 90 seconds. UAV’s can silently follow a shoplifting suspect, it can listen and see traffic accidents, fires, and emergencies. In the article, Chula Vista is recognized for having the nation’s longest-running drone program.
Because it is a border town, there are a number of agencies working within Chula Vista – Border Patrol (probably the biggest), FBI, ATF and any number of military branches. If the skies over Chula Vista sound crowded, think about this: San Diego has the largest, single-runway airport in the world, Coronado North Island (just west of Chula Vista) is one of the largest Naval Aviator bases in the world and hosts the Navy SEAL training program which uses a lot of rotary wing aircraft. 15 miles north is MCAS Miramar – the former Top Gun training facility (which was moved inland). The Army has a rotary wing division with its own airport (about three miles west). Chula Vista has a municipal airport. And, the largest airport on the west coast – LAX, and the second largest airport – Tijuana, can also fly over Chula Vista on approach. Throw a bunch of UAVs up there and it is quite a circus!
Privacy and civil liberty groups are raising the question of what happens when drones are combined with license plate readers, networks of fixed cameras, and new real-time command centers that digest and sort through video evidence. There used to be an unspoken check and balance on law enforcement power: money. Governmental budgets can’t afford to put a police officer on every corner. With these new technologies, I wonder if that check and balance has disappeared.
“God’s eyes keep watch on the nations” is an often-quoted psalm. It brings comfort to know God is watching over all of us. The entire verse reads as follows: God’s eyes keep watch on the nations, let the rebellious not exalt themselves. (Ps 66:7) It is interesting that in our day and time we have eyes in the skies that can literally watch the rebellious. For me, the civil liberty line is not having UAVs do regular surveillance but rather to assist a patrol officer. As far as 24-hour surveillance goes, I’d just assume we leave that up to God.
-Rev. Dave
Traffic and parking issues in Chula Vista were taking up too much time on the City Council’s monthly agenda. They created the Safety Commission to handle speed limits, parking rules, curb painting and other traffic abatement issues. During my commission tenure, we also approved the autonomous driving program which is currently being tested there. It is a program to drive seniors to their various appointments using autonomous vans.
Also, during my tenure, Chula Vista installed traffic lights in the city that reads real-time traffic patterns and autonomously sets themselves for traffic flow. During the traffic light set-up (which involves cameras that see and read both cars and pedestrians), we discovered every Chula Vista patrol car has a front and rear facing camera that records every license plate it "sees". In just one shift of one patrol car they could see a thousand plates; record where and when they saw it too. It was obviously outside of our Commission to comment on that program but it surprised us nonetheless.
MIT Technology Review recently wrote an article about Chula Vista’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program – 29 drones that respond to 911 calls. On average, an officer can respond to an incident anywhere in Chula Vista in four minutes; it only takes the UAV 90 seconds. UAV’s can silently follow a shoplifting suspect, it can listen and see traffic accidents, fires, and emergencies. In the article, Chula Vista is recognized for having the nation’s longest-running drone program.
Because it is a border town, there are a number of agencies working within Chula Vista – Border Patrol (probably the biggest), FBI, ATF and any number of military branches. If the skies over Chula Vista sound crowded, think about this: San Diego has the largest, single-runway airport in the world, Coronado North Island (just west of Chula Vista) is one of the largest Naval Aviator bases in the world and hosts the Navy SEAL training program which uses a lot of rotary wing aircraft. 15 miles north is MCAS Miramar – the former Top Gun training facility (which was moved inland). The Army has a rotary wing division with its own airport (about three miles west). Chula Vista has a municipal airport. And, the largest airport on the west coast – LAX, and the second largest airport – Tijuana, can also fly over Chula Vista on approach. Throw a bunch of UAVs up there and it is quite a circus!
Privacy and civil liberty groups are raising the question of what happens when drones are combined with license plate readers, networks of fixed cameras, and new real-time command centers that digest and sort through video evidence. There used to be an unspoken check and balance on law enforcement power: money. Governmental budgets can’t afford to put a police officer on every corner. With these new technologies, I wonder if that check and balance has disappeared.
“God’s eyes keep watch on the nations” is an often-quoted psalm. It brings comfort to know God is watching over all of us. The entire verse reads as follows: God’s eyes keep watch on the nations, let the rebellious not exalt themselves. (Ps 66:7) It is interesting that in our day and time we have eyes in the skies that can literally watch the rebellious. For me, the civil liberty line is not having UAVs do regular surveillance but rather to assist a patrol officer. As far as 24-hour surveillance goes, I’d just assume we leave that up to God.
-Rev. Dave
Used
March 9, 2023
Have you noticed that the term “used” has become passé? Instead of “used cars” they are now pre-owned cars. My previous cell phone, a Samsung Note 8, was not new, it was an “open box”. I replaced that phone with a Note 10. That phone was not new, it was not an open box, it was “renewed”. In fact, it was “factory renewed” as opposed to the other type which I imagine is repossessed. … and who wants their priest to have a repossessed phone anyway. For those who follow my sermons closely, you’ll recall that another way to say “renewed” is “born-again.” So, my Note 10 was factory born-again.
The house we bought four years ago was built in 1974. If it were a car, it’d be a “collector” or “classic” car. But, for a house, it’s just, well, old. I have an episcopal priest friend who serves a church in Massachusetts. He lives in a rectory – a church-owned home – which was originally built in the 1600s. … yes, one hundred years before America became independent! Now, that’s an old house. I don’t imagine he says his house was preowned; although it may have been owned by the Church of England at some point which clearly makes it pre-owned.
Have you heard about “estate jewelry”? You guessed it, it’s used jewelry. But, the word “used” is not used; instead, “vintage”, “antique” or other such adjectives are used. The funny thing to me is that new diamonds are generally around 990,000 years old. Old diamonds are over three billion years old. When it comes to “antique” jewelry, diamonds must take the cake on age. Yet, we can’t seem to called them “used” even if they’ve been owned by more than one person.
Linn Torres and I fell into that trap, I suppose, when we named the New to You Art Sale. We could have called it the Used Art Sale, but, frankly, I like it better this way. I met someone who has an original Picasso. They are the third owner. I didn’t dare ask about their “used” piece of art. … or why it was in the bathroom. It was a really big bathroom, and a really small piece of art; to each their own, I suppose.
Can art really be used? I think a car can be used, or a bike – all of the Marshall family bikes are second-hand. “Used” means wear and tear. In the case of our bikes, it’s more wear and rust, but, you get the idea. There is an old philosophy out there that if enough eyes stare at the Mona Lisa, the painting will wear out; we know it’s more likely due to light, dust, oxygen and flash photography, but there is some sort of mystique about a faded oil painting. Undoubtedly, the used price of the Mona Lisa is far more expensive than when it was new.
Jesus warned about putting new wine into old wineskins. This is NOT an ageist comment, he was simply saying that new wine expands and new wineskins can stretch to accommodate it. In other words, be weary of a preacher selling new wine in “preowned wineskins”. But, when it comes to art, I don’t think we have such things to be concerned about. Like a diamond, art remains beautiful. Art moves people – that’s the essence of it. In 1,000 years from now, I imagine folks in the Sistine Chapel will look up to get a glimpse of Adam and God reaching out to each other. Newly created in 1512 by Michelangelo, it still moves people to this day. I would argue that every time someone sees it, the art becomes new.
A long time ago, the prophet Isaiah captured God’s words by saying what God really wants is for us to find people who need shelter and to get them homes. (58:7) That is nothing new. How we do it, by selling used art and giving the funds to Habitat of Humanity; that is like new wine. And, like new wine, our ministry is expanding. We sold more units of art this year than before. We had more people than ever donate art (who are from outside of All Angels). And, equally important, we had more people from outside the church come into the church and see what we are up to; and there is nothing passé about that.
-Rev. Dave
The house we bought four years ago was built in 1974. If it were a car, it’d be a “collector” or “classic” car. But, for a house, it’s just, well, old. I have an episcopal priest friend who serves a church in Massachusetts. He lives in a rectory – a church-owned home – which was originally built in the 1600s. … yes, one hundred years before America became independent! Now, that’s an old house. I don’t imagine he says his house was preowned; although it may have been owned by the Church of England at some point which clearly makes it pre-owned.
Have you heard about “estate jewelry”? You guessed it, it’s used jewelry. But, the word “used” is not used; instead, “vintage”, “antique” or other such adjectives are used. The funny thing to me is that new diamonds are generally around 990,000 years old. Old diamonds are over three billion years old. When it comes to “antique” jewelry, diamonds must take the cake on age. Yet, we can’t seem to called them “used” even if they’ve been owned by more than one person.
Linn Torres and I fell into that trap, I suppose, when we named the New to You Art Sale. We could have called it the Used Art Sale, but, frankly, I like it better this way. I met someone who has an original Picasso. They are the third owner. I didn’t dare ask about their “used” piece of art. … or why it was in the bathroom. It was a really big bathroom, and a really small piece of art; to each their own, I suppose.
Can art really be used? I think a car can be used, or a bike – all of the Marshall family bikes are second-hand. “Used” means wear and tear. In the case of our bikes, it’s more wear and rust, but, you get the idea. There is an old philosophy out there that if enough eyes stare at the Mona Lisa, the painting will wear out; we know it’s more likely due to light, dust, oxygen and flash photography, but there is some sort of mystique about a faded oil painting. Undoubtedly, the used price of the Mona Lisa is far more expensive than when it was new.
Jesus warned about putting new wine into old wineskins. This is NOT an ageist comment, he was simply saying that new wine expands and new wineskins can stretch to accommodate it. In other words, be weary of a preacher selling new wine in “preowned wineskins”. But, when it comes to art, I don’t think we have such things to be concerned about. Like a diamond, art remains beautiful. Art moves people – that’s the essence of it. In 1,000 years from now, I imagine folks in the Sistine Chapel will look up to get a glimpse of Adam and God reaching out to each other. Newly created in 1512 by Michelangelo, it still moves people to this day. I would argue that every time someone sees it, the art becomes new.
A long time ago, the prophet Isaiah captured God’s words by saying what God really wants is for us to find people who need shelter and to get them homes. (58:7) That is nothing new. How we do it, by selling used art and giving the funds to Habitat of Humanity; that is like new wine. And, like new wine, our ministry is expanding. We sold more units of art this year than before. We had more people than ever donate art (who are from outside of All Angels). And, equally important, we had more people from outside the church come into the church and see what we are up to; and there is nothing passé about that.
-Rev. Dave
Improvement
March 2, 2023
There is an interesting article by Arthur Brooks, published in the Atlantic titled, Why Success Can Feel So Bitter. Citing examples from Olympic athletes, he shared how elite athletes often feel “emptiness inside” after competing. Brooks compared their feelings to some who have finished a degree or published a book or made a certain amount of money. He writes, “Nothing is wrong with these goals per se, but if you place your happiness in their attainment, you are setting yourself up for your own version of these bitter Olympic moments. Even if you achieve your goal, you are very unlikely to achieve the happiness you’re after. And you just might find yourself less happy than you were before you reached the mountaintop.”
Brooks assertion surprised me and frankly left me feeling a little deflated. As such, this article was the topic of discussion at our combined Discussion Group this past week. Like always, talking about it with this unique and special group made me feel better.
Back to the article, psychologists have found that in life, not just in work, progress consistently beats accomplishment when it comes to well-being. It seems that humans are wired for improvement and not necessarily for accomplishment. Taking the point further, goal attainment can bring problems that some call the “post-achievement hangover” – a feeling of restlessness and mild depression following a major milestone like graduation or getting married. One explanation has to do with dopamine, a neuromodulator that gives us a sense of pleasurable anticipation of reward. Dopamine is elevated before one achieves a goal and then is depleted afterward which can lead to a feeling of emptiness.
Brooks suggests we subject our goals to these three questions: are you enjoying the journey, do you like pie, and can you take one step at a time. First, the journey – do you enjoy the process of whatever it is that is set up as a goal, and not see it as an undesirable activity that only leads to accomplishment? If you enjoy the journey, you are well on your way to happiness. Pie – what is the reward for winning a pie eating contest? More pie. Ask yourself, metaphorically speaking, do you like the reward, in this case, pie. One step at a time – do you enjoy the daily and weekly milestones that lead you down the road to success?
I have a goal of delivering the best message I can each time I have the privilege of preaching. Almost more than delivering it, I enjoy the process (journey) of it, I do like pie (both metaphorically and literally), and I enjoy the Monday through Saturday steps of delivering a message. I also enjoy writing to you and sharing my thoughts in the Reflection. I also, most days, enjoy reading various periodicals and searching for a good discussion topic.
If you are wondering what the spiritual dimension is to this topic, I have a couple of thoughts on it. First, Christianity, for the first few hundred years, was called, The Way. We were known not as Christians but as followers of Jesus along The Way. It is a daily, step by step journey – path/way – with no clear goal or big accomplishment except for finding peace in daily living. We believe Jesus accomplished everything for us in his life, teaching, healing, death and resurrection and has sent us the Holy Spirit as our comfort and guide. Since he accomplished everything, we simply are on the journey (Way) with him. Secondly, God our creator wired us for striving, walking, and journeying (and pie); not for accomplishment and then sitting back and doing nothing. Lastly, if during this Lenten season you have set up a goal to be, or do, X by Easter, this is an invitation to introspectively ask if you enjoy the journey, if you like pie, and if you are enjoying the daily steps to attain it. If not, you may want to ask why X is the goal in the first place, and maybe it’s time to let it go and find some other improvement activity.
-Rev. Dave
Brooks assertion surprised me and frankly left me feeling a little deflated. As such, this article was the topic of discussion at our combined Discussion Group this past week. Like always, talking about it with this unique and special group made me feel better.
Back to the article, psychologists have found that in life, not just in work, progress consistently beats accomplishment when it comes to well-being. It seems that humans are wired for improvement and not necessarily for accomplishment. Taking the point further, goal attainment can bring problems that some call the “post-achievement hangover” – a feeling of restlessness and mild depression following a major milestone like graduation or getting married. One explanation has to do with dopamine, a neuromodulator that gives us a sense of pleasurable anticipation of reward. Dopamine is elevated before one achieves a goal and then is depleted afterward which can lead to a feeling of emptiness.
Brooks suggests we subject our goals to these three questions: are you enjoying the journey, do you like pie, and can you take one step at a time. First, the journey – do you enjoy the process of whatever it is that is set up as a goal, and not see it as an undesirable activity that only leads to accomplishment? If you enjoy the journey, you are well on your way to happiness. Pie – what is the reward for winning a pie eating contest? More pie. Ask yourself, metaphorically speaking, do you like the reward, in this case, pie. One step at a time – do you enjoy the daily and weekly milestones that lead you down the road to success?
I have a goal of delivering the best message I can each time I have the privilege of preaching. Almost more than delivering it, I enjoy the process (journey) of it, I do like pie (both metaphorically and literally), and I enjoy the Monday through Saturday steps of delivering a message. I also enjoy writing to you and sharing my thoughts in the Reflection. I also, most days, enjoy reading various periodicals and searching for a good discussion topic.
If you are wondering what the spiritual dimension is to this topic, I have a couple of thoughts on it. First, Christianity, for the first few hundred years, was called, The Way. We were known not as Christians but as followers of Jesus along The Way. It is a daily, step by step journey – path/way – with no clear goal or big accomplishment except for finding peace in daily living. We believe Jesus accomplished everything for us in his life, teaching, healing, death and resurrection and has sent us the Holy Spirit as our comfort and guide. Since he accomplished everything, we simply are on the journey (Way) with him. Secondly, God our creator wired us for striving, walking, and journeying (and pie); not for accomplishment and then sitting back and doing nothing. Lastly, if during this Lenten season you have set up a goal to be, or do, X by Easter, this is an invitation to introspectively ask if you enjoy the journey, if you like pie, and if you are enjoying the daily steps to attain it. If not, you may want to ask why X is the goal in the first place, and maybe it’s time to let it go and find some other improvement activity.
-Rev. Dave
Fasting
February 23, 2023
I got into a discussion with a clergy friend about last week’s Reflection, in which I wrote the following:
What if our Lenten practice this season was to fast from beating ourselves up for our diet. To fast from thinking we are not good enough, or smart enough, or strong enough, or young enough. What if we gave that stuff up for Lent? What if we feasted on the belief that we are made in God’s image; what if for the next forty days we indulged on God’s love for us.
My friend was speaking in favor of the traditional fasting – giving up sugar, coffee, etc. – as a spiritual way to connect with Jesus who gave up so much for us. In other words, food-fasting can help us draw near to God who humbled himself to the point of death on a cross. There is no way that I am going to argue against the spiritual practice of humility because of God’s great love and humility for us. But, I’d like to take another look at the practice of fasting because Jesus gave up everything.
There is an ancient Christian practice of putting a rock in one’s sandal and walking the path that Jesus took bearing the cross. There are pilgrims, this day, who walk various holy paths on their hands and knees. There is an account of pilgrims who walk on their knees; others drag cinderblocks; as they make a spiritual journey to the shrine of St. Lazarus on the outskirts of Havana. I think taking a walking tour of Jesus’ final steps would be dramatically different if I had discomfort with each step. It would take away the touristy side and add a very physical dimension to the pilgrimage. I also would find great relief when I was able to remove the rock at the end of the journey.
To celebrate Christmas, there is no one “right way” of doing it; but, for western Christendom, it all looks pretty similar. On the other hand, one of the fascinating things about the season of Lent is the sheer complexity and diversity of how people choose to participate. I’d say that, like Christmas, there is no one “right way” to do Lent. And again, compared to Christmas, which is often communal – large gatherings of people, family traditions, and lighted displays on most streets – Lent is intensely (and intently) personal. If you are fasting from sugar, it’s a personal spiritual practice that others generally do not see. Likewise, if you decide to walk with a small rock in your shoe; it’s really only you that would know about it.
Jesus told us that instead of praying on the street corners where everyone will see and hear us, we are to go into our room, shut the door, and pray to God in secret and God will hear us. If you put a Lenten rock in your shoe for Jesus, our faith says God will know it. If you decide to fast from some type of food for Lent, in faith we believe that God will know about it too. If you elect to read a passage from the Bible every day, by yourself, in your room with the door closed, God will know see and hear it. If you resolve that this Lent, you are going to spend five minutes every day meditating on all of God’s blessings, God will be with you. If you decide to fast from using bad words, if you fast from thinking negative thoughts about yourself and your neighbor, God will know these things. If you opt to participate in a communal event, like a class, or a book study, or join in the discussion groups, I believe God will know that too.
There is no “one way” to do a right and proper Lent. If you decide to do something very public, like drag a cinderblock along the walking path of Gulf of Mexico Drive all the way to the angel fountain at All Angels, that’s up to you. If you decide that once a day, you will look yourself in the mirror and say that God loves you, that too is a good Lenten practice.
-Rev. Dave
What if our Lenten practice this season was to fast from beating ourselves up for our diet. To fast from thinking we are not good enough, or smart enough, or strong enough, or young enough. What if we gave that stuff up for Lent? What if we feasted on the belief that we are made in God’s image; what if for the next forty days we indulged on God’s love for us.
My friend was speaking in favor of the traditional fasting – giving up sugar, coffee, etc. – as a spiritual way to connect with Jesus who gave up so much for us. In other words, food-fasting can help us draw near to God who humbled himself to the point of death on a cross. There is no way that I am going to argue against the spiritual practice of humility because of God’s great love and humility for us. But, I’d like to take another look at the practice of fasting because Jesus gave up everything.
There is an ancient Christian practice of putting a rock in one’s sandal and walking the path that Jesus took bearing the cross. There are pilgrims, this day, who walk various holy paths on their hands and knees. There is an account of pilgrims who walk on their knees; others drag cinderblocks; as they make a spiritual journey to the shrine of St. Lazarus on the outskirts of Havana. I think taking a walking tour of Jesus’ final steps would be dramatically different if I had discomfort with each step. It would take away the touristy side and add a very physical dimension to the pilgrimage. I also would find great relief when I was able to remove the rock at the end of the journey.
To celebrate Christmas, there is no one “right way” of doing it; but, for western Christendom, it all looks pretty similar. On the other hand, one of the fascinating things about the season of Lent is the sheer complexity and diversity of how people choose to participate. I’d say that, like Christmas, there is no one “right way” to do Lent. And again, compared to Christmas, which is often communal – large gatherings of people, family traditions, and lighted displays on most streets – Lent is intensely (and intently) personal. If you are fasting from sugar, it’s a personal spiritual practice that others generally do not see. Likewise, if you decide to walk with a small rock in your shoe; it’s really only you that would know about it.
Jesus told us that instead of praying on the street corners where everyone will see and hear us, we are to go into our room, shut the door, and pray to God in secret and God will hear us. If you put a Lenten rock in your shoe for Jesus, our faith says God will know it. If you decide to fast from some type of food for Lent, in faith we believe that God will know about it too. If you elect to read a passage from the Bible every day, by yourself, in your room with the door closed, God will know see and hear it. If you resolve that this Lent, you are going to spend five minutes every day meditating on all of God’s blessings, God will be with you. If you decide to fast from using bad words, if you fast from thinking negative thoughts about yourself and your neighbor, God will know these things. If you opt to participate in a communal event, like a class, or a book study, or join in the discussion groups, I believe God will know that too.
There is no “one way” to do a right and proper Lent. If you decide to do something very public, like drag a cinderblock along the walking path of Gulf of Mexico Drive all the way to the angel fountain at All Angels, that’s up to you. If you decide that once a day, you will look yourself in the mirror and say that God loves you, that too is a good Lenten practice.
-Rev. Dave
Lent 2023
February 16, 2023
The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. Thereby, the whole congregation was put in mind of the need which all Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith. I invite you, therefore, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word.
I read that paragraph at every Ash Wednesday service (from the BCP, page 264). It signals the beginning of the Lenten season.
Here is my Lenten confession: Lent is my least favorite season of the Church. This might come as a surprise because what priest isn’t in favor of prayer, turning to God, and meditating on God’s holy Word?! With a little self-examination though, I don’t think my problem is with Lent; it’s with the whole fasting part.
In the Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, the page that is dedicated to Lent is mostly made up of references to fasting – when it was done, in which region, and what food was allowed or disallowed. Quick factoid: the term “breakfast” is from Lent. The Dictionary spends a paragraph outlining when the break from the fast (breakfast) should happen – at 10 am, noon, at 3 pm or at sundown. If the only source of information about Lent was from the Dictionary, it would leave us feeling a little empty – both in our stomachs and perhaps our spiritual lives. Nevertheless, I suppose that dietary restrictions are an outward, and therefore easily traceable, expression of faith that is recorded in the history books. But, God’s love seems to be missing from the whole discussion.
It is said that some people eat to live, others live to eat. I find myself more in the second category. Maybe that’s why I am sensitive to fasting. Perhaps my disinclination also stems from how some people in seminary rubbed me the wrong way by making their Lenten-driven dietary choices the topic of EVERY conversation. Frankly, it made me want to make bad food choices and eat the food in front of them. I even wrote this joke: If you are organizing a seminary dinner party for 100 people, but two are fasting for Lent, how can tell? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you!
I am also sensitive to where many in the congregation are in regards to eating – many have involuntary dietary restrictions (no salt, no sugar, no gluten, no lactose, no cholesterol, low carb, no eating after 6 pm, no nuts, eggs or soy). I have a hard time telling people that, in addition to their medically-required fasting list, if they really loved Jesus they’d give up caffeine for Lent. Besides, I should practice what I preach; if I told others to give up caffeine, then so should I. But, without caffeine, I’d also have to give up writing a weekly Reflection and preaching at 8 a.m. I’m not saying the true Rector of All Angels is coffee; but, it certainly helps fuel this priest in doing what I do.
Let’s take a look at fasting in a more spiritual light. What if our Lenten practice this season was to fast from beating ourselves up for our diet. To fast from wishing our body was less curvy, or more curvy. To fast from thinking we are not good enough, or smart enough, or strong enough, or young enough. What if we gave that up that stuff for Lent? What if we feasted on the belief that we are made in God’s image; what if for the next forty days we indulged on God’s love for us. Now that is a spiritual practice that I invite you to observe to make this a holy Lent.
-Rev. Dave
I read that paragraph at every Ash Wednesday service (from the BCP, page 264). It signals the beginning of the Lenten season.
Here is my Lenten confession: Lent is my least favorite season of the Church. This might come as a surprise because what priest isn’t in favor of prayer, turning to God, and meditating on God’s holy Word?! With a little self-examination though, I don’t think my problem is with Lent; it’s with the whole fasting part.
In the Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, the page that is dedicated to Lent is mostly made up of references to fasting – when it was done, in which region, and what food was allowed or disallowed. Quick factoid: the term “breakfast” is from Lent. The Dictionary spends a paragraph outlining when the break from the fast (breakfast) should happen – at 10 am, noon, at 3 pm or at sundown. If the only source of information about Lent was from the Dictionary, it would leave us feeling a little empty – both in our stomachs and perhaps our spiritual lives. Nevertheless, I suppose that dietary restrictions are an outward, and therefore easily traceable, expression of faith that is recorded in the history books. But, God’s love seems to be missing from the whole discussion.
It is said that some people eat to live, others live to eat. I find myself more in the second category. Maybe that’s why I am sensitive to fasting. Perhaps my disinclination also stems from how some people in seminary rubbed me the wrong way by making their Lenten-driven dietary choices the topic of EVERY conversation. Frankly, it made me want to make bad food choices and eat the food in front of them. I even wrote this joke: If you are organizing a seminary dinner party for 100 people, but two are fasting for Lent, how can tell? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you!
I am also sensitive to where many in the congregation are in regards to eating – many have involuntary dietary restrictions (no salt, no sugar, no gluten, no lactose, no cholesterol, low carb, no eating after 6 pm, no nuts, eggs or soy). I have a hard time telling people that, in addition to their medically-required fasting list, if they really loved Jesus they’d give up caffeine for Lent. Besides, I should practice what I preach; if I told others to give up caffeine, then so should I. But, without caffeine, I’d also have to give up writing a weekly Reflection and preaching at 8 a.m. I’m not saying the true Rector of All Angels is coffee; but, it certainly helps fuel this priest in doing what I do.
Let’s take a look at fasting in a more spiritual light. What if our Lenten practice this season was to fast from beating ourselves up for our diet. To fast from wishing our body was less curvy, or more curvy. To fast from thinking we are not good enough, or smart enough, or strong enough, or young enough. What if we gave that up that stuff for Lent? What if we feasted on the belief that we are made in God’s image; what if for the next forty days we indulged on God’s love for us. Now that is a spiritual practice that I invite you to observe to make this a holy Lent.
-Rev. Dave
Something Borrowed Something Blue
February 9, 2023
Remember the season of Advent? It is the four weeks leading up to (my favorite season) of Christmas. The Church has the choice of two colors for Advent; either purple or blue. Some churches, who choose purple, treat Advent like it is a mini-Lent which means they focus on penitence, fasting and the heavy weight of sin as a precursor to Christmas. That’s not All Angels. We participate in Advent as its own, special celebratory season with its own color of blue.
As I wrote to you in the season of Advent, the color blue means waiting and anticipation. It is the middle color between light and darkness. It is said that the night sky leading up to the celebration of Christmas is not actually black but dark, dark blue. It was upon this backdrop that the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary. It is during this color of night that Joseph had a dream in which the Angel of the Lord told him to marry Mary. It is this color of night that the shepherds saw the heavenly host of angels sing and proclaim the greatness of God in the birth of the Christ child. It is this color in which we wait, with anticipation, of the return of Christ.
And we’re still waiting. Advent is our perpetual season until Jesus returns to the earth in glory and triumph and reconciles all to himself. The devastating earthquake in Turkey and India this past week shows we’re still waiting. The divisiveness in our country shows we’re still waiting. Advent reminds us, however, that we do not wait alone nor in vain. God is always, always with us. In every season and time, God’s presence is in us and runs through us. We also believe in a better day when, in the fullness of time, all things are put in subjection under Christ.
This past Advent, we received a gift of a new blue altar cover and a new priest’s stole. The original set did not match the rest of our seasonal covers and, frankly, had run its course and was showing its age. However, as the old wedding line goes, something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. The old blue altar cover has been turned into something new. Thanks to a loving gift to the church, we have transformed the center piece of the altar cover into a beautiful, framed hanging that will perpetually be on display next to the lectern. It is a way for us to borrow memories from the past while looking with anticipation to the future.
It is highly appropriate that we dedicate our new art work during the season of Epiphany – the season of light, new understanding, and joy – and during the New to You Art Sale! There are times I simply marvel at God’s timing. Many thanks to the generous donor family who made this possible; many thanks to Jan Webb and Daphne Walker for the vision and dedication to see the project through; and many, many blessings to God for setting aside our beautiful church to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the Church.
-Rev. Dave
As I wrote to you in the season of Advent, the color blue means waiting and anticipation. It is the middle color between light and darkness. It is said that the night sky leading up to the celebration of Christmas is not actually black but dark, dark blue. It was upon this backdrop that the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary. It is during this color of night that Joseph had a dream in which the Angel of the Lord told him to marry Mary. It is this color of night that the shepherds saw the heavenly host of angels sing and proclaim the greatness of God in the birth of the Christ child. It is this color in which we wait, with anticipation, of the return of Christ.
And we’re still waiting. Advent is our perpetual season until Jesus returns to the earth in glory and triumph and reconciles all to himself. The devastating earthquake in Turkey and India this past week shows we’re still waiting. The divisiveness in our country shows we’re still waiting. Advent reminds us, however, that we do not wait alone nor in vain. God is always, always with us. In every season and time, God’s presence is in us and runs through us. We also believe in a better day when, in the fullness of time, all things are put in subjection under Christ.
This past Advent, we received a gift of a new blue altar cover and a new priest’s stole. The original set did not match the rest of our seasonal covers and, frankly, had run its course and was showing its age. However, as the old wedding line goes, something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. The old blue altar cover has been turned into something new. Thanks to a loving gift to the church, we have transformed the center piece of the altar cover into a beautiful, framed hanging that will perpetually be on display next to the lectern. It is a way for us to borrow memories from the past while looking with anticipation to the future.
It is highly appropriate that we dedicate our new art work during the season of Epiphany – the season of light, new understanding, and joy – and during the New to You Art Sale! There are times I simply marvel at God’s timing. Many thanks to the generous donor family who made this possible; many thanks to Jan Webb and Daphne Walker for the vision and dedication to see the project through; and many, many blessings to God for setting aside our beautiful church to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the Church.
-Rev. Dave
Human Encounter
February 2, 2023
One of Ethan and Elijah’s favorite children’s books was Humphrey, the Lost Whale: A True Story, by Richard Hall and Wendy Tokuda. In 1985, a migrating humpback whale mistakenly entered San Francisco Bay and swam sixty-four miles up the Sacramento River. The fresh water environment cannot support a 40-foot whale and, after a few days, physical distress was showing on the mammal including graying skin and listless behavior; he appeared to be dying. With the assistance of numerous fish and wildlife agencies, the U.S. Navy, the Army’s 481st Transportation Company, and hundreds of spectators lining the river, Humphrey, as the whale was named, finally made it back to the Bay and entered the ocean under the Golden Gate bridge.
To a much smaller degree, a similar effort was made this past week to free a lone young dolphin who accidentally took a wrong turn into Allen’s Creek in Clearwater and couldn’t find his was back out. A team of 28 marine biologists from various agencies came to the rescue. This past Friday, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's rescue team joined with its partners at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Management and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to create a human chain to coax the wayward dolphin back to the safety of open waters. The dolphin was first sighted in the first week of January. It was stuck behind a short, tight bridge that the dolphin didn’t want to go back through.
A plan was conceived of how to save this dolphin – a human wall of people will be used to shepherd the mammal to open water. 28 people in wetsuits, standing shoulder to shoulder, created a man-made barrier. Moving at slow, steady pace, they began to walk the dolphin back to the bridge. At each obstacle – an overhanging tree or a dock – the team would mold themselves around and keep the line unbroken. A rowboat kept watch from behind the line to tell the team when the dolphin was swimming near to make sure there were no avenues to escape. The spotter said, "As we were getting closer to the bridge, the dolphin made a quick turnaround toward the line and, for a second, we were worried that maybe he had broken through, but actually, after the quick turnaround, as we looked through the bridge, we could see him displacing water; and then, just on the other side the bridge, we saw his dorsal fin come up." At that point, the biologists began cheering and applauding.
The Gospel lesson for this Sunday highlights this phrase from Jesus: you are the light of the world. How we live that light out can be in many, many different ways. Some would consider being the light as helping someone to find faith in God. Others would see the light as being environmental stewards. And yet others live out the “light” by donating or buying art at our New to You Art Sale. Regardless of how we live it out, I receive the light of hope through stories of human cooperation in helping a different species find their way home. To me, that too is the being the light of the world.
-Rev. Dave
To a much smaller degree, a similar effort was made this past week to free a lone young dolphin who accidentally took a wrong turn into Allen’s Creek in Clearwater and couldn’t find his was back out. A team of 28 marine biologists from various agencies came to the rescue. This past Friday, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's rescue team joined with its partners at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Management and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to create a human chain to coax the wayward dolphin back to the safety of open waters. The dolphin was first sighted in the first week of January. It was stuck behind a short, tight bridge that the dolphin didn’t want to go back through.
A plan was conceived of how to save this dolphin – a human wall of people will be used to shepherd the mammal to open water. 28 people in wetsuits, standing shoulder to shoulder, created a man-made barrier. Moving at slow, steady pace, they began to walk the dolphin back to the bridge. At each obstacle – an overhanging tree or a dock – the team would mold themselves around and keep the line unbroken. A rowboat kept watch from behind the line to tell the team when the dolphin was swimming near to make sure there were no avenues to escape. The spotter said, "As we were getting closer to the bridge, the dolphin made a quick turnaround toward the line and, for a second, we were worried that maybe he had broken through, but actually, after the quick turnaround, as we looked through the bridge, we could see him displacing water; and then, just on the other side the bridge, we saw his dorsal fin come up." At that point, the biologists began cheering and applauding.
The Gospel lesson for this Sunday highlights this phrase from Jesus: you are the light of the world. How we live that light out can be in many, many different ways. Some would consider being the light as helping someone to find faith in God. Others would see the light as being environmental stewards. And yet others live out the “light” by donating or buying art at our New to You Art Sale. Regardless of how we live it out, I receive the light of hope through stories of human cooperation in helping a different species find their way home. To me, that too is the being the light of the world.
-Rev. Dave
Dealing with Disappointments
January 26, 2023
The discussion group topic this week was about dealing with disappointments. The author of our article, Jonathan Tran, professor of theological ethics at Baylor, wrote the following: we have rituals for mourning death but not for dealing with disappointment. To that point, I’d have to disagree with the professor. The chaplaincy corps of the V.A. Hospital system helps veterans with disappointment. From those I know in recovery, they have found that Alcoholics Anonymous meetings help the folks gathered at each meeting to work through disappointments (instead of turning to alcohol). Author Jane Austen is quoted with the belief that “friendship is the finest balm to help with disappointed love.” Our discussion groups also help one another work through life’s disappointments and let downs too. Nevertheless, perhaps our society could do more to deal with disappointment instead of trying to shrug it off — which minimizes our own sovereignty and pain — or blame it on someone else — which can lead to hate.
One way to deal with disappoint can be found looking backward in time, in a different region than our own, and with a different system of religion than that of western orthodox Christianity. Let us take a look at the Inca religion in Peru from the 1300’s. With long-standing worship of the sun, moon and celestial bodies, the Inca had a deep connection with the land and with the animals of the earth. The worship connection point of the sky, earth and animals are found at various places, or Huacas, around Peru. The most famous is the “hitching post of the sun” at the highest point of Machu Picchu. In the region, it is said there are 328 Huacas which are natural features such as mountain peaks, rivers, springs, caves and even peculiar shaped stones. Some consider these areas to be shrines – areas of worship and sacrifice – that are still used today; although in significantly muted ways than from the past. One such act that still occurs at the Huacas has to do with dealing with disappointments.
Disappointments can range from not getting a promotion at work, or recognition of a job well done, or from interpersonal disappoints from friendship or romantic entanglements. One of the most difficult to deal with, however, is being disappointed by children, by parents, and our own expectations of God. The Incas also struggled with those. Imagine living high on a rocky outcrop and carefully planting crops along narrow channels and valleys; only to have God turn his back and not send the rain needed to support the expected harvest. That is certainly cause for disappointment.
The Incas have a ritual of dealing with disappointments that involves llamas – a significant spiritual animal to the life and religion of the people. They would take a still-born llama, bring it to a Huaca, and offer it as a symbol of individual disappointments and communal disappointments, as well as disappointment with the Creator. As the ritual goes on, it is lovingly wrapped and decorated. The purpose of the beautification ritual of the still-born llama is to show life still has meaning and importance; although different from what was hoped.
There are two things that I never plan on doing at All Angels – snake handling and the Inca ritual just described. I hope that doesn’t disappoint; but, it is not a part of our tradition. However, the Holy Spirit, which is the Source of Unity among all believers, is the comforting balm of love in friendship that helps us with our greatest disappointments. Being a place of worship, fellowship, discussion, and prayer, we have a place; our own Huaca if you will; where we can bring our hurts, our sorrows, our disappointments, wrap them up and share them with God to find peace and new life.
-Rev. Dave
One way to deal with disappoint can be found looking backward in time, in a different region than our own, and with a different system of religion than that of western orthodox Christianity. Let us take a look at the Inca religion in Peru from the 1300’s. With long-standing worship of the sun, moon and celestial bodies, the Inca had a deep connection with the land and with the animals of the earth. The worship connection point of the sky, earth and animals are found at various places, or Huacas, around Peru. The most famous is the “hitching post of the sun” at the highest point of Machu Picchu. In the region, it is said there are 328 Huacas which are natural features such as mountain peaks, rivers, springs, caves and even peculiar shaped stones. Some consider these areas to be shrines – areas of worship and sacrifice – that are still used today; although in significantly muted ways than from the past. One such act that still occurs at the Huacas has to do with dealing with disappointments.
Disappointments can range from not getting a promotion at work, or recognition of a job well done, or from interpersonal disappoints from friendship or romantic entanglements. One of the most difficult to deal with, however, is being disappointed by children, by parents, and our own expectations of God. The Incas also struggled with those. Imagine living high on a rocky outcrop and carefully planting crops along narrow channels and valleys; only to have God turn his back and not send the rain needed to support the expected harvest. That is certainly cause for disappointment.
The Incas have a ritual of dealing with disappointments that involves llamas – a significant spiritual animal to the life and religion of the people. They would take a still-born llama, bring it to a Huaca, and offer it as a symbol of individual disappointments and communal disappointments, as well as disappointment with the Creator. As the ritual goes on, it is lovingly wrapped and decorated. The purpose of the beautification ritual of the still-born llama is to show life still has meaning and importance; although different from what was hoped.
There are two things that I never plan on doing at All Angels – snake handling and the Inca ritual just described. I hope that doesn’t disappoint; but, it is not a part of our tradition. However, the Holy Spirit, which is the Source of Unity among all believers, is the comforting balm of love in friendship that helps us with our greatest disappointments. Being a place of worship, fellowship, discussion, and prayer, we have a place; our own Huaca if you will; where we can bring our hurts, our sorrows, our disappointments, wrap them up and share them with God to find peace and new life.
-Rev. Dave
Church Relationships
January 19, 2023
David Stasney and I were trading stories about parishioners whom we love but see no longer. His original choir has only one member left on this side of heaven. A part of being a in a church relationship is that eventually we will say goodbye to friends. Church relationships are different than most other friendships. For instance, if you have a tennis club friend, or someone you play golf with a couple times a month, and they pass away, it’s different than a church relationship. Mourning their death happens differently, or, perhaps not at all. I have heard some stories that when a fellow club member passed away, that only a comment or two about how the person was missed were said the next time the players turned out for the sport. It’s not that the relationship was not strong or genuine, it is just built differently with no obvious avenue for expressing grief and loss.
Church relationships are different because a central focus of church life is recognizing that death is an unescapable reality but also celebrating the belief that death is not the end of the story. The Church has ways and means of celebrating one’s life, of saying goodbye, of finding meaning in loss, and holding onto the hope of life everlasting. We also have the ability to talk about grief and loss in a safe environment with others who have been, or are currently, going through it. Lastly, church relationships have a connection with one’s family. For instance, we are going to celebrate Jane Perin’s life on March 11th. Her family picked that date because it is during Spring Break when her extended family can be on Longboat at the same time. For those of us who will be at the celebration, we will remember her together but also see her life reflected in her family. This makes church relationships different than that of a car club or bowling league – often we get to see someone’s family during a time when we are expressing both grief and hope.
A friend and parishioner of mine from Saint John’s Chula Vista passed away last week. His name is Dean Peters. He was one of the first people I met at the parish and he helped me through the duration of my pastorate there. Although you have not met Dean, I’d say that you, in a church-relationship way, know him well. He was always the first robed and ready to serve at the altar. You could count on Dean to be there – Good Friday, All Saint’s Sunday, and any random service in the summer month of August; he’d be there, robed and ready to serve. Dean could light the candles, he could set the altar (his wife Rose was a fixture on the Altar Guild), he could read the lessons at the drop of a hat, he could turn off the alarm, open the doors, clean any sort of mess that might happen and, on several occasions when I was under the weather, he told me he could preach. Although you have never met him, I think, because of church relationships, you know Dean.
A friend of All Angels, Brian Rushton, has passed away. He and Jean were living in Plymouth Harbor but relocated to Tennessee to be near their two daughters. Of the many conversations I had with him, Brian will always be to me a kind and sincere man who has a great amount of love in his heart; in particular for the mission of the YMCA and all that they do for the communities they serve. The relationship we have with Brian is a unique, church-based relationship. He was instrumental in his work on the Vestry and in particular the creation of our columbarium. Being a church relationship, there will be a time in the near future when his remains will be placed in the very garden he helped to create.
Our prayers of the people always include remembrances for those for whom we love but see no longer. As one church member put it, “those for whom we love but see no longer, temporarily.” Ultimately, what makes a church relationship stand out is the hope and promise from God that we will be with our Creator and all those for whom we love. Although we miss Brian and Jane; and those at Saint John’s miss Dean; we continue with our church relationship that holds fast to the hope that we will all see each other again.
-Rev. Dave
Church relationships are different because a central focus of church life is recognizing that death is an unescapable reality but also celebrating the belief that death is not the end of the story. The Church has ways and means of celebrating one’s life, of saying goodbye, of finding meaning in loss, and holding onto the hope of life everlasting. We also have the ability to talk about grief and loss in a safe environment with others who have been, or are currently, going through it. Lastly, church relationships have a connection with one’s family. For instance, we are going to celebrate Jane Perin’s life on March 11th. Her family picked that date because it is during Spring Break when her extended family can be on Longboat at the same time. For those of us who will be at the celebration, we will remember her together but also see her life reflected in her family. This makes church relationships different than that of a car club or bowling league – often we get to see someone’s family during a time when we are expressing both grief and hope.
A friend and parishioner of mine from Saint John’s Chula Vista passed away last week. His name is Dean Peters. He was one of the first people I met at the parish and he helped me through the duration of my pastorate there. Although you have not met Dean, I’d say that you, in a church-relationship way, know him well. He was always the first robed and ready to serve at the altar. You could count on Dean to be there – Good Friday, All Saint’s Sunday, and any random service in the summer month of August; he’d be there, robed and ready to serve. Dean could light the candles, he could set the altar (his wife Rose was a fixture on the Altar Guild), he could read the lessons at the drop of a hat, he could turn off the alarm, open the doors, clean any sort of mess that might happen and, on several occasions when I was under the weather, he told me he could preach. Although you have never met him, I think, because of church relationships, you know Dean.
A friend of All Angels, Brian Rushton, has passed away. He and Jean were living in Plymouth Harbor but relocated to Tennessee to be near their two daughters. Of the many conversations I had with him, Brian will always be to me a kind and sincere man who has a great amount of love in his heart; in particular for the mission of the YMCA and all that they do for the communities they serve. The relationship we have with Brian is a unique, church-based relationship. He was instrumental in his work on the Vestry and in particular the creation of our columbarium. Being a church relationship, there will be a time in the near future when his remains will be placed in the very garden he helped to create.
Our prayers of the people always include remembrances for those for whom we love but see no longer. As one church member put it, “those for whom we love but see no longer, temporarily.” Ultimately, what makes a church relationship stand out is the hope and promise from God that we will be with our Creator and all those for whom we love. Although we miss Brian and Jane; and those at Saint John’s miss Dean; we continue with our church relationship that holds fast to the hope that we will all see each other again.
-Rev. Dave
Remain
January 12, 2023
John the Baptist said this about Jesus: “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on Jesus. The One who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’”
This past Sunday, I focused on the phrase, “like a dove”; this week, I am pondering one word, “remain”. That word stuck out to me a couple of weeks ago when I read this passage with my friend Fr. Alex Andujar during our Bridge Between podcast. Remain. What does it mean to remain, and, in particular, what does it mean for the Holy Spirit to remain upon Jesus?
I think that John saw the Holy Spirit descend upon many people; but, only on one person did the Spirit remain. Over the years, I have been getting a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit in my life and in the life of the church. I can feel the Spirit arrive and intensify. I can also sense when the Holy Spirit is absent, which is a particularly hollow feeling especially when I felt it inside of a church. In converse, many who walk onto the campus of All Angels feel something. I’d say it’s the Holy Spirit. Others believe it is the presence of angels. I agree with that too. They are not mutually opposed, and, in ways that none of us can comprehend, angels and the Holy Spirit are One.
In Greek – the original language of the New Testament – and in Hebrew, the word “spirit” has many meanings. It can mean life, breath and animation; it can be something one puts into a drink or something one feels for their school or sports team. All of those examples can expire – they can come and go. Life, breath, a martini, enthusiasm for a school or team – all of those can arrive and be extinguished. Yet, what came upon Jesus remained.
The account of John was written in Greek. The verb, to remain, was written in a Greek tense we do not have in English. Called the aorist tense, it is an action that has happened, is still happening, and will happen. The phrase, “Those who call upon the Lord will be saved,” the verb, “saved”, is aorist. The only way to write it in English is as follows: Those who call upon the Lord have been saved, are saved, will be saved. As such, the Spirit descended upon Jesus, like a dove, and on him it has remained, is remaining, will remain.
What gives me comfort is that on Jesus the Spirit has/is/will remain. There are so few things that remain. For instance, the stock market had a bad year but it won’t remain bad (and when it gets better it won’t remain better either). Scripture tells us there is a time for war and a time for peace, a time to build up and a time to break down. Things come and go, things go up and go down; but, on Jesus the Spirit remained/remains/will remain.
The Spirit, to me, is unity, peace, love and joy. When I imagine Jesus, on him, I see unity remaining. I see peace with him remaining. I see joy with him remaining. Scripture tells us that although things come and go, and that there is a time for everything under the sun, we are also told that love never ends. Never. Love, as a verb, is also aorist. We are loved, we have love, we will be loved. The One on who the Holy Spirit remains is the one who gives us love. On each of us, as things come and go in our life, we hold to the faith and hope that love has remained, is remaining, and will remain.
-Rev. Dave
This past Sunday, I focused on the phrase, “like a dove”; this week, I am pondering one word, “remain”. That word stuck out to me a couple of weeks ago when I read this passage with my friend Fr. Alex Andujar during our Bridge Between podcast. Remain. What does it mean to remain, and, in particular, what does it mean for the Holy Spirit to remain upon Jesus?
I think that John saw the Holy Spirit descend upon many people; but, only on one person did the Spirit remain. Over the years, I have been getting a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit in my life and in the life of the church. I can feel the Spirit arrive and intensify. I can also sense when the Holy Spirit is absent, which is a particularly hollow feeling especially when I felt it inside of a church. In converse, many who walk onto the campus of All Angels feel something. I’d say it’s the Holy Spirit. Others believe it is the presence of angels. I agree with that too. They are not mutually opposed, and, in ways that none of us can comprehend, angels and the Holy Spirit are One.
In Greek – the original language of the New Testament – and in Hebrew, the word “spirit” has many meanings. It can mean life, breath and animation; it can be something one puts into a drink or something one feels for their school or sports team. All of those examples can expire – they can come and go. Life, breath, a martini, enthusiasm for a school or team – all of those can arrive and be extinguished. Yet, what came upon Jesus remained.
The account of John was written in Greek. The verb, to remain, was written in a Greek tense we do not have in English. Called the aorist tense, it is an action that has happened, is still happening, and will happen. The phrase, “Those who call upon the Lord will be saved,” the verb, “saved”, is aorist. The only way to write it in English is as follows: Those who call upon the Lord have been saved, are saved, will be saved. As such, the Spirit descended upon Jesus, like a dove, and on him it has remained, is remaining, will remain.
What gives me comfort is that on Jesus the Spirit has/is/will remain. There are so few things that remain. For instance, the stock market had a bad year but it won’t remain bad (and when it gets better it won’t remain better either). Scripture tells us there is a time for war and a time for peace, a time to build up and a time to break down. Things come and go, things go up and go down; but, on Jesus the Spirit remained/remains/will remain.
The Spirit, to me, is unity, peace, love and joy. When I imagine Jesus, on him, I see unity remaining. I see peace with him remaining. I see joy with him remaining. Scripture tells us that although things come and go, and that there is a time for everything under the sun, we are also told that love never ends. Never. Love, as a verb, is also aorist. We are loved, we have love, we will be loved. The One on who the Holy Spirit remains is the one who gives us love. On each of us, as things come and go in our life, we hold to the faith and hope that love has remained, is remaining, and will remain.
-Rev. Dave
Membership
January 5, 2023
This Sunday we are celebrating the baptism of our Lord. Baptism is the entrance to membership in the one holy, universal, and apostolic Church. Jesus was baptized around the year 29, by the year 50, the Church was practicing membership through the waters of baptism. And now, 1,973 years later, baptism is still the way into Church membership. We believe and practice the following Nicene orthodoxy: “we acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.” That is why we don’t get baptized every year or every time someone joins All Angels. We believe in one baptism. But, there are Christian churches that baptize new members regardless of being baptized before. Acknowledging one baptism doesn’t necessarily mean we should disregard other church traditions that baptize often. In fact, I had a parishioner that was baptized as an infant, then join the Mormon Church and was baptized in their tradition, and later came back to the Episcopal Church and was baptized again. The priest who baptized her the third time did so because he wanted to “wash off” all that had happened in the other church tradition. Yet, he also recognized her first baptism as The Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. If you are confused, you are not alone.
There is one thing, however, that is not confusing, and that is how to become a member of All Angels. Our bi-laws state that membership comes down to two things – attendance and generosity. The bi-laws do not state how often one should attend or how much one should give. That is entirely up to the member. And nowadays, we recognize attendance as participating on-line too. Some folks attend every week in person, others attend every week on-line, others attend when they are on the island, others just a couple of times a year; and, every member gives as they are able. Regardless of frequency and amount, all are members.
This Sunday we are having a Newcomers Welcome. At the welcome event, I will highlight the path to membership – attendance and generosity. To make it easier, we have two simple forms, one to put you into the system the other is an offering card. In addition, there are two sign-up sheets – one to put you onto the Tidings email list the other is to get a name tag. Membership does not mean one must sign up for the Tidings or a name tag. Those two things make participation better, but, it is not required.
Did you notice that our bi-laws did not mention anything about baptism? One thought on this is that it was assumed, back in the late 1970s when the bi-laws were created, that anyone joining All Angels was already baptized. We are not the typical church with infants, children, Sunday School, a youth group, and all the rest. We also do not participate in formal, 20th century, evangelization techniques that go door to door asking for people to consider attending. This is a church where people, usually beyond the age of childrearing, attend when on the Key. But, my gut says there is something else at play here. I think the bi-laws were intended to make a simple outline of membership so that the Rector can have one-on-one discussions with new members about baptism. If you would like to talk about baptism, you can see me after church, or sign up on the calendar for an appointment, or email me, dave@allangelslbk.org, or call me, my cell is 941-704-2131.
One last thing about membership – we at All Angels believe that one can belong to more than one church. In fact, we believe Jesus has one Church with a whole bunch of locations around the globe. Our baptism brings us into membership with the one holy apostolic Church. If you’d like to be a part of All Angels, I invite you to follow what the prayer book says, “Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his name; bring offerings and come into his courts.”
-Rev. Dave
There is one thing, however, that is not confusing, and that is how to become a member of All Angels. Our bi-laws state that membership comes down to two things – attendance and generosity. The bi-laws do not state how often one should attend or how much one should give. That is entirely up to the member. And nowadays, we recognize attendance as participating on-line too. Some folks attend every week in person, others attend every week on-line, others attend when they are on the island, others just a couple of times a year; and, every member gives as they are able. Regardless of frequency and amount, all are members.
This Sunday we are having a Newcomers Welcome. At the welcome event, I will highlight the path to membership – attendance and generosity. To make it easier, we have two simple forms, one to put you into the system the other is an offering card. In addition, there are two sign-up sheets – one to put you onto the Tidings email list the other is to get a name tag. Membership does not mean one must sign up for the Tidings or a name tag. Those two things make participation better, but, it is not required.
Did you notice that our bi-laws did not mention anything about baptism? One thought on this is that it was assumed, back in the late 1970s when the bi-laws were created, that anyone joining All Angels was already baptized. We are not the typical church with infants, children, Sunday School, a youth group, and all the rest. We also do not participate in formal, 20th century, evangelization techniques that go door to door asking for people to consider attending. This is a church where people, usually beyond the age of childrearing, attend when on the Key. But, my gut says there is something else at play here. I think the bi-laws were intended to make a simple outline of membership so that the Rector can have one-on-one discussions with new members about baptism. If you would like to talk about baptism, you can see me after church, or sign up on the calendar for an appointment, or email me, dave@allangelslbk.org, or call me, my cell is 941-704-2131.
One last thing about membership – we at All Angels believe that one can belong to more than one church. In fact, we believe Jesus has one Church with a whole bunch of locations around the globe. Our baptism brings us into membership with the one holy apostolic Church. If you’d like to be a part of All Angels, I invite you to follow what the prayer book says, “Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his name; bring offerings and come into his courts.”
-Rev. Dave
Flexible
December 29, 2022
On Saturday, September 24, we consecrated our new bishop, Doug Scharf, as co-adjutor of the diocese with Bishop Dabney Smith. 21 days later, we were supposed to have our annual Diocesan Convention with Bishops Doug and Dabney co-leading. And then, on December 10th, we were supposed to induct Bishop Scharf as our adjutor (diocesan bishop) and celebrate Dabney’s retirement. However, eleven days after Doug’s consecration, Hurricane Ian came through. (The silver lining is that we needed two bishops at that time – one to handle the office work and fundraising for damage and the other to visit the congregations and provide pastoral support.) The convention was subsequently moved to the induction service at the cathedral on December 10th. However, on December 8th, Bishop Dabney contracted Covid. As such, the convention happened but the induction did not. Summarizing the busy, and bumpy start to his episcopate in his homily to the diocese, Bishop Doug said, “The Spirit is saying this to the Church: be flexible.” The church leaders and clergy responded with spontaneous amens and applause (not normally witnessed during Episcopal Eucharistic Diocesan functions). While it is true that the Church in the 21st century needs to be forward thinking; what we have gone through in the past three years has also underscored the Spirit’s command; we must be flexible.
All Angels has come through these past few years with what many in the Church world would call success. In addition to the most important thing – the Grace of God – All Angels has three aspects that made us who we are today – excellent, visionary and practical lay leadership, resources from a generous congregation, and a flexible rector. Bishop Dabney said this to me at the start of the pandemic lockdown: in the future, some of our churches will look back at the pandemic and rejoice in their growth. The churches that rejoice are the ones who take advantage of the new ways of acting during the pandemic and how they can grow. Although I am not necessarily at the rejoicing stage, I can see that time coming. We as a parish and as a leadership group have taken advantage of what we have been handed. Most of all, we have been blessed, richly, by God.
Sandy Wood has submitted a thoughtful treasurer’s report. Our income is above expectation and our expenses are a little lower than expected. It is a wonderful report to hear. She believes it is our communication that has, and is, making a difference. Communication is a team effort – spurred on by Maria and Linn as well as Sandy – it is electronic, in person, over the phone and online, and it can only be practiced, not perfected. Communication happens primarily with those in the pews and our lay leadership. We have been flexible in our communication with one another and flexible with our expectations.
In November, we had our first-ever Fall Fling (originally scheduled for October, it too was disrupted by the hurricane). The Most Important Thing of it is that we were gathered as a community and talked. Fellowship time has resumed with a bang. Often, we have people talking an hour after the service has concluded. This isn’t an eat-a-cookie-and-go affair. For many people, we are taking the time to get to know one another. In other words, communication. We participated in three other community building events – Veteran’s Day, Interfaith Thanksgiving, and Pet Blessing. It seems that the whole island is ready to get to communicating with one another.
The music ministry is off to a great new year. Participation is up and David Stasney has invited musicians to accompany the musical offerings. I expect with excitement that participation and diversity of instrumentation will continue in 2023. We have distributed funds according to the scheduled provided by the Outreach Commission and we are making an impact in our community. All Angels now has a Pet Memorial garden. This is an important ministry for both our congregation and for those living on Longboat. I am excited about this direction and the new year.
I give thanks for you all and for All Angels. May God continue to strengthen and bless us and may the Spirit of the Lord continue to show us how to bring the Living Christ to those inside and outside the Church. And may we remain flexible to take advantage of what the Spirit, and the world, has given us.
-Rev. Dave
All Angels has come through these past few years with what many in the Church world would call success. In addition to the most important thing – the Grace of God – All Angels has three aspects that made us who we are today – excellent, visionary and practical lay leadership, resources from a generous congregation, and a flexible rector. Bishop Dabney said this to me at the start of the pandemic lockdown: in the future, some of our churches will look back at the pandemic and rejoice in their growth. The churches that rejoice are the ones who take advantage of the new ways of acting during the pandemic and how they can grow. Although I am not necessarily at the rejoicing stage, I can see that time coming. We as a parish and as a leadership group have taken advantage of what we have been handed. Most of all, we have been blessed, richly, by God.
Sandy Wood has submitted a thoughtful treasurer’s report. Our income is above expectation and our expenses are a little lower than expected. It is a wonderful report to hear. She believes it is our communication that has, and is, making a difference. Communication is a team effort – spurred on by Maria and Linn as well as Sandy – it is electronic, in person, over the phone and online, and it can only be practiced, not perfected. Communication happens primarily with those in the pews and our lay leadership. We have been flexible in our communication with one another and flexible with our expectations.
In November, we had our first-ever Fall Fling (originally scheduled for October, it too was disrupted by the hurricane). The Most Important Thing of it is that we were gathered as a community and talked. Fellowship time has resumed with a bang. Often, we have people talking an hour after the service has concluded. This isn’t an eat-a-cookie-and-go affair. For many people, we are taking the time to get to know one another. In other words, communication. We participated in three other community building events – Veteran’s Day, Interfaith Thanksgiving, and Pet Blessing. It seems that the whole island is ready to get to communicating with one another.
The music ministry is off to a great new year. Participation is up and David Stasney has invited musicians to accompany the musical offerings. I expect with excitement that participation and diversity of instrumentation will continue in 2023. We have distributed funds according to the scheduled provided by the Outreach Commission and we are making an impact in our community. All Angels now has a Pet Memorial garden. This is an important ministry for both our congregation and for those living on Longboat. I am excited about this direction and the new year.
I give thanks for you all and for All Angels. May God continue to strengthen and bless us and may the Spirit of the Lord continue to show us how to bring the Living Christ to those inside and outside the Church. And may we remain flexible to take advantage of what the Spirit, and the world, has given us.
-Rev. Dave
A Host
December 22, 2022
I think we all know English is a difficult language. How difficult it is, however, became clear to me when we adopted our two daughters. My Russian tutor said this (with a heavy accent), “English; it has twice as many words as Russian, but it is half as specific.” Alas, it is true; we like words and we keep adding more and more words; and we like to take old words and add new meaning to them. Trying to teach this to kids made me acutely aware of how much patience it takes to learn.
Take for example the word “host”. It seems like a simple, straightforward word to me until I started doing biblical research on angels. A “host” is someone who welcomes others into their home, or, they entertain others, or both. But, an anchor of a news program is also a host yet they typically don’t welcome guests or see themselves as an entertainer. Los Angeles was host to the 1984 Summer Olympics. A person who has received transplanted tissue is a host. Lastly, my computer is host to the Zoom and YouTube broadcast of our service. In the animal world, a host is an animal or plant in which another organism depends upon. And, as we watched with Covid-19, a host can be a living cell in which a virus multiplies. So, a host can be a person, a city, a computer, a cell, or plant or animal.
But wait, there’s more; a whole host more. Nevertheless, for the purposes of this Reflection, I will host to two more hosts. For those who know churchy words, the bread that I lift up during the celebration of communion is called… you got it, the host. Lastly, like a flock of seagulls, a fold of sheep, and a school of fish, a gathering of angels is… a host.
This is the season when many host family and friends for the holidays. My mom is staying with us this Christmas so we get to host her. How does that fit with communion bread – The Host – and a host of angels?
If I can come up with one common thread of the myriad of meanings in the word host, it is this: sharing. To host someone is to share – whether it is opening one’s home to guests, facilitating a meeting, supporting the Olympics, a computer that delivers our worship service on-line, and even on the cellular level; it’s all about sharing. The purpose of communion bread is to break and share with others. But what about angels? How is a-host-of-angels about sharing?
In the Letter to the Hebrews, the author reminded us to remember to “open our homes to guests because by doing this, some of been hosts to angels without knowing it.” (13:2) In other words, some hosts have hosted the heavenly host unaware.
The heavenly host of angels shared good news for all the world that to us a savior is born, a child is given, who is the Prince of Peace. It seems to me that by sharing during the Christmas season we will be host to a whole host of good tidings; some perhaps without even knowing they are hosting a host of angels. Like learning and teaching English, sharing takes practice and patience; but this patience is rewarded with hosting family, friends, and, maybe even angels.
-Rev. Dave
Take for example the word “host”. It seems like a simple, straightforward word to me until I started doing biblical research on angels. A “host” is someone who welcomes others into their home, or, they entertain others, or both. But, an anchor of a news program is also a host yet they typically don’t welcome guests or see themselves as an entertainer. Los Angeles was host to the 1984 Summer Olympics. A person who has received transplanted tissue is a host. Lastly, my computer is host to the Zoom and YouTube broadcast of our service. In the animal world, a host is an animal or plant in which another organism depends upon. And, as we watched with Covid-19, a host can be a living cell in which a virus multiplies. So, a host can be a person, a city, a computer, a cell, or plant or animal.
But wait, there’s more; a whole host more. Nevertheless, for the purposes of this Reflection, I will host to two more hosts. For those who know churchy words, the bread that I lift up during the celebration of communion is called… you got it, the host. Lastly, like a flock of seagulls, a fold of sheep, and a school of fish, a gathering of angels is… a host.
This is the season when many host family and friends for the holidays. My mom is staying with us this Christmas so we get to host her. How does that fit with communion bread – The Host – and a host of angels?
If I can come up with one common thread of the myriad of meanings in the word host, it is this: sharing. To host someone is to share – whether it is opening one’s home to guests, facilitating a meeting, supporting the Olympics, a computer that delivers our worship service on-line, and even on the cellular level; it’s all about sharing. The purpose of communion bread is to break and share with others. But what about angels? How is a-host-of-angels about sharing?
In the Letter to the Hebrews, the author reminded us to remember to “open our homes to guests because by doing this, some of been hosts to angels without knowing it.” (13:2) In other words, some hosts have hosted the heavenly host unaware.
The heavenly host of angels shared good news for all the world that to us a savior is born, a child is given, who is the Prince of Peace. It seems to me that by sharing during the Christmas season we will be host to a whole host of good tidings; some perhaps without even knowing they are hosting a host of angels. Like learning and teaching English, sharing takes practice and patience; but this patience is rewarded with hosting family, friends, and, maybe even angels.
-Rev. Dave
Christmas Angels
December 15, 2022
I have come to the conclusion that Christmas doesn’t happen unless angels are involved. Angels are in every crèche and manger scene, they are in the Bible stories, and I’d say that next to the holy family, angels are integral to Christmas. There are angels from heaven and there are angels here on earth that make Christmas happen. The focus of this Reflection is to talk about the angels on earth. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at All Angels which means people, acting like angels, are making the beauty of the season happen.
One of the great awakenings I had as an adult is understanding just how much work goes into putting on Thanksgiving and Christmas. As a child, I’d just show up. And, I am sorry to admit this, I’d show up and maybe not appreciate all the work that went into the holidays; perhaps even turning my nose up at various foods that I would love to have today. I have a deeper appreciation for the holidays more now than when I was young.
My first entrance to acting like an angel and prepping for Christmas was learning both the science and art of outdoor illumination (and gravity). The Cape Cod style house I grew up in Tacoma, Washington, was built in 1932 – back when they put in really steep roofs. In a climate that offers rooftop mold, mildew and ice; well, it pays to be careful. And yes, I know what it feels like to slip and fall off a roof. … thanks to Christmas. I have not fallen off another roof, however, so I chalk this up as a good learning lesson. The funny thing about falling, or, in my case, sliding off a roof, is that you know it’s coming. My feet started to slip and, for a moment, I was able to remain standing on my slow descent to the inevitable, but then my feet slipped out from underneath me and I landed on my backside. As I had witnessed my father do, I turned onto my belly and prepared to stop myself by putting the toes of my boots into the gutter. That didn’t work so the second phase is to grab a hold of the gutter; which I did. From there, with arms extended, it was a short drop onto the rhododendron bush. Outdoor Christmas lights have always looked more beautiful and brighter to me after that experience.
Once I survived the exterior illumination lessons, I graduated into setting up indoor decorations. My first attempt was highlighted by falling into the tree when trying to put the angel on top. Apparently, I was a clumsy child. Half-way through my fall/tackle, I realized why mom said to put the angel on first. Maybe I wasn’t the only clumsy one Marshall in the household.
The last step in learning how to do Christmas was in the kitchen. My dad made Stollen bread in huge batches that we would give out to friends and church members. An important part of the German recipe was rum-soaked raisins. My first experience in the kitchen was to help dad roll the tasty Stollen bits – candied citrus, rum-raisins, almonds – into the dough. I brushed the left-over raisins onto the floor where our helpful, handsome, and clumsy, Airedale terrier was waiting. He licked up all the goodies and then settled in for a long winter’s nap. I swear he was hungover the next morning because all he did was rest his head on the food bowl and complain that everyone was talking too loudly.
Christmas has arrived at All Angels. Many hands have helped prepare the church and campus. There is one thing, however, that I need your help with. We have a huge tree in the parish hall and two tables brimming with angel ornaments. On Sunday, you can help by taking an angel and hanging it on the tree. That way, we can have a beautifully decorated tree for the Christmas season. It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, thanks to all the angels around us who make this a special and beautiful season.
-Rev. Dave
One of the great awakenings I had as an adult is understanding just how much work goes into putting on Thanksgiving and Christmas. As a child, I’d just show up. And, I am sorry to admit this, I’d show up and maybe not appreciate all the work that went into the holidays; perhaps even turning my nose up at various foods that I would love to have today. I have a deeper appreciation for the holidays more now than when I was young.
My first entrance to acting like an angel and prepping for Christmas was learning both the science and art of outdoor illumination (and gravity). The Cape Cod style house I grew up in Tacoma, Washington, was built in 1932 – back when they put in really steep roofs. In a climate that offers rooftop mold, mildew and ice; well, it pays to be careful. And yes, I know what it feels like to slip and fall off a roof. … thanks to Christmas. I have not fallen off another roof, however, so I chalk this up as a good learning lesson. The funny thing about falling, or, in my case, sliding off a roof, is that you know it’s coming. My feet started to slip and, for a moment, I was able to remain standing on my slow descent to the inevitable, but then my feet slipped out from underneath me and I landed on my backside. As I had witnessed my father do, I turned onto my belly and prepared to stop myself by putting the toes of my boots into the gutter. That didn’t work so the second phase is to grab a hold of the gutter; which I did. From there, with arms extended, it was a short drop onto the rhododendron bush. Outdoor Christmas lights have always looked more beautiful and brighter to me after that experience.
Once I survived the exterior illumination lessons, I graduated into setting up indoor decorations. My first attempt was highlighted by falling into the tree when trying to put the angel on top. Apparently, I was a clumsy child. Half-way through my fall/tackle, I realized why mom said to put the angel on first. Maybe I wasn’t the only clumsy one Marshall in the household.
The last step in learning how to do Christmas was in the kitchen. My dad made Stollen bread in huge batches that we would give out to friends and church members. An important part of the German recipe was rum-soaked raisins. My first experience in the kitchen was to help dad roll the tasty Stollen bits – candied citrus, rum-raisins, almonds – into the dough. I brushed the left-over raisins onto the floor where our helpful, handsome, and clumsy, Airedale terrier was waiting. He licked up all the goodies and then settled in for a long winter’s nap. I swear he was hungover the next morning because all he did was rest his head on the food bowl and complain that everyone was talking too loudly.
Christmas has arrived at All Angels. Many hands have helped prepare the church and campus. There is one thing, however, that I need your help with. We have a huge tree in the parish hall and two tables brimming with angel ornaments. On Sunday, you can help by taking an angel and hanging it on the tree. That way, we can have a beautifully decorated tree for the Christmas season. It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, thanks to all the angels around us who make this a special and beautiful season.
-Rev. Dave
Advent Blue
December 8, 2022
The Church calendar is color coded. No one is really sure when the color-coding started but by the 4th century it was a common practice. In the 12th century, Pope Innocent III decreed a five-color scheme of purple, white, black, red and green. In the 21st century, All Angels has those five colors plus one – blue. In the 11th century, Sarum blue was used in the Mozarabic (Spanish) Church during Advent. Church records show an uneven use of blue in Advent in the Church of England but it wasn’t until after the Reformation that it was widely used.
You might wonder, why does a color-coded calendar matter? Over the last 2,000 years, most of Church’s parishioners were illiterate. Stained glass windows told Bible stories. Hymns and psalms were sung for both praise and for education. The Church calendar kept time, if you will, during the year. The easiest communication tool for the calendar is to use colors. Here is the color-coded legend:
White = celebration. Used for the 50-day season of Easter, the season of Epiphany (between Christmas and Lent) and other days of celebration. It is also used for weddings and funerals.
Purple = penitence. Used for the 40-day season of Lent, it is a reminder for all Christians to renounce our sins and remember the saving Grace of God.
Black = mourning; used only on Good Friday.
Green = new life. Used during the longest season – Pentecost (May until the end of November). It is also called Ordinary Time.
Red = Spirit/fire. Used only twice a year—Palm Sunday and Pentecost Sunday. Red symbolizes the Holy Spirit and the sacrifice of martyrs. It is also used for ordination services and for other celebrations like the installation of a Rector.
Blue = waiting/anticipation; it is both light and darkness. It is said that the night sky leading up to the celebration of Christmas is not actually black but dark, dark blue. It was upon this backdrop that the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary. It is during this color of night that Joseph had a dream in which the Angel of the Lord told him to marry Mary. It is this color of night that the shepherds saw the heavenly host of angels sing and proclaim the greatness of God in the birth of the Christ child. It is this color in which we wait, with anticipation, of the return of Christ.
Some churches consider Advent to be a mini-Lent. They use the four weeks as a time to remember our collective sins and to seek repentance in order to prepare for the birth of Christ. There is historicity with this practice; but, it is not required nor is it uniform. We, at All Angels, use blue. In fact, blue is our church color. Next time you are in, look at all the blue – the seats, the artwork, the (only) stain glass window. It’s our color. It also symbolizes the perpetual season of waiting and anticipation of the return of our Savior.
Despite all this history, something new has happened. All Angels has been gifted a new blue altar cover with matching veil and priestly stole. The old blue altar covering was showing its age. It will be repurposed into something beautiful for the church that will be displayed year-round. The new blue matches the same pattern we have for the other seasons and is of a very high quality so it will be at All Angels for a long time.
The anonymous donor has dedicated the set to the memory of her mother. December was a very busy month for her single-mother. She worked many hours leading up to Christmas and there were even some Christmas days where she was away from her family due to work commitments. As a child, she would wait for her mother to return from work to celebrate Christmas. It is highly appropriate for the Advent blue of All Angels to be dedicated to a hard-working mother who raised a wonderful and successful child. Advent must have been a difficult and busy time for St. Mary – the mother of Jesus. In fact, I’d say Christmas day was a work day for her too. It’s no wonder then that the perpetual color dedicated to St. Mary is also; you guessed it; blue
-Rev. Dave
You might wonder, why does a color-coded calendar matter? Over the last 2,000 years, most of Church’s parishioners were illiterate. Stained glass windows told Bible stories. Hymns and psalms were sung for both praise and for education. The Church calendar kept time, if you will, during the year. The easiest communication tool for the calendar is to use colors. Here is the color-coded legend:
White = celebration. Used for the 50-day season of Easter, the season of Epiphany (between Christmas and Lent) and other days of celebration. It is also used for weddings and funerals.
Purple = penitence. Used for the 40-day season of Lent, it is a reminder for all Christians to renounce our sins and remember the saving Grace of God.
Black = mourning; used only on Good Friday.
Green = new life. Used during the longest season – Pentecost (May until the end of November). It is also called Ordinary Time.
Red = Spirit/fire. Used only twice a year—Palm Sunday and Pentecost Sunday. Red symbolizes the Holy Spirit and the sacrifice of martyrs. It is also used for ordination services and for other celebrations like the installation of a Rector.
Blue = waiting/anticipation; it is both light and darkness. It is said that the night sky leading up to the celebration of Christmas is not actually black but dark, dark blue. It was upon this backdrop that the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary. It is during this color of night that Joseph had a dream in which the Angel of the Lord told him to marry Mary. It is this color of night that the shepherds saw the heavenly host of angels sing and proclaim the greatness of God in the birth of the Christ child. It is this color in which we wait, with anticipation, of the return of Christ.
Some churches consider Advent to be a mini-Lent. They use the four weeks as a time to remember our collective sins and to seek repentance in order to prepare for the birth of Christ. There is historicity with this practice; but, it is not required nor is it uniform. We, at All Angels, use blue. In fact, blue is our church color. Next time you are in, look at all the blue – the seats, the artwork, the (only) stain glass window. It’s our color. It also symbolizes the perpetual season of waiting and anticipation of the return of our Savior.
Despite all this history, something new has happened. All Angels has been gifted a new blue altar cover with matching veil and priestly stole. The old blue altar covering was showing its age. It will be repurposed into something beautiful for the church that will be displayed year-round. The new blue matches the same pattern we have for the other seasons and is of a very high quality so it will be at All Angels for a long time.
The anonymous donor has dedicated the set to the memory of her mother. December was a very busy month for her single-mother. She worked many hours leading up to Christmas and there were even some Christmas days where she was away from her family due to work commitments. As a child, she would wait for her mother to return from work to celebrate Christmas. It is highly appropriate for the Advent blue of All Angels to be dedicated to a hard-working mother who raised a wonderful and successful child. Advent must have been a difficult and busy time for St. Mary – the mother of Jesus. In fact, I’d say Christmas day was a work day for her too. It’s no wonder then that the perpetual color dedicated to St. Mary is also; you guessed it; blue
-Rev. Dave
Taken
December 1, 2022
To be taken; verb, past participle; definition:
#1 to lay hold of someone/something with one’s hands; to reach for and hold;
#2 to capture or gain possession by force.
This past Sunday, during the sermon, I focused on the pastoral Gospel message – remembering how God has taken care of us in the past and will help us through the concerns of today. At the same time, however, I took a moment to talk about a troubling phrase which is this:
Jesus said, “Two [men] will be in the field, one will be taken.
Two [women] will be grinding with a millstone, one will be taken.” (Mt. 24:41)
I believe the verb, taken, has been misapplied. If you have been raised with guilt and shame around that passage, I hope that this writing will release you from it and that you will know God’s call of love goes out to everyone. Everyone.
The Greek verb Matthew used in the above passage, commonly translated as “taken”, has no accurate English equivalent. Transliterated into English, the verb is this: paralambanetai. For the sake of making this easier to write, I’ll call the word “lam-ban”. It means to take with oneself; to join to oneself. Here are other instances of that verb in Matthew’s Gospel:
Jesus lamban Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain. (17:1)
[Before he was arrested in the garden] Jesus lamban Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. (26:37)
There are seven other references that are identical to these three. If you’d like a full list, let me know; but, for the sake of space on this page, I’ll continue.
Lamban – to take with oneself; to join to oneself – requires three things: a call from one, to a response from the other, and consent from both parties. As mentioned, there is no English equivalent. In fact, taken – to lay ahold with one’s hands and/or to gain by force – sounds a bit like an antonym of lamban because it does not require consent.
I am grieved and agitated that the Church and her leaders over the centuries have used this passage from Matthew 24 as a tool of fear, suspicion, shame against individuals. In a larger, or corporate, sense, taken has been used to create a false dichotomy of us vs. them. Some have been scared into so-called right thinking or right behavior so that they are a part of the “taken” and thus won’t be left behind. Over the years, some Roman Catholics have been told that the “taken” are communicants of good standing within the Church. The un-taken are the Protestants or those who are not in good standing. Conversely, Protestants have been told they are the taken and the others in the Roman Catholics are un-taken. Yet others have been told the not-taken are unbelievers or believers in other religions. In short, “taken” – as translated in English and misapplied from Matthew’s Greek text – has been convenient for those in power to remain in power using fear, shame and suspicion.
Jesus, in the opinion of this author who calls Jesus Master, Lord and Savior, believes Jesus does not use fear, shame or suspicion. As the famous hymn goes,
The King of Love, my Shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine for ever.
And so through all the length of days Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise within thy house for ever.
Yes, that is the Jesus I know; not the one who would use fear, shame or suspicion of others to save me. But rather Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, whose goodness never fails.
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, we will hear Matthew’s birth narrative where an angel tells Joseph in a dream that Mary is pregnant and that Joseph will #1, lamban Mary as his wife; #2 he will name the child Yehoshua* because he “will save the people from their sins.” Notice the angel didn’t say, “save some people”, or the “chosen people”, but rather, THE people.
Matthew uses another interesting Greek word in the birth narrative – kaleo – which is to call, summon, invite. The invitation (kaleo) is a call to Joseph to participate in this incredible and wonderous event. Joseph is asked to lamban Mary and therefore he is being invited/summoned into the situation. It’s a call that requires consent from him; which Joseph does (and that might be the biggest miracle of all!).
In chapter 22 of Matthew’s Gospel, kaleo – to call/summon/invite – is used in a heartbreaking parable. Jesus said, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a king who prepared a massive wedding party for his son. His servants kaleo the guests to the party but they refused to come.”
They were invited; they refused. The Kingdom of Heaven is not in the refusal but in the invitation.
Two will be in a field... The kaleo was sent, one was lamban, the other did not. Two were making bread, one was lamban…
The kaleo from God (Theo kaleo) was sent to both people in the field and to both bread makers. There are no assumptions about their righteousness, or correctness of behavior, or even of their religious affiliation. God’s call went out, period. How they responded, however, is a different story. One responded and the other did not. The parable about the king’s wedding party had zero percent responding; so, perhaps in God’s view, 50% is pretty good. At the same time, I believe God has a plan for the non-responders too.
In this season of Advent, as we prepare to celebrate the incarnation of God’s love becoming flesh my hope is that you know God’s call of love goes out to everyone. Everyone.
*Yehoshua, translated Jesus is a common name in the first century; in Hebrew, the name means “God Saves”.
- Rev. Dave
#1 to lay hold of someone/something with one’s hands; to reach for and hold;
#2 to capture or gain possession by force.
This past Sunday, during the sermon, I focused on the pastoral Gospel message – remembering how God has taken care of us in the past and will help us through the concerns of today. At the same time, however, I took a moment to talk about a troubling phrase which is this:
Jesus said, “Two [men] will be in the field, one will be taken.
Two [women] will be grinding with a millstone, one will be taken.” (Mt. 24:41)
I believe the verb, taken, has been misapplied. If you have been raised with guilt and shame around that passage, I hope that this writing will release you from it and that you will know God’s call of love goes out to everyone. Everyone.
The Greek verb Matthew used in the above passage, commonly translated as “taken”, has no accurate English equivalent. Transliterated into English, the verb is this: paralambanetai. For the sake of making this easier to write, I’ll call the word “lam-ban”. It means to take with oneself; to join to oneself. Here are other instances of that verb in Matthew’s Gospel:
Jesus lamban Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain. (17:1)
[Before he was arrested in the garden] Jesus lamban Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. (26:37)
There are seven other references that are identical to these three. If you’d like a full list, let me know; but, for the sake of space on this page, I’ll continue.
Lamban – to take with oneself; to join to oneself – requires three things: a call from one, to a response from the other, and consent from both parties. As mentioned, there is no English equivalent. In fact, taken – to lay ahold with one’s hands and/or to gain by force – sounds a bit like an antonym of lamban because it does not require consent.
I am grieved and agitated that the Church and her leaders over the centuries have used this passage from Matthew 24 as a tool of fear, suspicion, shame against individuals. In a larger, or corporate, sense, taken has been used to create a false dichotomy of us vs. them. Some have been scared into so-called right thinking or right behavior so that they are a part of the “taken” and thus won’t be left behind. Over the years, some Roman Catholics have been told that the “taken” are communicants of good standing within the Church. The un-taken are the Protestants or those who are not in good standing. Conversely, Protestants have been told they are the taken and the others in the Roman Catholics are un-taken. Yet others have been told the not-taken are unbelievers or believers in other religions. In short, “taken” – as translated in English and misapplied from Matthew’s Greek text – has been convenient for those in power to remain in power using fear, shame and suspicion.
Jesus, in the opinion of this author who calls Jesus Master, Lord and Savior, believes Jesus does not use fear, shame or suspicion. As the famous hymn goes,
The King of Love, my Shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine for ever.
And so through all the length of days Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise within thy house for ever.
Yes, that is the Jesus I know; not the one who would use fear, shame or suspicion of others to save me. But rather Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, whose goodness never fails.
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, we will hear Matthew’s birth narrative where an angel tells Joseph in a dream that Mary is pregnant and that Joseph will #1, lamban Mary as his wife; #2 he will name the child Yehoshua* because he “will save the people from their sins.” Notice the angel didn’t say, “save some people”, or the “chosen people”, but rather, THE people.
Matthew uses another interesting Greek word in the birth narrative – kaleo – which is to call, summon, invite. The invitation (kaleo) is a call to Joseph to participate in this incredible and wonderous event. Joseph is asked to lamban Mary and therefore he is being invited/summoned into the situation. It’s a call that requires consent from him; which Joseph does (and that might be the biggest miracle of all!).
In chapter 22 of Matthew’s Gospel, kaleo – to call/summon/invite – is used in a heartbreaking parable. Jesus said, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a king who prepared a massive wedding party for his son. His servants kaleo the guests to the party but they refused to come.”
They were invited; they refused. The Kingdom of Heaven is not in the refusal but in the invitation.
Two will be in a field... The kaleo was sent, one was lamban, the other did not. Two were making bread, one was lamban…
The kaleo from God (Theo kaleo) was sent to both people in the field and to both bread makers. There are no assumptions about their righteousness, or correctness of behavior, or even of their religious affiliation. God’s call went out, period. How they responded, however, is a different story. One responded and the other did not. The parable about the king’s wedding party had zero percent responding; so, perhaps in God’s view, 50% is pretty good. At the same time, I believe God has a plan for the non-responders too.
In this season of Advent, as we prepare to celebrate the incarnation of God’s love becoming flesh my hope is that you know God’s call of love goes out to everyone. Everyone.
*Yehoshua, translated Jesus is a common name in the first century; in Hebrew, the name means “God Saves”.
- Rev. Dave
Obesity
November 23, 2022
On Monday of Thanksgiving week, the New York Times ran a guest essay about obesity. The author, Julia Belluz, a health journalist who is writing a book about the metabolism, reported on a three-day meeting in London consisting of the world’s top researchers studying obesity. There were only two conclusions – there is no consensus about the cause of obesity, and, more importantly, obesity is not a personal failing. No presenter argued that humans collectively lost willpower around the 1980s when obesity rates took off. Laziness, gluttony and sloth were not referred to as reasons for obesity. They did not blame individuals for their condition; otherwise, it would be the same as blaming people who suffer from undernutrition.
A nutritional biologist opined that processed carbohydrates and fat in today’s food dilute the proteins our body needs which drives us to eat more. An endocrinologist presented that consuming heavy carbohydrates are uniquely fat producing. Conversely, an Evolutionary Anthropologist argued that hunter-gatherers ate a lot of carbohydrates. Is obesity a result of ultra-processed foods? Is it because of toxins in modern food including fertilizers, insecticides, plastics and additives? Is it what we’re not eating instead of what we are? What about the murky field of gene-environment interactions? Belluz wrote, “[The scientists have] identified more than a thousand genes and variants that increase a person’s obesity risk. They’ve figured out that body fat is much more than a storage depot for energy and that not everyone with obesity goes on to develop cancer, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. They’ve made remarkable progress mapping out how the brain orchestrates feeding and adapts to different diets, altering food preferences along the way. But precisely what changed in recent history to affect these complex biological systems, the scientists couldn’t concur.”
What we do know is that obesity is a complex, chronic condition. Humans have grown larger over the past half century. In terms of science, it is a new phenomenon. Yet, the research scientists repeatedly showed that treating obesity as a personal responsibility issue is the wrong approach. Belluz highlighted the scientific approach to obesity is addressing its complexity, uncertainty and newness to the human condition; and, at the same time, not blaming individuals. Armed with this consensus, she became acutely aware that the messages in society about obesity focus solely on individual choice dominated by a caustic combination of misunderstanding, blame, and revenue (the weight loss industry made $58B in 2020 and in 2021, revenue rose 24% to $72B).
Star quarterback for the Buccaneers, Tom Brady, is borderline overweight/obese according to the Body Mass Index developed in the 1940s. Can you imagine Brady’s medical doctor recommending that he eat less and exercise more based on the current medical chart? Speaking of the Bucs, star running back and Superbowl champion, Leonard Fournette, is obese according to the same index. Yet, he can run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds and he recorded a top running speed (with football and pads) of 22 mph! How about Serena Williams, the most amazing female tennis player ever; you guessed it, she too would be considered overweight. Anyone want to tell Serena, Leonard or Tom that they are lazy, gluttonous and need to lose weight? Nevertheless, that is the message that we are bombarded with about our own bodies.
Obesity was not an issue in Biblical times. Feasts and famines were relatively common. Food – what to eat and with whom – were certainly contentious issues; but, from what theologians can tell, the modern equivalent of body shaming did not happen back then. Like obesity, feeling poorly about our natural body shape seems to be a contemporary phenomenon.
Psalm 139:14 states this:
“I praise You for I am wonderfully made. Wonderful are all Your works, I know them well.”
Instead of listening to the negative voices that try to lift up one type of body and shames the rest – specifically by saying it is something that we are doing wrong; instead of those voices this Thanksgiving, let us try to lift our praise to God for making us wonderful, each in our own shape and size, and to celebrate the holidays with thanksgiving and cheer.
- Rev. Dave
A nutritional biologist opined that processed carbohydrates and fat in today’s food dilute the proteins our body needs which drives us to eat more. An endocrinologist presented that consuming heavy carbohydrates are uniquely fat producing. Conversely, an Evolutionary Anthropologist argued that hunter-gatherers ate a lot of carbohydrates. Is obesity a result of ultra-processed foods? Is it because of toxins in modern food including fertilizers, insecticides, plastics and additives? Is it what we’re not eating instead of what we are? What about the murky field of gene-environment interactions? Belluz wrote, “[The scientists have] identified more than a thousand genes and variants that increase a person’s obesity risk. They’ve figured out that body fat is much more than a storage depot for energy and that not everyone with obesity goes on to develop cancer, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. They’ve made remarkable progress mapping out how the brain orchestrates feeding and adapts to different diets, altering food preferences along the way. But precisely what changed in recent history to affect these complex biological systems, the scientists couldn’t concur.”
What we do know is that obesity is a complex, chronic condition. Humans have grown larger over the past half century. In terms of science, it is a new phenomenon. Yet, the research scientists repeatedly showed that treating obesity as a personal responsibility issue is the wrong approach. Belluz highlighted the scientific approach to obesity is addressing its complexity, uncertainty and newness to the human condition; and, at the same time, not blaming individuals. Armed with this consensus, she became acutely aware that the messages in society about obesity focus solely on individual choice dominated by a caustic combination of misunderstanding, blame, and revenue (the weight loss industry made $58B in 2020 and in 2021, revenue rose 24% to $72B).
Star quarterback for the Buccaneers, Tom Brady, is borderline overweight/obese according to the Body Mass Index developed in the 1940s. Can you imagine Brady’s medical doctor recommending that he eat less and exercise more based on the current medical chart? Speaking of the Bucs, star running back and Superbowl champion, Leonard Fournette, is obese according to the same index. Yet, he can run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds and he recorded a top running speed (with football and pads) of 22 mph! How about Serena Williams, the most amazing female tennis player ever; you guessed it, she too would be considered overweight. Anyone want to tell Serena, Leonard or Tom that they are lazy, gluttonous and need to lose weight? Nevertheless, that is the message that we are bombarded with about our own bodies.
Obesity was not an issue in Biblical times. Feasts and famines were relatively common. Food – what to eat and with whom – were certainly contentious issues; but, from what theologians can tell, the modern equivalent of body shaming did not happen back then. Like obesity, feeling poorly about our natural body shape seems to be a contemporary phenomenon.
Psalm 139:14 states this:
“I praise You for I am wonderfully made. Wonderful are all Your works, I know them well.”
Instead of listening to the negative voices that try to lift up one type of body and shames the rest – specifically by saying it is something that we are doing wrong; instead of those voices this Thanksgiving, let us try to lift our praise to God for making us wonderful, each in our own shape and size, and to celebrate the holidays with thanksgiving and cheer.
- Rev. Dave
A Bridge Between Alex and Dave
November 17, 2022
A couple of weeks ago, the discussion group topic was friendship and its importance for a free republic. The author pointed out that friendship, in general, has been on the decline since the 1990s. Not like we needed something else to blame on the ‘90’s, but, apparently friendship was better back then. One impact the Church, and specifically, All Angels by the Sea, can have is being a place for friendships. It is no wonder that the Gospel of John quotes Jesus saying this: I call you friends. (15:15) Jesus went on to say that his friends have been appointed to produce fruit, and, it will be fruit that lasts. Not fruit cake that lasts from Advent until it shows up in our hurricane supplies, but real fruit; and real fruit that lasts. I think the fruit – the sweetness – of life is friendships. And, it truly is fruit that lasts.
I have a friend named Alex. His official title is Fr. Alexander Andujar, Rector of St. Vincent’s, St. Petersburg, and Diocesan Coordinator for Hispanic & Latino Formation; but, I call him friend. At my first clergy diocesan event, Alex and I were wearing nearly identical outfits – black V-neck sweaters, white t-shirts, the same brown pants from Costco, black shoes. We found it so funny we switched name tags and introduced each other by the other’s name even though we look nothing alike. We talk on a regular basis and he’s been out on the boat a number of times as well. We talk about life as parents. He and his wife Roxanne have two boys, 12 and 15; Christi and I have two boys, 12 and 19. And, oddly enough, he and his brother are seven years apart like my two.
There is a physical bridge between Alex and me – the Skyway Bridge. Visiting him requires one of us to cross it. We were talking about this one day about a month ago over lunch in St. Petersburg. The idea came up that as priests we try to build bridges between our parishioners and
bridges between them and the Gospel lesson. One of us brought up how hard it is to build a bridge between people as we get closer to Christmas. We have found that our folks get very busy and seem to have less time for spirituality. … which is odd because it is supposed to be a high
spiritual time. We talked about how as dads we too have difficulty bridging the demanding work schedule of Advent and Christmas as well as bridging our home life. That is when Alex suggested we record a podcast talking about this very thing! And, like that, the podcast, A Bridge Between Alex and Dave, was started.
The first four recordings are about the season of Advent – the four weeks leading up to Christmas. They are Advent insights for people who are in a hurry. We talk about our home lives, our church lives and where in the world the Gospel lesson of the upcoming Sunday fits in (and sometimes where it doesn’t!). You will be invited to follow us using YouTube.
I really enjoy talking with Alex about life, what it’s like to be a dad and priest, and about Scripture and spirituality. If you get half of the enjoyment of listening to us talk as I have talking with him; well, then I think it’ll be a success. And who knows, you just might make a new friend.
- Rev. Dave
I have a friend named Alex. His official title is Fr. Alexander Andujar, Rector of St. Vincent’s, St. Petersburg, and Diocesan Coordinator for Hispanic & Latino Formation; but, I call him friend. At my first clergy diocesan event, Alex and I were wearing nearly identical outfits – black V-neck sweaters, white t-shirts, the same brown pants from Costco, black shoes. We found it so funny we switched name tags and introduced each other by the other’s name even though we look nothing alike. We talk on a regular basis and he’s been out on the boat a number of times as well. We talk about life as parents. He and his wife Roxanne have two boys, 12 and 15; Christi and I have two boys, 12 and 19. And, oddly enough, he and his brother are seven years apart like my two.
There is a physical bridge between Alex and me – the Skyway Bridge. Visiting him requires one of us to cross it. We were talking about this one day about a month ago over lunch in St. Petersburg. The idea came up that as priests we try to build bridges between our parishioners and
bridges between them and the Gospel lesson. One of us brought up how hard it is to build a bridge between people as we get closer to Christmas. We have found that our folks get very busy and seem to have less time for spirituality. … which is odd because it is supposed to be a high
spiritual time. We talked about how as dads we too have difficulty bridging the demanding work schedule of Advent and Christmas as well as bridging our home life. That is when Alex suggested we record a podcast talking about this very thing! And, like that, the podcast, A Bridge Between Alex and Dave, was started.
The first four recordings are about the season of Advent – the four weeks leading up to Christmas. They are Advent insights for people who are in a hurry. We talk about our home lives, our church lives and where in the world the Gospel lesson of the upcoming Sunday fits in (and sometimes where it doesn’t!). You will be invited to follow us using YouTube.
I really enjoy talking with Alex about life, what it’s like to be a dad and priest, and about Scripture and spirituality. If you get half of the enjoyment of listening to us talk as I have talking with him; well, then I think it’ll be a success. And who knows, you just might make a new friend.
- Rev. Dave
Pet Blessing
November 10, 2022
St. Francis of Assisi is known for preaching to the birds; but there is obviously more to this saint than that. He believed nature was the mirror of God. This belief influenced the Anglican theology of God being revealed in three books – the book of Scripture, the book of reason, and the book of nature. In other words, God is revealed in nature just like in Scripture and in our rational minds. Going deep into his nature-as-God’s-mirror theology, St. Francis reportedly called all creatures his brothers and sisters.
One of my favorite Francis-and-nature stories is commonly called the Wolf of Gubbio. Taken from a 53-chapter book written about Francis, about two hundred years after his death (although actual dating of this un-authored book is difficult), there was a wolf terrorizing the city of Gubbio. Feasting first on livestock and then on humans, no one dared to go out past the city’s walls at night. Francis set off to fix the problem. With a few scared townsfolks as witnesses, Francis went to the wolf’s lair. The wolf rushed towards Francis with his jaws open. Francis made the sign of the cross and commanded the wolf to stop. When it obeyed, he forgave the wolf and made a pact that the town would feed it in exchange for no longer hunting them and their livestock. He then walked into the town with the wolf by his side. It converted many to the faith of Francis – that God is in charge of all creatures – and the towns folk cared for the animal until it died of natural causes. The story ends with the ceremonial burying of the wolf in the town square. Later on, the town built the Church of St. Francis of Peace allegedly over the site. In 1872, during renovations, the full skeleton of a large wolf was discovered under a slab near the church wall. They reburied it inside the renovated space.
I watched a cartoon version of Peter and the Wolf which scared the daylights out of me. I must have watched it too young, but; and, if I must admit it; I still get a little freaked out when I hear Sergei Prokofiev’s opening notes of the wolf’s theme played by three French horns. My daughters, born in Russia, have a fear of wolves that has nothing to do with that orchestral masterpiece. In their small village, wolves were very much a present danger. It gives me comfort, however, to imagine St. Francis reaching out in peace to settle differences between warring factions of Muslims and Christians, internal disagreements in the Church, and even strife between species of God’s creation.
Another less known story about Francis is that he apparently was the first to create a living Nativity scene with farm animals and even a feeding-trough-turned-manger that was used as the altar for Christmas eve that year. I organized a living Nativity scene – which featured sheep, goats a donkey and Elijah when he was a baby – and I have to tell you it is an impactful experience.
I am bringing all of this up because we had planned to have a Pet Blessing event in October (the traditional time of remembering St. Francis) that coincided with the blessing of our Pet Memorial Garden. Hurricane Ian postponed all that. Nevertheless, we are back on schedule. As I write this, the Pet Memorial Garden is being created. As such, we have scheduled a special Pet Blessing event for Thursday, December 8th from 1 to 3 pm. It will coincide with the blessing of the Pet Memorial Garden.
St. Francis labored for peace – between religious and non-religious, between Christianity and Islam, and even peace between the species. He often preached that the peace from above came upon the whole earth when God was born on earth in the life of Jesus. It seems very fitting for us then to have a St. Francis pet blessing event during the season of Advent – when we prepare to celebrate the incarnational mystery of the Christ child. And, in the spirit of St. Francis, I’ll be on the lookout for the blessings of all animals, including wolves.
- Rev. Dave
One of my favorite Francis-and-nature stories is commonly called the Wolf of Gubbio. Taken from a 53-chapter book written about Francis, about two hundred years after his death (although actual dating of this un-authored book is difficult), there was a wolf terrorizing the city of Gubbio. Feasting first on livestock and then on humans, no one dared to go out past the city’s walls at night. Francis set off to fix the problem. With a few scared townsfolks as witnesses, Francis went to the wolf’s lair. The wolf rushed towards Francis with his jaws open. Francis made the sign of the cross and commanded the wolf to stop. When it obeyed, he forgave the wolf and made a pact that the town would feed it in exchange for no longer hunting them and their livestock. He then walked into the town with the wolf by his side. It converted many to the faith of Francis – that God is in charge of all creatures – and the towns folk cared for the animal until it died of natural causes. The story ends with the ceremonial burying of the wolf in the town square. Later on, the town built the Church of St. Francis of Peace allegedly over the site. In 1872, during renovations, the full skeleton of a large wolf was discovered under a slab near the church wall. They reburied it inside the renovated space.
I watched a cartoon version of Peter and the Wolf which scared the daylights out of me. I must have watched it too young, but; and, if I must admit it; I still get a little freaked out when I hear Sergei Prokofiev’s opening notes of the wolf’s theme played by three French horns. My daughters, born in Russia, have a fear of wolves that has nothing to do with that orchestral masterpiece. In their small village, wolves were very much a present danger. It gives me comfort, however, to imagine St. Francis reaching out in peace to settle differences between warring factions of Muslims and Christians, internal disagreements in the Church, and even strife between species of God’s creation.
Another less known story about Francis is that he apparently was the first to create a living Nativity scene with farm animals and even a feeding-trough-turned-manger that was used as the altar for Christmas eve that year. I organized a living Nativity scene – which featured sheep, goats a donkey and Elijah when he was a baby – and I have to tell you it is an impactful experience.
I am bringing all of this up because we had planned to have a Pet Blessing event in October (the traditional time of remembering St. Francis) that coincided with the blessing of our Pet Memorial Garden. Hurricane Ian postponed all that. Nevertheless, we are back on schedule. As I write this, the Pet Memorial Garden is being created. As such, we have scheduled a special Pet Blessing event for Thursday, December 8th from 1 to 3 pm. It will coincide with the blessing of the Pet Memorial Garden.
St. Francis labored for peace – between religious and non-religious, between Christianity and Islam, and even peace between the species. He often preached that the peace from above came upon the whole earth when God was born on earth in the life of Jesus. It seems very fitting for us then to have a St. Francis pet blessing event during the season of Advent – when we prepare to celebrate the incarnational mystery of the Christ child. And, in the spirit of St. Francis, I’ll be on the lookout for the blessings of all animals, including wolves.
- Rev. Dave
Jane
November 3, 2022
[I covered this Reflection with Jane’s three children. They gave me permission to share.]
I am still in shock at the passing of my friend, and our dear parishioner, Jane Perin. She was here just three weeks ago ushering and doing-all-that-Jane-does. One of the things Jane did was to assure me that all was going to be just fine – from organizing the kitchen, to Coffee Hour, to one of the many events that she catered, to every Sunday she ushered, she’d make sure I was looking her in the eye and she’d say, “Everything is going to be just fine.”
My last correspondence with her was on Tuesday, October 25th. Jane developed a terrible cough so she preferred to email instead of talking on the phone. Here is what she wrote:
I am still in the hospital and probably not going home – to my house – until Thursday [Oct 27]. Don't think I have ever seen so many doctors over a period of five days and the day isn't over!
They have taken the port out which had become infected causing a staph infection in my blood. There is fluid around the lungs and heart so the recovery is not going to be quick. I have lots of exercises to do which will help and I’m a fighter.
Hugs,
Jane
The port she referred to was used to put heavy duty chemotherapy directly into her system to battle the cancer which had returned. It was an eight-hour drip; some of that time she used chatting with me. The staph infection was MRSA.
I called her on Thursday and she was not home. Thursday evening her body system crashed and her lungs could no longer keep her alive. The decision was made to keep her comfortable. Friday morning, I was at her side in the hospital. With her three children standing around her bed, we offered her last rites.
Sunday morning, before the 10 a.m. service, Elizabeth, her daughter, told me Jane was still alive. I told her, and then the congregation, the following: It is my experience that people who are near death sometimes see loved ones who have passed before them in the room. I have experience with two people who were able to leave their body for a while and then return back for a short time. It seems as if death is a liminal time where the separation – the veil – is so thin that passing back and forth becomes possible. I believe Jane is learning how to live on the other side. I also believe that she wanted to see if we could breathe as a church without her.
I felt her presence on Sunday at the beginning of the service. I thought that we should do something as a congregation that gave her permission to go. Then, after the prayers of the people, I said, “I’d like to offer a prayer for Jane,” and then I prayed the following short prayer.
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Jane. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.
Shortly after that, my phone vibrated. It was Elizabeth telling me that Jane had just passed. I believe that we had given her the permission she was looking for.
Jane was one of the first to welcome me and my family to All Angels. Her presence, her work, her caring was a constant for me and for the whole parish. To say that she will be missed is a massive understatement. At the same time, I recognize, I believe, that she is home.
As her children were saying goodbye to her, one of them said, “Mom, I know there are things in heaven just waiting for you to organize.” I miss her. But, I know heaven is now a more organized place. And, just like she would remind me before service, I also know that everything is going to be just fine.
- Rev. Dave
I am still in shock at the passing of my friend, and our dear parishioner, Jane Perin. She was here just three weeks ago ushering and doing-all-that-Jane-does. One of the things Jane did was to assure me that all was going to be just fine – from organizing the kitchen, to Coffee Hour, to one of the many events that she catered, to every Sunday she ushered, she’d make sure I was looking her in the eye and she’d say, “Everything is going to be just fine.”
My last correspondence with her was on Tuesday, October 25th. Jane developed a terrible cough so she preferred to email instead of talking on the phone. Here is what she wrote:
I am still in the hospital and probably not going home – to my house – until Thursday [Oct 27]. Don't think I have ever seen so many doctors over a period of five days and the day isn't over!
They have taken the port out which had become infected causing a staph infection in my blood. There is fluid around the lungs and heart so the recovery is not going to be quick. I have lots of exercises to do which will help and I’m a fighter.
Hugs,
Jane
The port she referred to was used to put heavy duty chemotherapy directly into her system to battle the cancer which had returned. It was an eight-hour drip; some of that time she used chatting with me. The staph infection was MRSA.
I called her on Thursday and she was not home. Thursday evening her body system crashed and her lungs could no longer keep her alive. The decision was made to keep her comfortable. Friday morning, I was at her side in the hospital. With her three children standing around her bed, we offered her last rites.
Sunday morning, before the 10 a.m. service, Elizabeth, her daughter, told me Jane was still alive. I told her, and then the congregation, the following: It is my experience that people who are near death sometimes see loved ones who have passed before them in the room. I have experience with two people who were able to leave their body for a while and then return back for a short time. It seems as if death is a liminal time where the separation – the veil – is so thin that passing back and forth becomes possible. I believe Jane is learning how to live on the other side. I also believe that she wanted to see if we could breathe as a church without her.
I felt her presence on Sunday at the beginning of the service. I thought that we should do something as a congregation that gave her permission to go. Then, after the prayers of the people, I said, “I’d like to offer a prayer for Jane,” and then I prayed the following short prayer.
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Jane. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.
Shortly after that, my phone vibrated. It was Elizabeth telling me that Jane had just passed. I believe that we had given her the permission she was looking for.
Jane was one of the first to welcome me and my family to All Angels. Her presence, her work, her caring was a constant for me and for the whole parish. To say that she will be missed is a massive understatement. At the same time, I recognize, I believe, that she is home.
As her children were saying goodbye to her, one of them said, “Mom, I know there are things in heaven just waiting for you to organize.” I miss her. But, I know heaven is now a more organized place. And, just like she would remind me before service, I also know that everything is going to be just fine.
- Rev. Dave
Unlearn and Relearn
October 27, 2022
Last Sunday, choir member Anne Roberts said, “I have heard that the 21st century is all about unlearning all that we know and then relearning it.” Maybe that is why every one is so tired – we’re all unlearning and learning. Anne’s words turned out to be rather prophetic. The choir last week sang to the organ, as we always do, but, the difference was the organ was playing by itself. I was unable to find a substitute organist, but, thankfully the new Allen organ has something like 300 hymns built in. Ed Upshaw figured out how to swiftly move through the operating system and set us up to sing Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee. At 9:30, the choir practiced with the organ. I sat in with the choir and we all unlearned and relearned how sing with a preprogrammed organ. By their willingness to unlearn/learn, by Ed’s willingness to try something completely new, we sang Joyful Joyful together. At 10 a.m., the choir lined up, processed in while singing and the congregation joined in. It was joyful.
Theologians and modern-day prophetic historians have opined that the 21st century is going to be a lot like the 1st century. Jesus arrived at a time of universal (empire-wide) communication, travel, technological advancements, and commerce. Within a few centuries, that whole system fell apart; but, for a bright shining historical moment, it did happen. Jesus arrived at a time of great plurality of belief and a great falling away from traditional forms of religion. It seems that everything in the 1st century had to be unlearned and learned again.
In Luke’s Gospel, Mary is approached by the angel Gabriel. He told her that she is going to give birth to the Messiah. Her response, “How can this be?” The Spirit, through Gabriel, was asking Mary to unlearn everything she imagined for her life and to trust the Lord. She ended the encounter with these words: “Let it be with me.”
In John’s Gospel, Nicodemus, a prominent religious leader, snuck off under the cover of night to talk to Jesus privately. He said, “God has sent you to teach us because you could not do these things unless God was with you.” Jesus said that water and the Spirit make people new, like a new birth from above. In my mind’s eye, Nicodemus looked confused, so Jesus said, “The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going.” Nicodemus replied, “How can this be?” It is the same phrase Mary used with Gabriel. And, just like Mary, Nicodemus had to unlearn everything and relearn it. In reply to Nicodemus’ question, Jesus responded with one of the most quoted phrases of the New Testament: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
I wonder where we would be if Mary and Nicodemus refused to unlearn and learn.
This is not turning out to be an easy century. It is difficult to unlearn and learn all over again. In addition to the organ playing itself, it took three computers to run Sunday’s service. It was live in person, broadcast outside to people walking their dogs, and on Zoom and YouTube (where it has
more views than people in attendance on Sunday). Yet, in the service, we said the words of faith from the Nicene Creed which dates back to the year 327. We prayed the Lord’s Prayer which dates back to around the year 32. We responsively said psalm 84 that was written 500 years before in the 6th century BCE. The psalm starts with this phrase:
How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts!
My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
These are ancient words that find new meaning in our hearts and lives.
I imagine that 2,500 years ago, someone heard those words and found themselves having to unlearn and relearn. Thankfully they did and then passed it along to us.
- Rev. Dave
Theologians and modern-day prophetic historians have opined that the 21st century is going to be a lot like the 1st century. Jesus arrived at a time of universal (empire-wide) communication, travel, technological advancements, and commerce. Within a few centuries, that whole system fell apart; but, for a bright shining historical moment, it did happen. Jesus arrived at a time of great plurality of belief and a great falling away from traditional forms of religion. It seems that everything in the 1st century had to be unlearned and learned again.
In Luke’s Gospel, Mary is approached by the angel Gabriel. He told her that she is going to give birth to the Messiah. Her response, “How can this be?” The Spirit, through Gabriel, was asking Mary to unlearn everything she imagined for her life and to trust the Lord. She ended the encounter with these words: “Let it be with me.”
In John’s Gospel, Nicodemus, a prominent religious leader, snuck off under the cover of night to talk to Jesus privately. He said, “God has sent you to teach us because you could not do these things unless God was with you.” Jesus said that water and the Spirit make people new, like a new birth from above. In my mind’s eye, Nicodemus looked confused, so Jesus said, “The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going.” Nicodemus replied, “How can this be?” It is the same phrase Mary used with Gabriel. And, just like Mary, Nicodemus had to unlearn everything and relearn it. In reply to Nicodemus’ question, Jesus responded with one of the most quoted phrases of the New Testament: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
I wonder where we would be if Mary and Nicodemus refused to unlearn and learn.
This is not turning out to be an easy century. It is difficult to unlearn and learn all over again. In addition to the organ playing itself, it took three computers to run Sunday’s service. It was live in person, broadcast outside to people walking their dogs, and on Zoom and YouTube (where it has
more views than people in attendance on Sunday). Yet, in the service, we said the words of faith from the Nicene Creed which dates back to the year 327. We prayed the Lord’s Prayer which dates back to around the year 32. We responsively said psalm 84 that was written 500 years before in the 6th century BCE. The psalm starts with this phrase:
How dear to me is your dwelling, O Lord of hosts!
My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.
These are ancient words that find new meaning in our hearts and lives.
I imagine that 2,500 years ago, someone heard those words and found themselves having to unlearn and relearn. Thankfully they did and then passed it along to us.
- Rev. Dave
Imperfections
October 20, 2022
One of the keys to smart fiction writing is to create a character that has imperfections. Perhaps one of the most remarkable fiction characters of my generation is Darth Vader of the Star Wars enterprise. Vader has terrific super powers, called The Force; but, he has chosen to use those powers for evil. He uses them predictably because there are serious imperfections with his character – the most profound is his eagerness to use violence to gain power. In the end, however, love wins out. He stands up for his son Luke Skywalker by sacrificing himself.
Every once in a great while, my dad would get short with me when out on the sailboat. Predictably, I have gotten short with my two awesome boys; usually while doing some sort of yard work that I don’t want to do. My dad was not perfect and certainly I am not either. Yet, imperfection is a part of life.
In Navajo culture, rug weavers leave little imperfections along the borders in the shape of a line called a “spirit pathway”. It is to allow the spirit of the weaver to not be trapped in the creation but have a pathway out. Artistically speaking, these spirit-pathway lines add imperfection into a piece that makes it feel more real, or desirable.
The (Episcopal) National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., has several small architectural flaws that are attributed to a medieval custom that sought to illustrate that only God can be perfect. The ceiling that arches over the main aisle of the cathedral do not meet at the center, but are slightly off its axis. The choirstalls along the nave of the church are also not aligned. On Longboat, if you look closely at the nave of All Angels, our two front doors to not align exactly with the altar rail opening. Even the camera is slightly offset so that the on-line image is imperfect.
In Japan, incorporating deliberate imperfections is a necessary ingredient of art known as “wabi sabi”. Ceramics made in that style have shapes that are not quite symmetrical, and colors or textures that appear to emphasize an unrefined or simple style. Often tea bowls would be chipped or nicked at the bottom. Many of Leonardo da Vinci's paintings were left unfinished. Yet, those imperfections have brought about a great degree of appreciation.
Art historians believe that we appreciate and desire imperfections in art because it allows us to feel closer to the artist. When we see incomplete pieces, or visible brushstrokes, smudged paint, or even a finger print, it’s almost like we are sitting with the artist as the piece is being created. These imperfections make the artist more exposed, more vulnerable, and, to the human experience, more relatable and human.
Before each wedding, I tell the happy couple that there will be a mistake. It is unavoidable. Yet, with practice, we can make those mistakes small. Deep inside me, however, I also know that imperfections in a wedding liturgy make it more real and relatable. Every bulletin we make has at least one imperfection. The service bulletin for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral was published online; I was pleased to find an imperfection
in it.
Sometimes Jesus is called a perfect human (although he himself never said that). Yet if Jesus had no imperfections, how could we relate to him? Luckily, there are Gospel stories of times when Jesus sounds a little cranky; a little off. I adore those sections – like when Jesus was transfigured into a glowing white with Moses and Elijah on his left and right. He came down the mountain and found the disciples couldn’t heal a child in their midst. It sounds like he jumped off the handle at them when he said, “How long must I be with you? How long will I put up with you?” He then healed the child. They asked, “Why couldn’t we heal him?” Jesus shot back, “Because you have little faith.” In this story, I see a Navajo spirit-line woven in, I see the chipped cup, the arch that doesn’t meet in the center, the roughness and simplicity of this incomplete picture of discipleship. It draws me closer to him who I call savior and master. There are regrettable times when I am short with those who I love the most in my life. At least I know Jesus did that too.
-Rev. Dave
Every once in a great while, my dad would get short with me when out on the sailboat. Predictably, I have gotten short with my two awesome boys; usually while doing some sort of yard work that I don’t want to do. My dad was not perfect and certainly I am not either. Yet, imperfection is a part of life.
In Navajo culture, rug weavers leave little imperfections along the borders in the shape of a line called a “spirit pathway”. It is to allow the spirit of the weaver to not be trapped in the creation but have a pathway out. Artistically speaking, these spirit-pathway lines add imperfection into a piece that makes it feel more real, or desirable.
The (Episcopal) National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., has several small architectural flaws that are attributed to a medieval custom that sought to illustrate that only God can be perfect. The ceiling that arches over the main aisle of the cathedral do not meet at the center, but are slightly off its axis. The choirstalls along the nave of the church are also not aligned. On Longboat, if you look closely at the nave of All Angels, our two front doors to not align exactly with the altar rail opening. Even the camera is slightly offset so that the on-line image is imperfect.
In Japan, incorporating deliberate imperfections is a necessary ingredient of art known as “wabi sabi”. Ceramics made in that style have shapes that are not quite symmetrical, and colors or textures that appear to emphasize an unrefined or simple style. Often tea bowls would be chipped or nicked at the bottom. Many of Leonardo da Vinci's paintings were left unfinished. Yet, those imperfections have brought about a great degree of appreciation.
Art historians believe that we appreciate and desire imperfections in art because it allows us to feel closer to the artist. When we see incomplete pieces, or visible brushstrokes, smudged paint, or even a finger print, it’s almost like we are sitting with the artist as the piece is being created. These imperfections make the artist more exposed, more vulnerable, and, to the human experience, more relatable and human.
Before each wedding, I tell the happy couple that there will be a mistake. It is unavoidable. Yet, with practice, we can make those mistakes small. Deep inside me, however, I also know that imperfections in a wedding liturgy make it more real and relatable. Every bulletin we make has at least one imperfection. The service bulletin for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral was published online; I was pleased to find an imperfection
in it.
Sometimes Jesus is called a perfect human (although he himself never said that). Yet if Jesus had no imperfections, how could we relate to him? Luckily, there are Gospel stories of times when Jesus sounds a little cranky; a little off. I adore those sections – like when Jesus was transfigured into a glowing white with Moses and Elijah on his left and right. He came down the mountain and found the disciples couldn’t heal a child in their midst. It sounds like he jumped off the handle at them when he said, “How long must I be with you? How long will I put up with you?” He then healed the child. They asked, “Why couldn’t we heal him?” Jesus shot back, “Because you have little faith.” In this story, I see a Navajo spirit-line woven in, I see the chipped cup, the arch that doesn’t meet in the center, the roughness and simplicity of this incomplete picture of discipleship. It draws me closer to him who I call savior and master. There are regrettable times when I am short with those who I love the most in my life. At least I know Jesus did that too.
-Rev. Dave
Angels in Action
October 13, 2022
This past Sunday, the Rev. Michelle Robertshaw celebrated communion at All Angels. She is the rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Boca Grande – one of the islands heavily impacted by Hurricane Ian. Mother Michelle and I are barrier island rectors and have developed a collegial partnership of support and creativity. If you remember the reservation system we used for Christmas Eve and Easter during Covid, I got that system from Mother Michelle. St. Andrew’s bought an Allen organ a year before we did and she helped me through the process when it was time for ours. I took St. Andrews’ Music Director position description and tweaked it for All Angels. We often review each other’s sermons and discuss upcoming theological topics. Lastly, that “talking frog” joke; it was Mother Michelle’s.
Last Tuesday, she was finally allowed onto Boca Grande to see her church and home. It was an emotional day for her, to say the least. Because her Senior Warden was out of town, she had to make the trip by herself. All I could do was pray for her – for strength and peace. She called me on her way back from the island. The conversation was full of whatever that emotion is that is both feeling like dancing and feeling like crying – the church, parish hall, and rectory (her home) were standing and in remarkably good condition. I asked what I can do to help. She said she could use four or five people to help her clear the debris around the church so that it could become a sanctuary again. Two days later, I witnessed angels in action.
BJ & Dave Bishop, Bob and Carol Erker, Tom Crawford, Phillip Deming, Scott Wuesthoff and I climbed into two trucks – the maximum number allowed to enter Boca Grande – full of chainsaws, clippers, gloves, water, and anything else we could think of, and drove down. I was in Scott’s truck with Tom and Phillip. We were having a fun conversation full of laughter; and then Scott turned right to head into Englewood. I don’t have the words to describe what a Category 4 hurricane does to homes and nature. As we watched with whatever emotion involves equal parts of fascination and horror, the conversation stopped. No more joking around. It was silence for a good amount of time. Scott navigated through the damaged streets with no working stoplights and, frankly, no names because every sign, pole, and marker, had been pushed down by the wind. Only the GPS knew where we were. Imagine our surprise and delight when we drove up to St. Andrew’s to see that it was still standing and in good shape compared to everything around it. We spent the morning and early afternoon cutting, clearing, stacking and sweeping the property until it looked like a church again.
Last Tuesday, she was finally allowed onto Boca Grande to see her church and home. It was an emotional day for her, to say the least. Because her Senior Warden was out of town, she had to make the trip by herself. All I could do was pray for her – for strength and peace. She called me on her way back from the island. The conversation was full of whatever that emotion is that is both feeling like dancing and feeling like crying – the church, parish hall, and rectory (her home) were standing and in remarkably good condition. I asked what I can do to help. She said she could use four or five people to help her clear the debris around the church so that it could become a sanctuary again. Two days later, I witnessed angels in action.
BJ & Dave Bishop, Bob and Carol Erker, Tom Crawford, Phillip Deming, Scott Wuesthoff and I climbed into two trucks – the maximum number allowed to enter Boca Grande – full of chainsaws, clippers, gloves, water, and anything else we could think of, and drove down. I was in Scott’s truck with Tom and Phillip. We were having a fun conversation full of laughter; and then Scott turned right to head into Englewood. I don’t have the words to describe what a Category 4 hurricane does to homes and nature. As we watched with whatever emotion involves equal parts of fascination and horror, the conversation stopped. No more joking around. It was silence for a good amount of time. Scott navigated through the damaged streets with no working stoplights and, frankly, no names because every sign, pole, and marker, had been pushed down by the wind. Only the GPS knew where we were. Imagine our surprise and delight when we drove up to St. Andrew’s to see that it was still standing and in good shape compared to everything around it. We spent the morning and early afternoon cutting, clearing, stacking and sweeping the property until it looked like a church again.
These angels-in-action did both cleaning and support. The insurance adjusters arrived late morning and with the Rector inspected the buildings. We were there when they told Mother Michelle that her house is uninhabitable because of water intrusion that only their instruments could detect. Just like organizing our work party, we came up with a plan to keep her from being homeless – she has since found housing, thanks be to God.
Our mission statement is to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the Church. One week after Hurricane Ian brought devastation to Southwest Florida, I watched Christ become living through the hands and feet of the angels in white trucks who helped St. Andrew’s. Those hands and feet are spiritually attached to the body of All Angels and its members. All were involved in this living-Christ action through financial support, prayer support, and, for eight individuals, actual hands and feet on the ground to help.
On Monday, the neighborhood of St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church, Fort Myers Beach, opened for residents to inspect. The bridge to Sanibel Island opened this morning. We will find out the extent of the damage to St. Michael and All Angels, Sanibel later this week. There will be other opportunities for angels-in-action to help. In the meantime, I continue to give thanks for you, our parish, and our mission to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the Church.
-Rev. Dave
Our mission statement is to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the Church. One week after Hurricane Ian brought devastation to Southwest Florida, I watched Christ become living through the hands and feet of the angels in white trucks who helped St. Andrew’s. Those hands and feet are spiritually attached to the body of All Angels and its members. All were involved in this living-Christ action through financial support, prayer support, and, for eight individuals, actual hands and feet on the ground to help.
On Monday, the neighborhood of St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church, Fort Myers Beach, opened for residents to inspect. The bridge to Sanibel Island opened this morning. We will find out the extent of the damage to St. Michael and All Angels, Sanibel later this week. There will be other opportunities for angels-in-action to help. In the meantime, I continue to give thanks for you, our parish, and our mission to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the Church.
-Rev. Dave
After the Storm
October 6, 2022
An ancient theologian asked, “Where is God in the storm?” Whether the storm is a hurricane, or a family crisis, or a major medical emergency, I think many have asked if God is in the storm.
The Great Prophet Elijah went up a mountain seeking God. After spending the night in a cave, the author of the First Book of Kings wrote, “A strong wind tore through the mountains and broke apart the stones. But the Lord wasn’t in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake. But the Lord wasn’t in the earthquake. After the earthquake, there was a fire. But the Lord wasn’t in the fire.” It wasn’t until the silence that follows the storms and earthquake that Elijah knew God’s presence was at hand. (1 Kings 19:11-13) I think the Great Prophet would say God’s presence is made known after the storm.
On Tuesday before Hurricane Ian, I received a phone call from the assistant to the Town Manager asking if we would be a Comfort Station providing residents with a cool place to relax, somewhere to charge their devices, and refreshments. I told her, "The answer is yes; it is always yes. As to whether or not we will have a roof, or power, or three feet of sand in the parish hall is something we will wait and see." On Friday, after the hurricane, she called again, confirmed that the building did not sustain damage and that our power was on. It was then that we prepped for being a Comfort Station. On Sunday morning, after the storm, we made coffee with the water we had stored in case of an emergency. On Sunday and Monday, we were the only public place on the island offering coffee.
We have had seven parishioners serve in the Comfort Station. On Monday, we had nearly twenty residents through our doors. One neighbor; who moved to Longboat during the pandemic and telecommutes; set up multiple devices and got to work. At one point, he said to us, "Thank you, you have saved my business." The next day, we had a handful of people because thankfully the power is coming back. Two people were able to conduct their work because of our Comfort Station.
God is efficient and doesn't let opportunities pass by. Our primary service on Sunday was held via Zoom and on YouTube. We set up this streaming system because of Covid; who knew how well it would work post-hurricane. During the pandemic, we set up six outdoor speakers to hold outdoor services. Those speakers, which survived a hurricane, are now playing relaxing music for the people – neighbors walking by and utility workers and landscapers who need a break. The soft relaxing sounds are also an invitation to those seeing comfort.
On Monday, the town sent out the Comfort Station information to everyone on the island; including our phone number. I have taken many phone calls from out of state residents asking about how things are on the island. It has been wonderful to talk to so many neighbors who have never (yet) been to All Angels. One person, from New Jersey, had not heard anything from the condo management company about the status of their unit. On my way home, I stopped by her place, took some photos, and texted them to her. In our phone call, I could hear the relief in her voice when she saw that her building was "spared". I told her when she comes back to the island to swing by All Angels and to say hi. She said she was already making plans to visit.
Theologians have asked if God is in the storm. While that can be debated, I can see the Spirit of peace and comfort running through people who help others. God is very efficient and uses all sorts of opportunities for us to show our love of God and our neighbors; especially after a storm.
-Rev. Dave
The Great Prophet Elijah went up a mountain seeking God. After spending the night in a cave, the author of the First Book of Kings wrote, “A strong wind tore through the mountains and broke apart the stones. But the Lord wasn’t in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake. But the Lord wasn’t in the earthquake. After the earthquake, there was a fire. But the Lord wasn’t in the fire.” It wasn’t until the silence that follows the storms and earthquake that Elijah knew God’s presence was at hand. (1 Kings 19:11-13) I think the Great Prophet would say God’s presence is made known after the storm.
On Tuesday before Hurricane Ian, I received a phone call from the assistant to the Town Manager asking if we would be a Comfort Station providing residents with a cool place to relax, somewhere to charge their devices, and refreshments. I told her, "The answer is yes; it is always yes. As to whether or not we will have a roof, or power, or three feet of sand in the parish hall is something we will wait and see." On Friday, after the hurricane, she called again, confirmed that the building did not sustain damage and that our power was on. It was then that we prepped for being a Comfort Station. On Sunday morning, after the storm, we made coffee with the water we had stored in case of an emergency. On Sunday and Monday, we were the only public place on the island offering coffee.
We have had seven parishioners serve in the Comfort Station. On Monday, we had nearly twenty residents through our doors. One neighbor; who moved to Longboat during the pandemic and telecommutes; set up multiple devices and got to work. At one point, he said to us, "Thank you, you have saved my business." The next day, we had a handful of people because thankfully the power is coming back. Two people were able to conduct their work because of our Comfort Station.
God is efficient and doesn't let opportunities pass by. Our primary service on Sunday was held via Zoom and on YouTube. We set up this streaming system because of Covid; who knew how well it would work post-hurricane. During the pandemic, we set up six outdoor speakers to hold outdoor services. Those speakers, which survived a hurricane, are now playing relaxing music for the people – neighbors walking by and utility workers and landscapers who need a break. The soft relaxing sounds are also an invitation to those seeing comfort.
On Monday, the town sent out the Comfort Station information to everyone on the island; including our phone number. I have taken many phone calls from out of state residents asking about how things are on the island. It has been wonderful to talk to so many neighbors who have never (yet) been to All Angels. One person, from New Jersey, had not heard anything from the condo management company about the status of their unit. On my way home, I stopped by her place, took some photos, and texted them to her. In our phone call, I could hear the relief in her voice when she saw that her building was "spared". I told her when she comes back to the island to swing by All Angels and to say hi. She said she was already making plans to visit.
Theologians have asked if God is in the storm. While that can be debated, I can see the Spirit of peace and comfort running through people who help others. God is very efficient and uses all sorts of opportunities for us to show our love of God and our neighbors; especially after a storm.
-Rev. Dave
Godliness
September 22, 2022
The Bible was written a long time ago in a language that is not our own. Nevertheless, it still speaks to us today and shows us the pathway of love and peace in God; if, of course, we are willing to listen. This Sunday, Paul’s first letter to Timothy uses a word that we have difficulty translating into English. The word is εὐσέβεια – “eusebeia”. (pronounced: you-seh-Bee-ah) It is translated as “godliness” in the following passage:
Godliness [eusebeia] is a great source of profit when it is combined with being happy with what you already have.
1 Tim 6:6
Paul used eusebeia seven times in this short letter as well as in others he wrote. It is used twice in the letters attributed to St. Peter and is used by Luke in the Acts of the Apostles. In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), eusebeia is found in Isaiah, Wisdom of Solomon and twice in Proverbs. Outside of the Bible, the word was used by many philosophers including Sophocles and Plato. By telling you this, I’m not trying to show off but rather demonstrate the frequency and diversity of authors that used eusebeia. What I find interesting is that it is an important word yet we do not have a durable English equivalent.
In secular and philosophical writings in the 1st century, eusebeia can be translated as “reverence”, “service”, or “respect” to ruling authorities. Biblical writers used the word to show “piety” or “godliness”. Unfortunately, “godliness” and “piety” are squishy English words – they can mean a variety of different things to different people. Some think that shunning people, because of who they are or what they have done, is godliness. Other believe piety is individualistic and has no place in public discourse; all the while others use their piety as a political bludgeon. Some think godliness resides only in their particular religious sect and ostracize others for their lack of godliness. Others think that cleanliness is close to godliness. Bach is quoted with saying that harmony is next to godliness. So, what is it really?
Queen Elizabeth II showed her love of the commonwealth through her duty as Sovereign. For the Queen Mother, duty was her eusebeia — it was the outward expression of her faith and love of God. At her funeral, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, gave examples of the Queen’s faith through her service (i.e. eusebeia) in the eulogy. Welby said,
“Her Late Majesty’s example [eusebeia] was not set through her position or her ambition, but through whom she followed. I know His Majesty [Charles] shares the same faith and hope in Jesus Christ as his mother [Elizabeth]; the same sense of service and duty [eusebeia]. In 1953 the Queen began her Coronation with silent prayer. Her allegiance to God was given before any person gave allegiance to her. Her service [eusebeia] to so many people in this nation, the Commonwealth and the world, had its foundation in her following Christ – God himself – who said that he “came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The Archbishop also pointed out this fact: Jesus did not tell us how to follow, but whom. I think The-One-We-Follow in the 21st century, who does not tell us how to follow, asks us this: “How do you eusebeia because of me?” He doesn’t tell us how to live out our eusebeia; instead, I think he asks how will we show our eusebeia – our faith, our actions, our hopes; our service, godliness and piety – in Christ? In the year 0064, Paul wrote, “Eusebeia is a great source of profit when it is combined with being happy with what you already have.” In other words, true wealth that never goes away is serving God and being content with what you have.
Although Scripture was written a long time ago, in a language different than our own, how we eusebeia – live out and act out our faith – is something that is still being written.
-Rev. Dave
Godliness [eusebeia] is a great source of profit when it is combined with being happy with what you already have.
1 Tim 6:6
Paul used eusebeia seven times in this short letter as well as in others he wrote. It is used twice in the letters attributed to St. Peter and is used by Luke in the Acts of the Apostles. In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), eusebeia is found in Isaiah, Wisdom of Solomon and twice in Proverbs. Outside of the Bible, the word was used by many philosophers including Sophocles and Plato. By telling you this, I’m not trying to show off but rather demonstrate the frequency and diversity of authors that used eusebeia. What I find interesting is that it is an important word yet we do not have a durable English equivalent.
In secular and philosophical writings in the 1st century, eusebeia can be translated as “reverence”, “service”, or “respect” to ruling authorities. Biblical writers used the word to show “piety” or “godliness”. Unfortunately, “godliness” and “piety” are squishy English words – they can mean a variety of different things to different people. Some think that shunning people, because of who they are or what they have done, is godliness. Other believe piety is individualistic and has no place in public discourse; all the while others use their piety as a political bludgeon. Some think godliness resides only in their particular religious sect and ostracize others for their lack of godliness. Others think that cleanliness is close to godliness. Bach is quoted with saying that harmony is next to godliness. So, what is it really?
Queen Elizabeth II showed her love of the commonwealth through her duty as Sovereign. For the Queen Mother, duty was her eusebeia — it was the outward expression of her faith and love of God. At her funeral, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, gave examples of the Queen’s faith through her service (i.e. eusebeia) in the eulogy. Welby said,
“Her Late Majesty’s example [eusebeia] was not set through her position or her ambition, but through whom she followed. I know His Majesty [Charles] shares the same faith and hope in Jesus Christ as his mother [Elizabeth]; the same sense of service and duty [eusebeia]. In 1953 the Queen began her Coronation with silent prayer. Her allegiance to God was given before any person gave allegiance to her. Her service [eusebeia] to so many people in this nation, the Commonwealth and the world, had its foundation in her following Christ – God himself – who said that he “came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The Archbishop also pointed out this fact: Jesus did not tell us how to follow, but whom. I think The-One-We-Follow in the 21st century, who does not tell us how to follow, asks us this: “How do you eusebeia because of me?” He doesn’t tell us how to live out our eusebeia; instead, I think he asks how will we show our eusebeia – our faith, our actions, our hopes; our service, godliness and piety – in Christ? In the year 0064, Paul wrote, “Eusebeia is a great source of profit when it is combined with being happy with what you already have.” In other words, true wealth that never goes away is serving God and being content with what you have.
Although Scripture was written a long time ago, in a language different than our own, how we eusebeia – live out and act out our faith – is something that is still being written.
-Rev. Dave
Voluntary
September 15, 2022
The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired. One of the great ironies of life is this: The one who serves almost always benefits more than the one who is served.
– Gordon Hinckley
Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.
— H. Jackson Brown Jr.
It is said the strongest force in the world is volunteerism. I would argue the strongest force in the universe is love but perhaps the two are intertwined. After all, one cannot buy love, it is given freely; voluntarily. Love is conceivably at the core of volunteering, or, perhaps volunteering is an outward expression of love. Once the heart volunteers love to others, it will never be the same again.
This week, one of my closest friends, and clergy brother, The Rev. Tom Morelli, deacon extraordinaire and resident of the Diocese of San Diego, at the age of 72 has decided to step back from parish and diocesan ministry. As I reflect on his decades of service, I see his love of God through Jesus in how much he has voluntarily poured himself into the Church. Nowadays, he will be focusing his time as (volunteer) chaplain of the Coronado Island Police Department. Interestingly enough, he started as a prison chaplain and would joke that he is one of the few who voluntarily go to jail. He now ministers to a different side of the long arm of the law.
Deacon Tom would often say words similar to that of Horace Mann – Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves. Tom says that whether a police officer, or Bishop, or convict, our hearts have the need to do something good for others; no matter how small or insignificant the act may seem. From my vantage point, I see Tom, even in his “retirement”, voluntarily doing service for others. I can also affirm that those who are a part of his ministry will never be the same.
The summer choir at All Angels has shown their love for God through Christ by singing every Sunday in June, July and especially August. The music ministry is in a liminal time – we are bringing in substitute musicians to help us discern who is called to serve in the wake of Dale’s retirement and passing. As we approach the conclusion (hopefully!) of our transitional/liminal time, I am overjoyed and impressed with the stick-to-it-ness of our choir. They are volunteering themselves, in the name of Jesus, to continue offering hymnody and song to our Creator and to help us all lift our hearts to God in liturgy.
Our parish administrator, Linn, has voluntarily changed her life to help her daughter and new grandbaby. She is now working remotely and will be physically with us in the office on Sundays. An appeal for office volunteers was made. The response has been overwhelming. This is our most quiet time of the year and yet folks are volunteering to serve. I couldn’t be happier.
Within the first year of Jesus’ baptism, after he fed more than five thousand people on a windswept hill near the Sea of Galilee, there was an exceedingly large crowd following him. He turned to them and said words that were troubling then and, frankly, we’re still trying to figure out what they mean today. He said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in them.” Not surprisingly, the crowd thinned out until it was just the twelve. Jesus looked at them and said, “Are you leaving too?” Peter said, “Where would we go? We have volunteered ourselves to you and are confident you are the Holy One of God.” And the world has never been the same. They showed us how to transform our hearts from seeking insatiable desires to giving our hearts voluntarily to the service of others.
And our hearts have never been the same.
- Rev. Dave
– Gordon Hinckley
Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.
— H. Jackson Brown Jr.
It is said the strongest force in the world is volunteerism. I would argue the strongest force in the universe is love but perhaps the two are intertwined. After all, one cannot buy love, it is given freely; voluntarily. Love is conceivably at the core of volunteering, or, perhaps volunteering is an outward expression of love. Once the heart volunteers love to others, it will never be the same again.
This week, one of my closest friends, and clergy brother, The Rev. Tom Morelli, deacon extraordinaire and resident of the Diocese of San Diego, at the age of 72 has decided to step back from parish and diocesan ministry. As I reflect on his decades of service, I see his love of God through Jesus in how much he has voluntarily poured himself into the Church. Nowadays, he will be focusing his time as (volunteer) chaplain of the Coronado Island Police Department. Interestingly enough, he started as a prison chaplain and would joke that he is one of the few who voluntarily go to jail. He now ministers to a different side of the long arm of the law.
Deacon Tom would often say words similar to that of Horace Mann – Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves. Tom says that whether a police officer, or Bishop, or convict, our hearts have the need to do something good for others; no matter how small or insignificant the act may seem. From my vantage point, I see Tom, even in his “retirement”, voluntarily doing service for others. I can also affirm that those who are a part of his ministry will never be the same.
The summer choir at All Angels has shown their love for God through Christ by singing every Sunday in June, July and especially August. The music ministry is in a liminal time – we are bringing in substitute musicians to help us discern who is called to serve in the wake of Dale’s retirement and passing. As we approach the conclusion (hopefully!) of our transitional/liminal time, I am overjoyed and impressed with the stick-to-it-ness of our choir. They are volunteering themselves, in the name of Jesus, to continue offering hymnody and song to our Creator and to help us all lift our hearts to God in liturgy.
Our parish administrator, Linn, has voluntarily changed her life to help her daughter and new grandbaby. She is now working remotely and will be physically with us in the office on Sundays. An appeal for office volunteers was made. The response has been overwhelming. This is our most quiet time of the year and yet folks are volunteering to serve. I couldn’t be happier.
Within the first year of Jesus’ baptism, after he fed more than five thousand people on a windswept hill near the Sea of Galilee, there was an exceedingly large crowd following him. He turned to them and said words that were troubling then and, frankly, we’re still trying to figure out what they mean today. He said, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in them.” Not surprisingly, the crowd thinned out until it was just the twelve. Jesus looked at them and said, “Are you leaving too?” Peter said, “Where would we go? We have volunteered ourselves to you and are confident you are the Holy One of God.” And the world has never been the same. They showed us how to transform our hearts from seeking insatiable desires to giving our hearts voluntarily to the service of others.
And our hearts have never been the same.
- Rev. Dave
Never to Forget
September 8, 2022
Most of the stories in the Bible are designed for us to remember the works and saving help from God. The first five books of the Bible, called the Torah, are especially good at helping us to remember. The first book, Genesis, takes the reader on a journey from The Beginning –when God said, Let there be light – to Adam and Eve, to Noah, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and concludes with Jacob’s son, Joseph who saved Egypt from a seven-year famine and, at the same time, made Egypt a home for the Hebrew people. It is certainly a book of remembrance. The second book, Exodus, opens with how the Egyptians had forgotten all that the Hebrew people had done. They are now slaves in the land in which they saved. Moses was called to take the Hebrew people out of slavery and into the promised land. The Passover celebration, started in Exodus, is to remember the liberation that God provides and to give thanks to God.
Our Eucharistic celebration, started by Jesus on the Passover (probably in the year 0032), is a way for us to remember all the good things that God has done for us. In the fifth book of the Bible, Deuteronomy, there is this repeating phrase: “Remember that you were a slave in Egypt.” Part of our Eucharistic celebration is to remember that we too were once enslaved to sin but that Jesus has set us free.
What happens when we forget? What if we no longer remember that which saves us?
My aunt (my dad’s sister) has been doing extensive research into the Marshall/Darrow family line. It has been discovered that I am a descendent of Henry Sampson (sometimes spelled Samson). When he was 17 years-old, he arrived via the Mayflower at Plymouth Massachusetts on November 11th, 1620. He is my 8th great-grandfather. Henry was born and raised in Bedfordshire, England and was a 10-year indentured servant to his aunt and uncle who he accompanied on the trip. The Sampson/Thayer/Darrow/Marshall family line had forgotten this fact until my aunt rediscovered it this year.
I excitedly told my boys that they are descendants of Mayflower passenger, Henry Sampson.
Then came this realization: I am a descendant of an indentured servant. I think great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandpa Henry would be proud to know that I am happily living in Florida, married with healthy and happy children, and am an Episcopal priest. I imagine him saying, “My how far we have come.”
While I am excited about this family history, I have the realization that this fact had been forgotten; remembering it, however, fills me with gratitude. I have made the commitment to make sure the next generation will remember that they are descended from an indentured servant.
This Sunday is September 11th. We spent some time at the Women’s Discussion group telling stories of where we were on this day 21 years ago. Honestly, 21 years ago, I had pondered whether or not humanity would be in existence in what is now two decades later. My how far we have come; my-oh-my, how far we have yet to go. The prayers this Sunday are shaped into a Biblical style of remembrance. Taken from the Book of Common prayer, we will be praying for thankfulness, remembrance, and redemption for all people.
Let us remember and pray together:
Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun.
Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime.
And hasten the day when all people; especially those who have wandered far away; will be united in one chorus to glorify you,
our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Amen.
- Rev. Dave
Our Eucharistic celebration, started by Jesus on the Passover (probably in the year 0032), is a way for us to remember all the good things that God has done for us. In the fifth book of the Bible, Deuteronomy, there is this repeating phrase: “Remember that you were a slave in Egypt.” Part of our Eucharistic celebration is to remember that we too were once enslaved to sin but that Jesus has set us free.
What happens when we forget? What if we no longer remember that which saves us?
My aunt (my dad’s sister) has been doing extensive research into the Marshall/Darrow family line. It has been discovered that I am a descendent of Henry Sampson (sometimes spelled Samson). When he was 17 years-old, he arrived via the Mayflower at Plymouth Massachusetts on November 11th, 1620. He is my 8th great-grandfather. Henry was born and raised in Bedfordshire, England and was a 10-year indentured servant to his aunt and uncle who he accompanied on the trip. The Sampson/Thayer/Darrow/Marshall family line had forgotten this fact until my aunt rediscovered it this year.
I excitedly told my boys that they are descendants of Mayflower passenger, Henry Sampson.
Then came this realization: I am a descendant of an indentured servant. I think great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandpa Henry would be proud to know that I am happily living in Florida, married with healthy and happy children, and am an Episcopal priest. I imagine him saying, “My how far we have come.”
While I am excited about this family history, I have the realization that this fact had been forgotten; remembering it, however, fills me with gratitude. I have made the commitment to make sure the next generation will remember that they are descended from an indentured servant.
This Sunday is September 11th. We spent some time at the Women’s Discussion group telling stories of where we were on this day 21 years ago. Honestly, 21 years ago, I had pondered whether or not humanity would be in existence in what is now two decades later. My how far we have come; my-oh-my, how far we have yet to go. The prayers this Sunday are shaped into a Biblical style of remembrance. Taken from the Book of Common prayer, we will be praying for thankfulness, remembrance, and redemption for all people.
Let us remember and pray together:
Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun.
Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime.
And hasten the day when all people; especially those who have wandered far away; will be united in one chorus to glorify you,
our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Amen.
- Rev. Dave
Ecology and God's Economy
September 1, 2022
One never knows the impact that a good conversation can have on someone else. The message this past Sunday focused on the difference between the economy of the world and the Divine economy. The American economy, the European economy, the Asian economy; all of them; seek a return on investment. In macro-economic terms, our system is that we expect our investments to grow. The macro-Divine economy is that we are to give/invest in something that will provide us no return. Zero, zip, zilch. Because, as Jesus says, we will be repaid in the resurrection.
The Divine economy is shown through two stories involving Jesus (Luke 14). He suggested that when we go to a party, we are to take the lowest seat. When the host/hostess arrives, he/she will look at us and invite us forward because all who humble themselves will be exalted. Secondly, Jesus said, when we throw a party, do not invite family members or friends or wealthy or well-connected people because they will in return invite you to a party and thus you will be repaid. Instead, invite people who cannot invite you back; invite the unprivileged; and you will be repaid by God in what Jesus called the “resurrection of the righteous.”
After the service on Sunday, my son Ethan, who is in his Sophomore year at University of South Florida, thanked me for the message and said he is going to use it in an academic paper on ecology. Ecological economics has to do with taking short term gains out of the ecology, like clear-cutting, that have long-term negative effects. How he framed his argument, however, was that the true ecological economy is that of the Divine economy – give to the environment because it cannot repay you. By setting aside land in which we cannot build, because we gave it to a protected species like the Florida Panther, we will then set up a system in which we are repaid by God. Here’s another way to look at this: if we protect saltwater marsh lands by not developing it and instead letting mangroves and seagrass grow abundantly, we are investing in a system that does not make a return on our investment. However, a generation later will find a natural protective barrier from hurricanes and sea surges. In ecological terms, that is the resurrection of the righteous.
Sunday afternoon he worked on the paper and turned it in (electronically, of course). On Monday, during class, the professor highlighted a couple of papers that he liked, with Ethan’s being on the top. [Or perhaps his paper was equal with the others but this proud dad imagines Ethan’s was on the top of the professor’s list] He asked Ethan to read a part of it to the class. When Ethan got to Jesus’ words about taking the last seat and who to invite to a party, the professor asked to read that part. The professor read the Gospel to his class in the same way that Justus reads the lessons at All Angels – with authority and with an ease that makes the passage easier to understand by those hearing it.
I’d like to highlight this point: because of Ethan’s paper, his professor proclaimed the Gospel message to his class. I imagine there were students who had heard this passage before and some who had never heard it. I also imagine this was the first time some students heard a message about Jesus that had nothing to do with judgement and damnation. The students heard this humble message – bless those who have less than you and God, who identifies with the underprivileged, the voiceless and invisible in society, will bless you. Some of you have been raised in a Christian tradition where Jesus’ words were used to scare you into doing right; because, if you don’t God is waiting to squash you. This passage however, shows what I think is the true nature of Jesus which is this: blessed are you who help others. That is a Divine economy of good news and one in which we can all participate.
- Rev. Dave
The Divine economy is shown through two stories involving Jesus (Luke 14). He suggested that when we go to a party, we are to take the lowest seat. When the host/hostess arrives, he/she will look at us and invite us forward because all who humble themselves will be exalted. Secondly, Jesus said, when we throw a party, do not invite family members or friends or wealthy or well-connected people because they will in return invite you to a party and thus you will be repaid. Instead, invite people who cannot invite you back; invite the unprivileged; and you will be repaid by God in what Jesus called the “resurrection of the righteous.”
After the service on Sunday, my son Ethan, who is in his Sophomore year at University of South Florida, thanked me for the message and said he is going to use it in an academic paper on ecology. Ecological economics has to do with taking short term gains out of the ecology, like clear-cutting, that have long-term negative effects. How he framed his argument, however, was that the true ecological economy is that of the Divine economy – give to the environment because it cannot repay you. By setting aside land in which we cannot build, because we gave it to a protected species like the Florida Panther, we will then set up a system in which we are repaid by God. Here’s another way to look at this: if we protect saltwater marsh lands by not developing it and instead letting mangroves and seagrass grow abundantly, we are investing in a system that does not make a return on our investment. However, a generation later will find a natural protective barrier from hurricanes and sea surges. In ecological terms, that is the resurrection of the righteous.
Sunday afternoon he worked on the paper and turned it in (electronically, of course). On Monday, during class, the professor highlighted a couple of papers that he liked, with Ethan’s being on the top. [Or perhaps his paper was equal with the others but this proud dad imagines Ethan’s was on the top of the professor’s list] He asked Ethan to read a part of it to the class. When Ethan got to Jesus’ words about taking the last seat and who to invite to a party, the professor asked to read that part. The professor read the Gospel to his class in the same way that Justus reads the lessons at All Angels – with authority and with an ease that makes the passage easier to understand by those hearing it.
I’d like to highlight this point: because of Ethan’s paper, his professor proclaimed the Gospel message to his class. I imagine there were students who had heard this passage before and some who had never heard it. I also imagine this was the first time some students heard a message about Jesus that had nothing to do with judgement and damnation. The students heard this humble message – bless those who have less than you and God, who identifies with the underprivileged, the voiceless and invisible in society, will bless you. Some of you have been raised in a Christian tradition where Jesus’ words were used to scare you into doing right; because, if you don’t God is waiting to squash you. This passage however, shows what I think is the true nature of Jesus which is this: blessed are you who help others. That is a Divine economy of good news and one in which we can all participate.
- Rev. Dave
Anti-Semitism
August 25, 2022
Last week, I attended a lunch-and-learn event sponsored by the American Jewish Council. The topic: anti-Semitism. A member of All Angels purchased me three luncheon tickets. I invited the Bishop-elect Doug Scharf and Susan Goldfarb, Executive Director of the Longboat Key Education Center. I attended the luncheon for primary reason that my life as Rector of All Angels intersects with people of the Jewish faith. What I learned at the luncheon shocked me.
Sarasota is experiencing a rise in anti-Semitism. The Proud Boys and the Goyim Defense League (GDL) are operating in and around Sarasota. In July, 2020, Temple Emanu-El and Temple Sinai were desecrated with symbols and messages of hate. It is believed the GDL are responsible for several flyer-drops that have occurred this summer. The content is not appropriate for printing; just know the flyers spread messages of hate and flat-out lies about the Jewish people. Nevertheless, be on the lookout for this phrase, 6MWE; it stands for “six million weren’t enough”. If you see it as graffiti, please call the non-emergency line for the police so it can be removed.
The speaker for the day, Holly Huffnagle, AJC Director of Combating Antisemitism, who is a self-identified Christian, told us, “What begins against the Jews does not end with the Jews.” Anti-Semitism is a Christian concern and a concern for all Americans. She cited examples of recent shootings in America where the shooter himself had posted anti-Semitic language and images but decided to target others. Specifically, the shooter of the Tops Market in Buffalo had originally planned to target Jewish people but when he realized the targets were not concentrated enough in one area, he switched his plans to go after people of African descent. What begins with Jews does not end with the Jews. She told us it will not take long before anti-Semites go after Christians who do not see the world in the same way they do. Likewise, they will go after Americans who uphold the principle of equality regardless of race, gender, sex, language, religion, or political opinion. And, if left unchecked, they will go after people who are perceived to have more than them.
Lastly, there are two sectors of society that are promoting anti-Semitism – groups on the far right and groups on the far left. On college campuses, today, Jewish students are being denied admittance into certain social groups and activities because of their faith. Other students are being denied because they identify with religion of any kind which includes students who identify with the Christian and Islamic faith. What begins with exclusion often doesn’t end with exclusion.
After the presentation, the twenty Christian pastors at the luncheon heard stories of anti-Semitism in our area – children being denied admittance in scouting groups and athletic teams, housing leases being denied (because their last name “sounded Jewish”), marking on cars, rocks through windows, and, of course, the numerous flyer-drops that have occurred in our area whose sole purpose is to have the material land in the hands of children to warp their sense of history and justice and to motivate them to join a hate group.
This is not a time of fear or to be afraid. Our presenter left us with what can be done to tamp down anti-Semitism. It should be noted that “tamp down” is used here because hate, especially against people of the Jewish Faith, has been around for a very long time. We, however, are responsible for tamping it down in our own time. Hate cannot combat hate. Instead, tamping down hate takes community collaboration and communication. The luncheon was a good start. So is reading this Reflection. So is it when you see graffiti and call to have it removed. The Psalmist declares, “Those who honor the Lord, their light shines in the darkness with mercy and compassion.” (112:4)
Through community collaboration and communication, God’s light will shine the darkness to tamp down hate with mercy and compassion.
- Rev. Dave
Sarasota is experiencing a rise in anti-Semitism. The Proud Boys and the Goyim Defense League (GDL) are operating in and around Sarasota. In July, 2020, Temple Emanu-El and Temple Sinai were desecrated with symbols and messages of hate. It is believed the GDL are responsible for several flyer-drops that have occurred this summer. The content is not appropriate for printing; just know the flyers spread messages of hate and flat-out lies about the Jewish people. Nevertheless, be on the lookout for this phrase, 6MWE; it stands for “six million weren’t enough”. If you see it as graffiti, please call the non-emergency line for the police so it can be removed.
The speaker for the day, Holly Huffnagle, AJC Director of Combating Antisemitism, who is a self-identified Christian, told us, “What begins against the Jews does not end with the Jews.” Anti-Semitism is a Christian concern and a concern for all Americans. She cited examples of recent shootings in America where the shooter himself had posted anti-Semitic language and images but decided to target others. Specifically, the shooter of the Tops Market in Buffalo had originally planned to target Jewish people but when he realized the targets were not concentrated enough in one area, he switched his plans to go after people of African descent. What begins with Jews does not end with the Jews. She told us it will not take long before anti-Semites go after Christians who do not see the world in the same way they do. Likewise, they will go after Americans who uphold the principle of equality regardless of race, gender, sex, language, religion, or political opinion. And, if left unchecked, they will go after people who are perceived to have more than them.
Lastly, there are two sectors of society that are promoting anti-Semitism – groups on the far right and groups on the far left. On college campuses, today, Jewish students are being denied admittance into certain social groups and activities because of their faith. Other students are being denied because they identify with religion of any kind which includes students who identify with the Christian and Islamic faith. What begins with exclusion often doesn’t end with exclusion.
After the presentation, the twenty Christian pastors at the luncheon heard stories of anti-Semitism in our area – children being denied admittance in scouting groups and athletic teams, housing leases being denied (because their last name “sounded Jewish”), marking on cars, rocks through windows, and, of course, the numerous flyer-drops that have occurred in our area whose sole purpose is to have the material land in the hands of children to warp their sense of history and justice and to motivate them to join a hate group.
This is not a time of fear or to be afraid. Our presenter left us with what can be done to tamp down anti-Semitism. It should be noted that “tamp down” is used here because hate, especially against people of the Jewish Faith, has been around for a very long time. We, however, are responsible for tamping it down in our own time. Hate cannot combat hate. Instead, tamping down hate takes community collaboration and communication. The luncheon was a good start. So is reading this Reflection. So is it when you see graffiti and call to have it removed. The Psalmist declares, “Those who honor the Lord, their light shines in the darkness with mercy and compassion.” (112:4)
Through community collaboration and communication, God’s light will shine the darkness to tamp down hate with mercy and compassion.
- Rev. Dave
Fraud, Part II
August 18, 2022
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote to you about some fraud cases that have happened to All Angels and how to avoid them. Some parishioners have shared their own stories about fraud in order to help others. One parishioner received a text saying that their credit/debit card has been blocked. Our parishioner (thankfully) drove to the bank parking lot and pressed the number on the text. The helpful person on the other end asked for name and social security number. Then, the “banker” asked for the code on the back of the card. After hearing that, our parishioner hung up, walked into the bank, holding the card, saying, “I think I have been defrauded.” The manager quickly ushered her into an office, pulled up the account, blocked it and thankfully reported that no activity had occurred on it. The advice from the manager is this: only use the phone number printed on the back of the card. Do not call a number from a text or email. Secondly, the bank will never call you to verify information. They receive calls; they do not initiate them. Third – same as the first – only use the number printed on the back of your card.
I have had a couple of parishioners tell me that they received a message on their computer from Microsoft. The message said they need to run some maintenance and to click the link provided. Once the link is clicked, the representative on the other end will take control of your mouse/curser and then have access to your banking information and your contact list. One person, an admiral who lives in California, fell for this scam. He was accustomed to the IT department in the Navy or DOD and was assigned a heavily secured computer. But, in retirement, he had his own PC. When the pop-up happened on his home computer, he clicked on it and ended up paying for “IT services” to clean his computer. It was a scam of course.
According the Microsoft, Apple, Samsung, HP and all the rest, they never, ever, reach out to you to run a routine scan. They will do updates; and seem to do them more frequently; but they will not diagnose a problem with your device in advance and call you about it. If you need to call them, go to the source: find a number on your receipt or log into your account and follow the instructions to call.
Earlier this year, I found a box of copier toner leaning against the front door of the office. It was exactly the same toner we use and our copier company sends us toner – for free (included in the monthly lease) – when we need it. A week later, we received an invoice for it. After going to the source – the copier – and calling the number phone number listed, our leasing agent told us it was a scam. We mailed the toner back to the scam company and told them to never contact us again.
In the media lately, we have been hearing about what people claim is Christianity. In fact, the discussion group topic for next week is a story about particular groups who are using the image of the rosary with assault weapons. When I hear and read those troubling things, I am reminded to go back to the source. Just like the bank manger that said to go to the source and only call the number printed on the back of our bank cards, we too spiritually speaking should go the source and check our Bible when it comes to what others say is in it. We should check with our own Church history and perhaps talk to our priest to see if what we are being bombarded with is true spirituality or a scam. The Bible will not call us and tell us something is wrong. It is our duty and responsibility to turn to Scripture, our source, and to make sure we are staying connected to the right path or if we are being scammed.
- Rev. Dave
I have had a couple of parishioners tell me that they received a message on their computer from Microsoft. The message said they need to run some maintenance and to click the link provided. Once the link is clicked, the representative on the other end will take control of your mouse/curser and then have access to your banking information and your contact list. One person, an admiral who lives in California, fell for this scam. He was accustomed to the IT department in the Navy or DOD and was assigned a heavily secured computer. But, in retirement, he had his own PC. When the pop-up happened on his home computer, he clicked on it and ended up paying for “IT services” to clean his computer. It was a scam of course.
According the Microsoft, Apple, Samsung, HP and all the rest, they never, ever, reach out to you to run a routine scan. They will do updates; and seem to do them more frequently; but they will not diagnose a problem with your device in advance and call you about it. If you need to call them, go to the source: find a number on your receipt or log into your account and follow the instructions to call.
Earlier this year, I found a box of copier toner leaning against the front door of the office. It was exactly the same toner we use and our copier company sends us toner – for free (included in the monthly lease) – when we need it. A week later, we received an invoice for it. After going to the source – the copier – and calling the number phone number listed, our leasing agent told us it was a scam. We mailed the toner back to the scam company and told them to never contact us again.
In the media lately, we have been hearing about what people claim is Christianity. In fact, the discussion group topic for next week is a story about particular groups who are using the image of the rosary with assault weapons. When I hear and read those troubling things, I am reminded to go back to the source. Just like the bank manger that said to go to the source and only call the number printed on the back of our bank cards, we too spiritually speaking should go the source and check our Bible when it comes to what others say is in it. We should check with our own Church history and perhaps talk to our priest to see if what we are being bombarded with is true spirituality or a scam. The Bible will not call us and tell us something is wrong. It is our duty and responsibility to turn to Scripture, our source, and to make sure we are staying connected to the right path or if we are being scammed.
- Rev. Dave
Have Cats Will Travel
August 11, 2022
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My dad told me stories about some memorable vacations when he was a kid. For starters, he was one of five children. Every year, they would load up the vehicle, head out to various destinations in the western United States, and bring their pets. Five kids, several pets, all their belongings for a few weeks – that’s my dad’s vacation experience.
In contrast to that, I was talking with Laurel and Jeff Vaughn about their vacation plans. They, like my dad, take road trips with their pets; but, unlike the Marshall experience, theirs is more of a relaxing and contemplative travel time.
Laurel and Jeff have two beautiful cats – Ben and Jerry. I first met the two brothers at a cat blessing when they were kittens. As you can see from the photos, they have grown into magnificent longhaired cats. A couple of years ago, Laurel and Jeff bought a Sprinter travel van. Instead of boarding Ben and Jerry, they decided to take them along. Since then, the cats have quickly taken to travel. They love to lounge around the van when it is traveling; sometimes on the dashboard or side window where passing travelers get to relish in seeing beautiful cats on a road trip.
When they stay at a camp ground, Ben and Jerry join them outside on the picnic table or they will find a patch of sundrenched ground to nap on. Other travelers often comment on how beautiful the cats are and what a delight it is to see them out camping. Some people even stop to take selfies (and one person actually took a photo while driving!). What a blessing it is for others to see Ben and Jerry. When they do arrive at their destination, Laurel has photos of Ben and Jerry lounging around at various homes of their friends where they stay on their trips. They have become quite the traveling quartet.
When I saw them (the quartet) in July, Ben and Jerry had that traveling jones in their eyes. Their tails twitched just ever so slightly to indicate it was time for another road trip. Coming soon, the cats will get their wish when their Sprinter van heads off to California. More days of lounging around on the dashboard, seeing the beautiful countryside roll by, having the full attention of Laurel and Jeff, staying in camp grounds or at the houses of friends, and amazing people along the way. From what Jeff has told me, the first fifteen minutes of the trip – leaving Longboat and heading onto the mainland – is the roughest part for Ben and Jerry. I imagine that once they pass the veterinarian’s office, the cats settle in for the enjoyment of it all.
I think Jesus was a cat person. He liked it when independent thinking people took a liking to him and followed him along the way. Jesus also talked about the importance of rest and contemplation; something Ben and Jerry do naturally. For all of the trips Jesus took that are recorded in the Gospel, it never seemed that the destination was the focus; it was rather the traveling that Jesus found important. Next time you read the Gospel accounts of his life, look at all the things that happened “on the road”. Here are just a few: Jesus talked to the Samaritan woman at the well, healed a hemorrhaging woman and two blind men, brought a young man back to life, lepers were cleansed, five thousand people were fed; even the Sermon on the Mount was a stop on a long road trip. Again, it wasn’t so much the destination for Jesus. The focus for him was the people he met along the way.
I don’t imagine Ben and Jerry are too caught up in where Jeff’s GPS is taking them. Instead, they are in for the travel. Perhaps our prayer lives could be better served if we prayed the way the Ben and Jerry travel – not worrying about the destination so much but rather blessing those along the way.
- Rev. Dave
In contrast to that, I was talking with Laurel and Jeff Vaughn about their vacation plans. They, like my dad, take road trips with their pets; but, unlike the Marshall experience, theirs is more of a relaxing and contemplative travel time.
Laurel and Jeff have two beautiful cats – Ben and Jerry. I first met the two brothers at a cat blessing when they were kittens. As you can see from the photos, they have grown into magnificent longhaired cats. A couple of years ago, Laurel and Jeff bought a Sprinter travel van. Instead of boarding Ben and Jerry, they decided to take them along. Since then, the cats have quickly taken to travel. They love to lounge around the van when it is traveling; sometimes on the dashboard or side window where passing travelers get to relish in seeing beautiful cats on a road trip.
When they stay at a camp ground, Ben and Jerry join them outside on the picnic table or they will find a patch of sundrenched ground to nap on. Other travelers often comment on how beautiful the cats are and what a delight it is to see them out camping. Some people even stop to take selfies (and one person actually took a photo while driving!). What a blessing it is for others to see Ben and Jerry. When they do arrive at their destination, Laurel has photos of Ben and Jerry lounging around at various homes of their friends where they stay on their trips. They have become quite the traveling quartet.
When I saw them (the quartet) in July, Ben and Jerry had that traveling jones in their eyes. Their tails twitched just ever so slightly to indicate it was time for another road trip. Coming soon, the cats will get their wish when their Sprinter van heads off to California. More days of lounging around on the dashboard, seeing the beautiful countryside roll by, having the full attention of Laurel and Jeff, staying in camp grounds or at the houses of friends, and amazing people along the way. From what Jeff has told me, the first fifteen minutes of the trip – leaving Longboat and heading onto the mainland – is the roughest part for Ben and Jerry. I imagine that once they pass the veterinarian’s office, the cats settle in for the enjoyment of it all.
I think Jesus was a cat person. He liked it when independent thinking people took a liking to him and followed him along the way. Jesus also talked about the importance of rest and contemplation; something Ben and Jerry do naturally. For all of the trips Jesus took that are recorded in the Gospel, it never seemed that the destination was the focus; it was rather the traveling that Jesus found important. Next time you read the Gospel accounts of his life, look at all the things that happened “on the road”. Here are just a few: Jesus talked to the Samaritan woman at the well, healed a hemorrhaging woman and two blind men, brought a young man back to life, lepers were cleansed, five thousand people were fed; even the Sermon on the Mount was a stop on a long road trip. Again, it wasn’t so much the destination for Jesus. The focus for him was the people he met along the way.
I don’t imagine Ben and Jerry are too caught up in where Jeff’s GPS is taking them. Instead, they are in for the travel. Perhaps our prayer lives could be better served if we prayed the way the Ben and Jerry travel – not worrying about the destination so much but rather blessing those along the way.
- Rev. Dave
Fraud
August 4, 2022
While lying on their beds they plot evil; they commit themselves to a sinful course and do what is wrong. Psalm 36:4
Don’t go on the way of the wicked … They don’t sleep unless they do evil; they can’t sleep unless they make someone stumble. Proverbs 4:14-16
I’m not sure if I have told you this story before – All Angels almost fell for a fraud attempt. We received an automated phone call from FPL (Florida Power and Light, or, as Dale would call them, “Florida Plunder and Loot”) saying that our payment for the last three months has not gone through. If we did not pay them by the afternoon, the power would be shut off through the weekend. I started to panic thinking about how to have Sunday services without electricity. The recorded voice said we could not pay over the phone, they needed cash to be dropped off at a drop box location in downtown Sarasota. Thankfully, we do not have a policy on outflow cash handling. During the moments it took for us to consider how to pay in cash, we realized that this might be a scam. Instead of using the phone number they provided, we looked up FPL’s number off our invoice, called them and verified that our account is up to date. I then called Longboat’s non-emergency police line and told them of the scam. After collecting our information, I was told that scams are getting better – more realistic and more pervasive.
A couple of months ago, in the afternoon, I picked up a phone call from “General Motors” saying that our company-owned car’s warranty is about to expire (we don’t have a company car). On my cell, I received a voicemail from “Your County’s Court System” saying that a warrant has been issued and that I need to press “1” to talk to an officer and have the situation resolved. The “Social Security Office” recently called to say that there is a problem with my social security number. I received a passionate plea to help support the “fallen police officer’s fund” which, according to the scoffer, was dangerously close to running out of funds. Through email and Facebook, I receive weekly attempts of fraud – either to “friend” someone who I don’t know, or, someone I do know whose system has been hacked. And then, more recently, I received emails from two different beloved parishioners saying they needed me to buy them gift cards at Amazon. … which was not true.
This reminds me of the scam that I did tell you about when two people at All Angels got a request from me for gift cards for Apple phone products. That was a pretty sophisticated scam. Thankfully it didn’t work because someone called me to make sure I was okay.
At the beginning of this Reflection, I quoted a psalm and a pericope from Proverbs warning about fraudsters who can’t sleep unless they are ripping someone off. The author of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun. The fraud attempts that we experience today are nothing new; but, the scammers have become more sophisticated. This means we need to remain even more vigilant.
Please know that All Angels will ask you for contributions; it’s how we are able to continue our ministry of bringing the living Christ to those inside and outside the church. However, we will not contact you to buy gift cards for myself or for any other member of All Angels. If you receive a text or email from me or anyone else in the congregation asking for gift cards, please think first that it is a scam, and call me or the parishioner directly.
One thing that scammers can never reproduce is conversations and relationships. As the hymn goes, they will know us by our love. Next time a fraud attempt comes up and one of the evil-doers tries to make us stumble, perhaps we should use it as an opportunity to converse with one another and build God’s kingdom. Through conversation we will make certain that evil is foiled and that love will take the day.
- Rev. Dave
Don’t go on the way of the wicked … They don’t sleep unless they do evil; they can’t sleep unless they make someone stumble. Proverbs 4:14-16
I’m not sure if I have told you this story before – All Angels almost fell for a fraud attempt. We received an automated phone call from FPL (Florida Power and Light, or, as Dale would call them, “Florida Plunder and Loot”) saying that our payment for the last three months has not gone through. If we did not pay them by the afternoon, the power would be shut off through the weekend. I started to panic thinking about how to have Sunday services without electricity. The recorded voice said we could not pay over the phone, they needed cash to be dropped off at a drop box location in downtown Sarasota. Thankfully, we do not have a policy on outflow cash handling. During the moments it took for us to consider how to pay in cash, we realized that this might be a scam. Instead of using the phone number they provided, we looked up FPL’s number off our invoice, called them and verified that our account is up to date. I then called Longboat’s non-emergency police line and told them of the scam. After collecting our information, I was told that scams are getting better – more realistic and more pervasive.
A couple of months ago, in the afternoon, I picked up a phone call from “General Motors” saying that our company-owned car’s warranty is about to expire (we don’t have a company car). On my cell, I received a voicemail from “Your County’s Court System” saying that a warrant has been issued and that I need to press “1” to talk to an officer and have the situation resolved. The “Social Security Office” recently called to say that there is a problem with my social security number. I received a passionate plea to help support the “fallen police officer’s fund” which, according to the scoffer, was dangerously close to running out of funds. Through email and Facebook, I receive weekly attempts of fraud – either to “friend” someone who I don’t know, or, someone I do know whose system has been hacked. And then, more recently, I received emails from two different beloved parishioners saying they needed me to buy them gift cards at Amazon. … which was not true.
This reminds me of the scam that I did tell you about when two people at All Angels got a request from me for gift cards for Apple phone products. That was a pretty sophisticated scam. Thankfully it didn’t work because someone called me to make sure I was okay.
At the beginning of this Reflection, I quoted a psalm and a pericope from Proverbs warning about fraudsters who can’t sleep unless they are ripping someone off. The author of Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun. The fraud attempts that we experience today are nothing new; but, the scammers have become more sophisticated. This means we need to remain even more vigilant.
Please know that All Angels will ask you for contributions; it’s how we are able to continue our ministry of bringing the living Christ to those inside and outside the church. However, we will not contact you to buy gift cards for myself or for any other member of All Angels. If you receive a text or email from me or anyone else in the congregation asking for gift cards, please think first that it is a scam, and call me or the parishioner directly.
One thing that scammers can never reproduce is conversations and relationships. As the hymn goes, they will know us by our love. Next time a fraud attempt comes up and one of the evil-doers tries to make us stumble, perhaps we should use it as an opportunity to converse with one another and build God’s kingdom. Through conversation we will make certain that evil is foiled and that love will take the day.
- Rev. Dave
Customer Service
July 28, 2021
After college, I worked for an upstart home electronics retail company. I was the 112th employee hired. The best part about that company is that I met Christi there. The company was the largest retailer in Canada and they were attempting to take over the US market. I had recently decided that law school was not in my immediate future so working for a company that was willing to teach me about business seemed like a good direction. They taught me sales, marketing, advertising, budgeting, forecasting, supplier relations, cash handling, human resources and management; and, most importantly, customer service. The management line was this: we don’t sell electronics, we build people. The focus was on recruiting and training (building) people to help customers find what they need. We followed the retail wisdom of Sam Walton and sales experience from Zig Ziglar. I still quote them from time to time.
The company taught us to repeat the following phrase:
Rule #1 – the customer is right. Rule #2, if the customer is not right, refer to rule #1.
In all reality, this meant the customer can be wrong, misinformed, obnoxious and manipulative; but, the customer is right. If the customer thinks the remote is broken, then it is broken. It’s not our job to convince them otherwise, it is our job to make them happy. We were taught to start our sentences with the Ziglar phrase, “I hear what you are saying. Here’s something I found that works, let’s see if it works for you…”
Of the one hundred remotes that I was told didn’t work, I actually had one that did not. The other 99, well, here’s something that I found works, let’s see if it works for you.
The company I worked for is now BestBuy. As far as I can tell, they no longer build people. But, they have a good selection of products at reasonable prices.
From the early 1990s to now, I can tell you that both Sam Walton and Zig Ziglar would be unhappy with the state of customer service in most major business sectors – health insurance, car insurance, phone companies, internet providers, banks, and, yes, of course vacuum sales and big box retailers. The other day, Christi called a company that, not surprisingly, required her to go through their jungle of an automated phone system (which ironically always announces itself with, “to serve you better”). After a frustratingly long system, she was rewarded her with a computer voice that said, “We will connect you to a customer service representative,” only to be followed by another recorded voice that said, “because of high call volumes, our call center is currently not taking new calls. Please try again later.” Click. Oddly enough, I too had just been hung up on from an insurance company when they were transferring me to a real person.
When we call upon God, we do not have to prove who we are – no date of birth, policy number, card number, or any other identification required. God already knows who we are. We don’t have to tell God where we are – no address or zip code required. There is no two-step verification from God where we get a text message confirming who we are. To God, all hearts are open, all desires known, and no secrets are hid. Most theologians would assert that God even knows what it is we are calling about.
When we talk to God, like rule #1, we are right. We might be wrong, misinformed, obnoxious and manipulative; but, God listens as if we are right. And, through discernment, prayer, and Scripture, God tells us, “I hear what you are saying. In my experience, here is something I found that works. Why don’t you try it.”
- Rev. Dave
The company taught us to repeat the following phrase:
Rule #1 – the customer is right. Rule #2, if the customer is not right, refer to rule #1.
In all reality, this meant the customer can be wrong, misinformed, obnoxious and manipulative; but, the customer is right. If the customer thinks the remote is broken, then it is broken. It’s not our job to convince them otherwise, it is our job to make them happy. We were taught to start our sentences with the Ziglar phrase, “I hear what you are saying. Here’s something I found that works, let’s see if it works for you…”
Of the one hundred remotes that I was told didn’t work, I actually had one that did not. The other 99, well, here’s something that I found works, let’s see if it works for you.
The company I worked for is now BestBuy. As far as I can tell, they no longer build people. But, they have a good selection of products at reasonable prices.
From the early 1990s to now, I can tell you that both Sam Walton and Zig Ziglar would be unhappy with the state of customer service in most major business sectors – health insurance, car insurance, phone companies, internet providers, banks, and, yes, of course vacuum sales and big box retailers. The other day, Christi called a company that, not surprisingly, required her to go through their jungle of an automated phone system (which ironically always announces itself with, “to serve you better”). After a frustratingly long system, she was rewarded her with a computer voice that said, “We will connect you to a customer service representative,” only to be followed by another recorded voice that said, “because of high call volumes, our call center is currently not taking new calls. Please try again later.” Click. Oddly enough, I too had just been hung up on from an insurance company when they were transferring me to a real person.
When we call upon God, we do not have to prove who we are – no date of birth, policy number, card number, or any other identification required. God already knows who we are. We don’t have to tell God where we are – no address or zip code required. There is no two-step verification from God where we get a text message confirming who we are. To God, all hearts are open, all desires known, and no secrets are hid. Most theologians would assert that God even knows what it is we are calling about.
When we talk to God, like rule #1, we are right. We might be wrong, misinformed, obnoxious and manipulative; but, God listens as if we are right. And, through discernment, prayer, and Scripture, God tells us, “I hear what you are saying. In my experience, here is something I found that works. Why don’t you try it.”
- Rev. Dave
Heroes Among Us
July 21, 2022
One of my favorite hymns, I Sing a Song of the Saints of God, goes as follows:
They loved their Lord so dear, so dear, and God’s love made them strong;
and they followed the right, for Jesus’ sake, the whole of their good lives long.
And one was a soldier, and one was a priest, and one was slain by a fierce wild beast:
and there’s not any reason, no, not the least, why I shouldn’t be one too.
The hymn invites us to look for ordinary people who give service to God. It also reminds us that there is no reason, no, not the least, why we shouldn’t find the strength of God in us to serve as they do. When talking about saints to elementary and middle school students, I have found that the word “hero” works better than “saint”.
The term “saint” is heavily loaded with ideas of living a perfect, sin-less, life. So-called saintly people always seem to have an air of perfection and holiness that, to be honest, is not representative of how they actually lived their lives; nor is it attainable in the here and now.
Heroes, on the other hand, are not “saintly” or super-virtuous but find the Spirt inside of them to help others. Likewise, a hero is someone who has fear like the rest of us, but, rises above it and does some sort of action that helps build God’s kingdom.
Helping others can be in many forms – from taking someone’s hand to steady or comfort them, bringing flowers to brighten someone’s day, cleaning up after Coffee Hour, to making a phone call to someone who is having a bad day. There is no reason, no, not the least, why we shouldn’t be like them too.
There was a story recently about some airmen at MacDill AFB who rescued eight boaters in Tampa Bay. In addition to saving lives, there are two other interesting aspects of this story – first, the Air Force has a small navy that patrols restricted waters around the base (who knew?), and second, the airmen were not supposed to be on the water that day. A small craft advisory had been posted which means they watch the water from the land; yet, Staff Sgt. William Au had a gut feeling that they needed to patrol the water. As he reported, “It was the weirdest thing. We just knew we had to go.” Airman 1st Class Kade Jones and Au loaded up and patrolled the rough waters. In moments, they spotted a capsized pontoon boat. Eight boaters were clinging to the hull in the rough seas and Jones spotted a 10 to 12-foot bull shark circling the wreckage. They called for back up and hauled all the stranded boaters aboard. If not for Au’s gut feeling, this story could have ended much differently.
Speaking of heroes, last week, Philip and his wife (the Rev. Canon) Nancy Deming were enjoying a late afternoon day on one of Longboat’s white sandy beaches when he had a gut feeling. He saw a swimmer in distress; she was drifting away from the shore – about a football field away – and had lost hold of her floaty. Philip, who has been trained in water rescue, swam out to her. She was disoriented and could barely keep her head above water. He performed a lifesaving maneuver, and swam her close to shore. He instructed the victim’s muscular friend to stand mid-chest deep, plant his feet, and grab Philip’s hand when he got close. The friend pulled Philip ashore with the woman safely in tow. Short of breath, but, with his waning energy, he told one person to call 911, gave him the address of where they were, and told another bystander to wait at the entrance to let the paramedics in. Thanks to his swift action, he saved the woman’s life.
Whether it is caring for a friend, helping a stranger at the store, giving a word of advice to a family member, or doing a water rescue, saints are all around us. Although they have fear, they find the inner strength to help others and there’s not any reason, no, not the least, why we shouldn’t be one too.
- Rev. Dave
They loved their Lord so dear, so dear, and God’s love made them strong;
and they followed the right, for Jesus’ sake, the whole of their good lives long.
And one was a soldier, and one was a priest, and one was slain by a fierce wild beast:
and there’s not any reason, no, not the least, why I shouldn’t be one too.
The hymn invites us to look for ordinary people who give service to God. It also reminds us that there is no reason, no, not the least, why we shouldn’t find the strength of God in us to serve as they do. When talking about saints to elementary and middle school students, I have found that the word “hero” works better than “saint”.
The term “saint” is heavily loaded with ideas of living a perfect, sin-less, life. So-called saintly people always seem to have an air of perfection and holiness that, to be honest, is not representative of how they actually lived their lives; nor is it attainable in the here and now.
Heroes, on the other hand, are not “saintly” or super-virtuous but find the Spirt inside of them to help others. Likewise, a hero is someone who has fear like the rest of us, but, rises above it and does some sort of action that helps build God’s kingdom.
Helping others can be in many forms – from taking someone’s hand to steady or comfort them, bringing flowers to brighten someone’s day, cleaning up after Coffee Hour, to making a phone call to someone who is having a bad day. There is no reason, no, not the least, why we shouldn’t be like them too.
There was a story recently about some airmen at MacDill AFB who rescued eight boaters in Tampa Bay. In addition to saving lives, there are two other interesting aspects of this story – first, the Air Force has a small navy that patrols restricted waters around the base (who knew?), and second, the airmen were not supposed to be on the water that day. A small craft advisory had been posted which means they watch the water from the land; yet, Staff Sgt. William Au had a gut feeling that they needed to patrol the water. As he reported, “It was the weirdest thing. We just knew we had to go.” Airman 1st Class Kade Jones and Au loaded up and patrolled the rough waters. In moments, they spotted a capsized pontoon boat. Eight boaters were clinging to the hull in the rough seas and Jones spotted a 10 to 12-foot bull shark circling the wreckage. They called for back up and hauled all the stranded boaters aboard. If not for Au’s gut feeling, this story could have ended much differently.
Speaking of heroes, last week, Philip and his wife (the Rev. Canon) Nancy Deming were enjoying a late afternoon day on one of Longboat’s white sandy beaches when he had a gut feeling. He saw a swimmer in distress; she was drifting away from the shore – about a football field away – and had lost hold of her floaty. Philip, who has been trained in water rescue, swam out to her. She was disoriented and could barely keep her head above water. He performed a lifesaving maneuver, and swam her close to shore. He instructed the victim’s muscular friend to stand mid-chest deep, plant his feet, and grab Philip’s hand when he got close. The friend pulled Philip ashore with the woman safely in tow. Short of breath, but, with his waning energy, he told one person to call 911, gave him the address of where they were, and told another bystander to wait at the entrance to let the paramedics in. Thanks to his swift action, he saved the woman’s life.
Whether it is caring for a friend, helping a stranger at the store, giving a word of advice to a family member, or doing a water rescue, saints are all around us. Although they have fear, they find the inner strength to help others and there’s not any reason, no, not the least, why we shouldn’t be one too.
- Rev. Dave
Water Connection
July 14, 2022
My mom safely made it back home to Seattle. She emailed me late last night that her cat, Annie, was on her lap, purring. It was the first time Mom left Annie, Seattle, and spent a night away from her place, since Dad passed away. It was also the first time I saw her since his passing. No one knew what this trip was going to be like for any of us. Thankfully, the visit was wonderful. It also included a Sunday afternoon visit from my aunt Ginger (my Dad’s sister who lives in Clearwater) and her companion Bob.
Years before she got a driver’s license, Mom drove her family’s outboard runabout on Lake Washington. Following in her tradition, I too could operate a boat before getting my license. I would take the Tacoma city bus to the marina where our sailboat, Patience, was moored. One can get around in the Seattle and Tacoma area just fine with a boat. There is a feeling of independence and freedom when on a boat; especially at a young age. It’s also a thrill to visit friends and shoreline excursions from a boat. I was recently asked about what restaurants I like to visit when on the boat. There is just something different about getting there on water. I also know a realtor who takes clients out on her boat to show homes. One needs to see Longboat from the water to really understand the specialness of our unique community.
In keeping with the Marshall tradition, the first motored craft that Elijah ever operated was a boat. He too may be operating the boat by himself prior to getting his driver’s license (I’ll have to check on the boating rules for that as I imagine they have changed since I was a teenager). If, his school, Bradenton Christian School, had a water access, I imagine he might boat himself to High School. Come to think of it, I have joked about towing the boat and 28’ trailer through the congested school pick-up line. I imagine how fun it would be for him to put his backpack and trombone in the boat, climb aboard behind the helm, and wave to his friends as he left the parking lot (and the mile-long backup that the stunt would cause).
One important aspect of Mom’s visit was getting her out on the water. It takes a good amount of agility to get onto a 21’ outboard runabout. Because of tropical storms, both counties have replaced the floating finger piers at the boat ramps with concrete-pillar-strong docks that do not move with the tide. That makes it tricky, to say the least, to board a boat that is at least a foot lower than the dock (and sometimes four feet). Nevertheless, we did it! On a beautiful Friday afternoon/evening, with a rising tide, we launched at Coquina Beach boat ramp, leisurely motored out to the sandbar next to Jewfish Key, beached the boat, and ate dinner which featured sandwiches from Publix. We then anchored near the Longboat Pass bridge to fish and watch the sunset unfold in front of us. Nature was on full display that evening. There was a massive thunderhead rolling through Sarasota that gave the setting sun a canvas on which to paint reds, blues, yellows and purples as only Mother Nature can.
Just as the glowing yellow sun ducked below the horizon, Christi’s fishing pole starting letting out line from the monster that was on her line. Elijah’s pole then bent in a U shape. The monster took Christi’s lure. Elijah handed me his pole which we believed had snagged something. But, after letting out line and reeling back in, we realized the supposed snagged object had moved from near the bridge to the channel heading to Sister Keys. Unfortunately, I had let out too much line and the mystery fish was able to get off the hook. Just then, my pole started to shake. Trying to make up for losing Elijah’s fish, I reeled in too fast and the fish cut through my line. It was a very exciting time. Following a line of boats, we slowly motored back to the boat ramp with our running lights on. By the time the boat was on the trailer, the rain started. On the ride home, Mom was treated to a good ol’ Florida thunderhead downpour. In other words, it was a perfect evening.
The water of baptism connects us to God, and, for the Marshalls, there is connection with God, nature, and one another on water. And, like the tradition of baptism, it is a connection that Mom and Dad have handed on to me. Thanks be to God who called us to southwest Florida because I am handing on the water tradition to my kids.
Years before she got a driver’s license, Mom drove her family’s outboard runabout on Lake Washington. Following in her tradition, I too could operate a boat before getting my license. I would take the Tacoma city bus to the marina where our sailboat, Patience, was moored. One can get around in the Seattle and Tacoma area just fine with a boat. There is a feeling of independence and freedom when on a boat; especially at a young age. It’s also a thrill to visit friends and shoreline excursions from a boat. I was recently asked about what restaurants I like to visit when on the boat. There is just something different about getting there on water. I also know a realtor who takes clients out on her boat to show homes. One needs to see Longboat from the water to really understand the specialness of our unique community.
In keeping with the Marshall tradition, the first motored craft that Elijah ever operated was a boat. He too may be operating the boat by himself prior to getting his driver’s license (I’ll have to check on the boating rules for that as I imagine they have changed since I was a teenager). If, his school, Bradenton Christian School, had a water access, I imagine he might boat himself to High School. Come to think of it, I have joked about towing the boat and 28’ trailer through the congested school pick-up line. I imagine how fun it would be for him to put his backpack and trombone in the boat, climb aboard behind the helm, and wave to his friends as he left the parking lot (and the mile-long backup that the stunt would cause).
One important aspect of Mom’s visit was getting her out on the water. It takes a good amount of agility to get onto a 21’ outboard runabout. Because of tropical storms, both counties have replaced the floating finger piers at the boat ramps with concrete-pillar-strong docks that do not move with the tide. That makes it tricky, to say the least, to board a boat that is at least a foot lower than the dock (and sometimes four feet). Nevertheless, we did it! On a beautiful Friday afternoon/evening, with a rising tide, we launched at Coquina Beach boat ramp, leisurely motored out to the sandbar next to Jewfish Key, beached the boat, and ate dinner which featured sandwiches from Publix. We then anchored near the Longboat Pass bridge to fish and watch the sunset unfold in front of us. Nature was on full display that evening. There was a massive thunderhead rolling through Sarasota that gave the setting sun a canvas on which to paint reds, blues, yellows and purples as only Mother Nature can.
Just as the glowing yellow sun ducked below the horizon, Christi’s fishing pole starting letting out line from the monster that was on her line. Elijah’s pole then bent in a U shape. The monster took Christi’s lure. Elijah handed me his pole which we believed had snagged something. But, after letting out line and reeling back in, we realized the supposed snagged object had moved from near the bridge to the channel heading to Sister Keys. Unfortunately, I had let out too much line and the mystery fish was able to get off the hook. Just then, my pole started to shake. Trying to make up for losing Elijah’s fish, I reeled in too fast and the fish cut through my line. It was a very exciting time. Following a line of boats, we slowly motored back to the boat ramp with our running lights on. By the time the boat was on the trailer, the rain started. On the ride home, Mom was treated to a good ol’ Florida thunderhead downpour. In other words, it was a perfect evening.
The water of baptism connects us to God, and, for the Marshalls, there is connection with God, nature, and one another on water. And, like the tradition of baptism, it is a connection that Mom and Dad have handed on to me. Thanks be to God who called us to southwest Florida because I am handing on the water tradition to my kids.
Friendship, Music and Good Hymnody
July 7, 2022
Maybe it is because his funeral is coming up on Saturday, but I have been thinking about Dale lately. In fact, last night, I had a dream about him. Apparently, he is not mad that I wrote a Reflection about him; and, he is okay with me publishing a photo of him in the bulletin (he always said his backside is his best feature). But, there is more to it than that.
The mystery of what happens to us when we die is becoming less of a mystery to me. Through faith, I believe that love never ends. The love that we have for one another, and especially the feelings we have for those for whom we love but see no longer, remains. At a recent funeral I attended, the eulogist told the two adult children of the deceased that their love for their dad will continue to grow as time goes on. I have experienced/am experiencing that myself.
I also believe the connection we feel with our loved ones stays with us. The connection changes, certainly, but, like love, it too remains. About
a month ago, I told you the story about how I couldn’t get the outboard motor to start until I heard my dad say, “Remember the negative cable.” And no, it wasn’t in some spooky vibrato voice, nor did it sound like a Vincent Price voice-over on a scary movie; it was simply my dad saying remember the negative cable. I tightened the negative line from the battery and the engine started right up. In my heart, I believe that love and connection with our loved ones remains.
The Sunday after Dale passed away, quite by coincidence (of which he said there is no such thing), our closing hymn was I Sing a Song of the Saints of God. The closing verse is as follows:
They lived not only in ages past, there are hundreds of thousands still,
the world is bright with the joyous saints who love to do Jesus’ will.
You can meet them in school or in lanes or at sea,
in church or in trains or in shops, or at tea,
for the saints of God are just folk like me, and I mean to be one too.
When our substitute organist began the hymn, I swear that out of the corner of my eye, I saw Dale in his back robe, standing tall and proud, in between the flag and the flower arrangement, with a big smile on his face. That image made me both very happy and sad all at the same moment. The last time Dale played that hymn, he said the last line makes his eyes well with tears because that is truly what he believes – saints are all around us and that he wants to be one too.
After the service, Katzy was smiling to herself in the flower room. I walked in and mentioned that I felt Dale’s presence today. She set down the flower arrangement and said she did too. This past Sunday, July 3rd, before the opening hymn, O Beautiful for Spacious Skies, I broke with tradition and introduced the hymn’s author, what happened in her life and the life of our country when she wrote it, and who wrote the music. It is something that Dale would have done and I felt it needed to be said in order to appreciate the hymn and tune that we all know so well. I received an email later in the day from a parishioner and friend of Dale’s who said my brief introduction is exactly what Dale would have done; staring with the line, “Did you know…” As soon as I read that line it was like I could hear Dale’s voice say it.
I started this Reflection by telling you there was more to my dream. Here it is: Dale was weighed down by a great number of concerns of our country and our world. He is no longer weighed down by them and that, in retrospect, those concerns did not help him act very saintly. He was most alive on this earth when he would appreciate friendship, music and good hymnody. When it comes right down to it, that is what exists in heaven – friendship, music and good hymnody – so when we experience it here on earth, it is like we are in heaven.
- Rev. Dave
The mystery of what happens to us when we die is becoming less of a mystery to me. Through faith, I believe that love never ends. The love that we have for one another, and especially the feelings we have for those for whom we love but see no longer, remains. At a recent funeral I attended, the eulogist told the two adult children of the deceased that their love for their dad will continue to grow as time goes on. I have experienced/am experiencing that myself.
I also believe the connection we feel with our loved ones stays with us. The connection changes, certainly, but, like love, it too remains. About
a month ago, I told you the story about how I couldn’t get the outboard motor to start until I heard my dad say, “Remember the negative cable.” And no, it wasn’t in some spooky vibrato voice, nor did it sound like a Vincent Price voice-over on a scary movie; it was simply my dad saying remember the negative cable. I tightened the negative line from the battery and the engine started right up. In my heart, I believe that love and connection with our loved ones remains.
The Sunday after Dale passed away, quite by coincidence (of which he said there is no such thing), our closing hymn was I Sing a Song of the Saints of God. The closing verse is as follows:
They lived not only in ages past, there are hundreds of thousands still,
the world is bright with the joyous saints who love to do Jesus’ will.
You can meet them in school or in lanes or at sea,
in church or in trains or in shops, or at tea,
for the saints of God are just folk like me, and I mean to be one too.
When our substitute organist began the hymn, I swear that out of the corner of my eye, I saw Dale in his back robe, standing tall and proud, in between the flag and the flower arrangement, with a big smile on his face. That image made me both very happy and sad all at the same moment. The last time Dale played that hymn, he said the last line makes his eyes well with tears because that is truly what he believes – saints are all around us and that he wants to be one too.
After the service, Katzy was smiling to herself in the flower room. I walked in and mentioned that I felt Dale’s presence today. She set down the flower arrangement and said she did too. This past Sunday, July 3rd, before the opening hymn, O Beautiful for Spacious Skies, I broke with tradition and introduced the hymn’s author, what happened in her life and the life of our country when she wrote it, and who wrote the music. It is something that Dale would have done and I felt it needed to be said in order to appreciate the hymn and tune that we all know so well. I received an email later in the day from a parishioner and friend of Dale’s who said my brief introduction is exactly what Dale would have done; staring with the line, “Did you know…” As soon as I read that line it was like I could hear Dale’s voice say it.
I started this Reflection by telling you there was more to my dream. Here it is: Dale was weighed down by a great number of concerns of our country and our world. He is no longer weighed down by them and that, in retrospect, those concerns did not help him act very saintly. He was most alive on this earth when he would appreciate friendship, music and good hymnody. When it comes right down to it, that is what exists in heaven – friendship, music and good hymnody – so when we experience it here on earth, it is like we are in heaven.
- Rev. Dave
Church Bike
June 30, 2022
Before Sandy and Paul Wood headed north to Michigan, I was invited into their garage. Sitting in their parking spot was a black Electra beach cruiser bike. It has the super-sweet retro sweeping handle bars, a wide and comfortable saddle-style seat, three-inch-wide tires and a bike bell. There are no gears to worry about and the brake system is simple, just peddle backwards. Talk about old-school awesomeness on two wheels! Paul told me he would like me to have it.
My official bike is a Trek hybrid touring/mountain bike which means it looks like a mountain bike but the tires are ¾ inch wide high pressure, with 18 gears – the lowest can make the bike climb a 35-degree angle slope and the highest can propel the bike past 30 mph – it has multiple adjustment points that have been tuned to my body shape, and it weighs as much as three gallons of milk. In other words, it can go off road and perform like a touring road bike. It was an ordination gift from the first church I served in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. One of the members of the church, a retired engineer from GE, liked to repair bikes and give them to the working poor in the area. He found this one, repaired it, and gave it to me.
The thing is, my Trek bike is designed for roads and paths on the rugged mountain terrain of the west coast. It gets really bored riding on the smoothly paved and flat bike trails of Florida. Since moving here, the gear shifting mechanism has fallen into disrepair because I only use two gears. And, the worst part, my favorite trails through Robinson Preserve have a few sandy spots which cause havoc to narrow, high-pressure tires.
Like a kid on Christmas morning, I looked at Paul and said, “Really, it’s mine?!” I took it back to All Angels and immediately started riding it around. It is perfectly designed for riding on Longboat where there is no need to put one’s head down and go fast, or worry about riding over sand or through puddles, or maintaining a gear shifting system or hand brake alignment. Instead, I just jump on and go, at a reasonable pace, without breaking a sweat. I ride it almost every day – mostly to Publix or the post office – or sometimes just to enjoy a little cruise around Bay Isles. Sitting upright, I wave to passing cars and pedestrians. One parishioner saw me riding around and called to congratulate me on my new bike. Both boys have ridden it after church and want me to take it home. But, I’m not sure. It seems to me that it’s a church bike. Linn can ride it, so can John Holterzman, Bob Erker, and Cathie Wilt for that matter. It’s comfortable for any rider and easy to operate.
The church bike does not yet have a bike lock. I park it in front of Publix, and, one day I was talking to Evan, the friendly employee who bags groceries and will gladly help you to your car; we were chatting and walking when he saw the bike. He said, “Oh, that’s a great bike.” I said, “Yeah, I have to go, I left the engine running.” He laughed as I leisurely rode off.
I think Jesus would have preferred an Electra beach cruising bike over a fancy touring cycle. He spent a lot of time on sand and seemed to get stopped often by people in need. Although he could walk on water, I don’t know if he could avoid getting his robes caught in a mountain bike sprocket. I also think he’d like the ability to share the bike with whoever needed it; no adjustments needed.
If you see a bike parked around All Angels, feel free to take it for a spin. And, if you see a big guy in a collar riding around with a smile on his face, please be sure to wave.
- Rev. Dave
My official bike is a Trek hybrid touring/mountain bike which means it looks like a mountain bike but the tires are ¾ inch wide high pressure, with 18 gears – the lowest can make the bike climb a 35-degree angle slope and the highest can propel the bike past 30 mph – it has multiple adjustment points that have been tuned to my body shape, and it weighs as much as three gallons of milk. In other words, it can go off road and perform like a touring road bike. It was an ordination gift from the first church I served in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. One of the members of the church, a retired engineer from GE, liked to repair bikes and give them to the working poor in the area. He found this one, repaired it, and gave it to me.
The thing is, my Trek bike is designed for roads and paths on the rugged mountain terrain of the west coast. It gets really bored riding on the smoothly paved and flat bike trails of Florida. Since moving here, the gear shifting mechanism has fallen into disrepair because I only use two gears. And, the worst part, my favorite trails through Robinson Preserve have a few sandy spots which cause havoc to narrow, high-pressure tires.
Like a kid on Christmas morning, I looked at Paul and said, “Really, it’s mine?!” I took it back to All Angels and immediately started riding it around. It is perfectly designed for riding on Longboat where there is no need to put one’s head down and go fast, or worry about riding over sand or through puddles, or maintaining a gear shifting system or hand brake alignment. Instead, I just jump on and go, at a reasonable pace, without breaking a sweat. I ride it almost every day – mostly to Publix or the post office – or sometimes just to enjoy a little cruise around Bay Isles. Sitting upright, I wave to passing cars and pedestrians. One parishioner saw me riding around and called to congratulate me on my new bike. Both boys have ridden it after church and want me to take it home. But, I’m not sure. It seems to me that it’s a church bike. Linn can ride it, so can John Holterzman, Bob Erker, and Cathie Wilt for that matter. It’s comfortable for any rider and easy to operate.
The church bike does not yet have a bike lock. I park it in front of Publix, and, one day I was talking to Evan, the friendly employee who bags groceries and will gladly help you to your car; we were chatting and walking when he saw the bike. He said, “Oh, that’s a great bike.” I said, “Yeah, I have to go, I left the engine running.” He laughed as I leisurely rode off.
I think Jesus would have preferred an Electra beach cruising bike over a fancy touring cycle. He spent a lot of time on sand and seemed to get stopped often by people in need. Although he could walk on water, I don’t know if he could avoid getting his robes caught in a mountain bike sprocket. I also think he’d like the ability to share the bike with whoever needed it; no adjustments needed.
If you see a bike parked around All Angels, feel free to take it for a spin. And, if you see a big guy in a collar riding around with a smile on his face, please be sure to wave.
- Rev. Dave
Dale
June 23, 2022
Joyce called me at 10 pm Tuesday night to tell me that her husband, Dale, had just passed away. My first thought was thanks be to God. Let me explain why.
Dale and I often joked that his brain and his body are not the same age. His brain is that of a 30-year-old, his body, however, is old enough to have played the organ at Andrew Jackson’s inauguration. These jokes expanded as time went on. When I visited him in the hospital, we joked that his brain is that of a juvenile but his body crossed the Red Sea with Moses.
I had a special connection with Dale. He would choose choir anthems and hymns that matched with the message of the day – without advanced knowledge from me about the message. We counted on Dale receiving a “God Gram” which, as he described, was a message that floated down to him from God that told him what to play. Dale got into the routine of not practicing what the communion solo would be during the week; instead, he’d listen to the sermon and trust that a God Gram would arrive. And it always did. Sometimes after a Sunday service, with tears brimming in his eyes, he would tell me, “You know, I have not played that hymn in over fifty years; but, there it was, from God, as if I had played it yesterday.”
That was Dale’s brain and his faith. His body, however, is a different story. Dale talked to me a lot about his father and their strained relationship. He wanted Dale to be a professional baseball player. I know this might sound nutty, but, his dad set things up for him to work on pitching, hitting, running and catching. The thing is, his body wasn’t good at it. One day, Dale (led by the Spirit, I think) wandered into his church’s sanctuary after a Wednesday Bible study and sat down at the organ bench. The organist came in and, instead of admonishing the boy for sitting there, encouraged Dale to play some notes. As Dale recalls, he felt like for the first time that he was home. It was his calling. I wonder if his dad ever truly understood that.
His body had diabetes, COPD and congestive heart failure all at the same time. There was a day, during the worst of the lockdown when we just had the eight-person worship team in the church – when his sole purpose for music was, in his words, “To provide comfort and hope in this horrible time” – Dale was standing outside of his home by the carport. He started to have strong chest pains. He could feel his blood pressure drop, he started to get woozy, so he reached for the nitro pills he always had in his pocket. Holding them in one hand, with a bottle of water in his other, he paused. He thought if I don’t take these, I get to be in heaven. He paused a little more. Then, as he told me, he saw the faces of his cherished choir; he saw Joyce and his friends singing; he saw the congregation; he realized that he wanted to stay with us. He needed us and we needed him. He then took the pills that stabilized his heart.
Dale told me that story many times, and with it, this phrase: “If I can’t do this anymore, then I am ready to go to heaven.” After this past Easter it was time. His body simply could no longer handle the physical pressure of playing.
God does not waste things, especially God-given talent. I believe Dale is still playing; but now, he is playing in the best choir ever assembled – the heavenly choir. He is there with many people we know and love and yet see no longer. His old, broken body is gone and he is singing and playing in the new creation we are all promised in heaven. So, while I am very sad that my friend has passed from this earth and from All Angels, I give thanks to God that Dale is playing in the heavenly choir with all the angels.
Dale and I often joked that his brain and his body are not the same age. His brain is that of a 30-year-old, his body, however, is old enough to have played the organ at Andrew Jackson’s inauguration. These jokes expanded as time went on. When I visited him in the hospital, we joked that his brain is that of a juvenile but his body crossed the Red Sea with Moses.
I had a special connection with Dale. He would choose choir anthems and hymns that matched with the message of the day – without advanced knowledge from me about the message. We counted on Dale receiving a “God Gram” which, as he described, was a message that floated down to him from God that told him what to play. Dale got into the routine of not practicing what the communion solo would be during the week; instead, he’d listen to the sermon and trust that a God Gram would arrive. And it always did. Sometimes after a Sunday service, with tears brimming in his eyes, he would tell me, “You know, I have not played that hymn in over fifty years; but, there it was, from God, as if I had played it yesterday.”
That was Dale’s brain and his faith. His body, however, is a different story. Dale talked to me a lot about his father and their strained relationship. He wanted Dale to be a professional baseball player. I know this might sound nutty, but, his dad set things up for him to work on pitching, hitting, running and catching. The thing is, his body wasn’t good at it. One day, Dale (led by the Spirit, I think) wandered into his church’s sanctuary after a Wednesday Bible study and sat down at the organ bench. The organist came in and, instead of admonishing the boy for sitting there, encouraged Dale to play some notes. As Dale recalls, he felt like for the first time that he was home. It was his calling. I wonder if his dad ever truly understood that.
His body had diabetes, COPD and congestive heart failure all at the same time. There was a day, during the worst of the lockdown when we just had the eight-person worship team in the church – when his sole purpose for music was, in his words, “To provide comfort and hope in this horrible time” – Dale was standing outside of his home by the carport. He started to have strong chest pains. He could feel his blood pressure drop, he started to get woozy, so he reached for the nitro pills he always had in his pocket. Holding them in one hand, with a bottle of water in his other, he paused. He thought if I don’t take these, I get to be in heaven. He paused a little more. Then, as he told me, he saw the faces of his cherished choir; he saw Joyce and his friends singing; he saw the congregation; he realized that he wanted to stay with us. He needed us and we needed him. He then took the pills that stabilized his heart.
Dale told me that story many times, and with it, this phrase: “If I can’t do this anymore, then I am ready to go to heaven.” After this past Easter it was time. His body simply could no longer handle the physical pressure of playing.
God does not waste things, especially God-given talent. I believe Dale is still playing; but now, he is playing in the best choir ever assembled – the heavenly choir. He is there with many people we know and love and yet see no longer. His old, broken body is gone and he is singing and playing in the new creation we are all promised in heaven. So, while I am very sad that my friend has passed from this earth and from All Angels, I give thanks to God that Dale is playing in the heavenly choir with all the angels.
See What I See?
June 16, 2022
Elijah’s favorite video game is Rocket League. If you are not familiar with the game, it is a soccer match but the players are cars; with rockets. The object is to run one’s car into the ball, which is bigger than the car, and somehow score a goal. The cars can jump, use rockets to fly, and to spin in mid-air. One can chose to have teams of two up to four. It is a blast to play. We often play as a team; sometimes three of us – Elijah, Ethan and myself – and go up against another team of three. These players are either AI (artificial, game generated players) or actual human beings from anywhere on the planet. At any given time, there is on average, 500k people playing Rocket League.
One of the aspects of the game that I find most difficult is seeing the ball. We play on a split screen so I have a narrow perspective of the entire playing field. When it’s 3 vs. 3, I can see my car, and sometimes the ball, but I can’t see the other five cars on the field at the same time. Elijah has developed a sense of knowing where his car is, the ball, the other cars and the goal, all at the same time. I find that impressive.
It is hard to understand how God sees. For starters, it is believed that God can see in all directions at the same time; which, would make playing Rocket League much easier. Can you imagine being able to read this and see behind you at the same time. How about while reading this, you could see to your left, right, up and down, back and forward, all at the same time. Add in the theology that God can see everything, everywhere, all the time; and, well, that would be a mind-blowing experience to say the least.
One thing we can identify with the human brain is that we are wired to see patterns. Our brain likes to put things into order. And, we humans see faces in everything – a shrub, a knot on a sheet of pine, in the clouds. Heck, some even think they see the face of Elvis on a grilled cheese sandwich. In some ways, the human is an eye with a brain attached.
I have pasted somewhere on this Reflection an image of a black and white mesh with a black dot in the center. When I look at it, the black dot seems to grow. Does it for you too? That is because our brains are trying to see into the future – we are trying to predict what this image is going to do. Our brain knows that we see in a delay which means it’s always trying to stay one step ahead of the game by guessing what is coming next. As such, this interesting image looks like it is growing when, in fact, it is not.
This is not so with God. When the prophet Isaiah declared, “God’s thoughts are not our thoughts,” (55:9) I think that can be applied to the optical illusion. When I get depressed about the war in Ukraine, and wonder how God can love Putin, how God can watch the invading army do unspeakable harm to a sovereign nation and also create a world-wide hunger crisis, I look back at the optical illusion. God flat out sees things differently than me. Period. At the same time, God gives us the ability to make our own choices – good and bad – and loves us and forgives us too. For as difficult as it is for me to play Rocket League and keep one eye on the ball, one on the goal, and five more eyes on the other players, I believe that God can do that all at once. As such, God can see peace and unity in places of war; God can see love in the hearts of those who wish to do others harm; God can see forgiveness in places of sin. And that perspective gives me the ability to see hope.
- Rev. Dave
One of the aspects of the game that I find most difficult is seeing the ball. We play on a split screen so I have a narrow perspective of the entire playing field. When it’s 3 vs. 3, I can see my car, and sometimes the ball, but I can’t see the other five cars on the field at the same time. Elijah has developed a sense of knowing where his car is, the ball, the other cars and the goal, all at the same time. I find that impressive.
It is hard to understand how God sees. For starters, it is believed that God can see in all directions at the same time; which, would make playing Rocket League much easier. Can you imagine being able to read this and see behind you at the same time. How about while reading this, you could see to your left, right, up and down, back and forward, all at the same time. Add in the theology that God can see everything, everywhere, all the time; and, well, that would be a mind-blowing experience to say the least.
One thing we can identify with the human brain is that we are wired to see patterns. Our brain likes to put things into order. And, we humans see faces in everything – a shrub, a knot on a sheet of pine, in the clouds. Heck, some even think they see the face of Elvis on a grilled cheese sandwich. In some ways, the human is an eye with a brain attached.
I have pasted somewhere on this Reflection an image of a black and white mesh with a black dot in the center. When I look at it, the black dot seems to grow. Does it for you too? That is because our brains are trying to see into the future – we are trying to predict what this image is going to do. Our brain knows that we see in a delay which means it’s always trying to stay one step ahead of the game by guessing what is coming next. As such, this interesting image looks like it is growing when, in fact, it is not.
This is not so with God. When the prophet Isaiah declared, “God’s thoughts are not our thoughts,” (55:9) I think that can be applied to the optical illusion. When I get depressed about the war in Ukraine, and wonder how God can love Putin, how God can watch the invading army do unspeakable harm to a sovereign nation and also create a world-wide hunger crisis, I look back at the optical illusion. God flat out sees things differently than me. Period. At the same time, God gives us the ability to make our own choices – good and bad – and loves us and forgives us too. For as difficult as it is for me to play Rocket League and keep one eye on the ball, one on the goal, and five more eyes on the other players, I believe that God can do that all at once. As such, God can see peace and unity in places of war; God can see love in the hearts of those who wish to do others harm; God can see forgiveness in places of sin. And that perspective gives me the ability to see hope.
- Rev. Dave
Open Communion
June 9, 2022
The great professor of English at Saint Martin’s University, my alma mater, Dr. (he-has-no-first-name) Baily; where never is better than late to a lecture; said that character development is the best part of English literature. Static characters are important but only so much as to allow the dynamic characters to grow. Venturing into the Bible as literature, Dr. (we’re-pretty-sure-his-wife-calls-him-doctor) Baily would assert this: choose any Biblical character you want and you will find character development. No one who approaches the throne of God comes away static, they all become dynamic.
At next month’s General Convention of the Episcopal Church, one of the motions put forward is to relax the polity that requires baptism before receiving communion. If this sounds familiar, we had it as a discussion group topic a couple of weeks ago. The opinions expressed have been passed along to our diocesan delegation. Nevertheless, I wanted to share my own thought process with you.
My thoughts on the Eucharist are dynamic and have evolved over the years of servant leadership in the Church. According to Dr. Baily’s principle, my belief and relationship to Holy Communion must by dynamic because it is God’s altar, God’s feast, God’s sacrifice and celebration. No one walks away unchanged.
Yet, if you look at the rites and traditions of the Episcopal Church, they would appear rather static. Sure, there was a time when only confirmed members of The Episcopal Church could receive. But, to the casual Sunday observer, things have pretty much remained the same.
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, a self-identified Roman Catholic, was notified by the Archbishop of San Francisco, Salvatore Cordileone, that she is no longer allowed to receive Communion because of her vocal support for reproductive rights. In response to this decision, Roman Catholic Jesuit priest, John Whitney, wrote the following: Jesus never comes with a threat, never teaches by withholding his presence, even to the spending of his life. Clericalism emerges when those called to minister the sacraments begin to believe that the sacraments belong to them.
Now that is dynamic! During our discussion group, I posed this question: is it the Church’s table or is it God’s table? If it’s All Angels’ table, we can say who is welcome and who is not; but, if it’s God’s table, we, as God’s servants, must allow all who God calls to receive.
I first received (Sunday, non-camp) communion on the day of my confirmation. The polity back then was confirmation was the entrance to receiving the Eucharist. Since then, the Episcopal Church has affirmed that baptism is the entrance, not confirmation. I was trained in seminary that at an infant’s baptism, with permission from the parents, I can dip my pinky finger into the chalice and place a drop of wine on the child’s lips. I have yet to do that as it is outside of my comfort zone. But, I understand the meaning behind the practice – that the baptized child is now a full member of Christ’s Body and, as such, can receive communion. Also, while I was in seminary, Bishop Swing of the Episcopal Diocese of California held an interfaith event at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, which included clerics from the Islamic faith. The time of discussion, listening, and prayer was concluded with Holy Communion. The Bishop invited everyone forward and when the Muslim clerics arrived at the altar rail, he handed them the bread. Every Christian knew these men were not baptized; nevertheless, the Bishop served them. When asked why, he said it was because they came forward. What else are we supposed to do?
I wonder if Jesus’ thoughts on the celebration of Passover, and who is welcome at the table, changed over the course of his years on earth. His teaching and healing began with people of the Jewish faith but then he was led to heal people outside of the faith who were a part of the despised Roman empire. Because of this, I imagine at the Last Supper he had a wide-open thought process on who is welcome at the table. Jesus’ love is dynamic. He asks us to love one another with that dynamic love. I imagine that love also extends to whom we are to welcome at God’s table.
- Rev. Dave
At next month’s General Convention of the Episcopal Church, one of the motions put forward is to relax the polity that requires baptism before receiving communion. If this sounds familiar, we had it as a discussion group topic a couple of weeks ago. The opinions expressed have been passed along to our diocesan delegation. Nevertheless, I wanted to share my own thought process with you.
My thoughts on the Eucharist are dynamic and have evolved over the years of servant leadership in the Church. According to Dr. Baily’s principle, my belief and relationship to Holy Communion must by dynamic because it is God’s altar, God’s feast, God’s sacrifice and celebration. No one walks away unchanged.
Yet, if you look at the rites and traditions of the Episcopal Church, they would appear rather static. Sure, there was a time when only confirmed members of The Episcopal Church could receive. But, to the casual Sunday observer, things have pretty much remained the same.
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, a self-identified Roman Catholic, was notified by the Archbishop of San Francisco, Salvatore Cordileone, that she is no longer allowed to receive Communion because of her vocal support for reproductive rights. In response to this decision, Roman Catholic Jesuit priest, John Whitney, wrote the following: Jesus never comes with a threat, never teaches by withholding his presence, even to the spending of his life. Clericalism emerges when those called to minister the sacraments begin to believe that the sacraments belong to them.
Now that is dynamic! During our discussion group, I posed this question: is it the Church’s table or is it God’s table? If it’s All Angels’ table, we can say who is welcome and who is not; but, if it’s God’s table, we, as God’s servants, must allow all who God calls to receive.
I first received (Sunday, non-camp) communion on the day of my confirmation. The polity back then was confirmation was the entrance to receiving the Eucharist. Since then, the Episcopal Church has affirmed that baptism is the entrance, not confirmation. I was trained in seminary that at an infant’s baptism, with permission from the parents, I can dip my pinky finger into the chalice and place a drop of wine on the child’s lips. I have yet to do that as it is outside of my comfort zone. But, I understand the meaning behind the practice – that the baptized child is now a full member of Christ’s Body and, as such, can receive communion. Also, while I was in seminary, Bishop Swing of the Episcopal Diocese of California held an interfaith event at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, which included clerics from the Islamic faith. The time of discussion, listening, and prayer was concluded with Holy Communion. The Bishop invited everyone forward and when the Muslim clerics arrived at the altar rail, he handed them the bread. Every Christian knew these men were not baptized; nevertheless, the Bishop served them. When asked why, he said it was because they came forward. What else are we supposed to do?
I wonder if Jesus’ thoughts on the celebration of Passover, and who is welcome at the table, changed over the course of his years on earth. His teaching and healing began with people of the Jewish faith but then he was led to heal people outside of the faith who were a part of the despised Roman empire. Because of this, I imagine at the Last Supper he had a wide-open thought process on who is welcome at the table. Jesus’ love is dynamic. He asks us to love one another with that dynamic love. I imagine that love also extends to whom we are to welcome at God’s table.
- Rev. Dave
Taps
June 2, 2022
On Memorial Day this year, Christi and I started the day by watching the CBS morning news. They have an on-going favorite segment of ours by Steve Hartman called Kindness 101 that features his two children. At the end of the segment, Steve invited everyone in America who can play an instrument to play Taps at 3 pm, outside, for our neighbors, as a way to give respect and memorialize all those who died serving our country and constitution. Christi looked at me and said that we should do that. As Steve was signing off, the phrase #cbstaps came on screen. For those, like myself, who have a Twitter account, seeing that hashtag means if we play taps we should tweet it to that address at CBS.
I don’t know when I learned to play taps. I imagine it was for a Memorial Day performance at some point in my music career at school. All I remember is that the entire marching band could perform it at a moment’s notice. Most funerals at St. John’s, Chula Vista (aka Navy Town USA) included military honors which always featured the playing of Taps. Thus,
I was surprised when my boys did not know how to play the tune. We googled the sheet music and within ten minutes, they were experts.
Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to evoke emotion than taps, according to Jari Villanueva, historian and author of 24 Notes that Tap Deep Emotions. In her history of taps, she wrote that the tune is used to extinguish lights in the evening. Christi recalls hearing it every night when she was on base in Japan. In July, 1862, Episcopalian and Major General, Daniel Adams Butterfield, changed the French tune, nicknamed Tattoo, to the 24 notes we have today. He authorized it to be played to honor his men who died at Harrison’s Landing during the Seven Days’ battles of the Peninsular Campaign.
In Oliver Wilcox Norton’s memoir of the Civil War, he recalled that while he was a bugler General Butterfield brigade, the General showed him the handwritten notes on the back of an envelope and asked him to play it. From then on, buglers from other brigades heard the tune and started playing it. Taps, so-called because of the three taps a snare drum makes to signal “extinguish lights” when a bugler is not available, was first used in 1862 at a funeral instead of the gun salute so not to alert the enemy or renew fighting. In 2012 Congress recognized Taps as the “National Song of Remembrance.”
On Monday, at 3 pm, Ethan on clarinet with Elijah and I on trombone, directed by Christi, we played Taps for our neighborhood. Christi recorded it and within minutes, I tweeted it and posted it on Facebook just to see if anyone else would like to participate in taking a minute to remember the fallen in service of others. It was thrilling to watch other tweets show up as others had done the same as us.
On a hunch, Christi recorded the CBS Evening News, with Norah O’Donnell. While Elijah and I were playing in the pool, Christi came out and said, “Guess who was on the news?!” The last segment of the news was Steve Hartman and a segment about how many Americans played Taps at 3 pm to remember and give thanks. He showed a saxophone player, a trumpet player standing on a diving board, a grandson/grandfather duo, a violin, an electric guitar, and the three Marshalls. The story was about American unity in giving thanks and remembering those who died for our freedoms and that there is no better way to give thanks than to stand in unity for the National Song of Remembrance.
You can imagine what we are going to do at 3 pm next Memorial Day; we and a growing number of Americans will play Taps and stand for remembrance and unity.
- Rev. Dave
I don’t know when I learned to play taps. I imagine it was for a Memorial Day performance at some point in my music career at school. All I remember is that the entire marching band could perform it at a moment’s notice. Most funerals at St. John’s, Chula Vista (aka Navy Town USA) included military honors which always featured the playing of Taps. Thus,
I was surprised when my boys did not know how to play the tune. We googled the sheet music and within ten minutes, they were experts.
Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to evoke emotion than taps, according to Jari Villanueva, historian and author of 24 Notes that Tap Deep Emotions. In her history of taps, she wrote that the tune is used to extinguish lights in the evening. Christi recalls hearing it every night when she was on base in Japan. In July, 1862, Episcopalian and Major General, Daniel Adams Butterfield, changed the French tune, nicknamed Tattoo, to the 24 notes we have today. He authorized it to be played to honor his men who died at Harrison’s Landing during the Seven Days’ battles of the Peninsular Campaign.
In Oliver Wilcox Norton’s memoir of the Civil War, he recalled that while he was a bugler General Butterfield brigade, the General showed him the handwritten notes on the back of an envelope and asked him to play it. From then on, buglers from other brigades heard the tune and started playing it. Taps, so-called because of the three taps a snare drum makes to signal “extinguish lights” when a bugler is not available, was first used in 1862 at a funeral instead of the gun salute so not to alert the enemy or renew fighting. In 2012 Congress recognized Taps as the “National Song of Remembrance.”
On Monday, at 3 pm, Ethan on clarinet with Elijah and I on trombone, directed by Christi, we played Taps for our neighborhood. Christi recorded it and within minutes, I tweeted it and posted it on Facebook just to see if anyone else would like to participate in taking a minute to remember the fallen in service of others. It was thrilling to watch other tweets show up as others had done the same as us.
On a hunch, Christi recorded the CBS Evening News, with Norah O’Donnell. While Elijah and I were playing in the pool, Christi came out and said, “Guess who was on the news?!” The last segment of the news was Steve Hartman and a segment about how many Americans played Taps at 3 pm to remember and give thanks. He showed a saxophone player, a trumpet player standing on a diving board, a grandson/grandfather duo, a violin, an electric guitar, and the three Marshalls. The story was about American unity in giving thanks and remembering those who died for our freedoms and that there is no better way to give thanks than to stand in unity for the National Song of Remembrance.
You can imagine what we are going to do at 3 pm next Memorial Day; we and a growing number of Americans will play Taps and stand for remembrance and unity.
- Rev. Dave
Image of God
May 26, 2022
Jesus said that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, one must become a child and whoever welcomes a child welcomes him. (Mt 18:3) In a different story, from a different Gospel writer, the disciples were shooing children away from Jesus. He became “indignant” and told them to let the children come to him. He then spent time blessing the children. (Mk 10:13-16) The Hebrew word for blessing is also the word for kneeling. I like to think of Jesus kneeling with the children to be on their level; talking with them, blessing them and hugging them. Perhaps that is what Jesus meant when he said we had to become children to enter God’s Kingdom, we had to be on our knees, or, on the level of children.
I am writing this to you on the day after the horrific shooting at Robb Elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. My emotions are raw and on the surface. Ten years ago, the Sandy Hook shooting cut me so deep that I am not certain if I have completely recovered. On most days since then at school drop off I think about it. Truly Sandy Hook shattered the innocence of protection of elementary schools and it shattered something inside of me.
The discussion group topic for this week was an article written by Jewish theologian Yahiel Poupko about the shooting in Buffalo at Tops Market. His assertion is that the shooter – who never again shall be named – attempted to “murder God” because all of humanity is created in the image and likeness of God. Poupko went on to say that all of Torah (the first five books of the Bible) asserts the fact that we are created in God’s image, creation is an act of love, and, the human is loved more than anything by God because we are made in the image of God. Each of the Ten Commandments is underscored by our image of God. Think of it this way:
#1 I am the Lord your God, you will have no other gods (because you are the image of God).
#2 You will make no idols (because you are the image of God).
#3 Use the name of God without malice (because you are created in the image of God).
#4 Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy (because you are created in the image of God).
#5 Honor your father and your mother (because they are created in the image of God).
#6 Do not murder (because they are created in the image of God).
#7 Do not commit adultery (because all-y’all are created in the image of God).
#8 Do not steal (because they and you are created in the image of God).
#9 Do not lie (because you are created in the likeness of God).
#10 Do not covet what belongs to your neighbor (because you are created in the image of God).
Lastly, Poupko wrote that the Jewish tradition no longer attempts to address the question Why? when horrific and evil events overtake us. Rather, it seeks to answer this question:
Now that we have been subjected to such events, what must we do?
What is greater than the image of God? Let me sharpen that question; is there a constitutional right that is greater than the image of God? Freedom of speech is limited by the legal fact one cannot shout “fire” in a crowded theater because it threatens the image of God – it can cause harm to others. Improper search and seizure violates the image of God by improper governmental intrusion on a person (created in the image of God). The 19th amendment guarantees American women the right to vote; why, you guessed it — the image of God. Even convicts have civil rights because they too are created in the image of God and they are under the authority and care of the State.
Those who follow God’s instructions are commanded to love one another because of our shared image of God. In Jesus’ mind, and in his words and actions, children are raised higher than adults in God’s Kingdom. What then are we to do in light of this and many other school shootings? What must we do? Perhaps we should compel compromise and unity within our leaders for the sake of the Image of God.
Jesus said the following: whoever welcomes a child welcomes me. Whoever welcomes me welcomes the One Who Sent Me. What about those who murder children, are they attempting to murder The One Who Sent Me? Compulsory education laws require children to attend school; and now nineteen of them are not going home. When people of faith see over and over again the attempt to murder God, because we witness the murder of those created in the image of God, what must we do?
Jesus blessed and knelt with children. What must we do?
- Rev. Dave
I am writing this to you on the day after the horrific shooting at Robb Elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. My emotions are raw and on the surface. Ten years ago, the Sandy Hook shooting cut me so deep that I am not certain if I have completely recovered. On most days since then at school drop off I think about it. Truly Sandy Hook shattered the innocence of protection of elementary schools and it shattered something inside of me.
The discussion group topic for this week was an article written by Jewish theologian Yahiel Poupko about the shooting in Buffalo at Tops Market. His assertion is that the shooter – who never again shall be named – attempted to “murder God” because all of humanity is created in the image and likeness of God. Poupko went on to say that all of Torah (the first five books of the Bible) asserts the fact that we are created in God’s image, creation is an act of love, and, the human is loved more than anything by God because we are made in the image of God. Each of the Ten Commandments is underscored by our image of God. Think of it this way:
#1 I am the Lord your God, you will have no other gods (because you are the image of God).
#2 You will make no idols (because you are the image of God).
#3 Use the name of God without malice (because you are created in the image of God).
#4 Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy (because you are created in the image of God).
#5 Honor your father and your mother (because they are created in the image of God).
#6 Do not murder (because they are created in the image of God).
#7 Do not commit adultery (because all-y’all are created in the image of God).
#8 Do not steal (because they and you are created in the image of God).
#9 Do not lie (because you are created in the likeness of God).
#10 Do not covet what belongs to your neighbor (because you are created in the image of God).
Lastly, Poupko wrote that the Jewish tradition no longer attempts to address the question Why? when horrific and evil events overtake us. Rather, it seeks to answer this question:
Now that we have been subjected to such events, what must we do?
What is greater than the image of God? Let me sharpen that question; is there a constitutional right that is greater than the image of God? Freedom of speech is limited by the legal fact one cannot shout “fire” in a crowded theater because it threatens the image of God – it can cause harm to others. Improper search and seizure violates the image of God by improper governmental intrusion on a person (created in the image of God). The 19th amendment guarantees American women the right to vote; why, you guessed it — the image of God. Even convicts have civil rights because they too are created in the image of God and they are under the authority and care of the State.
Those who follow God’s instructions are commanded to love one another because of our shared image of God. In Jesus’ mind, and in his words and actions, children are raised higher than adults in God’s Kingdom. What then are we to do in light of this and many other school shootings? What must we do? Perhaps we should compel compromise and unity within our leaders for the sake of the Image of God.
Jesus said the following: whoever welcomes a child welcomes me. Whoever welcomes me welcomes the One Who Sent Me. What about those who murder children, are they attempting to murder The One Who Sent Me? Compulsory education laws require children to attend school; and now nineteen of them are not going home. When people of faith see over and over again the attempt to murder God, because we witness the murder of those created in the image of God, what must we do?
Jesus blessed and knelt with children. What must we do?
- Rev. Dave
Remember the Negative
May 19, 2022
A few weeks ago, my sister-in-law, Teri, and mother-in-law, Doris, visited us. We had a great time and the weather was beautiful. They stayed in a condo that overlooked the Inland Coastal waterway and Anna Maria Island. The plan was to take the boat out on Monday and for Doris to watch us comfortably from the 4th floor deck. It was a special event to have all five of us together on the boat. And, did I mention the weather? It was perfect.
On that brilliant Monday morning, as usual, I towed the boat from storage to our house, took the cover off, and then went to start the motor to warm it up. But, when I turned the ignition switch, nothing happened. Nothing; no click, no sound, nothing at all. Assuming it was a dead battery, I hooked it up to the Toyota Prius’ battery. Nothing. Remembering that the last time I went boating I had to jiggle the starter fuse, I made a quick trip to the auto parts store. Upon returning, I replaced all the fuses (why not, I’m in there anyway), turned the ignition, and nothing happened. Thinking the Prius’ battery wasn’t big enough, I hooked the boat up to the big, RV size, Camry battery. I went inside to get some water, calm down, and let the Camry charge the boat battery. I told Christi that if she hears the outboard motor in the next five minutes, we are going out on the boat.
After my brief rest, I climbed onto the boat, said a little prayer, and turned the ignition switch. Nothing. Tried again. Nothing. Wiggled the throttle, stomped my feet, said something in Greek, tapped three times on the wheel, stared at the rising sun, adjusted my hat, and then tried again. Nothing. Feeling dejected, I walked into the house, hat in hand, and told Christi that the motor didn’t start. She comforted me and said we’ll have a good beach day instead. As I walked down the driveway to the boat to cover it back up and haul it back to the field, I heard my dad say, “Remember the negative terminal.” When I say I “heard” him, it’s like my brain registered hearing a sentence but not actually with my ears (although, I do recall sensing it on my left side). Dad, who converted two trucks from gas powered engines to all-electric vehicles, knows a lot about batteries. He would often remark that people get concerned about the red, or positive, terminals and often forget that the black, or negative, terminals are equally important. I too had been concerned about the positive terminals, which is why I replaced the fuses. After sensing his words, I hopped back up on the boat, wiggled the black lines coming off the battery, and then briefly tapped the ignition. The motor made a sound. I then tightened the negative terminal, sat down on the captain’s seat, said a prayer, turned the ignition and the motor roared to life!
Triumphantly, I walked into the house with the thundering engine sound echoing through open garage door. My surprised wife looked at me and said, “What happened?!” I said, “Dad told me what to do.” With both hands holding onto the kitchen counter, she looked at me with a big smile on her face and said, “Tell me what happened.”
Was it my Dad? Was it an angel, or the Holy Spirit? Was it my subconscious thinking the situation through and echoing in my head what Dad would say? You can decide for yourself. But for me, I choose to believe that although my Dad has passed away, his spirit is alive in me and that, just like he has always done, he steered me in the right direction. I also believe Dad’s spirit is united with The One Spirit which has always guided me. And, for as much as Dad would enjoy showing up like a manatee to show his love for me, he would probably much more enjoy continuing his role as teacher and mechanic in heaven as he did on earth.
-Rev. Dave
On that brilliant Monday morning, as usual, I towed the boat from storage to our house, took the cover off, and then went to start the motor to warm it up. But, when I turned the ignition switch, nothing happened. Nothing; no click, no sound, nothing at all. Assuming it was a dead battery, I hooked it up to the Toyota Prius’ battery. Nothing. Remembering that the last time I went boating I had to jiggle the starter fuse, I made a quick trip to the auto parts store. Upon returning, I replaced all the fuses (why not, I’m in there anyway), turned the ignition, and nothing happened. Thinking the Prius’ battery wasn’t big enough, I hooked the boat up to the big, RV size, Camry battery. I went inside to get some water, calm down, and let the Camry charge the boat battery. I told Christi that if she hears the outboard motor in the next five minutes, we are going out on the boat.
After my brief rest, I climbed onto the boat, said a little prayer, and turned the ignition switch. Nothing. Tried again. Nothing. Wiggled the throttle, stomped my feet, said something in Greek, tapped three times on the wheel, stared at the rising sun, adjusted my hat, and then tried again. Nothing. Feeling dejected, I walked into the house, hat in hand, and told Christi that the motor didn’t start. She comforted me and said we’ll have a good beach day instead. As I walked down the driveway to the boat to cover it back up and haul it back to the field, I heard my dad say, “Remember the negative terminal.” When I say I “heard” him, it’s like my brain registered hearing a sentence but not actually with my ears (although, I do recall sensing it on my left side). Dad, who converted two trucks from gas powered engines to all-electric vehicles, knows a lot about batteries. He would often remark that people get concerned about the red, or positive, terminals and often forget that the black, or negative, terminals are equally important. I too had been concerned about the positive terminals, which is why I replaced the fuses. After sensing his words, I hopped back up on the boat, wiggled the black lines coming off the battery, and then briefly tapped the ignition. The motor made a sound. I then tightened the negative terminal, sat down on the captain’s seat, said a prayer, turned the ignition and the motor roared to life!
Triumphantly, I walked into the house with the thundering engine sound echoing through open garage door. My surprised wife looked at me and said, “What happened?!” I said, “Dad told me what to do.” With both hands holding onto the kitchen counter, she looked at me with a big smile on her face and said, “Tell me what happened.”
Was it my Dad? Was it an angel, or the Holy Spirit? Was it my subconscious thinking the situation through and echoing in my head what Dad would say? You can decide for yourself. But for me, I choose to believe that although my Dad has passed away, his spirit is alive in me and that, just like he has always done, he steered me in the right direction. I also believe Dad’s spirit is united with The One Spirit which has always guided me. And, for as much as Dad would enjoy showing up like a manatee to show his love for me, he would probably much more enjoy continuing his role as teacher and mechanic in heaven as he did on earth.
-Rev. Dave
Billy Graham
May 12, 2022
We are in Year C of the lectionary readings for Sunday. (Saint) Peter is one of the highlights of Year. For whatever reason, the lectionary organizers put in great triumphs of Peter and how he after Jesus’ resurrection, pardon the pun, rose to the occasion. If we didn’t have the Book of Acts of the Apostles, we would only know Peter as one who fumbled around on things and then denied Jesus. Thankfully, in Acts, the Gospel writer Luke captured stories of Peter who heals, leads, preaches, and really got the Jesus Movement into, well, a movement that is now in its second millennia. Not bad for a Galenian fisherman.
When I was 14 years old, I went with our youth group to see Billy Graham preach. Graham packed the Tacoma Dome with a reported 24,000 in attendance (it only has seating for 23,000). His message was this: The Peace of God which passes all understanding. If that sounds familiar, it is the blessing with which I conclude most Sunday services. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I think that one event shaped me. In the early 1980’s, Billy didn’t talk about politics or other divisive issues. He simply kept Jesus in the spotlight. That’s the Billy Graham I heard and remember fondly. It is a model that I try to follow to this day – keep it about Jesus and keep the message going for everybody.
He said, “The Peace of God is a message for everyone. Why? Because it passes all understanding.” The Peace of God is open to those who have hid, walked away, ran away, and even for those who have denied God. The Peace of God is for those who we love and for those we hate. It’s a peace that goes beyond ALL understanding. He wrapped up the message by saying with God we have internal peace in the midst of unpeaceful times. That internal Peace comes from the love of God – not from us first loving God but from Jesus loving us first. And, that we can handle anything in this world when we have the Peace of God inside of us.
One of the hallmarks of Graham’s ministry is the altar call – he would invite people to come toward him; especially those who were new to faith. From what our youth leader said later, it seemed like 1,000 people swarmed the floor. I decided to go to the floor too. I wanted to see and experience what was happening there. For every ten people, there was a pastor/chaplain/priest on hand to pray with them. For the first time in my life, I witnessed strangers confessing deep and incredibly personal things to a minister. I was deeply moved by what I saw, and now, nearly 40 years later, I understand more of the impact it had on me. I also wanted to see how close I could get to Billy Graham. There were about twenty people around him and he was praying and reaching out to each of them. And that’s when it hit me, Billy wasn’t preaching and helping others with his own power but with the power and Spirit of God. He was just a guy, like me; it was the Peace from God flowing through him and the other ministers that was making an impact.
As we go through the rest of our readings for Year C and hear about all the amazing things Peter did, I am reminded that it is not because of Peter’s power but rather the peace of Christ flowing through him into others. And, if the peace of God can run through someone like Peter,
the peace of God can flow through people like you and me.
-Rev. Dave
When I was 14 years old, I went with our youth group to see Billy Graham preach. Graham packed the Tacoma Dome with a reported 24,000 in attendance (it only has seating for 23,000). His message was this: The Peace of God which passes all understanding. If that sounds familiar, it is the blessing with which I conclude most Sunday services. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I think that one event shaped me. In the early 1980’s, Billy didn’t talk about politics or other divisive issues. He simply kept Jesus in the spotlight. That’s the Billy Graham I heard and remember fondly. It is a model that I try to follow to this day – keep it about Jesus and keep the message going for everybody.
He said, “The Peace of God is a message for everyone. Why? Because it passes all understanding.” The Peace of God is open to those who have hid, walked away, ran away, and even for those who have denied God. The Peace of God is for those who we love and for those we hate. It’s a peace that goes beyond ALL understanding. He wrapped up the message by saying with God we have internal peace in the midst of unpeaceful times. That internal Peace comes from the love of God – not from us first loving God but from Jesus loving us first. And, that we can handle anything in this world when we have the Peace of God inside of us.
One of the hallmarks of Graham’s ministry is the altar call – he would invite people to come toward him; especially those who were new to faith. From what our youth leader said later, it seemed like 1,000 people swarmed the floor. I decided to go to the floor too. I wanted to see and experience what was happening there. For every ten people, there was a pastor/chaplain/priest on hand to pray with them. For the first time in my life, I witnessed strangers confessing deep and incredibly personal things to a minister. I was deeply moved by what I saw, and now, nearly 40 years later, I understand more of the impact it had on me. I also wanted to see how close I could get to Billy Graham. There were about twenty people around him and he was praying and reaching out to each of them. And that’s when it hit me, Billy wasn’t preaching and helping others with his own power but with the power and Spirit of God. He was just a guy, like me; it was the Peace from God flowing through him and the other ministers that was making an impact.
As we go through the rest of our readings for Year C and hear about all the amazing things Peter did, I am reminded that it is not because of Peter’s power but rather the peace of Christ flowing through him into others. And, if the peace of God can run through someone like Peter,
the peace of God can flow through people like you and me.
-Rev. Dave
Mothering
May 5, 2022
Mother’s Day in Mexico is a fixed day – May 10th – unlike in the U.S. where it always falls on the second Sunday in May. Many of the students at Saint John’s Episcopal School in Chula Vista, CA, lived just seven miles south of the school in Mexico. As a result, I got to know many Mexican mothers. To say May 10th is a big day in Mexico is an understatement. One mom told me that she prefers to have (Mexican) Mother’s Day fall in the middle of the week because churches then celebrate moms on the Sunday before and the Sunday after. Interestingly enough, in the Middle Ages, the fourth Sunday of Lent is called Mothering Sunday. It was a day set aside for daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants, to have a day off to visit their mother and family.
Mother’s Day originated in the U.S. on Sunday, May 12, 1907. On that day, Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, whose mother had organized women’s groups to promote friendship and health, held a memorial service for her at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Within five years virtually every state observed the day, and in 1914 Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday. The Episcopal Church in the U.S. has had 108 years to come up with a Mother’s Day liturgy; and yet, we – Rectors – have to basically make one up every year.
My sister-in-law’s UCC church in the San Francisco Bay Area celebrates Mothering Day. Not to be confused with the practice of the Middle Ages, the UCC celebration is to bless and pray for all those who are mothering others – regardless of gender or age or identity. I like the idea of turning “mother” in to a verb, “mothering”. I think that regardless of gender, we have, from time to time, nurtured and loved someone like a mother. At the same time, I am enamored by those who have given birth. It is beyond my comprehension to imagine birthing a new life. My wife and my mom are excellent mothers and it humbles me to be loved by them.
The closest thing I can imagine to giving birth is the adoption of our two daughters. They certainly grew in my heart during the year it took to adopt them. I still vividly remember seeing them burst out of the international wing of the SeaTac airport and into the overwhelmed and joyful arms of my parents. Although we did not bring them home in car seats; the way we brought home Ethan and Elijah from the hospital; the first car ride home with them was memorable. We had to show them how to get into the back seat of our Toyota Camry and put on a seatbelt. I watched in awe as Christi loved and nurtured them. While I was concerned about their physical heath, she was watching out for their emotional well-being. … and reminded me to drive slower because I was tired and excited to get home. When we arrived at our house, my mother-in-law was there to greet us. She nurtured and cared for us by making grilled cheese sandwiches for all of us weary, dazed and kind-of scared, travelers. In the twenty years since that day, we are blessed beyond measure to watch our daughters become mothers and continue in the tradition of nurturing and loving their children.
This Sunday, we will give thanks and pray for “the divine gift of motherhood in all its forms.” The first form is the Giver and Sustainer of All Life – who we call God. The second form is our biological mothers – those who have risen to the call of mothering and also for those who have fallen short. We will give thanks and pray for all those who have mothered us and for those who are a mother to others.
As far as the Episcopal Church liturgies go, perhaps one day there will be an All Angels Mother’s Day liturgy in use around the country. Nevertheless, on every second Sunday of May, we will continue to give thanks for the divine gift of motherhood in all its forms.
-Rev. Dave
Mother’s Day originated in the U.S. on Sunday, May 12, 1907. On that day, Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, whose mother had organized women’s groups to promote friendship and health, held a memorial service for her at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Within five years virtually every state observed the day, and in 1914 Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday. The Episcopal Church in the U.S. has had 108 years to come up with a Mother’s Day liturgy; and yet, we – Rectors – have to basically make one up every year.
My sister-in-law’s UCC church in the San Francisco Bay Area celebrates Mothering Day. Not to be confused with the practice of the Middle Ages, the UCC celebration is to bless and pray for all those who are mothering others – regardless of gender or age or identity. I like the idea of turning “mother” in to a verb, “mothering”. I think that regardless of gender, we have, from time to time, nurtured and loved someone like a mother. At the same time, I am enamored by those who have given birth. It is beyond my comprehension to imagine birthing a new life. My wife and my mom are excellent mothers and it humbles me to be loved by them.
The closest thing I can imagine to giving birth is the adoption of our two daughters. They certainly grew in my heart during the year it took to adopt them. I still vividly remember seeing them burst out of the international wing of the SeaTac airport and into the overwhelmed and joyful arms of my parents. Although we did not bring them home in car seats; the way we brought home Ethan and Elijah from the hospital; the first car ride home with them was memorable. We had to show them how to get into the back seat of our Toyota Camry and put on a seatbelt. I watched in awe as Christi loved and nurtured them. While I was concerned about their physical heath, she was watching out for their emotional well-being. … and reminded me to drive slower because I was tired and excited to get home. When we arrived at our house, my mother-in-law was there to greet us. She nurtured and cared for us by making grilled cheese sandwiches for all of us weary, dazed and kind-of scared, travelers. In the twenty years since that day, we are blessed beyond measure to watch our daughters become mothers and continue in the tradition of nurturing and loving their children.
This Sunday, we will give thanks and pray for “the divine gift of motherhood in all its forms.” The first form is the Giver and Sustainer of All Life – who we call God. The second form is our biological mothers – those who have risen to the call of mothering and also for those who have fallen short. We will give thanks and pray for all those who have mothered us and for those who are a mother to others.
As far as the Episcopal Church liturgies go, perhaps one day there will be an All Angels Mother’s Day liturgy in use around the country. Nevertheless, on every second Sunday of May, we will continue to give thanks for the divine gift of motherhood in all its forms.
-Rev. Dave
Where God Lives
April 28, 2022
The discussion group topic for this past week was about faith development. Most Christian publications about that topic focus on teens, children, and young adults – in that order. Whether it’s a subconscious form of ageism, or the idea that it is easier to track faith development in younger people, the end result is that few publications focus on older adult development of faith. Contrasting the trend, I am becoming an expert on that topic.
James Fowler, author, psychologist and theologian, wrote a landmark book about Christian education in 1981. The book, Stages of Faith, takes the reader through six stages of life and faith. In his early research, he found that of all the six stages, the most foundational is the “intuitive-projective” faith found typically in ages 3-7. At that stage, children have acquired language and the ability to work with symbols to express thoughts; they don’t develop formalized religious beliefs, but instead, faith at this stage is experiential and develops through encounters with stories, images, the influence of others, a deeper intuitive sense of what is right and wrong, and innocent perceptions of how God causes the universe to function. I worked for over a decade with children in the intuitive-projective faith stage. Although I would argue that children at the higher end of the age spectrum do develop formalized religious beliefs (we are Episcopalian after all), they hold it with a great degree of flexibility based on their encounters with others.
One day, I ran into a second grader from Sunday School at the grocery story. He recognized me immediately but had a big surprised look on his face. He asked why I was at the store because, “Doesn’t the church have enough food?” His mother chuckled and said that I don’t live at the church. He replied, “Oh; does God live there?” She smiled and said, “God lives in here [pointing to his chest] and at church.”
I often remark to myself that if God had a living room, it would look like All Angels. I think God would want the living room to be surrounded by nature and to be a welcoming place for all. I also have a hunch that God would want us to have to search a little to find it – the living room wouldn’t be easy to find out on Gulf of Mexico drive, but rather it would be tucked away so that only the seeker could discover it.
Does God live at All Angels? Yes, of course. We are a set-aside place of refreshment for weary souls and a source of joy for those who need to be lifted up. We are also a place of connection with God and one another where we collaboratively work to help others in need. Lastly, we are a place of final earthly rest for many people.
Fowler asserts that adult faith education comes at the time of crisis. One encounters a crisis stage when commonly held beliefs about God – usually from childhood – are irreconcilable with tragedy and strife. In other words, the religious beliefs developed in childhood do not help answer why there is poverty, war, and pandemics. Yet, there is a tug, from what I call the Holy Spirit, for many adults to return to the faith of where God lives.
The best way I can summarize it is with the words of arranger and conductor James Swearingen. He created a piece shortly after September 11th and with it wrote that tragedy in life can bring us new found joy of simple things and that perhaps the specialness of loss is that it can bring us appreciation.
Going deeper into faith from our childhood, we see God in the midst of suffering; but not as one who creates it or stands aloof from it. If one is searching for where God lives, I’d say to start where there is joy and appreciation. Lucky for us, that happens to be at church and in our hearts too.
-Rev. Dave
James Fowler, author, psychologist and theologian, wrote a landmark book about Christian education in 1981. The book, Stages of Faith, takes the reader through six stages of life and faith. In his early research, he found that of all the six stages, the most foundational is the “intuitive-projective” faith found typically in ages 3-7. At that stage, children have acquired language and the ability to work with symbols to express thoughts; they don’t develop formalized religious beliefs, but instead, faith at this stage is experiential and develops through encounters with stories, images, the influence of others, a deeper intuitive sense of what is right and wrong, and innocent perceptions of how God causes the universe to function. I worked for over a decade with children in the intuitive-projective faith stage. Although I would argue that children at the higher end of the age spectrum do develop formalized religious beliefs (we are Episcopalian after all), they hold it with a great degree of flexibility based on their encounters with others.
One day, I ran into a second grader from Sunday School at the grocery story. He recognized me immediately but had a big surprised look on his face. He asked why I was at the store because, “Doesn’t the church have enough food?” His mother chuckled and said that I don’t live at the church. He replied, “Oh; does God live there?” She smiled and said, “God lives in here [pointing to his chest] and at church.”
I often remark to myself that if God had a living room, it would look like All Angels. I think God would want the living room to be surrounded by nature and to be a welcoming place for all. I also have a hunch that God would want us to have to search a little to find it – the living room wouldn’t be easy to find out on Gulf of Mexico drive, but rather it would be tucked away so that only the seeker could discover it.
Does God live at All Angels? Yes, of course. We are a set-aside place of refreshment for weary souls and a source of joy for those who need to be lifted up. We are also a place of connection with God and one another where we collaboratively work to help others in need. Lastly, we are a place of final earthly rest for many people.
Fowler asserts that adult faith education comes at the time of crisis. One encounters a crisis stage when commonly held beliefs about God – usually from childhood – are irreconcilable with tragedy and strife. In other words, the religious beliefs developed in childhood do not help answer why there is poverty, war, and pandemics. Yet, there is a tug, from what I call the Holy Spirit, for many adults to return to the faith of where God lives.
The best way I can summarize it is with the words of arranger and conductor James Swearingen. He created a piece shortly after September 11th and with it wrote that tragedy in life can bring us new found joy of simple things and that perhaps the specialness of loss is that it can bring us appreciation.
Going deeper into faith from our childhood, we see God in the midst of suffering; but not as one who creates it or stands aloof from it. If one is searching for where God lives, I’d say to start where there is joy and appreciation. Lucky for us, that happens to be at church and in our hearts too.
-Rev. Dave
Pet Memorial, Part II
April 21, 2022
I have a friend, Renee, from elementary-through-High School who regularly posts hilarious things on Facebook. Her dog, Molly Pants, a black lab-ish mutt, who was her constant companion, has her own Facebook page. Molly Pants makes regular posts and has 89 followers. Sadly, her beloved pet, Molly, passed away this past Saturday. Molly went by many names, Molly Pants, Muppet, Merbit, Mimi, the furry love of my heart, furry familiar; and, my favorite, St. Molly of Pants. On Saturday, Renee posted, “St. Molly of Pants has crossed the rainbow bridge.”
This past Tuesday, she wrote a longer post about Molly’s passing. For a year, they both (human and dog) knew that something was wrong. When Molly lost her hearing, they communicated by touch. When she started losing weight, Renee added more food. And then, in mid-March, she knew it was time to take her to the vet. The morning of the appointment Molly’s behavior changed – she wanted to play. Molly was being cute and silly and puppy-ish which made Renee think maybe the vet visit was going to be OK because look how happy and normal she is. Right? After thinking that, Molly went to her bed and laid down. Renee watched the clock and agonized about the Vet visit. Molly then made a weird sound. Renee laid down with her but commented that Molly felt weird. She moved around to see her face; that’s when she realized Molly was gone. She stroked her and told her that she loved her.
Renee believes that Molly’s last gift was to take the vet appointment away so that Renee wouldn't have to have to hear those words and have to make that choice. Renee posted, “She did this for me. She stayed with me as long as she could. She knew. We knew. She did this for me and it's breaking my heart. I have never hurt so bad.”
I recognize Renee’s grief. I grew up with an Airedale terrier named Andy. We had to put him down because of a genetic defect in his hips that made it very painful to stand. Of course, on the day assigned to do it, he was acting all happy and jumping around. I still remember seeing him walk away from the car, on his leash, with his little tail wagging back-and-forth. He was the last dog I have ever allowed myself to become attached to.
Author David Sedaris wrote about his dysfunctional family’s response to losing a pet; he called, it, “Another day, another collar,” because they would immediately get a new pet as soon as the old one died. Although I don’t think that is the best way to handle grief, I do believe talking about it with others and sharing our stories helps… and a pet memorial would help too.
In the first week of February, I wrote to you about a Pet Memorial idea. Since then, the idea has taken off and will most likely become a reality. Vestry member, Jerry Bowles, has found a good location on our campus, found a suitable, 48” statue of St. Francis, and researched the City codes and spoke with a code compliance inspector about how to have such a memorial garden. We need to get a storm safety inspection but, after that, we will be in code compliance. Jerry refers to it as the All Angels Pet Memorial Garden for the ashes of our domestic cremated pets. The acronym would be AAPMGADCP; so, we’ll go with Pet Memorial Garden. The location is to the left of the carillon tower and in front of the terrace. It is both a public, street facing space, as well as a private, quiet place to remember our furry loved ones.
In this Easter season, when we reflect on hopeful promise of resurrection and new life, it seems to me a perfect time to also create a place for the joyful (and sometime sad) remembrance of all of God’s creatures.
-Rev. Dave
This past Tuesday, she wrote a longer post about Molly’s passing. For a year, they both (human and dog) knew that something was wrong. When Molly lost her hearing, they communicated by touch. When she started losing weight, Renee added more food. And then, in mid-March, she knew it was time to take her to the vet. The morning of the appointment Molly’s behavior changed – she wanted to play. Molly was being cute and silly and puppy-ish which made Renee think maybe the vet visit was going to be OK because look how happy and normal she is. Right? After thinking that, Molly went to her bed and laid down. Renee watched the clock and agonized about the Vet visit. Molly then made a weird sound. Renee laid down with her but commented that Molly felt weird. She moved around to see her face; that’s when she realized Molly was gone. She stroked her and told her that she loved her.
Renee believes that Molly’s last gift was to take the vet appointment away so that Renee wouldn't have to have to hear those words and have to make that choice. Renee posted, “She did this for me. She stayed with me as long as she could. She knew. We knew. She did this for me and it's breaking my heart. I have never hurt so bad.”
I recognize Renee’s grief. I grew up with an Airedale terrier named Andy. We had to put him down because of a genetic defect in his hips that made it very painful to stand. Of course, on the day assigned to do it, he was acting all happy and jumping around. I still remember seeing him walk away from the car, on his leash, with his little tail wagging back-and-forth. He was the last dog I have ever allowed myself to become attached to.
Author David Sedaris wrote about his dysfunctional family’s response to losing a pet; he called, it, “Another day, another collar,” because they would immediately get a new pet as soon as the old one died. Although I don’t think that is the best way to handle grief, I do believe talking about it with others and sharing our stories helps… and a pet memorial would help too.
In the first week of February, I wrote to you about a Pet Memorial idea. Since then, the idea has taken off and will most likely become a reality. Vestry member, Jerry Bowles, has found a good location on our campus, found a suitable, 48” statue of St. Francis, and researched the City codes and spoke with a code compliance inspector about how to have such a memorial garden. We need to get a storm safety inspection but, after that, we will be in code compliance. Jerry refers to it as the All Angels Pet Memorial Garden for the ashes of our domestic cremated pets. The acronym would be AAPMGADCP; so, we’ll go with Pet Memorial Garden. The location is to the left of the carillon tower and in front of the terrace. It is both a public, street facing space, as well as a private, quiet place to remember our furry loved ones.
In this Easter season, when we reflect on hopeful promise of resurrection and new life, it seems to me a perfect time to also create a place for the joyful (and sometime sad) remembrance of all of God’s creatures.
-Rev. Dave
Life
April 14, 2022
NASA reveals a discovery on Mars. 3-billion-year-old rocks show organic molecules. The rocks were on the bottom of what most believe to be an ancient lake bed similar to Florida’s shallow Lake Okeechobee. This is a big discovery.
I have a friend, Lucas, who is an astrobiologist. He probably knows a lot more about this discovery than I do. Lucas told me in seminary that one difficulty in being an astrobiologist is determining what life is and is not. Once we can define life we then can look for things that meet that definition in space. He bases his view of life entirely on Earth; he believes we can only define it based on what we know. And one thing we know about life is that it makes more life. Life begets life, if you will.
We have a hanging plant in our backyard. One day, a shoot of some unknown weed was seen three inches above the flowers. We wanted to see what it would do so we left it alone. It kept growing until it was touching the hook holding the entire flower pot. We didn’t plant it but it must have come in from somewhere. Lucas would call this life. A bunch of grass is growing in the most unlikely place, next to the curb at the corner of 1st and L Street. I’ve been watching it for months. It is now a three-foot wide swath of five-inch tall grass growing amongst a sea of concrete; cars run it over probably six times an hour. That’s life. We know it’s life because it is begetting in a most inhospitable place.
Back to Mars, an astrobiologist associated with the latest finding said that she’s fascinated by the idea that life never really got started there. It would not take long for any alien probe to find life on Earth. Even if the probe landed at the bottom of the deepest ocean, it would find life. In the middle of Death Valley, it would find life. Even if it landed in the boiling hot sulfur lakes in Yellowstone, it would still find life. That is because life is abundant and it grows in the most unlikely places. Nevertheless, we have spent billions of dollars and countless hours looking for life on Mars and have yet to find it like we can most anywhere on earth.
I would never say we should give up on Mars. A fascinating piece of evidence shows seasonal methane gas increases in the Martian atmosphere. On Earth, methane is produced by organic, living matter. If you’ve ever been around a cow pasture, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Notwithstanding, methane can also be produced geologically so even this piece of evidence raises doubts.
For me, theologically speaking, I believe that there is life out there because God is a God of Life. I also believe, as science has shown, God uses the same DNA building blocks in all of life. Scientists can take a DNA strand from a salmon and implant it into a strawberry to make it transport better from the farm to the table. We’re made from all the same stuff. I believe that God’s fingerprint is in the DNA of all life and therefore, if/when life is found on Mars, it comes from the same source. Life is abundant on Earth. God is the master of abundance. God created all things. Therefore, when astro-biological life is found, we will find it in abundance.
-Rev. Dave
I have a friend, Lucas, who is an astrobiologist. He probably knows a lot more about this discovery than I do. Lucas told me in seminary that one difficulty in being an astrobiologist is determining what life is and is not. Once we can define life we then can look for things that meet that definition in space. He bases his view of life entirely on Earth; he believes we can only define it based on what we know. And one thing we know about life is that it makes more life. Life begets life, if you will.
We have a hanging plant in our backyard. One day, a shoot of some unknown weed was seen three inches above the flowers. We wanted to see what it would do so we left it alone. It kept growing until it was touching the hook holding the entire flower pot. We didn’t plant it but it must have come in from somewhere. Lucas would call this life. A bunch of grass is growing in the most unlikely place, next to the curb at the corner of 1st and L Street. I’ve been watching it for months. It is now a three-foot wide swath of five-inch tall grass growing amongst a sea of concrete; cars run it over probably six times an hour. That’s life. We know it’s life because it is begetting in a most inhospitable place.
Back to Mars, an astrobiologist associated with the latest finding said that she’s fascinated by the idea that life never really got started there. It would not take long for any alien probe to find life on Earth. Even if the probe landed at the bottom of the deepest ocean, it would find life. In the middle of Death Valley, it would find life. Even if it landed in the boiling hot sulfur lakes in Yellowstone, it would still find life. That is because life is abundant and it grows in the most unlikely places. Nevertheless, we have spent billions of dollars and countless hours looking for life on Mars and have yet to find it like we can most anywhere on earth.
I would never say we should give up on Mars. A fascinating piece of evidence shows seasonal methane gas increases in the Martian atmosphere. On Earth, methane is produced by organic, living matter. If you’ve ever been around a cow pasture, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Notwithstanding, methane can also be produced geologically so even this piece of evidence raises doubts.
For me, theologically speaking, I believe that there is life out there because God is a God of Life. I also believe, as science has shown, God uses the same DNA building blocks in all of life. Scientists can take a DNA strand from a salmon and implant it into a strawberry to make it transport better from the farm to the table. We’re made from all the same stuff. I believe that God’s fingerprint is in the DNA of all life and therefore, if/when life is found on Mars, it comes from the same source. Life is abundant on Earth. God is the master of abundance. God created all things. Therefore, when astro-biological life is found, we will find it in abundance.
-Rev. Dave
Science
April 7, 2022
The discussion group topic for the week after Easter is a Wall Street Journal book review of After Disbelief by Anthony Kronman. According to the review, Kronman’s book makes the assertion (which sounds more like an assumption) that science has ruled out the existence of the Abrahamic God of the Bible. And, if there is a god, it is not present to us now. Nevertheless, this god will gradually emerge for us over time as long as we continue to scientifically probe the natural world with scientific exploration. According to reviewer, Kronman defines God as “the explanatory ground of everything that happens in time.” And, that as we explore the cognitive, emotional and aesthetic riches that this world has to offer, Mr. Kronman argues, we will gradually uncover the explanations underlying more and more of what happens. We will come to understand the precise physical forces that explain why, say, a flea has just landed on our shoe. And we will pinpoint the nuanced emotional forces that explain why our beloved’s way of brushing her hair from her forehead was bound to captivate us.
I think the above supposition is bad theology and bad scientific methodology. Frankly, I am growing tired of the assumptions that science has ruled out theology. Just because we have some really good theorems about physics, math, biology and geology doesn’t rule out matters of faith and belief. As my professor would say, “Comparing religion and science is like apples and engine parts.” Incidentally, the Greek etymology of the word “theorem” is this: “rem” means “I see/look” and “theo” which means God.
Humans can now split an atom, see into the far reaches of space, and create vaccines. That’s great. Yet, scientific advances do not mean that a) God of the Bible doesn’t exist; b) more scientific research will reveal God to us; and c) after much searching it has been determined that we are god.
In the discussion group article, I included some of the responses to the article.
One comment said: one cannot prove a negative.
Another respondent wrote, “If Mr Kronman wants to found the religion of reason let him follow Tallyrand’s advice: Get crucified and rise again on the third day.
Here is a response that followed:
"Get crucified and rise again on the third day" Because, of course, we have evidence this has already happened 🙄.
Here’s the deal, during Holy Week we will see two things – cable movies about Jesus and a rise in nay-sayers of God. Part of me thinks the WSJ publishing of this review is perfectly timed for those who participate in Passover and Holy Week. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, despite what the nay-sayer sarcastically wrote about the resurrection, there is evidence of Jesus’ crucifixion and of resurrection. The book, Jesus in History, shows the non-Biblical accounts of Jesus in history. To sum it up, Jesus is a historical figure in the same way we know of Plato, Cleopatra and Shakespeare. There is more evidence of Jesus’s life than that of Pontius Pilate; yet, we don’t hear people saying that Pontius never existed. A part of that history is his crucifixion. It happened. There are accounts of people seeing him alive again. As to what it all this means is certainly a matter of faith. Nevertheless, something happened in the Spring of 0032 on a windswept hill just west of the City of Jerusalem. That “something” means different things to different people; but, to say that Jesus did not exist, or that the whole thing was fabricated in the early 1800s, or that God is unknown, or we have done enough scientific research to prove God does not exist, is to say someone does not know history or science.
-Rev. Dave
I think the above supposition is bad theology and bad scientific methodology. Frankly, I am growing tired of the assumptions that science has ruled out theology. Just because we have some really good theorems about physics, math, biology and geology doesn’t rule out matters of faith and belief. As my professor would say, “Comparing religion and science is like apples and engine parts.” Incidentally, the Greek etymology of the word “theorem” is this: “rem” means “I see/look” and “theo” which means God.
Humans can now split an atom, see into the far reaches of space, and create vaccines. That’s great. Yet, scientific advances do not mean that a) God of the Bible doesn’t exist; b) more scientific research will reveal God to us; and c) after much searching it has been determined that we are god.
In the discussion group article, I included some of the responses to the article.
One comment said: one cannot prove a negative.
Another respondent wrote, “If Mr Kronman wants to found the religion of reason let him follow Tallyrand’s advice: Get crucified and rise again on the third day.
Here is a response that followed:
"Get crucified and rise again on the third day" Because, of course, we have evidence this has already happened 🙄.
Here’s the deal, during Holy Week we will see two things – cable movies about Jesus and a rise in nay-sayers of God. Part of me thinks the WSJ publishing of this review is perfectly timed for those who participate in Passover and Holy Week. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, despite what the nay-sayer sarcastically wrote about the resurrection, there is evidence of Jesus’ crucifixion and of resurrection. The book, Jesus in History, shows the non-Biblical accounts of Jesus in history. To sum it up, Jesus is a historical figure in the same way we know of Plato, Cleopatra and Shakespeare. There is more evidence of Jesus’s life than that of Pontius Pilate; yet, we don’t hear people saying that Pontius never existed. A part of that history is his crucifixion. It happened. There are accounts of people seeing him alive again. As to what it all this means is certainly a matter of faith. Nevertheless, something happened in the Spring of 0032 on a windswept hill just west of the City of Jerusalem. That “something” means different things to different people; but, to say that Jesus did not exist, or that the whole thing was fabricated in the early 1800s, or that God is unknown, or we have done enough scientific research to prove God does not exist, is to say someone does not know history or science.
-Rev. Dave
Poetry of Lent
March 31, 2022
The penitential season of Lent is like poetry. There is a rhythm to Lent with a clear beginning and a rather loud, triumphant ending. In church, we begin each Sunday with a silent procession. There is something about being in silence together that is all together special. But, add in the fact that the choir is processing; yet silently; the silence and movement is brought together like moving poetry.
In addition to the rhythm of Lent, there is actual poetry for Lent. One of my favorites is written by poet John Donne. To me, Donne is more than a poet as he was also a lawyer, and, in 1615, was ordained a priest in the Church of England in which he served until his death in 1631.
Below is a poem that has also been set to music – you can find it in the blue hymnal on pages 140 and 141. I invite you to read it at your leisure and perhaps to ponder the last two lines.
A Hymn to God the Father by John Donne
Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt thou forgive that sin, through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
For I have more.
Wilt thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sin their door?
Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallow'd in, a score?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
For I have more.
I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
But swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son
Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore;
And, having done that, thou hast done;
I fear no more.
-Rev. Dave
In addition to the rhythm of Lent, there is actual poetry for Lent. One of my favorites is written by poet John Donne. To me, Donne is more than a poet as he was also a lawyer, and, in 1615, was ordained a priest in the Church of England in which he served until his death in 1631.
Below is a poem that has also been set to music – you can find it in the blue hymnal on pages 140 and 141. I invite you to read it at your leisure and perhaps to ponder the last two lines.
A Hymn to God the Father by John Donne
Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt thou forgive that sin, through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
For I have more.
Wilt thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sin their door?
Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallow'd in, a score?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
For I have more.
I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
But swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son
Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore;
And, having done that, thou hast done;
I fear no more.
-Rev. Dave
Loveable and Capable
March 24, 2022
This past Sunday, I mentioned that I took a moment to turn to God in silence; in doing so, I looked out my office window at the lovely oak trees and, as the hymn goes, “I heard the voice of Jesus say” you are lovable and capable.
That message was not a surprise as I have heard it before.
When I was in Junior High, my mom gave me a poster. Like most typical pre-teens, the walls in my room were covered with posters. I had one of a white 1979 Lamborghini Countach with its gull wings open set against a picturesque Italian town. On the opposite wall, there was a poster of the backside of a black Porsche 911 with all four wheels about six inches off the ground and a caption that read, “How German engineers become rocket scientists.” I had another poster of director John Williams in front of the London Symphony Orchestra. In amongst those posters was the poster that mom gave me. It was a watercolor-style picture of a scruffy looking preteen like me. In yellow puffy letters, it said, “You are loveable and capable.” It was given to me out of the blue – not on my birthday or Christmas. Mom just came home with it and asked that I put it up somewhere in my room where I would see it every day. My first thought was, ugh, what are my friends going to say when they see it. I put it up in the corner of the room where the clothes hamper was. Although not in line-sight, I did see it every day.
When I took a moment in silence with God, and told you that I heard the voice of Jesus say, “You are loveable and capable”, what I actually experienced was simply a reminder of that poster. To me, that is God talking – just giving me a simple reminder of what I already knew.
Life for women, and for men, does not seem to get easier as we age. This is especially true for those who are grieving. Let’s face it, society does not know how to deal with widows and widowers. Often, grieving people feel left out, or at times, excluded. … perhaps like how many middle school children feel. Do we know how to effectively deal with middle schoolers? Or, do we simply grit our teeth and know they will grow out of it. Do middle schoolers even know how to effectively deal with one another? Probably not, and, as such, my mom gave me what I now realize was a deeply influential poster.
No matter who you are, what stage in life you are in, God says that you are loveable. God is love and God loves you. At the same time, God is saying that you are loveable. This past Sunday we heard the story of how Moses became Moses. He objected to God and said who am I? Who are you?? What should I say??? How am I going to do this??!! All the while, God said, you are capable.
There is a spirit inside of you that is loveable and capable. It is there – God sees it, I see it, and I believe it. If I have to, I’ll print up a poster for you to put on your wall next to your hamper that you will see every day. Or, perhaps, this is simply a reminder that God loves you, you are loveable, and you are capable.
-Rev. Dave
That message was not a surprise as I have heard it before.
When I was in Junior High, my mom gave me a poster. Like most typical pre-teens, the walls in my room were covered with posters. I had one of a white 1979 Lamborghini Countach with its gull wings open set against a picturesque Italian town. On the opposite wall, there was a poster of the backside of a black Porsche 911 with all four wheels about six inches off the ground and a caption that read, “How German engineers become rocket scientists.” I had another poster of director John Williams in front of the London Symphony Orchestra. In amongst those posters was the poster that mom gave me. It was a watercolor-style picture of a scruffy looking preteen like me. In yellow puffy letters, it said, “You are loveable and capable.” It was given to me out of the blue – not on my birthday or Christmas. Mom just came home with it and asked that I put it up somewhere in my room where I would see it every day. My first thought was, ugh, what are my friends going to say when they see it. I put it up in the corner of the room where the clothes hamper was. Although not in line-sight, I did see it every day.
When I took a moment in silence with God, and told you that I heard the voice of Jesus say, “You are loveable and capable”, what I actually experienced was simply a reminder of that poster. To me, that is God talking – just giving me a simple reminder of what I already knew.
Life for women, and for men, does not seem to get easier as we age. This is especially true for those who are grieving. Let’s face it, society does not know how to deal with widows and widowers. Often, grieving people feel left out, or at times, excluded. … perhaps like how many middle school children feel. Do we know how to effectively deal with middle schoolers? Or, do we simply grit our teeth and know they will grow out of it. Do middle schoolers even know how to effectively deal with one another? Probably not, and, as such, my mom gave me what I now realize was a deeply influential poster.
No matter who you are, what stage in life you are in, God says that you are loveable. God is love and God loves you. At the same time, God is saying that you are loveable. This past Sunday we heard the story of how Moses became Moses. He objected to God and said who am I? Who are you?? What should I say??? How am I going to do this??!! All the while, God said, you are capable.
There is a spirit inside of you that is loveable and capable. It is there – God sees it, I see it, and I believe it. If I have to, I’ll print up a poster for you to put on your wall next to your hamper that you will see every day. Or, perhaps, this is simply a reminder that God loves you, you are loveable, and you are capable.
-Rev. Dave
Looking Through Jesus’ Eyes
March 17, 2022
The discussion group topic this past week was based on an article, Self Care Only Works in God’s Care, by Julie Canlis from the magazine Christianity Today. She outlines how the Christian faith has a unique perspective on the self – Jesus said that in losing one’s life one finds it, one should live to serve and not be served, and that death is the doorway to life. Jesus did not downgrade the “self”; instead, he gives selfhood a new foundation. That foundation is based in baptism in that we recognize the old-self as dead and the new-self in Christ is the one that is raised out of the baptismal water. As such, death has no bearing on the new-self.
Early Christian theologians stated that one cannot be both a hermit and a Christian because the follower of Christ is one who engages in relationship with others – for love, mutual joy and support, and for caring for others in need – and engages in relationship with God through (corporate) worship and private devotions. Lent, therefore, is not about self-denigration or self-hatred or self-punishment but rather the rediscovery of self in Christ, in relationships with others and with God in worship.
[Saint] Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 – 1153) wrote that love of self is a fitting and necessary part of being human and even is a part of our survival. The infant orphans in Romania who died as a direct result of not being held only underscore that love is necessary for survival. Bernard writes that love of self, besides being a balancing act, comes in stages. Stage one is “natural human affection” where we are compelled to love and serve ourselves first. It can be called love of self for self’s sake. Stage two is the discovery and love of something larger than ourselves – God – who is worthy of our love and delight. This can be called “love of God for self’s sake.” The third stage is to love God for who God is and not what God can give us. The fourth is the love of self for God’s sake in which we see ourselves through God’s eyes, knowing ourselves as being loved and, in turn, loving ourselves as one of God’s beloved creations. The fourth stage, although rare, is true self-care, to see ourselves as loved by God and loving ourselves with his absolute love.
We discussed how these four stages of love can be recognized with our parents. At birth, the child only knows love of love for self’s sake. The child then understands there is something larger than herself who are called parents and loves the parent for what the parent does for her. Later on, children (not all) recognize that their parents are human, and thus are flawed, but still love them for love’s sake. Further, some adults (certainly not all) recognize that they too are flawed but God loves them anyway so they love themselves despite their faults.
Bernard and I believe that Jesus incorporates all four stages. Some theologians would assert that Jesus did all four stages before birth or, at least, at birth. Other believe that, like us, he lived into them as he aged. Regardless, I hear Jesus saying to God, who he calls Father, “Not my will but yours” when he was in the garden prior to betrayal and arrest. Jesus was able to love himself, and who God is, all at the same time.
What if this Lenten season, you were able to look at yourself with Jesus’ eyes. The same eyes that he forgave the crowd, and all of humanity, with the words, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” It was through his eyes of love that Jesus gazed upon all of those who followed him and even those who left him. Those eyes of unfathomable love and incomprehensible forgiveness look upon you and me every day – when we wake, during the day, and when we fall asleep. What a great spiritual practice it would be for us to look at ourselves, even just for a moment, with his eyes.
- Rev. Dave
Early Christian theologians stated that one cannot be both a hermit and a Christian because the follower of Christ is one who engages in relationship with others – for love, mutual joy and support, and for caring for others in need – and engages in relationship with God through (corporate) worship and private devotions. Lent, therefore, is not about self-denigration or self-hatred or self-punishment but rather the rediscovery of self in Christ, in relationships with others and with God in worship.
[Saint] Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 – 1153) wrote that love of self is a fitting and necessary part of being human and even is a part of our survival. The infant orphans in Romania who died as a direct result of not being held only underscore that love is necessary for survival. Bernard writes that love of self, besides being a balancing act, comes in stages. Stage one is “natural human affection” where we are compelled to love and serve ourselves first. It can be called love of self for self’s sake. Stage two is the discovery and love of something larger than ourselves – God – who is worthy of our love and delight. This can be called “love of God for self’s sake.” The third stage is to love God for who God is and not what God can give us. The fourth is the love of self for God’s sake in which we see ourselves through God’s eyes, knowing ourselves as being loved and, in turn, loving ourselves as one of God’s beloved creations. The fourth stage, although rare, is true self-care, to see ourselves as loved by God and loving ourselves with his absolute love.
We discussed how these four stages of love can be recognized with our parents. At birth, the child only knows love of love for self’s sake. The child then understands there is something larger than herself who are called parents and loves the parent for what the parent does for her. Later on, children (not all) recognize that their parents are human, and thus are flawed, but still love them for love’s sake. Further, some adults (certainly not all) recognize that they too are flawed but God loves them anyway so they love themselves despite their faults.
Bernard and I believe that Jesus incorporates all four stages. Some theologians would assert that Jesus did all four stages before birth or, at least, at birth. Other believe that, like us, he lived into them as he aged. Regardless, I hear Jesus saying to God, who he calls Father, “Not my will but yours” when he was in the garden prior to betrayal and arrest. Jesus was able to love himself, and who God is, all at the same time.
What if this Lenten season, you were able to look at yourself with Jesus’ eyes. The same eyes that he forgave the crowd, and all of humanity, with the words, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” It was through his eyes of love that Jesus gazed upon all of those who followed him and even those who left him. Those eyes of unfathomable love and incomprehensible forgiveness look upon you and me every day – when we wake, during the day, and when we fall asleep. What a great spiritual practice it would be for us to look at ourselves, even just for a moment, with his eyes.
- Rev. Dave
Take Something On
March 10, 2022
It looks like Lent is here to stay for another six weeks. I was kind-of hoping that the Church would say that we’ve had enough of the penitential season and it’s time to skip forward to Easter. But, as it is, here we are, buckling in for our shared Lenten ride.
Do you come from a tradition where you were asked to give something up for Lent? The Lenten give-up is a part of the Lenten fabric of the Episcopal Church (to be clear, the Lenten give up is not giving up on Lent but rather giving something up for the season). One year I gave up superfluous food for Lent. During that time, the insurance company I worked for had just survived a particularly damaging winter season with our P/L sheet in good standing order. To celebrate, our bosses-boss took the whole unit out for happy hour drinks and food. Unfortunately, I had already made the Lenten give-up and had done so successfully for five weeks. So, imagine me, sitting with my coworkers, with a glass of water and plate with some celery sticks that I snagged from the buffalo wings party tray that was being passed around. I kept telling myself that giving something up was setting me apart (aka “holy”) from others and I needed to stick with it. Upon reflection, I think I looked like a sourpuss jerk for Jesus. I had forgotten the overriding theological praxis of celebrate when others are celebrating, mourn when others are mourning. (Romans 12:5)
From that Lent onward, I have been looking for things to take on instead of give up. The next year, I decided to take on reading one psalm every morning over my breakfast. After reading through the first 40 psalms, and concluding the Lenten season, I kept going. The psalms were speaking to me in my morning routine and that spiritual practice is still impact me today. The following year, in seminary, I took on teaching a class on the Book of Revelation for Lent. This year I am taking on the practice of taking easy on myself; or, as a clergy friend calls it, cut-yourself-a-break-for-Lent. This was inspired by psalm 46:10– Be still and know that I am God. That is an excellent reminder – to be still and know – but in larger context, that psalm is giving me hope for our time. Here it is in context:
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the Lord has done; what he has brought on the earth:
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Have you considered taking something on for Lent? If so, All Angels can help. I would recommend taking on the Bible Discussion Group – Wednesdays at 10 am, both on-line and in-person. We read the upcoming lessons for Sunday and discuss what the Old Testament, New Testament and Gospel reading have in common and where they may inform us in our life. Another Lenten-take-on could be bringing weekly supplies for Mothers Helping Mothers. Or to double your financial offering each week in Lent.
By taking on a spiritual practice during Lent – like learning or giving – it will make you feel better and deepen your faith. Giving something up, like superfluous food, caffeine, or sugar may make the season of Lent drag on; taking something on that deepens your faith may bring Easter quicker; or, at least make Lent feel shorter.
- Rev. Dave
Do you come from a tradition where you were asked to give something up for Lent? The Lenten give-up is a part of the Lenten fabric of the Episcopal Church (to be clear, the Lenten give up is not giving up on Lent but rather giving something up for the season). One year I gave up superfluous food for Lent. During that time, the insurance company I worked for had just survived a particularly damaging winter season with our P/L sheet in good standing order. To celebrate, our bosses-boss took the whole unit out for happy hour drinks and food. Unfortunately, I had already made the Lenten give-up and had done so successfully for five weeks. So, imagine me, sitting with my coworkers, with a glass of water and plate with some celery sticks that I snagged from the buffalo wings party tray that was being passed around. I kept telling myself that giving something up was setting me apart (aka “holy”) from others and I needed to stick with it. Upon reflection, I think I looked like a sourpuss jerk for Jesus. I had forgotten the overriding theological praxis of celebrate when others are celebrating, mourn when others are mourning. (Romans 12:5)
From that Lent onward, I have been looking for things to take on instead of give up. The next year, I decided to take on reading one psalm every morning over my breakfast. After reading through the first 40 psalms, and concluding the Lenten season, I kept going. The psalms were speaking to me in my morning routine and that spiritual practice is still impact me today. The following year, in seminary, I took on teaching a class on the Book of Revelation for Lent. This year I am taking on the practice of taking easy on myself; or, as a clergy friend calls it, cut-yourself-a-break-for-Lent. This was inspired by psalm 46:10– Be still and know that I am God. That is an excellent reminder – to be still and know – but in larger context, that psalm is giving me hope for our time. Here it is in context:
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the Lord has done; what he has brought on the earth:
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Have you considered taking something on for Lent? If so, All Angels can help. I would recommend taking on the Bible Discussion Group – Wednesdays at 10 am, both on-line and in-person. We read the upcoming lessons for Sunday and discuss what the Old Testament, New Testament and Gospel reading have in common and where they may inform us in our life. Another Lenten-take-on could be bringing weekly supplies for Mothers Helping Mothers. Or to double your financial offering each week in Lent.
By taking on a spiritual practice during Lent – like learning or giving – it will make you feel better and deepen your faith. Giving something up, like superfluous food, caffeine, or sugar may make the season of Lent drag on; taking something on that deepens your faith may bring Easter quicker; or, at least make Lent feel shorter.
- Rev. Dave
Hate?
March 3, 2022
Welcome to the season of Lent. Being that Lent is a penitential season, I have a confession for you:
I changed the opening prayer for Ash Wednesday. Here is the original beginning of prayer: “Almighty God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent”.
I changed it to “you love all that you have made…”
I made this change for a number of reasons; the primary reason has to do with not wanting to use the word, “hate”. Maybe it was the way I was raised but “hate”, to me, is a four-letter word – as in, one should refrain from using it; especially when talking about God and God’s creation.
The second reason I changed it has to do with philosophy. Imagine at a college graduation, the student speaker said, “At my time at this esteemed university, I can clearly say that I hated no one.” Or imagine a medical doctor, at her retirement party, said, “I hated none of my patients.” Or a teacher at his retirement party, “I hated none of my students.” Or a grandma at her 95th birthday, “I can tell you that I hate none of my kids, grandkids or great-grandchildren.” Is the bar set to not hate anyone? The Bible would disagree – you must love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself. It would be a different faith tradition if the bar was this: you must not hate God and not hate your neighbor. Philosophically speaking, is there a shade between not hating someone and loving someone? I would imagine there are quite a few shades of difference between the two. Not hating, to me, is apathetic; loving is energetic.
The third reason I changed it is because I don’t think God is apathetic about God’s creation. I believe, in fact, that God is energetic about God’s creation. We believe that God sent Jesus to redeem and restore creation so that it is “on earth as it is in heaven.” John, the Gospel writer, didn’t write, “God so much didn’t hate the world that he sent his only son”; rather, he wrote, “God so loved the world that he sent…”
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I am the pastoral leader of All Angels. In good conscious, I could not say those words to you. Some of you have had to live with, or live through, hate. Others in the congregation had parents that didn’t hate but didn’t really love well either. That may be something humans can do – live between not hating and loving – but I don’t think God can.
God is love. Where there is love, there is God. Where there is God, there is love. It doesn’t matter if we are in a penitential season – there is no room for bad theology about God and love (and hate). “Penitential” also does not give excuse to have unjustifiable thoughts about an angry, distant, uncaring God. God is always God; whether it is Easter, or Valentines Day, or Good Friday; God is God and God is love.
A part of God’s love is forgiveness. Absolute, undeserved, unearned forgiveness is what God offers through Christ. I hope this penitential season of Lent helps us remember that all fall short of the glory of God and that God forgives. And, this pastor would like to add, that God loves all of God’s creation because God is love.
- Rev. Dave
I changed the opening prayer for Ash Wednesday. Here is the original beginning of prayer: “Almighty God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent”.
I changed it to “you love all that you have made…”
I made this change for a number of reasons; the primary reason has to do with not wanting to use the word, “hate”. Maybe it was the way I was raised but “hate”, to me, is a four-letter word – as in, one should refrain from using it; especially when talking about God and God’s creation.
The second reason I changed it has to do with philosophy. Imagine at a college graduation, the student speaker said, “At my time at this esteemed university, I can clearly say that I hated no one.” Or imagine a medical doctor, at her retirement party, said, “I hated none of my patients.” Or a teacher at his retirement party, “I hated none of my students.” Or a grandma at her 95th birthday, “I can tell you that I hate none of my kids, grandkids or great-grandchildren.” Is the bar set to not hate anyone? The Bible would disagree – you must love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself. It would be a different faith tradition if the bar was this: you must not hate God and not hate your neighbor. Philosophically speaking, is there a shade between not hating someone and loving someone? I would imagine there are quite a few shades of difference between the two. Not hating, to me, is apathetic; loving is energetic.
The third reason I changed it is because I don’t think God is apathetic about God’s creation. I believe, in fact, that God is energetic about God’s creation. We believe that God sent Jesus to redeem and restore creation so that it is “on earth as it is in heaven.” John, the Gospel writer, didn’t write, “God so much didn’t hate the world that he sent his only son”; rather, he wrote, “God so loved the world that he sent…”
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I am the pastoral leader of All Angels. In good conscious, I could not say those words to you. Some of you have had to live with, or live through, hate. Others in the congregation had parents that didn’t hate but didn’t really love well either. That may be something humans can do – live between not hating and loving – but I don’t think God can.
God is love. Where there is love, there is God. Where there is God, there is love. It doesn’t matter if we are in a penitential season – there is no room for bad theology about God and love (and hate). “Penitential” also does not give excuse to have unjustifiable thoughts about an angry, distant, uncaring God. God is always God; whether it is Easter, or Valentines Day, or Good Friday; God is God and God is love.
A part of God’s love is forgiveness. Absolute, undeserved, unearned forgiveness is what God offers through Christ. I hope this penitential season of Lent helps us remember that all fall short of the glory of God and that God forgives. And, this pastor would like to add, that God loves all of God’s creation because God is love.
- Rev. Dave
Caring Angels
February 24, 2022
Flexibility and adaptation have been the themes for 2021 at All Angels. We have taken what God has given us and with flexibility and adaptation, we are emerging from the pandemic as a church who has both changed and remained the same. We have restarted Coffee Hour, in-person meetings, Outreach, and, in a couple of weeks, we will have our first ECW gathering.
One significant area of focus for this year and beyond will be on what I’d like to call Caring Angels. Borrowing from Rick Machemer’s address to the congregation about the caring church, one of the most special things about All Angels is how we care for one another. The times of fellowship, discussion groups, choir, the altar and flower guilds, outreach; our small groups; all show care for one another. This is a rather informal network of care that I would like to see become more formalized and expanded. Covid has taught us how vulnerable each one of us to getting sick. If I got sick, Christi is there to help me and to call others for help. However, we have many parishioners who live alone. What happens if they get sick? Who is there to care for them?
In a previous parish – which was one of the youngest (by average age) congregations in the diocese – I had five housekeys of widows and one widower in the safe with instructions on what to do if our parishioner did not return calls or answer the door. The instructions listed family member names, phone numbers, doctor information as well as names of their pets and where their animal should go if the parishioner was incapacitated. We have the ability at All Angels to do the same – to hold instructions for parishioners that includes family members to call if necessary. The instructions would also list pets, with names, and what to do with them. Caring Angels would also be a network of parishioners to talk to about a variety of issues including how to find in-home nursing care and how to deal with grief and isolation.
I envision having a picnic at the Bay Isles Beach Club at least twice a year of Caring Angels for fellowship, support, and for the sharing of wisdom. I have learned that widows and widowers handle grief differently. It would make sense that the formalized structure of Caring Angels would therefore start through the Men’s Discussion Group and ECW until the structure was built and operational so as to stand on its own.
Jesus, who would stop what he was doing to give attention to a widow, lived into the vision given by Moses which is this: the Lord cares deeply for the orphan and the widow. (Dt 10:18). The Letter of James states that true religion is to care for widows and orphans in their distress. (1:27)
Caring Angels would be a support network to practice religion in its truest sense.
- Rev. Dave
One significant area of focus for this year and beyond will be on what I’d like to call Caring Angels. Borrowing from Rick Machemer’s address to the congregation about the caring church, one of the most special things about All Angels is how we care for one another. The times of fellowship, discussion groups, choir, the altar and flower guilds, outreach; our small groups; all show care for one another. This is a rather informal network of care that I would like to see become more formalized and expanded. Covid has taught us how vulnerable each one of us to getting sick. If I got sick, Christi is there to help me and to call others for help. However, we have many parishioners who live alone. What happens if they get sick? Who is there to care for them?
In a previous parish – which was one of the youngest (by average age) congregations in the diocese – I had five housekeys of widows and one widower in the safe with instructions on what to do if our parishioner did not return calls or answer the door. The instructions listed family member names, phone numbers, doctor information as well as names of their pets and where their animal should go if the parishioner was incapacitated. We have the ability at All Angels to do the same – to hold instructions for parishioners that includes family members to call if necessary. The instructions would also list pets, with names, and what to do with them. Caring Angels would also be a network of parishioners to talk to about a variety of issues including how to find in-home nursing care and how to deal with grief and isolation.
I envision having a picnic at the Bay Isles Beach Club at least twice a year of Caring Angels for fellowship, support, and for the sharing of wisdom. I have learned that widows and widowers handle grief differently. It would make sense that the formalized structure of Caring Angels would therefore start through the Men’s Discussion Group and ECW until the structure was built and operational so as to stand on its own.
Jesus, who would stop what he was doing to give attention to a widow, lived into the vision given by Moses which is this: the Lord cares deeply for the orphan and the widow. (Dt 10:18). The Letter of James states that true religion is to care for widows and orphans in their distress. (1:27)
Caring Angels would be a support network to practice religion in its truest sense.
- Rev. Dave
Early Champion
February 17, 2022
I grew up singing Beatles songs. In elementary school, my group of four close friends would sing the afternoon away to songs like “Twist and Shout”, “Baby You Can Drive My Car” and “Yesterday”. None of us had any idea what the meanings were behind the lyrics; we just liked the music. I still remember the what the sunrise looked on the day that the radio told us that John Lennon had died. The four of us were shocked and deeply sad. We sang Yesterday in front of our class in memory of him. As we sang, our teacher was a wreck. She was wondering what was happening to the world and to the promise of love and peace that Lennon wove through his songs.
David Brooks published an interesting piece this past week in the NY Times about the rise of fame for the Beatles. Titled, What the Beatles Tell Us About Fame, Brooks recounts the fact that every record label the Beatles approached rejected them. What made them get their first single, Love Me Do, in 1962, was the early champions of the Beatles – their manager and two enthusiastic admires who worked for EMI. That was it, the those three got the most revolutionary band of all time on the radio.
Quoting from a paper by Cass Sunstien, a Harvard Law professor who studies how informational cascades work, Brooks writes that people don’t rely on their own judgements; they think in social networks. In order to filter out the mass of cultural products we are bombarded with every day, we use others who are informed in particular areas to guide our choices. French philosopher, Rene Girard shows that we explore the world by imitating other people. Girard goes so far as to write that humans as creatures do not know what to desire so they turn to others to make up their minds. Using the work from Sunstien and Girard, Brooks doesn’t lump all of humanity into lemmings that simply follow others; instead, he writes that culture doesn’t exist in a single mind, but in a network of minds. We lift people up who help us to see and understand our current conditions. Early champions are the architects that help society do that.
Brooks asks these two questions: Who am I an early champion for? How am I fulfilling my responsibility to shape the desires of the people around me? I would add the following reflection question: who was an early champion for me?
My wife was an early champion (and enduring champion) for me in many ways; one in particular was the priesthood. She could see in me things that I was not willing, or unable to, recognize. An early champion of the Church is St. Paul. He wrote that we are to imitate Christ in our lives. The Church is founded upon a network of minds who did their best to imitate Christ by loving God and their neighbor. They were the early champions and the architects of the faith.
As you reflect upon who was an early champion for you and who you have championed, I’d like you to remember that one of the ingredients of lasting happiness is to help others and, in particular, to share wisdom.
It was probably not a wise idea for record labels to turn down the Beatles, but at least they had three champions that, in many ways, changed the world of music. I am glad that we have a network of minds that championed what Jesus taught us about love as a way of life. That network is still changing the world to this day. Although we have yet to reach the level of peace across the world that John Lennon optimistically sang about, there are early champions of peace among us. Maybe one of those champions is you.
- Rev. Dave
David Brooks published an interesting piece this past week in the NY Times about the rise of fame for the Beatles. Titled, What the Beatles Tell Us About Fame, Brooks recounts the fact that every record label the Beatles approached rejected them. What made them get their first single, Love Me Do, in 1962, was the early champions of the Beatles – their manager and two enthusiastic admires who worked for EMI. That was it, the those three got the most revolutionary band of all time on the radio.
Quoting from a paper by Cass Sunstien, a Harvard Law professor who studies how informational cascades work, Brooks writes that people don’t rely on their own judgements; they think in social networks. In order to filter out the mass of cultural products we are bombarded with every day, we use others who are informed in particular areas to guide our choices. French philosopher, Rene Girard shows that we explore the world by imitating other people. Girard goes so far as to write that humans as creatures do not know what to desire so they turn to others to make up their minds. Using the work from Sunstien and Girard, Brooks doesn’t lump all of humanity into lemmings that simply follow others; instead, he writes that culture doesn’t exist in a single mind, but in a network of minds. We lift people up who help us to see and understand our current conditions. Early champions are the architects that help society do that.
Brooks asks these two questions: Who am I an early champion for? How am I fulfilling my responsibility to shape the desires of the people around me? I would add the following reflection question: who was an early champion for me?
My wife was an early champion (and enduring champion) for me in many ways; one in particular was the priesthood. She could see in me things that I was not willing, or unable to, recognize. An early champion of the Church is St. Paul. He wrote that we are to imitate Christ in our lives. The Church is founded upon a network of minds who did their best to imitate Christ by loving God and their neighbor. They were the early champions and the architects of the faith.
As you reflect upon who was an early champion for you and who you have championed, I’d like you to remember that one of the ingredients of lasting happiness is to help others and, in particular, to share wisdom.
It was probably not a wise idea for record labels to turn down the Beatles, but at least they had three champions that, in many ways, changed the world of music. I am glad that we have a network of minds that championed what Jesus taught us about love as a way of life. That network is still changing the world to this day. Although we have yet to reach the level of peace across the world that John Lennon optimistically sang about, there are early champions of peace among us. Maybe one of those champions is you.
- Rev. Dave
Pet Memorial
February 10, 2022
I have a secret to share with you: I have done memorials for pets. In fact, when it was time to put our cat, Pancake, down, I did a kitty version of last rites with him. The quick pet-rite I did was a a simple process of saying goodbye, of letting the pet know that he is loved and cherished, and that because of his failing health, the humane and loving thing to do is to have it go to sleep, and that I will be with him until he passes.
Why is this a secret? Generally speaking, it can be considered outside the realm of orthodoxy to have memorials for pets. History, however, would say otherwise. Ancient Egyptian tombs have perfectly preserved animals; were they pets, I wonder? Ancient burial sites in Germany show dogs and maybe cats buried with their owners. In more recent history, there is a small grave stone in London that dates back to 1891. The inscription reads, in part, “In memory of our darling little Bobbit. [We] are so lonely without our darling sweetheart. When our lonely lives are over, and our spirits from this earth shall roam, we hope he’ll be there waiting, to give us a welcome home.” Bobbit, as it turns out, is a six-year old family dog. The UK’s first pet cemetery opened in 1881 in Hyde Park. It marks the change of cats and dogs being used simply for removal of vermin and for protection and instead became an emotionally connected part of the family. However, the puritanical belief of some Londoners made it so that pet burials were seen, more or less, as a heresy. Some graves were even destroyed and the pets were dug up. Yuck.
Something that does not help the idea of pet memorials comes from one of the scariest books I have ever read – Pet Sematary by Stephen King. At least I’m not alone in that thought because the author himself said that book is the one that genuinely scared him the most. In its wake, however, many are afraid of pet cemeteries. Incidentally, he wrote it as a reaction to the grief his family felt when their pet that was hit by a car in front of their home.
I’m thinking about bringing this pet memorial stuff out of the shadows. I’m wondering what it would be like if we had a tree somewhere on the campus of All Angels that held a plaque in remembrance of all our loved pets who have died. What if we had a place by that tree for folks to place the ashes of their pet. The thought came to mind when I was thinking about our two cats, Cosby and Harpo. They moved with us to seminary but then, within our first year, both passed away. We buried them in the landscaping area between the condo units. In remembrance, we decorated two flat stones with their names on them. When we moved, we took the stones with us – they are in our backyard garden area right now – but their remains, of course, are in Alameda, California. It makes me wonder what it would be like if we had a place to remember one’s pet at All Angels and that place would be a final resting spot so that if the owner of the pet moves, there will be somewhere to remember a special and unique part of the family.
- Rev. Dave
Why is this a secret? Generally speaking, it can be considered outside the realm of orthodoxy to have memorials for pets. History, however, would say otherwise. Ancient Egyptian tombs have perfectly preserved animals; were they pets, I wonder? Ancient burial sites in Germany show dogs and maybe cats buried with their owners. In more recent history, there is a small grave stone in London that dates back to 1891. The inscription reads, in part, “In memory of our darling little Bobbit. [We] are so lonely without our darling sweetheart. When our lonely lives are over, and our spirits from this earth shall roam, we hope he’ll be there waiting, to give us a welcome home.” Bobbit, as it turns out, is a six-year old family dog. The UK’s first pet cemetery opened in 1881 in Hyde Park. It marks the change of cats and dogs being used simply for removal of vermin and for protection and instead became an emotionally connected part of the family. However, the puritanical belief of some Londoners made it so that pet burials were seen, more or less, as a heresy. Some graves were even destroyed and the pets were dug up. Yuck.
Something that does not help the idea of pet memorials comes from one of the scariest books I have ever read – Pet Sematary by Stephen King. At least I’m not alone in that thought because the author himself said that book is the one that genuinely scared him the most. In its wake, however, many are afraid of pet cemeteries. Incidentally, he wrote it as a reaction to the grief his family felt when their pet that was hit by a car in front of their home.
I’m thinking about bringing this pet memorial stuff out of the shadows. I’m wondering what it would be like if we had a tree somewhere on the campus of All Angels that held a plaque in remembrance of all our loved pets who have died. What if we had a place by that tree for folks to place the ashes of their pet. The thought came to mind when I was thinking about our two cats, Cosby and Harpo. They moved with us to seminary but then, within our first year, both passed away. We buried them in the landscaping area between the condo units. In remembrance, we decorated two flat stones with their names on them. When we moved, we took the stones with us – they are in our backyard garden area right now – but their remains, of course, are in Alameda, California. It makes me wonder what it would be like if we had a place to remember one’s pet at All Angels and that place would be a final resting spot so that if the owner of the pet moves, there will be somewhere to remember a special and unique part of the family.
- Rev. Dave
5G
February 3, 2022
I recently met someone who did not have a cellular phone. When asked what would happen if she was out of the house and needed to call someone, with an open palm and outstretched hand, she replied, “Everyone here has a phone and I bet they’d let me make a phone call if I needed to.” Interestingly enough, a hand painted message on the back of her older model SUV read: “It ends when we stop complying.”
Christi’s smart phone is three years old. It is in perfect condition and does everything that she needs it to. Yet our carrier, AT&T, incorrectly placed her phone into a 3G category. The result is that her phone was blocked from making phone calls because, as the recorded message said, “With the conversion to 5G, your 3G phone will stop working.” After waiting
on hold, and listening to a sales pitch about new phones, the representative “reset” her phone and then like magic it worked.
Unfortunately, it happened again. After a visit into the AT&T store, we finally convinced our carrier that her phone is 4G compatible and thus stop blocking her phone (!!). That worked for a week; now when she makes a phone call, a prerecorded message tells her that her phone will stop working soon, and then the phone call goes through.
5G has been in the news because of the concern about the signal interrupting avionics. Truly, this makes me wonder about the necessity of 5G. I don’t remember being asked if I wanted it and I wonder what the big deal is – especially if it makes older phones, presumably owned
by people who can’t afford new 5G phones, stop working and may impact air traffic at night or in foggy landing conditions.
Trying to think like an ancient cynic, I decided to start asking questions. 5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology. Its primary hallmark is making your phone run faster when on mobile data. Secondarily, it will perhaps someday be a viable alternative to your home internet service provider. Will it make better phone calls? Probably not. Will it be
cheaper than 4G… Of course, it won’t be cheaper. So then why bother; asks the cynic in me. That question has yet to be answered.
5G is not a problem that Moses or Jesus had to deal with. Yet, life in their times seemed to move at a mighty fast pace too. Life as a Hebrew person in Egypt seemed to be okay until the Pharaoh started messing with the production quota of the bricks they were producing. Life in the first century seemed to be okay; that is until the Emperor started counting how many people lived in the region and then started taxing them. In the times of Moses and Jesus, people turned to faith during changing times.
On Sunday, April 5th, I will begin the service with an ancient prayer that states: among the swift and varied changes of the world, may our hearts be surely fixed where true joys are to be found. If someone – perhaps me – puts joy into having a reliable cell signal and a cell phone that, after ten years, will work just as well as when it was new, that person – me – will
surely be disappointed.
God does not call us into times that never change, but rather God’s call is to surely fix our hearts onto the unchangeable and reliableness of God’s love and joy. And, unlike the hand painted message on the back of an older SUV, from a person who has rejected cellular technology, that reads it ends when we stop complying, God’s love, joy, and forgiveness abides whether everyone complies or not.
- Rev. Dave
Christi’s smart phone is three years old. It is in perfect condition and does everything that she needs it to. Yet our carrier, AT&T, incorrectly placed her phone into a 3G category. The result is that her phone was blocked from making phone calls because, as the recorded message said, “With the conversion to 5G, your 3G phone will stop working.” After waiting
on hold, and listening to a sales pitch about new phones, the representative “reset” her phone and then like magic it worked.
Unfortunately, it happened again. After a visit into the AT&T store, we finally convinced our carrier that her phone is 4G compatible and thus stop blocking her phone (!!). That worked for a week; now when she makes a phone call, a prerecorded message tells her that her phone will stop working soon, and then the phone call goes through.
5G has been in the news because of the concern about the signal interrupting avionics. Truly, this makes me wonder about the necessity of 5G. I don’t remember being asked if I wanted it and I wonder what the big deal is – especially if it makes older phones, presumably owned
by people who can’t afford new 5G phones, stop working and may impact air traffic at night or in foggy landing conditions.
Trying to think like an ancient cynic, I decided to start asking questions. 5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology. Its primary hallmark is making your phone run faster when on mobile data. Secondarily, it will perhaps someday be a viable alternative to your home internet service provider. Will it make better phone calls? Probably not. Will it be
cheaper than 4G… Of course, it won’t be cheaper. So then why bother; asks the cynic in me. That question has yet to be answered.
5G is not a problem that Moses or Jesus had to deal with. Yet, life in their times seemed to move at a mighty fast pace too. Life as a Hebrew person in Egypt seemed to be okay until the Pharaoh started messing with the production quota of the bricks they were producing. Life in the first century seemed to be okay; that is until the Emperor started counting how many people lived in the region and then started taxing them. In the times of Moses and Jesus, people turned to faith during changing times.
On Sunday, April 5th, I will begin the service with an ancient prayer that states: among the swift and varied changes of the world, may our hearts be surely fixed where true joys are to be found. If someone – perhaps me – puts joy into having a reliable cell signal and a cell phone that, after ten years, will work just as well as when it was new, that person – me – will
surely be disappointed.
God does not call us into times that never change, but rather God’s call is to surely fix our hearts onto the unchangeable and reliableness of God’s love and joy. And, unlike the hand painted message on the back of an older SUV, from a person who has rejected cellular technology, that reads it ends when we stop complying, God’s love, joy, and forgiveness abides whether everyone complies or not.
- Rev. Dave
Members
January 27, 2022
Last week’s epistle (New Testament) lesson featured the Apostle Paul writing about the various part of the body – the foot, hand, eye and ear – and how each “member” is different, they are a part of the same body. And, perhaps more importantly, the hand cannot say to the foot, “I have no need of you” and likewise the eye cannot say to the ear, “I have no need of you.” The body has many parts/members but functions as one body. Likewise, you are the body of Christ and individual members of it. (1 Cor 12)
I have had conversations of the past few weeks with people who are relatively new to worshipping at All Angels. One common topic was about membership; specifically, how does one become a member and how does that affect membership at another church up north? The quick answer is that many of our members are also members at other churches; some of them are not even Episcopal; but we are all members of the One Body of Christ.
Membership used to be a Really Big Deal in the Church in America. From the 16th and into the 20th century, the American Church would hold a line between those who were on the inside – members – and those who were on the outside – non-members. Membership could be offered, and, in some places, purchased. In the 17th century (and beyond), one’s membership may include a pew. This is not the feeling of hey, someone is sitting in my seat, it is more like having season tickets at Raymond James Stadium – no one could sit in your pew without your permission. In the American Church, membership could also be revoked.
The governing laws of All Angels, which not only bind us together but also with the diocese and the State of Florida as a non-profit, state that a member is someone who is a giver of record and attends church. It does not say how much – both monetary and attendance – but simply someone who gives and attends regardless of membership at other houses of worship. There are churches in Florida who believe that membership is transferrable and, as a string attached, one can only be a member of one church at one time. We at All Angels respectably disagree.
According to Paul, Jesus has one Body; one Church. We are all individual members of it. Other New Testament writers assert the same thing when they proclaim there is one God, one Spirit, one Baptism, one Faith for all. Just as Christ’s body cannot be divided, nor can God be divided, nor can the Spirit be divided, nor our baptism or faith – we are One. This pastor wonders why then do some believe one can only be a member of one church at a time.
This week, a member of All Angels stopped by the office to talk about altar flowers. As it turns out, she has keys to three different churches. That makes me very happy. In her path of faith, she travels to different churches and is an active part of the One Body.
Next week, I am going to celebrate and preach at a memorial service for a member of All Angels. That is no surprise; the unique thing about this service is that it will be held in San Diego. Our parishioner, Teddy, has been attending faithfully on-line and is a giver of record. It was in her last testament that I conduct her memorial service. As such, I am going. We have a member who is in England, another in New England; one in North Idaho, another in North Carolina. We have members in Sarasota, Bradenton, and even Longboat Key! Although we are individual members, we are all a part of the Body of Christ.
-Rev. Dave
I have had conversations of the past few weeks with people who are relatively new to worshipping at All Angels. One common topic was about membership; specifically, how does one become a member and how does that affect membership at another church up north? The quick answer is that many of our members are also members at other churches; some of them are not even Episcopal; but we are all members of the One Body of Christ.
Membership used to be a Really Big Deal in the Church in America. From the 16th and into the 20th century, the American Church would hold a line between those who were on the inside – members – and those who were on the outside – non-members. Membership could be offered, and, in some places, purchased. In the 17th century (and beyond), one’s membership may include a pew. This is not the feeling of hey, someone is sitting in my seat, it is more like having season tickets at Raymond James Stadium – no one could sit in your pew without your permission. In the American Church, membership could also be revoked.
The governing laws of All Angels, which not only bind us together but also with the diocese and the State of Florida as a non-profit, state that a member is someone who is a giver of record and attends church. It does not say how much – both monetary and attendance – but simply someone who gives and attends regardless of membership at other houses of worship. There are churches in Florida who believe that membership is transferrable and, as a string attached, one can only be a member of one church at one time. We at All Angels respectably disagree.
According to Paul, Jesus has one Body; one Church. We are all individual members of it. Other New Testament writers assert the same thing when they proclaim there is one God, one Spirit, one Baptism, one Faith for all. Just as Christ’s body cannot be divided, nor can God be divided, nor can the Spirit be divided, nor our baptism or faith – we are One. This pastor wonders why then do some believe one can only be a member of one church at a time.
This week, a member of All Angels stopped by the office to talk about altar flowers. As it turns out, she has keys to three different churches. That makes me very happy. In her path of faith, she travels to different churches and is an active part of the One Body.
Next week, I am going to celebrate and preach at a memorial service for a member of All Angels. That is no surprise; the unique thing about this service is that it will be held in San Diego. Our parishioner, Teddy, has been attending faithfully on-line and is a giver of record. It was in her last testament that I conduct her memorial service. As such, I am going. We have a member who is in England, another in New England; one in North Idaho, another in North Carolina. We have members in Sarasota, Bradenton, and even Longboat Key! Although we are individual members, we are all a part of the Body of Christ.
-Rev. Dave
As Yourself
January 20, 2022
The Discussion Groups this week tackled a substantial topic – how much should I give up for my brother. We discussed two articles from The Ethicist section of the New York Times Magazine. The first question was whether or not to give a kidney to an awful brother and the second was this: should I care for my schizophrenic brother in my retirement (and thus not being able to travel or do the things my wife and I planned, worked, and saved for) or should I put him into a nursing care home?
The first question was about physical health – should I give a kidney? The second question was about financial health – how much, if any, or all, should I give? There were a number of epiphany-moments with the discussions; a couple of which I would like to share with you.
The Ethicist, Kwame Anthony Appiah, wrote about three kinds of “special concerns” at play in both circumstances (but especially so in the second question that involved financial health). There is your special concern, as a thoughtful sibling, for your brother. There is your special concern, as a loving spouse, for your wife who has to a) put up with your aging brother and b) give up her dreams of a good retirement. There is your special concern for your own wants – travel in retirement with your wife – because human beings are partial to, and entitled to be partial to, themselves. The interesting, three-sided pyramid of special concerns caught my attention. How does one balance being a good sibling, a good spouse, and good custodian of your-self?
One of the beautiful parts of the Christian tradition is to look beyond one’s own ego, to see the needs of others, and to do something to help. Jesus tells us this in the Great Commandment: Love God, Love your neighbor. The underlying premise, however, is that we naturally are inclined to love ourselves. But, what if that inclination, in this 21st century of Christianity, has diminished or has been taken over by guilt and self-loathing. How then do we love our neighbors as ourselves? What each of the unnamed writers to the Ethicist asked was this: is it okay for me to keep both my kidneys and is it okay to travel in my retirement. Underneath that question is for those who follow Jesus, would God be okay with me if I decided to keep my kidney and my retirement.
In both cases the Ethicist wrote not about what one’s neighbor would think of your action or inaction, or really what God would think, but what would you think of yourself by choosing one course of action over another. In other words, would you be okay with you if you did, or did not do, a particular action.
This is how I see it: Jesus is the Word-made-flesh who came for health and salvation. Obviously, we all die, or will die someday, so the health that he brought is not so much physical health but rather, the health of one being at peace with oneself, with God, and with one’s neighbor. Some are called to do the supererogation (saintly) act of giving of one’s kidney to help one’s brother or to diminish one’s retirement to help another; but, not all are called to do so. In fact, I think very few are actually called to do so. What all are called to do is to love God as best as one can, to love oneself as best as one can, and, to love neighbors to the best of one’s given ability. For some, the manifestation of love would be to keep something, for others, it would be to give.
The first question was about physical health – should I give a kidney? The second question was about financial health – how much, if any, or all, should I give? There were a number of epiphany-moments with the discussions; a couple of which I would like to share with you.
The Ethicist, Kwame Anthony Appiah, wrote about three kinds of “special concerns” at play in both circumstances (but especially so in the second question that involved financial health). There is your special concern, as a thoughtful sibling, for your brother. There is your special concern, as a loving spouse, for your wife who has to a) put up with your aging brother and b) give up her dreams of a good retirement. There is your special concern for your own wants – travel in retirement with your wife – because human beings are partial to, and entitled to be partial to, themselves. The interesting, three-sided pyramid of special concerns caught my attention. How does one balance being a good sibling, a good spouse, and good custodian of your-self?
One of the beautiful parts of the Christian tradition is to look beyond one’s own ego, to see the needs of others, and to do something to help. Jesus tells us this in the Great Commandment: Love God, Love your neighbor. The underlying premise, however, is that we naturally are inclined to love ourselves. But, what if that inclination, in this 21st century of Christianity, has diminished or has been taken over by guilt and self-loathing. How then do we love our neighbors as ourselves? What each of the unnamed writers to the Ethicist asked was this: is it okay for me to keep both my kidneys and is it okay to travel in my retirement. Underneath that question is for those who follow Jesus, would God be okay with me if I decided to keep my kidney and my retirement.
In both cases the Ethicist wrote not about what one’s neighbor would think of your action or inaction, or really what God would think, but what would you think of yourself by choosing one course of action over another. In other words, would you be okay with you if you did, or did not do, a particular action.
This is how I see it: Jesus is the Word-made-flesh who came for health and salvation. Obviously, we all die, or will die someday, so the health that he brought is not so much physical health but rather, the health of one being at peace with oneself, with God, and with one’s neighbor. Some are called to do the supererogation (saintly) act of giving of one’s kidney to help one’s brother or to diminish one’s retirement to help another; but, not all are called to do so. In fact, I think very few are actually called to do so. What all are called to do is to love God as best as one can, to love oneself as best as one can, and, to love neighbors to the best of one’s given ability. For some, the manifestation of love would be to keep something, for others, it would be to give.
Needlepoint and John's Gospel
January 13, 2022
Something I learned this week is that needlepoint and cross-stitch are not interchangeable terms; they are, in fact, two different methods of creating art. This all started when Cynthia, a supporter of our New to You Art Sale, dropped off some art that included needlepoint piece created by her mother in 1979. I showed the piece to someone and said something like, “Look at this great cross-stitch.” I was gently taught that the piece is in fact needlepoint.
Needlepoint is a surface embroidery technique that covers the top of the fabric or canvas. It’s an art that’s remerging with a younger generation. Designs are created on a fine canvas, though you can use a woven canvas. When done well, the end result is a piece of art that has uniformity and beauty that can last generations. It also takes time to create. Many artists consider needlepoint as form of meditation and prayer.
The reverse side, or backside, of the piece pictured above looks much different than what we see on the front side. Needlepoint makes it so the reverse side has knots, hanging thread or yarn, and it looks confusing – certainly not art. I have heard from needlecrafters that they spend a lot of time on the reverse side so the front side looks perfect.
You might wonder what this has to do with John’s Gospel. This Sunday, we are hearing a story about Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding banquet. Reading this story is like looking at a beautiful needlepoint. It is uniform, tells a story, and has held up for generations. But, if you look on the proverbial backside of this story, it certainly is anything but uniform. First, John mentions Mary first, then Jesus, then the unnamed disciples, then the unnamed chief steward and there is absolutely no mention of the bride and groom. This is a strange way of telling the story in John’s day, as well as our own. Second, there is no mention of why the wine ran out – did the table fall over and the wine spilled out on the ground, were there more people than expected, were the guests thirstier than what they had hoped, did they have a supply chain problem, or, was it normal to run out of wine at a wedding in the first century. Third, Mary ignores Jesus’s response (What does the wine running out have to do with you and me; my hour has not yet arrived), she orders the servants to listen to Jesus, which they did. Lastly, there is no mention of the water actually turning into wine. The chief steward tastes it and declares that they have kept the best wine until the end. Looking at this well-known story and asking questions about it is like looking at the reverse side of needlepoint. It was not the side that was meant to be shown but it certainly shows that there is more to the picture, if you will.
For me, I like to look at the reverse side of needlepoint pieces; maybe that’s why I like to take a deep dive into Scripture too. Nevertheless, Cynthia’s mother, and Jesus’ mother, have left us with a beautiful image that will last from generation to generation.
-Rev. Dave
Needlepoint is a surface embroidery technique that covers the top of the fabric or canvas. It’s an art that’s remerging with a younger generation. Designs are created on a fine canvas, though you can use a woven canvas. When done well, the end result is a piece of art that has uniformity and beauty that can last generations. It also takes time to create. Many artists consider needlepoint as form of meditation and prayer.
The reverse side, or backside, of the piece pictured above looks much different than what we see on the front side. Needlepoint makes it so the reverse side has knots, hanging thread or yarn, and it looks confusing – certainly not art. I have heard from needlecrafters that they spend a lot of time on the reverse side so the front side looks perfect.
You might wonder what this has to do with John’s Gospel. This Sunday, we are hearing a story about Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding banquet. Reading this story is like looking at a beautiful needlepoint. It is uniform, tells a story, and has held up for generations. But, if you look on the proverbial backside of this story, it certainly is anything but uniform. First, John mentions Mary first, then Jesus, then the unnamed disciples, then the unnamed chief steward and there is absolutely no mention of the bride and groom. This is a strange way of telling the story in John’s day, as well as our own. Second, there is no mention of why the wine ran out – did the table fall over and the wine spilled out on the ground, were there more people than expected, were the guests thirstier than what they had hoped, did they have a supply chain problem, or, was it normal to run out of wine at a wedding in the first century. Third, Mary ignores Jesus’s response (What does the wine running out have to do with you and me; my hour has not yet arrived), she orders the servants to listen to Jesus, which they did. Lastly, there is no mention of the water actually turning into wine. The chief steward tastes it and declares that they have kept the best wine until the end. Looking at this well-known story and asking questions about it is like looking at the reverse side of needlepoint. It was not the side that was meant to be shown but it certainly shows that there is more to the picture, if you will.
For me, I like to look at the reverse side of needlepoint pieces; maybe that’s why I like to take a deep dive into Scripture too. Nevertheless, Cynthia’s mother, and Jesus’ mother, have left us with a beautiful image that will last from generation to generation.
-Rev. Dave
Bible Discussion Group
January 6, 2022
One of the hallmarks of All Angels is the ability for us to have weekly conversations on sometimes controversial subjects and leave 1) as friends and 2) with a greater sense of understanding of the topic and, perhaps more importantly, of one another. We are an oasis of understanding and curiosity in an increasingly polarized and easily-offended cancel-culture society. Since it is a hallmark of what we do, I thought we should expand it.
One of the great things of Anglican moral theology is that we believe two people of sound mind can read the same passage of scripture and come away with two different meanings. That idea also applies to opinion pieces in the Wall Street Journal; or, at least it should. Incidentally, I have preached the same sermon but heard two different take-aways from the same message. On Sunday, you will hear lessons from the Bible and then a sermon which usually conveys some sort of idea from one, or more, of the passages. This is a time-honored tradition that existed prior to the New Testament era. Nevertheless, it is not the only way to enrich one’s spiritual life, to expand one’s understanding of Scripture, and to get to know others.
The lessons on Sunday, for the most part, are from the Revised Common Lectionary, Episcopal Edition. The RCL, for short, is used by all the mainline denominations and is nearly in lockstep with the American Roman (Catholic) lectionary. One neat thing about the RCL is that not only are the folks on Longboat hearing four passages from Scripture on Sunday but that those passages are being heard in most liturgical churches. It is one way that we are catholic – which means universal – and connected to each other. The RCL runs on a three-year cycle. We are in year 3. The passages we hear this Sunday will not be heard again until 2025. … so pay attention (insert smile). The theological committee that arranged the RCL usually had a theme in mind for each Sunday. In other words, there should be something that connect all four readings – Old Testament, Psalm, New Testament, Gospel. This Sunday, the celebration of the baptism of Jesus, the theme is… you guessed it, baptism.
Starting next week and running weekly through Easter, on every Wednesday at 10 am, we are going to have a Bible Discussion Group. Our primary focus will be on the four lessons for the upcoming Sunday. Like our other discussion groups, I expect us to have differing opinions and a curiosity to hear what others think about the passages. And, like the other groups, it will be both in-person and online. The other aspect of this group that I am greatly looking forward to is how the participants “hear” the lessons on the following Sunday. Since they have heard the passages in advance, and discussed them for an hour, I will be interested to see how that knowledge will play out on Sunday. Bear in mind, the RCL did not chose boring or inconsequential passages. Some of the Bible stories we will hear this year are downright difficult. For instance, on March 13th, we are going to hear Abram (who became Abraham) complain to God that a slave born in his house will become his heir. There are family issues present within the text as well as social and political ramifications of this passage that played out against the 19th century U.S. abolitionists when they were trying to eradicate slave ownership. And yes, the fact that his name would become Abraham, and that it was also the first name of the man who signed the Emancipation Proclamation, means that we are going to have fun discussing that passage.
The Anglican belief that two people can read the same Bible passage and have two different meanings has been, and is, a way for the Church to remain together in turbulent times; it also can provide for fascinating discussions. I look forward to our newest discussion group that will be discussing the oldest book in the world.
-Rev. Dave
One of the great things of Anglican moral theology is that we believe two people of sound mind can read the same passage of scripture and come away with two different meanings. That idea also applies to opinion pieces in the Wall Street Journal; or, at least it should. Incidentally, I have preached the same sermon but heard two different take-aways from the same message. On Sunday, you will hear lessons from the Bible and then a sermon which usually conveys some sort of idea from one, or more, of the passages. This is a time-honored tradition that existed prior to the New Testament era. Nevertheless, it is not the only way to enrich one’s spiritual life, to expand one’s understanding of Scripture, and to get to know others.
The lessons on Sunday, for the most part, are from the Revised Common Lectionary, Episcopal Edition. The RCL, for short, is used by all the mainline denominations and is nearly in lockstep with the American Roman (Catholic) lectionary. One neat thing about the RCL is that not only are the folks on Longboat hearing four passages from Scripture on Sunday but that those passages are being heard in most liturgical churches. It is one way that we are catholic – which means universal – and connected to each other. The RCL runs on a three-year cycle. We are in year 3. The passages we hear this Sunday will not be heard again until 2025. … so pay attention (insert smile). The theological committee that arranged the RCL usually had a theme in mind for each Sunday. In other words, there should be something that connect all four readings – Old Testament, Psalm, New Testament, Gospel. This Sunday, the celebration of the baptism of Jesus, the theme is… you guessed it, baptism.
Starting next week and running weekly through Easter, on every Wednesday at 10 am, we are going to have a Bible Discussion Group. Our primary focus will be on the four lessons for the upcoming Sunday. Like our other discussion groups, I expect us to have differing opinions and a curiosity to hear what others think about the passages. And, like the other groups, it will be both in-person and online. The other aspect of this group that I am greatly looking forward to is how the participants “hear” the lessons on the following Sunday. Since they have heard the passages in advance, and discussed them for an hour, I will be interested to see how that knowledge will play out on Sunday. Bear in mind, the RCL did not chose boring or inconsequential passages. Some of the Bible stories we will hear this year are downright difficult. For instance, on March 13th, we are going to hear Abram (who became Abraham) complain to God that a slave born in his house will become his heir. There are family issues present within the text as well as social and political ramifications of this passage that played out against the 19th century U.S. abolitionists when they were trying to eradicate slave ownership. And yes, the fact that his name would become Abraham, and that it was also the first name of the man who signed the Emancipation Proclamation, means that we are going to have fun discussing that passage.
The Anglican belief that two people can read the same Bible passage and have two different meanings has been, and is, a way for the Church to remain together in turbulent times; it also can provide for fascinating discussions. I look forward to our newest discussion group that will be discussing the oldest book in the world.
-Rev. Dave
Soft-spoken Jesus
December 30, 2021
A clergy friend of mine wrote something that has struck a chord in me. Fr. Mike Flynn wrote, “The closer we get to Jesus, the quieter he speaks. This necessitates that we constantly listen, and have humble faith, so that we are persuaded by his soft still voice.” It is reported in all four Gospels that Jesus went to quiet places to pray. Since no one has ever been closer to God than Jesus it behooves us to pay attention to his habits.
There are two distinct paths of discernment (to discern God’s direction and will). One way is to talk to someone. The Church calls it a “holy conversation”; the business world would call it “bouncing ideas” off each other. The other method is to sit quietly, to think and listen and draw close to the Creator and Sustainer. Maybe Jesus had the same two paths and would either bounce ideas off other people or go off to quiet places to think and talk to God. The Gospels give examples of Jesus doing both of those.
Back to the main issue – the closer one is to Jesus, the quieter he speaks. This means those who are far off hear him well and those who are near do not. That is not how we, as humans, like things. I never imagined the prophet Isaiah having a hard time hearing God speak. Jeremiah, Noah, even Jonah, seemed to hear God loud and clear. Yet, based on Fr. Flynn’s principle, they too, like you and me, must be intentional when listening to God. The Magi (wise people) heard nothing from God, instead, they followed a silent star. On the other hand, when they arrived in Jerusalem and talked to the religious/political elite, their voices must have sounded very loud – “The Messiah has been born!” Using the Flynn principle, the Magi had a close relationship with God and as such only saw a silent star during the silence of the night; King Herod, who heard their words, was spiritually speaking far away from God.
Imagine Mother Teresa in conversation with God. You would think she was so close to God that she could hear the Lord easily. But, based on the Flynn principle and on what she herself reported, she had to strain to hear God the same as you and I. That also means the so-called holy people of our day have to really pay attention to what God is saying because his voice is so quiet to them.
This is a humbling principle. I think that God speaks loudly to folks we call new Christians. They’re on fire for the Lord. But the closer they draw, the softer Jesus speaks which might lead to discouragement. I know folks who have entered AA and clearly heard God. But, the more steps they took, and the deeper they lived into their sobriety and faith, the quieter Jesus spoke. I heard Jesus quite well during my discernment. But then, during my three-year formation in seminary, the voice of Jesus got softer and softer. It’s nice to know if Jesus’ voice is still and quiet, it’s not that I’m not drifting from Jesus, rather he is inviting me to draw even closer to hear. During very difficult times in ministry, I feel as close to Jesus as if I am sitting at a small coffee shop table with him. Yet, in those intimate times, Jesus beckons me to come closer and speaks in a whisper barely discernable from the noise of the cafe.
As we live into the season of Epiphany, remembering when God illuminated people’s hearts and minds, we should also remember the practice of listening for God’s soft whisper on a gentle breeze.
-Rev. Dave
There are two distinct paths of discernment (to discern God’s direction and will). One way is to talk to someone. The Church calls it a “holy conversation”; the business world would call it “bouncing ideas” off each other. The other method is to sit quietly, to think and listen and draw close to the Creator and Sustainer. Maybe Jesus had the same two paths and would either bounce ideas off other people or go off to quiet places to think and talk to God. The Gospels give examples of Jesus doing both of those.
Back to the main issue – the closer one is to Jesus, the quieter he speaks. This means those who are far off hear him well and those who are near do not. That is not how we, as humans, like things. I never imagined the prophet Isaiah having a hard time hearing God speak. Jeremiah, Noah, even Jonah, seemed to hear God loud and clear. Yet, based on Fr. Flynn’s principle, they too, like you and me, must be intentional when listening to God. The Magi (wise people) heard nothing from God, instead, they followed a silent star. On the other hand, when they arrived in Jerusalem and talked to the religious/political elite, their voices must have sounded very loud – “The Messiah has been born!” Using the Flynn principle, the Magi had a close relationship with God and as such only saw a silent star during the silence of the night; King Herod, who heard their words, was spiritually speaking far away from God.
Imagine Mother Teresa in conversation with God. You would think she was so close to God that she could hear the Lord easily. But, based on the Flynn principle and on what she herself reported, she had to strain to hear God the same as you and I. That also means the so-called holy people of our day have to really pay attention to what God is saying because his voice is so quiet to them.
This is a humbling principle. I think that God speaks loudly to folks we call new Christians. They’re on fire for the Lord. But the closer they draw, the softer Jesus speaks which might lead to discouragement. I know folks who have entered AA and clearly heard God. But, the more steps they took, and the deeper they lived into their sobriety and faith, the quieter Jesus spoke. I heard Jesus quite well during my discernment. But then, during my three-year formation in seminary, the voice of Jesus got softer and softer. It’s nice to know if Jesus’ voice is still and quiet, it’s not that I’m not drifting from Jesus, rather he is inviting me to draw even closer to hear. During very difficult times in ministry, I feel as close to Jesus as if I am sitting at a small coffee shop table with him. Yet, in those intimate times, Jesus beckons me to come closer and speaks in a whisper barely discernable from the noise of the cafe.
As we live into the season of Epiphany, remembering when God illuminated people’s hearts and minds, we should also remember the practice of listening for God’s soft whisper on a gentle breeze.
-Rev. Dave
O Tannenbaum
December 23, 2021
On my route to take Ethan to preschool, there was a house with a large picture window. Every year, on the day after Thanksgiving, their gorgeous real spruce Christmas tree would go up. And then like clockwork, on December 26th, it would come down and wait by the curb to be picked up by the yard waste truck. Year after year, I wanted to tell the owners of the tree that Christmas is twelve days long starting on Christmas Day. But, in typical Episcopal fashion, I kept to myself.
The Church calendar does not mind when you put up your tree; it does, however, specify when it should come down. With the setting of the sun on the Eve of Christmas, we leave the season of Advent and enter into the joyous celebration of the Nativity of our Lord. The Church calendar prescribes that we celebrate Christmas until the middle of the first week of January. For a variety of reasons, Christmas music and decorations have creeped into the season of Advent, and more recently, the Nativity accoutrements are competing with Thanksgiving. The secular acknowledgement of Christmas, as shown by my neighbor with the picture window and yearly spruce tree, is that it concludes on December 25th; which is, ironically, when Christmas actually begins.
All Angels will be celebrating Christmas with the singing of Christmas carols, the displaying of poinsettias, and, of course, Christmas trees. The Christmas tree is the most iconic image of my favorite season. Originally used in ancient Egypt and Rome as symbols of year-round life, plants that remain green during the winter solstice were displayed over doors and in windows. It was believed that the sun god became sick and weak during the winter and displaying evergreens or palm rushes would help. Germany is credited with starting our modern-day Christmas tree tradition. Starting in the 16th century, it is recorded that Christians decorated indoor evergreen trees. In other communities where saplings were scarce, the communities would build Christmas pyramids of wood and decorate them with boughs and candles.
In America, German settlements in what is now Pennsylvania had community Christmas trees as early as 1747. Nevertheless, because of our puritan history, many American Christians saw the tree as a pagan symbol. Oliver Cromwell preached against “the heathen traditions” of Christmas carols, decorated trees, and really any other joyful expression that, in his view, desecrated the sacred event of Christ’s birth. In 1659, the General Court of Massachusetts enacted a law making any observance of Christmas – other than a church service – a penal offense with fines for people who hang decorations.
Queen Victoria and her German Prince (Albert), were sketched in the London News with their children around a Christmas tree in 1846. Suddenly, the Christmas tree became fashionable; not only in England but also in New England. By the 1890s, the popularity of American Christmas trees is evident in the rise of imported German ornaments during that time. Episcopalian Franklin Pierce was the first President to bring the Christmas tree tradition inside the White House. Teddy Roosevelt (not an Episcopalian) banned the Christmas tree from the White House for environmental reasons. That ban ended under Taft’s administration; who, oddly enough, was a Unitarian.
From this brief summary, it would seem that German-Americans and Queen Victoria saved Christmas from the American puritans. History is certainly more nuanced than that, but, this year, when I sing the famous German hymn, O Tannenbaum, I will appreciate the line, “we learn from all your beauty.” The Church calendar simply asks that we learn from it all twelve days of Christmas.
-Rev. Dave
The Church calendar does not mind when you put up your tree; it does, however, specify when it should come down. With the setting of the sun on the Eve of Christmas, we leave the season of Advent and enter into the joyous celebration of the Nativity of our Lord. The Church calendar prescribes that we celebrate Christmas until the middle of the first week of January. For a variety of reasons, Christmas music and decorations have creeped into the season of Advent, and more recently, the Nativity accoutrements are competing with Thanksgiving. The secular acknowledgement of Christmas, as shown by my neighbor with the picture window and yearly spruce tree, is that it concludes on December 25th; which is, ironically, when Christmas actually begins.
All Angels will be celebrating Christmas with the singing of Christmas carols, the displaying of poinsettias, and, of course, Christmas trees. The Christmas tree is the most iconic image of my favorite season. Originally used in ancient Egypt and Rome as symbols of year-round life, plants that remain green during the winter solstice were displayed over doors and in windows. It was believed that the sun god became sick and weak during the winter and displaying evergreens or palm rushes would help. Germany is credited with starting our modern-day Christmas tree tradition. Starting in the 16th century, it is recorded that Christians decorated indoor evergreen trees. In other communities where saplings were scarce, the communities would build Christmas pyramids of wood and decorate them with boughs and candles.
In America, German settlements in what is now Pennsylvania had community Christmas trees as early as 1747. Nevertheless, because of our puritan history, many American Christians saw the tree as a pagan symbol. Oliver Cromwell preached against “the heathen traditions” of Christmas carols, decorated trees, and really any other joyful expression that, in his view, desecrated the sacred event of Christ’s birth. In 1659, the General Court of Massachusetts enacted a law making any observance of Christmas – other than a church service – a penal offense with fines for people who hang decorations.
Queen Victoria and her German Prince (Albert), were sketched in the London News with their children around a Christmas tree in 1846. Suddenly, the Christmas tree became fashionable; not only in England but also in New England. By the 1890s, the popularity of American Christmas trees is evident in the rise of imported German ornaments during that time. Episcopalian Franklin Pierce was the first President to bring the Christmas tree tradition inside the White House. Teddy Roosevelt (not an Episcopalian) banned the Christmas tree from the White House for environmental reasons. That ban ended under Taft’s administration; who, oddly enough, was a Unitarian.
From this brief summary, it would seem that German-Americans and Queen Victoria saved Christmas from the American puritans. History is certainly more nuanced than that, but, this year, when I sing the famous German hymn, O Tannenbaum, I will appreciate the line, “we learn from all your beauty.” The Church calendar simply asks that we learn from it all twelve days of Christmas.
-Rev. Dave
Hosts of Angels
December 16, 2021
As the song goes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. I’m wondering what makes it wonderful for you? For me, it is a great number of things –family and celebration, memories and traditions, church and holy festivities, and chocolate. Lots of chocolate.
The Bible readings this time of year also make it the most wonderful time of the year for me. The passages are full of hope and promise; and angels. Lots and lots of angels. An angel spoke directly to Mary. She asked the angel questions and the angel, Gabriel, responded. It shows a deeper relationship than simply a messenger. An angel spoke to Joseph in a dream. The angel was protecting Mary and her unborn child. The dream-like exchange with Joseph and the angel radically altered Joseph’s life – he had to give up something in order to continue with the engagement and marriage plans with Mary. An angel appeared to shepherds keeping watch over their flock at night. After telling them to be not afraid, the message of good news was delivered that the Christ was born this day. Then, a multitude of the heavenly host praised God and sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.”
In this wonderful time of year, our Bible lessons show that angels brought peace, announced good news, invited people to follow along with the plan of salvation for all people, protected the vulnerable, revealed themselves to the lowly and unlikely, and sang. Lots and lots of singing and praising of God.
My theology of angels has changed since coming to All Angels. I used to say, “I believe in angels.” I no longer “believe” because I know they exist. Period. I know it is not very Anglican of me to be so black and white, but, after experiencing what I have experienced, and, after hearing so many stories of those who have experienced them, I know they exist. I know gravity exists but I can’t explain it; I know angels exist but I can’t explain that either.
I hope you have at least one angel on your Christmas tree. It is a Marshall tradition to have an angel at the top and then bunches of them around the tree. Like a “flock of seagulls” or a “pod of dolphins” or an “aggregation of manatees”, the group noun for angels is “host”. We have a whole host of angels on our tree and each one looks different. Some angels have a trumpet, others are singing, others yet are smiling. It is a joyous host.
Just because I believe/know that angels exist doesn’t mean you have to. Also, some may not think this is the most wonderful time of the year either. I wonder if Mary and Joseph found it to be a wonderful time – being away from family and friends and giving birth in a stable would make it seem not so wonderful. By the time Jesus turned one, they were most likely refugees in Egypt – because angels sent a warning that they need to flee. It took a while for them to be safe enough to return to Joseph’s home town of Nazareth. Come to think of it, I wonder if life ever returned to normal for them. Nevertheless, I think and hope they found it to be wonderful. The non-biblical accounts of the Holy Family show that they were surrounded with joy and peace. Some go so far as to say that Jesus was the perfect child. I guess no big surprise there; after all the prophet Isaiah said his name would be Wonderful Counsellor, Prince of Peace.
I can’t explain gravity, or angels, or the mystery of the incarnation celebrated in Christmas; but, despite the grief I feel about recently losing my dad, I still choose to believe it is the most wonderful time of the year, I choose to believe that Mary and Joseph found it to be a wonderful time too, and I choose to believe a whole host of angels found it wonderful too.
-Rev. Dave
The Bible readings this time of year also make it the most wonderful time of the year for me. The passages are full of hope and promise; and angels. Lots and lots of angels. An angel spoke directly to Mary. She asked the angel questions and the angel, Gabriel, responded. It shows a deeper relationship than simply a messenger. An angel spoke to Joseph in a dream. The angel was protecting Mary and her unborn child. The dream-like exchange with Joseph and the angel radically altered Joseph’s life – he had to give up something in order to continue with the engagement and marriage plans with Mary. An angel appeared to shepherds keeping watch over their flock at night. After telling them to be not afraid, the message of good news was delivered that the Christ was born this day. Then, a multitude of the heavenly host praised God and sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.”
In this wonderful time of year, our Bible lessons show that angels brought peace, announced good news, invited people to follow along with the plan of salvation for all people, protected the vulnerable, revealed themselves to the lowly and unlikely, and sang. Lots and lots of singing and praising of God.
My theology of angels has changed since coming to All Angels. I used to say, “I believe in angels.” I no longer “believe” because I know they exist. Period. I know it is not very Anglican of me to be so black and white, but, after experiencing what I have experienced, and, after hearing so many stories of those who have experienced them, I know they exist. I know gravity exists but I can’t explain it; I know angels exist but I can’t explain that either.
I hope you have at least one angel on your Christmas tree. It is a Marshall tradition to have an angel at the top and then bunches of them around the tree. Like a “flock of seagulls” or a “pod of dolphins” or an “aggregation of manatees”, the group noun for angels is “host”. We have a whole host of angels on our tree and each one looks different. Some angels have a trumpet, others are singing, others yet are smiling. It is a joyous host.
Just because I believe/know that angels exist doesn’t mean you have to. Also, some may not think this is the most wonderful time of the year either. I wonder if Mary and Joseph found it to be a wonderful time – being away from family and friends and giving birth in a stable would make it seem not so wonderful. By the time Jesus turned one, they were most likely refugees in Egypt – because angels sent a warning that they need to flee. It took a while for them to be safe enough to return to Joseph’s home town of Nazareth. Come to think of it, I wonder if life ever returned to normal for them. Nevertheless, I think and hope they found it to be wonderful. The non-biblical accounts of the Holy Family show that they were surrounded with joy and peace. Some go so far as to say that Jesus was the perfect child. I guess no big surprise there; after all the prophet Isaiah said his name would be Wonderful Counsellor, Prince of Peace.
I can’t explain gravity, or angels, or the mystery of the incarnation celebrated in Christmas; but, despite the grief I feel about recently losing my dad, I still choose to believe it is the most wonderful time of the year, I choose to believe that Mary and Joseph found it to be a wonderful time too, and I choose to believe a whole host of angels found it wonderful too.
-Rev. Dave
Miracle on the Key
December 9, 2021
A Jewish theology professor presented a different way to understand the book of Genesis that famously begins with, “In the beginning, God said, ‘Let there be light.’” The professor said, “In the beginning… there was a discussion. The light came later.” There certainly is energy in a good discussion. Resolved discussions bring about new understanding, peace and healing – which could easily be described as light.
Rabbi Stephen raised an interesting question before our annual Longboat Key Thanksgiving service. He asked the assembled gathering of the island’s clergy this: why is it that we, of different backgrounds and different faith traditions, can gather, talk, work together, and enjoy each other’s company while the rest of our community, because of the prevailing political culture, cannot. Good rabbinic questions require thought and not an immediate response. We sat in peaceful, contemplative silence pondering his question that began with why is it?
There is a small, but growing, movement on Longboat to foster discussion. Leaders of the Republican Club of Longboat Key and the Longboat Key Democratic Club are meeting together to foster a dialog of mutual trust and respect. What they have discovered is that both groups believe in the importance of truth, non-discrimination, a strong economy, equal opportunity in education, concern for the environment, support of law enforcement, and that personal responsibility is a commonly-held value. They are not going to solve every problem and they certainly won’t agree on everything, but the important thing is that they are talking, civilly, with each other. In a joint statement, they wrote the following: Instead of fostering polarization and partisanship, let’s embrace our differences, work for consensus where we can, and show our elected leaders that civil conversation makes change possible.
Coming up at some point in our discussion groups, we will talk about this miracle on the Key and discuss the article that coined the phrase in the Bradenton Herald. Speaking of the discussion groups, this sort of “miracle” happens every week. We gather people of different perspectives and listen to one another and the different viewpoints. In typical Episcopal fashion, someone may even share two perspective both of which are believed by the same person!
To answer the Rabbi’s question – why is it that we can gather and enjoy one another’s company even though we have diverse faith backgrounds – it is because we want to. If we wanted to argue theology and storm out when we get offended, we could do that; but, we choose not to. Instead, we focus on what we all believe – God calls us to be thankful.
The season of Advent – darkness – is followed by the short, 12-day, season of Christmas and is followed by the season of Epiphany – the season of light. It would be fitting that within the seasons of Advent/Christmas/Epiphany, we choose to be together, to work toward a common goal, and to have good discussions along the way. If you have family gathering for the holidays, it might be wise to choose to gather, not to argue or prove some sort of social/political or theological point, but rather to be together to hear stories, and, to share, as the hymn goes,
the hopes and fears of all the years. May you have peaceful and light-filled gatherings this Christmas season.
-Rev. Dave
Rabbi Stephen raised an interesting question before our annual Longboat Key Thanksgiving service. He asked the assembled gathering of the island’s clergy this: why is it that we, of different backgrounds and different faith traditions, can gather, talk, work together, and enjoy each other’s company while the rest of our community, because of the prevailing political culture, cannot. Good rabbinic questions require thought and not an immediate response. We sat in peaceful, contemplative silence pondering his question that began with why is it?
There is a small, but growing, movement on Longboat to foster discussion. Leaders of the Republican Club of Longboat Key and the Longboat Key Democratic Club are meeting together to foster a dialog of mutual trust and respect. What they have discovered is that both groups believe in the importance of truth, non-discrimination, a strong economy, equal opportunity in education, concern for the environment, support of law enforcement, and that personal responsibility is a commonly-held value. They are not going to solve every problem and they certainly won’t agree on everything, but the important thing is that they are talking, civilly, with each other. In a joint statement, they wrote the following: Instead of fostering polarization and partisanship, let’s embrace our differences, work for consensus where we can, and show our elected leaders that civil conversation makes change possible.
Coming up at some point in our discussion groups, we will talk about this miracle on the Key and discuss the article that coined the phrase in the Bradenton Herald. Speaking of the discussion groups, this sort of “miracle” happens every week. We gather people of different perspectives and listen to one another and the different viewpoints. In typical Episcopal fashion, someone may even share two perspective both of which are believed by the same person!
To answer the Rabbi’s question – why is it that we can gather and enjoy one another’s company even though we have diverse faith backgrounds – it is because we want to. If we wanted to argue theology and storm out when we get offended, we could do that; but, we choose not to. Instead, we focus on what we all believe – God calls us to be thankful.
The season of Advent – darkness – is followed by the short, 12-day, season of Christmas and is followed by the season of Epiphany – the season of light. It would be fitting that within the seasons of Advent/Christmas/Epiphany, we choose to be together, to work toward a common goal, and to have good discussions along the way. If you have family gathering for the holidays, it might be wise to choose to gather, not to argue or prove some sort of social/political or theological point, but rather to be together to hear stories, and, to share, as the hymn goes,
the hopes and fears of all the years. May you have peaceful and light-filled gatherings this Christmas season.
-Rev. Dave
Ecclesiastes
December 2, 2021
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecc 3:1-9
If I were given the opportunity to reorder the 66 books of the Bible, I would move Ecclesiastes to the front. In fact, I’d start on chapter 3 as an introduction to the rest of the Bible. If we started our relationship with the Bible by reading the above account, it would make sense why the rest of the tome contains famines, wars, exoduses of people, and cruelty as well as laughing, dancing, love, resurrection, and joy. And maybe reading the Bible this way would stop people from either blaming God, or rejecting the idea of God, when bad things happen – both naturally occurring bad things like storms and droughts as well as human-made calamities. We would simply sigh and say, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Reading Ecclesiastes helps me to wrap my arms around the fact that my father and my father-in-law are in Hospice care. For everything there is a season. The Marshall and Long families have entered a season of saying goodbye. It is also the season of darkness as the nights get longer until December 21/22, it is the season of busyness, hustle and bustle, it is a season of waiting and anticipation, it is a season of blue that concludes a year that I can best describe with one word: uncertainty.
My dad, John, has metastasized kidney cancer in his lungs and elsewhere in his body. When he discontinued treatment, they said he would have three to six months – he would most likely not celebrate his birthday. On October 18th, I was in Seattle with mom and my brother to celebrate dad’s 80th. Two weeks ago, Hospice said dad has seven days to live. They have since revised their estimate. The most important part of this is that dad is not in pain, is peaceful, is at home with mom, and we have all been able to share our love for him and with him. Even in this year of uncertainty, we have been given the time to both weep and laugh.
My father-in-law, Stan, also has stage three cancer. He is also is at home and is not in pain. Stan’s 90th birthday is on December 17 which he shares with his grandson Ethan who is turning 19. The Marshalls are flying out to see him and the rest of Christi’s family after Christmas and will return the first week of January. It will be a time of embracing, of weeping, and of laughter.
Although I am not able to re-order the books of the Bible, I can reorient the way that I view the Bible, God, and life through the wisdom of Ecclesiastes; understanding that even in this time of Advent, there is a time and a season for everything under heaven.
-Rev. Dave
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
Ecc 3:1-9
If I were given the opportunity to reorder the 66 books of the Bible, I would move Ecclesiastes to the front. In fact, I’d start on chapter 3 as an introduction to the rest of the Bible. If we started our relationship with the Bible by reading the above account, it would make sense why the rest of the tome contains famines, wars, exoduses of people, and cruelty as well as laughing, dancing, love, resurrection, and joy. And maybe reading the Bible this way would stop people from either blaming God, or rejecting the idea of God, when bad things happen – both naturally occurring bad things like storms and droughts as well as human-made calamities. We would simply sigh and say, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Reading Ecclesiastes helps me to wrap my arms around the fact that my father and my father-in-law are in Hospice care. For everything there is a season. The Marshall and Long families have entered a season of saying goodbye. It is also the season of darkness as the nights get longer until December 21/22, it is the season of busyness, hustle and bustle, it is a season of waiting and anticipation, it is a season of blue that concludes a year that I can best describe with one word: uncertainty.
My dad, John, has metastasized kidney cancer in his lungs and elsewhere in his body. When he discontinued treatment, they said he would have three to six months – he would most likely not celebrate his birthday. On October 18th, I was in Seattle with mom and my brother to celebrate dad’s 80th. Two weeks ago, Hospice said dad has seven days to live. They have since revised their estimate. The most important part of this is that dad is not in pain, is peaceful, is at home with mom, and we have all been able to share our love for him and with him. Even in this year of uncertainty, we have been given the time to both weep and laugh.
My father-in-law, Stan, also has stage three cancer. He is also is at home and is not in pain. Stan’s 90th birthday is on December 17 which he shares with his grandson Ethan who is turning 19. The Marshalls are flying out to see him and the rest of Christi’s family after Christmas and will return the first week of January. It will be a time of embracing, of weeping, and of laughter.
Although I am not able to re-order the books of the Bible, I can reorient the way that I view the Bible, God, and life through the wisdom of Ecclesiastes; understanding that even in this time of Advent, there is a time and a season for everything under heaven.
-Rev. Dave
Giving Thanks Takes Practice
November 26, 2021
The Episcopal Church was founded on Friday, October 16, 1789.
Six weeks later, on Thursday, November 26, 1789, Episcopal Church member (and U.S. President) George Washington issued a proclamation for “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.” In 1863, Presbyterian (and U.S. President) Abraham Lincoln encouraged Americans to recognize the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving. A few years later in 1870, Congress followed suit by passing legislation making Thanksgiving a national holiday.
Episcopalian, Franklin D. Roosevelt (and U.S. President), moved Thanksgiving to the third Sunday of November to extend the Christmas shopping season in order to help businesses that were suffering from the Great Depression. On October 6, 1941, Thanksgiving was moved back to the fourth Thursday of November.
Thanksgiving is the most religious, non-religious holiday of the year. Every major and minor religion believe that giving thanks is a central theme to holy living. Our Episcopal tradition has built it into every Eucharistic celebration with the words: it is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks. Or, if you prefer the older English version: it is very meet, right, and our bounded duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks. No wonder Thanksgiving was promoted by two Episcopalian presidents.
Giving thanks takes intentionality and practice. Setting aside one day per year is a good start but it is not a fulfillment of our “bounden duty”. For example, if someone only showed love for their mother on Mother’s Day, that’s not sufficient. Thanksgiving is a year-round practice. Thankfully, we have much to be thankful for; starting with this planet. Outer space is cold and inhospitable; yet we get to live on a planet with unparalleled beauty. We have the taste pleasures of honey, chocolate, and brownies as well as fettuccine alfredo, garlic bread and hazelnut coffee. And, most importantly, we have God who, like a good shepherd, watches over and cares for us. Nevertheless, giving thanks takes practice.
If you are looking for ideas on how to practice thanksgiving, here are some suggestions:
It doesn’t take a lot to practice thanksgiving but it gives a lot in return. So, go ahead, make a ritual of thanks, after all, it is very right to give thanks in all times and in all places.
-Rev. Dave
Six weeks later, on Thursday, November 26, 1789, Episcopal Church member (and U.S. President) George Washington issued a proclamation for “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.” In 1863, Presbyterian (and U.S. President) Abraham Lincoln encouraged Americans to recognize the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving. A few years later in 1870, Congress followed suit by passing legislation making Thanksgiving a national holiday.
Episcopalian, Franklin D. Roosevelt (and U.S. President), moved Thanksgiving to the third Sunday of November to extend the Christmas shopping season in order to help businesses that were suffering from the Great Depression. On October 6, 1941, Thanksgiving was moved back to the fourth Thursday of November.
Thanksgiving is the most religious, non-religious holiday of the year. Every major and minor religion believe that giving thanks is a central theme to holy living. Our Episcopal tradition has built it into every Eucharistic celebration with the words: it is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks. Or, if you prefer the older English version: it is very meet, right, and our bounded duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks. No wonder Thanksgiving was promoted by two Episcopalian presidents.
Giving thanks takes intentionality and practice. Setting aside one day per year is a good start but it is not a fulfillment of our “bounden duty”. For example, if someone only showed love for their mother on Mother’s Day, that’s not sufficient. Thanksgiving is a year-round practice. Thankfully, we have much to be thankful for; starting with this planet. Outer space is cold and inhospitable; yet we get to live on a planet with unparalleled beauty. We have the taste pleasures of honey, chocolate, and brownies as well as fettuccine alfredo, garlic bread and hazelnut coffee. And, most importantly, we have God who, like a good shepherd, watches over and cares for us. Nevertheless, giving thanks takes practice.
If you are looking for ideas on how to practice thanksgiving, here are some suggestions:
- Before you get out of bed in the morning, think of three things you are grateful for. If you are looking for categories, try people, nature, or shelter.
- Make a list. Nothing formal here, just, on a piece of paper, a napkin, used envelope or even on a church bulletin, write down one word for which you are thankful.
- Start a gratitude ritual. Say grace (you can say it after a meal too); or take a moment to appreciate nature right outside your window; or, tell someone, “I am thankful for …”.
It doesn’t take a lot to practice thanksgiving but it gives a lot in return. So, go ahead, make a ritual of thanks, after all, it is very right to give thanks in all times and in all places.
-Rev. Dave
Tree Phone
November 21, 2021
There was a moving segment on the CBS Sunday Morning show. It featured a kind soul, Corey Dembeck, who, after his friends’ four-year old daughter died, decided to install a telephone on a tree. It was no ordinary tree – it was a giant Evergreen, eight feet around, that reaches high up into the Washington State sky – situated near a popular hiking trail outside the capital city of Olympia. It was no ordinary phone – it was an old, faded yellow, upright rotary dial phone that one might find hanging on a 1970’s kitchen wall. This particular phone was mounted on a quarter sheet of plywood which was secured on the side of the enormous tree. In some ways it looked out of place, in other ways, it looked like a tree-phonebooth.
Every few weeks, Corey’s friends, Andre and Erin Sylvester, and the rest of their young family, would hike out to Priest Point Park to use that phone to call Joelle, their four-year-old daughter. Without warning, Joelle died last year from an infection. But out in the park, Joelle is somehow there on the other end of the line. When Erin picks up the receiver, dials in a rotary number, and waits, something happens. Erin says hello to her daughter Joelle, and, somehow, she feels connected to her daughter. She said, "I always feel lighter, ready to go back into the real world of, you know, {pause} the one without my daughter."
Word quietly spread about the phone. Lori Provoe, one of the hikers who uses the phone, said, "When you're grieving, you look for any avenue to try to connect, to make that emotional connection. And that's what the telephone, I thought, would do for me." And it did. She lost her 27-year-old son Tyler last year. "Of course, it's very emotional," Provoe said. "As soon as you pick up the phone, the tears flow. And I've been out here several times, and it's been the same experience every time. I have Kleenex in my pocket. You can't explain why the emotions are flowing as soon as you pick up that phone, but they do."
The desire to connect with lost loved ones is universal, especially when the end comes so quickly. In 2011, in the wake of Japan's devastating tsunami, survivors started flocking to a small phone booth high on a hill, put there months earlier by a man who just wanted to talk to his cousin who had died of cancer. For all the lost souls who the sea never returned, that "Telephone of the Wind" became one of the few places to offer a kind of inexplicable solace.
For many people, the campus of All Angels is a place like that special phone. It is a thin place where angels and loved ones feel closer. Every week I see people sitting on one of our benches. I imagine that some of them are talking to people you and I cannot see. Perhaps one day someone will mount a phone to one of our oak trees for passers-by to use to make a connection.
Tactile spirituality involves holding something – a communion wafer, a Bible, prayer book or bulletin; a rosary, a cross; maybe even a well-worn stone. A sense of touch helps us find emotional connection and maybe even recognize the touch of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps having a physical phone to talk into is both a physical remembrance of talking to the loved and is also a routine which brings an emotional connection. Either way, I believe that the Holy Spirit is listening and providing comfort to all who mourn. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a phone someday attached to an oak tree with a line of people waiting to talk and be touched.
Every few weeks, Corey’s friends, Andre and Erin Sylvester, and the rest of their young family, would hike out to Priest Point Park to use that phone to call Joelle, their four-year-old daughter. Without warning, Joelle died last year from an infection. But out in the park, Joelle is somehow there on the other end of the line. When Erin picks up the receiver, dials in a rotary number, and waits, something happens. Erin says hello to her daughter Joelle, and, somehow, she feels connected to her daughter. She said, "I always feel lighter, ready to go back into the real world of, you know, {pause} the one without my daughter."
Word quietly spread about the phone. Lori Provoe, one of the hikers who uses the phone, said, "When you're grieving, you look for any avenue to try to connect, to make that emotional connection. And that's what the telephone, I thought, would do for me." And it did. She lost her 27-year-old son Tyler last year. "Of course, it's very emotional," Provoe said. "As soon as you pick up the phone, the tears flow. And I've been out here several times, and it's been the same experience every time. I have Kleenex in my pocket. You can't explain why the emotions are flowing as soon as you pick up that phone, but they do."
The desire to connect with lost loved ones is universal, especially when the end comes so quickly. In 2011, in the wake of Japan's devastating tsunami, survivors started flocking to a small phone booth high on a hill, put there months earlier by a man who just wanted to talk to his cousin who had died of cancer. For all the lost souls who the sea never returned, that "Telephone of the Wind" became one of the few places to offer a kind of inexplicable solace.
For many people, the campus of All Angels is a place like that special phone. It is a thin place where angels and loved ones feel closer. Every week I see people sitting on one of our benches. I imagine that some of them are talking to people you and I cannot see. Perhaps one day someone will mount a phone to one of our oak trees for passers-by to use to make a connection.
Tactile spirituality involves holding something – a communion wafer, a Bible, prayer book or bulletin; a rosary, a cross; maybe even a well-worn stone. A sense of touch helps us find emotional connection and maybe even recognize the touch of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps having a physical phone to talk into is both a physical remembrance of talking to the loved and is also a routine which brings an emotional connection. Either way, I believe that the Holy Spirit is listening and providing comfort to all who mourn. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a phone someday attached to an oak tree with a line of people waiting to talk and be touched.
Rose Window
November 14, 2021
Stained glass windows have an interesting, and contested, history. One such origin story is reported to have come from Pliny the Elder (23 – 79) who, although credited for creating the encyclopedia, is known to have uneven historical accuracy in his personal accounts. Nevertheless, his account of stained glass is that Phoenician sailors discovered it by accident when, after a shipwreck, they placed cooking pots on blocks of soda from the cargo and lit fires underneath on the beach. In the morning, the soda had cooled and hardened into colored glass.
It would make sense that All Angels by the Sea would have a stained-glass window made from sand. What doesn’t make sense to many is what in the world the window means. I have a historical account from Fr. Ben Barnes, which was later edited and clarified by Fr. David Danner. In other words, it is a historical account under construction. Here is what both faithful Reverends believe.
The window needs to be considered in context with the rest of the church building. Starting with the Angel Fountain Courtyard which symbolizes baptism – the entrance to life with Christ – we enter into the narthex in which we see etched glass that has images of the natural wildlife found on Longboat Key. Entering into the nave (the place where the rows of seats are), our eyes are drawn toward the altar which is one of the symbols of Christ’s presence among the people and the center of the Church. (The follower of Christ has been called an altar for the world in which others see the work of God in the ordinariness of life) Above the altar is the suspended cross and as our eyes travel further up, we see the rose window.
Looking up from the altar, past the cross, the main image of the window is the resurrected Christ in his glory, arms outstretched to welcome and spread the love of God to all. Christ is surrounded by the choirs of angels represented by the nine stars. On either side of him are adoring angels. Above his head is the westward setting sun, emblematic of the coming Kingdom of God; but, also taken from the shield of the Diocese of SW Florida. Descending out from our Lord’s arms are showers of grace symbolized as falling dew-drops of God’s love and forgiveness. Moving to the lower corners of the window, to the viewers left, we see the emblem of the pelican feeding her young. The pelican is an ancient symbol of the Eucharist and it is also a symbol taken from the Church of the Redeemer, the mother church of All Angels. On the viewers lower right, there are waves of our nearby Gulf of Mexico. If one were to look closely, one will see small sandpipers scurrying along the beach; a favorite symbol of our church. Lastly, the swirling colors of the entire window remind us of the glory of God’s diversity of humanity and entire creation.
A few more notes for symbolism: blue is the color of Advent – the arrival of Christ – the season that leads us to the joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth. Advent is also representative of our shared yearning for the return of Christ. It’s also the primary color for St. Mary, Jesus’ mother, and the primary color for All Angels. Why nine stars? There are nine ranks or orders of angels. Stars and angels are more or less synonymous in the Bible.
For glass art that reportedly started by shipwrecked sailors, it makes sense that our rose window faces towards the beach and the gulf. Somehow each one of us found our way to the white sandy shores of Longboat – either by whim or design, either in-person or on-line – where are all welcomed by the open, outstretched arms of our Savior who is spreading his love and grace to all.
-Rev. Dave
It would make sense that All Angels by the Sea would have a stained-glass window made from sand. What doesn’t make sense to many is what in the world the window means. I have a historical account from Fr. Ben Barnes, which was later edited and clarified by Fr. David Danner. In other words, it is a historical account under construction. Here is what both faithful Reverends believe.
The window needs to be considered in context with the rest of the church building. Starting with the Angel Fountain Courtyard which symbolizes baptism – the entrance to life with Christ – we enter into the narthex in which we see etched glass that has images of the natural wildlife found on Longboat Key. Entering into the nave (the place where the rows of seats are), our eyes are drawn toward the altar which is one of the symbols of Christ’s presence among the people and the center of the Church. (The follower of Christ has been called an altar for the world in which others see the work of God in the ordinariness of life) Above the altar is the suspended cross and as our eyes travel further up, we see the rose window.
Looking up from the altar, past the cross, the main image of the window is the resurrected Christ in his glory, arms outstretched to welcome and spread the love of God to all. Christ is surrounded by the choirs of angels represented by the nine stars. On either side of him are adoring angels. Above his head is the westward setting sun, emblematic of the coming Kingdom of God; but, also taken from the shield of the Diocese of SW Florida. Descending out from our Lord’s arms are showers of grace symbolized as falling dew-drops of God’s love and forgiveness. Moving to the lower corners of the window, to the viewers left, we see the emblem of the pelican feeding her young. The pelican is an ancient symbol of the Eucharist and it is also a symbol taken from the Church of the Redeemer, the mother church of All Angels. On the viewers lower right, there are waves of our nearby Gulf of Mexico. If one were to look closely, one will see small sandpipers scurrying along the beach; a favorite symbol of our church. Lastly, the swirling colors of the entire window remind us of the glory of God’s diversity of humanity and entire creation.
A few more notes for symbolism: blue is the color of Advent – the arrival of Christ – the season that leads us to the joyous celebration of Jesus’ birth. Advent is also representative of our shared yearning for the return of Christ. It’s also the primary color for St. Mary, Jesus’ mother, and the primary color for All Angels. Why nine stars? There are nine ranks or orders of angels. Stars and angels are more or less synonymous in the Bible.
For glass art that reportedly started by shipwrecked sailors, it makes sense that our rose window faces towards the beach and the gulf. Somehow each one of us found our way to the white sandy shores of Longboat – either by whim or design, either in-person or on-line – where are all welcomed by the open, outstretched arms of our Savior who is spreading his love and grace to all.
-Rev. Dave
Stranger Danger
November 7, 2021
The discussion groups this week tackled the subject of xenophobia (xeno means “others”; phobia means “fear of”). Is it a natural thing to fear others or is it a learned behavior? Some blame our caveman ancestors who feared rival tribes or families because they were competing for scarce resources. Yet others say that is simply not true and anthropological archeology shows sharing of goods and even cross-marrying to avoid what many would consider xenophobia.
Journalist Walter Lippmann published a piece in 1922 about how public opinion is made. Borrowing a term from the printing press, he wrote that we develop ready-made ideas that facilitate snap judgements about people; coined as “stereotypes”. He suggested the lead-up to U.S. involvement in WWI could be viewed as propaganda weaponizing stereotypes. Whether or not xenophobia was passed to us by caveman, or is preprogramed in our brains, or is created by social circumstance, or is born out of propaganda, fearing others remains a part of our modern life.
We taught our kids about “stranger danger”. In fact, we are still teaching our kids about that. Stranger danger now applies to all of us when we receive an email saying that our Norton Anti-virus is out of date, or there is a package waiting for us but we have to pay a shipping fee. It feels like we have had to become jaded about others in order to survive in our fast-paced culture.
Perhaps equally confusing as to how/when/why we fear others, the Bible seems to speak out of both sides of its mouth, if you will, about “others”. On one hand, the third book of the Bible, Leviticus, says that we are to remember the stranger in our community and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. On the other hand, the same book says that one should marry from one’s own tribe (which is later echoed in Numbers and Deuteronomy). Does that marriage rule mean that we should fear others, I think not. Does it mean that we should stereotype others and weaponize our snap judgements? Definitely not. Additionally, I imagine there was a very good reason why the inter-tribe marriage part was written. … but I do not think it was to harm, shun, or shame others.
The discussion topic for this coming week asserts that it is good for our mental health to have a conversation with a stranger; even once a day! Something happens when we talk with the other, even if it is a short greeting in the grocery line at Publix. Jesus takes this a leap forward and affirms that we are to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves.
Jesus doesn’t tell us how loving our neighbor as ourselves is supposed to look. He trusts that in our place, in our time, and within our context and circumstances, we will be able to figure that out. I imagine that when we love God and love others, it’s good for them and good for us too.
-Rev. Dave
Journalist Walter Lippmann published a piece in 1922 about how public opinion is made. Borrowing a term from the printing press, he wrote that we develop ready-made ideas that facilitate snap judgements about people; coined as “stereotypes”. He suggested the lead-up to U.S. involvement in WWI could be viewed as propaganda weaponizing stereotypes. Whether or not xenophobia was passed to us by caveman, or is preprogramed in our brains, or is created by social circumstance, or is born out of propaganda, fearing others remains a part of our modern life.
We taught our kids about “stranger danger”. In fact, we are still teaching our kids about that. Stranger danger now applies to all of us when we receive an email saying that our Norton Anti-virus is out of date, or there is a package waiting for us but we have to pay a shipping fee. It feels like we have had to become jaded about others in order to survive in our fast-paced culture.
Perhaps equally confusing as to how/when/why we fear others, the Bible seems to speak out of both sides of its mouth, if you will, about “others”. On one hand, the third book of the Bible, Leviticus, says that we are to remember the stranger in our community and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. On the other hand, the same book says that one should marry from one’s own tribe (which is later echoed in Numbers and Deuteronomy). Does that marriage rule mean that we should fear others, I think not. Does it mean that we should stereotype others and weaponize our snap judgements? Definitely not. Additionally, I imagine there was a very good reason why the inter-tribe marriage part was written. … but I do not think it was to harm, shun, or shame others.
The discussion topic for this coming week asserts that it is good for our mental health to have a conversation with a stranger; even once a day! Something happens when we talk with the other, even if it is a short greeting in the grocery line at Publix. Jesus takes this a leap forward and affirms that we are to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves.
Jesus doesn’t tell us how loving our neighbor as ourselves is supposed to look. He trusts that in our place, in our time, and within our context and circumstances, we will be able to figure that out. I imagine that when we love God and love others, it’s good for them and good for us too.
-Rev. Dave
Manatee Baptism
October 28, 2021
Word on the street is that All Angels has a priest who blesses animals. This is the third year in a row that yours truly has been featured on the front page of the LBK Observer blessing an animal.
At the Men’s Group this past Tuesday, some of the participants decided to “improve” upon the pet blessing Observer headline – Paws & Blessings, friends get their day, even if they chase lizards.
Here are some of their suggestions:
A Father Seeking Advice From Man’s Best Friend
It’s Time to Greet & Sniff
Some Places Don’t Welcome My Species, All Are Blessed Here
St. Francis of LBK!
And, my favorite:
Pastor Dave Explains Dogma to Leashed Congregation
Because I believe that we should bless, and be a blessing, to God’s creation, it should be no surprise that I was caught by this actual headline in the Bradenton Patch – Drowning Manatee Rescued from Manatee River.
Here is the story:
Don Swartz, an employee of Freedom Boat Club, received a call about a manatee in distress. The club’s manager, Elizabeth Baily and Swartz fired up a boat and sped off. When they reached the location, Swartz reported to the Florida Wildlife Commission that the animal was disoriented and didn’t know which way was up. He received permission to intervene. Swartz jumped into the water but struggled to get the nostrils of confused baby manatee (which outweighs him twice over) above the waterline. The FWC instructed him to hold the manatee like a baby and dunk her face in the water. When the dunking started to calm the creature, the FWC representative explained that when these large mammals submerge their head, it instinctually tells them when to breathe and when not to. After about twenty minutes of submerging and raising her head, the manatee finally came around. 25 minutes later, the FWC crew arrived and transported her to SeaWorld for recovery.
Red Tide, which has increased in our inland coastal waters over the past month, coats seagrass. When manatees eat coated grass, red tide neurotoxins enter their bloodstream which can cause disorientation. If Swartz and Baily had not arrived when they did, this animal most likely would have drowned.
I think St. Francis of Assisi would have been proud of their actions. Although we are not called to baptize God’s creatures, we are called to assist – to bless and be a blessing – in any way we can. Dogma or not, it is good to be known as the animal-blessing priest. Better yet, it is comforting to know that there are many stewards in our area who are a blessing to God’s creatures.
-Rev. Dave
At the Men’s Group this past Tuesday, some of the participants decided to “improve” upon the pet blessing Observer headline – Paws & Blessings, friends get their day, even if they chase lizards.
Here are some of their suggestions:
A Father Seeking Advice From Man’s Best Friend
It’s Time to Greet & Sniff
Some Places Don’t Welcome My Species, All Are Blessed Here
St. Francis of LBK!
And, my favorite:
Pastor Dave Explains Dogma to Leashed Congregation
Because I believe that we should bless, and be a blessing, to God’s creation, it should be no surprise that I was caught by this actual headline in the Bradenton Patch – Drowning Manatee Rescued from Manatee River.
Here is the story:
Don Swartz, an employee of Freedom Boat Club, received a call about a manatee in distress. The club’s manager, Elizabeth Baily and Swartz fired up a boat and sped off. When they reached the location, Swartz reported to the Florida Wildlife Commission that the animal was disoriented and didn’t know which way was up. He received permission to intervene. Swartz jumped into the water but struggled to get the nostrils of confused baby manatee (which outweighs him twice over) above the waterline. The FWC instructed him to hold the manatee like a baby and dunk her face in the water. When the dunking started to calm the creature, the FWC representative explained that when these large mammals submerge their head, it instinctually tells them when to breathe and when not to. After about twenty minutes of submerging and raising her head, the manatee finally came around. 25 minutes later, the FWC crew arrived and transported her to SeaWorld for recovery.
Red Tide, which has increased in our inland coastal waters over the past month, coats seagrass. When manatees eat coated grass, red tide neurotoxins enter their bloodstream which can cause disorientation. If Swartz and Baily had not arrived when they did, this animal most likely would have drowned.
I think St. Francis of Assisi would have been proud of their actions. Although we are not called to baptize God’s creatures, we are called to assist – to bless and be a blessing – in any way we can. Dogma or not, it is good to be known as the animal-blessing priest. Better yet, it is comforting to know that there are many stewards in our area who are a blessing to God’s creatures.
-Rev. Dave
Ceiling
October 21, 2021
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote to you about how a Rector wears many hats; including air conditioning specialist. This week, I write to you while wearing the hat of drywall and ceiling specialist. For those that attend in person, you may have noticed that the bright white ceiling now has grey-drab blotches in several areas. They showed up during the summer and have not left us. Thankfully, the blotches have not changed or grown and are simply there for observation.
One Sunday, some folks were talking about what to do about the discoloration. One suggestion was to paint the entire ceiling the same color. Although I liked the idea, something stirred inside me that we need to investigate it more. Our Junior Warden, Ed Ortiz, has done a wonderful job lining up various contractors and experts in the field to determine what it is and what we need to do to fix it.
A little background on the ceiling – we had an original tile roof that was nearing the end of its life. In 2019, it started to leak and caused some water damage to the drywall above the glass doors for entering/exiting the nave of the church. We replaced the roof and about half of the plywood sheets that were under the tile. We then fixed the flat roof over the Gallery. Our new roof is metal and should last for 50 years or more if maintained well. After installing the new roof, we repaired the drywall and repainted. As such, this Rector was disappointed (to say the least) to see the new spots appear. Assuming the new roof was leaking, we had an independent inspection of it and a fancy FLIR thermal imaging camera that scanned for water in the ceiling throughout the church. Thankfully, all reports came back that our all our roofs are working and there are no water leaks. So, what is making the spots? Two different drywall experts have told us that drywall acts like a sponge and holds water for a long time. Eventually, that water will make blotchy marks. There are two ways to treat it – spray something on it and repaint (and hope for the best) or tear down the old sheetrock and install new sheets, mud it, texture it, and then paint it. And perhaps a third option that today’s contractor may reveal.
Whichever repair path we choose, we will undoubtedly have at least one Sunday interrupted; maybe as many as three in a row. And, it may have to happen during our busy season. Thankfully, we have history on our side. For as stable and concrete as the 21st Century American Church looks, with its stone cathedrals and well-built church buildings, we are actually based on a mobile faith. Based on the Jewish faith of having a moveable tent/tabernacle, we too are built to move. The true center of our faith is not in a physical church but in the heart of everyone who follows Jesus. On Sunday, we are dismissed with these words – go in peace to love and serve the Lord. “Go” is the central command. Jesus said “Go” to many people (except, oddly enough, children; probably because they are always moving). The Great Commission of the Church – go to the ends of the earth – means we are a people on the move. And, theologically speaking, we know that our earthly bodies, buildings included, are a temporary home because our true and permanent home is with God.
God is an active and moving force. Jesus promises us that he will be with us wherever we go. The Holy Spirit is our comforter, protector and companion along the way. Eventually, when the ceiling in the church is being repaired, we too will be a people on the move. We may gather for services in the Parish Hall, perhaps we will gather outside in our park and garden area; at this point, I am not sure, but I know that God will be with us wherever we go.
-Fr. Dave
One Sunday, some folks were talking about what to do about the discoloration. One suggestion was to paint the entire ceiling the same color. Although I liked the idea, something stirred inside me that we need to investigate it more. Our Junior Warden, Ed Ortiz, has done a wonderful job lining up various contractors and experts in the field to determine what it is and what we need to do to fix it.
A little background on the ceiling – we had an original tile roof that was nearing the end of its life. In 2019, it started to leak and caused some water damage to the drywall above the glass doors for entering/exiting the nave of the church. We replaced the roof and about half of the plywood sheets that were under the tile. We then fixed the flat roof over the Gallery. Our new roof is metal and should last for 50 years or more if maintained well. After installing the new roof, we repaired the drywall and repainted. As such, this Rector was disappointed (to say the least) to see the new spots appear. Assuming the new roof was leaking, we had an independent inspection of it and a fancy FLIR thermal imaging camera that scanned for water in the ceiling throughout the church. Thankfully, all reports came back that our all our roofs are working and there are no water leaks. So, what is making the spots? Two different drywall experts have told us that drywall acts like a sponge and holds water for a long time. Eventually, that water will make blotchy marks. There are two ways to treat it – spray something on it and repaint (and hope for the best) or tear down the old sheetrock and install new sheets, mud it, texture it, and then paint it. And perhaps a third option that today’s contractor may reveal.
Whichever repair path we choose, we will undoubtedly have at least one Sunday interrupted; maybe as many as three in a row. And, it may have to happen during our busy season. Thankfully, we have history on our side. For as stable and concrete as the 21st Century American Church looks, with its stone cathedrals and well-built church buildings, we are actually based on a mobile faith. Based on the Jewish faith of having a moveable tent/tabernacle, we too are built to move. The true center of our faith is not in a physical church but in the heart of everyone who follows Jesus. On Sunday, we are dismissed with these words – go in peace to love and serve the Lord. “Go” is the central command. Jesus said “Go” to many people (except, oddly enough, children; probably because they are always moving). The Great Commission of the Church – go to the ends of the earth – means we are a people on the move. And, theologically speaking, we know that our earthly bodies, buildings included, are a temporary home because our true and permanent home is with God.
God is an active and moving force. Jesus promises us that he will be with us wherever we go. The Holy Spirit is our comforter, protector and companion along the way. Eventually, when the ceiling in the church is being repaired, we too will be a people on the move. We may gather for services in the Parish Hall, perhaps we will gather outside in our park and garden area; at this point, I am not sure, but I know that God will be with us wherever we go.
-Fr. Dave
Captain's Log
October 14, 2021
I am a fan of Star Trek. The first episode of the original series, began with Captain Kirk saying these words:
Captain’s log, star date 1513.1, our position: orbiting plant M113; onboard the Enterprise, Mr. Spock temporarily in command. On the planet: ruins of a long-dead civilization.
When the creator of Star Trek, Gene Rodenberry, wrote that first captain’s log, he probably had no idea of the size and scope of the sci-fi universe that was about to be unfurled in front of him. But, that is how it is with captain’s logs – you never know how helpful they will be in the future.
The National Archives of the U.K. has ship’s logs from over the centuries. The most popular collection dates between 1757 through 1861. The entries include famous seafarers such as James Cook, William Bligh, and Matthew Flinders who circumnavigated Australia. When then-captain Bligh set sail on the Bounty in 1789, he probably did not think that his logs would become an important part of naval antiquity.
My dad kept a captain’s log on our sailboat, Patience. They were not nearly as exciting as science fiction; we never did explore the ruins of a long-dead civilization in a place where no one has gone before; but, they were important. Occasionally, when we were out on a long, over-night sail, I’d read through some of dad’s entries. I found that most outings were normal course, others were exciting – like when we broke the mast.
Last month, I shared a story about running out of fuel on our boat on Labor Day – we were stranded and relied on the help of two jet skis to get us to the boat launch. What I didn’t share was that later that day, I put 45.2 gallons of fuel into our 45-gallon fuel tank. I believe that is called bone dry. Although boat fuel is something James Cook never had to worry about, his logs show he had plenty of other concerns.
The captain I bought our boat from told me that the gas gauge has never worked and besides, he’s had Yamaha’s before and “You can’t trust the gauge anyway.” I asked how he knows how much fuel is onboard. He got a crooked smile, patted the steering wheel, and said, “Oh, she’ll ya’ know; y’all just need to pay attention.” He then glanced at me and said, “But maybe you should fuel up every time you launch her.” Using his first piece of advice, yes, the boat did tell me. She was running very light about fifteen minutes before she ran out of fuel. Incidentally, 45 gallons of fuel is 283 lbs. so no wonder she was running so light. And, for the record, I was trying to use up the old fuel; I just didn’t want to use up all of it!
Christi came up with the idea that I write a captain’s log. I have now started to write down each time the boat goes out, where we went, and also to record any service I have done to the craft.
I wonder if King David, the author of many of the psalms, is surprised they are being said or sung each week. In some ways, David was logging where he saw God that week, or, sometimes, when he wondered where the heck God has gone to. We are reading through the Letter to the Hebrews this month on Sunday. Written in the 1st century by an unknown author to a Hebrew (most likely Jewish) audience, the letter chronicles how the author saw Jesus fitting into the Hebrew Scriptures. Theologians are delighted by this letter because we get a glimpse into what Scriptures were popular in the author’s community. In some ways Hebrews is a ship’s log of how the Early Church read Scriptures and how they saw Jesus.
If you have considered chronicling your life, I encourage you to do so. I would love to read even just a page of what my father’s great-grandfather had to say. In some ways, the weekly practice of writing a Reflection is a log of my life focusing on where I found, or didn’t find, God. With our boat’s log, I hope that after reviewing our trips, I can get a feel for when to fuel up. Or, I suppose, I could take the advice of the previous owner and just fuel her up each time she gets launched. But then, I wouldn’t need to make a log. And although the boat won’t be around for my great-great-grandchildren, maybe they’d like to read the log to know what I experienced.
-Fr. Dave
Captain’s log, star date 1513.1, our position: orbiting plant M113; onboard the Enterprise, Mr. Spock temporarily in command. On the planet: ruins of a long-dead civilization.
When the creator of Star Trek, Gene Rodenberry, wrote that first captain’s log, he probably had no idea of the size and scope of the sci-fi universe that was about to be unfurled in front of him. But, that is how it is with captain’s logs – you never know how helpful they will be in the future.
The National Archives of the U.K. has ship’s logs from over the centuries. The most popular collection dates between 1757 through 1861. The entries include famous seafarers such as James Cook, William Bligh, and Matthew Flinders who circumnavigated Australia. When then-captain Bligh set sail on the Bounty in 1789, he probably did not think that his logs would become an important part of naval antiquity.
My dad kept a captain’s log on our sailboat, Patience. They were not nearly as exciting as science fiction; we never did explore the ruins of a long-dead civilization in a place where no one has gone before; but, they were important. Occasionally, when we were out on a long, over-night sail, I’d read through some of dad’s entries. I found that most outings were normal course, others were exciting – like when we broke the mast.
Last month, I shared a story about running out of fuel on our boat on Labor Day – we were stranded and relied on the help of two jet skis to get us to the boat launch. What I didn’t share was that later that day, I put 45.2 gallons of fuel into our 45-gallon fuel tank. I believe that is called bone dry. Although boat fuel is something James Cook never had to worry about, his logs show he had plenty of other concerns.
The captain I bought our boat from told me that the gas gauge has never worked and besides, he’s had Yamaha’s before and “You can’t trust the gauge anyway.” I asked how he knows how much fuel is onboard. He got a crooked smile, patted the steering wheel, and said, “Oh, she’ll ya’ know; y’all just need to pay attention.” He then glanced at me and said, “But maybe you should fuel up every time you launch her.” Using his first piece of advice, yes, the boat did tell me. She was running very light about fifteen minutes before she ran out of fuel. Incidentally, 45 gallons of fuel is 283 lbs. so no wonder she was running so light. And, for the record, I was trying to use up the old fuel; I just didn’t want to use up all of it!
Christi came up with the idea that I write a captain’s log. I have now started to write down each time the boat goes out, where we went, and also to record any service I have done to the craft.
I wonder if King David, the author of many of the psalms, is surprised they are being said or sung each week. In some ways, David was logging where he saw God that week, or, sometimes, when he wondered where the heck God has gone to. We are reading through the Letter to the Hebrews this month on Sunday. Written in the 1st century by an unknown author to a Hebrew (most likely Jewish) audience, the letter chronicles how the author saw Jesus fitting into the Hebrew Scriptures. Theologians are delighted by this letter because we get a glimpse into what Scriptures were popular in the author’s community. In some ways Hebrews is a ship’s log of how the Early Church read Scriptures and how they saw Jesus.
If you have considered chronicling your life, I encourage you to do so. I would love to read even just a page of what my father’s great-grandfather had to say. In some ways, the weekly practice of writing a Reflection is a log of my life focusing on where I found, or didn’t find, God. With our boat’s log, I hope that after reviewing our trips, I can get a feel for when to fuel up. Or, I suppose, I could take the advice of the previous owner and just fuel her up each time she gets launched. But then, I wouldn’t need to make a log. And although the boat won’t be around for my great-great-grandchildren, maybe they’d like to read the log to know what I experienced.
-Fr. Dave
The HVAC Divine
October 7, 2021
One of the many hats a Rector wears is that of air conditioning specialist. This past Sunday, the a/c was on but the church was not cooling down. Thinking that it had something to do with timing (it was the first 8 am service of the season) I didn’t think much about it until 9:30. The church was 78 degrees. Unfortunately, the outdoor heat and humidity had returned so opening the outside doors was not a possibility. After quickly talking it over with Bob Erker, we went to check on the outward, visible things that could be wrong. The electrical panel looked normal, the blower was running, and it felt cool; but, the church was not cooling. The other a/c system was cooling the hallway, narthex and choir room. As fix, we opened the hallway doors and narthex and turned that system down. By the time service began, it felt like it was about 68 degrees in the sacristy, but, the church was still 78.
Back in July, the main a/c blower motor started making a squeaking sound. Our HVAC company diagnosed the problem – the ball bearings that make the blower fan rotate are failing – and gave us three options: replace the entire system; replace the blower unit; or, put up with the noise until it seizes up and then revisit the first two options. We have funds set aside for the replacement; but, my gut feeling was that we should replace the blower unit. Supply lines problems in our pandemic/post-pandemic life, made it so that the new blower finally arrived last week. It was installed on Thursday. As such, I was surprised and disappointed (to say the least) that we didn’t have cool air on Sunday. By the time the 10 am service had concluded, it was 80 degrees in the church.
The same repair technician came out two days later. He also was surprised that we didn’t have cool air. He looked at the new unit and returned to the office less than five minutes later, holding his hat in his hands. He told us that he accidentally reversed two wires on the blower unit. Normally, the unit would not run with it crossed, but, this one simply turned in reverse. As such, we could hear the blower running, we could feel cold air inside the unit, but the end result is that it didn’t cool down the church. It reminded me of the old phrase, the lights are on but no one is home.
Jesus and the Early Church gave warnings about “the hypocrites,” “false messiahs,” and “prophets who are not a part of us”. Those people look and sound like someone who has religious authority, but they do not. In HVAC terms, their a/c is running, but nothing is cooling down. When I think of modern-day flimflam artists, including the con artist who emails me almost every day thanking me for “renewing my subscription to Norton anti-virus” (which is a scam), I think these thieves have a screw loose, or, are perhaps wired differently. Jesus did not instruct us to rewire or fix them but simply to avoid them.
To err is human and an HVAC installer is no exception. Our installer quickly fixed his mistake and offered an apology. To forgive is divine – this certainly is true and I think offering an apology is also divine. The church this Sunday, barring any other unforeseen events in which this Rector has a hat to wear, will be cooled down by the time folks arrive to worship. And that will be divine too.
-Fr. Dave
Do You See
September 30, 2021
This past Tuesday, the diocesan clergy had our first in-person Clericus in two years. Our speaker, the Very Rev. Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, Dean of the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, walked us through the Gospel of Luke. It was an academic and spiritual workout to say the least.
Starting the last Sunday of November, the Church will be entering Year C in the lectionary cycle which is the year of Luke’s Gospel. Dean Kittredge gave us an excellent primer by going week by week through the lectionary to imagine new was of preaching. One thing that struck me is Luke’s way of portraying Jesus as “seeing” people – both the faithful and the unrighteous. It is an unfortunate fact that many people back then were invisible, or hardly noticed, including women, children, the poor, and those with physical handicaps. Despite societal norms in his day, Jesus, in Luke’s account, sees everyone.
One story that jumped out for me during the conference is Luke 7:36-8:3. Because of the timing of Easter 2022, it will not be heard until June 2025. I, however, would like it to be “seen” prior to then. The story is this: Jesus was invited to a dinner at Simon’s house (a well-known wealthy man; someone who is ordinarily seen by all). Once they were seated, an unnamed woman approached Jesus, anointed his feet, kissed them, and washed them with “her tears and dried his feet with her hair.” Simon thought, if Jesus were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. He would know that she is a sinner. Jesus, reading Simon’s thoughts, told him a parable of two men who owed money – one $50 the other $50,000; both were forgiven their debts. Jesus asked which of the two debtors were more thankful. Simon replied, “The one who had the larger debt.” Jesus looked at the woman and said, “Simon, do you see this woman?” and said that Simon did not wash his feet (a custom of hospitality) but this woman did. He explained that her sins, which were many, have been forgiven thus she is showing great love, but the one who has been forgiven little, loves little.
When I read this passage before, I thought Jesus’ question – do you see this woman – as stating the obvious; of course Simon saw her, I think everyone saw her and I imagine that Jesus had to raise his voice over her weeping in order to tell the parable! But, this past Tuesday, I read it differently. It was not a flippant phrase, but rather an inquiry: “Do you see her?” By “seeing” her, we see forgiveness and overflowing gratitude. We see the source of her joy and we see her expression of love. Simon, apparently, could only see the wrongs she had done. For me, I saw the unnamed woman for the first time this past Tuesday. Sure, I had read the passage many times but I had only noticed her – thinking of her interruption and anointing before Jesus’ walk to the cross – I did not see her. I was the Simon in Luke’s story.
It is good news that Jesus sees us – all of us. He sees the wealthy and the people who say, “Here I am Lord!” He also sees people who cannot hear, or see, or walk, or talk, or work; he sees children, he sees widows, he sees the grieving mother who was in a procession to bury her son, he sees the elderly woman who put a penny into the treasury which was all she had to give; he sees people of other faith traditions, he sees the sin-sick, the evil-possessed, he sees those in prison, he sees Pontus Pilate, the thieves who were crucified next to him, he even sees Judas. Jesus sees us, sins and all. He sees, listens and even responds. Jesus invites us to see those who are less visible in our own society. He loves them and has compassion on them and forgives them. And he asks us today, do we see them?
-Fr. Dave
Starting the last Sunday of November, the Church will be entering Year C in the lectionary cycle which is the year of Luke’s Gospel. Dean Kittredge gave us an excellent primer by going week by week through the lectionary to imagine new was of preaching. One thing that struck me is Luke’s way of portraying Jesus as “seeing” people – both the faithful and the unrighteous. It is an unfortunate fact that many people back then were invisible, or hardly noticed, including women, children, the poor, and those with physical handicaps. Despite societal norms in his day, Jesus, in Luke’s account, sees everyone.
One story that jumped out for me during the conference is Luke 7:36-8:3. Because of the timing of Easter 2022, it will not be heard until June 2025. I, however, would like it to be “seen” prior to then. The story is this: Jesus was invited to a dinner at Simon’s house (a well-known wealthy man; someone who is ordinarily seen by all). Once they were seated, an unnamed woman approached Jesus, anointed his feet, kissed them, and washed them with “her tears and dried his feet with her hair.” Simon thought, if Jesus were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. He would know that she is a sinner. Jesus, reading Simon’s thoughts, told him a parable of two men who owed money – one $50 the other $50,000; both were forgiven their debts. Jesus asked which of the two debtors were more thankful. Simon replied, “The one who had the larger debt.” Jesus looked at the woman and said, “Simon, do you see this woman?” and said that Simon did not wash his feet (a custom of hospitality) but this woman did. He explained that her sins, which were many, have been forgiven thus she is showing great love, but the one who has been forgiven little, loves little.
When I read this passage before, I thought Jesus’ question – do you see this woman – as stating the obvious; of course Simon saw her, I think everyone saw her and I imagine that Jesus had to raise his voice over her weeping in order to tell the parable! But, this past Tuesday, I read it differently. It was not a flippant phrase, but rather an inquiry: “Do you see her?” By “seeing” her, we see forgiveness and overflowing gratitude. We see the source of her joy and we see her expression of love. Simon, apparently, could only see the wrongs she had done. For me, I saw the unnamed woman for the first time this past Tuesday. Sure, I had read the passage many times but I had only noticed her – thinking of her interruption and anointing before Jesus’ walk to the cross – I did not see her. I was the Simon in Luke’s story.
It is good news that Jesus sees us – all of us. He sees the wealthy and the people who say, “Here I am Lord!” He also sees people who cannot hear, or see, or walk, or talk, or work; he sees children, he sees widows, he sees the grieving mother who was in a procession to bury her son, he sees the elderly woman who put a penny into the treasury which was all she had to give; he sees people of other faith traditions, he sees the sin-sick, the evil-possessed, he sees those in prison, he sees Pontus Pilate, the thieves who were crucified next to him, he even sees Judas. Jesus sees us, sins and all. He sees, listens and even responds. Jesus invites us to see those who are less visible in our own society. He loves them and has compassion on them and forgives them. And he asks us today, do we see them?
-Fr. Dave
Teaching
September 23, 2021
The Gospel lessons this month have mentioned repeatedly that, “Jesus was to be handed over, killed, and rise again.” This repeating phrase makes me wonder two things: why did Jesus say it so much and why does Mark bring it up so much. Perhaps like the disciples, we easily get caught up in that phrase and perhaps miss out on something else.
Mark’s Gospel is the shortest of all four Gospels. Brevity is important to Mark and he seems to weigh every word. As such, I did a word count to see how often Mark wrote “teaching/taught”. The number I came up with is 22. Compare that with Matthew’s “teaching/taught” count of 17, Luke’s count of 5, and John’s count of 7, and I think we might be on to something. Why did Mark use “teaching” so much?
The opening passage for this past Sunday’s Gospel is as follows:
Jesus and his disciples passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.”.
Literally in Mark’s original Greek it reads:
And-from-there [he] went to-pass-by Galilee and not want anyone know teaching for disciples his and saying them Son-of Man betrayed into hands human and kill him and killed after three days rise.
In Sunday’s translation, it sounds like Jesus was hiding from being seen in Galilee because he was teaching his disciples that he will be betrayed. I’d like to propose a different interpretation of it. There is a different between what Jesus was “teaching” and what he “said” about being killed. In other words, the teaching was not that he was going to be betrayed; rather, the teaching was something else entirely. When Mark wrote, “and saying [to] them … betrayed into hands human” it could be translated as a new sentence and perhaps even a new paragraph. I think that Jesus “passed by” Galilee because he didn’t want anyone other than the disciples to know the teaching. The purpose was to build up the disciples into apostles in order to carry the message of Jesus’ teaching out into the world. If Jesus had been seen in Galilee, the residents may have tried to start a revolution to make him king and, as such, the teaching would be lost in the wake of an earthly political movement.
Mark writes about a secretive Jesus – telling people NOT to tell anyone what they have seen – because the plan is for the disciples-turned-apostles to take the center stage in proclaiming and building God’s kingdom. Mark was focused on the message and the kingdom.
We have been through the 20th century Church which, if I may be frank, was about the cult of personality of the pastor. According to this pastor, the cult-of-personality of ministers was not the point of Jesus’ teaching and was opposite to his way of living. I think, however, that the 21st century is heading back to Mark’s vision of the message and the kingdom. Instead of gathering around a minister, in this century, people gather to minister. Perhaps we should avoid falling into the trap that the disciples fell into about wondering what Jesus meant be saying he was to be betrayed and killed and rather focus on the teaching – the message and the kingdom – about hope, faith, love and new life; none of which can be squelched by death but rather springs abundantly in God’s kingdom in heaven and on earth.
-Fr. Dave
Mark’s Gospel is the shortest of all four Gospels. Brevity is important to Mark and he seems to weigh every word. As such, I did a word count to see how often Mark wrote “teaching/taught”. The number I came up with is 22. Compare that with Matthew’s “teaching/taught” count of 17, Luke’s count of 5, and John’s count of 7, and I think we might be on to something. Why did Mark use “teaching” so much?
The opening passage for this past Sunday’s Gospel is as follows:
Jesus and his disciples passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them “The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.”.
Literally in Mark’s original Greek it reads:
And-from-there [he] went to-pass-by Galilee and not want anyone know teaching for disciples his and saying them Son-of Man betrayed into hands human and kill him and killed after three days rise.
In Sunday’s translation, it sounds like Jesus was hiding from being seen in Galilee because he was teaching his disciples that he will be betrayed. I’d like to propose a different interpretation of it. There is a different between what Jesus was “teaching” and what he “said” about being killed. In other words, the teaching was not that he was going to be betrayed; rather, the teaching was something else entirely. When Mark wrote, “and saying [to] them … betrayed into hands human” it could be translated as a new sentence and perhaps even a new paragraph. I think that Jesus “passed by” Galilee because he didn’t want anyone other than the disciples to know the teaching. The purpose was to build up the disciples into apostles in order to carry the message of Jesus’ teaching out into the world. If Jesus had been seen in Galilee, the residents may have tried to start a revolution to make him king and, as such, the teaching would be lost in the wake of an earthly political movement.
Mark writes about a secretive Jesus – telling people NOT to tell anyone what they have seen – because the plan is for the disciples-turned-apostles to take the center stage in proclaiming and building God’s kingdom. Mark was focused on the message and the kingdom.
We have been through the 20th century Church which, if I may be frank, was about the cult of personality of the pastor. According to this pastor, the cult-of-personality of ministers was not the point of Jesus’ teaching and was opposite to his way of living. I think, however, that the 21st century is heading back to Mark’s vision of the message and the kingdom. Instead of gathering around a minister, in this century, people gather to minister. Perhaps we should avoid falling into the trap that the disciples fell into about wondering what Jesus meant be saying he was to be betrayed and killed and rather focus on the teaching – the message and the kingdom – about hope, faith, love and new life; none of which can be squelched by death but rather springs abundantly in God’s kingdom in heaven and on earth.
-Fr. Dave
Wisdom, Part III
September 16, 2021
Here is a news headline that brought up a number of emotions in me:
Another radio host who urged listeners to boycott COVID-19 vaccines dies from COVID-19.
This past Sunday’s first lesson was from the book of Proverbs. Wisdom speaks openly in public places and says the following: I will pour out my spirit to you and make my words known to you; but, if you refuse to listen, I, in turn, will laugh at your distress, and mock when terror comes over you. (Proverbs 1:20-26) Can this be applied to the unvaccinated? Does Wisdom laugh at them? What about those who openly mock vaccinations on the radio and other media
streams and encourage others to mock them too. Should anyone mock them when peril falls upon them?
I learned a new German word this week – Schadenfreude (shaa-dun-froy-duh). It is a combination of two words; Schaden which means “harm” and freude which means “joy”. An example of schadenfreude is this: smiling when you find out that your cheating, no good ex-boyfriend’s house just burnt down.
I am not proud to tell you that part of me participated in schadenfreude when I read that another evangelist of misinformation got sick and died from the very thing they were mocking. I am human, after all, and schadenfreude was one of the emotions that ran through my mind when I read that headline. But, it made me wonder if Wisdom/God participates in schadenfreude? Does God actually laugh at distress?
My Jewish Study Bible said that at the time Proverbs was written the “if/then” phrase – if you don’t heed my advice, then I will laugh – was known by the audience as a rhetorical device to persuade the audience to listen to Wisdom. It was not an indication of God’s personality; nor was it used to teach God-followers to laugh at other’s distress. God doesn’t laugh at us when we fall… even when we don’t listen. Instead, while people were mocking Jesus on the cross, he responded with mercy and compassion and said, “Forgive them; for they know not what they are
doing.”
What about the vaccinated; should they laugh when an unvaccinated person becomes sick and dies? Probably not if they are a part of the Jesus movement. We are called to mercy, forgiveness and compassion; not scornfulness; and it is one of the most difficult things that followers of Jesus are called to do.
How about a little schadenfreude? Are we allowed just a glimpse? I don’t think we are judged on the immediate reaction we feel upon hearing that our good-for-nothing ex suffered some sort of calamity. I think Wisdom speaks to us after we feel joy in hearing of another’s harm. After feeling schadenfreude, do we rub salt in the wound, do we seek vengeance, do we mock, and laugh, and ridicule; or, do we follow our Savior and try to act in ways of mercy and compassion?
We are the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth. Sometimes Jesus gives us gloves to pick up the broken glass of others as an act of mercy and kindness. Sometimes we are given the shoes of peace to bring healing into a calamitous situation. And, every once in a while, Jesus gives us the shoes of peace to run away from a horrible relationship and allow someone else to do what we cannot.
As far as that headline goes, Wisdom is whispering to me that after feeling schadenfreude I should have compassion on those who choose, and even propagate, an anti-vaccination stance, and I should continue to speak as Wisdom does – out in the open – to share the wisdom of taking measures to protect oneself and one’s neighbors from this public health crisis.
-Fr. Dave
Another radio host who urged listeners to boycott COVID-19 vaccines dies from COVID-19.
This past Sunday’s first lesson was from the book of Proverbs. Wisdom speaks openly in public places and says the following: I will pour out my spirit to you and make my words known to you; but, if you refuse to listen, I, in turn, will laugh at your distress, and mock when terror comes over you. (Proverbs 1:20-26) Can this be applied to the unvaccinated? Does Wisdom laugh at them? What about those who openly mock vaccinations on the radio and other media
streams and encourage others to mock them too. Should anyone mock them when peril falls upon them?
I learned a new German word this week – Schadenfreude (shaa-dun-froy-duh). It is a combination of two words; Schaden which means “harm” and freude which means “joy”. An example of schadenfreude is this: smiling when you find out that your cheating, no good ex-boyfriend’s house just burnt down.
I am not proud to tell you that part of me participated in schadenfreude when I read that another evangelist of misinformation got sick and died from the very thing they were mocking. I am human, after all, and schadenfreude was one of the emotions that ran through my mind when I read that headline. But, it made me wonder if Wisdom/God participates in schadenfreude? Does God actually laugh at distress?
My Jewish Study Bible said that at the time Proverbs was written the “if/then” phrase – if you don’t heed my advice, then I will laugh – was known by the audience as a rhetorical device to persuade the audience to listen to Wisdom. It was not an indication of God’s personality; nor was it used to teach God-followers to laugh at other’s distress. God doesn’t laugh at us when we fall… even when we don’t listen. Instead, while people were mocking Jesus on the cross, he responded with mercy and compassion and said, “Forgive them; for they know not what they are
doing.”
What about the vaccinated; should they laugh when an unvaccinated person becomes sick and dies? Probably not if they are a part of the Jesus movement. We are called to mercy, forgiveness and compassion; not scornfulness; and it is one of the most difficult things that followers of Jesus are called to do.
How about a little schadenfreude? Are we allowed just a glimpse? I don’t think we are judged on the immediate reaction we feel upon hearing that our good-for-nothing ex suffered some sort of calamity. I think Wisdom speaks to us after we feel joy in hearing of another’s harm. After feeling schadenfreude, do we rub salt in the wound, do we seek vengeance, do we mock, and laugh, and ridicule; or, do we follow our Savior and try to act in ways of mercy and compassion?
We are the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth. Sometimes Jesus gives us gloves to pick up the broken glass of others as an act of mercy and kindness. Sometimes we are given the shoes of peace to bring healing into a calamitous situation. And, every once in a while, Jesus gives us the shoes of peace to run away from a horrible relationship and allow someone else to do what we cannot.
As far as that headline goes, Wisdom is whispering to me that after feeling schadenfreude I should have compassion on those who choose, and even propagate, an anti-vaccination stance, and I should continue to speak as Wisdom does – out in the open – to share the wisdom of taking measures to protect oneself and one’s neighbors from this public health crisis.
-Fr. Dave
Memorization
September 9, 2021
This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:33-34
Elijah is in 6th grade at Bradenton Christian School (BCS). His religion teacher requires the students memorize weekly Bible verses. This past Tuesday, on the way to school, Elijah was repeating the above Bible passage from Jeremiah. It was an unusual and holy experience to hear that passage repeated while driving through the residential streets of Bradenton.
Once he felt comfortable with his memorization, I asked him some questions, starting with, “What is a covenant?” He described simply and rather easily that it is an agreement, like a contract. I then asked if Jeremiah’s covenant has been fulfilled, which led to a conversation that was much too long for the short drive to school. So what do you think? Has the covenant been fulfilled?
I will be their God. I can only read this passage as a Christian. When Jeremiah declared these things, he saw a world that was polytheistic (believing in many gods). Likewise, Jesus visited towns and villages that would be described as polytheistic. In a polytheistic world, it is a bold covenant to say, “I will be their God” because it means monotheism; not simply another god in the mix. “They will be my people” is equally bold, and radical for a covenant to throw a net so wide. Yet, Jesus said, “I will be lifted up to draw all people to myself.” All.
The least to the greatest. It was believed that only those of means knew God. The poor, the disabled, the left-out were that way because they didn’t know God. Jesus, however, went to “the least” and revealed himself to them first. Within the first century, the Early Church met in the homes of wealthy people (greatest) and the mission of the Church was to care for the least.
I will forgive. I believe that in Christ, there is forgiveness and that God remembers my sin no more. Forgiveness takes faith, not empirical knowledge; but I believe through Christ, God forgives all.
They shall all know me. I see this part of the covenant in these three ways: not fulfilled, being fulfilled, and will be fulfilled. Clearly, we’re not there yet. But, there is hope. The mission and ministry of All Angels is to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the church. 6th graders have memorized this passage and are able to recite and discuss it. Although not everyone knows God, we are active participants in God’s covenant and promise. And, because of hope, and God’s promise, I believe that one day no one will have to say to their neighbor, “Know the Lord” because all will know, from the least to the greatest. When that happens, I suppose BCS will no longer need to have students memorize Bible verses and All Angels will have to come up with a new mission statement. But, what a wonderful covenantal exchange that will be!
-Fr. Dave
Elijah is in 6th grade at Bradenton Christian School (BCS). His religion teacher requires the students memorize weekly Bible verses. This past Tuesday, on the way to school, Elijah was repeating the above Bible passage from Jeremiah. It was an unusual and holy experience to hear that passage repeated while driving through the residential streets of Bradenton.
Once he felt comfortable with his memorization, I asked him some questions, starting with, “What is a covenant?” He described simply and rather easily that it is an agreement, like a contract. I then asked if Jeremiah’s covenant has been fulfilled, which led to a conversation that was much too long for the short drive to school. So what do you think? Has the covenant been fulfilled?
- I will be their God and they will be my people.
- They shall all know me, from the least to the greatest.
- I will forgive and remember their sins no more.
I will be their God. I can only read this passage as a Christian. When Jeremiah declared these things, he saw a world that was polytheistic (believing in many gods). Likewise, Jesus visited towns and villages that would be described as polytheistic. In a polytheistic world, it is a bold covenant to say, “I will be their God” because it means monotheism; not simply another god in the mix. “They will be my people” is equally bold, and radical for a covenant to throw a net so wide. Yet, Jesus said, “I will be lifted up to draw all people to myself.” All.
The least to the greatest. It was believed that only those of means knew God. The poor, the disabled, the left-out were that way because they didn’t know God. Jesus, however, went to “the least” and revealed himself to them first. Within the first century, the Early Church met in the homes of wealthy people (greatest) and the mission of the Church was to care for the least.
I will forgive. I believe that in Christ, there is forgiveness and that God remembers my sin no more. Forgiveness takes faith, not empirical knowledge; but I believe through Christ, God forgives all.
They shall all know me. I see this part of the covenant in these three ways: not fulfilled, being fulfilled, and will be fulfilled. Clearly, we’re not there yet. But, there is hope. The mission and ministry of All Angels is to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the church. 6th graders have memorized this passage and are able to recite and discuss it. Although not everyone knows God, we are active participants in God’s covenant and promise. And, because of hope, and God’s promise, I believe that one day no one will have to say to their neighbor, “Know the Lord” because all will know, from the least to the greatest. When that happens, I suppose BCS will no longer need to have students memorize Bible verses and All Angels will have to come up with a new mission statement. But, what a wonderful covenantal exchange that will be!
-Fr. Dave
Nyad's Achievement
September 2, 2021
In the archives section of the Los Angeles Times, I read about Diana Nyad who, in 2013, swam from Cuba to the Florida Keys. She was the first person ever to swim that distance without a shark cage. And, she did it, over Labor Day weekend, when she was 64 years old. The 110 miles swim took her 2 days, 4 hours, and 54 minutes to complete.
For comparison, in 1997, a twenty-two-year-old Australian, Susie Maroney, completed the Cuba-to-Florida journey in a shark cage. She fainted after reaching the beach and said that during the swim she had hallucinated about monkeys. In 2012, another Australian, Penny Palfrey, a 49-year-old, made it 76 miles from Havana but then was hospitalized for dehydration, jellyfish stings and blistered tongue.
Nyad swam with a small flotilla of kayakers and shark divers to protect her from jellyfish and sea trash. Although without a shark cage, Nyad wore a specialized “jellyfish mask” which she said just about did her in because it caused painful cuts on her mouth. Nevertheless, she won the mental struggle by imagining that she was using her left hand to push Cuba backward and her right hand to bring Florida closer.
After failing four times previously, Nyad decided in 2011 to make one more swim attempt. She trained by swimming laps in a Pasadena aquatic center. The staff commented that they would find Diana swimming in the morning, and, when they were getting ready to leave, she was still swimming laps. About the decision to make the fifth attempt, Nyad said, “I am stunned, at age 61, at how fast it all flies by. My mom just died. We blink and another decade passes. I don’t want to reach the end of my life and regret not having given my days everything in me to make them worthwhile.”
Just two miles shy of the Key West beach, she addressed her support crew. As recalled by her team, she said, “This is a lifelong dream of mine and I’m very glad to be with you. Some on the team are the most intimate friends of my life and some of you I’ve just met. But I’ll tell you something, you’re a special group. You pulled through; you are pros and have a great heart. So let’s get going so we can have a whopping party.”
On shaky legs, wearing an electric blue swim cap, Nyad stood on the Key West beach in knee deep water, and said to the cheering crowd. “I have three things to tell you. One is, we should never give up. Two is, you’re never too old to chase your dreams. And three, swimming looks a solitary sport, but it’s a team effort.”
The theme this Sunday is “open”. In the Gospel lesson, Jesus is quoted using an Aramaic/Hebrew word, “Ef-fatha,” which means, “to open” and the two people Jesus encountered became “open” – one became open in mind and faith, the other physically had his ears opened and his tongue loosened. Keeping with the theme, our opening hymn and recessional hymn both have something to do with “open”.
Diana Nyad’s achievement has opened me to think of new possibilities and dreams. Her threefold words of encouragement to never give up, to chase one’s dreams, and to remember that no accomplishment is solitary has helped me to look at this new month with hope and anticipation; with a heart open to God who makes all things new.
-Fr. Dave
For comparison, in 1997, a twenty-two-year-old Australian, Susie Maroney, completed the Cuba-to-Florida journey in a shark cage. She fainted after reaching the beach and said that during the swim she had hallucinated about monkeys. In 2012, another Australian, Penny Palfrey, a 49-year-old, made it 76 miles from Havana but then was hospitalized for dehydration, jellyfish stings and blistered tongue.
Nyad swam with a small flotilla of kayakers and shark divers to protect her from jellyfish and sea trash. Although without a shark cage, Nyad wore a specialized “jellyfish mask” which she said just about did her in because it caused painful cuts on her mouth. Nevertheless, she won the mental struggle by imagining that she was using her left hand to push Cuba backward and her right hand to bring Florida closer.
After failing four times previously, Nyad decided in 2011 to make one more swim attempt. She trained by swimming laps in a Pasadena aquatic center. The staff commented that they would find Diana swimming in the morning, and, when they were getting ready to leave, she was still swimming laps. About the decision to make the fifth attempt, Nyad said, “I am stunned, at age 61, at how fast it all flies by. My mom just died. We blink and another decade passes. I don’t want to reach the end of my life and regret not having given my days everything in me to make them worthwhile.”
Just two miles shy of the Key West beach, she addressed her support crew. As recalled by her team, she said, “This is a lifelong dream of mine and I’m very glad to be with you. Some on the team are the most intimate friends of my life and some of you I’ve just met. But I’ll tell you something, you’re a special group. You pulled through; you are pros and have a great heart. So let’s get going so we can have a whopping party.”
On shaky legs, wearing an electric blue swim cap, Nyad stood on the Key West beach in knee deep water, and said to the cheering crowd. “I have three things to tell you. One is, we should never give up. Two is, you’re never too old to chase your dreams. And three, swimming looks a solitary sport, but it’s a team effort.”
The theme this Sunday is “open”. In the Gospel lesson, Jesus is quoted using an Aramaic/Hebrew word, “Ef-fatha,” which means, “to open” and the two people Jesus encountered became “open” – one became open in mind and faith, the other physically had his ears opened and his tongue loosened. Keeping with the theme, our opening hymn and recessional hymn both have something to do with “open”.
Diana Nyad’s achievement has opened me to think of new possibilities and dreams. Her threefold words of encouragement to never give up, to chase one’s dreams, and to remember that no accomplishment is solitary has helped me to look at this new month with hope and anticipation; with a heart open to God who makes all things new.
-Fr. Dave
Refresh
August 26, 2021
A rector wears many hats nowadays. One of them is information technology (IT) specialist. In 2010, the diocesan clergy continuing education workshop was all about IT, specifically social media. Only 20% of the diocesan clergy were interested in the topic; the rest were bored or thought on-line stuff and the church was a fad at best, a work of the devil at its worst. Our presenter, who was the Dean of the Cathedral of Arizona, talked about his first position after seminary. He was a curate/associate rector in a suburban church near Philadelphia. He was unpacking all his seminary books into his tiny office when the rector barged in. He saw the young priest’s computer and said, “Get that thing out of here. You’ll have no need for it.” I imagine that rector retired long before the pandemic.
The Sunday bulletin is largely created through IT. Although I open a desk copy of the Book of Common Prayer at least once a week, it is much more common for me to use the on-line version. The bulletin itself is created by Maria who lives in California. I email her the weekly information, she works her magic, and sends me the version that you see on Sunday. It’s hard to believe, but, when she and I worked together in Chula Vista, she created the bulletin in the same way – through IT – the only difference then is that our two offices were in the same church building. Nevertheless, the IT we use to create the bulletin and weekly newsletter are the same and it doesn’t seem to notice or care that we are opposite sides of the country.
As your priestly IT specialist, I need to tell you a little about how the All Angels website works. If you noticed how fast it loads, that is because the first time you looked at it, your device (computer, laptop, phone, tablet, iPad, television) loaded all the information it needed. The problem is that Maria and I update the website a few times per week. However, your device may not load the new information. This past Sunday, Maria had the week’s bulletin on the website but I had to refresh my computer in order to see it. In your browser (the program/app you use to see the website), there is a button usually in the upper left-hand corner that is in the shape of a circular arrow going clockwise. Click/tap that button and, viola, your device will refresh with the new information.
In the life of the Church, there have been several “refresh” moments. The Rosary, as we know it now, was a “refresh.” In the 1300s, the Church was largely incomprehensible to most lay folks. The Latin Mass was no longer understood by the masses. Holy Eucharist was received by the clergy only. There were no printing presses so the chance of actually reading the Bible was rare, at best; besides, most folks then couldn’t read anyway. But, lay folks had the ability to pray with beads, knots, or, what we now call the rosary. It gave believers something quite literally to hold onto and pray, in their own language. The Church, believe it or not, originally frowned on the practice. But, after a couple of centuries, a Pope finally pressed the refresh button and accepted it into spiritual practice.
The last 18 months have made us search for the refresh button in our lives, including our spiritual connection to God and others. We have learned how to have an on-line and in-person spiritual community that extends beyond our local community and even our own time zone. We believe that in Christ, all things are being made new. In the language of IT, in Christ, all things are being refreshed. If the 21st century has taught me anything, it is a good spiritual practice to keep refreshing our lives in Christ.
-Fr. Dave
The Sunday bulletin is largely created through IT. Although I open a desk copy of the Book of Common Prayer at least once a week, it is much more common for me to use the on-line version. The bulletin itself is created by Maria who lives in California. I email her the weekly information, she works her magic, and sends me the version that you see on Sunday. It’s hard to believe, but, when she and I worked together in Chula Vista, she created the bulletin in the same way – through IT – the only difference then is that our two offices were in the same church building. Nevertheless, the IT we use to create the bulletin and weekly newsletter are the same and it doesn’t seem to notice or care that we are opposite sides of the country.
As your priestly IT specialist, I need to tell you a little about how the All Angels website works. If you noticed how fast it loads, that is because the first time you looked at it, your device (computer, laptop, phone, tablet, iPad, television) loaded all the information it needed. The problem is that Maria and I update the website a few times per week. However, your device may not load the new information. This past Sunday, Maria had the week’s bulletin on the website but I had to refresh my computer in order to see it. In your browser (the program/app you use to see the website), there is a button usually in the upper left-hand corner that is in the shape of a circular arrow going clockwise. Click/tap that button and, viola, your device will refresh with the new information.
In the life of the Church, there have been several “refresh” moments. The Rosary, as we know it now, was a “refresh.” In the 1300s, the Church was largely incomprehensible to most lay folks. The Latin Mass was no longer understood by the masses. Holy Eucharist was received by the clergy only. There were no printing presses so the chance of actually reading the Bible was rare, at best; besides, most folks then couldn’t read anyway. But, lay folks had the ability to pray with beads, knots, or, what we now call the rosary. It gave believers something quite literally to hold onto and pray, in their own language. The Church, believe it or not, originally frowned on the practice. But, after a couple of centuries, a Pope finally pressed the refresh button and accepted it into spiritual practice.
The last 18 months have made us search for the refresh button in our lives, including our spiritual connection to God and others. We have learned how to have an on-line and in-person spiritual community that extends beyond our local community and even our own time zone. We believe that in Christ, all things are being made new. In the language of IT, in Christ, all things are being refreshed. If the 21st century has taught me anything, it is a good spiritual practice to keep refreshing our lives in Christ.
-Fr. Dave
Wisdom
August 19, 2021
The message this past Sunday was about Wisdom – the characteristic of God that gives insight, direction and peace. The character of Wisdom in the Bible is one who is as comforting as a mother’s arms, as playful as a child, as direct as a prophet and as strict as a Middle School teacher. For many at All Angels, God-as-Wisdom was intriguing and has brought up some interesting conversations. Here is one comment I received – the difference between education and wisdom is this: education tells us that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom tells us not to put a tomato in a fruit salad.
Let’s climb out on a theological limb and ask what if Wisdom/God is the primary identify of our lived God-experience. In other words, what if God’s primary power in our life was to give wisdom. How would that image of God change the way we pray, the way we interact with one another, and who to blame when things don’t go our way.
Atheists and agnostics are drawn to me. Maybe it is because of my personality or maybe it is a spiritual gift; regardless, I get into conversations with non-believers, or self-described “barely-believers” on a fairly regular basis. The main argument against their idea of “God” is this (feel free to recite it with me): how can an all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God allow for X – Haiti, Afghanistan, poverty, etc. – to happen. The theology of Sunday’s message about Wisdom was born out of these discussions. What if the Bible is based on an argument between Wisdom and Folly. What if God’s primary power is wisdom – and Wisdom gives of herself freely to anyone who is willing to seek, ask, or knock on the door of understanding. The second part of that theology has to be that we have the freewill to make mistakes, the chief mistake is to listen to Folly and not Wisdom.
We humans can close our eyes and our mouths; but we cannot easily close our noses, ears or our sense of touch. Those senses seem to be always on. What if that is how Wisdom speaks – not through sight but through sound, smell and touch. The ocular cavity and related brain modules are quite large compared to the other senses and compared to other mammals. In fact, scientists believe that 80% of our sense of the world comes through sight whereas mammals receive a majority of their sense through smell. What if Wisdom, who speaks through nature, regularly communicates through the other senses and not sight? What if Wisdom prefers sound, touch, smell and taste over sight? The psalmist declares, “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” (34:8) The prophet Isaiah declares this of the messiah, “He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear.” (11:3)
If you were to eat a fruit salad that had tomato in it, you might notice first by how it tastes and perhaps smells. I think there is a lot of fruit salad being offered up in our society right now; some of it has tomatoes in it. Wednesday evening, Dale Hooey received a fraudulent email that had my name on it that asked him to immediately go out and buy $500 worth of gift cards. Something didn’t feel right about it so he called me. Likewise, Gail Clay received a similar notification. She too called me. Gail and Dale didn’t respond to what their eyes saw, they went with a different feeling, which, I have to say is Wisdom working in our presence. The thief, perhaps listening to Folly, was trying to steal from these two wonderful, faithful and compassionate people. Thankfully, they were listening to Wisdom.
-Fr. Dave
Let’s climb out on a theological limb and ask what if Wisdom/God is the primary identify of our lived God-experience. In other words, what if God’s primary power in our life was to give wisdom. How would that image of God change the way we pray, the way we interact with one another, and who to blame when things don’t go our way.
Atheists and agnostics are drawn to me. Maybe it is because of my personality or maybe it is a spiritual gift; regardless, I get into conversations with non-believers, or self-described “barely-believers” on a fairly regular basis. The main argument against their idea of “God” is this (feel free to recite it with me): how can an all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving God allow for X – Haiti, Afghanistan, poverty, etc. – to happen. The theology of Sunday’s message about Wisdom was born out of these discussions. What if the Bible is based on an argument between Wisdom and Folly. What if God’s primary power is wisdom – and Wisdom gives of herself freely to anyone who is willing to seek, ask, or knock on the door of understanding. The second part of that theology has to be that we have the freewill to make mistakes, the chief mistake is to listen to Folly and not Wisdom.
We humans can close our eyes and our mouths; but we cannot easily close our noses, ears or our sense of touch. Those senses seem to be always on. What if that is how Wisdom speaks – not through sight but through sound, smell and touch. The ocular cavity and related brain modules are quite large compared to the other senses and compared to other mammals. In fact, scientists believe that 80% of our sense of the world comes through sight whereas mammals receive a majority of their sense through smell. What if Wisdom, who speaks through nature, regularly communicates through the other senses and not sight? What if Wisdom prefers sound, touch, smell and taste over sight? The psalmist declares, “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” (34:8) The prophet Isaiah declares this of the messiah, “He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear.” (11:3)
If you were to eat a fruit salad that had tomato in it, you might notice first by how it tastes and perhaps smells. I think there is a lot of fruit salad being offered up in our society right now; some of it has tomatoes in it. Wednesday evening, Dale Hooey received a fraudulent email that had my name on it that asked him to immediately go out and buy $500 worth of gift cards. Something didn’t feel right about it so he called me. Likewise, Gail Clay received a similar notification. She too called me. Gail and Dale didn’t respond to what their eyes saw, they went with a different feeling, which, I have to say is Wisdom working in our presence. The thief, perhaps listening to Folly, was trying to steal from these two wonderful, faithful and compassionate people. Thankfully, they were listening to Wisdom.
-Fr. Dave
Prayers of the People
August 12, 2021
This past Wednesday, we had a Prayers of the People workshop led by Rev. Maggie. For over a year, she has led the congregation in the prayers. She told me that although it has been a wonderful experience, it is time to hand the prayers back to the people.
The Anglican tradition of prayer stems from the Talmud – an ancient document of the Jewish faith that highlights a number of topics of theology. Prayer, in a Talmudic sense, does not inform God of anything (because God already knows), nor is prayer telling God what God should do (because God is sovereign and infinitely wise). Then why pray, you may ask? Prayer is a connection to the Divine. In prayer, we hear our own voice, our own concerns, and then we acknowledge that we are in the presence of the Divine. That acknowledgement reminds us that God knows what troubles us, and, as such, God will bring us peace no matter the situation. Then, when we name someone in prayer, we are connected to God and are reminded that God is connected to others. Jesus instructs us to pray for our enemies, as, as such, we are reminded that God knows them too and brings peace.
Rev. Maggie is from a line of Episcopal clergy. She showed us her grandfather’s Book of Common Prayer (BCP) from 1859. Back in her grandfather’s day, the priest led the prayers. In a dark wood church without electricity, her grandfather would lead the prayers as listed in the BCP.
The 1928 prayer book, held by her father, had larger font, and, although the prayers were still led by the priest, many folks in the congregation had their own prayer book or used the ones supplied by the parish. Then Rev. Maggie showed us her prayer book, the 1979 BCP. The newest of the prayer books, it changed the way we do the Prayers of the People. Page 383 introduces the prayers by listing the following required intersessions:
The Universal Church, its members, and its mission;
The Nation and all in authority;
The welfare of the world;
The concerns of the local community;
Those who suffer and those in any trouble;
The departed.
The BCP then lists six forms that one can use and then instructs either a deacon or “other leader” to lead the congregation in prayer.
The 1979 BCP made a dramatic shift from the clergy leading the prayers to the laity. During the time of crisis – Covid-19 – All Angels went back to the earlier style of Prayers of the People which was for a priest to lead the prayers. I’d have to say that during times of struggle, crisis, or uncertainty, going back to a familiar form, or pattern, not only brings comfort but also a level of stability and familiarity. We have been blessed with Rev. Maggie’s faith and her willingness to share one of her spiritual gifts.
We are slowly moving out of a time of crisis and heading into a more stable, healthier, future. As such, it is time to bring the prayers back to the people. We pray not as a way to tell God something that God doesn’t know, or to tell God what to do; rather, we will hear the prayers from a member of the congregation that will bring us in connection with God and one another and also to be reminded that God is with us, hears us, and brings peace in all times and in all situations.
-Fr. Dave
The Anglican tradition of prayer stems from the Talmud – an ancient document of the Jewish faith that highlights a number of topics of theology. Prayer, in a Talmudic sense, does not inform God of anything (because God already knows), nor is prayer telling God what God should do (because God is sovereign and infinitely wise). Then why pray, you may ask? Prayer is a connection to the Divine. In prayer, we hear our own voice, our own concerns, and then we acknowledge that we are in the presence of the Divine. That acknowledgement reminds us that God knows what troubles us, and, as such, God will bring us peace no matter the situation. Then, when we name someone in prayer, we are connected to God and are reminded that God is connected to others. Jesus instructs us to pray for our enemies, as, as such, we are reminded that God knows them too and brings peace.
Rev. Maggie is from a line of Episcopal clergy. She showed us her grandfather’s Book of Common Prayer (BCP) from 1859. Back in her grandfather’s day, the priest led the prayers. In a dark wood church without electricity, her grandfather would lead the prayers as listed in the BCP.
The 1928 prayer book, held by her father, had larger font, and, although the prayers were still led by the priest, many folks in the congregation had their own prayer book or used the ones supplied by the parish. Then Rev. Maggie showed us her prayer book, the 1979 BCP. The newest of the prayer books, it changed the way we do the Prayers of the People. Page 383 introduces the prayers by listing the following required intersessions:
The Universal Church, its members, and its mission;
The Nation and all in authority;
The welfare of the world;
The concerns of the local community;
Those who suffer and those in any trouble;
The departed.
The BCP then lists six forms that one can use and then instructs either a deacon or “other leader” to lead the congregation in prayer.
The 1979 BCP made a dramatic shift from the clergy leading the prayers to the laity. During the time of crisis – Covid-19 – All Angels went back to the earlier style of Prayers of the People which was for a priest to lead the prayers. I’d have to say that during times of struggle, crisis, or uncertainty, going back to a familiar form, or pattern, not only brings comfort but also a level of stability and familiarity. We have been blessed with Rev. Maggie’s faith and her willingness to share one of her spiritual gifts.
We are slowly moving out of a time of crisis and heading into a more stable, healthier, future. As such, it is time to bring the prayers back to the people. We pray not as a way to tell God something that God doesn’t know, or to tell God what to do; rather, we will hear the prayers from a member of the congregation that will bring us in connection with God and one another and also to be reminded that God is with us, hears us, and brings peace in all times and in all situations.
-Fr. Dave
God's Goals
August 5, 2021
St. Paul, writing to the church he planted in Ephesus, took on the role of teacher in this letter to his parishioners. I believe that Paul was highly educated. His hometown of Tarsus was home to some of the best schools in the empire; Paul, himself, was most likely educated in one of those institutions. As such, he knows what is to be both professor and student.
In chapter 4 of Ephesians, Paul wrote, “God gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son.”
Theologians refer to this passage as God’s gifts – some are gifted as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. If, however, you look Jesus’ life, he lived all five of those vocations. That makes me believe that as followers of Jesus, we too can have more than one gift. But, what do we do with it?
Paul writes, “God’s goal is for us to become mature adults — to be measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ. As a result, we aren’t supposed to be infants any longer who can be tossed and blown around by every wind that comes from teaching with deceitful scheming and the tricks people play to deliberately mislead others.”
Many people spend a long time searching for what they want to do in life. In my teenage years, my parents told me that I have a number of gifts that could be used in many different ways. It wasn’t until I was in my thirties, however, that I finally heeded the call to serve God in Christ as a pastor and Episcopal priest. One of the pitfalls I had, and still wrestle with, is measuring myself against others and their successes. This pitfall led me to feel jealous of their success or ashamed of my own supposed lack thereof. In the words of Paul, I was using the wrong measuring standard.
God’s goal is that we are to become mature adults. The measurement of “mature” is not in earthly age, or social or economic status; those would be the wrong measurements; rather, we are to be the compassion, grace, and love that Jesus taught. We all fall short of God’s glory, and, according to this pastor, it is nearly impossible to live up to Jesus’ perfection of love and compassion. Yet, God’s goal of us becoming mature is to be like students that strive to learn more and to continue to build up others as our great teacher Jesus invites us to do.
Paul outlined the measuring stick in this way: “To not be tossed and blown around by every wind that comes from teaching with deceitful scheming and the tricks people play to deliberately mislead others.” God’s goal of maturity is to not be “tossed and blown around” by deceit. But rather, our maturity is to work, to serve and to build up the body of Christ.
I don’t need to tell you there is a lot of deceit out there. Nor do I need to remind you that there is a lot of work ahead of us to build up the body of Christ. What I would like to highlight is that the measurement God uses is not the one that the deceit in the world uses – things like age, physical appearance and stamina, or flashy and trendy possessions. God’s measurement is in love, in building up others, and compassion. God’s goal is for us to build up, to encourage, to forgive and love. Whether we are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers, or apprentices just beginning to follow the way of Jesus, we are not to be tossed around and blown by whatever fashionable wind is blowing, but rather to build up one another in unity and faith and, above all, love.
-Fr. Dave
In chapter 4 of Ephesians, Paul wrote, “God gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son.”
Theologians refer to this passage as God’s gifts – some are gifted as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. If, however, you look Jesus’ life, he lived all five of those vocations. That makes me believe that as followers of Jesus, we too can have more than one gift. But, what do we do with it?
Paul writes, “God’s goal is for us to become mature adults — to be measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ. As a result, we aren’t supposed to be infants any longer who can be tossed and blown around by every wind that comes from teaching with deceitful scheming and the tricks people play to deliberately mislead others.”
Many people spend a long time searching for what they want to do in life. In my teenage years, my parents told me that I have a number of gifts that could be used in many different ways. It wasn’t until I was in my thirties, however, that I finally heeded the call to serve God in Christ as a pastor and Episcopal priest. One of the pitfalls I had, and still wrestle with, is measuring myself against others and their successes. This pitfall led me to feel jealous of their success or ashamed of my own supposed lack thereof. In the words of Paul, I was using the wrong measuring standard.
God’s goal is that we are to become mature adults. The measurement of “mature” is not in earthly age, or social or economic status; those would be the wrong measurements; rather, we are to be the compassion, grace, and love that Jesus taught. We all fall short of God’s glory, and, according to this pastor, it is nearly impossible to live up to Jesus’ perfection of love and compassion. Yet, God’s goal of us becoming mature is to be like students that strive to learn more and to continue to build up others as our great teacher Jesus invites us to do.
Paul outlined the measuring stick in this way: “To not be tossed and blown around by every wind that comes from teaching with deceitful scheming and the tricks people play to deliberately mislead others.” God’s goal of maturity is to not be “tossed and blown around” by deceit. But rather, our maturity is to work, to serve and to build up the body of Christ.
I don’t need to tell you there is a lot of deceit out there. Nor do I need to remind you that there is a lot of work ahead of us to build up the body of Christ. What I would like to highlight is that the measurement God uses is not the one that the deceit in the world uses – things like age, physical appearance and stamina, or flashy and trendy possessions. God’s measurement is in love, in building up others, and compassion. God’s goal is for us to build up, to encourage, to forgive and love. Whether we are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers, or apprentices just beginning to follow the way of Jesus, we are not to be tossed around and blown by whatever fashionable wind is blowing, but rather to build up one another in unity and faith and, above all, love.
-Fr. Dave
Invest and Innovate
July 29, 2021
This past week, the Wall Street Journal reported that during the first half of this year, more than $900 billion was funneled into U.S.-domiciled mutual and exchange-traded funds — the most since 1992. The $900 billion was more than the amount investors put into funds elsewhere around the world combined during the first half of 2021. This is a sign of confidence that the world’s largest economy remains poised to pull through the Covid-19 pandemic better than many others. The journal also reported that the U.S. economy likely returned to its late-2019 size in June which helped to lift global output above its pre-pandemic level for the first time.
Although clearly not as news worthy, on Sunday, July 25, All Angels ran out of bulletins. I think these two events – the economic news, and the bulletins – are related.
Guessing how many bulletins are needed on any given Sunday is a tricky thing; one doesn’t want to print too many and we don’t want to run out. I printed 42 bulletins for Sunday based on the previous Sundays’ attendance minus the number of parishioners who are out traveling. I got it wrong because, as it turned out, we had 51 people attend in-person. In comparison, the last Sunday of July 2019, we had 56 people in attendance. At first glance, it appears we have not surpassed our pre-pandemic attendance level. However, unlike in 2019, we now have five ways to worship at All Angels. We don’t know how many were listening on the radio or enjoying the service outside, but, as of Tuesday afternoon, the service has had 56 views on YouTube and there were 12 people on Zoom. Our mission is to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the church. Using these metrics – in person and on-line – our total in worship on Sunday was 119.
How does church attendance relate to the economic news reported in the WSJ? During the pandemic, the U.S. invested and innovated. Although the national debt amassed during this time may be paid for by my grandchildren, the U.S. set itself to lead and to be prepared for the end of the pandemic. The result is that the American economy is a relatively safe place to invest and, as the WSJ stated, we are poised to pull through the pandemic better than other nations. Looking at the microeconomy of All Angels, we too invested and innovated; we changed the entrances to the church to be accessible for people of any mobility, we created a new entrance/exit, installed outdoor speakers, replaced our church-original organ with one that is both reliable and flexible for this new century, and we expanded the number of ways to join in worship so that those inside and those outside the church can participate. Thankfully we didn’t have to borrow to do it.
My prayers are with nations and churches that were unable to innovate and invest. My prayers are also in thanksgiving for the generosity of all of our members and for the decades-long commitment to stewardship and conservative financial principles set by the leaders of All Angels so that we could invest and innovate without borrowing. The pandemic is not over, but we are emerging into this new post-covid era with folks engaged in worship both inside and outside the church. Because there are now five ways to worship at All Angels, we may never actually reach pre-2019 in-person attendance levels. But, the good news is that we are living into our mission by bringing the living Christ to those inside and outside the church.
-Fr. Dave
Although clearly not as news worthy, on Sunday, July 25, All Angels ran out of bulletins. I think these two events – the economic news, and the bulletins – are related.
Guessing how many bulletins are needed on any given Sunday is a tricky thing; one doesn’t want to print too many and we don’t want to run out. I printed 42 bulletins for Sunday based on the previous Sundays’ attendance minus the number of parishioners who are out traveling. I got it wrong because, as it turned out, we had 51 people attend in-person. In comparison, the last Sunday of July 2019, we had 56 people in attendance. At first glance, it appears we have not surpassed our pre-pandemic attendance level. However, unlike in 2019, we now have five ways to worship at All Angels. We don’t know how many were listening on the radio or enjoying the service outside, but, as of Tuesday afternoon, the service has had 56 views on YouTube and there were 12 people on Zoom. Our mission is to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the church. Using these metrics – in person and on-line – our total in worship on Sunday was 119.
How does church attendance relate to the economic news reported in the WSJ? During the pandemic, the U.S. invested and innovated. Although the national debt amassed during this time may be paid for by my grandchildren, the U.S. set itself to lead and to be prepared for the end of the pandemic. The result is that the American economy is a relatively safe place to invest and, as the WSJ stated, we are poised to pull through the pandemic better than other nations. Looking at the microeconomy of All Angels, we too invested and innovated; we changed the entrances to the church to be accessible for people of any mobility, we created a new entrance/exit, installed outdoor speakers, replaced our church-original organ with one that is both reliable and flexible for this new century, and we expanded the number of ways to join in worship so that those inside and those outside the church can participate. Thankfully we didn’t have to borrow to do it.
My prayers are with nations and churches that were unable to innovate and invest. My prayers are also in thanksgiving for the generosity of all of our members and for the decades-long commitment to stewardship and conservative financial principles set by the leaders of All Angels so that we could invest and innovate without borrowing. The pandemic is not over, but we are emerging into this new post-covid era with folks engaged in worship both inside and outside the church. Because there are now five ways to worship at All Angels, we may never actually reach pre-2019 in-person attendance levels. But, the good news is that we are living into our mission by bringing the living Christ to those inside and outside the church.
-Fr. Dave
A Mighty Fortress
July 22, 2021
During our Florida Keys vacation, we spent a day in Key West. Part of that day was spent exploring Fort Taylor which is described as the intersection of natural beauty and profound history. Fort Taylor is one of a series of forts commissioned after the war of 1812 to defend the southeastern sea. The site on Key West was selected in 1822. The current configuration was constructed in 1845 and was held as a union enclave during the Civil War. The fort is credited with cutting off supply ships to Confederate ports which, according to a friendly park volunteer, saved lives because it helped end the war. The fort was used during the Spanish-American war of 1898; and, like the Civil War, it helped keep the war short. The main weapon is a bank of cannons that could hurl a 30lb ball up to seven miles away.
Fort Taylor has never fired a shot in defense. In addition to the nearly impenetrable 8-foot thick walls that stand 50 feet tall, the perimeter of the Fort is protected by the Florida Straits, a dense mangrove forest, and, a moat. From Civil War records, the confederacy didn’t attempt to take the fort from union hands because of its mighty construction.
Elijah and I enjoyed our time exploring the fort. It certainly is different from the forts I explored in my home state of Washington. For starters, Washington didn’t become a state until 1889 – which is 44 years after Fort Taylor was built. The state’s WWII forts were built into the sides of massive cliffs overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca (the water boundary between the US and Canada) to defend against a sea invasion. Those forts, largely underground, were designed to be stealthy, not mighty.
The church hymn, A Mighty Fortress is our God, didn’t make much sense to me growing up because the fortresses I knew were hidden. However, standing on the buttress of Fort Taylor, on bricks placed 176 years ago, and looking south, east and west, with unobstructed views of the strait, I suddenly understood the meaning of hymn: “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.”
It is now a park for visitors to enjoy and learn about a part of American history. Nevertheless, it is a strong, never-failing bulwark. … just like our God.
-Fr. Dave
Fort Taylor has never fired a shot in defense. In addition to the nearly impenetrable 8-foot thick walls that stand 50 feet tall, the perimeter of the Fort is protected by the Florida Straits, a dense mangrove forest, and, a moat. From Civil War records, the confederacy didn’t attempt to take the fort from union hands because of its mighty construction.
Elijah and I enjoyed our time exploring the fort. It certainly is different from the forts I explored in my home state of Washington. For starters, Washington didn’t become a state until 1889 – which is 44 years after Fort Taylor was built. The state’s WWII forts were built into the sides of massive cliffs overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca (the water boundary between the US and Canada) to defend against a sea invasion. Those forts, largely underground, were designed to be stealthy, not mighty.
The church hymn, A Mighty Fortress is our God, didn’t make much sense to me growing up because the fortresses I knew were hidden. However, standing on the buttress of Fort Taylor, on bricks placed 176 years ago, and looking south, east and west, with unobstructed views of the strait, I suddenly understood the meaning of hymn: “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.”
It is now a park for visitors to enjoy and learn about a part of American history. Nevertheless, it is a strong, never-failing bulwark. … just like our God.
-Fr. Dave
Automobile Intelligence?
July 15, 2021
One Saturday, my dad and I were driving by the High School he taught at. He said the car was trying to turn into the parking lot because of habit. I thought it was kind of funny. Cars don’t do things out of habit, I chuckled. But, perhaps in the near future they will.
Another car adage from dad is his lament that new cars no longer have a personality. New cars start when asked to, they climb hills, drive in hot or cold weather with ease, and always seem to repel rainwater. In Seattle, it is important to have cars that can climb hills, run in cold weather, and keep rainwater out; but Dad had cars that would not reliably do any of those things. My Grandfather would call unreliable traits in cars “personality.” He was a train engineer and learned quickly that no two trains were alike. I have heard the same thing from fighter pilots of their F18s. No two fighter jets act alike which is why they put their names on them. Yet, in today’s car world, they have no personality.
In my senior year in college, I finally got to have a car. It was one that Dad and I had worked on when I was in High School – we rebuilt the suspension and brakes, worked on the transmission and other various assorted ills. It was a 1972 Toyota Corona, faded red with a black top, and ran… most of the time. When it was cold outside, I had to turn the key and push the shift lever forward at the same time to get it to start. I told my friend that it was “a fancy theft deterrent system for thieves who work only in the winter.” When it was hot out, I would turn the key off and the engine would, more or less, keep running. To stop the engine, it required one foot firmly planted on the brake and the other foot nearly as firm on the gas. I told my roommate that the car loved the summer so much that it simply wanted to keep on driving. That car was full of personality!
According to a WSJ article, new cars will be able to learn from the driver and adapt to the driver’s style and, well, personality. Instead of fretting over what features you want your new car to have, it will learn from you and then suggest upgrades/updates after the purchase. With a car subscription service, it will adjust the seats automatically, change the interior temperature, it will know whether we need a cooled or heated steering wheel, and, get this, electric engines can actually upgrade/adapt to give the driver more power if the driver shows a proclivity for needing it. I’m honestly not sure what that means and I wonder what our state troopers would think of that. Nevertheless, this artificial intelligence already exists. The music subscription service I use has already adapted to what I listen to and makes suggestions and recommendations. Netflix has done this for years. And now it is coming to a car near you!
Psalm 123 (the easiest psalm to remember the number of) says this of followers of God: As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, so our eyes look to the Lord our God.
Back when it was written, servants were to anticipate what the master needed so they would wait and watch the hands of the master in order to serve. Likewise, we are to wait and watch for the Lord our God in order to serve better. In our day and time, we believe that to serve God is to serve others who are in need.
Growing up with cars that had personalities, I always seemed to be the one to serve the car. Interesting that, like Psalm 123, cars are now able to watch our hands and to serve us. Hopefully that will help us to serve God and our neighbor better. At least we will be more comfortable while doing it.
-Fr. Dave
Another car adage from dad is his lament that new cars no longer have a personality. New cars start when asked to, they climb hills, drive in hot or cold weather with ease, and always seem to repel rainwater. In Seattle, it is important to have cars that can climb hills, run in cold weather, and keep rainwater out; but Dad had cars that would not reliably do any of those things. My Grandfather would call unreliable traits in cars “personality.” He was a train engineer and learned quickly that no two trains were alike. I have heard the same thing from fighter pilots of their F18s. No two fighter jets act alike which is why they put their names on them. Yet, in today’s car world, they have no personality.
In my senior year in college, I finally got to have a car. It was one that Dad and I had worked on when I was in High School – we rebuilt the suspension and brakes, worked on the transmission and other various assorted ills. It was a 1972 Toyota Corona, faded red with a black top, and ran… most of the time. When it was cold outside, I had to turn the key and push the shift lever forward at the same time to get it to start. I told my friend that it was “a fancy theft deterrent system for thieves who work only in the winter.” When it was hot out, I would turn the key off and the engine would, more or less, keep running. To stop the engine, it required one foot firmly planted on the brake and the other foot nearly as firm on the gas. I told my roommate that the car loved the summer so much that it simply wanted to keep on driving. That car was full of personality!
According to a WSJ article, new cars will be able to learn from the driver and adapt to the driver’s style and, well, personality. Instead of fretting over what features you want your new car to have, it will learn from you and then suggest upgrades/updates after the purchase. With a car subscription service, it will adjust the seats automatically, change the interior temperature, it will know whether we need a cooled or heated steering wheel, and, get this, electric engines can actually upgrade/adapt to give the driver more power if the driver shows a proclivity for needing it. I’m honestly not sure what that means and I wonder what our state troopers would think of that. Nevertheless, this artificial intelligence already exists. The music subscription service I use has already adapted to what I listen to and makes suggestions and recommendations. Netflix has done this for years. And now it is coming to a car near you!
Psalm 123 (the easiest psalm to remember the number of) says this of followers of God: As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, so our eyes look to the Lord our God.
Back when it was written, servants were to anticipate what the master needed so they would wait and watch the hands of the master in order to serve. Likewise, we are to wait and watch for the Lord our God in order to serve better. In our day and time, we believe that to serve God is to serve others who are in need.
Growing up with cars that had personalities, I always seemed to be the one to serve the car. Interesting that, like Psalm 123, cars are now able to watch our hands and to serve us. Hopefully that will help us to serve God and our neighbor better. At least we will be more comfortable while doing it.
-Fr. Dave
Come Away
July 8, 2021
I worked for an insurance company that used bells to remind underwriters that it was time to take a break. They would ring three times a day – morning, lunch, and in the afternoon – and they were not to be ignored. This was a measure put in place because the company found that productivity increased by taking breaks and, maybe more importantly, mistakes went down with the ritual of taking a rest three times during the work day. Although the bells had stopped by the time I was hired, the practice remained very strong. Incidentally, the bells stopped because the work schedules had shifted in the building so that the day started for some at 6 am and ended for others at 7 pm.
One day during my first year, the other underwriters were getting up for their afternoon break; I, however, remained seated. My boss came by, pulled up a chair, and asked why I wasn’t getting up. I said that I was too busy. He smiled and said, “The underwriters that are too busy for a break are exactly the ones who need a break.” Much to my surprise, he was right. A ten-minute walk around the building and a funny conversation literally by the water cooler, refreshed my mind so that I was able to get more done than if I had skipped it.
For as old as the insurance company is, it did not invent the idea of taking a break. In Mark’s Gospel, we are told of Jesus who invites his disciples/workers to come away with him and to take a rest. As far as social and religious movements go, Jesus and the disciples were quite effective. I wonder if intentionally resting had something to do with it. Despite how often Jesus exemplified this behavior, he did not invent the idea of intentionally taking a break.
The fourth commandment is to “keep the Sabbath holy”; in other words, to take time off and rest. Moses who carried the 10 commandments did not invent this idea. The first story in the Bible – creation – ends with God taking a rest. Based on biblical history, God invented taking a break to rest. When I read about getting away for a rest in the Bible, I often think, wow, if God needs to take a rest, what does that say about us mortals?
Starting Sunday the 11th, just after church, 3 of the 4 Marshalls are going out for a rest. We are driving to the Florida Keys and will be staying six days on Cudjoe Key. Although we would like it to be longer, we are very glad to be getting away. Ethan will be staying at home, watching the house, taking care of the kitties, and working at Staples. In a sense, he is getting a break from his family and learning what it like to run a household.
Although Scripture shows us that God invented the vacation, the system
of reminding ourselves to take a break is up to the individual. Unlike the insurance company who rang bells as a reminder, we have Scripture to remind us to come away with God and rest.
-Fr. Dave
One day during my first year, the other underwriters were getting up for their afternoon break; I, however, remained seated. My boss came by, pulled up a chair, and asked why I wasn’t getting up. I said that I was too busy. He smiled and said, “The underwriters that are too busy for a break are exactly the ones who need a break.” Much to my surprise, he was right. A ten-minute walk around the building and a funny conversation literally by the water cooler, refreshed my mind so that I was able to get more done than if I had skipped it.
For as old as the insurance company is, it did not invent the idea of taking a break. In Mark’s Gospel, we are told of Jesus who invites his disciples/workers to come away with him and to take a rest. As far as social and religious movements go, Jesus and the disciples were quite effective. I wonder if intentionally resting had something to do with it. Despite how often Jesus exemplified this behavior, he did not invent the idea of intentionally taking a break.
The fourth commandment is to “keep the Sabbath holy”; in other words, to take time off and rest. Moses who carried the 10 commandments did not invent this idea. The first story in the Bible – creation – ends with God taking a rest. Based on biblical history, God invented taking a break to rest. When I read about getting away for a rest in the Bible, I often think, wow, if God needs to take a rest, what does that say about us mortals?
Starting Sunday the 11th, just after church, 3 of the 4 Marshalls are going out for a rest. We are driving to the Florida Keys and will be staying six days on Cudjoe Key. Although we would like it to be longer, we are very glad to be getting away. Ethan will be staying at home, watching the house, taking care of the kitties, and working at Staples. In a sense, he is getting a break from his family and learning what it like to run a household.
Although Scripture shows us that God invented the vacation, the system
of reminding ourselves to take a break is up to the individual. Unlike the insurance company who rang bells as a reminder, we have Scripture to remind us to come away with God and rest.
-Fr. Dave
A-B-A
July 1, 2021
In this past Sunday’s sermon, I talked about the unique way Mark has organized his Gospel, called the A-B-A. The example I used was the lesson for the day of Jesus heading to Jairus’ house to heal his daughter when a sick woman said to herself, if I touch Jesus’ cloak I will be healed. She touched him and was healed. After talking with the woman, he resumed going to Jairus’ house. The A-B-A is this: the “A” is going to Jairus’ home. The “B” in the story was being interrupted by the woman who was healed. Then, Jesus resumed the “A” and went to Jairus’ home. This pattern is repeated throughout Mark’s Gospel and makes it unique among the gospels. I had suggested that Mark arranged it this because the “B” in life happens – even Jesus can’t avoid it! When the “B” pops up, we may want to treat the opportunity like Jesus who doesn’t act out in anger but in compassion and curiosity.
This Sunday, I will (most likely) preach on the lesson from 2 Corinthians so I won’t be able to follow up with you on Mark’s A-B-A pattern. Nevertheless, I am writing to you about it. The Gospel story, in summary, is this: (A) Jesus is traveling the countryside preaching in synagogues about the Kingdom of God and healing people. (B) He came to his hometown and found that no one would listen to him and he “laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them; he was amazed at their unbelief.” (A) He then went about among other villages teaching/healing and sent the disciples out two by two to teach and heal.
The B in the story is Jesus not making an impact and, instead, being amazed at their unbelief. Just a few sentences earlier, Jesus was amazed at the woman’s belief that if she simply touched him she’d be healed. And now, in his hometown, with the people he grew up with, they believed nothing about nobody.
A few years ago, a parishioner who is now a retired admiral in the Navy, commented on the story. He was at sea and successfully led his portion of the coordinated attack on Saddam Hussein’s regime. There were more than five thousand sailors and aviators under his command. When he returned home, and after the family hugged him and were so thrilled to have him back safe and sound, he asked his teenaged daughter to take off her shoes in the house. She laughed at him and walked away. He quickly learned that prophets are not without honor except in their hometown! He too ran into the B in life and realized that he had some relationship work to do with his daughter. Instead of using his commander voice, he used his dad-voice and talked with her until late in the evening. He noticed the next morning that her shoes were by the front door by his. The B in life made him feel glad and thankful that he spent time talking, and not commanding, his child.
Jesus didn’t give up when no one would learn nothing-about-nobody. He kept on keeping on and, as a result of that B, he raised up others to help him. I imagine that one group of disciples returned to his hometown and taught and healed. Today, I am a part of a long historic line of people who are sent to teach and to heal, just as are Rev. Maggie and Fr. Fred. I am thankful for the B that Jesus ran into in his hometown. If not for his amazement at their unbelief, would we even have pastors and priests today? I am also thankful that Jesus kept on keeping on – that he knew to return to the A of life.
-Fr. Dave
This Sunday, I will (most likely) preach on the lesson from 2 Corinthians so I won’t be able to follow up with you on Mark’s A-B-A pattern. Nevertheless, I am writing to you about it. The Gospel story, in summary, is this: (A) Jesus is traveling the countryside preaching in synagogues about the Kingdom of God and healing people. (B) He came to his hometown and found that no one would listen to him and he “laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them; he was amazed at their unbelief.” (A) He then went about among other villages teaching/healing and sent the disciples out two by two to teach and heal.
The B in the story is Jesus not making an impact and, instead, being amazed at their unbelief. Just a few sentences earlier, Jesus was amazed at the woman’s belief that if she simply touched him she’d be healed. And now, in his hometown, with the people he grew up with, they believed nothing about nobody.
A few years ago, a parishioner who is now a retired admiral in the Navy, commented on the story. He was at sea and successfully led his portion of the coordinated attack on Saddam Hussein’s regime. There were more than five thousand sailors and aviators under his command. When he returned home, and after the family hugged him and were so thrilled to have him back safe and sound, he asked his teenaged daughter to take off her shoes in the house. She laughed at him and walked away. He quickly learned that prophets are not without honor except in their hometown! He too ran into the B in life and realized that he had some relationship work to do with his daughter. Instead of using his commander voice, he used his dad-voice and talked with her until late in the evening. He noticed the next morning that her shoes were by the front door by his. The B in life made him feel glad and thankful that he spent time talking, and not commanding, his child.
Jesus didn’t give up when no one would learn nothing-about-nobody. He kept on keeping on and, as a result of that B, he raised up others to help him. I imagine that one group of disciples returned to his hometown and taught and healed. Today, I am a part of a long historic line of people who are sent to teach and to heal, just as are Rev. Maggie and Fr. Fred. I am thankful for the B that Jesus ran into in his hometown. If not for his amazement at their unbelief, would we even have pastors and priests today? I am also thankful that Jesus kept on keeping on – that he knew to return to the A of life.
-Fr. Dave
Five Wishes
June 24, 2021
You know the saying, “Careful what you wish for.” I am going to give you the opposite opinion – careful for what you don’t wish for. Who do you wish to make health care decisions for you if you can no longer make them for yourself? What is your wish for the kind of medical treatment you want or don’t want? What dignity and comfort do wish to have in your final days on earth? What is your wish for how neighbors and acquaintances treat you and what do you want others outside of your circle of family and loved ones to know about an illness? What do you wish for your loved ones to know?
These questions are taken from a workbook called the Five Wishes which was created by Jim Towey after working closely with Mother Teresa and living in a hospice she ran in Washington DC. He created a short workbook to help people plan ahead in order to cope with the possibility dying from a serious illness. The Five Wishes asks the following:
1) What is your wish for who directs health care decisions
2) What medical treatment do you wish for (or not wish for)
3) What is your wish for comfort and dignity
4) What is you wish for your neighbors to know (or not know)
and how would you like them to treat you
5) What do you wish your loved ones to know
My dad and I had a conversation about this. It is his wish that while in hospice to not to go back to the hospital again; but, if he breaks his leg, that’s a different story and it related to question #2 – what medical treatment do you wish/not wish for. Often when I am told of someone who is ill or in the hospital, I will ask what, if anything, can I announce to the congregation – that is the #4 wish question: what do you want others to know. Similarly, on our prayer list, we have some folks that we pray for by name but do not mention for what it is that we are praying for; others, we mention out loud what they are going through. God knows what it is,
it is simply our role to pray. Likewise, it’s my pastoral role to find out what others should or should not know about someone’s illness.
The last of the wishes – what do you wish your loved ones to know – is something that doesn’t take a 12-page packet, or a visit with a priest, it is something you can ponder and act on today.
If you are interested in the Five Wishes, please visit their website, fivewishes.org. On their site you can purchase the packet and get more information. I do have one copy on my desk if you would like to take a look. Unlike the conventional phrase of being careful for what one wishes for, as your pastor, I’d advise you to consider these five wishes. If you would like to talk more about this, feel free to email, call, Zoom, or sign up for a visit on my calendar in the Gallery table. That’s my wish.
-Fr. Dave
These questions are taken from a workbook called the Five Wishes which was created by Jim Towey after working closely with Mother Teresa and living in a hospice she ran in Washington DC. He created a short workbook to help people plan ahead in order to cope with the possibility dying from a serious illness. The Five Wishes asks the following:
1) What is your wish for who directs health care decisions
2) What medical treatment do you wish for (or not wish for)
3) What is your wish for comfort and dignity
4) What is you wish for your neighbors to know (or not know)
and how would you like them to treat you
5) What do you wish your loved ones to know
My dad and I had a conversation about this. It is his wish that while in hospice to not to go back to the hospital again; but, if he breaks his leg, that’s a different story and it related to question #2 – what medical treatment do you wish/not wish for. Often when I am told of someone who is ill or in the hospital, I will ask what, if anything, can I announce to the congregation – that is the #4 wish question: what do you want others to know. Similarly, on our prayer list, we have some folks that we pray for by name but do not mention for what it is that we are praying for; others, we mention out loud what they are going through. God knows what it is,
it is simply our role to pray. Likewise, it’s my pastoral role to find out what others should or should not know about someone’s illness.
The last of the wishes – what do you wish your loved ones to know – is something that doesn’t take a 12-page packet, or a visit with a priest, it is something you can ponder and act on today.
If you are interested in the Five Wishes, please visit their website, fivewishes.org. On their site you can purchase the packet and get more information. I do have one copy on my desk if you would like to take a look. Unlike the conventional phrase of being careful for what one wishes for, as your pastor, I’d advise you to consider these five wishes. If you would like to talk more about this, feel free to email, call, Zoom, or sign up for a visit on my calendar in the Gallery table. That’s my wish.
-Fr. Dave
The Second Sacrament
June 17, 2021
Coffee hour at All Angels is back! After a long pandemic-driven hiatus, we are now gathering after the service to catch up with one another and enjoy a treat. Because it follows Holy Communion, Coffee Hour is lightheartedly referred to as the second sacrament of the Church.
There are some Episcopal churches that seem to have more people at Coffee Hour than at the service. That happened to us this past Sunday, when we had a Coffee Hour that celebrated Ethan’s graduation from High School, because many folks from the 8 am service returned to congratulate him. For other churches, the Second Sacrament is brunch after service. Good luck finding a table at a café at 11 am on Sundays in those communities.
In All Angels’ history, before we built the separate church building, the Parish Hall served as sanctuary and fellowship center. From what I have been told, the Altar was on one end of the building and the coffee was on the other. Once the service concluded, Coffee Hour started and it was in the same location. Similarly, Christi and I attended an up-and-coming Episcopal church in Redmond Washington. We were meeting in a secular fellowship hall. It had the same set up as the Parish Hall of All Angels. The chairs we sat on for the service were moved to round tables after the service for refreshments. Later on, when they built a church, they designed the sanctuary to exit directly into the Parish Hall for the second sacrament.
For the past few weeks, we have been offering Coffee Hour outside in our newly remodeled Angel Fountain Courtyard. It has been a huge blessing. We have been enjoying one another’s company while enjoying the renovated outdoor space. We also have had some new folks showing up for church. Having Coffee Hour directly in the exit path of the church has allowed me to fellowship with them and just about everyone else too.
This past Sunday, Ethan’s graduation cake did something that can only happen in Florida – it started melting. I’ve never seen a cake melt. But then again, I’ve never been able to bend a chip until moving here. Melted cake is quite tasty and it was a sign of the high dew point, humidity and temperature of mid-June in SW Florida. For as much as I enjoy Coffee Hour being directly between the church and the parking lot, we have to take it indoors for the summer. Attending church during the pandemic meant walking straight out to one’s car. As such, our church culture of making a left turn and going into the Parish Hall after services has been interrupted. As such, having Coffee Hour front and center, and unavoidable, has been a blessing. But then, with summer starting this Sunday, more than just the cake would melt if we met outside.
I am proposing a change for the summer – let’s offer coffee and treats in the narthex just like we did in our past. We can take our treat and have fellowship in the narthex, or the Gallery, or outdoors. This way, we will be sure to remember to stick around for Coffee Hour, and we will not faint from the heat and humidity. Plus, we can take time to enjoy the art from our Gallery artist, Chris Collins. By the fall, our culture of the Second Sacrament will be in the Parish Hall.
Regardless of where we enjoy fellowship, and how many are able to show up for in-person services, the important thing is that we’re back sharing in Holy Communion and communing with one another.
-Fr. Dave
There are some Episcopal churches that seem to have more people at Coffee Hour than at the service. That happened to us this past Sunday, when we had a Coffee Hour that celebrated Ethan’s graduation from High School, because many folks from the 8 am service returned to congratulate him. For other churches, the Second Sacrament is brunch after service. Good luck finding a table at a café at 11 am on Sundays in those communities.
In All Angels’ history, before we built the separate church building, the Parish Hall served as sanctuary and fellowship center. From what I have been told, the Altar was on one end of the building and the coffee was on the other. Once the service concluded, Coffee Hour started and it was in the same location. Similarly, Christi and I attended an up-and-coming Episcopal church in Redmond Washington. We were meeting in a secular fellowship hall. It had the same set up as the Parish Hall of All Angels. The chairs we sat on for the service were moved to round tables after the service for refreshments. Later on, when they built a church, they designed the sanctuary to exit directly into the Parish Hall for the second sacrament.
For the past few weeks, we have been offering Coffee Hour outside in our newly remodeled Angel Fountain Courtyard. It has been a huge blessing. We have been enjoying one another’s company while enjoying the renovated outdoor space. We also have had some new folks showing up for church. Having Coffee Hour directly in the exit path of the church has allowed me to fellowship with them and just about everyone else too.
This past Sunday, Ethan’s graduation cake did something that can only happen in Florida – it started melting. I’ve never seen a cake melt. But then again, I’ve never been able to bend a chip until moving here. Melted cake is quite tasty and it was a sign of the high dew point, humidity and temperature of mid-June in SW Florida. For as much as I enjoy Coffee Hour being directly between the church and the parking lot, we have to take it indoors for the summer. Attending church during the pandemic meant walking straight out to one’s car. As such, our church culture of making a left turn and going into the Parish Hall after services has been interrupted. As such, having Coffee Hour front and center, and unavoidable, has been a blessing. But then, with summer starting this Sunday, more than just the cake would melt if we met outside.
I am proposing a change for the summer – let’s offer coffee and treats in the narthex just like we did in our past. We can take our treat and have fellowship in the narthex, or the Gallery, or outdoors. This way, we will be sure to remember to stick around for Coffee Hour, and we will not faint from the heat and humidity. Plus, we can take time to enjoy the art from our Gallery artist, Chris Collins. By the fall, our culture of the Second Sacrament will be in the Parish Hall.
Regardless of where we enjoy fellowship, and how many are able to show up for in-person services, the important thing is that we’re back sharing in Holy Communion and communing with one another.
-Fr. Dave
Blessed Be
June 10, 2021
We are in Ordinary Time. You might disagree with that statement based on everything happening in our world; but, according to the Church calendar, we are now in Ordinary Time. Ordinary is the longest season of the Church – it begins after the 50-day season of Easter and ends with the first Sunday of Advent, November 28, this year. The liturgical color is (ordinary) green. The season of Advent and Christmas is anything but ordinary, as is Epiphany, Lent and Easter. Those are extra-ordinary times.
The opening acclamation for the service in Ordinary Time is this:
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The response: And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever, amen.
That opening acclamation, like 98% of the phrases in the Book of Common Prayer, comes from the Bible. Here are the passages that outline that acclamation.
In the book of Ruth (4:14), the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord.”
In the Second book of Samuel (6:8) and mirrored in 1 Chronicles (16:2), David finished making a burnt offering and “he blessed the people in the name of the Lord.”
Psalm 113:2, “Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time on and forevermore.”
Lastly, in the book of Job (1:21), he said, “The Lord gives and takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
The two I would like to compare are from Ruth and Job. In Ruth, the widow, Naomi, got married and became pregnant, which in their day meant raising a child in the memory of her deceased husband. The women around her said, “Blessed be the Lord … God shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age.” In the book of Job, as the story goes, all that Job had was taken from him but instead of cursing God, he said, “God gives and takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Both passages use the “blessed be” phrase but are distinctly different – the women around Naomi name God as restorer and nourisher whereas Job recognizes God as giver and taker.
Job is the oldest book in the Bible. Many theologians believe it predates the Hebrew language. Sufi wisdom believes that all things come from God and all things return to God; which is one way to look at Job’s theological statement of giver and taker. But I am going to take a different approach that blends it more in line with Naomi’s belief. We don’t know the mind of Job; or if he was even a real person or if this is simply a story to imagine how to live as faithful people amid bad things happening to good people; but the story shows that it was the devil who took away everything that Job held dear. At the end of Job’s story, all was restored by God. With Naomi’s faith, we see God as restorer and nourisher not as the-one-who-arbitrarily-takes.
I, however, believe that God does give and take – God takes away our/my individual sin as well as the sin of the world. God takes away fear and gives love and joy and peace. God takes away the sting of death and replaces it with hope and faith. All of those “takings” leave us/me restored and nourished.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
-Fr. Dave
The opening acclamation for the service in Ordinary Time is this:
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The response: And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever, amen.
That opening acclamation, like 98% of the phrases in the Book of Common Prayer, comes from the Bible. Here are the passages that outline that acclamation.
In the book of Ruth (4:14), the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord.”
In the Second book of Samuel (6:8) and mirrored in 1 Chronicles (16:2), David finished making a burnt offering and “he blessed the people in the name of the Lord.”
Psalm 113:2, “Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time on and forevermore.”
Lastly, in the book of Job (1:21), he said, “The Lord gives and takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
The two I would like to compare are from Ruth and Job. In Ruth, the widow, Naomi, got married and became pregnant, which in their day meant raising a child in the memory of her deceased husband. The women around her said, “Blessed be the Lord … God shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age.” In the book of Job, as the story goes, all that Job had was taken from him but instead of cursing God, he said, “God gives and takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Both passages use the “blessed be” phrase but are distinctly different – the women around Naomi name God as restorer and nourisher whereas Job recognizes God as giver and taker.
Job is the oldest book in the Bible. Many theologians believe it predates the Hebrew language. Sufi wisdom believes that all things come from God and all things return to God; which is one way to look at Job’s theological statement of giver and taker. But I am going to take a different approach that blends it more in line with Naomi’s belief. We don’t know the mind of Job; or if he was even a real person or if this is simply a story to imagine how to live as faithful people amid bad things happening to good people; but the story shows that it was the devil who took away everything that Job held dear. At the end of Job’s story, all was restored by God. With Naomi’s faith, we see God as restorer and nourisher not as the-one-who-arbitrarily-takes.
I, however, believe that God does give and take – God takes away our/my individual sin as well as the sin of the world. God takes away fear and gives love and joy and peace. God takes away the sting of death and replaces it with hope and faith. All of those “takings” leave us/me restored and nourished.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
-Fr. Dave
Worry Not
June 3, 2021
Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life?
- Jesus, as quoted by Matthew 6:27
Cast all your anxiety on God because he cares for you.
- St. Peter, as quoted in 1 Peter 5:7
In a New Testament theology class, we were told pay attention to when Jesus asks a question. In fact, our professor told us to underline Jesus’ questions in order to heed them. In the Rabbinic style of teaching, during the New Testament era, questions were often rhetorical. In today’s language, they have often been interpreted as a statement. My professor warned us not to fall into the trap of thinking it simply is a statement but rather to explore Jesus’ question in your heart.
My Christology (belief about Jesus) says that Jesus can read what is on someone’s heart and to read someone’s mind. The line used in the Gospels goes like this: He perceived what they [the people] were thinking. With that insight, Jesus asks probing questions; not for his benefit because he already knows the answer, but so that we can take a deeper look at ourselves. Here is his question: “Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life?” He is asking to see who will honestly evaluate themselves and to say inwardly, “Yep, that’s me; I think I can add time to my life by worrying.”
If Jesus asked for a show of hands to see who believes that worrying adds to life, would you raise your hand? I sure would. In the business world, it is a well-known fact that you grow what you track – sales, performance, customer service, product quality, new markets, etc. You grow what you track; too often, however, I confuse “track” with “worry”. In the realm of successful aging, worrying is actually shown to be an unsuccessful strategy to live a happy retired life. Should one track one’s investments, monthly spending, eating habits and exercise routines, of course. Should one worry about such things? Jesus would say “no”.
I think (Saint) Peter was a worrier. He always seemed to jump to conclusions, be the first to raise a concern or complaint, and to quickly dismiss anything that didn’t fit within his world view. There are times that Jesus would take Peter off by himself. We don’t know what they talked about but I imagine he was telling Peter to not worry. In the first letter attributed to Peter, he writes that we are to cast all our worries on to God. Why? Because God cares for us. Imagine that – in God’s kingdom, caring for humans is to carry their worries. I also appreciate that the retired fisherman is telling us to “cast” our worries on God. Like gripping the hard cords of a fishing net and throwing it off your boat, Peter is inviting us to do the same with our anxieties.
If you raised your hand earlier about being a worrier, and you’d like to try a different way of thinking, here’s a prayer that I pray:
Almighty God, I take my worries that have ahold of me like a fisherman’s net and I cast them into your deep sea. I give you every anxiety, every worry, fear, and concern and cast them to you because you love me and because I can’t carry them anymore.
Dear God, take them, they are yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
-Fr. Dave
- Jesus, as quoted by Matthew 6:27
Cast all your anxiety on God because he cares for you.
- St. Peter, as quoted in 1 Peter 5:7
In a New Testament theology class, we were told pay attention to when Jesus asks a question. In fact, our professor told us to underline Jesus’ questions in order to heed them. In the Rabbinic style of teaching, during the New Testament era, questions were often rhetorical. In today’s language, they have often been interpreted as a statement. My professor warned us not to fall into the trap of thinking it simply is a statement but rather to explore Jesus’ question in your heart.
My Christology (belief about Jesus) says that Jesus can read what is on someone’s heart and to read someone’s mind. The line used in the Gospels goes like this: He perceived what they [the people] were thinking. With that insight, Jesus asks probing questions; not for his benefit because he already knows the answer, but so that we can take a deeper look at ourselves. Here is his question: “Who among you by worrying can add a single moment to your life?” He is asking to see who will honestly evaluate themselves and to say inwardly, “Yep, that’s me; I think I can add time to my life by worrying.”
If Jesus asked for a show of hands to see who believes that worrying adds to life, would you raise your hand? I sure would. In the business world, it is a well-known fact that you grow what you track – sales, performance, customer service, product quality, new markets, etc. You grow what you track; too often, however, I confuse “track” with “worry”. In the realm of successful aging, worrying is actually shown to be an unsuccessful strategy to live a happy retired life. Should one track one’s investments, monthly spending, eating habits and exercise routines, of course. Should one worry about such things? Jesus would say “no”.
I think (Saint) Peter was a worrier. He always seemed to jump to conclusions, be the first to raise a concern or complaint, and to quickly dismiss anything that didn’t fit within his world view. There are times that Jesus would take Peter off by himself. We don’t know what they talked about but I imagine he was telling Peter to not worry. In the first letter attributed to Peter, he writes that we are to cast all our worries on to God. Why? Because God cares for us. Imagine that – in God’s kingdom, caring for humans is to carry their worries. I also appreciate that the retired fisherman is telling us to “cast” our worries on God. Like gripping the hard cords of a fishing net and throwing it off your boat, Peter is inviting us to do the same with our anxieties.
If you raised your hand earlier about being a worrier, and you’d like to try a different way of thinking, here’s a prayer that I pray:
Almighty God, I take my worries that have ahold of me like a fisherman’s net and I cast them into your deep sea. I give you every anxiety, every worry, fear, and concern and cast them to you because you love me and because I can’t carry them anymore.
Dear God, take them, they are yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
-Fr. Dave
Painting Parable
May 27, 2021
There’s an old joke about a parsonage and a paint job. It goes like this: a painting contractor saved money by thinning the paint for the parsonage with turpentine. After painting the house, he stood back to admire his work. Suddenly a dark cloud formed over the parsonage and thunderstorm washed away his paint. He looked up to the sky and said, “Oh God, what should I do?!” The answer came back, “Repaint, repaint and thin no more.”
Two weekends ago, I found myself painting the tile roof of our house. I thought of that joke because the paint I used was expensive and it took six very heavy 5-gallon buckets. The directions clearly stated there will be no thinning of the paint; but, I must admit that I thought about it.
Why paint the roof you may ask? Although it is not leaking, the roof is nearing 30 years old. The original white coating on the tile is flaking off which can cause clogs at the downspouts and, during heavy rains, it peppers the grass, driveway and the hood of my car. Tile is not waterproof but the tar coating underneath it is. The tile protects the tar from the heat of the sun. The paint I applied is the consistency of mud and it is an ultra-white acrylic elastomeric fiber-reinforced roof sealer which does three things – reflects sunlight which keeps the roof cooler, extends the life of the tar undercoating, and prevents water from leaking onto the undercoating. I am pleased to report that we have noticed a difference with our air conditioner in that it does not turn on until much later in the afternoon.
The theological lesson I originally thought of while painting was of stewardship – caring for that which we have been blessed. It reminded me of how during the pandemic we have cared for our facility and improved it. But, there is more to it.
I finished painting the southside of the roof and after a week-long break,
I resumed painting the north, east and west sides. Walking on the tile is a little tricky. Each tile moves slightly when stepped on – like a rickety rock on a river bed; if the river bed was on a 35-degree angle and any slip could cause one to slide off. Suffice it to say, I had to step carefully. However, when I stepped onto the newly painted south side, the tiles didn’t click back and forth, they were solid. The elastomeric fiber-reinforced roof sealer connected each individual tile so that the roof had become one. Just to make sure I wasn’t imagining something, I stepped onto the unpainted section and then back on to the painted section and sure enough, there was a difference, it all held together.
I now have a roof painting parable which goes like this: the Holy Spirit is like elastomeric fiber-reinforced roof sealer, which, when applied to the surface, it makes many tiles one. Like roof tile and paint, although we are many, when the Spirit is applied, we become one. The rain and sun of life can beat down but with the Spirit we can repel what comes our way and remain as one.
-Fr. Dave
Two weekends ago, I found myself painting the tile roof of our house. I thought of that joke because the paint I used was expensive and it took six very heavy 5-gallon buckets. The directions clearly stated there will be no thinning of the paint; but, I must admit that I thought about it.
Why paint the roof you may ask? Although it is not leaking, the roof is nearing 30 years old. The original white coating on the tile is flaking off which can cause clogs at the downspouts and, during heavy rains, it peppers the grass, driveway and the hood of my car. Tile is not waterproof but the tar coating underneath it is. The tile protects the tar from the heat of the sun. The paint I applied is the consistency of mud and it is an ultra-white acrylic elastomeric fiber-reinforced roof sealer which does three things – reflects sunlight which keeps the roof cooler, extends the life of the tar undercoating, and prevents water from leaking onto the undercoating. I am pleased to report that we have noticed a difference with our air conditioner in that it does not turn on until much later in the afternoon.
The theological lesson I originally thought of while painting was of stewardship – caring for that which we have been blessed. It reminded me of how during the pandemic we have cared for our facility and improved it. But, there is more to it.
I finished painting the southside of the roof and after a week-long break,
I resumed painting the north, east and west sides. Walking on the tile is a little tricky. Each tile moves slightly when stepped on – like a rickety rock on a river bed; if the river bed was on a 35-degree angle and any slip could cause one to slide off. Suffice it to say, I had to step carefully. However, when I stepped onto the newly painted south side, the tiles didn’t click back and forth, they were solid. The elastomeric fiber-reinforced roof sealer connected each individual tile so that the roof had become one. Just to make sure I wasn’t imagining something, I stepped onto the unpainted section and then back on to the painted section and sure enough, there was a difference, it all held together.
I now have a roof painting parable which goes like this: the Holy Spirit is like elastomeric fiber-reinforced roof sealer, which, when applied to the surface, it makes many tiles one. Like roof tile and paint, although we are many, when the Spirit is applied, we become one. The rain and sun of life can beat down but with the Spirit we can repel what comes our way and remain as one.
-Fr. Dave
Man of Steel
May 20, 2021
My dad is a combination of Mr. Rogers (of PBS fame) and of the Man of Steel - Superman. The Mr. Rogers nickname came from his high school biology students. He often wore cardigans which made him look like Fred Rogers; but, it was temperance that earned him the nick name. Dad could calm students down with his steadying demeanor and voice. In Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, children were allowed to be children – to play, to share, get angry, to repent and be forgiven. Mr. Rogers invited all into his neighborhood to learn a good path to live. Dad taught those same lessons in his classroom for 25 years and then in the Christian bookstore he and mom owned for more than two decades. Now in retirement, and in his final months on earth, he is still showing the good path and many are learning because they are spending time in Dad’s neighborhood.
Twenty years ago, and no longer a spring chicken, Dad joined a boxing club in Seattle. He had the common sense not to spar with fighters in the ring, but plenty of punching bags fear him. He exchanged jogging for in-line skating to save his knees which, alas, are not made of steel. He doesn’t like fast food or drinking soda, he eats very little meat, prefers raw vegetables and organic, plant-based sources of protein. As a child, I was playing with an old baking mixer and somehow got my fingers caught in the blades. I ran to him to show that my hands were stuck. He dropped what he was doing and bent the blades apart with his bare hands in a true display of steel versus steel in which he prevailed. He chopped cords of wood, could always remove the toughest bolt, carry the heaviest load of books, lift a transmission, and move whatever piece of furniture anyone needed moving. One day my friend Chris and I were chopping wood in the backyard. Dad came home, saw what we were doing, and followed along with his heavier axe. Chris, to this day, remembers dad splitting the knotty wood like it was styrofoam. Dad converted two cars from gas engines to electric motors; he learned to weld and became an electrical engineer in the process.
Here is one story of which I am not particularly proud but it shows how he is both Mr. Rogers and a Man of Steel. One day during my high school career, the angry boyfriend of a female friend of mine showed up on the doorstep of our home. My perception then and now is that he misunderstood a note I had written to my female friend. Nonetheless, his eyes were blazing and he was intent on revenge with that high school macho self-righteousness we all know about. Dad talked to him on the porch, calmed him down, and sent him away. Later on, my female friend said that her boyfriend thought was dad was pretty cool and to tell him “hi” next time she sees him. Dad was my defender and calmer of angry spirits. Thinking of Dad has helped me keep my cool in difficult situations.
Dad worked at the crosstown rival High School. In my senior year, we invited his High School to one of our dances. Unfortunately, members of the football team bumped into each other on the dance floor. They took it outside and Dad followed. Two students were arguing, well on their way to something more serious. Dad stepped in between them and told them to calm down. Someone from behind pushed one student into the other which knocked Dad down. He bounced back up, held both football players apart and told everyone to go back inside, which they did. Dad: defender, teacher, calmer and protector.
Dad had kidney cancer in 1986. A surgeon removed the diseased kidney and Dad kept on going. Over a decade ago he was afflicted with thyroid cancer. The doctors removed his thyroid and he kept on going. Eight years ago, we found out he has lung cancer which was behaving itself and not growing. Four years ago, the kidney cancer returned, this time in his lungs. Dad took kidney cancer chemotherapy which worked for a couple of years. But, the overachieving cancer became resistant. He switched to immunotherapy which uses the body’s own immune system to attack the cancer. He was told this new treatment has two paths – either it will fail and he will be dead in six months or it will work and he will go into remission. Dad, the life-long Episcopalian, has found a middle way: the cancer is not growing but it is not shrinking. The therapy “juices” his immune system like a flu vaccine. But, unlike the flu shot, the feeling doesn’t pass. Kidney cancer is irritating to his lungs. He is on pain medication because of the discomfort in his chest cavity. His active lifestyle has been diminished so that it takes energy to walk down the hallway and, an avid reader, he finds it difficult to stay awake to read. In other, words, the boxing, jump roping, in-line skating, box-of-books carrying man had changed. He is still dad; kind, thoughtful, compassionate and highly intelligent. But physically, the change has been dramatic in a way that I can only explain tearfully. After much prayer and discussion with Mom, Dad has decided that it is time to end the immunotherapy and to bring hospice into his home. He has three to six months.
Dad is still the Man of Steel/Mr. Rogers. Dad’s steeliness comes from a faith that shapes his ethics. He truly endeavors to love God with all his heart and to love his neighbor as himself. Even when his lungs are being squished by excess fluid and cancerous growth, he fills himself with love for God and God’s creation and creatures. In fact, through these tears, I can witness to you that I’ve never seen my dad stronger then when he told Christi, my brother, and me that he is ending his treatment. His bravery for taking each day as it comes, his insistence to care for mom, and all of us, with each labored breath, shows his steeliness. He is at his strongest when he allows others in his neighborhood to care for him.
On-lookers of the crucifixion, asked Jesus and his followers, “Where is your God?” Jesus gave up his last breath for others with this: “Father, forgive them.” Dad is following Jesus by using what will be his last breaths in this life to care for others as he has always done. So, “Where is my God?” I see God through Dad’s conviction and faith, through Dad’s concern for others even when by all rights he should be concerned about himself. That is truly the Man of Steel I know and emulate in order to show my children and the people I pastor how to follow Jesus. Dad, the teacher, is showing how to live in grace and peace with a terminal illness. Like Mr. Rogers and Jesus, Dad is teaching us that all are lovable, capable and are welcome in His neighborhood.
-Fr. Dave
Twenty years ago, and no longer a spring chicken, Dad joined a boxing club in Seattle. He had the common sense not to spar with fighters in the ring, but plenty of punching bags fear him. He exchanged jogging for in-line skating to save his knees which, alas, are not made of steel. He doesn’t like fast food or drinking soda, he eats very little meat, prefers raw vegetables and organic, plant-based sources of protein. As a child, I was playing with an old baking mixer and somehow got my fingers caught in the blades. I ran to him to show that my hands were stuck. He dropped what he was doing and bent the blades apart with his bare hands in a true display of steel versus steel in which he prevailed. He chopped cords of wood, could always remove the toughest bolt, carry the heaviest load of books, lift a transmission, and move whatever piece of furniture anyone needed moving. One day my friend Chris and I were chopping wood in the backyard. Dad came home, saw what we were doing, and followed along with his heavier axe. Chris, to this day, remembers dad splitting the knotty wood like it was styrofoam. Dad converted two cars from gas engines to electric motors; he learned to weld and became an electrical engineer in the process.
Here is one story of which I am not particularly proud but it shows how he is both Mr. Rogers and a Man of Steel. One day during my high school career, the angry boyfriend of a female friend of mine showed up on the doorstep of our home. My perception then and now is that he misunderstood a note I had written to my female friend. Nonetheless, his eyes were blazing and he was intent on revenge with that high school macho self-righteousness we all know about. Dad talked to him on the porch, calmed him down, and sent him away. Later on, my female friend said that her boyfriend thought was dad was pretty cool and to tell him “hi” next time she sees him. Dad was my defender and calmer of angry spirits. Thinking of Dad has helped me keep my cool in difficult situations.
Dad worked at the crosstown rival High School. In my senior year, we invited his High School to one of our dances. Unfortunately, members of the football team bumped into each other on the dance floor. They took it outside and Dad followed. Two students were arguing, well on their way to something more serious. Dad stepped in between them and told them to calm down. Someone from behind pushed one student into the other which knocked Dad down. He bounced back up, held both football players apart and told everyone to go back inside, which they did. Dad: defender, teacher, calmer and protector.
Dad had kidney cancer in 1986. A surgeon removed the diseased kidney and Dad kept on going. Over a decade ago he was afflicted with thyroid cancer. The doctors removed his thyroid and he kept on going. Eight years ago, we found out he has lung cancer which was behaving itself and not growing. Four years ago, the kidney cancer returned, this time in his lungs. Dad took kidney cancer chemotherapy which worked for a couple of years. But, the overachieving cancer became resistant. He switched to immunotherapy which uses the body’s own immune system to attack the cancer. He was told this new treatment has two paths – either it will fail and he will be dead in six months or it will work and he will go into remission. Dad, the life-long Episcopalian, has found a middle way: the cancer is not growing but it is not shrinking. The therapy “juices” his immune system like a flu vaccine. But, unlike the flu shot, the feeling doesn’t pass. Kidney cancer is irritating to his lungs. He is on pain medication because of the discomfort in his chest cavity. His active lifestyle has been diminished so that it takes energy to walk down the hallway and, an avid reader, he finds it difficult to stay awake to read. In other, words, the boxing, jump roping, in-line skating, box-of-books carrying man had changed. He is still dad; kind, thoughtful, compassionate and highly intelligent. But physically, the change has been dramatic in a way that I can only explain tearfully. After much prayer and discussion with Mom, Dad has decided that it is time to end the immunotherapy and to bring hospice into his home. He has three to six months.
Dad is still the Man of Steel/Mr. Rogers. Dad’s steeliness comes from a faith that shapes his ethics. He truly endeavors to love God with all his heart and to love his neighbor as himself. Even when his lungs are being squished by excess fluid and cancerous growth, he fills himself with love for God and God’s creation and creatures. In fact, through these tears, I can witness to you that I’ve never seen my dad stronger then when he told Christi, my brother, and me that he is ending his treatment. His bravery for taking each day as it comes, his insistence to care for mom, and all of us, with each labored breath, shows his steeliness. He is at his strongest when he allows others in his neighborhood to care for him.
On-lookers of the crucifixion, asked Jesus and his followers, “Where is your God?” Jesus gave up his last breath for others with this: “Father, forgive them.” Dad is following Jesus by using what will be his last breaths in this life to care for others as he has always done. So, “Where is my God?” I see God through Dad’s conviction and faith, through Dad’s concern for others even when by all rights he should be concerned about himself. That is truly the Man of Steel I know and emulate in order to show my children and the people I pastor how to follow Jesus. Dad, the teacher, is showing how to live in grace and peace with a terminal illness. Like Mr. Rogers and Jesus, Dad is teaching us that all are lovable, capable and are welcome in His neighborhood.
-Fr. Dave
Happier Widow
May 13, 2021
The Women’s Discussion Group on Thursday discussed an article written by a widow for widows. The group quickly pointed out that the article is not just for widows; it could be for widowers, for people who will be widows someday, for people who have been through a divorce and for anyone who has experienced grief and depression that follows.
The author, Kim Murry, wrote that the only person who can make you happy is you. It’s both the good news and the bad news. Happiness cannot and will not come from exterior sources – boyfriends, girlfriends, a workaholic lifestyle, gambling, tech gadgets, fast cars, the internet, alcohol or pills. The only person who can make you happy is you. The next step is the decision to be happy. Since no one else; and no pill or exterior stimuli; can make you happy, it all starts with you making a decision to be happy – a happier widow, a happier divorcee, a happier grief-stricken person. From that one decision comes a cascading effect of life changes.
The choice to be happy is made by helping others, making health a priority, and knowing your worth. Scientists has studied the benefits of helping others and have determined it will reduce the risk of hypertension, give you a sense of purpose, it will help prevent dementia, and will counteract the effects of stress, anxiety and anger. Helping others can be a variety of different things and can be done once a day, or week or month, for hours or just for ten minutes. The point is to make a decision to do something that helps someone else and then to do it. There will be days when you don’t want to and that’s okay. But, make a decision next time to get up and do it. And, if the activity leaves you feeling burdened or drained, find something else.
The only one who can make you a heathier person is you. Like happiness, you have to make the decision to eat healthier and get up and move around. It doesn’t have to be 6 am yoga on the beach or Pilates; it could be walking around the block; the point is any movement helps a lot.
You are worth it. Being a widow, or divorcee, or grief-stricken doesn’t mean you are broken, or damaged goods, or worthless, or a has-been. It means, simply, that you have gone through, or are going through, a terrible time. But, the horrible time you are in doesn’t factor in to your worthiness. The author points out that if you feel worthy, making the decision to be happier is easier. And, if you make choices – help others and focus on your health – to be happier, you will feel more worth it too. Here are some ways to live into your worth: practice self-care (no one will do it for you), commit to yourself first before committing to others, say “no” when something doesn’t serve you or burdens you, stand up for yourself (no one will do it for you), love yourself no matter what.
The Church wouldn’t be the Church if not for widows and grief-stricken people who decided to make changes in their life. Within the first few years of the early church, widows took the apostles in and had worship services in their homes and courtyards. The Way (what Christianity was originally called) provided an avenue of helping others, restoring one’s worth through baptism and receiving communion, and praying for one another’s health. That was the foundation of the Church. It reminds me of the old church hymn, I have decided to follow Jesus. It all comes down to a decision that no one can make but you.
-Fr. Dave
The author, Kim Murry, wrote that the only person who can make you happy is you. It’s both the good news and the bad news. Happiness cannot and will not come from exterior sources – boyfriends, girlfriends, a workaholic lifestyle, gambling, tech gadgets, fast cars, the internet, alcohol or pills. The only person who can make you happy is you. The next step is the decision to be happy. Since no one else; and no pill or exterior stimuli; can make you happy, it all starts with you making a decision to be happy – a happier widow, a happier divorcee, a happier grief-stricken person. From that one decision comes a cascading effect of life changes.
The choice to be happy is made by helping others, making health a priority, and knowing your worth. Scientists has studied the benefits of helping others and have determined it will reduce the risk of hypertension, give you a sense of purpose, it will help prevent dementia, and will counteract the effects of stress, anxiety and anger. Helping others can be a variety of different things and can be done once a day, or week or month, for hours or just for ten minutes. The point is to make a decision to do something that helps someone else and then to do it. There will be days when you don’t want to and that’s okay. But, make a decision next time to get up and do it. And, if the activity leaves you feeling burdened or drained, find something else.
The only one who can make you a heathier person is you. Like happiness, you have to make the decision to eat healthier and get up and move around. It doesn’t have to be 6 am yoga on the beach or Pilates; it could be walking around the block; the point is any movement helps a lot.
You are worth it. Being a widow, or divorcee, or grief-stricken doesn’t mean you are broken, or damaged goods, or worthless, or a has-been. It means, simply, that you have gone through, or are going through, a terrible time. But, the horrible time you are in doesn’t factor in to your worthiness. The author points out that if you feel worthy, making the decision to be happier is easier. And, if you make choices – help others and focus on your health – to be happier, you will feel more worth it too. Here are some ways to live into your worth: practice self-care (no one will do it for you), commit to yourself first before committing to others, say “no” when something doesn’t serve you or burdens you, stand up for yourself (no one will do it for you), love yourself no matter what.
The Church wouldn’t be the Church if not for widows and grief-stricken people who decided to make changes in their life. Within the first few years of the early church, widows took the apostles in and had worship services in their homes and courtyards. The Way (what Christianity was originally called) provided an avenue of helping others, restoring one’s worth through baptism and receiving communion, and praying for one another’s health. That was the foundation of the Church. It reminds me of the old church hymn, I have decided to follow Jesus. It all comes down to a decision that no one can make but you.
-Fr. Dave
Compensation
May 6, 2021
The discussion group topic this week was about successful aging. There is no set standard for what “successful” aging is; rather, it is up to each individual to define what successful aging is. Nevertheless, various experts have tried to define it. Dr. Rick Machemer outlined a six-point matrix that attempts to quantify “successful” but, as he pointed out, it really comes down to one’s own expectations. It makes me wonder what your expectations are for successful aging? How would you define it, and, are you living into those expectations?
For some, successful aging involves traveling, spending time with loved ones, watching live performances, and dining out. One of the hardest parts of the pandemic is not being able to do those things. It makes me wonder if there has been a lost sense of successful aging over the past year and a half.
One of the six points of successful aging is compensation – and no, it’s not about being paid to age. Reading glasses are a compensation. There is a whole golf club industry that compensate for one’s swing as we age so that the sport remains enjoyable. For some, compensation is cataract surgery, hearing aids, or a hip replacement, or, for me, large print books. Another way to look at compensation is like this: when moving to Bradenton, we bought a single-story house because we believe one day stairs will become less comfortable to manage.
Hand-in-hand with compensation is daily choices. Roughly 20% of successful aging has to do with genetics; 80% is environmental – as in daily choices made over a lifetime. Whether it is going to the gym, stretching at home, eating less, going for a walk, deep breathing exercises, all of these are daily choices made for successful aging. The flip side is that each lapse one takes from a daily activity, the less successful the aging process may be for that individual. Research shows that family/friend groups play a part in the environmental aging process. Tennis groups, golf associations, book clubs, churches, family dinners – these are all sources of role modeling for aging and also accountability in aging.
One aspect of spirituality and aging is compensation from God. Again, God is not paying one to age, but, I have noticed that starting around the age 10, I have become increasingly more dependent upon God. A friend of mine who is a deacon found that his legs did a lot of spiritual work early in his vocation. However, as his legs have gotten older, God is compensating with him through prayer in action and asking/motivating others to do the walking. Like how I depend upon reading glasses to read, I think that successful aging has a component of compensation from God in the form of dependence. This is dependence captured in the healing prayer in the Book of Common prayer, “Sanctify, O Lord, the sickness of your servant, that the sense of his/her weakness may add strength to her faith, seriousness to her repentance, and assurance of everlasting life with you.”
Now that is what I call successful aging.
-Fr. Dave
For some, successful aging involves traveling, spending time with loved ones, watching live performances, and dining out. One of the hardest parts of the pandemic is not being able to do those things. It makes me wonder if there has been a lost sense of successful aging over the past year and a half.
One of the six points of successful aging is compensation – and no, it’s not about being paid to age. Reading glasses are a compensation. There is a whole golf club industry that compensate for one’s swing as we age so that the sport remains enjoyable. For some, compensation is cataract surgery, hearing aids, or a hip replacement, or, for me, large print books. Another way to look at compensation is like this: when moving to Bradenton, we bought a single-story house because we believe one day stairs will become less comfortable to manage.
Hand-in-hand with compensation is daily choices. Roughly 20% of successful aging has to do with genetics; 80% is environmental – as in daily choices made over a lifetime. Whether it is going to the gym, stretching at home, eating less, going for a walk, deep breathing exercises, all of these are daily choices made for successful aging. The flip side is that each lapse one takes from a daily activity, the less successful the aging process may be for that individual. Research shows that family/friend groups play a part in the environmental aging process. Tennis groups, golf associations, book clubs, churches, family dinners – these are all sources of role modeling for aging and also accountability in aging.
One aspect of spirituality and aging is compensation from God. Again, God is not paying one to age, but, I have noticed that starting around the age 10, I have become increasingly more dependent upon God. A friend of mine who is a deacon found that his legs did a lot of spiritual work early in his vocation. However, as his legs have gotten older, God is compensating with him through prayer in action and asking/motivating others to do the walking. Like how I depend upon reading glasses to read, I think that successful aging has a component of compensation from God in the form of dependence. This is dependence captured in the healing prayer in the Book of Common prayer, “Sanctify, O Lord, the sickness of your servant, that the sense of his/her weakness may add strength to her faith, seriousness to her repentance, and assurance of everlasting life with you.”
Now that is what I call successful aging.
-Fr. Dave
Music
April 29, 2021
This past Tuesday, Ethan and Elijah performed in Bradenton Christian School’s spring band concert. It was a wonderful performance that six months ago we didn’t know if it was going to happen. This school year, Elijah learned to play the trombone on-line with the other 5th graders for the first quarter and then joined in person. Ethan, who has been playing the clarinet since 5th grade, decided to pick up the baritone saxophone. He too started learning it on-line and then, in the 2nd quarter, joined in-person band. They both, and the whole school, did a great job.
It was an exciting performance and a little bittersweet. At BCS, music begins in 5th grade and runs through the 12th. As such, the 5th graders and the 12th graders performed on the same night. This was the last time our boys would perform music on the same night for the same institution.
In between performances, when the stage was being rearranged for the next group, there were presenters who talked about the spirituality of music and the importance of academic excellence and brain development associated with learning an instrument. I found the presentations interesting because in my public High School we didn’t have to defend or underscore the importance of music. I suppose it is a sign of the times – parents are concerned about pre-collegiate scores and frankly, sports scores. I imagine that focus leaves music on the periphery. But that is not how it is with God.
In the beginning, God creating the heavens and the earth. That is the opening line to the Bible. My favorite Jewish rendition of that passage is this, “When God sang creation into being.” In Jewish rites, music, and in particular, singing, is more important than the spoken word. Likewise, in the Anglican rite, we value music.
God sang creation – you may have heard of the recording of the big bang; it sounds like an intergalactic show tune. That music is still reverberating around the universe like a never-ending song. After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea on dry land, Moses and Miriam sang a song of triumph and praise. At the wedding in Cana of Galilee, when Jesus turned water into wine, there was singing. Undoubtedly Jesus sang too. Likewise, at the Last Supper, before heading out into the night, the disciples and Jesus and the women and children at the meal all sang songs. The Book of Revelation shows the choir in heaven where there is great singing and rejoicing. In nature, we know of the song birds, of whale songs, of crickets and the roar of lions. Creation certainly is alive with the sound of music! Even in our quiet moments, like the peaceful silence at our 8 a.m. service, silence is music of its own kind.
This Sunday is our first Sunday with our new organ. It also is the first time the choir has sang indoors since February 2020. It will be a celebration of hymnody and of song. And, like at BCS where children (of God) make music together, the children of God gathered at All Angels will continue in the rich tradition of creation and music.
-Fr. Dave
It was an exciting performance and a little bittersweet. At BCS, music begins in 5th grade and runs through the 12th. As such, the 5th graders and the 12th graders performed on the same night. This was the last time our boys would perform music on the same night for the same institution.
In between performances, when the stage was being rearranged for the next group, there were presenters who talked about the spirituality of music and the importance of academic excellence and brain development associated with learning an instrument. I found the presentations interesting because in my public High School we didn’t have to defend or underscore the importance of music. I suppose it is a sign of the times – parents are concerned about pre-collegiate scores and frankly, sports scores. I imagine that focus leaves music on the periphery. But that is not how it is with God.
In the beginning, God creating the heavens and the earth. That is the opening line to the Bible. My favorite Jewish rendition of that passage is this, “When God sang creation into being.” In Jewish rites, music, and in particular, singing, is more important than the spoken word. Likewise, in the Anglican rite, we value music.
God sang creation – you may have heard of the recording of the big bang; it sounds like an intergalactic show tune. That music is still reverberating around the universe like a never-ending song. After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea on dry land, Moses and Miriam sang a song of triumph and praise. At the wedding in Cana of Galilee, when Jesus turned water into wine, there was singing. Undoubtedly Jesus sang too. Likewise, at the Last Supper, before heading out into the night, the disciples and Jesus and the women and children at the meal all sang songs. The Book of Revelation shows the choir in heaven where there is great singing and rejoicing. In nature, we know of the song birds, of whale songs, of crickets and the roar of lions. Creation certainly is alive with the sound of music! Even in our quiet moments, like the peaceful silence at our 8 a.m. service, silence is music of its own kind.
This Sunday is our first Sunday with our new organ. It also is the first time the choir has sang indoors since February 2020. It will be a celebration of hymnody and of song. And, like at BCS where children (of God) make music together, the children of God gathered at All Angels will continue in the rich tradition of creation and music.
-Fr. Dave
The Holy Wave
April 22, 2021
There is a new behavior I am seeing on television and on my computer screen. For lack of a better term, I am calling it the Zoom wave. As you may have seen, more and more television news teams are using Zoom and Skype as a way to talk with correspondents or other experts in the field. In the old days, 2019, there used to be a camera operator and a producer at each location. They would radio or call the station to let them know they are set up and ready for their individual broadcast. Then, the anchor would “send it over” to the remote. Nowadays, the camera operator and the producer are rolled into one as a digital device on someone’s computer or phone. To signal to the anchor’s desk that the remote is ready, they do a simple wave. This action is mirrored in most Zoom meetings that I am a part of. The Zoom app connects the video stream first and then connects the audio. In that in-between time, the person on Zoom waves a hello to the group before their audio is connected. In our diocesan clergy Zoom meetings, where we have over 100 participants, our audio remains muted so all we have is the wave to say hello.
The wave has spilled out into other aspects of life. I recently have met with various contractors who have performed a number of construction services at All Angels – cement, railings, tile, roof, organ, etc. In days-gone-by (again, 2019), we would all shake hands. Nowadays, we wave to each other to recognize one another. You know what a “golf clap” is; this new form of saying hello is more like a “golf wave” – a simple, understated gesture that gets the point across. After all, it would look out of place if one were to wave at another with the same type of wave used to get someone’s attention at a ball game or in a darkened theater before the performance starts. The Zoom wave is a simple golf wave to say hello.
One of my favorite trends is what I call the holy wave which is this: someone walks into the church, turns around, smiles and waves at the camera. Somewhere along the line, it has been communicated that a parishioner is watching on-line and another parishioner is in-person and the person in the church wishes to say hello to the person on-line so they wave. It warms my heart each time I see it. A simple, holy gesture to say hello, I see you, and, from what I imagine, a gesture to say you are here with me and I am with you.
Believe it or not, there are holy waves captured in Scripture. At the end of most of Paul’s letters, he sends greetings from people to other people. It’s a simply holy wave of sorts. Likewise, Luke in his Gospel as well as the Book of Acts, begins each tome with a holy wave to someone, or a group of someones, known only as “Theophilus” which most likely means “beloved”. If Luke were writing in the 21st Century, or, if St. Paul were to walk into All Angels to speak, I imagine they would also turn to the camera and offer a holy wave. So, let us do the same and offer a holy wave to one another.
-Fr. Dave
The wave has spilled out into other aspects of life. I recently have met with various contractors who have performed a number of construction services at All Angels – cement, railings, tile, roof, organ, etc. In days-gone-by (again, 2019), we would all shake hands. Nowadays, we wave to each other to recognize one another. You know what a “golf clap” is; this new form of saying hello is more like a “golf wave” – a simple, understated gesture that gets the point across. After all, it would look out of place if one were to wave at another with the same type of wave used to get someone’s attention at a ball game or in a darkened theater before the performance starts. The Zoom wave is a simple golf wave to say hello.
One of my favorite trends is what I call the holy wave which is this: someone walks into the church, turns around, smiles and waves at the camera. Somewhere along the line, it has been communicated that a parishioner is watching on-line and another parishioner is in-person and the person in the church wishes to say hello to the person on-line so they wave. It warms my heart each time I see it. A simple, holy gesture to say hello, I see you, and, from what I imagine, a gesture to say you are here with me and I am with you.
Believe it or not, there are holy waves captured in Scripture. At the end of most of Paul’s letters, he sends greetings from people to other people. It’s a simply holy wave of sorts. Likewise, Luke in his Gospel as well as the Book of Acts, begins each tome with a holy wave to someone, or a group of someones, known only as “Theophilus” which most likely means “beloved”. If Luke were writing in the 21st Century, or, if St. Paul were to walk into All Angels to speak, I imagine they would also turn to the camera and offer a holy wave. So, let us do the same and offer a holy wave to one another.
-Fr. Dave
Indebtedness
April 15, 2021
Since the passing of Alex Trebek, the game show, Jeopardy, has been searching for a new host. I admire the former host for many reasons but the most prominent is the way he handled his cancer, his career, and his death. He could have hidden it, retired, or both; instead, he walked all of us through his journey. It can be said that he took his cancer as an opportunity for greatness.
The discussion topic for this past week was an article written by Tamara Mann Tweel about Rabbi Heschel’s approach to aging. The Rabbi addressed a White House conference on aging and said, “The problem of aging is more than a material wellbeing, it is the agony of spiritual insecurity, boredom, fear and loneliness, and the sense of being useless.” That last part reminds me of psalm 31 which we recite every Good Friday, “I am as useless as a broken pot.” Every generation that has read that passage understands its meaning – the feeling of being useless. I wonder if Alex Trebek ever felt that way.
Rabbi Heschel suggested that people live by a sense of belonging and a sense of indebtedness. To live, in a Jewish sense, as far as I understand it, is both belonging – like in a family, in a community, as a nation – and being indebted to not only that family but also to the earth and its structures and easements. Jesus took it a step farther when he said to pray for one’s enemies. That is truly an indebtedness!
Native American spirituality, as I understand it, is to be indebted to the animal that gave up its life to be food. The thanksgiving prayer over the deer and over the rest of the meal is be thankful and to offer one’s life as indebtedness to the earth and all her creatures. Another way to look at it is how the chef is indebted to the diner and the diner to the chef; like the train to the track, and the track to the engineers and installers and vice-versa.
“Belonging” follows the same line of thinking – the train would not be in connection with the other cars, and to fulfill its purpose, without being indebted to the track. The Native American who offers the prayer is doing so in community; which he or she is also indebted to, which is also his or her life’s purpose. The church usher has a belonging to the church, the church-goer is indebted and in belonging to the usher who is indebted to the Church who is indebted and belonging to Christ.
I am indebted to you, the reader, and we have a sense of belonging together as author and reader. Many of the readers support me and my family at All Angels so we are indebted to you, and, at the same time we have a shared sense of belonging.
Indebtedness and belonging also provide for opportunities for greatness. The warm greeting hello, the note in the mail, the email exchange, or the visit – to each we are indebted and belong and, to each, we are given an opportunity. And, that opportunity, indebtedness, and belonging transcend the grave. As I watch talented people host Jeopardy, I am reminded at the sense of belonging Alex Trebek brought with the show and the sense of indebtedness he had to it and to the contestants. Although he is gone, that opportunity of greatness continues. In a much larger fashion, the disciples had belonging and indebtedness to Christ. Their sense of community and indebtedness reverberates in today’s Church which makes each Sunday an opportunity for greatness. So whether we participate at home, or in person, we belong and are indebted.
-Fr. Dave
The discussion topic for this past week was an article written by Tamara Mann Tweel about Rabbi Heschel’s approach to aging. The Rabbi addressed a White House conference on aging and said, “The problem of aging is more than a material wellbeing, it is the agony of spiritual insecurity, boredom, fear and loneliness, and the sense of being useless.” That last part reminds me of psalm 31 which we recite every Good Friday, “I am as useless as a broken pot.” Every generation that has read that passage understands its meaning – the feeling of being useless. I wonder if Alex Trebek ever felt that way.
Rabbi Heschel suggested that people live by a sense of belonging and a sense of indebtedness. To live, in a Jewish sense, as far as I understand it, is both belonging – like in a family, in a community, as a nation – and being indebted to not only that family but also to the earth and its structures and easements. Jesus took it a step farther when he said to pray for one’s enemies. That is truly an indebtedness!
Native American spirituality, as I understand it, is to be indebted to the animal that gave up its life to be food. The thanksgiving prayer over the deer and over the rest of the meal is be thankful and to offer one’s life as indebtedness to the earth and all her creatures. Another way to look at it is how the chef is indebted to the diner and the diner to the chef; like the train to the track, and the track to the engineers and installers and vice-versa.
“Belonging” follows the same line of thinking – the train would not be in connection with the other cars, and to fulfill its purpose, without being indebted to the track. The Native American who offers the prayer is doing so in community; which he or she is also indebted to, which is also his or her life’s purpose. The church usher has a belonging to the church, the church-goer is indebted and in belonging to the usher who is indebted to the Church who is indebted and belonging to Christ.
I am indebted to you, the reader, and we have a sense of belonging together as author and reader. Many of the readers support me and my family at All Angels so we are indebted to you, and, at the same time we have a shared sense of belonging.
Indebtedness and belonging also provide for opportunities for greatness. The warm greeting hello, the note in the mail, the email exchange, or the visit – to each we are indebted and belong and, to each, we are given an opportunity. And, that opportunity, indebtedness, and belonging transcend the grave. As I watch talented people host Jeopardy, I am reminded at the sense of belonging Alex Trebek brought with the show and the sense of indebtedness he had to it and to the contestants. Although he is gone, that opportunity of greatness continues. In a much larger fashion, the disciples had belonging and indebtedness to Christ. Their sense of community and indebtedness reverberates in today’s Church which makes each Sunday an opportunity for greatness. So whether we participate at home, or in person, we belong and are indebted.
-Fr. Dave
50-Day Celebration
April 8, 2021
I am a fan of the birthday week – the practice of celebrating a birthday for an entire week and not just on the birth-day. Some families have a birthday month. That might a bit much. When Elijah turned 11, we had a birthday week. Although his actual birthday was on a Tuesday, we started the celebration on Friday when he had the day off from school. We went out on the boat and rented a jet ski for an hour. We then had something special on Saturday, then Sunday, and then again on Monday. By the time his birthday rolled around, we all had done a lot of celebrating and I think he was ready for life to get back to normal.
The birthday week helps with the feeling of drop off after a big celebration. There is a natural let down after a big day; like July 5th, or the Tuesday after Labor Day, or January 2nd. As I have written to you, when I was growing up, my parents tried to extend the gift-giving/receive portion of Christmas for all 12 days. I like celebrating Christmas for the 12 days; but, the gift giving thing didn’t work out to well. So now we stick with joy, decorations, and yummy food.
If you’ve ever wondered why Christmas is celebrated for 12 days, it stems from the Council of Tours in the year 567. They declared that it took twelve days for the magi to travel from Jerusalem to Bethlehem.
If you think a 12-day celebration of Christmas is a lot, well hold on to your hat because Easter is celebrated for 50 days! 50!! You will see the church adorned in white, you will see celebratory flower decorations, and, it is during Easter that the confession in the liturgy is omitted. Why 50 days? First off, Easter must be longer than Lent. It just seems fair. Secondly, and certainly more importantly, the reason stems from the Jewish calendar. Easter is always celebrated around the time of the Passover. Fifty days (give or take a day) later is another festival called Shavuot. In the Christian tradition, the Day of Pentecost happened 50 days after Easter. If you remember the story, there were people of the Jewish faith gathered from all over - Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome; Cretans and Arabs. (Acts 2) Ever wondered why they were all there and the disciples/apostle too? It was Shavuot. The tradition is that on Passover, the Israelites were released from captivity and fled into the wilderness. 50 days later, Moses received the Torah on Mt. Sinai.
The important thing for me on this is two-fold: we don’t have to worry about post Easter Sunday letdown because we’re going to celebrate for a month and then some; Easter ends on Pentecost which is the traditional birthday of the Church. If you like the idea of a birthday-week, or birthday-month, the Church celebrates its birthday all the way until Advent arrives shortly after Thanksgiving. It looks to me like we have a lot of celebrating to do.
-Fr. Dave
The birthday week helps with the feeling of drop off after a big celebration. There is a natural let down after a big day; like July 5th, or the Tuesday after Labor Day, or January 2nd. As I have written to you, when I was growing up, my parents tried to extend the gift-giving/receive portion of Christmas for all 12 days. I like celebrating Christmas for the 12 days; but, the gift giving thing didn’t work out to well. So now we stick with joy, decorations, and yummy food.
If you’ve ever wondered why Christmas is celebrated for 12 days, it stems from the Council of Tours in the year 567. They declared that it took twelve days for the magi to travel from Jerusalem to Bethlehem.
If you think a 12-day celebration of Christmas is a lot, well hold on to your hat because Easter is celebrated for 50 days! 50!! You will see the church adorned in white, you will see celebratory flower decorations, and, it is during Easter that the confession in the liturgy is omitted. Why 50 days? First off, Easter must be longer than Lent. It just seems fair. Secondly, and certainly more importantly, the reason stems from the Jewish calendar. Easter is always celebrated around the time of the Passover. Fifty days (give or take a day) later is another festival called Shavuot. In the Christian tradition, the Day of Pentecost happened 50 days after Easter. If you remember the story, there were people of the Jewish faith gathered from all over - Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome; Cretans and Arabs. (Acts 2) Ever wondered why they were all there and the disciples/apostle too? It was Shavuot. The tradition is that on Passover, the Israelites were released from captivity and fled into the wilderness. 50 days later, Moses received the Torah on Mt. Sinai.
The important thing for me on this is two-fold: we don’t have to worry about post Easter Sunday letdown because we’re going to celebrate for a month and then some; Easter ends on Pentecost which is the traditional birthday of the Church. If you like the idea of a birthday-week, or birthday-month, the Church celebrates its birthday all the way until Advent arrives shortly after Thanksgiving. It looks to me like we have a lot of celebrating to do.
-Fr. Dave
A Little Like Heaven
April 1, 2021
A small miracle happened on Tuesday of Holy Week. Facebook sent me a notification that a friend made a new post. This is not a miracle; Facebook emails me all the time. But, part of the miracle is that I actually clicked on the email. My attention to Facebook has significantly declined since 2016. In fact, I have basically ignored Facebook for over four years. Interestingly enough, they still email me. I suppose there is something to be said about the virtue of persistence. Nevertheless, on Holy Tuesday, I logged on to FB and took a look at the post.
The message was from a family that we were close with in San Diego. Our 18-year old, Ethan, has been friends with their 18-year old, since elementary school. Our families have been friends since 2008 – we would go to the beach together, go over to each other’s houses, celebrate birthdays and the like, until 2016 when they took a promotion that brought them to North Carolina. We have a photo of our last dinner together; it was a beautiful southern California sunset that framed in our two families who had looks on our faces that showed we didn’t know what the future held. We stayed in contact through texts, Facebook, and Christmas cards. Then, in 2019, we too left San Diego and relocated to Florida. And then I got an email message from Facebook.
The FB post said this, “My hubby finally got to see the beauty of the Gulf Coast. Lido beach today and then to Clearwater beach tomorrow.” I nearly fell out of my chair. I quickly responded to the post that was three hours old, “Lido! Clearwater! We’re halfway in-between, call me.” I then called Christi and she texted them too; and, lo and behold, we got together with them at 9 pm, Tuesday night, on the Anna Maria pier. Both boys are the same height and both are making plans for college. Our friends are at similar stages in life. But here’s the miracle – it was like the conversation we had in San Diego ended with a comma because Tuesday night the conversation simply started up again as if five thousand miles and four years had passed in just a breath. And, like before, we ended the conversation at 10:30, with a comma.
I think this is what heaven is like: in heaven, we will simply pick up the conversations we started with loved ones on earth as if no time passed. If four years and five thousand miles can’t stop a good conversation between friends, neither can the distance and time between now and heaven.
-Fr. Dave
The message was from a family that we were close with in San Diego. Our 18-year old, Ethan, has been friends with their 18-year old, since elementary school. Our families have been friends since 2008 – we would go to the beach together, go over to each other’s houses, celebrate birthdays and the like, until 2016 when they took a promotion that brought them to North Carolina. We have a photo of our last dinner together; it was a beautiful southern California sunset that framed in our two families who had looks on our faces that showed we didn’t know what the future held. We stayed in contact through texts, Facebook, and Christmas cards. Then, in 2019, we too left San Diego and relocated to Florida. And then I got an email message from Facebook.
The FB post said this, “My hubby finally got to see the beauty of the Gulf Coast. Lido beach today and then to Clearwater beach tomorrow.” I nearly fell out of my chair. I quickly responded to the post that was three hours old, “Lido! Clearwater! We’re halfway in-between, call me.” I then called Christi and she texted them too; and, lo and behold, we got together with them at 9 pm, Tuesday night, on the Anna Maria pier. Both boys are the same height and both are making plans for college. Our friends are at similar stages in life. But here’s the miracle – it was like the conversation we had in San Diego ended with a comma because Tuesday night the conversation simply started up again as if five thousand miles and four years had passed in just a breath. And, like before, we ended the conversation at 10:30, with a comma.
I think this is what heaven is like: in heaven, we will simply pick up the conversations we started with loved ones on earth as if no time passed. If four years and five thousand miles can’t stop a good conversation between friends, neither can the distance and time between now and heaven.
-Fr. Dave
Cold Brew and the Episcopate
March 25, 2021
Clergy often define what a bishop is by the historicity of the office – namely that Jesus laid his hands on Peter and ordained him, more or less, and then Peter laid his hands on the apostles and the apostles did that in succession all the way to our day. The line often goes like this: our connection with the historic church and the larger church is through our local bishop. There is nothing wrong with that; it’s fine, and it certainly is correct. But my modern take on the office of the bishop is different.
When I go to Trader Joes grocery store, I don’t really care about who the general manager is. In fact, I hardly care about who the manager is. I just want to walk in, buy my TJ’s cold brew, and check out. However, on the day that my Organic French Roast Trader Joes Cold Brew concentrate in the 16oz bottle is not in stock, suddenly I care about who is in charge. Or, what if there is a day that Trader Joes has discontinued all my favorite items, or there are no cashiers, or carts, or there is no power on in the building; then I certainly care about who is in charge and who the general manager is. That’s how I look at the episcopate (bishop). Most folks who attend one of the 78 congregations in the diocese don’t really care who the bishop is. Some may not even care that much about who the priest is. They want to show up, pray, hear about the Good News, and then head on out about their day. But, the minute they show up and there is no service, or priest, or electricity; suddenly they would probably care about who the bishop is.
The fact of the matter is that I am a priest because of a bishop. I am in the Diocese of SW Florida because of a bishop and likewise, I am Rector of All Angels because, you guess it, of a bishop. My predecessor, Fr. Danner, can tell you the same exact story. He’s a priest because of a bishop and he was the Rector of All Angels also because of a bishop. Just like how the feel, or attitude, or culture of a church is, in some ways, a result of who the pastor is, the same is true with retail stores and dioceses. There was a diocese that I steered clear of because, in part, of their bishop. He and I would not see eye to eye on much. Conversely, when I met with Bishop Smith the first time, there was a spark. I told him of a dream/vision I had about SW Florida in our first meeting which, if this were a Trader Joes, would be called an interview. He smiled and showed me a draft of his address at the upcoming diocesan convention. Would you know it, he and I were saying the same thing! Not surprisingly, I feel more connected, or that I have more in common, with the clergy of this diocese more than the other dioceses I have served. I imagine this has something to do with the bishop.
As the diocese heads into the season of transition as we search for our new bishop, I like to keep my eyes on the future of the Church. Who the new bishop will be won’t affect us at All Angels much, but, down the road, the continuation of Episcopal ministry on Longboat and the diocese depends greatly on who is called.
-Fr. Dave
When I go to Trader Joes grocery store, I don’t really care about who the general manager is. In fact, I hardly care about who the manager is. I just want to walk in, buy my TJ’s cold brew, and check out. However, on the day that my Organic French Roast Trader Joes Cold Brew concentrate in the 16oz bottle is not in stock, suddenly I care about who is in charge. Or, what if there is a day that Trader Joes has discontinued all my favorite items, or there are no cashiers, or carts, or there is no power on in the building; then I certainly care about who is in charge and who the general manager is. That’s how I look at the episcopate (bishop). Most folks who attend one of the 78 congregations in the diocese don’t really care who the bishop is. Some may not even care that much about who the priest is. They want to show up, pray, hear about the Good News, and then head on out about their day. But, the minute they show up and there is no service, or priest, or electricity; suddenly they would probably care about who the bishop is.
The fact of the matter is that I am a priest because of a bishop. I am in the Diocese of SW Florida because of a bishop and likewise, I am Rector of All Angels because, you guess it, of a bishop. My predecessor, Fr. Danner, can tell you the same exact story. He’s a priest because of a bishop and he was the Rector of All Angels also because of a bishop. Just like how the feel, or attitude, or culture of a church is, in some ways, a result of who the pastor is, the same is true with retail stores and dioceses. There was a diocese that I steered clear of because, in part, of their bishop. He and I would not see eye to eye on much. Conversely, when I met with Bishop Smith the first time, there was a spark. I told him of a dream/vision I had about SW Florida in our first meeting which, if this were a Trader Joes, would be called an interview. He smiled and showed me a draft of his address at the upcoming diocesan convention. Would you know it, he and I were saying the same thing! Not surprisingly, I feel more connected, or that I have more in common, with the clergy of this diocese more than the other dioceses I have served. I imagine this has something to do with the bishop.
As the diocese heads into the season of transition as we search for our new bishop, I like to keep my eyes on the future of the Church. Who the new bishop will be won’t affect us at All Angels much, but, down the road, the continuation of Episcopal ministry on Longboat and the diocese depends greatly on who is called.
-Fr. Dave
Humility
March 18, 2021
You know the three rules of real estate:
1) location, 2) location, 3) location. I enjoy watching House Hunters on HGTV. That show regularly violates the three real estate rules. It seems the three rules of House Hunters is: 1) stainless steel appliances, 2) granite counter tops, 3) open concept. Maybe that is what makes it a fun show to watch – that the home buyers frequently make mistakes. But, every once in a while, a buyer will change his or her mind and get the house that works best.
Changing one’s mind takes an act of courage and humility. An article by Arthur Brooks, in The Atlantic, opines that humility, and changing one’s mind, is a source of happiness. Brooks suggests that one should take small steps in humility by changing one’s mind on small things first. One suggestion is to try changing one’s loyalty from a sports team or at least try to be dispassionate about it. Taking Brook’s advice, I have been trying to watch the turmoil of the Seattle Seahawks – of whether star quarter back Russell Wilson will be in a Seahawk uniform in August or if he will be traded – with a dispassionate mind. I’m still not happy about the situation which means I have more work to do. But there is progress in another area. I didn’t like Tom Brady as a New England Patriot. But, I have been easing into the TB bandwagon since his arrival in Tampa Bay and recent Super Bowl win. What won me over, however, was his drunken post Super Bowl boat parade when he threw the Lombardi trophy from his boat to another one. Suddenly, Tom Brady became human, in my eyes, and I started changing my mind. … and I am happier as a result.
Another key to happiness-in-humility is to invite contradiction. Instead of telling someone they are wrong, try asking, “Tell me more.” If anything, it is an attractive quality to ask someone more about what they think so you might make a new friend, or, at least avoid making an adversary.
Jesus said many famous “I am” phrases – I am the vine, I am the gate, I am the way, the truth and the life. One less known is this one, “I am humble and gentle.” From the eleventh chapter of Matthew, Jesus said, “If you are tired, anxious and worn out, come to me; learn from me; I am humble and gentle and you will find rest for your souls.” Later on, he rode in triumph to Jerusalem but was seated on a humble donkey. In the Temple, children started singing his name, foreigners from all over the empire came to see him, and, seeing all this, he did not use it as a time to build himself up and shame his opponents. Instead, Jesus said it was time to humble himself on a cross.
St. Augustine probably didn’t know the three rules of real estate, but, when asked by a student about fulfillment, he responded, “There are three parts: the first part is humility; the second, humility; the third, humility.” Perhaps we should pay less attention to the stainless steel appliances and granite countertops of life, and instead, focus on humility and changing one’s mind. If we do, humility will lead to happiness, or, in Jesus’ words, humility will lead to rest for our souls. Come to think of it, maybe the buyers on House Hunters know exactly what is best for them; not me. Maybe for them it’s not location but appliances. Hmmm, it feels like I am finding rest for my soul already.
1) location, 2) location, 3) location. I enjoy watching House Hunters on HGTV. That show regularly violates the three real estate rules. It seems the three rules of House Hunters is: 1) stainless steel appliances, 2) granite counter tops, 3) open concept. Maybe that is what makes it a fun show to watch – that the home buyers frequently make mistakes. But, every once in a while, a buyer will change his or her mind and get the house that works best.
Changing one’s mind takes an act of courage and humility. An article by Arthur Brooks, in The Atlantic, opines that humility, and changing one’s mind, is a source of happiness. Brooks suggests that one should take small steps in humility by changing one’s mind on small things first. One suggestion is to try changing one’s loyalty from a sports team or at least try to be dispassionate about it. Taking Brook’s advice, I have been trying to watch the turmoil of the Seattle Seahawks – of whether star quarter back Russell Wilson will be in a Seahawk uniform in August or if he will be traded – with a dispassionate mind. I’m still not happy about the situation which means I have more work to do. But there is progress in another area. I didn’t like Tom Brady as a New England Patriot. But, I have been easing into the TB bandwagon since his arrival in Tampa Bay and recent Super Bowl win. What won me over, however, was his drunken post Super Bowl boat parade when he threw the Lombardi trophy from his boat to another one. Suddenly, Tom Brady became human, in my eyes, and I started changing my mind. … and I am happier as a result.
Another key to happiness-in-humility is to invite contradiction. Instead of telling someone they are wrong, try asking, “Tell me more.” If anything, it is an attractive quality to ask someone more about what they think so you might make a new friend, or, at least avoid making an adversary.
Jesus said many famous “I am” phrases – I am the vine, I am the gate, I am the way, the truth and the life. One less known is this one, “I am humble and gentle.” From the eleventh chapter of Matthew, Jesus said, “If you are tired, anxious and worn out, come to me; learn from me; I am humble and gentle and you will find rest for your souls.” Later on, he rode in triumph to Jerusalem but was seated on a humble donkey. In the Temple, children started singing his name, foreigners from all over the empire came to see him, and, seeing all this, he did not use it as a time to build himself up and shame his opponents. Instead, Jesus said it was time to humble himself on a cross.
St. Augustine probably didn’t know the three rules of real estate, but, when asked by a student about fulfillment, he responded, “There are three parts: the first part is humility; the second, humility; the third, humility.” Perhaps we should pay less attention to the stainless steel appliances and granite countertops of life, and instead, focus on humility and changing one’s mind. If we do, humility will lead to happiness, or, in Jesus’ words, humility will lead to rest for our souls. Come to think of it, maybe the buyers on House Hunters know exactly what is best for them; not me. Maybe for them it’s not location but appliances. Hmmm, it feels like I am finding rest for my soul already.
Railings
March 11, 2021
My occupational background is in insurance, which included reviewing slip-and-fall claims. I am afraid my insurance background has influenced my vocational perspective. In other words, I see potential slip and fall claims everywhere. Most of the claims I reviewed were complete and utter accidents – tripping over a floor mat, slipping on wet concrete, and, my least favorite, tripping over the rails on the backside of an old-fashioned rocking chair, which actually happens more often than you might think.
This past week, I was like a kid in a candy store because a brand new railing was installed on the two steps that lead up to the Parish Hall and office entrance. The railing is in the middle of the steps. Why am I so happy about it? Because I have watched people walk out through the Gallery door, with something in their right hand – a purse, a bulletin, or some other belonging – and then turn right to go down the two steps; however, since they have something in their hand, they elect not to hold on to the rail to navigate down the steps. And that action makes me nervous. Today, nevertheless, the middle rail makes it so that the person with something in their right hand can grab a railing with their left hand. And, even better, our Junior Warden extraordinaire – Ed Ortiz – insisted that the railing be made so that it can be removed in case we need to move something big across the steps.
This Sunday, we are going to bless our remodeled angel courtyard entrance. It features an ADA complaint ramp so that people of any mobility can enter God’s house of prayer through the front door. In addition to the ramp and the new tile, are, of course, railings; prominent, strong, obvious-but-modest railings. In addition, we have new railings along the terrace walkway and along the ramp next to the Memorial Garden. In other words, we’ve got railings!
There is a theological dimension to this. There are many ways to think of God – creator, redeemer, sustainer – and I’m going to add one more God-the-handrail. God is like a handrail in this way: it is there when we need it; we ignore it, especially in our youth; and it is a constant, year-round, ever present help. The handrail won’t tell us what to do, but rather, it is a guide. The handrail won’t step in to stop us from doing something dumb, but it is there if we need guidance and a helping hand. We don’t blame the handrail for the high pollen count, the sick friend, the bad business deal, or for the tumultuous political culture of our day; instead, when we are carrying a heavy load, or if we stumble or slip, the handrail is there so that we don’t fall.
-Fr. Dave
This past week, I was like a kid in a candy store because a brand new railing was installed on the two steps that lead up to the Parish Hall and office entrance. The railing is in the middle of the steps. Why am I so happy about it? Because I have watched people walk out through the Gallery door, with something in their right hand – a purse, a bulletin, or some other belonging – and then turn right to go down the two steps; however, since they have something in their hand, they elect not to hold on to the rail to navigate down the steps. And that action makes me nervous. Today, nevertheless, the middle rail makes it so that the person with something in their right hand can grab a railing with their left hand. And, even better, our Junior Warden extraordinaire – Ed Ortiz – insisted that the railing be made so that it can be removed in case we need to move something big across the steps.
This Sunday, we are going to bless our remodeled angel courtyard entrance. It features an ADA complaint ramp so that people of any mobility can enter God’s house of prayer through the front door. In addition to the ramp and the new tile, are, of course, railings; prominent, strong, obvious-but-modest railings. In addition, we have new railings along the terrace walkway and along the ramp next to the Memorial Garden. In other words, we’ve got railings!
There is a theological dimension to this. There are many ways to think of God – creator, redeemer, sustainer – and I’m going to add one more God-the-handrail. God is like a handrail in this way: it is there when we need it; we ignore it, especially in our youth; and it is a constant, year-round, ever present help. The handrail won’t tell us what to do, but rather, it is a guide. The handrail won’t step in to stop us from doing something dumb, but it is there if we need guidance and a helping hand. We don’t blame the handrail for the high pollen count, the sick friend, the bad business deal, or for the tumultuous political culture of our day; instead, when we are carrying a heavy load, or if we stumble or slip, the handrail is there so that we don’t fall.
-Fr. Dave
DNA
March 4, 2021
Ethan, my 18-year old, has a new job – applying for college scholarships. He found an interesting one that applies to those of Scottish lineage. Both Christi and I believe that we have Scottish heritage but how much lineage is unknown.
On a whim, five years ago, I sent some saliva to Ancestry.com. They had a sale going on and I was sort of interested learning more about my ancestry. Growing up, we didn’t talk much about heritage or lineage. If asked, I would say that I am part German, Irish, Scott and English. There are a number of Scottish comedians who I enjoy and find some sort of identity with so, if pressured, I would say I’m Scottish. The pressure to identify with heritage came up when I served at Saint John’s Episcopal School. With a school population of 300 students, only 7 students identified as not being of Mexican/Spanish descent; 2 of those 7 students have Marshall as their last name. My middle school students wouldn’t let me sit with simply stating that I was western European. I was one of the few so-called white people that they knew well enough to ask deeper questions to.
So, as mentioned, on a whim, I sent in my DNA. Here is my ancestry percentage: I am 4% German, 5% Welsh, 7% Norwegian, 8% Irish, 11% Scottish, and 65% English. Ancestry.com has continued to work my DNA over the past five years. They have concluded that there are two lines of my “people” – one group settled in early Connecticut and New York and the other is a part of the early New England Settlers. If this is correct, my lineage has been in North America since the early 1700s. It underscores the family story of being loyalists who moved to Canada.
What about my spiritual DNA? If I were to look at my faith, who are my spiritual ancestors? There is a good chance that I am a part of an unbroken line of Anglicans through the Church of Canada back to the Church of England. But what about before then? St. Paul wrote about the Tree of Abraham in this way: people of the Jewish faith are descendants related to Abraham through the family tree; Christians are grafted onto the tree through faith in Christ; as such we are all of one family.
I may never have a clear picture of my ancestral history but I can trace my belief through the faith tradition my parents taught me back to Christ and, as such, back to Abraham. As far as how Ethan is going to answer the scholarship question of heritage, I’d suggest he go through his mother’s line because with only 11% I can’t call myself a full Scott, but perhaps upon reflection, I am a little Scott-ish.
-Fr. Dave
On a whim, five years ago, I sent some saliva to Ancestry.com. They had a sale going on and I was sort of interested learning more about my ancestry. Growing up, we didn’t talk much about heritage or lineage. If asked, I would say that I am part German, Irish, Scott and English. There are a number of Scottish comedians who I enjoy and find some sort of identity with so, if pressured, I would say I’m Scottish. The pressure to identify with heritage came up when I served at Saint John’s Episcopal School. With a school population of 300 students, only 7 students identified as not being of Mexican/Spanish descent; 2 of those 7 students have Marshall as their last name. My middle school students wouldn’t let me sit with simply stating that I was western European. I was one of the few so-called white people that they knew well enough to ask deeper questions to.
So, as mentioned, on a whim, I sent in my DNA. Here is my ancestry percentage: I am 4% German, 5% Welsh, 7% Norwegian, 8% Irish, 11% Scottish, and 65% English. Ancestry.com has continued to work my DNA over the past five years. They have concluded that there are two lines of my “people” – one group settled in early Connecticut and New York and the other is a part of the early New England Settlers. If this is correct, my lineage has been in North America since the early 1700s. It underscores the family story of being loyalists who moved to Canada.
What about my spiritual DNA? If I were to look at my faith, who are my spiritual ancestors? There is a good chance that I am a part of an unbroken line of Anglicans through the Church of Canada back to the Church of England. But what about before then? St. Paul wrote about the Tree of Abraham in this way: people of the Jewish faith are descendants related to Abraham through the family tree; Christians are grafted onto the tree through faith in Christ; as such we are all of one family.
I may never have a clear picture of my ancestral history but I can trace my belief through the faith tradition my parents taught me back to Christ and, as such, back to Abraham. As far as how Ethan is going to answer the scholarship question of heritage, I’d suggest he go through his mother’s line because with only 11% I can’t call myself a full Scott, but perhaps upon reflection, I am a little Scott-ish.
-Fr. Dave
BSC
February 27, 2021
In October, 2020, at the 52nd Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, Bishop Dabney Smith told the lay and clergy delegates that he was retiring and therefore calling for the election of a successor bishop. I will have a front row seat to the process of electing a new bishop, which includes studying the diocese, screening and selecting candidates, and ultimately electing a Bishop Coadjutor, because I have been elected to the Bishop Search Committee (BSC). Our first retreat is this weekend. The election date for the new bishop will be April 2, 2022. The BSC has between this weekend, and April next year, to get our work done.
If you are into numbers, here they are: The Diocese is 52 years old, Bishop Smith is our 5th bishop, he was elected in December 2006, consecrated in March of 2007, was “seated” six months later, and has served for 14 years. The average length of an episcopate (serving as diocesan bishop) is 8.9 years. The bishop must retire before, or within 90-days after, turning 72. The average age of retirement is 66. By the 2nd century, three orders of ordained ministry had been identified: bishops, deacons and priests; with priests being the last order to be created. The Episcopal Church believes our bishops stand in an unbroken line going back 21 centuries to the Apostles; this line is called Apostolic Succession.
Bishop Smith said the bishop search will be a time of renewal for the diocese. Like a parish going through a clergy transition, the diocese will determine who we are and, perhaps more importantly, how we see ourselves ten years from now. I have been told by those who have served on parish or diocesan search committees, it is a time of renewal for those who serve. I have also been told that on one hand, I get to experience the mysteries of the Holy Church of God and, on the other hand, I’ll see how the sausage is made.
There are a number of things that have the highest level of confidentiality within the process and a number of things that will be, more or less, shouted from the rooftops; in a reserved and contemplative Episcopal manner. It is my desire to share with you those things that I can about the process.
I can understand why someone would want to be a U.S. Senator. It’s prestigious, one gets to travel the state and represent its interests, as well as negotiate treaties and vote on Supreme Court nominees. It would be pretty cool. On the other hand, I, for the life of me, cannot understand why someone would willingly run for the office of President. My bias heading into the BSC is this: being a rector is a wonderful position –
he or she gets to make an impact in the lives of the congregants and the community, and, gets to serve at the altar of God. Why would someone want to give that up to then deal with all the other things (the sausage making) of the Church. I suppose that over the next year,
I’ll be in very close contact with people who feel called to do just that. May God help them, and our diocese, as we go through this time of renewal and new life.
-Fr. Dave
If you are into numbers, here they are: The Diocese is 52 years old, Bishop Smith is our 5th bishop, he was elected in December 2006, consecrated in March of 2007, was “seated” six months later, and has served for 14 years. The average length of an episcopate (serving as diocesan bishop) is 8.9 years. The bishop must retire before, or within 90-days after, turning 72. The average age of retirement is 66. By the 2nd century, three orders of ordained ministry had been identified: bishops, deacons and priests; with priests being the last order to be created. The Episcopal Church believes our bishops stand in an unbroken line going back 21 centuries to the Apostles; this line is called Apostolic Succession.
Bishop Smith said the bishop search will be a time of renewal for the diocese. Like a parish going through a clergy transition, the diocese will determine who we are and, perhaps more importantly, how we see ourselves ten years from now. I have been told by those who have served on parish or diocesan search committees, it is a time of renewal for those who serve. I have also been told that on one hand, I get to experience the mysteries of the Holy Church of God and, on the other hand, I’ll see how the sausage is made.
There are a number of things that have the highest level of confidentiality within the process and a number of things that will be, more or less, shouted from the rooftops; in a reserved and contemplative Episcopal manner. It is my desire to share with you those things that I can about the process.
I can understand why someone would want to be a U.S. Senator. It’s prestigious, one gets to travel the state and represent its interests, as well as negotiate treaties and vote on Supreme Court nominees. It would be pretty cool. On the other hand, I, for the life of me, cannot understand why someone would willingly run for the office of President. My bias heading into the BSC is this: being a rector is a wonderful position –
he or she gets to make an impact in the lives of the congregants and the community, and, gets to serve at the altar of God. Why would someone want to give that up to then deal with all the other things (the sausage making) of the Church. I suppose that over the next year,
I’ll be in very close contact with people who feel called to do just that. May God help them, and our diocese, as we go through this time of renewal and new life.
-Fr. Dave
USS All Angels
February 18, 2021
In a couple of weeks, I will celebrate my second year anniversary at All Angels. Also, in a few weeks, we will come up to the anniversary of going on-line. That tells me that half my time spent with you all has been during a pandemic. The primary thing we do at All Angels is fellowship. It is also the primary thing that we had to stop doing. While our in-person attendance, combined with our on-line attendance, is climbing and, in many ways, higher than a year ago; while we are able to have book studies, discussion groups, and even a Stewardship drive; we have yet to have in-person fellowship. A popular church phrase is this: keep the Main Thing the main thing. God is the Main Thing. At the same time, our primary way of sharing the Main Thing’s love is fellowship and it is the one thing we had to stop doing for longer than anyone thought.
None of the clergy and churches that I am in contact with have any idea how to do fellowship during the pandemic. Frankly, no one is talking about any substantive plans to restart. I do know this about fellowship: it will be outside, with coffee and tea but without finger food, and there will be lots and lots of smiles. At this point, I think the first group to try in-person meeting will be the Women’s Discussion Group. Next will be two coffee and tea stations outside after a church service. Then, we will work on the Men’s Group, ECW, bible and book studies. All the while, we will be charting a course not taken.
The way I can describe this past year is, imagine, if you will, All Angels as a clipper ship. The seas have been rough and the wind has been strong with shifting directions. Nevertheless, we have charted a course this year through rough weather in a part of the sea we never have been in before. The top decks were closed for a while; only a handful of sailors were allowed up. Later on, more were allowed topside to navigate and trim the sails. Others have come up to make repairs and improvements. Although the seas are still rough, just beyond the horizon, there is some clearer weather. There will be a time soon for more people to come up on deck. After that, there will be even smoother sailing so that more and more can
come up from their cabins. Some people may choose to stay below deck while others have been itching to stretch their legs and talk to other people. At the same time, there are some other ships/churches, who have decided to stay in port; others ventured out but quickly put down the anchors and rolled up the sails. But that’s not us. We have charted a slow but steady course. I talked to skippers who have ventured out father and have learned from them. What we have learned out in the storm we have reported to other ships and that has helped them to venture out too.
While we have had anything but fair winds and following seas this past year, our mission is to venture out to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the church.
- Fr. Dave
None of the clergy and churches that I am in contact with have any idea how to do fellowship during the pandemic. Frankly, no one is talking about any substantive plans to restart. I do know this about fellowship: it will be outside, with coffee and tea but without finger food, and there will be lots and lots of smiles. At this point, I think the first group to try in-person meeting will be the Women’s Discussion Group. Next will be two coffee and tea stations outside after a church service. Then, we will work on the Men’s Group, ECW, bible and book studies. All the while, we will be charting a course not taken.
The way I can describe this past year is, imagine, if you will, All Angels as a clipper ship. The seas have been rough and the wind has been strong with shifting directions. Nevertheless, we have charted a course this year through rough weather in a part of the sea we never have been in before. The top decks were closed for a while; only a handful of sailors were allowed up. Later on, more were allowed topside to navigate and trim the sails. Others have come up to make repairs and improvements. Although the seas are still rough, just beyond the horizon, there is some clearer weather. There will be a time soon for more people to come up on deck. After that, there will be even smoother sailing so that more and more can
come up from their cabins. Some people may choose to stay below deck while others have been itching to stretch their legs and talk to other people. At the same time, there are some other ships/churches, who have decided to stay in port; others ventured out but quickly put down the anchors and rolled up the sails. But that’s not us. We have charted a slow but steady course. I talked to skippers who have ventured out father and have learned from them. What we have learned out in the storm we have reported to other ships and that has helped them to venture out too.
While we have had anything but fair winds and following seas this past year, our mission is to venture out to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the church.
- Fr. Dave
New to You
February 11, 2021
I have learned that churches, like people, have their own set of gifts; and, when God is speaking through those gifts, it’s best to listen.
We didn’t know if the New to You Art Sale would work. We didn’t know if we would get any art donated, if anyone would be interested in looking at pre-owned art, or, if we would sell any. As it turned out, we have had more than 60 pieces of art donated, we have had a steady stream of people from the community coming to look, and, people are purchasing it! Yesterday, we had a Longboat resident donate a beautiful piece of art. It was the first time Linn or I had met her. She liked what we were doing and wanted to be a part of it. That act seemed like something I could have only have dreamed or imagined. Nevertheless, God is speaking.
Last year, the original-to-the-church Rogers organ started to fail. To many people, inside and outside the church, our music program has become central to finding peace. Losing the organ for any period of time was not acceptable. As such, the Vestry made the decision to replace it with an Allen. We chose Allen, in part, because we received a substantial discount which was based on the Pennsylvania organ company’s desire to have an organ on Longboat (to help sell them more organs on the barrier islands). Our agreement is that we would have a loaner organ until our new one was installed and we would be willing to allow other churches, or individuals, to come by and hear our new organ. If you have been watching our services and organ concerts, you’ll hear that Dale loves the loaner organ and makes it absolutely sing. And then God spoke again.
A couple of weeks ago, our Allen representative asked if a small Lutheran church from Naples could come by to listen to the loaner organ. We whole heartedly agreed. As it turns out, their small congregation has an even smaller, quickly aging organ. One of their dearest parishioners has a terminal condition. He wanted to gift an organ to the church in his memory. Our loaner Allen, a 20-year old organ, was priced just under their budget. When they saw and heard the organ, they fell in love with it. They were told that when our new one is installed, they can buy the loaner and have it installed; probably the week after Easter. The donor said that it would be in place for his funeral and seemed pleased with it. But, God was speaking… Having the organ installed in time for his funeral was not good enough for Dale and me. It is our wish that they have the organ as soon as possible so the whole church, and the donor, could enjoy it prior to his funeral. Soon our loaner will be on its way to its forever home and we will get another loaner that Dale will have to learn. It may not be quite as fancy as this one, but, as Dale pointed out, when God speaks, it’s a good idea to respond.
Whether it is used art, or a used organ, one of the many gifts of All Angels is to bring new life to previously owned/forgotten about/discarded things. The prayer used at my installation as Rector is this,
Look favorably on your whole Church and let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made.
It appears God is speaking and God is making that prayer a reality for us, and for the whole world, to see.
- Fr. Dave
We didn’t know if the New to You Art Sale would work. We didn’t know if we would get any art donated, if anyone would be interested in looking at pre-owned art, or, if we would sell any. As it turned out, we have had more than 60 pieces of art donated, we have had a steady stream of people from the community coming to look, and, people are purchasing it! Yesterday, we had a Longboat resident donate a beautiful piece of art. It was the first time Linn or I had met her. She liked what we were doing and wanted to be a part of it. That act seemed like something I could have only have dreamed or imagined. Nevertheless, God is speaking.
Last year, the original-to-the-church Rogers organ started to fail. To many people, inside and outside the church, our music program has become central to finding peace. Losing the organ for any period of time was not acceptable. As such, the Vestry made the decision to replace it with an Allen. We chose Allen, in part, because we received a substantial discount which was based on the Pennsylvania organ company’s desire to have an organ on Longboat (to help sell them more organs on the barrier islands). Our agreement is that we would have a loaner organ until our new one was installed and we would be willing to allow other churches, or individuals, to come by and hear our new organ. If you have been watching our services and organ concerts, you’ll hear that Dale loves the loaner organ and makes it absolutely sing. And then God spoke again.
A couple of weeks ago, our Allen representative asked if a small Lutheran church from Naples could come by to listen to the loaner organ. We whole heartedly agreed. As it turns out, their small congregation has an even smaller, quickly aging organ. One of their dearest parishioners has a terminal condition. He wanted to gift an organ to the church in his memory. Our loaner Allen, a 20-year old organ, was priced just under their budget. When they saw and heard the organ, they fell in love with it. They were told that when our new one is installed, they can buy the loaner and have it installed; probably the week after Easter. The donor said that it would be in place for his funeral and seemed pleased with it. But, God was speaking… Having the organ installed in time for his funeral was not good enough for Dale and me. It is our wish that they have the organ as soon as possible so the whole church, and the donor, could enjoy it prior to his funeral. Soon our loaner will be on its way to its forever home and we will get another loaner that Dale will have to learn. It may not be quite as fancy as this one, but, as Dale pointed out, when God speaks, it’s a good idea to respond.
Whether it is used art, or a used organ, one of the many gifts of All Angels is to bring new life to previously owned/forgotten about/discarded things. The prayer used at my installation as Rector is this,
Look favorably on your whole Church and let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made.
It appears God is speaking and God is making that prayer a reality for us, and for the whole world, to see.
- Fr. Dave
Poinsettia
February 4, 2021
Johnny Carson had a tradition of displaying Poinsettias behind his desk on the Tonight Show during the week leading up to Christmas. He and Ed McMahon had a little routine about how to pronounce the seasonal red-leafed plant. Ed would say it is, “Poinset-ta” and Johnny would say, “No, it’s poinset-tia.” The studio in Burbank, CA, flew the poinsettias in from Puyallup, Washington, where I spent the first few years of my life. Johnny would also have fun every year trying to pronounce Puyallup (pew-all-up).
Tradition seems to follow the poinsettia. All Angels follows the tradition of displaying them for Christmas and, just as importantly, we dedicate the plants in memory or thanksgiving for people associated with the congregation. The display and dedication was particularly memorable this year because of how much things have changed because of the pandemic. As one parishioner remarked, “It’s nice to see that as some things change, other things remain the same.” She said this while watching the Christmas Eve service and admiring the display from the comfort of her home.
Memorials are an important tradition at All Angels. We have a memorial garden that features a memorial path that can take one right up to the terrace of the church. This idea came up: what if we planted the poinsettias from this year in the memorial garden to see if they pop up around Advent season next year. As such, the memorial poinsettias were planted. Time (and weather) will tell if they will pop up again.
Named for Joel Roberts Poinsett, U.S. ambassador to Mexico, he was the first to bring the plant from Mexico to Charleston, South Carolina, in 1828. He planted them around his home. In the 1850’s, the process for getting them to produce eventually made them the top selling potted plant in the U.S. and Canada. The Christmas poinsettia tradition is inspired from Mexican folklore about a girl named Pepita who had no present for the baby Jesus. Her cousin, Pedro, suggested even the smallest gift would be appreciated by Jesus. Pepita picked her favorite leafy plants by her home, wrapped them in a cloth, kept them in her room overnight, and then brought them to the Christmas Eve service. When she unwrapped her present for Jesus, she was surprised to see the green leaves had turned bright red. To this day, the Poinsettia is known in Mexico as the Flores de Noche Buena – flowers of the Holy Night. Botanical research shows that the leaves of plant will turn red after receiving at least 12-hours of darkness; which, in some ways, shows the folklore could be factually true.
Years ago, someone planted their Easter lilies at All Angels hoping that by the following Easter, they would rise. And, sure enough, every year we have Easter lilies popping up from the ground. I am wondering we are going to have a new tradition and that is seeing poinsettias popping up from the ground in October; and, after 12-hours of darkness, I am hoping their leaves will turn bright red in anticipation of Christmas. That would be quite a memorial and a celebration of new life, regardless of how one pronounces Poinsettia.
- Fr. Dave
Tradition seems to follow the poinsettia. All Angels follows the tradition of displaying them for Christmas and, just as importantly, we dedicate the plants in memory or thanksgiving for people associated with the congregation. The display and dedication was particularly memorable this year because of how much things have changed because of the pandemic. As one parishioner remarked, “It’s nice to see that as some things change, other things remain the same.” She said this while watching the Christmas Eve service and admiring the display from the comfort of her home.
Memorials are an important tradition at All Angels. We have a memorial garden that features a memorial path that can take one right up to the terrace of the church. This idea came up: what if we planted the poinsettias from this year in the memorial garden to see if they pop up around Advent season next year. As such, the memorial poinsettias were planted. Time (and weather) will tell if they will pop up again.
Named for Joel Roberts Poinsett, U.S. ambassador to Mexico, he was the first to bring the plant from Mexico to Charleston, South Carolina, in 1828. He planted them around his home. In the 1850’s, the process for getting them to produce eventually made them the top selling potted plant in the U.S. and Canada. The Christmas poinsettia tradition is inspired from Mexican folklore about a girl named Pepita who had no present for the baby Jesus. Her cousin, Pedro, suggested even the smallest gift would be appreciated by Jesus. Pepita picked her favorite leafy plants by her home, wrapped them in a cloth, kept them in her room overnight, and then brought them to the Christmas Eve service. When she unwrapped her present for Jesus, she was surprised to see the green leaves had turned bright red. To this day, the Poinsettia is known in Mexico as the Flores de Noche Buena – flowers of the Holy Night. Botanical research shows that the leaves of plant will turn red after receiving at least 12-hours of darkness; which, in some ways, shows the folklore could be factually true.
Years ago, someone planted their Easter lilies at All Angels hoping that by the following Easter, they would rise. And, sure enough, every year we have Easter lilies popping up from the ground. I am wondering we are going to have a new tradition and that is seeing poinsettias popping up from the ground in October; and, after 12-hours of darkness, I am hoping their leaves will turn bright red in anticipation of Christmas. That would be quite a memorial and a celebration of new life, regardless of how one pronounces Poinsettia.
- Fr. Dave
Who Moved My Cheese
January 28, 2020
It takes a lot to get me mad, unless I’m dealing with passwords. Nothing can get me to move from happy to angry faster than a password problem. The Google Suite system that runs our All Angels’ email system has a super administrator login. I have that password; although when I went to log in, the Google system said, and I quote, “We’re not quite sure you are who you say you are, please click on one of these options.” The options include sending a text to a phone number I do not recognize or an email to an inactive email account. I went to the office computer that has been in place since we went with the G Suite application. Thinking I outsmarted the system, I felt pretty good when I sat down at Linn’s desk and typed in the login information for the super administrator. But, you guessed it, Google gave me the same message. And then the anger fog set in.
Written by the same author who wrote the influential management book titled One Minute Manager, the book, Who Moved My Cheese, is about corporate layoffs. The setting is the story of two mice who go through the same maze every day to get a piece of cheese. But, one day, the cheese was not there. One mouse decided to explore new areas of the maze; the other decided to sit where the cheese used to be and complain about it. The point of the story is that sometimes, through no fault of our own, our cheese moves. The question is what are we going to do about it.
When the G Suite application said, “We’re not sure you are who you say you are; here are some extra hoops for you to jump through because, you know, even though you are busy, and have a simple task to complete through our system, we think we know better than you, so, here’s another task.” In reality, that’s not exactly what it said but it is how it felt to me.
The fog anger does a number of things to the mind; for me in particular, anger stops creativity. For a little while, I sat like the mouse who was angered that his cheese was not there. But, after a bit, I started thinking like the other mouse who decided to explore the rest of the maze.
Lots of cheese has been moved in the past year. One of the most recent cheese moves is a letter I received from the Bishop that says we’re not to impose ashes on Ash Wednesday. Our choice is to get mad and complain or let the creative side take us somewhere new. It’s hard to get creative around waiting for the department of health to call and say your vaccine is ready but if Covid-19 has taught us anything, we’ve learned about patience and waiting. Someday I will get a vaccination, the email system will be fixed, and we will have a normal Ash Wednesday. In the meantime, let’s go explore the rest of the maze.
- Fr. Dave
Written by the same author who wrote the influential management book titled One Minute Manager, the book, Who Moved My Cheese, is about corporate layoffs. The setting is the story of two mice who go through the same maze every day to get a piece of cheese. But, one day, the cheese was not there. One mouse decided to explore new areas of the maze; the other decided to sit where the cheese used to be and complain about it. The point of the story is that sometimes, through no fault of our own, our cheese moves. The question is what are we going to do about it.
When the G Suite application said, “We’re not sure you are who you say you are; here are some extra hoops for you to jump through because, you know, even though you are busy, and have a simple task to complete through our system, we think we know better than you, so, here’s another task.” In reality, that’s not exactly what it said but it is how it felt to me.
The fog anger does a number of things to the mind; for me in particular, anger stops creativity. For a little while, I sat like the mouse who was angered that his cheese was not there. But, after a bit, I started thinking like the other mouse who decided to explore the rest of the maze.
Lots of cheese has been moved in the past year. One of the most recent cheese moves is a letter I received from the Bishop that says we’re not to impose ashes on Ash Wednesday. Our choice is to get mad and complain or let the creative side take us somewhere new. It’s hard to get creative around waiting for the department of health to call and say your vaccine is ready but if Covid-19 has taught us anything, we’ve learned about patience and waiting. Someday I will get a vaccination, the email system will be fixed, and we will have a normal Ash Wednesday. In the meantime, let’s go explore the rest of the maze.
- Fr. Dave
Fins Matter
January 21, 2020
My ten-year old son, Elijah, has a model rocket that his grandfather gave him. It is about two feet long with red and black stripes and is complete with a black nose cone and three small black fins. The rocket launches from a bright orange base pad that has a metal rod that guides the rocket up and it has a ten-foot cord for the launching control.
After we built the rocket, we inserted a thumb-sized rocket engine, stuffed the parachute through the top, and then secured the cone on top. Carefully, Elijah attached the launch cord to the rocket engine, and then, standing ten feet away in a deserted football field, we did a countdown, and pressed two buttons that made the engine ignite. The next three seconds were very exciting because the rocket shot straight up into the sky with a blue/grey trail of smoke. Then, there was a “pop” of energy that pushed the parachute and cone off and then the rocket floated back safely down to earth.
We started with the entry level rocket engines that advertise a 350-500 foot blast. This past week, however, we went out to try new, next-level up rocket engines which are advertised to send the rocket 1,000 feet up. Prior to trying out the new engines, however, we had to make a simple repair. The last time we shot the rocket up, the parachute didn’t open fully so it hit the ground a little hard and one of the fins fell off. We glued it back in place and then we were ready to go. After inserting the more powerful rocket engine, we waited to make sure the practice football field was completely empty, then counted down and did the launch. The rocket shot up and kept going and going. It was very exciting! The rocket passed through the prevailing wind level and went into a different air stream which caused the rocket to go in a little different direction. Unfortunately, there was no “pop”, the parachute didn’t come out, and the rocket went nose down straight into the practice field, and, upon impact, all three fins fell off.
We pulled the rocket out of the hole it made, cleaned it up, waited for it to cool down, repacked the parachute, and put a new engine in the tail. This is rocket science, so, there is a lot of trial and error. The small plastic fins seem to be ceremonial at best so we decided to launch it without repairing it. We attached the rocket to the controller and walked ten feet away. After making sure we were alone on the field, the countdown started and we launched. The rocket shot up again but this time, when it shot above the prevailing ground wind it started spinning in tight circles and then fell like a dead fish back to the earth.
After trying to make sense of what we saw, we said, “Huh, I guess the fins matter.” They are shorter than the nose cone, weigh practically nothing, and frankly look like an afterthought. But, when it comes right down to it, the fins make sure the rocket goes up instead of spinning around in circles. Lesson learned.
I am wondering if we have fins of faith. If one were to look at one’s week like a rocket, what we practice with our faith may look like an afterthought, or maybe even decorative. Yet, one fin could be “Thy will be done,” another, “We forgive others,” and the last fin, “as we are forgiven.” Saying Lord’s Prayer may look like an afterthought to some, but, when the thrust of life takes over, it is our fins of faith that make sure we fly straight up.
- Fr. Dave
Likewise
January 14, 2020
The discussion group topic this week focused on an article by Peter Wehner that highlighted how Jesus listened to the outcast and the excluded in a way that would teach the privileged about humility and justice. An example of this is found in the parable of the Good Samaritan, which, in short, is a story of a man who was robbed, beaten and left for dead. Two privileged men, a Temple priest and a Levite, saw the man but did not help; but, an outcast, a Samaritan, did. He applied first aid, paid for his room and board so he could recover, and promised to return to pay any additional costs. As a result of this story we now have hospitals, churches, and even laws named for the Good Samaritan. But, like everything Jesus did and said, there is more to it.
This story from Luke, chapter 10, originated from a situation where a legal expert interrupted Jesus with this question, “What must I do to gain eternal life?” Jesus replied, “You’re the expert, what does the law say?” He replied, “Love God with your whole being and love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus said, “Correct! Do that and you’ll live.” The legal expert rebutted, “But who is my neighbor?” The Good Samaritan story is a result of the question. At the conclusion of the story, Jesus asked the expert, “What do you think – which of these three people was a neighbor to the man in need?” He replied, “The one who showed mercy.” Jesus looked him straight in the eye and said, “Go and do likewise.”
This story exemplifies that the excluded – the beaten man and the Samaritan – taught the privileged; in this case, the legal expert. My question to you is this: how did it teach the privileged. There is a pedagogical thought that adults learn out of need or identification. If an adult can identify with something in his/her past in what is being taught, it will be learned. Or, if an adult has a need to learn something, then it will be learned. Bearing that in mind, how did the legal expert learn – was it need or by identity. I’m going to suggest it was both. His question, what must I do to gain eternal life, shows a need – life eternal. Yet, I think the legal expert also identified with the story – specifically, the beaten-man, who was passed by, or un-helped by, religious leaders. Maybe he felt excluded by religion. If so, his deeper question is this, how do I become included. Jesus gave him what his heart needed to hear, “Go show mercy.” Another way to look at it is this – go, identify with the unheard and outcast, show them mercy.
Sociologists have pointed out that individuals or groups who feel excluded, left out, or unheard, may harm others out of, or because of, their own exclusionary pain. This is believed to be a cause of school or work place shootings. Could it also be a cause for riots? Although I have never been mistreated by the police, maybe Jesus is calling me to identify with those have been. Likewise, I do not have grievances against our government, but what if Jesus is calling me to identify; to listen to; those who do. Certainly for those who have broken the law, they need to be punished. But what about the non-violent demonstrators. What if he is calling me to show mercy by listening to someone who feels unheard or excluded. There is mercy in that; especially considering God listens to me when I feel unwelcomed or unheard.
Jesus felt drawn to outcasts. He listened to and cared for the excluded. What if the being a Good Samaritan today is to listen to those who feel excluded, left out and unheard. What if Jesus, through his words and deeds recorded in the Gospel, is telling us to “Go and do likewise.”
- Fr. Dave
This story from Luke, chapter 10, originated from a situation where a legal expert interrupted Jesus with this question, “What must I do to gain eternal life?” Jesus replied, “You’re the expert, what does the law say?” He replied, “Love God with your whole being and love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus said, “Correct! Do that and you’ll live.” The legal expert rebutted, “But who is my neighbor?” The Good Samaritan story is a result of the question. At the conclusion of the story, Jesus asked the expert, “What do you think – which of these three people was a neighbor to the man in need?” He replied, “The one who showed mercy.” Jesus looked him straight in the eye and said, “Go and do likewise.”
This story exemplifies that the excluded – the beaten man and the Samaritan – taught the privileged; in this case, the legal expert. My question to you is this: how did it teach the privileged. There is a pedagogical thought that adults learn out of need or identification. If an adult can identify with something in his/her past in what is being taught, it will be learned. Or, if an adult has a need to learn something, then it will be learned. Bearing that in mind, how did the legal expert learn – was it need or by identity. I’m going to suggest it was both. His question, what must I do to gain eternal life, shows a need – life eternal. Yet, I think the legal expert also identified with the story – specifically, the beaten-man, who was passed by, or un-helped by, religious leaders. Maybe he felt excluded by religion. If so, his deeper question is this, how do I become included. Jesus gave him what his heart needed to hear, “Go show mercy.” Another way to look at it is this – go, identify with the unheard and outcast, show them mercy.
Sociologists have pointed out that individuals or groups who feel excluded, left out, or unheard, may harm others out of, or because of, their own exclusionary pain. This is believed to be a cause of school or work place shootings. Could it also be a cause for riots? Although I have never been mistreated by the police, maybe Jesus is calling me to identify with those have been. Likewise, I do not have grievances against our government, but what if Jesus is calling me to identify; to listen to; those who do. Certainly for those who have broken the law, they need to be punished. But what about the non-violent demonstrators. What if he is calling me to show mercy by listening to someone who feels unheard or excluded. There is mercy in that; especially considering God listens to me when I feel unwelcomed or unheard.
Jesus felt drawn to outcasts. He listened to and cared for the excluded. What if the being a Good Samaritan today is to listen to those who feel excluded, left out and unheard. What if Jesus, through his words and deeds recorded in the Gospel, is telling us to “Go and do likewise.”
- Fr. Dave
More Perfect
January 7, 2020
This was not the reflection I intended to send to you. The piece titled Fins Matter – about a recent experience Elijah and I had with a model rocket – was supposed to be printed today. But, the events that happened at the capital on Wednesday, the Day of Epiphany, requires me to write something different to you.
Christi and I were watching with aching hearts as the US Capital was under siege, and the constitutionally required joint-session of congress was stopped. At the same time, in a different room, our 10-year old, Elijah, was memorizing the preamble of the constitution. When I was in 5th grade, we too had to memorize it. To this day, I recall the words with the tune from School House Rock. And, like how Christi and I learned it, we too are passing the tune along to our son.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
This 52-word preamble took six weeks to create during the hot summer months in Philadelphia, 1787. It was these five objectives that the framers could agree upon:
Justice, Tranquility, Defense, Welfare, Liberty.
The process to create a union more perfect is still under construction. All the while, our united call is for justice, peace, defense, welfare, and liberty. These are not objectives that can be completed or checked off as complete; rather, it is a desire, a movement, an experiment, and at times, a desperate struggle.
At 8 pm Wednesday night, the Senate was called back to order, and, in some ways, they brought the country back to order. It was a visible sign that although chaos took over for a brief period, our desire for a more perfect union remains. The Marshalls gathered around the television to watch. Ethan had his calculus homework on his lap, Elijah was on my lap, Christi had a cat on her lap; and on the day of Epiphany, by the glow of our Christmas Tree, we watched Senators from both sides of the aisle speak from their heart about unity and our shared responsibility to bring justice, tranquility, defense, welfare and liberty.
The catechism in our Book of Common Prayer teaches that the mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. The Church purses that mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love. We carry out the mission of the Church through the ministry of all its members. Like the preamble, the Church has five objectives – to pray/worship, to proclaim, to promote justice, peace, and love.
The pursuit of the five objectives of the preamble to make our Union more perfect is similar to the pursuit of the Church to bring unity. It cannot be completed but rather the mission, the struggle, the pursuit is passed from generation to generation.
- Fr. Dave
Christi and I were watching with aching hearts as the US Capital was under siege, and the constitutionally required joint-session of congress was stopped. At the same time, in a different room, our 10-year old, Elijah, was memorizing the preamble of the constitution. When I was in 5th grade, we too had to memorize it. To this day, I recall the words with the tune from School House Rock. And, like how Christi and I learned it, we too are passing the tune along to our son.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
This 52-word preamble took six weeks to create during the hot summer months in Philadelphia, 1787. It was these five objectives that the framers could agree upon:
Justice, Tranquility, Defense, Welfare, Liberty.
The process to create a union more perfect is still under construction. All the while, our united call is for justice, peace, defense, welfare, and liberty. These are not objectives that can be completed or checked off as complete; rather, it is a desire, a movement, an experiment, and at times, a desperate struggle.
At 8 pm Wednesday night, the Senate was called back to order, and, in some ways, they brought the country back to order. It was a visible sign that although chaos took over for a brief period, our desire for a more perfect union remains. The Marshalls gathered around the television to watch. Ethan had his calculus homework on his lap, Elijah was on my lap, Christi had a cat on her lap; and on the day of Epiphany, by the glow of our Christmas Tree, we watched Senators from both sides of the aisle speak from their heart about unity and our shared responsibility to bring justice, tranquility, defense, welfare and liberty.
The catechism in our Book of Common Prayer teaches that the mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. The Church purses that mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love. We carry out the mission of the Church through the ministry of all its members. Like the preamble, the Church has five objectives – to pray/worship, to proclaim, to promote justice, peace, and love.
The pursuit of the five objectives of the preamble to make our Union more perfect is similar to the pursuit of the Church to bring unity. It cannot be completed but rather the mission, the struggle, the pursuit is passed from generation to generation.
- Fr. Dave
Merry Christmas
December 31, 2020
“On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, three French hens.” I am surprised that Amazon has not picked up on the my-true-love-sent-to-me theme as a way of delivering packages after December 25th. What is often referred to as Christmas Day – the 25th – it is a bit of a misnomer. The season of Christmas goes for twelve entire days; not just a 24-hour period. After all, if it were not so, why would we have the 12 Days of Christmas song. Does this mean that you can deliver a Christmas present or Christmas card on January 2nd and it technically is not late; you bet!
My parents tried to establish in our household the reign of Christmas over twelve days. One year, they came up with the idea to open a present or two on Christmas Day – the First Day – and then open a present for each succeeding day until the 12th. I think we made it to three French hens and then opened the rest of them. Reflecting back on it, I imagine my brother and I were probably pretty insufferable for the first three days of Christmas. … and we were not in the middle of a pandemic. I couldn’t imagine trying to do that now. Well, frankly I couldn’t imagine doing it then either.
The next year, when we were all back on speaking terms again, my parents allowed us to open all the presents on Christmas Day but held one present for the 12th day of Christmas. None of us received 12 drummers drumming but I imagine my brother and I were a bit of a drumming headache until that day. The next year, my parents held a present for the 12th day but did so in secret so my brother and I were surprised to find one more present under the tree.
My parents were in our church choir and they were a larger troupe of Gilbert & Sullivan performers. To this day, I can sing the alto and tenor parts of the Macado, Pirates of Penzance and, my favorite, HMS Pinafore. In keeping with the driving-the-12-days-of-Christmas philosophy into our heads, my parents would throw a Twelfth Night Party. We would take down the tree, eat all the rest of the Christmas cookies, and, most importantly, sing. I remember one year, it must have been the G&S production troupe at our house, because someone passed out the SATB sheet music for Handel’s Messiah. I distinctly remember waltzing around our connected living and dining room and hearing each section sing the well-known Hallelujah chorus. That was truly a way to celebrate Christmas and the end of the season. I cannot listen to the Messiah today without thinking about that group and experience. Hallelujah for Christmas and for all of its 12 days!
- Fr. Dave
My parents tried to establish in our household the reign of Christmas over twelve days. One year, they came up with the idea to open a present or two on Christmas Day – the First Day – and then open a present for each succeeding day until the 12th. I think we made it to three French hens and then opened the rest of them. Reflecting back on it, I imagine my brother and I were probably pretty insufferable for the first three days of Christmas. … and we were not in the middle of a pandemic. I couldn’t imagine trying to do that now. Well, frankly I couldn’t imagine doing it then either.
The next year, when we were all back on speaking terms again, my parents allowed us to open all the presents on Christmas Day but held one present for the 12th day of Christmas. None of us received 12 drummers drumming but I imagine my brother and I were a bit of a drumming headache until that day. The next year, my parents held a present for the 12th day but did so in secret so my brother and I were surprised to find one more present under the tree.
My parents were in our church choir and they were a larger troupe of Gilbert & Sullivan performers. To this day, I can sing the alto and tenor parts of the Macado, Pirates of Penzance and, my favorite, HMS Pinafore. In keeping with the driving-the-12-days-of-Christmas philosophy into our heads, my parents would throw a Twelfth Night Party. We would take down the tree, eat all the rest of the Christmas cookies, and, most importantly, sing. I remember one year, it must have been the G&S production troupe at our house, because someone passed out the SATB sheet music for Handel’s Messiah. I distinctly remember waltzing around our connected living and dining room and hearing each section sing the well-known Hallelujah chorus. That was truly a way to celebrate Christmas and the end of the season. I cannot listen to the Messiah today without thinking about that group and experience. Hallelujah for Christmas and for all of its 12 days!
- Fr. Dave
Christmas/Mess
December 24, 2020
Today’s reflection is from the Rev. Kate Heichler from her message “Getting to Bethlehem” from Water Daily.
I labored long under the illusion of the “perfect Christmas” which is all shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating done; perfectly chosen gifts on their way to everyone. Well, thanks to our pandemic, a lot of that pressure has been lifted this year. Will I manage to be calm and serene and so ready for Christmas Eve that I will have a spiritual encounter with God? Who am I kidding? If Luke’s story has any historical accuracy, the Holy Night we celebrate was a mess, its protagonists exhausted, scared, lonely, anxious, no doubt cranky. And at least one was in agonizing pain, delivering her first child in a stable, with only her betrothed to help her – and he more helpless than she.
Mary and Joseph didn’t want to be in Bethlehem, especially not so close to her time. They were there at the behest of a cruel tyrant seeking to squeeze yet more taxes out of a conquered people. Luke is specific about the people in power at that time – Caesar Augustus, Quirinius – and the towns Mary and Joseph traveled from and to – Nazareth in Galilee, Bethlehem in Judea. His specificity reminds us that the gift of God in flesh, Emmanuel, God-with-us was not general or vague, but personal, bounded in human time, space and history. And emotion.
Jesus didn’t come into this world on an eiderdown comforter. He came into a mess, a chaotic night in which a young couple desperately sought lodging in a strange city, finally accepting the offer of space with household livestock as the woman’s birth pangs grew in urgency. Jesus came into a political and religious mess. And he comes into our mess. If you are sad, or maybe even messed up this Christmas, you are ONE with the Christmas spirit, the original one. If you are feeling blue, invite Jesus to be with you in what you’re feeling. As we accept his presence in our turmoil, we become readier to identify with what he experienced as a newborn – complete vulnerability, confusion, cold, uncertainty.
Getting to Bethlehem can be a stressful slog, and a journey full of pain and expectation. But, like Mary, Joseph and Jesus, the light will shine where it needs to be.
I labored long under the illusion of the “perfect Christmas” which is all shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating done; perfectly chosen gifts on their way to everyone. Well, thanks to our pandemic, a lot of that pressure has been lifted this year. Will I manage to be calm and serene and so ready for Christmas Eve that I will have a spiritual encounter with God? Who am I kidding? If Luke’s story has any historical accuracy, the Holy Night we celebrate was a mess, its protagonists exhausted, scared, lonely, anxious, no doubt cranky. And at least one was in agonizing pain, delivering her first child in a stable, with only her betrothed to help her – and he more helpless than she.
Mary and Joseph didn’t want to be in Bethlehem, especially not so close to her time. They were there at the behest of a cruel tyrant seeking to squeeze yet more taxes out of a conquered people. Luke is specific about the people in power at that time – Caesar Augustus, Quirinius – and the towns Mary and Joseph traveled from and to – Nazareth in Galilee, Bethlehem in Judea. His specificity reminds us that the gift of God in flesh, Emmanuel, God-with-us was not general or vague, but personal, bounded in human time, space and history. And emotion.
Jesus didn’t come into this world on an eiderdown comforter. He came into a mess, a chaotic night in which a young couple desperately sought lodging in a strange city, finally accepting the offer of space with household livestock as the woman’s birth pangs grew in urgency. Jesus came into a political and religious mess. And he comes into our mess. If you are sad, or maybe even messed up this Christmas, you are ONE with the Christmas spirit, the original one. If you are feeling blue, invite Jesus to be with you in what you’re feeling. As we accept his presence in our turmoil, we become readier to identify with what he experienced as a newborn – complete vulnerability, confusion, cold, uncertainty.
Getting to Bethlehem can be a stressful slog, and a journey full of pain and expectation. But, like Mary, Joseph and Jesus, the light will shine where it needs to be.
The 4th Week
December 17, 2020
I’d like to give a shout out to the 4th week of Advent. It’s the week that really gets overshadowed by the looming and unstoppable presence of Christmas Eve. Starting on December 20th this year, the 4th week ends abruptly on sundown on the 24th. That is usually how the fourth week of Advent goes – it’s never a full week. Most people, myself included, start saying Merry Christmas during the 4th week. I’ve been trying my best to say, “Happy Advent” this year but honestly, after Sunday, that all goes out the window.
The 4th week of Advent is when we remember the stories of Elizabeth and Zachariah – surprise parents of John the Baptizer, and Mary and Joseph – surprise parents of the Messiah. The main emphasis for this week centers on the Biblical phrase, “How can this be?!” The first to utter that phrase was Temple priest Zachariah, who in his old age, had been unable to give his wife Elizabeth a child. The culture back then had it so that being childless was a negative thing; especially so if one held such a high esteemed position as Temple priest. As the story goes, Zachariah was randomly chosen to bring the incense into the high vault of the Temple. It was the highest honor of any priest to do. While in the room, an angel spoke to him and said that he was going to have a son. “How can this be!?” he exclaimed.
This week we hear about the angel Gabriel visiting Mary and telling her she is going to have a son. Again, same reaction – how can this be – but for a different reason. Zachariah believed he was too old to have a child; Mary believed she was too young. God saw it differently.
I am writing this to you on my son Ethan’s birthday. He turns 18 years old today! I remember vividly where Christi and I were when she told me that she was pregnant. It was our own, how can this be, moment. We had just adopted our two girls from Russia. We were trying to settle into being brand new parents with kids who had recently turned 16 and 11 years old. And now this! How can it be?!
When Zachariah found out he was going to be a dad, his life, and the world, was never the same. Likewise, when Mary found out she was going to be pregnant, her life, and the world, were never going to be the same. That feeling is echoed through every family that finds out they will be parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents. … and the world will never be the same.
The 4th week of Advent is the shortest and frankly gets very little credit; but, this week may be the most important of the Advent season because it is when we, and the world, find out we will never be the same.
- Fr. Dave
The 4th week of Advent is when we remember the stories of Elizabeth and Zachariah – surprise parents of John the Baptizer, and Mary and Joseph – surprise parents of the Messiah. The main emphasis for this week centers on the Biblical phrase, “How can this be?!” The first to utter that phrase was Temple priest Zachariah, who in his old age, had been unable to give his wife Elizabeth a child. The culture back then had it so that being childless was a negative thing; especially so if one held such a high esteemed position as Temple priest. As the story goes, Zachariah was randomly chosen to bring the incense into the high vault of the Temple. It was the highest honor of any priest to do. While in the room, an angel spoke to him and said that he was going to have a son. “How can this be!?” he exclaimed.
This week we hear about the angel Gabriel visiting Mary and telling her she is going to have a son. Again, same reaction – how can this be – but for a different reason. Zachariah believed he was too old to have a child; Mary believed she was too young. God saw it differently.
I am writing this to you on my son Ethan’s birthday. He turns 18 years old today! I remember vividly where Christi and I were when she told me that she was pregnant. It was our own, how can this be, moment. We had just adopted our two girls from Russia. We were trying to settle into being brand new parents with kids who had recently turned 16 and 11 years old. And now this! How can it be?!
When Zachariah found out he was going to be a dad, his life, and the world, was never the same. Likewise, when Mary found out she was going to be pregnant, her life, and the world, were never going to be the same. That feeling is echoed through every family that finds out they will be parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents. … and the world will never be the same.
The 4th week of Advent is the shortest and frankly gets very little credit; but, this week may be the most important of the Advent season because it is when we, and the world, find out we will never be the same.
- Fr. Dave
The Parable of the Good Samaritan-Canadian
December 10, 2020
Did you read the story about the family from Georgia who drove to Alaska? If not, here’s a summary. Lynn Marchessault packed up her two kids – 13-year-old son Payton and 10-year-old daughter Rebecca – a pair of elderly dogs and a cat named Midnight, and drove to be with her husband who is stationed at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks. They were supposed to move in September; but, with the Canadian border closed, her travel documents were not ready until the end of November. Undeterred by the delay, they packed up their 4x4 truck, and rented a U-Haul trailer, and set off.
The first 3,000 miles were uneventful. The kids and animals were well behaved and the truck performed well. At the Saskatchewan border crossing, the Canadian authorities let her in under these pre-arranged conditions: keep to the main roads; stop only when necessary for food or gas; no eating in-person at restaurants; they had just five days to get to the Alaskan border. The drive northwest through Canada was okay until heavy snow started to come down. Being from the south, Lynn had never driven in whiteout conditions. By the time they made it to Wonowon, British Columbia, she was at her wits end. 1070 miles from the Alaska border, Lynn had been run ragged from the constant slipping and sliding. She stopped at a gas station and, while her kids were in the bathroom, she broke down in front of a complete stranger. The Canadian woman checked her tires and said they were good summer tires but won’t get any traction on snow especially towing a trailer. The good Samaritan/Canadian helped the Marchessault’s get to a tire store for winter tires and then a motel for the night. Lynn called her husband and, in her words, “threw in the towel.” She was so tired and frightened she cried that the US border patrol will have to pick her up in Wonowon.
The good Samaritans/Canadians of the town put out a plea on social media that evening for help to get this family to Alaska – which is a two-day trip for someone who knows how to handle the Alaskan Highway in snow. Gary Bath read the post and answered the call to help. He dropped what he was doing and drove the family the rest of the way.
At the end of the Advent season, we hear of weary travelers who have no place to go. The kindness of a complete stranger gave Mary and Joseph a place to rest and to give birth to the One who later on told the story of the Good Samaritan. I wonder if Jesus had in mind his own birth story when telling the story of the Samaritan who dropped everything to help a stranger. Did he think of the stable owner when telling the story of the people who asked, “When did we see you in need?” Regardless, we now have a modern version of that story. It seems to me that when the good Samaritan-Canadian Gary Bath drove the Marchessault’s to Alaska, that he did the same for Jesus.
- Fr. Dave
The first 3,000 miles were uneventful. The kids and animals were well behaved and the truck performed well. At the Saskatchewan border crossing, the Canadian authorities let her in under these pre-arranged conditions: keep to the main roads; stop only when necessary for food or gas; no eating in-person at restaurants; they had just five days to get to the Alaskan border. The drive northwest through Canada was okay until heavy snow started to come down. Being from the south, Lynn had never driven in whiteout conditions. By the time they made it to Wonowon, British Columbia, she was at her wits end. 1070 miles from the Alaska border, Lynn had been run ragged from the constant slipping and sliding. She stopped at a gas station and, while her kids were in the bathroom, she broke down in front of a complete stranger. The Canadian woman checked her tires and said they were good summer tires but won’t get any traction on snow especially towing a trailer. The good Samaritan/Canadian helped the Marchessault’s get to a tire store for winter tires and then a motel for the night. Lynn called her husband and, in her words, “threw in the towel.” She was so tired and frightened she cried that the US border patrol will have to pick her up in Wonowon.
The good Samaritans/Canadians of the town put out a plea on social media that evening for help to get this family to Alaska – which is a two-day trip for someone who knows how to handle the Alaskan Highway in snow. Gary Bath read the post and answered the call to help. He dropped what he was doing and drove the family the rest of the way.
At the end of the Advent season, we hear of weary travelers who have no place to go. The kindness of a complete stranger gave Mary and Joseph a place to rest and to give birth to the One who later on told the story of the Good Samaritan. I wonder if Jesus had in mind his own birth story when telling the story of the Samaritan who dropped everything to help a stranger. Did he think of the stable owner when telling the story of the people who asked, “When did we see you in need?” Regardless, we now have a modern version of that story. It seems to me that when the good Samaritan-Canadian Gary Bath drove the Marchessault’s to Alaska, that he did the same for Jesus.
- Fr. Dave
Lion or Lamb?
December 3, 2020
One of my favorite posters is a collection of biblical phrases that describe God. The background of the poster is purple and the words are in gold; except for the bright white bold phrase in the center that reads I AM. It reminded me then, and now, that God has many names. The same is true with Jesus. He is master, Lord, savior, Christ, friend, shepherd, Messiah, and, as our Eucharistic prayer names him, Firstborn of all creation, Head of the Church, Author of our salvation. There are two names, however, that I would like to reflect on – Lamb of God, Lion of Judah.
How can Jesus be both lion and lamb?
God is described in psalm 84 as both sun and shield – the one who makes the day hot and the one who covers/shields/protects one from the harshness of the sun. In the early church period, when followers were trying to figure out what they had experienced, some had suggested that God is the sun and Jesus is the shield from God’s burning hot anger and wrath. Thankfully that theology didn’t survive long; nevertheless, God is so big that titles and names fall short of describing our Creator, even a poster full of them. But that still doesn’t explain how Jesus can be both lamb and lion, prey and predator, herbivore and carnivore, friend and feared adversary, overt and covert, both pet and apex predator.
The title, Lion of Judah, has many Biblical references. Judah is the southern territory of Israel, containing both Bethlehem and Jerusalem. The “lion” is the one who is in charge, like a king. Matthew’s Gospel tells of the Wise Men who traveled to Jerusalem looking for the Messiah. They were told he is to be from, or is to be born in, Bethlehem. Thus, the Lion of Judah is a way to describe the Messiah.
The Lamb of God reference is from John’s Gospel and the Book of Revelation. The overtones are of the Passover lamb that is sacrificed for sin. There is, of course, the additional imagery of the kind, warm and fuzzy God-in-Christ in contrast to the vengeful angry image of God.
One way to solve the lion and lamb riddle is to look at it through the lens of who someone is and what someone does. The Lion of Judah is a title for the messiah that expressly describes who Jesus is. The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, is an aspect of what Jesus does. St. Paul, in his wonderful use of imagery and language that transcends time and peoples, brought the two distinct images together by describing Jesus as the Crucified King. In other words, both lion and lamb.
- Fr. Dave
How can Jesus be both lion and lamb?
God is described in psalm 84 as both sun and shield – the one who makes the day hot and the one who covers/shields/protects one from the harshness of the sun. In the early church period, when followers were trying to figure out what they had experienced, some had suggested that God is the sun and Jesus is the shield from God’s burning hot anger and wrath. Thankfully that theology didn’t survive long; nevertheless, God is so big that titles and names fall short of describing our Creator, even a poster full of them. But that still doesn’t explain how Jesus can be both lamb and lion, prey and predator, herbivore and carnivore, friend and feared adversary, overt and covert, both pet and apex predator.
The title, Lion of Judah, has many Biblical references. Judah is the southern territory of Israel, containing both Bethlehem and Jerusalem. The “lion” is the one who is in charge, like a king. Matthew’s Gospel tells of the Wise Men who traveled to Jerusalem looking for the Messiah. They were told he is to be from, or is to be born in, Bethlehem. Thus, the Lion of Judah is a way to describe the Messiah.
The Lamb of God reference is from John’s Gospel and the Book of Revelation. The overtones are of the Passover lamb that is sacrificed for sin. There is, of course, the additional imagery of the kind, warm and fuzzy God-in-Christ in contrast to the vengeful angry image of God.
One way to solve the lion and lamb riddle is to look at it through the lens of who someone is and what someone does. The Lion of Judah is a title for the messiah that expressly describes who Jesus is. The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, is an aspect of what Jesus does. St. Paul, in his wonderful use of imagery and language that transcends time and peoples, brought the two distinct images together by describing Jesus as the Crucified King. In other words, both lion and lamb.
- Fr. Dave
A Breath of Advent Air
November 27, 2020
Don’t look now but Advent is here. The season that is most commonly known for Advent calendars, it is the time of year where we await and anticipate the arrival of Jesus. It is a many-sided season because it ends with Christmas which, on one side, means that we were waiting and preparing for the yearly celebration of Jesus’ birth. Another side is that we are waiting for the return of Christ and that no one knows the day or the hour of when he returns; even if our calendar shows his birth is on December 25th. A third-side is that Advent can be treated like a mini-Lent. In many churches, purple is the color for Advent which is also the color of Lent. Some religious traditions have Advent participants give up things; just like in Lent. The fourth side of Advent is that it is a perpetual season. We are always waiting for the return of Christ. We wait during Christmas, during the Easter season, and during the dog-days of summer, we are waiting and expecting Jesus to return. Regardless of the many ways to look at Advent, by the time Christmas finally arrives, I often feel winded.
If you are wondering what the real meaning of Advent is, I’d have to say it is up to you to determine that. If you’d like to treat it like a Lenten season, feel free. If your tradition is to light a candle, one for each week, that’s great. If you breathe a sigh of relief on Christmas morning, that’s fine too. However it is that you decide to treat Advent, it is up to you. Nevertheless, we should be aware that Jesus is scheduled to return someday, maybe soon.
Advent comes with a warning – at least one from me to you. Prepare for the Gospel lessons in Advent to be on the harsher, judgmental side of God. Don’t blame me for this, we are following along with the Revised Common Lectionary, Episcopal Edition. This Sunday, we are hearing that the return of Christ will start with the sun darkened and the stars falling from the sky. Advent II and III is about John the Baptizer who wore camel’s hair and ate locusts – which are symbols of God’s judgement. Advent IV is about Mary, thankfully. Often I will hear this after a service in Advent, “Well, those reading don’t sound very Christmassy.” I suppose the point is they are not supposed to.
For me, Advent is about preparing for Christmas, for birthdays during December, for one of the biggest seasons of the Church, for end-of-the-year reports, for holiday parties, and, somewhere along in my list, for Jesus. This year, like the other years, I’d like to move Jesus up on my list. Maybe because we’re not going to, or hosting, any parties, I have a little more room this year; or maybe it is because 2020 is calling us all into a deeper relationship with God and in participating with our spiritual life. My weekly Advent practice this year will be to read a portion of Joan Chittister’s book, The Breath of the Soul, Reflections on Prayer. I’ll put each reading up on-line so that you can read with me. Regardless of how you see this multi-sided season of Advent, I invite you to take some time to reflect on prayer and how it lets the soul breathe.
- Fr. Dave
Don’t look now but Advent is here. The season that is most commonly known for Advent calendars, it is the time of year where we await and anticipate the arrival of Jesus. It is a many-sided season because it ends with Christmas which, on one side, means that we were waiting and preparing for the yearly celebration of Jesus’ birth. Another side is that we are waiting for the return of Christ and that no one knows the day or the hour of when he returns; even if our calendar shows his birth is on December 25th. A third-side is that Advent can be treated like a mini-Lent. In many churches, purple is the color for Advent which is also the color of Lent. Some religious traditions have Advent participants give up things; just like in Lent. The fourth side of Advent is that it is a perpetual season. We are always waiting for the return of Christ. We wait during Christmas, during the Easter season, and during the dog-days of summer, we are waiting and expecting Jesus to return. Regardless of the many ways to look at Advent, by the time Christmas finally arrives, I often feel winded.
If you are wondering what the real meaning of Advent is, I’d have to say it is up to you to determine that. If you’d like to treat it like a Lenten season, feel free. If your tradition is to light a candle, one for each week, that’s great. If you breathe a sigh of relief on Christmas morning, that’s fine too. However it is that you decide to treat Advent, it is up to you. Nevertheless, we should be aware that Jesus is scheduled to return someday, maybe soon.
Advent comes with a warning – at least one from me to you. Prepare for the Gospel lessons in Advent to be on the harsher, judgmental side of God. Don’t blame me for this, we are following along with the Revised Common Lectionary, Episcopal Edition. This Sunday, we are hearing that the return of Christ will start with the sun darkened and the stars falling from the sky. Advent II and III is about John the Baptizer who wore camel’s hair and ate locusts – which are symbols of God’s judgement. Advent IV is about Mary, thankfully. Often I will hear this after a service in Advent, “Well, those reading don’t sound very Christmassy.” I suppose the point is they are not supposed to.
For me, Advent is about preparing for Christmas, for birthdays during December, for one of the biggest seasons of the Church, for end-of-the-year reports, for holiday parties, and, somewhere along in my list, for Jesus. This year, like the other years, I’d like to move Jesus up on my list. Maybe because we’re not going to, or hosting, any parties, I have a little more room this year; or maybe it is because 2020 is calling us all into a deeper relationship with God and in participating with our spiritual life. My weekly Advent practice this year will be to read a portion of Joan Chittister’s book, The Breath of the Soul, Reflections on Prayer. I’ll put each reading up on-line so that you can read with me. Regardless of how you see this multi-sided season of Advent, I invite you to take some time to reflect on prayer and how it lets the soul breathe.
- Fr. Dave
Pilgrimage
November 19, 2020
There has been so much change happening all around us that it is easy to let things slip by. I’d like to take a moment and highlight a change that occurred on Sunday. For the first time in All Angels’ history, the terrace was open for people to enter and worship on Sunday. We had four souls who were willing to be test subjects; and, the results are in – they loved it!
The original plan for the church had a wraparound walkway that extended around the church from the memorial garden to the terrace. That would have allowed for the terrace to be used as an emergency exit. But, as buildings and plans go, the walkway did not materialize so the terrace remained a closed space. After decades of having members of the altar guild and flower guild get stuck out on the terrace, after the door closed behind them and locked, three things happened all at once – a global pandemic temporarily restricted indoor worship to 10 people, All Angels started broadcasting our services outside the church, and the Vestry decided to improve the entrances for people of any mobility. In order to improve our ingress/egress plan, we (probably) had to add an emergency exit. The logical place to do that was through the terrace. With the rising popularity of worshipping at All Angels outside, a bold plan was made. A contractor cut into the terrace walls at both north and south ends and then poured an ADA compliant cement walkway that connected into our existing garden pathway. Lastly, all-weather outdoor speakers were installed that carry the audio from inside the church to the outside. And voila, a new era has begun.
The Albert and Bette Spaeth Meditation Terrace has a plaque that reads as follows: Enter + Rest + Pray
From 1994 until 2020, the only way to enter the meditation terrace was through the doors in nave of the church. And, if they locked behind you, the only way to exit was to jump over the wall. Nowadays, pilgrims seeking to rest and pray can enter through the walkway; any time of day, any day of the week. We are living into the vision that folks had back when the church was made. The speakers make it so that congregants can sit on the terrace, enjoy fresh outdoor air, and participate in the service. And, for the first time in anyone’s recollection, communion was served on the terrace this past Sunday. The first communicant was a parishioner who just celebrated her 97th birthday, Marge Stapleton.
Change can happen like a swinging pendulum. Other change is like passing a threshold from which one cannot go back or like a navigation point of no return. All Angels has now passed a threshold. Now that the terrace is open for anyone to take time to enter, rest and pray, there is no going back. Our proverbial door has been set in the open position with cement. It is another step that all the pilgrims of All Angels are taking to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the church.
- Fr. Dave
If you would like to follow in the footsteps of Albert and Bette Spaeth and help underwrite the costs of our continuing pilgrimage,
click here. https://onrealm.org/AllAngelsBySeaE/-/give/now
The original plan for the church had a wraparound walkway that extended around the church from the memorial garden to the terrace. That would have allowed for the terrace to be used as an emergency exit. But, as buildings and plans go, the walkway did not materialize so the terrace remained a closed space. After decades of having members of the altar guild and flower guild get stuck out on the terrace, after the door closed behind them and locked, three things happened all at once – a global pandemic temporarily restricted indoor worship to 10 people, All Angels started broadcasting our services outside the church, and the Vestry decided to improve the entrances for people of any mobility. In order to improve our ingress/egress plan, we (probably) had to add an emergency exit. The logical place to do that was through the terrace. With the rising popularity of worshipping at All Angels outside, a bold plan was made. A contractor cut into the terrace walls at both north and south ends and then poured an ADA compliant cement walkway that connected into our existing garden pathway. Lastly, all-weather outdoor speakers were installed that carry the audio from inside the church to the outside. And voila, a new era has begun.
The Albert and Bette Spaeth Meditation Terrace has a plaque that reads as follows: Enter + Rest + Pray
From 1994 until 2020, the only way to enter the meditation terrace was through the doors in nave of the church. And, if they locked behind you, the only way to exit was to jump over the wall. Nowadays, pilgrims seeking to rest and pray can enter through the walkway; any time of day, any day of the week. We are living into the vision that folks had back when the church was made. The speakers make it so that congregants can sit on the terrace, enjoy fresh outdoor air, and participate in the service. And, for the first time in anyone’s recollection, communion was served on the terrace this past Sunday. The first communicant was a parishioner who just celebrated her 97th birthday, Marge Stapleton.
Change can happen like a swinging pendulum. Other change is like passing a threshold from which one cannot go back or like a navigation point of no return. All Angels has now passed a threshold. Now that the terrace is open for anyone to take time to enter, rest and pray, there is no going back. Our proverbial door has been set in the open position with cement. It is another step that all the pilgrims of All Angels are taking to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the church.
- Fr. Dave
If you would like to follow in the footsteps of Albert and Bette Spaeth and help underwrite the costs of our continuing pilgrimage,
click here. https://onrealm.org/AllAngelsBySeaE/-/give/now
Hear Ye, Hear Ye
November 12, 2020
I am writing to you on Veterans Day. We have a small hurricane, parked off the coast and it is dumping rain and lots of wind. At the same time, I am listening to patriotic hymns – from outside the church! Our brand new, six speaker, all-weather, 180 watt sound system is now broadcasting outside the church. Rotary volunteers wearing parkas, shorts, flip flops and face coverings are keeping the soaking flags from falling and greeting veterans as they drive by. The soundtrack to this event is provided by All Angels.
In Washington State, where I grew up and went to college, there is a tradition to play music outside when the weather gets nice. On those rare days, neighbors, college students, anyone really, will put speakers into the open windows and play their favorite tunes. I would shoot baskets while listening to an album by Duran Duran. My brother would wash his car to Lynard Skynard. In college, on sunny days, the dorms would erupt with music all designed to be heard outside.
As a camp counsellor, we would have a dance on the final night of each camp session. Our preferred place was the outdoor basketball court. Can you guess who would set up the speakers outside; yep, yours truly. I imagine the camp’s neighbors prayed for rain.
Flash forward to 2020, southwest Florida. I conducted an Easter morning service in front of Blake Hospital because the country went into a lockdown. For the rest of the Easter season, we held in-church services but they were not open to the public. Bob Erker and I hauled some old Pevey loudspeakers out of storage and, with Ethan’s help and ingenuity, we set up the drive-up and outdoor church. As the season of Easter moved into Pentecost and the season after, we realized outdoor church was going to continue. The Vestry dreamed up all sorts of possibilities including having fellowship outside, the Mardi Gras party outdoors, and other events. They decided we needed something permanent. This is southwest Florida, after all, and unlike Washington State, we have lots and lots of nice days especially in the “winter” season.
After some discussion with the city of Longboat Key, we now have outdoor speakers that will be used on Sunday morning for our services, for the upcoming Blue Christmas and Christmas Eve service. We are offering organ music in the park every Thursday from 11 am to noon for the public to come by and enjoy uplifting music. I can see us offering quiet Advent/Christmas music for pilgrims to Longboat who want to rest in the evening under the shade of our beautiful oak trees. And, just imagine this: we can actually start next year’s Palm Sunday procession outside. I do not have a crystal ball, but, I imagine that even on the last Sunday of March, 2021, there will be people who prefer to remain outdoors to worship.
If you had told me when I was 17 years old that what I learned about playing music outside would one day fit into the mission statement of a church that I would serve and lead in Florida, I would have thought you were nuts. And now, we’re running around in a near-hurricane, listening to organ music and thanking veterans for their service; I guess we are pretty nutty after all.
- Fr. Dave
In Washington State, where I grew up and went to college, there is a tradition to play music outside when the weather gets nice. On those rare days, neighbors, college students, anyone really, will put speakers into the open windows and play their favorite tunes. I would shoot baskets while listening to an album by Duran Duran. My brother would wash his car to Lynard Skynard. In college, on sunny days, the dorms would erupt with music all designed to be heard outside.
As a camp counsellor, we would have a dance on the final night of each camp session. Our preferred place was the outdoor basketball court. Can you guess who would set up the speakers outside; yep, yours truly. I imagine the camp’s neighbors prayed for rain.
Flash forward to 2020, southwest Florida. I conducted an Easter morning service in front of Blake Hospital because the country went into a lockdown. For the rest of the Easter season, we held in-church services but they were not open to the public. Bob Erker and I hauled some old Pevey loudspeakers out of storage and, with Ethan’s help and ingenuity, we set up the drive-up and outdoor church. As the season of Easter moved into Pentecost and the season after, we realized outdoor church was going to continue. The Vestry dreamed up all sorts of possibilities including having fellowship outside, the Mardi Gras party outdoors, and other events. They decided we needed something permanent. This is southwest Florida, after all, and unlike Washington State, we have lots and lots of nice days especially in the “winter” season.
After some discussion with the city of Longboat Key, we now have outdoor speakers that will be used on Sunday morning for our services, for the upcoming Blue Christmas and Christmas Eve service. We are offering organ music in the park every Thursday from 11 am to noon for the public to come by and enjoy uplifting music. I can see us offering quiet Advent/Christmas music for pilgrims to Longboat who want to rest in the evening under the shade of our beautiful oak trees. And, just imagine this: we can actually start next year’s Palm Sunday procession outside. I do not have a crystal ball, but, I imagine that even on the last Sunday of March, 2021, there will be people who prefer to remain outdoors to worship.
If you had told me when I was 17 years old that what I learned about playing music outside would one day fit into the mission statement of a church that I would serve and lead in Florida, I would have thought you were nuts. And now, we’re running around in a near-hurricane, listening to organ music and thanking veterans for their service; I guess we are pretty nutty after all.
- Fr. Dave
All Things New
November 5, 2020
Several Fridays ago, our organist and music director, Dale, sounded troubled on the phone. He asked if I was sitting down and then explained to me that the organ didn’t start. It sounded like he was describing a death in the family. He went on to explain that the organ repair company said that we’re looking at a possible $20k repair, or substantially more; the repair could take months and we would need a loaner organ at $1,000 per month. Dale prepared to conduct Sunday’s service on the piano.
The next day he called and sounded much better. He tried the organ again and it worked. Since that time, the organ works when it wants to. This past Sunday, he was supposed to play a music reflection after the prayers of the people. After the prayers, I didn’t hear any music so I started to stand for the announcements but then I heard the hymn so I sat back down. As it turned out, Dale had started playing right after the prayers at the appointed time, but the organ decided to wait and then play.
As far back as theologians and anthropologists can tell, music has always been a part of worship. Many people read the beginning of Genesis this way: “God sang, ‘Let there be light.’” Scripture references heaven as a place with lots and lots of music. In our church, music is important to our worship. Even with the 8 am service, that has no formal music, the silence and reverence felt in the service is its own music.
The Vestry reviewed two bids to replace the organ – one from Allen and the other from Rogers which is a new version of our existing organ. In their factory just outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Allen Organ is the last 100% American made organ manufacturer. They are one of the finest electronic organs companies in the world. Although the bids were similar – both around $125,000 – we decided on the Allen. It will be ready by the end of March. Until then, we have a loner Allen organ that was installed on Monday. When I heard it, I thought we actually had pipes in the church. The sound is amazing… and this is just the loaner.
Our mission is to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the Church. Our new organ will plug directly into our on-line streaming system and into our soon-to-be installed outdoor speakers. This will substantially improve the sound of the organ for those outside of the church.
Starting on Veterans Day and then running every Thursday morning from 11 to noon, Dale will play an outdoor organ concert. Each week, he will offer a different theme. Stay tuned for the music calendar selections. We will offer our garden-like campus as a place of rest with uplifting music each Thursday. With Christ, all things are made new. As we bring the living Christ to others, it makes sense that we will be creating familiar tunes and ancient hymns in old and new ways.
- Fr. Dave
The next day he called and sounded much better. He tried the organ again and it worked. Since that time, the organ works when it wants to. This past Sunday, he was supposed to play a music reflection after the prayers of the people. After the prayers, I didn’t hear any music so I started to stand for the announcements but then I heard the hymn so I sat back down. As it turned out, Dale had started playing right after the prayers at the appointed time, but the organ decided to wait and then play.
As far back as theologians and anthropologists can tell, music has always been a part of worship. Many people read the beginning of Genesis this way: “God sang, ‘Let there be light.’” Scripture references heaven as a place with lots and lots of music. In our church, music is important to our worship. Even with the 8 am service, that has no formal music, the silence and reverence felt in the service is its own music.
The Vestry reviewed two bids to replace the organ – one from Allen and the other from Rogers which is a new version of our existing organ. In their factory just outside of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Allen Organ is the last 100% American made organ manufacturer. They are one of the finest electronic organs companies in the world. Although the bids were similar – both around $125,000 – we decided on the Allen. It will be ready by the end of March. Until then, we have a loner Allen organ that was installed on Monday. When I heard it, I thought we actually had pipes in the church. The sound is amazing… and this is just the loaner.
Our mission is to bring the living Christ to those inside and outside the Church. Our new organ will plug directly into our on-line streaming system and into our soon-to-be installed outdoor speakers. This will substantially improve the sound of the organ for those outside of the church.
Starting on Veterans Day and then running every Thursday morning from 11 to noon, Dale will play an outdoor organ concert. Each week, he will offer a different theme. Stay tuned for the music calendar selections. We will offer our garden-like campus as a place of rest with uplifting music each Thursday. With Christ, all things are made new. As we bring the living Christ to others, it makes sense that we will be creating familiar tunes and ancient hymns in old and new ways.
- Fr. Dave
Lift a Cup
October 29, 2020
The theme of the discussion groups this week was happiness. The article we discussed was written by Arthur Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor, who opined that when it comes to happiness, we are measuring the wrong indicators. Typically, American household happiness is measured by how large our houses are, which have increased by 1,000 feet since the early 1970’s; disposable income in relation to how often we eat out; available and use of technology – over the past two decades the availability and use of the internet has increased from 52% of households to 90%. Yet, the General Social Society, which has been measuring social trends among Americans since 1972, shows a long-term, gradual decline in happiness – and a rise in unhappiness – from 1988 to the present. Apparently we are measuring the wrong indicators.
What is happiness to you? How would you define it? The cynic in me says that if we shrank the average size of homes, removed the internet, and ate out less, our happiness would not increase. So, what then is happiness? Is it even measurable?
Water generally makes me happy. Drinking water, boating, swimming, ice in my drink; I like water. After watching Hurricane Zeta, and the other hurricanes this year, slam into the north Gulf Coast, too much water can bring lots of unhappiness. Does happiness come down to balance? No internet would generally make me unhappy. Too much internet time would probably make me unhappy too. Probably. St. Benedict and his rule of life would say that struggle is a part of happiness. We need to labor at something, to work and struggle at something, to find happiness. Although this might blend satisfaction with happiness, there certainly is an element of struggle and balance when defining happiness.
Many find happiness in golf. At the same time, golf is a struggle. Others find happiness in tennis, which, at the same time, is a struggle. Working on a puzzle brings happiness to others but there has to be a balance – it cannot be too easy nor to difficult. The same applies to crossword puzzles and reading a good book.
The happiest moments captured in the Gospel for Jesus is when someone answered a question correctly, when he was blessing children, and, frankly, when wine was involved. Jesus gave great praise, and seemed to have a smile on his face, when wisdom was hidden from the intellectual in society but when children knew the answer. I can see the smile on his face when he said, “Let the children come to me because to these has been given the Kingdom of Heaven.” When his mother, Mary, approached Jesus at a wedding they were attending in Cana, and said, “Son, do that thing you do.” I can see Jesus smiling when he said to the servants, “Fill every pot and bucket you have with water and watch what happens.” I also think that Jesus finds happiness in surprising people. His post-resurrection appearance in the locked room, the two disciples who didn’t recognize him until he sat at a table and broke bread in front of them (and then subsequently immediately disappeared), and on the shoreline calling out to the disciples, “You haven’t caught and fish, have you.” I think he was happy in each case of surprise.
During none of these happy times was Jesus indoors, on the internet, or eating take-out food. Instead, he was involved in connections with others – through conversation and wine. Maybe he was reminding us to find happiness with each other when he lifted up the cup and said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” I think that means that we can find happiness indoors, on the internet, and ordering take-out food if we are doing it in connection with God and others. Even if that cup is on the golf course.
- Fr. Dave
The theme of the discussion groups this week was happiness. The article we discussed was written by Arthur Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor, who opined that when it comes to happiness, we are measuring the wrong indicators. Typically, American household happiness is measured by how large our houses are, which have increased by 1,000 feet since the early 1970’s; disposable income in relation to how often we eat out; available and use of technology – over the past two decades the availability and use of the internet has increased from 52% of households to 90%. Yet, the General Social Society, which has been measuring social trends among Americans since 1972, shows a long-term, gradual decline in happiness – and a rise in unhappiness – from 1988 to the present. Apparently we are measuring the wrong indicators.
What is happiness to you? How would you define it? The cynic in me says that if we shrank the average size of homes, removed the internet, and ate out less, our happiness would not increase. So, what then is happiness? Is it even measurable?
Water generally makes me happy. Drinking water, boating, swimming, ice in my drink; I like water. After watching Hurricane Zeta, and the other hurricanes this year, slam into the north Gulf Coast, too much water can bring lots of unhappiness. Does happiness come down to balance? No internet would generally make me unhappy. Too much internet time would probably make me unhappy too. Probably. St. Benedict and his rule of life would say that struggle is a part of happiness. We need to labor at something, to work and struggle at something, to find happiness. Although this might blend satisfaction with happiness, there certainly is an element of struggle and balance when defining happiness.
Many find happiness in golf. At the same time, golf is a struggle. Others find happiness in tennis, which, at the same time, is a struggle. Working on a puzzle brings happiness to others but there has to be a balance – it cannot be too easy nor to difficult. The same applies to crossword puzzles and reading a good book.
The happiest moments captured in the Gospel for Jesus is when someone answered a question correctly, when he was blessing children, and, frankly, when wine was involved. Jesus gave great praise, and seemed to have a smile on his face, when wisdom was hidden from the intellectual in society but when children knew the answer. I can see the smile on his face when he said, “Let the children come to me because to these has been given the Kingdom of Heaven.” When his mother, Mary, approached Jesus at a wedding they were attending in Cana, and said, “Son, do that thing you do.” I can see Jesus smiling when he said to the servants, “Fill every pot and bucket you have with water and watch what happens.” I also think that Jesus finds happiness in surprising people. His post-resurrection appearance in the locked room, the two disciples who didn’t recognize him until he sat at a table and broke bread in front of them (and then subsequently immediately disappeared), and on the shoreline calling out to the disciples, “You haven’t caught and fish, have you.” I think he was happy in each case of surprise.
During none of these happy times was Jesus indoors, on the internet, or eating take-out food. Instead, he was involved in connections with others – through conversation and wine. Maybe he was reminding us to find happiness with each other when he lifted up the cup and said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” I think that means that we can find happiness indoors, on the internet, and ordering take-out food if we are doing it in connection with God and others. Even if that cup is on the golf course.
- Fr. Dave
A Stole and A Hard Hat
October 22, 2020
I used to be an audio and video sales manager for a home electronics retail company that started with two stores and grew to more than 40 (before they were bought by BestBuy). I was a part of the team that opened our 7th location, it was the flagship store in a highly coveted retail area just south of Seattle. While the store was under construction, it was required that we wear hard hats.
The morning of our grand opening, our store manager held a meeting with the entire 80-person staff. He walked into the meeting wearing his hard hat. He said, “Before most of you got here, the leadership team had to wear these helmets to protect our heads from falling objects; it’s like we expected something to fall. Now that we have this brand new, shiny retail store, it would be a surprise if something fell. Although we are structurally sound, I want you to wear your hard hats, not on your heads but in your mind. I want you to be ready, and to expect, something to break or fail. I want you to expect that something will go wrong so that we can quickly come up with a work-around. This is my fifth new store and I can tell you from experience something always, always goes wrong.” Sure enough, the following week, on a very busy Saturday afternoon, we lost power to the entire point-of-sale system. We quickly pulled out the paper forms; the ones we used to say, “Can I write this up for you?”; and got back to work.
When you look at All Angels, you wouldn’t expect it to be a hard hat area; but it is. Starting the Sunday after Easter, the complexity of delivering our Sunday morning worship service has increased 5-fold. We now publish three weekly bulletins – one in print and two on-line bulletins, regular and large print. We went from having one way to worship – in person, to having these five ways to worship: drive up church on the radio, walk up church in the garden area, live-streamed church on YouTube, Zoom-in’ church, and in person. This means we should be wearing hard hats in our mind every Sunday because something might go wrong. The last two Sundays in a row, our audio cable got kicked which disabled Zoom, the outdoor speakers, and the radio. The last time, however, we got it back up and running within a minute because we were ready and expecting something not to work. In the 21st century Church, it’s like Jesus is saying, “Pick up your cross, put on your hard hat, and follow me.”
-Fr. Dave
The morning of our grand opening, our store manager held a meeting with the entire 80-person staff. He walked into the meeting wearing his hard hat. He said, “Before most of you got here, the leadership team had to wear these helmets to protect our heads from falling objects; it’s like we expected something to fall. Now that we have this brand new, shiny retail store, it would be a surprise if something fell. Although we are structurally sound, I want you to wear your hard hats, not on your heads but in your mind. I want you to be ready, and to expect, something to break or fail. I want you to expect that something will go wrong so that we can quickly come up with a work-around. This is my fifth new store and I can tell you from experience something always, always goes wrong.” Sure enough, the following week, on a very busy Saturday afternoon, we lost power to the entire point-of-sale system. We quickly pulled out the paper forms; the ones we used to say, “Can I write this up for you?”; and got back to work.
When you look at All Angels, you wouldn’t expect it to be a hard hat area; but it is. Starting the Sunday after Easter, the complexity of delivering our Sunday morning worship service has increased 5-fold. We now publish three weekly bulletins – one in print and two on-line bulletins, regular and large print. We went from having one way to worship – in person, to having these five ways to worship: drive up church on the radio, walk up church in the garden area, live-streamed church on YouTube, Zoom-in’ church, and in person. This means we should be wearing hard hats in our mind every Sunday because something might go wrong. The last two Sundays in a row, our audio cable got kicked which disabled Zoom, the outdoor speakers, and the radio. The last time, however, we got it back up and running within a minute because we were ready and expecting something not to work. In the 21st century Church, it’s like Jesus is saying, “Pick up your cross, put on your hard hat, and follow me.”
-Fr. Dave
Practicing Presence
October 15, 2020
Back in Jesus’ day, it was believed there were three planes of existence, heaven, earth, and under-earth. Like dinners plates stacked, the planes touched but there was no interaction between them. One of the early symbols of Jesus is the V shape – he was from heaven, lived on earth, went to under-earth, then back to earth, then returned to heaven. The belief came to be that through Christ, we can enter the “plate” of heaven. But, more than that, the spiritual focus of the early Church was belief that there are no plates, just the constant, daily presence of heaven/God because the Holy Spirit. Because of the presence of the Holy Spirit, we can experience heaven in the here and now.
Experiencing heaven on earth gave rise to the notion of “thin places” where the plate of heaven feels closer to the plate of earth. Sometimes those thin places are church; most often, however, they are in nature. The downside to the thin-place theology is that if we feel closer to God in some places, then we don’t know of God’s presence in all places. St. Benedict believed that to be untrue; he believed we are always in a thin place with God because of the Holy Spirit. What we need to do is first recognize or believe that the presence of God is with us at all times.
Benedict wrote that the chief thing that separates us from the presence of God is the thought that we are separated from God. To practice the presence of God is to first let go of the thought that we are separated and then to trust that God is indeed present in all of life around us. The second step in practicing the presence of God is to accept the fact that we can find God’s presence in the ordinary stuff of life – in the beauty of the day, in the voice of a family member, a smile from a stranger, kindness from a neighbor, or in an opportunity that beckons us. The third part of the practice is to accept that practicing the presence of God happens gradually over time.
One person told me that she was wondering what the presence of God was doing while she was watching news on the television. It was a particularly depressing and disturbing news cycle. Fully embracing the belief that the presence of God is with her at all times, she said out loud, “Where is your presence in this!?” The immediate feeling she got back was, “Turn it off.” Feeling a bit shocked, she immediately turned off the TV. In the silence that followed, she heard the sound of the breeze coming in through her sliding door. She got up and looked outside. Unfolding in front of her was the setting sun over the gulf – the yellow hues of the sun reflecting off turquoise water framed in by red clouds and white sand. She gripped the slider door, acknowledged God in the beauty of nature, and whispered “thank you.” The thought that crossed her mind was this, “Hey, you are the one who turned off the TV.”
-Fr. Dave
Experiencing heaven on earth gave rise to the notion of “thin places” where the plate of heaven feels closer to the plate of earth. Sometimes those thin places are church; most often, however, they are in nature. The downside to the thin-place theology is that if we feel closer to God in some places, then we don’t know of God’s presence in all places. St. Benedict believed that to be untrue; he believed we are always in a thin place with God because of the Holy Spirit. What we need to do is first recognize or believe that the presence of God is with us at all times.
Benedict wrote that the chief thing that separates us from the presence of God is the thought that we are separated from God. To practice the presence of God is to first let go of the thought that we are separated and then to trust that God is indeed present in all of life around us. The second step in practicing the presence of God is to accept the fact that we can find God’s presence in the ordinary stuff of life – in the beauty of the day, in the voice of a family member, a smile from a stranger, kindness from a neighbor, or in an opportunity that beckons us. The third part of the practice is to accept that practicing the presence of God happens gradually over time.
One person told me that she was wondering what the presence of God was doing while she was watching news on the television. It was a particularly depressing and disturbing news cycle. Fully embracing the belief that the presence of God is with her at all times, she said out loud, “Where is your presence in this!?” The immediate feeling she got back was, “Turn it off.” Feeling a bit shocked, she immediately turned off the TV. In the silence that followed, she heard the sound of the breeze coming in through her sliding door. She got up and looked outside. Unfolding in front of her was the setting sun over the gulf – the yellow hues of the sun reflecting off turquoise water framed in by red clouds and white sand. She gripped the slider door, acknowledged God in the beauty of nature, and whispered “thank you.” The thought that crossed her mind was this, “Hey, you are the one who turned off the TV.”
-Fr. Dave
A Garrison of Peace
October 8, 2020
If you have seen my liturgical style, you may have noticed that I do not pray the Eucharistic prayer by memory. Some clergy recite it from memory, but, I choose not to. Some of this style has to do with being an underwriter in a corporate culture that insisted one is not to memorize the insurance policy; but rather to read it. It didn’t matter if we had read a particular section hundreds of times, we must read it when making a determination. In college, I studied a Supreme Court case that decided whether a police should read or recite the Miranda rights. The court ruled that the arresting officer must read the rights, not recite it from memory.
In seminary, we were advised to memorize two parts of the service – the absolution and the benediction. In the bulletin this Sunday, the benediction isn’t in print, it just says, “The Blessing”. I don’t memorize stuff well; in fact, some have made fun of me for not remembering the lyrics to the most common Christmas hymns. But, for the benediction, I will be just fine as long as I remember these words: the peace of God. If I can remember those words, I can recite the rest from memory – “[the peace of God] which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his son Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The words of the benediction came from Sunday’s reading — chapter 4, verse 7, of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. This past Tuesday, I was reading the chapter in Greek. Normally I’d speed through the words I already know but something made me stop and look at them in verse 7. Wouldn’t you know, I saw something that I’ve never seen before. The word that stuck out for me is the verb “to keep”. The Greek word Paul used is phroureo; it means to keep, to guard, to set-a-garrison. The transliterated Greek reads this way: the peace of God which exceeds all thought set-a-garrison-around your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Upon reading that, my mind was blown. I had never imagined God’s peace setting a garrison/fortress around my heart and mind in Christ. Visually speaking, the peace of God for me had always looked like a tranquil lake, or an orange setting sun over a blue ocean, not a stone wall. In fact, when I think of the verb to-keep, I think of it in in a possessive transaction; like keeping something. But, medieval architecture shows a keep is a strong tower. Here I was thinking that God’s peace keeps-transactionally our hearts and minds in Christ. Where, in Paul’s day and time, he wrote that God’s peace sets a garrison or a strong tower to hold our hearts and minds in Christ. Now, that certainly does pass all understanding!
-Fr. Dave
In seminary, we were advised to memorize two parts of the service – the absolution and the benediction. In the bulletin this Sunday, the benediction isn’t in print, it just says, “The Blessing”. I don’t memorize stuff well; in fact, some have made fun of me for not remembering the lyrics to the most common Christmas hymns. But, for the benediction, I will be just fine as long as I remember these words: the peace of God. If I can remember those words, I can recite the rest from memory – “[the peace of God] which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his son Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The words of the benediction came from Sunday’s reading — chapter 4, verse 7, of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. This past Tuesday, I was reading the chapter in Greek. Normally I’d speed through the words I already know but something made me stop and look at them in verse 7. Wouldn’t you know, I saw something that I’ve never seen before. The word that stuck out for me is the verb “to keep”. The Greek word Paul used is phroureo; it means to keep, to guard, to set-a-garrison. The transliterated Greek reads this way: the peace of God which exceeds all thought set-a-garrison-around your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Upon reading that, my mind was blown. I had never imagined God’s peace setting a garrison/fortress around my heart and mind in Christ. Visually speaking, the peace of God for me had always looked like a tranquil lake, or an orange setting sun over a blue ocean, not a stone wall. In fact, when I think of the verb to-keep, I think of it in in a possessive transaction; like keeping something. But, medieval architecture shows a keep is a strong tower. Here I was thinking that God’s peace keeps-transactionally our hearts and minds in Christ. Where, in Paul’s day and time, he wrote that God’s peace sets a garrison or a strong tower to hold our hearts and minds in Christ. Now, that certainly does pass all understanding!
-Fr. Dave
Replate! Replate!
October 1, 2020
My friend Tim, after finding out that All Angels needed to have our chalices replated, wrote this joke:
A pastor had two chalices that were in need of refinishing — the silver lining had worn away after years of wear. He found a business that did such things and decided to try them out with one of the chalices and if it worked out okay he would take in the second one. But it turned out the owner of the business was a crook and instead of using silver, he used tin. Upon picking up the poorly refinished chalice, the pastor said to him, “Replate, replate, and tin no more.”
One hallmark of seminary training is field education – doing hands on service at various churches in the area and then reflecting about our experience each week in class. Many of the parishes near the seminary pride themselves on being training churches. There are some, however, that are not used to, nor inclined to, be a teaching parish. I’ll call one such church Smokey Steve’s – an anglo-catholic parish that uses a lot of incense. A friend of mine shared her experience serving at Smokey’s. It was her first time serving with the chalice. Half way through the administration of the cup, the altar guild director reprimanded her by the altar and said she is, “Wiping the chalice wrong” and that she will “wear out the chalice.” When my friend retold this story in class, our professor became indignant. She said, “We SHOULD be wearing out our chalices. What good news: the Episcopal Church actually wore out a chalice from using it too much! Hallelujah!”
My professor would be pleased with All Angels. We have worn out both of our chalices. By some divine design, it happened at the same time. And, it happened during a global pandemic when we are offering only the bread and therefore not using the chalices. What a perfect time to have them replated. Hallelujah!
I am thankful for many things including the fact that we have actually used our chalices enough to wear them out, that we have so many generous parishioners that we have the funds to replate immediately without financial constraint, and, I am thankful that we are passing refinished chalices to the next generation so that they can wear them out too. Hallelujah indeed!
-Fr. Dave
A pastor had two chalices that were in need of refinishing — the silver lining had worn away after years of wear. He found a business that did such things and decided to try them out with one of the chalices and if it worked out okay he would take in the second one. But it turned out the owner of the business was a crook and instead of using silver, he used tin. Upon picking up the poorly refinished chalice, the pastor said to him, “Replate, replate, and tin no more.”
One hallmark of seminary training is field education – doing hands on service at various churches in the area and then reflecting about our experience each week in class. Many of the parishes near the seminary pride themselves on being training churches. There are some, however, that are not used to, nor inclined to, be a teaching parish. I’ll call one such church Smokey Steve’s – an anglo-catholic parish that uses a lot of incense. A friend of mine shared her experience serving at Smokey’s. It was her first time serving with the chalice. Half way through the administration of the cup, the altar guild director reprimanded her by the altar and said she is, “Wiping the chalice wrong” and that she will “wear out the chalice.” When my friend retold this story in class, our professor became indignant. She said, “We SHOULD be wearing out our chalices. What good news: the Episcopal Church actually wore out a chalice from using it too much! Hallelujah!”
My professor would be pleased with All Angels. We have worn out both of our chalices. By some divine design, it happened at the same time. And, it happened during a global pandemic when we are offering only the bread and therefore not using the chalices. What a perfect time to have them replated. Hallelujah!
I am thankful for many things including the fact that we have actually used our chalices enough to wear them out, that we have so many generous parishioners that we have the funds to replate immediately without financial constraint, and, I am thankful that we are passing refinished chalices to the next generation so that they can wear them out too. Hallelujah indeed!
-Fr. Dave
Praying the Psalms
September 24, 2020
I’ve been asked who is writing the prayers of the people for Sunday – it’s me. Several events have converged to make this happen. In order to limit exposure and spreading of the virus, we have not rotated our Sunday servers. Our prayer leaders, Rev. Maggie, 10 am, and Alison Jones, 8 am, have been leading us in in prayer for long enough that I have become familiar with how they pray out loud. This has allowed me to shape the prayers with their voice in mind. Because of the upside-down-ness of 2020, prayers are both paramount and a source of great comfort. Doing the same-ol’-same-ol’ prayers didn’t seem to fit the urgency and uniqueness our time. Thankfully the prayer book allows for, and in many ways encourages, prayers to be written and said during the peak of the liturgy of the word.
The Lutheran Coalition for Renewal provides scripture-based prayers each week that follow the lectionary readings. I use them as a resource. The last few weeks, however, I have taken it one step further; we are now praying the psalms. Elijah’s Bible class at Bradenton Christian School is studying the psalms which includes having students write their own. The 5th grade materials show the five categories of psalms. In seminary, we learned the seven psalmic categories in four forms. Yet, at 8 pm, on the night before the assignment was due, both child and parent were tired. I said, “Look, this is how I see the psalms – they say either ‘thanks’, ‘wow’, or ‘help’. Which prayer do you want to write today?” His answer: “Thanks.” That event was the inspiration for praying the psalms with our Sunday prayers.
There are lots of books on how to pray the psalms. Here’s the Marshall version – read a line of the psalm and then say to God what it means to you, right here, right now. For example, Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd,” says to me right now that God is guiding me. As such, my prayer is, “Thank you Lord, I have no want nor worry because you are my shepherd.” If you were to literally open the Bible to the Book of Psalms – it is easy to find because it is right in the middle of the book – read any line, think about what it means to you right now, and say that to God, then you are praying the psalms.
Last week, we had this prayer:
One generation shall praise your works to another and shall declare your power.
Make the Church a place where all may find shelter in Jesus’ widespread arms; grow in faith and joy, and labor fruitfully to his glory and for the benefit of others.
I wrote it because when I read Psalm 145, verse 4 – one generation shall praise your works to another – I thought of the Church.
This Sunday’s psalm, 103, has to do with angels. As such, each prayer begins with a verse from the psalm and has something to pray about with angels in our midst. In that sense, the voice of Alison and Rev. Maggie will carry the voice of the angels to our ears and from our hearts to God on the wings of angels.
-Fr. Dave
The Lutheran Coalition for Renewal provides scripture-based prayers each week that follow the lectionary readings. I use them as a resource. The last few weeks, however, I have taken it one step further; we are now praying the psalms. Elijah’s Bible class at Bradenton Christian School is studying the psalms which includes having students write their own. The 5th grade materials show the five categories of psalms. In seminary, we learned the seven psalmic categories in four forms. Yet, at 8 pm, on the night before the assignment was due, both child and parent were tired. I said, “Look, this is how I see the psalms – they say either ‘thanks’, ‘wow’, or ‘help’. Which prayer do you want to write today?” His answer: “Thanks.” That event was the inspiration for praying the psalms with our Sunday prayers.
There are lots of books on how to pray the psalms. Here’s the Marshall version – read a line of the psalm and then say to God what it means to you, right here, right now. For example, Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd,” says to me right now that God is guiding me. As such, my prayer is, “Thank you Lord, I have no want nor worry because you are my shepherd.” If you were to literally open the Bible to the Book of Psalms – it is easy to find because it is right in the middle of the book – read any line, think about what it means to you right now, and say that to God, then you are praying the psalms.
Last week, we had this prayer:
One generation shall praise your works to another and shall declare your power.
Make the Church a place where all may find shelter in Jesus’ widespread arms; grow in faith and joy, and labor fruitfully to his glory and for the benefit of others.
I wrote it because when I read Psalm 145, verse 4 – one generation shall praise your works to another – I thought of the Church.
This Sunday’s psalm, 103, has to do with angels. As such, each prayer begins with a verse from the psalm and has something to pray about with angels in our midst. In that sense, the voice of Alison and Rev. Maggie will carry the voice of the angels to our ears and from our hearts to God on the wings of angels.
-Fr. Dave
Code Enforcement
September 17, 2020
I found myself at a boat ramp on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Maybe it was curiosity, or a rite of passage, or maybe it was a break in the thunder and rain that made me want to take the boat out; regardless of the reason, and despite the stories of Florida boat ramps, I decided to launch the boat on the busiest weekend of the year. We put our boat, Epifinny, in at the south ramp of Coquina Beach, near the Longboat Pass Bridge. Designed to launch two boats at the same time, with a dock on the left and right side, that morning, many boaters decided to launch straight down the middle. The via-media side of me appreciated their middle of the road approach. Nevertheless, it did cause a backup. We were the third boat in line to launch, which, in retrospect, was a good way to watch how others performed the tricky maneuver of reversing a boat and trailer into saltwater. Getting the boat out of the water was a different matter entirely.
The boys and I planned on being home for lunch. I figured that the boat ramp would be full by mid-morning so that very few would use it at noon. Unfortunately, that was not the case; I was the fifth trailer in line at noon. By the time I was on deck, as it were, the ramp was nearing the intersection of chaos and anarchy. Fortunately, the Code Enforcement officers rolled in. Driving a golf cart that remembered to eat Wheaties in the morning, three officers started barking directions to drivers and boaters before their feet touched the ground. It was a welcome sight.
The boat owner in front of me had just launched his Sea-Doo jet ski and drove off to park the trailer. Unfortunately, his watercraft was blocking the ramp. The code enforcement officer told me to drive into the launching lane and wait for them to tell me when to go. I did as I was told. With the jet ski still in the water, the officer motioned for me to reverse in. With my empty trailer, it was easy to see where the vessel was so I started backing until the wheels were almost in the water. The officer motioned for me to stop and then joked, “Hey, if this guy doesn’t come back, do you want a jet ski?” The owner came back and, seeing the scene, hurried to his personal watercraft. All three officers were watching him with their arms folded over their chests. To lighten the mood, I asked the officer nearest to me, “Are you putting money on whether the jet ski starts?” The officer replied with a smirk, “Nah, it’s not going to start. The key is in but he forgot about the kill switch.” After several attempts, and some swear words from the operator aimed at his passenger, the officer unfolded his arms, walked over and said, “Listen brother, you gotta...” And then it fired up. Shortly thereafter, my boys and I were at home eating lunch.
I believe in angels. After watching the Code Enforcement officers, it makes me wonder if angels watch us in the same way – speaking only when having too, and, being a presence of calm when frustration takes over. According to the City Bradenton Beach, their CE officers have the difficult assignment of balancing the general public’s welfare with the rights of individual owners and operators. It must be a thankless job; as such, I sent them a note of thanks for their help on Labor Day weekend. Come to think of it, I should probably thank my guardian angel too.
-Fr. Dave
The boys and I planned on being home for lunch. I figured that the boat ramp would be full by mid-morning so that very few would use it at noon. Unfortunately, that was not the case; I was the fifth trailer in line at noon. By the time I was on deck, as it were, the ramp was nearing the intersection of chaos and anarchy. Fortunately, the Code Enforcement officers rolled in. Driving a golf cart that remembered to eat Wheaties in the morning, three officers started barking directions to drivers and boaters before their feet touched the ground. It was a welcome sight.
The boat owner in front of me had just launched his Sea-Doo jet ski and drove off to park the trailer. Unfortunately, his watercraft was blocking the ramp. The code enforcement officer told me to drive into the launching lane and wait for them to tell me when to go. I did as I was told. With the jet ski still in the water, the officer motioned for me to reverse in. With my empty trailer, it was easy to see where the vessel was so I started backing until the wheels were almost in the water. The officer motioned for me to stop and then joked, “Hey, if this guy doesn’t come back, do you want a jet ski?” The owner came back and, seeing the scene, hurried to his personal watercraft. All three officers were watching him with their arms folded over their chests. To lighten the mood, I asked the officer nearest to me, “Are you putting money on whether the jet ski starts?” The officer replied with a smirk, “Nah, it’s not going to start. The key is in but he forgot about the kill switch.” After several attempts, and some swear words from the operator aimed at his passenger, the officer unfolded his arms, walked over and said, “Listen brother, you gotta...” And then it fired up. Shortly thereafter, my boys and I were at home eating lunch.
I believe in angels. After watching the Code Enforcement officers, it makes me wonder if angels watch us in the same way – speaking only when having too, and, being a presence of calm when frustration takes over. According to the City Bradenton Beach, their CE officers have the difficult assignment of balancing the general public’s welfare with the rights of individual owners and operators. It must be a thankless job; as such, I sent them a note of thanks for their help on Labor Day weekend. Come to think of it, I should probably thank my guardian angel too.
-Fr. Dave
The Church's One Foundation
September 10, 2020
I recently received an email of a local house listing from a friend, Tim, in North Idaho. Here is the description: A floating wedding chapel has been transformed into a luxury houseboat and is on the market for $400,000. The unique two-bedroom property is currently docked on the Manatee River in Palmetto, Florida. The vessel was formerly a wedding venue known as Chapel On The Bay but now it can be your dream home.
Just think of the possibilities of a floating church – it is a rectory, a portable office, a commuter car during the busy season, a vessel of outreach, a blessing barge and ark wedding center. I could skipper it to the annual Diocesan convention held in Port Charlotte which just happens to have a dock. In fact, I could even dock at DaySpring Camp and Conference Center, located conveniently on the Manatee River, for clergy conference or when I have a meeting with the bishop. In fact, I could have him over for lunch and a swim. How about a Bible study with lessons on walking on water or casting nets on the other side of the boat. I could hang a sign on the side of the church/boat that says, “Get your fishing license blessed here.”
There is a famous church hymn that begins with, “The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord; she is his new creation by water and the word.” If I could take “by water” literally, it would make sense to have a floating church. Speaking of the foundation, the church-houseboat is 33 tons and sits upon a 30’x60’ fiberglass catamaran hull. A dual hull design is similar to the dual nature of Christ, right? She is powered by two Cummins diesel engines for a max speed of 6 knots (just about 7 mph – a holy number). I can imagine that instead of a baptismal font, there would be a baptismal water slide. We could even install holy water cannons to bless unsuspecting boaters at local sandbars. The last thing I have to say about this is if All Angels by the Sea wanted to have a satellite campus, a boat would make sense. Her name would be, of course, All Angels on the Sea.
For as much fun as it would be to tie up to Plymouth Harbor in a floating chapel, it does sound a little dinghy. In all seriousness, we have a church with a strong foundation, Christ is the chief cornerstone. We are fellow travelers on this journey through life. We don’t need a floating church because Christ goes with us wherever we are – on land and on water. But, holy water cannons do sound fun.
-Fr. Dave
Just think of the possibilities of a floating church – it is a rectory, a portable office, a commuter car during the busy season, a vessel of outreach, a blessing barge and ark wedding center. I could skipper it to the annual Diocesan convention held in Port Charlotte which just happens to have a dock. In fact, I could even dock at DaySpring Camp and Conference Center, located conveniently on the Manatee River, for clergy conference or when I have a meeting with the bishop. In fact, I could have him over for lunch and a swim. How about a Bible study with lessons on walking on water or casting nets on the other side of the boat. I could hang a sign on the side of the church/boat that says, “Get your fishing license blessed here.”
There is a famous church hymn that begins with, “The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord; she is his new creation by water and the word.” If I could take “by water” literally, it would make sense to have a floating church. Speaking of the foundation, the church-houseboat is 33 tons and sits upon a 30’x60’ fiberglass catamaran hull. A dual hull design is similar to the dual nature of Christ, right? She is powered by two Cummins diesel engines for a max speed of 6 knots (just about 7 mph – a holy number). I can imagine that instead of a baptismal font, there would be a baptismal water slide. We could even install holy water cannons to bless unsuspecting boaters at local sandbars. The last thing I have to say about this is if All Angels by the Sea wanted to have a satellite campus, a boat would make sense. Her name would be, of course, All Angels on the Sea.
For as much fun as it would be to tie up to Plymouth Harbor in a floating chapel, it does sound a little dinghy. In all seriousness, we have a church with a strong foundation, Christ is the chief cornerstone. We are fellow travelers on this journey through life. We don’t need a floating church because Christ goes with us wherever we are – on land and on water. But, holy water cannons do sound fun.
-Fr. Dave
Virtually Blessing Pets
September 3, 2020
I sat near the sidewalk along Bay Isles Road on October 3, 2019 and blessed pets as they walked by. Several folks stopped by to ask what in the world I was doing. “Blessing pets,” I’d reply.
A volunteer at the Temple heard my answer and asked, “Why?” I explained, “The Episcopal Church blesses all sorts of things – cars, bikes, glasses, jewelry, relationships, businesses, boats, churches, houses, driver’s licenses; really, anything you can think of we bless; so, why not pets?” In reality, we didn’t start it. St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) was known to have great love for animals and the environment. Every year around the anniversary of his death, October 4th, it is traditional to bless animals as a reminder of the love that God has given us through these special creatures and, we take time to reflect on our roles of stewards of God’s creation. My question for this year is how are we to bless animals during a pandemic?
This past week, our discussion groups tackled the topic of uncertainty. One thing we are certain of is that uncertainty can be a catalyst of innovation and creativity. I was reminded of that fact when I found myself researching and then adjusting the bit rate of our main church camera from 5,280 bps to 2,500 to match YouTube’s new encoding and metadata protocol. For those watching YouTube on Sunday, you undoubted noticed that about halfway through the service the video paused/buffered. Unfortunately, the audio didn’t buffer which resulted in the audio signal being 40 seconds ahead of the video. It’s been fixed and I never imagined I’d know how to do it. For the other complications, we had a visit from our a/v installation company. Like a car tune-up, our system is now running better than before. During the pandemic, YouTube, Zoom, and every other organization in the modern world has had to make adjustments. By comparison, in St. Francis’ life, he saw the invention of the blast furnace and wheelbarrow. Can you imagine a world without a wheelbarrow? My kids ask the same question about the internet.
Back to the question – how to bless pets during a pandemic – we believe that when two or three are gathered together in Christ’s name, he will be with us. I believe that gathering in Christ’s name can happen both in person and on-line. Fred and Diane in Maine and Linda in southern California are gathered in Christ’s name through All Angels and the help of the internet. Is Christ with them even if they are not gathered under one roof? I believe so. After all, God’s roof is much bigger than we can imagine. Likewise, with blessings of pets, do my hands need to touch each pet? Of course not. St. Francis blessed birds, yet he did not touch them. Were they blessed? I believe so because it’s God who does the blessing.
Here is what I am thinking about pet blessing:
May God bless us as we strive to bring his love and mercy to those inside and outside the church.
- Fr. Dave
A volunteer at the Temple heard my answer and asked, “Why?” I explained, “The Episcopal Church blesses all sorts of things – cars, bikes, glasses, jewelry, relationships, businesses, boats, churches, houses, driver’s licenses; really, anything you can think of we bless; so, why not pets?” In reality, we didn’t start it. St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) was known to have great love for animals and the environment. Every year around the anniversary of his death, October 4th, it is traditional to bless animals as a reminder of the love that God has given us through these special creatures and, we take time to reflect on our roles of stewards of God’s creation. My question for this year is how are we to bless animals during a pandemic?
This past week, our discussion groups tackled the topic of uncertainty. One thing we are certain of is that uncertainty can be a catalyst of innovation and creativity. I was reminded of that fact when I found myself researching and then adjusting the bit rate of our main church camera from 5,280 bps to 2,500 to match YouTube’s new encoding and metadata protocol. For those watching YouTube on Sunday, you undoubted noticed that about halfway through the service the video paused/buffered. Unfortunately, the audio didn’t buffer which resulted in the audio signal being 40 seconds ahead of the video. It’s been fixed and I never imagined I’d know how to do it. For the other complications, we had a visit from our a/v installation company. Like a car tune-up, our system is now running better than before. During the pandemic, YouTube, Zoom, and every other organization in the modern world has had to make adjustments. By comparison, in St. Francis’ life, he saw the invention of the blast furnace and wheelbarrow. Can you imagine a world without a wheelbarrow? My kids ask the same question about the internet.
Back to the question – how to bless pets during a pandemic – we believe that when two or three are gathered together in Christ’s name, he will be with us. I believe that gathering in Christ’s name can happen both in person and on-line. Fred and Diane in Maine and Linda in southern California are gathered in Christ’s name through All Angels and the help of the internet. Is Christ with them even if they are not gathered under one roof? I believe so. After all, God’s roof is much bigger than we can imagine. Likewise, with blessings of pets, do my hands need to touch each pet? Of course not. St. Francis blessed birds, yet he did not touch them. Were they blessed? I believe so because it’s God who does the blessing.
Here is what I am thinking about pet blessing:
- Bring your pets, in person, Thursday October 1,
at 2 pm in front of the bell tower. - Gather your pets on-line, Sunday October 4, at 10 am on either YouTube or Zoom.
- Bring your pets to either Walk-up or Drive-in Church, Sunday, October 4, at the 10 service.
May God bless us as we strive to bring his love and mercy to those inside and outside the church.
- Fr. Dave
Cautionary Practices
August 27, 2020
A group of concerned citizens convinced the Manatee County Commission to modify its mask mandate to exempt churches effective immediately. Although I have some strong feelings on this exemption, it does not affect All Angels for many reasons – first and foremost, we’re in Sarasota County (Longboat Key is oddly in both counties), the city has a mask mandate and the Bishop has said each rector and Vestry should continue in cautionary practices.
We are dealing with a contagious airborne virus that is often spread by non-symptomatic people. Most of the congregation would self-identify as being in a high risk category. Just because Manatee County is reporting a 4% infection rate doesn’t mean we are in the clear. Speaking of infection rates, Longboat Key has gone weeks without a new reported case. Despite that success, the city commissioners have wisely, in my opinion, decided to continue with the cautionary practices that have kept the infection rate at or near zero.
There is an interesting case from a Starbucks in South Korea. An unmasked, asymptomatic customer enjoyed her drink while sitting underneath a blowing a/c vent. She infected 27 people in the establishment. Contact tracing has shown those 27 have infected 36 more, so far. The customer and the 27 people most likely had masks but were not wearing them because they were eating and drinking. Yet, the four Starbucks employees who wore masks did not become infected. Epidemiologists have shown masks significantly reduce the chance of asymptomatic spread; this particular case, however, shows how non-N95 masks can even hold back the virus from the wearer. It seems as if wearing a mask helps your neighbor and yourself.
Manatee County Commission said there has been no evidence of virus transmission stemming from church participation in the county… thus, masks are not required. Unfortunately, evidence suggests otherwise; churches around the country have experienced blooming transmission from unmasked church participation. It raises the question for me that perhaps no Manatee County church transmission has occurred because masks are required. I get little comfort knowing that epidemiologists in the future will study what happens here.
The group of concerned citizens against wearing masks in church said that it was governmental overreach, prohibited free worship, and, if the government could dictate what they could wear, perhaps the government could limit the number of people who can attend. This author would like to point out that those clauses – clothing and maximum number in a building – currently exist. Also in existence is the fact that mask or no mask I still cannot visit parishioners at Sarasota Memorial Hospital or Plymouth Harbor. To our brothers and sisters of the faith in Manatee County, we are all members of one body. The Apostle Paul writes that we need to weep with those who weep and celebrate with those who celebrate. I think he’d also write that we need to wear masks for those who medically cannot wear them and for those who are at the most risk. Perhaps the best expression of free worship is this: to voluntarily practice cautionary practices, like wearing a face covering, to help others.
- Fr. Dave
We are dealing with a contagious airborne virus that is often spread by non-symptomatic people. Most of the congregation would self-identify as being in a high risk category. Just because Manatee County is reporting a 4% infection rate doesn’t mean we are in the clear. Speaking of infection rates, Longboat Key has gone weeks without a new reported case. Despite that success, the city commissioners have wisely, in my opinion, decided to continue with the cautionary practices that have kept the infection rate at or near zero.
There is an interesting case from a Starbucks in South Korea. An unmasked, asymptomatic customer enjoyed her drink while sitting underneath a blowing a/c vent. She infected 27 people in the establishment. Contact tracing has shown those 27 have infected 36 more, so far. The customer and the 27 people most likely had masks but were not wearing them because they were eating and drinking. Yet, the four Starbucks employees who wore masks did not become infected. Epidemiologists have shown masks significantly reduce the chance of asymptomatic spread; this particular case, however, shows how non-N95 masks can even hold back the virus from the wearer. It seems as if wearing a mask helps your neighbor and yourself.
Manatee County Commission said there has been no evidence of virus transmission stemming from church participation in the county… thus, masks are not required. Unfortunately, evidence suggests otherwise; churches around the country have experienced blooming transmission from unmasked church participation. It raises the question for me that perhaps no Manatee County church transmission has occurred because masks are required. I get little comfort knowing that epidemiologists in the future will study what happens here.
The group of concerned citizens against wearing masks in church said that it was governmental overreach, prohibited free worship, and, if the government could dictate what they could wear, perhaps the government could limit the number of people who can attend. This author would like to point out that those clauses – clothing and maximum number in a building – currently exist. Also in existence is the fact that mask or no mask I still cannot visit parishioners at Sarasota Memorial Hospital or Plymouth Harbor. To our brothers and sisters of the faith in Manatee County, we are all members of one body. The Apostle Paul writes that we need to weep with those who weep and celebrate with those who celebrate. I think he’d also write that we need to wear masks for those who medically cannot wear them and for those who are at the most risk. Perhaps the best expression of free worship is this: to voluntarily practice cautionary practices, like wearing a face covering, to help others.
- Fr. Dave
The Garden
August 20, 2020
All Angels has a splendid group of gardeners who are willing to lend their talents to beautify our campus. From our hanging orchids to the memorial garden to the walking path through the park-like setting where people come and rest, we have a wonderful, angel-filled grounds.
Anglican tradition believes God is revealed in Scripture, in nature, and reason. Using that our theological tradition, I’d like to introduce you one of our more recent plants. Pictured here is a plant that was on the back side of the church in a spot where it wasn’t growing well. The blue vase was in the angel fountain entrance but has been relocated while we imagine a new, more accessible entrance. One of our angel gardeners took the opportunity and transplanted both the plant and the vase so now it is on display on the walking path toward the church entrance. One thing gardeners do is transplant; they take a plant, replant it, and it usually thrives. In a theological sense, so does God.
We have been given a garden and plants as well as memory/reason/skill. We are called to use all of those for the growth of God’s garden-gift. Just like a gardener who sees a plant not doing so well in one environment and moves it to a better place, the Holy Spirit, who is The Master Gardener, also transplants us and helps us grow. I was reminded of this the last time I was out on our boat. Elijah drove the boat for the entire outing except for launching it and putting it back on the trailer. Elijah has been transplanted from the San Diego area where he used to ride his bike around the lake by our house. Nowadays in Florida, he is driving a boat around the bay. I think God saw in him something more than a bike rider.
Thinking about the congregation of All Angels, I’d have to say we are all transplants. We have been plucked up from somewhere and established here. Some of our congregation transplants every year – from Florida to the north and then back to Florida again. Yet, whether a parishioner is a year-rounder or a seasonal resident, there is God-given growth in the transplant.
I give thanks to God who has given us a garden and the ability to care for it. I also give thanks to God, The Master Gardener, who transplants and provides for growth.
- Fr. Dave
Anglican tradition believes God is revealed in Scripture, in nature, and reason. Using that our theological tradition, I’d like to introduce you one of our more recent plants. Pictured here is a plant that was on the back side of the church in a spot where it wasn’t growing well. The blue vase was in the angel fountain entrance but has been relocated while we imagine a new, more accessible entrance. One of our angel gardeners took the opportunity and transplanted both the plant and the vase so now it is on display on the walking path toward the church entrance. One thing gardeners do is transplant; they take a plant, replant it, and it usually thrives. In a theological sense, so does God.
We have been given a garden and plants as well as memory/reason/skill. We are called to use all of those for the growth of God’s garden-gift. Just like a gardener who sees a plant not doing so well in one environment and moves it to a better place, the Holy Spirit, who is The Master Gardener, also transplants us and helps us grow. I was reminded of this the last time I was out on our boat. Elijah drove the boat for the entire outing except for launching it and putting it back on the trailer. Elijah has been transplanted from the San Diego area where he used to ride his bike around the lake by our house. Nowadays in Florida, he is driving a boat around the bay. I think God saw in him something more than a bike rider.
Thinking about the congregation of All Angels, I’d have to say we are all transplants. We have been plucked up from somewhere and established here. Some of our congregation transplants every year – from Florida to the north and then back to Florida again. Yet, whether a parishioner is a year-rounder or a seasonal resident, there is God-given growth in the transplant.
I give thanks to God who has given us a garden and the ability to care for it. I also give thanks to God, The Master Gardener, who transplants and provides for growth.
- Fr. Dave
DVR
August 13, 2020
It’s not often I get to say the words, “Fixed it.” My vocation is an on-going mission and ministry, and, like teaching, or management, or accounting, it doesn’t have a lot of moments where I can sit back and say it is fixed, or done, or completed. Jesus’ last words on the cross, “It is finished,” are important because ministerial life is often just the opposite. My wife’s side of the family includes fire fighters and vineyard owners. Although they can finish a season, both occupations always seem to be on call. My clergy mentor and friend, Brian Prior, would mow the lawn of his church perhaps for the sole reason of seeing something completed at church.
About six years ago, we cut-the-cord from cable and bought an over-the-air DVR and digital antenna. It had an expensive, upfront cost, but the past six years have been free television heaven. While we miss watching HGTV and cable news networks, the exchange – paying nothing – has definitely made it worth it. On Monday, however, our digital video recorder stopped working. The recording part of the DVR is on a hard drive identical to the one used in computers and laptops; and it just failed. On the DVR were 40 Nova programs, 32 Nature on PBS, 4 Father Brown episodes, a bunch of cooking shows and other things we enjoy watching. In an attempt to get the DVR to work, I had to reboot it which erased everything. But alas, unlike Fr. Brown solving another murder mystery, this ended unfinished and justice was not served.
After spending a little time on-line finding out what others have done, I bought a 2 terabyte external hard drive, plugged it into the DVR, rebooted, and… viola, it worked! While our past recorded shows are gone, we can now begin recording again to our heart’s desire. This new drive can store four-times what our old one could. In a year from now, we’re going to have a Rick Steves’ Europe binge watch! And, in addition to being able to record again, this project has allowed me to say the words, “fixed it.”
I wondered if this is how a surgeon feels after completing a surgery? And yes, I do know there is a difference between fixing a broken hard drive and replacing a heart valve. But is the satisfaction the same? I have yet to find a surgeon who has replaced a hard drive, and likewise, an IT tech who has replaced a heart valve, so I can only guess that the answer is yes.
After Jesus fed the 5,000, was there a point when he sat back in the grass and watched the people eat, and said to himself, “Fixed it.” I hope so. On the 7th day of creation, when God sat back and rested, was the satisfaction the same as a potter who completes an entire dining set? Again, I hope so. I wonder what it was like to eradicate polio. I imagine that satisfaction must be better than heart surgery or home repairs. Will there be a time in human history when the Covid-19 virus is eradicated that we will get to sit back with unmasked mouths and say, “Fixed it.” I sure hope so.
About six years ago, we cut-the-cord from cable and bought an over-the-air DVR and digital antenna. It had an expensive, upfront cost, but the past six years have been free television heaven. While we miss watching HGTV and cable news networks, the exchange – paying nothing – has definitely made it worth it. On Monday, however, our digital video recorder stopped working. The recording part of the DVR is on a hard drive identical to the one used in computers and laptops; and it just failed. On the DVR were 40 Nova programs, 32 Nature on PBS, 4 Father Brown episodes, a bunch of cooking shows and other things we enjoy watching. In an attempt to get the DVR to work, I had to reboot it which erased everything. But alas, unlike Fr. Brown solving another murder mystery, this ended unfinished and justice was not served.
After spending a little time on-line finding out what others have done, I bought a 2 terabyte external hard drive, plugged it into the DVR, rebooted, and… viola, it worked! While our past recorded shows are gone, we can now begin recording again to our heart’s desire. This new drive can store four-times what our old one could. In a year from now, we’re going to have a Rick Steves’ Europe binge watch! And, in addition to being able to record again, this project has allowed me to say the words, “fixed it.”
I wondered if this is how a surgeon feels after completing a surgery? And yes, I do know there is a difference between fixing a broken hard drive and replacing a heart valve. But is the satisfaction the same? I have yet to find a surgeon who has replaced a hard drive, and likewise, an IT tech who has replaced a heart valve, so I can only guess that the answer is yes.
After Jesus fed the 5,000, was there a point when he sat back in the grass and watched the people eat, and said to himself, “Fixed it.” I hope so. On the 7th day of creation, when God sat back and rested, was the satisfaction the same as a potter who completes an entire dining set? Again, I hope so. I wonder what it was like to eradicate polio. I imagine that satisfaction must be better than heart surgery or home repairs. Will there be a time in human history when the Covid-19 virus is eradicated that we will get to sit back with unmasked mouths and say, “Fixed it.” I sure hope so.
Kəˈmyo͞onyən
August 6, 2020
After a long, pandemic-driven hiatus, Holy Communion is being offered again at All Angels. The hiatus came from this question: How do we share in communion but breathe different air? It is inherently difficult to answer because the sacrament says we are one body because we share one bread and one cup. … just not the same air?
The solution required some retooling of the service itself. In an environment where we are required to wear masks indoors, I couldn’t understand how we were to receive the bread with masks on. To make matters more difficult, some of the communicable airborne disease material I read indicated that one should spend the least amount of time possible sharing indoor air. Since we are unable to create an indoor environment like in commercial airliner or ICU where the air is recycled seven times per minute, I came up with a 45-minute Morning Prayer service. Since communion adds twenty minutes to the service; I had to go back to the basics. Here are the requirements for Holy Communion: proclamation of the Gospel, the Lord’s Prayer, the saying of the Nicene Creed (on Sundays), and the Eucharistic prayer. With the help of our worship team, we came up with a Holy Communion service, with music, that goes just over 50 minutes. However, we still had the eat-while-wearing-a-mask problem.
This might sound strange, but I had a dream of administering communion next to a baptismal font. The church in my dreams is always the same – ancient, wooden with tall ceilings, and overflowing with people. Although it is not any church I have ever physically seen, the important part is that in my dream I was giving out communion standing next to the baptismal font. During the day, something triggered a memory of my dream and that’s when it hit me, I need to administer communion next to our baptismal font; which, in our awesome church, is outside.
One unique aspect of All Angels is that our baptismal font is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone can visit at any time. Every other baptismal font I have seen is locked inside a church. Ours is exactly the opposite and is much more representative of the river Jesus was baptized in – outside, in nature, fed by rain water, with leaves, and God’s creatures all around it which includes the black snake that lives in the garden – that’s not figurative, we actually have a friendly black snake which I believe keeps away poisonous snakes and rodents. Anyway, the point is, where others have been baptized, we now receive the Body of Christ. Communicants are invited to take and then eat somewhere on campus in their own individual outdoor air.
Unofficially speaking, the other requirement of Holy Communion is fellowship. That unofficial but important part of communion we will be working on next. Perhaps it’ll take another dream to see the answer that is right in front of me.
- Fr. Dave
The solution required some retooling of the service itself. In an environment where we are required to wear masks indoors, I couldn’t understand how we were to receive the bread with masks on. To make matters more difficult, some of the communicable airborne disease material I read indicated that one should spend the least amount of time possible sharing indoor air. Since we are unable to create an indoor environment like in commercial airliner or ICU where the air is recycled seven times per minute, I came up with a 45-minute Morning Prayer service. Since communion adds twenty minutes to the service; I had to go back to the basics. Here are the requirements for Holy Communion: proclamation of the Gospel, the Lord’s Prayer, the saying of the Nicene Creed (on Sundays), and the Eucharistic prayer. With the help of our worship team, we came up with a Holy Communion service, with music, that goes just over 50 minutes. However, we still had the eat-while-wearing-a-mask problem.
This might sound strange, but I had a dream of administering communion next to a baptismal font. The church in my dreams is always the same – ancient, wooden with tall ceilings, and overflowing with people. Although it is not any church I have ever physically seen, the important part is that in my dream I was giving out communion standing next to the baptismal font. During the day, something triggered a memory of my dream and that’s when it hit me, I need to administer communion next to our baptismal font; which, in our awesome church, is outside.
One unique aspect of All Angels is that our baptismal font is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone can visit at any time. Every other baptismal font I have seen is locked inside a church. Ours is exactly the opposite and is much more representative of the river Jesus was baptized in – outside, in nature, fed by rain water, with leaves, and God’s creatures all around it which includes the black snake that lives in the garden – that’s not figurative, we actually have a friendly black snake which I believe keeps away poisonous snakes and rodents. Anyway, the point is, where others have been baptized, we now receive the Body of Christ. Communicants are invited to take and then eat somewhere on campus in their own individual outdoor air.
Unofficially speaking, the other requirement of Holy Communion is fellowship. That unofficial but important part of communion we will be working on next. Perhaps it’ll take another dream to see the answer that is right in front of me.
- Fr. Dave
Cone of Uncertainty
July 30, 2020
Reporting on Tropical Storm Isaias, The Tampa Bay Times said that our region has entered the “cone of uncertainty” – the yellow cone that depicts the probable track of any given storm. To most Floridians, the cone of uncertainty means this: It is time to check on supplies for a hurricane, to prepare the exterior of homes and businesses, and to go on with life as normal.
At All Angels, we had a two-month head start on the cone of uncertainty. In June, our maintenance committee made sure all branches were trimmed back from the buildings and that any dead limbs that could turn into projectiles were removed. This morning, on a property walk with Ed and Bob; junior and senior warden; all we had to do was move our flower pots inside and take down the beautiful hanging pots from the trees.
On the home front, tomorrow I will do a property walk to make sure that all things around the house are ready. I think our cat, Oscar, is making hurricane preparations too. Starting about a month ago, he started bringing in various creatures to the house – salamanders, lizards, and a snake. Much to our displeasure, he has brought in three bunnies during the past week; the second one he brought in (which may have been the same bunny as the first) either had PTSD or had an injured front leg. The boys and I brought it to a wildlife rescue and rehab facility. The bunny that Oscar brought to us on Monday, however, was fully intact. I was thankful it was uninjured because, to be frank, I wouldn’t know what to say to Ed Straight of Wildlife Rehab Center if I brought another injured bunny to him. Each night we are uncertain what Oscar might bring to us. Here is one thing that is certain: Oscar’s freedom to go outside at night is uncertain.
My Florida life has taught me that life goes on during a cone of uncertainty. If tropical storm Isaias changes direction and causes an evacuation of Longboat Key, Sunday’s service certainly will go on – online, of course.
In a spiritual sense, we can find hope and love at the center of our faith; especially in uncertain times. In faith, we hold onto the words of the Apostle Paul, who wrote that nothing can separate us from God’s love. I am certain that if Paul were writing in our day, he would write that nothing can separate us from God’s love – not hurricanes, wildfires or earthquakes, not cancer or surgery, not physical therapy, not pets bringing us gifts, not contentious election cycles, protests, or pandemics – nothing can separate us from God’s love.
- Fr. Dave
At All Angels, we had a two-month head start on the cone of uncertainty. In June, our maintenance committee made sure all branches were trimmed back from the buildings and that any dead limbs that could turn into projectiles were removed. This morning, on a property walk with Ed and Bob; junior and senior warden; all we had to do was move our flower pots inside and take down the beautiful hanging pots from the trees.
On the home front, tomorrow I will do a property walk to make sure that all things around the house are ready. I think our cat, Oscar, is making hurricane preparations too. Starting about a month ago, he started bringing in various creatures to the house – salamanders, lizards, and a snake. Much to our displeasure, he has brought in three bunnies during the past week; the second one he brought in (which may have been the same bunny as the first) either had PTSD or had an injured front leg. The boys and I brought it to a wildlife rescue and rehab facility. The bunny that Oscar brought to us on Monday, however, was fully intact. I was thankful it was uninjured because, to be frank, I wouldn’t know what to say to Ed Straight of Wildlife Rehab Center if I brought another injured bunny to him. Each night we are uncertain what Oscar might bring to us. Here is one thing that is certain: Oscar’s freedom to go outside at night is uncertain.
My Florida life has taught me that life goes on during a cone of uncertainty. If tropical storm Isaias changes direction and causes an evacuation of Longboat Key, Sunday’s service certainly will go on – online, of course.
In a spiritual sense, we can find hope and love at the center of our faith; especially in uncertain times. In faith, we hold onto the words of the Apostle Paul, who wrote that nothing can separate us from God’s love. I am certain that if Paul were writing in our day, he would write that nothing can separate us from God’s love – not hurricanes, wildfires or earthquakes, not cancer or surgery, not physical therapy, not pets bringing us gifts, not contentious election cycles, protests, or pandemics – nothing can separate us from God’s love.
- Fr. Dave
Call Me Al
July 23, 2020
They say it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. For clergy, it’s both what and who you know. Experience matters a lot in my vocation; so does knowing people who have been-there/done-that and are willing to share their experiences. As such, I am proud and thankful that I know The Rev. Dr. Al Stott.
Tall, barrel chested and handsome, I met Al in 2012 when I started at Saint John’s in Chula Vista. The church and school had gone through tremendous upheaval. Sunday services were lovingly held together by its two retired pastors, known affectionately as the Jack and Al show. Fr. Jack Tolley is a retired Episcopal priest from the San Francisco bay area and Al is a retired Lutheran pastor. Jack and I went to the same seminary and have many things in common. Al, however, is different because, as mentioned, he is a Lutheran pastor who helped save an Episcopal church. But, there is more to it than that. In addition to being a reverend, a professor, and a counsellor, he retired at the rank of captain in the Navy. A Vietnam combat veteran, he, as legend has it, singlehandedly changed the protocol for chaplains in the conflict to be allowed to wear a sidearm. As the story goes, traveling between bases in Vietnam, a roadside bomb flipped his Jeep. He and his driver survived but had one weapon between the two of them and found themselves pinned down under fire until, as he said, “the Calvary arrived to save this sailor and his frightened Army driver.” After the Navy, Al started a counselling service in Japan – in a culture that, at the time, thought very little about talk therapy. And, last but not least, he likes muscle cars and has owned multiple vehicles for most of his life.
Prior to meeting him, I had heard of his background and his various titles. When we first sat down together, I asked him what I should call him. He thought about it and replied, “You should call me… when you need to talk; I’d like to be a pastor to you, someone to listen and occasionally offer advice, but, most of all, I’d like to be your friend.” And then he said with a smile, “Call me Al.” He was each one of those people to me – a pastor, a friend, and someone who gave me great advice.
I was with him when he went through heart surgery and when he celebrated 50 years in ministry. We would have lunch just about every month. He always ordered an open face steak sandwich, rare – very rare; barely warm, as he would call it. And, this is not an exaggeration, he’d go through nearly an entire lemon in wedges with his iced tea. Every year he would invite the men’s group to his house for Octoberfest which always featured plenty of meat, beer, desserts and the occasional vegetable. He could robustly sing in German, tell jokes, and, listen with a well-trained ear to hear the whisper of God in depths of a saddened and battle-weary soul.
A couple of weeks ago, I was told that he had a very bad case of pneumonia, non-Covid related, and was on a ventilator. Last night, he passed into glory. There are not many people like Al in this world and I am very glad that I got to have him in my life. The last thing he said to me is that God grant me fair winds and following seas. And now, with tears in my eyes, I say to him, Bravo Zulu sailor, Bravo Zulu.
Tall, barrel chested and handsome, I met Al in 2012 when I started at Saint John’s in Chula Vista. The church and school had gone through tremendous upheaval. Sunday services were lovingly held together by its two retired pastors, known affectionately as the Jack and Al show. Fr. Jack Tolley is a retired Episcopal priest from the San Francisco bay area and Al is a retired Lutheran pastor. Jack and I went to the same seminary and have many things in common. Al, however, is different because, as mentioned, he is a Lutheran pastor who helped save an Episcopal church. But, there is more to it than that. In addition to being a reverend, a professor, and a counsellor, he retired at the rank of captain in the Navy. A Vietnam combat veteran, he, as legend has it, singlehandedly changed the protocol for chaplains in the conflict to be allowed to wear a sidearm. As the story goes, traveling between bases in Vietnam, a roadside bomb flipped his Jeep. He and his driver survived but had one weapon between the two of them and found themselves pinned down under fire until, as he said, “the Calvary arrived to save this sailor and his frightened Army driver.” After the Navy, Al started a counselling service in Japan – in a culture that, at the time, thought very little about talk therapy. And, last but not least, he likes muscle cars and has owned multiple vehicles for most of his life.
Prior to meeting him, I had heard of his background and his various titles. When we first sat down together, I asked him what I should call him. He thought about it and replied, “You should call me… when you need to talk; I’d like to be a pastor to you, someone to listen and occasionally offer advice, but, most of all, I’d like to be your friend.” And then he said with a smile, “Call me Al.” He was each one of those people to me – a pastor, a friend, and someone who gave me great advice.
I was with him when he went through heart surgery and when he celebrated 50 years in ministry. We would have lunch just about every month. He always ordered an open face steak sandwich, rare – very rare; barely warm, as he would call it. And, this is not an exaggeration, he’d go through nearly an entire lemon in wedges with his iced tea. Every year he would invite the men’s group to his house for Octoberfest which always featured plenty of meat, beer, desserts and the occasional vegetable. He could robustly sing in German, tell jokes, and, listen with a well-trained ear to hear the whisper of God in depths of a saddened and battle-weary soul.
A couple of weeks ago, I was told that he had a very bad case of pneumonia, non-Covid related, and was on a ventilator. Last night, he passed into glory. There are not many people like Al in this world and I am very glad that I got to have him in my life. The last thing he said to me is that God grant me fair winds and following seas. And now, with tears in my eyes, I say to him, Bravo Zulu sailor, Bravo Zulu.
Black Butterfly
July 16, 2020
On Sunday morning, before the 9:15 service, the largest butterfly I have ever seen – larger than the cover of the prayer book – was flying around the stained glass window. In addition to its size, another striking feature about this creature was its black coloring that absorbed light so it looked like a flying shadow; which was quite a contrast to the rising sun shining through the window and the bright white of our recently repainted ceiling. As I was worrying about the butterfly disrupting our upcoming service, it changed course, flew towards me, and then out into the narthex, and then outside through an open door into the angel fountain courtyard.
This is what I have experienced regarding out-of-place animal sightings: they can be interruptive, unexpected, and a sign from a deceased loved one expressing love, comfort and peace. Diane Gustafson, a parishioner at Saint John’s, Chula Vista, and retired college librarian and professor of research skills, wrote a wonderful book titled, “I’ll Bee There.” In it, Diane shares stories of how the essence/soul of people who have passed make their presence known. Through conversations with her, I have come to accept that this phenomenon is something not to be scared of but rather to take such sightings in the spirit of God – in particular, they remind us of eternal love. As such, I had a hunch that seeing an out-of-place butterfly meant something to someone. Thus, to start the sermon, I asked, “Does a black butterfly mean anything to anyone here?” Much to my surprise, no one responded so I proceeded with my sermon.
After the service, Barbara, who is one of our outdoor ushers, told me this story: A couple of days before, a black butterfly flew around her lanai pool area, landing occasionally on exterior windows as if to be looking inside. She cracked open a screen door and it flew out. Then, on Saturday, on the balcony of a friend’s house, after the sun had set into the Gulf, a black butterfly landed near them. It flew around a bit, landed again, and then flew away. And then, Sunday morning, she was sitting on a bench in the columbarium garden listening to the service and she heard me ask if a black butterfly means anything to anyone listening. She asked me if it was a sign of her (deceased) husband checking in on her. I believe it is and the butterfly is typically the symbol of new life. As a follow up, this week it kept on appearing to her and it likes to be near her dog who was her husband's companion and stayed by his side during his entire illness.
Linda, a friend and former parishioner in Chula Vista, who participates on Sunday morning on Zoom, emailed me this story: She got her first teaching job at the age of 21 to 5th graders in Brownsville, Texas. That year, a student told her a story that when her family lived in Mexico, a black butterfly flew by and they chased it all afternoon. She was told that it was the soul (“alma”) of her grandfather who was playing with them.
Scripture tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. I think there are signs all around us of love, remembrance, hope and peace. Sometimes it takes something out of the ordinary, like a large black butterfly, for us to stop and take notice of God’s eternal love.
-Fr. Dave
This is what I have experienced regarding out-of-place animal sightings: they can be interruptive, unexpected, and a sign from a deceased loved one expressing love, comfort and peace. Diane Gustafson, a parishioner at Saint John’s, Chula Vista, and retired college librarian and professor of research skills, wrote a wonderful book titled, “I’ll Bee There.” In it, Diane shares stories of how the essence/soul of people who have passed make their presence known. Through conversations with her, I have come to accept that this phenomenon is something not to be scared of but rather to take such sightings in the spirit of God – in particular, they remind us of eternal love. As such, I had a hunch that seeing an out-of-place butterfly meant something to someone. Thus, to start the sermon, I asked, “Does a black butterfly mean anything to anyone here?” Much to my surprise, no one responded so I proceeded with my sermon.
After the service, Barbara, who is one of our outdoor ushers, told me this story: A couple of days before, a black butterfly flew around her lanai pool area, landing occasionally on exterior windows as if to be looking inside. She cracked open a screen door and it flew out. Then, on Saturday, on the balcony of a friend’s house, after the sun had set into the Gulf, a black butterfly landed near them. It flew around a bit, landed again, and then flew away. And then, Sunday morning, she was sitting on a bench in the columbarium garden listening to the service and she heard me ask if a black butterfly means anything to anyone listening. She asked me if it was a sign of her (deceased) husband checking in on her. I believe it is and the butterfly is typically the symbol of new life. As a follow up, this week it kept on appearing to her and it likes to be near her dog who was her husband's companion and stayed by his side during his entire illness.
Linda, a friend and former parishioner in Chula Vista, who participates on Sunday morning on Zoom, emailed me this story: She got her first teaching job at the age of 21 to 5th graders in Brownsville, Texas. That year, a student told her a story that when her family lived in Mexico, a black butterfly flew by and they chased it all afternoon. She was told that it was the soul (“alma”) of her grandfather who was playing with them.
Scripture tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. I think there are signs all around us of love, remembrance, hope and peace. Sometimes it takes something out of the ordinary, like a large black butterfly, for us to stop and take notice of God’s eternal love.
-Fr. Dave
Shalom 'Olam
July 9, 2020
I have been singlehandedly trying to bring back a word from the 1840’s. The word is “agreeance.”
If you look up agreeance, you’ll see these two facts:
1) it is a word, and 2) “agreement” should be used instead.
I disagree with #2 for this reason: agreeance is a state of mind; agreement is a binding course of action between two parties; the words are similar but are not synonymous. For instance, the couple was in agreeance to skip making dinner and go out instead. They agreed upon Thai food. Over dinner, they signed an agreement to buy their dream house in Florida.
One of my favorite radio shows, A Way with Words, on NPR, talked about the word agreeance. The clip is here https://soundcloud.com/waywordradio/1350-caller-sadie-agreeance They initially told the caller, Sadie, that she should use the word “agreement” because usage of “agreeance” tends to make hearers think the person is less educated. Nevertheless, after a fruitful discussion, the hosts threw caution to the wind and said it might be time for agreeance to make a comeback. I wholeheartedly agree.
The New York Times, this past week, published the word “embiggening” for the first time in its 168-year history. The verb embiggen means to make larger. The Simpsons cartoon featured that word in an episode in 1996 in the (fictional) town motto, "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man,” It was one of two words the writers made up for the episode; the second word being “cromulent.” Much to their surprise, after the airing of the show, they were informed “embiggen” was used once in 1884. Despite not actually creating it, The Simpsons made the word popular. It was used in later episodes and has since coined this popular social media phrase, “You need to embiggen your vocabulary.” Merriam-Webster did just that and in 2018 included the word in their dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary followed suit. I’d say it was quite cromulent of them.
Sunday’s lesson from Isaiah features this phrase, “You will go out with celebration and you will be brought back in peace.” (Is 55:12) “Celebration” in Hebrew is simchah, which at its root means “joy”. The Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom. Joy and peace can be felt internally and seen externally and expressed both individually and corporately. Yet, how many times have you went out with joy and returned with turmoil? We tend to get our hopes up and then get disappointed. What makes this joy and peace different is found in the next verse that says joy and peace will be an “enduring reminder.” Enduring in Hebrew is “’olam” – a noun which means “forever.” With God, when we go out with joy, we will not return with disappointment, but with shalom ‘olam (everlasting peace).
So much happening today seems to be passing, fading or fleeting. Celebration, joy and peace seem to have gone out the proverbial window; but not so with God. The Lord plans for us to go out with joy and return with everlasting peace. I think we can be in agreeance that joy and peace would be a welcome and embiggen change.
I have been singlehandedly trying to bring back a word from the 1840’s. The word is “agreeance.”
If you look up agreeance, you’ll see these two facts:
1) it is a word, and 2) “agreement” should be used instead.
I disagree with #2 for this reason: agreeance is a state of mind; agreement is a binding course of action between two parties; the words are similar but are not synonymous. For instance, the couple was in agreeance to skip making dinner and go out instead. They agreed upon Thai food. Over dinner, they signed an agreement to buy their dream house in Florida.
One of my favorite radio shows, A Way with Words, on NPR, talked about the word agreeance. The clip is here https://soundcloud.com/waywordradio/1350-caller-sadie-agreeance They initially told the caller, Sadie, that she should use the word “agreement” because usage of “agreeance” tends to make hearers think the person is less educated. Nevertheless, after a fruitful discussion, the hosts threw caution to the wind and said it might be time for agreeance to make a comeback. I wholeheartedly agree.
The New York Times, this past week, published the word “embiggening” for the first time in its 168-year history. The verb embiggen means to make larger. The Simpsons cartoon featured that word in an episode in 1996 in the (fictional) town motto, "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man,” It was one of two words the writers made up for the episode; the second word being “cromulent.” Much to their surprise, after the airing of the show, they were informed “embiggen” was used once in 1884. Despite not actually creating it, The Simpsons made the word popular. It was used in later episodes and has since coined this popular social media phrase, “You need to embiggen your vocabulary.” Merriam-Webster did just that and in 2018 included the word in their dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary followed suit. I’d say it was quite cromulent of them.
Sunday’s lesson from Isaiah features this phrase, “You will go out with celebration and you will be brought back in peace.” (Is 55:12) “Celebration” in Hebrew is simchah, which at its root means “joy”. The Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom. Joy and peace can be felt internally and seen externally and expressed both individually and corporately. Yet, how many times have you went out with joy and returned with turmoil? We tend to get our hopes up and then get disappointed. What makes this joy and peace different is found in the next verse that says joy and peace will be an “enduring reminder.” Enduring in Hebrew is “’olam” – a noun which means “forever.” With God, when we go out with joy, we will not return with disappointment, but with shalom ‘olam (everlasting peace).
So much happening today seems to be passing, fading or fleeting. Celebration, joy and peace seem to have gone out the proverbial window; but not so with God. The Lord plans for us to go out with joy and return with everlasting peace. I think we can be in agreeance that joy and peace would be a welcome and embiggen change.
I have been singlehandedly trying to bring back a word from the 1840’s. The word is “agreeance.”
If you look up agreeance, you’ll see these two facts:
1) it is a word, and 2) “agreement” should be used instead.
I disagree with #2 for this reason: agreeance is a state of mind; agreement is a binding course of action between two parties; the words are similar but are not synonymous. For instance, the couple was in agreeance to skip making dinner and go out instead. They agreed upon Thai food. Over dinner, they signed an agreement to buy their dream house in Florida.
One of my favorite radio shows, A Way with Words, on NPR, talked about the word agreeance. The clip is here https://soundcloud.com/waywordradio/1350-caller-sadie-agreeance They initially told the caller, Sadie, that she should use the word “agreement” because usage of “agreeance” tends to make hearers think the person is less educated. Nevertheless, after a fruitful discussion, the hosts threw caution to the wind and said it might be time for agreeance to make a comeback. I wholeheartedly agree.
The New York Times, this past week, published the word “embiggening” for the first time in its 168-year history. The verb embiggen means to make larger. The Simpsons cartoon featured that word in an episode in 1996 in the (fictional) town motto, "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man,” It was one of two words the writers made up for the episode; the second word being “cromulent.” Much to their surprise, after the airing of the show, they were informed “embiggen” was used once in 1884. Despite not actually creating it, The Simpsons made the word popular. It was used in later episodes and has since coined this popular social media phrase, “You need to embiggen your vocabulary.” Merriam-Webster did just that and in 2018 included the word in their dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary followed suit. I’d say it was quite cromulent of them.
Sunday’s lesson from Isaiah features this phrase, “You will go out with celebration and you will be brought back in peace.” (Is 55:12) “Celebration” in Hebrew is simchah, which at its root means “joy”. The Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom. Joy and peace can be felt internally and seen externally and expressed both individually and corporately. Yet, how many times have you went out with joy and returned with turmoil? We tend to get our hopes up and then get disappointed. What makes this joy and peace different is found in the next verse that says joy and peace will be an “enduring reminder.” Enduring in Hebrew is “’olam” – a noun which means “forever.” With God, when we go out with joy, we will not return with disappointment, but with shalom ‘olam (everlasting peace).
So much happening today seems to be passing, fading or fleeting. Celebration, joy and peace seem to have gone out the proverbial window; but not so with God. The Lord plans for us to go out with joy and return with everlasting peace. I think we can be in agreeance that joy and peace would be a welcome and embiggen change.
I have been singlehandedly trying to bring back a word from the 1840’s. The word is “agreeance.”
If you look up agreeance, you’ll see these two facts:
1) it is a word, and 2) “agreement” should be used instead.
I disagree with #2 for this reason: agreeance is a state of mind; agreement is a binding course of action between two parties; the words are similar but are not synonymous. For instance, the couple was in agreeance to skip making dinner and go out instead. They agreed upon Thai food. Over dinner, they signed an agreement to buy their dream house in Florida.
One of my favorite radio shows, A Way with Words, on NPR, talked about the word agreeance. The clip is here https://soundcloud.com/waywordradio/1350-caller-sadie-agreeance They initially told the caller, Sadie, that she should use the word “agreement” because usage of “agreeance” tends to make hearers think the person is less educated. Nevertheless, after a fruitful discussion, the hosts threw caution to the wind and said it might be time for agreeance to make a comeback. I wholeheartedly agree.
The New York Times, this past week, published the word “embiggening” for the first time in its 168-year history. The verb embiggen means to make larger. The Simpsons cartoon featured that word in an episode in 1996 in the (fictional) town motto, "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man,” It was one of two words the writers made up for the episode; the second word being “cromulent.” Much to their surprise, after the airing of the show, they were informed “embiggen” was used once in 1884. Despite not actually creating it, The Simpsons made the word popular. It was used in later episodes and has since coined this popular social media phrase, “You need to embiggen your vocabulary.” Merriam-Webster did just that and in 2018 included the word in their dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary followed suit. I’d say it was quite cromulent of them.
Sunday’s lesson from Isaiah features this phrase, “You will go out with celebration and you will be brought back in peace.” (Is 55:12) “Celebration” in Hebrew is simchah, which at its root means “joy”. The Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom. Joy and peace can be felt internally and seen externally and expressed both individually and corporately. Yet, how many times have you went out with joy and returned with turmoil? We tend to get our hopes up and then get disappointed. What makes this joy and peace different is found in the next verse that says joy and peace will be an “enduring reminder.” Enduring in Hebrew is “’olam” – a noun which means “forever.” With God, when we go out with joy, we will not return with disappointment, but with shalom ‘olam (everlasting peace).
So much happening today seems to be passing, fading or fleeting. Celebration, joy and peace seem to have gone out the proverbial window; but not so with God. The Lord plans for us to go out with joy and return with everlasting peace. I think we can be in agreeance that joy and peace would be a welcome and embiggen change.
If you look up agreeance, you’ll see these two facts:
1) it is a word, and 2) “agreement” should be used instead.
I disagree with #2 for this reason: agreeance is a state of mind; agreement is a binding course of action between two parties; the words are similar but are not synonymous. For instance, the couple was in agreeance to skip making dinner and go out instead. They agreed upon Thai food. Over dinner, they signed an agreement to buy their dream house in Florida.
One of my favorite radio shows, A Way with Words, on NPR, talked about the word agreeance. The clip is here https://soundcloud.com/waywordradio/1350-caller-sadie-agreeance They initially told the caller, Sadie, that she should use the word “agreement” because usage of “agreeance” tends to make hearers think the person is less educated. Nevertheless, after a fruitful discussion, the hosts threw caution to the wind and said it might be time for agreeance to make a comeback. I wholeheartedly agree.
The New York Times, this past week, published the word “embiggening” for the first time in its 168-year history. The verb embiggen means to make larger. The Simpsons cartoon featured that word in an episode in 1996 in the (fictional) town motto, "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man,” It was one of two words the writers made up for the episode; the second word being “cromulent.” Much to their surprise, after the airing of the show, they were informed “embiggen” was used once in 1884. Despite not actually creating it, The Simpsons made the word popular. It was used in later episodes and has since coined this popular social media phrase, “You need to embiggen your vocabulary.” Merriam-Webster did just that and in 2018 included the word in their dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary followed suit. I’d say it was quite cromulent of them.
Sunday’s lesson from Isaiah features this phrase, “You will go out with celebration and you will be brought back in peace.” (Is 55:12) “Celebration” in Hebrew is simchah, which at its root means “joy”. The Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom. Joy and peace can be felt internally and seen externally and expressed both individually and corporately. Yet, how many times have you went out with joy and returned with turmoil? We tend to get our hopes up and then get disappointed. What makes this joy and peace different is found in the next verse that says joy and peace will be an “enduring reminder.” Enduring in Hebrew is “’olam” – a noun which means “forever.” With God, when we go out with joy, we will not return with disappointment, but with shalom ‘olam (everlasting peace).
So much happening today seems to be passing, fading or fleeting. Celebration, joy and peace seem to have gone out the proverbial window; but not so with God. The Lord plans for us to go out with joy and return with everlasting peace. I think we can be in agreeance that joy and peace would be a welcome and embiggen change.
I have been singlehandedly trying to bring back a word from the 1840’s. The word is “agreeance.”
If you look up agreeance, you’ll see these two facts:
1) it is a word, and 2) “agreement” should be used instead.
I disagree with #2 for this reason: agreeance is a state of mind; agreement is a binding course of action between two parties; the words are similar but are not synonymous. For instance, the couple was in agreeance to skip making dinner and go out instead. They agreed upon Thai food. Over dinner, they signed an agreement to buy their dream house in Florida.
One of my favorite radio shows, A Way with Words, on NPR, talked about the word agreeance. The clip is here https://soundcloud.com/waywordradio/1350-caller-sadie-agreeance They initially told the caller, Sadie, that she should use the word “agreement” because usage of “agreeance” tends to make hearers think the person is less educated. Nevertheless, after a fruitful discussion, the hosts threw caution to the wind and said it might be time for agreeance to make a comeback. I wholeheartedly agree.
The New York Times, this past week, published the word “embiggening” for the first time in its 168-year history. The verb embiggen means to make larger. The Simpsons cartoon featured that word in an episode in 1996 in the (fictional) town motto, "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man,” It was one of two words the writers made up for the episode; the second word being “cromulent.” Much to their surprise, after the airing of the show, they were informed “embiggen” was used once in 1884. Despite not actually creating it, The Simpsons made the word popular. It was used in later episodes and has since coined this popular social media phrase, “You need to embiggen your vocabulary.” Merriam-Webster did just that and in 2018 included the word in their dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary followed suit. I’d say it was quite cromulent of them.
Sunday’s lesson from Isaiah features this phrase, “You will go out with celebration and you will be brought back in peace.” (Is 55:12) “Celebration” in Hebrew is simchah, which at its root means “joy”. The Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom. Joy and peace can be felt internally and seen externally and expressed both individually and corporately. Yet, how many times have you went out with joy and returned with turmoil? We tend to get our hopes up and then get disappointed. What makes this joy and peace different is found in the next verse that says joy and peace will be an “enduring reminder.” Enduring in Hebrew is “’olam” – a noun which means “forever.” With God, when we go out with joy, we will not return with disappointment, but with shalom ‘olam (everlasting peace).
So much happening today seems to be passing, fading or fleeting. Celebration, joy and peace seem to have gone out the proverbial window; but not so with God. The Lord plans for us to go out with joy and return with everlasting peace. I think we can be in agreeance that joy and peace would be a welcome and embiggen change.
I have been singlehandedly trying to bring back a word from the 1840’s. The word is “agreeance.”
If you look up agreeance, you’ll see these two facts:
1) it is a word, and 2) “agreement” should be used instead.
I disagree with #2 for this reason: agreeance is a state of mind; agreement is a binding course of action between two parties; the words are similar but are not synonymous. For instance, the couple was in agreeance to skip making dinner and go out instead. They agreed upon Thai food. Over dinner, they signed an agreement to buy their dream house in Florida.
One of my favorite radio shows, A Way with Words, on NPR, talked about the word agreeance. The clip is here https://soundcloud.com/waywordradio/1350-caller-sadie-agreeance They initially told the caller, Sadie, that she should use the word “agreement” because usage of “agreeance” tends to make hearers think the person is less educated. Nevertheless, after a fruitful discussion, the hosts threw caution to the wind and said it might be time for agreeance to make a comeback. I wholeheartedly agree.
The New York Times, this past week, published the word “embiggening” for the first time in its 168-year history. The verb embiggen means to make larger. The Simpsons cartoon featured that word in an episode in 1996 in the (fictional) town motto, "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man,” It was one of two words the writers made up for the episode; the second word being “cromulent.” Much to their surprise, after the airing of the show, they were informed “embiggen” was used once in 1884. Despite not actually creating it, The Simpsons made the word popular. It was used in later episodes and has since coined this popular social media phrase, “You need to embiggen your vocabulary.” Merriam-Webster did just that and in 2018 included the word in their dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary followed suit. I’d say it was quite cromulent of them.
Sunday’s lesson from Isaiah features this phrase, “You will go out with celebration and you will be brought back in peace.” (Is 55:12) “Celebration” in Hebrew is simchah, which at its root means “joy”. The Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom. Joy and peace can be felt internally and seen externally and expressed both individually and corporately. Yet, how many times have you went out with joy and returned with turmoil? We tend to get our hopes up and then get disappointed. What makes this joy and peace different is found in the next verse that says joy and peace will be an “enduring reminder.” Enduring in Hebrew is “’olam” – a noun which means “forever.” With God, when we go out with joy, we will not return with disappointment, but with shalom ‘olam (everlasting peace).
So much happening today seems to be passing, fading or fleeting. Celebration, joy and peace seem to have gone out the proverbial window; but not so with God. The Lord plans for us to go out with joy and return with everlasting peace. I think we can be in agreeance that joy and peace would be a welcome and embiggen change.
I have been singlehandedly trying to bring back a word from the 1840’s. The word is “agreeance.”
If you look up agreeance, you’ll see these two facts:
1) it is a word, and 2) “agreement” should be used instead.
I disagree with #2 for this reason: agreeance is a state of mind; agreement is a binding course of action between two parties; the words are similar but are not synonymous. For instance, the couple was in agreeance to skip making dinner and go out instead. They agreed upon Thai food. Over dinner, they signed an agreement to buy their dream house in Florida.
One of my favorite radio shows, A Way with Words, on NPR, talked about the word agreeance. The clip is here https://soundcloud.com/waywordradio/1350-caller-sadie-agreeance They initially told the caller, Sadie, that she should use the word “agreement” because usage of “agreeance” tends to make hearers think the person is less educated. Nevertheless, after a fruitful discussion, the hosts threw caution to the wind and said it might be time for agreeance to make a comeback. I wholeheartedly agree.
The New York Times, this past week, published the word “embiggening” for the first time in its 168-year history. The verb embiggen means to make larger. The Simpsons cartoon featured that word in an episode in 1996 in the (fictional) town motto, "A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man,” It was one of two words the writers made up for the episode; the second word being “cromulent.” Much to their surprise, after the airing of the show, they were informed “embiggen” was used once in 1884. Despite not actually creating it, The Simpsons made the word popular. It was used in later episodes and has since coined this popular social media phrase, “You need to embiggen your vocabulary.” Merriam-Webster did just that and in 2018 included the word in their dictionary. The Oxford English Dictionary followed suit. I’d say it was quite cromulent of them.
Sunday’s lesson from Isaiah features this phrase, “You will go out with celebration and you will be brought back in peace.” (Is 55:12) “Celebration” in Hebrew is simchah, which at its root means “joy”. The Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom. Joy and peace can be felt internally and seen externally and expressed both individually and corporately. Yet, how many times have you went out with joy and returned with turmoil? We tend to get our hopes up and then get disappointed. What makes this joy and peace different is found in the next verse that says joy and peace will be an “enduring reminder.” Enduring in Hebrew is “’olam” – a noun which means “forever.” With God, when we go out with joy, we will not return with disappointment, but with shalom ‘olam (everlasting peace).
So much happening today seems to be passing, fading or fleeting. Celebration, joy and peace seem to have gone out the proverbial window; but not so with God. The Lord plans for us to go out with joy and return with everlasting peace. I think we can be in agreeance that joy and peace would be a welcome and embiggen change.
July 4th
July 2, 2020
For people like me who grew up in Washington State, the real start of summer is the 4th of July. Growing up with a sailboat meant that we would be up early on the 4th getting the boat ready and then staying out on the water until midnight. Patience, our boat, was moored in Commencement Bay, across from Tacoma. The distance is a little more than two miles, but, as sailing goes, it could be a ten-mile trip. Like a massive amphitheater, the steep streets of Tacoma make Commencement Bay a wonderful place to celebrate Independence Day. Every year there was an impressive fireworks display launched from a barge just off the Tacoma waterfront. The display would cap off a spectacular day of airshows, boat shows, and the usual Americana-celebration found in military towns like Tacoma. Every year it seemed like the Air Force and Army would try to outdo each other with thrilling displays of aerobatics. For as hard as they tried, however, the Navy always took the cake with the Blue Angels. One year I swear the lead Blue Angel captain used our mast as the centering point of the performance. My ears are still ringing. In between aerial performances, the fireboats would turn on their massive water cannons that can throw 20,000 gallons of water per minute more than a football field high and three football fields out. One year, a hook-and-ladder fire truck sprayed their cannon over the beach to see if they could reach the fireboats. Everyone in-between got drenched.
Dad would tell us to always be on watch for dumb boaters which he put into these three categories: drunk boaters, inexperienced boaters, and the showoffs – which can be a combination of the first two. More than once we had to offer a hand to someone in trouble; it was just a part of the 4th of July on Commencement Bay. Dad never treated dumb boaters with anything but compassion and a helping hand. It gave me an example to live by.
By the time it was dark enough for the fireworks show, the drunk and inexperienced boaters had either been towed, arrested or sank, so the trip back to the dock was usually uneventful. There was one year, however, when a showoff in a 30-foot in/out drive cabin cruiser decided to go full speed across the bay after the show. They struck a floating and invisible-at-night log which tore off the entire “out” of the drive. One of the fireboats responded and managed to keep it afloat.
Like everything else in 2020, the Marshalls will have to wait until next year to watch fireworks from the deck of our boat and instead will start a new tradition of setting off fireworks in front of our house. Teaching my boys compassion for helping dumb boaters on the 4th will have to wait until next year.
There is no mention of a pandemic in the Bible. Nevertheless, there were many disruptions that either modified, or invented, religious traditions. This year I have given more thought to what Independence Day means to me. While it is true that not all were made free on July 4, 1776, it began a movement, or process, where our struggling 13 colonies began to shine the light of liberty for others to see. We have come a long way and we have more to go; but this year, I will be thinking about what I am doing with my own freedom to help others.
Dad would tell us to always be on watch for dumb boaters which he put into these three categories: drunk boaters, inexperienced boaters, and the showoffs – which can be a combination of the first two. More than once we had to offer a hand to someone in trouble; it was just a part of the 4th of July on Commencement Bay. Dad never treated dumb boaters with anything but compassion and a helping hand. It gave me an example to live by.
By the time it was dark enough for the fireworks show, the drunk and inexperienced boaters had either been towed, arrested or sank, so the trip back to the dock was usually uneventful. There was one year, however, when a showoff in a 30-foot in/out drive cabin cruiser decided to go full speed across the bay after the show. They struck a floating and invisible-at-night log which tore off the entire “out” of the drive. One of the fireboats responded and managed to keep it afloat.
Like everything else in 2020, the Marshalls will have to wait until next year to watch fireworks from the deck of our boat and instead will start a new tradition of setting off fireworks in front of our house. Teaching my boys compassion for helping dumb boaters on the 4th will have to wait until next year.
There is no mention of a pandemic in the Bible. Nevertheless, there were many disruptions that either modified, or invented, religious traditions. This year I have given more thought to what Independence Day means to me. While it is true that not all were made free on July 4, 1776, it began a movement, or process, where our struggling 13 colonies began to shine the light of liberty for others to see. We have come a long way and we have more to go; but this year, I will be thinking about what I am doing with my own freedom to help others.
Baby CD
June 25, 2020
The discussion group participants defined rage with phrases like “unbridled and blind anger,” and “irrational, without-restraint.” We talked about experiencing rage, how it felt, and how it can cause destructive action. One of the most common experiences is road rage – a blind, irrational anger against another (usually clueless) driver. Another example is computer rage – a blind, irrational anger against a computer, phone, tablet, or the entire internet that may end with a particular device being thrown.
After successfully live-streaming our 9:15 service on Sunday, I received a “flag” warning from YouTube – we had used an unlicensed song. Now, to be fair, this can, and does happen. On Palm Sunday, I played a prerecorded song, You Say, by Lauren Daigle. YouTube flagged it and gave me the choice to not monetize the video – which means I can’t run ads on it – or they can remove the song from the video. We don’t run ads so I went the non-monetized route. For this past Sunday, however, we were flagged for our closing hymn, Be Thou My Vision (#488 in the 1982 Hymnal) performed live by our accomplished organist, Dale Hooey. Suddenly, I felt a flash of rage. I thought, this is a CHURCH hymn performed in a CHURCH for CHURCH goers. After the brief flash of rage passed, I looked up the particulars of this hymn. The name of the tune is Slane and is an old Irish folk tune. It was first published in a 1909 hymn book titled, “Old Irish Folk Music and Songs” with Patrick Joyce being credited as the composer. The words themselves are based on an Irish monastic litany of prayers from the 8th century. The hymn book from 111 years ago of self-described “old Irish music,” and the lyrics themselves, clearly have passed the 100-year mark, generally considered to be longest covered under copyright law.
The complaint came from CD Baby Sync Publishing. Thinking that someone’s CD-for-baby music claimed the rights to the song, I wrote a strongly worded response to YouTube about how we have every right under the sun to play that hymn and, if I might go so far as to assert, some fly-by-night CD company who recorded that hymn for babies to fall asleep to are the ones who should cease and desist from using it! Okay, I admit, not very priestly of me.
Still fired up about it on Wednesday, I decided to look up this Baby CD company. As it turns out, it is worse than I thought. From what I can gather on their company website, one could buy the licensing for particular songs. I believe artists should be paid for their work and distribution companies should also receive compensation for what they do. However, this seems to have gone too far.
Still angry about the situation, I sent a tersely worded email to the company just stopping short of saying, “How dare you…” Surprisingly, I received an answer back within an hour. After having a friendly, multi-email exchange, I sent them the link to the video where it clearly shows Dale playing the hymn. They removed the block.
Rage affects relationships and our own being. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “Be angry, but do not sin.” (4:26) I’m not saying rage is a sin, but, it can cause me to sin. However, focused anger, as I have learned through this exercise, can make positive change.
-Fr. Dave
After successfully live-streaming our 9:15 service on Sunday, I received a “flag” warning from YouTube – we had used an unlicensed song. Now, to be fair, this can, and does happen. On Palm Sunday, I played a prerecorded song, You Say, by Lauren Daigle. YouTube flagged it and gave me the choice to not monetize the video – which means I can’t run ads on it – or they can remove the song from the video. We don’t run ads so I went the non-monetized route. For this past Sunday, however, we were flagged for our closing hymn, Be Thou My Vision (#488 in the 1982 Hymnal) performed live by our accomplished organist, Dale Hooey. Suddenly, I felt a flash of rage. I thought, this is a CHURCH hymn performed in a CHURCH for CHURCH goers. After the brief flash of rage passed, I looked up the particulars of this hymn. The name of the tune is Slane and is an old Irish folk tune. It was first published in a 1909 hymn book titled, “Old Irish Folk Music and Songs” with Patrick Joyce being credited as the composer. The words themselves are based on an Irish monastic litany of prayers from the 8th century. The hymn book from 111 years ago of self-described “old Irish music,” and the lyrics themselves, clearly have passed the 100-year mark, generally considered to be longest covered under copyright law.
The complaint came from CD Baby Sync Publishing. Thinking that someone’s CD-for-baby music claimed the rights to the song, I wrote a strongly worded response to YouTube about how we have every right under the sun to play that hymn and, if I might go so far as to assert, some fly-by-night CD company who recorded that hymn for babies to fall asleep to are the ones who should cease and desist from using it! Okay, I admit, not very priestly of me.
Still fired up about it on Wednesday, I decided to look up this Baby CD company. As it turns out, it is worse than I thought. From what I can gather on their company website, one could buy the licensing for particular songs. I believe artists should be paid for their work and distribution companies should also receive compensation for what they do. However, this seems to have gone too far.
Still angry about the situation, I sent a tersely worded email to the company just stopping short of saying, “How dare you…” Surprisingly, I received an answer back within an hour. After having a friendly, multi-email exchange, I sent them the link to the video where it clearly shows Dale playing the hymn. They removed the block.
Rage affects relationships and our own being. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “Be angry, but do not sin.” (4:26) I’m not saying rage is a sin, but, it can cause me to sin. However, focused anger, as I have learned through this exercise, can make positive change.
-Fr. Dave
He Sets the Prisoners Free
June 18, 2020
This Friday is the 155th celebration of Juneteenth. The Commonwealth of Virginia recently declared Juneteenth (June 19th) a paid state holiday. Music star Pharrell Williams spoke with the Governor of Virginia who together made this holiday a reality. In a news conference, Pharrell said “Every year, as a nation, we mark the Fourth of July, 1776, Independence Day, celebrating our independence from English colonial rule. … But that freedom we celebrate did not include everyone.” He added, “It’s time we elevate [Juneteenth], not just a celebration by and for some Virginians, but one acknowledged and celebrated by all of us because that’s how important this event is.” He ended his statement by addressing Americans whose ancestors, like his, came to Virginia 400 years ago aboard a slave ship. He said, “So here is our day. And if you love us, it’s your day too.”
The history of the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery is this: on June 19th, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger’s union troops landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free – this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation which had become official January 1, 1863. Although Lincoln’s executive order had little impact on the Texans at the time, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to make emancipation a reality.
If you can imagine having lived your whole life as a slave, and knowing your family ancestry is made up of slaves, to wake up on Friday and find out that you are free – it was a cause for celebration. Today, the principle celebration of Juneteenth for all Americans is this – America can’t be a beacon of freedom and liberty until all Americans are free. Starting on June 19th, 155 years ago, America’s torch of freedom grew brighter for all other nations to see. It has been a rough, rocky, and uncertain road since then, but, the torch has been lit and it has not gone out. From the diary pages of Episcopal clergymen in Georgia, who in the 1840’s wrote about freedom and how white Americans can only be free when all in the nation are free, it is Juneteenth that makes that dream a reality.
Juneteenth church celebrations often cite Psalm 68, verse 5 and 6,
“Father to the orphan, defender of widows --
this is God, whose dwelling is holy.
God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.”
There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth. What I will do on Friday is to remember that the Father to the orphan, the One who sets prisoners free, has placed the torch of liberty in our nation to burn as a light for others.
I will pray that the torch of liberty will continue to burn brightly for others to see. And, I will recite the Pledge of Allegiance and reflect upon these words:
One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The history of the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery is this: on June 19th, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger’s union troops landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free – this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation which had become official January 1, 1863. Although Lincoln’s executive order had little impact on the Texans at the time, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to make emancipation a reality.
If you can imagine having lived your whole life as a slave, and knowing your family ancestry is made up of slaves, to wake up on Friday and find out that you are free – it was a cause for celebration. Today, the principle celebration of Juneteenth for all Americans is this – America can’t be a beacon of freedom and liberty until all Americans are free. Starting on June 19th, 155 years ago, America’s torch of freedom grew brighter for all other nations to see. It has been a rough, rocky, and uncertain road since then, but, the torch has been lit and it has not gone out. From the diary pages of Episcopal clergymen in Georgia, who in the 1840’s wrote about freedom and how white Americans can only be free when all in the nation are free, it is Juneteenth that makes that dream a reality.
Juneteenth church celebrations often cite Psalm 68, verse 5 and 6,
“Father to the orphan, defender of widows --
this is God, whose dwelling is holy.
God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.”
There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth. What I will do on Friday is to remember that the Father to the orphan, the One who sets prisoners free, has placed the torch of liberty in our nation to burn as a light for others.
I will pray that the torch of liberty will continue to burn brightly for others to see. And, I will recite the Pledge of Allegiance and reflect upon these words:
One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The Process Oriented God
June 11, 2020
Have you ever heard this prayer, “God, grant me patience, and give it to me now!” Funny thing, that is not how patience works; nor is it how God does things. In the Anglican world, we often say that we believe in a God of structure and order. As such, our particular style of worship is structured and ordered. Just before processing in one Sunday morning, I joked with the choir, “Well, let’s see what happens this morning.” The choir chuckled because that is not how we do things.
This past Sunday, we heard about Day 6 of creation – when animals and humans were made (chapter 1, Genesis). You and I both know that it took more than a “day” to make all creepy crawly things as well as humans, but, the author(s) of Genesis set out to show the orderliness of God’s creation. It’s not like God said, “Well, let’s see what happens this morning,” and then created fish before the ocean was made, or birds before air. That’s not how God does it. God Almighty seems to have a process and a plan; or maybe vice-versa.
In 2009, in California, I participated in an interfaith march to object to Governor Schwarzenegger’s budget that greatly reduced walk-up health clinics for the poor and marginalized. Once we reached the clinic, one of hundreds in the state that was scheduled to close, I was asked to start us off with prayer. I opened my prayer book and started – orderly and structured is our way, after all – and was followed by a Franciscan monk who volunteers as a chaplain at the clinic. Standing tall in his brown robe, he invited the large crowd to raise their palms in the air and face them toward Sacramento. He then gave a rousing and spontaneous prayer about the Lord who watches over the least and that our wealthy-movie-star-turned-Governor should do better. After the “amen” he said, “There we have it, God hears every prayer, and our clinic will be saved.” … which it was, after a lengthy process of negotiations and input from the citizenry. In fact, all the clinics in California were spared. It did not happen overnight, but rather, it took a process.
Healing prayers often work in the same way. There are times when instantaneous healing occurs; which are quite noteworthy; but they are the exception, not the rule. Often when we pray for healing, it occurs after a process of medical intervention and rehabilitation. Some would ask, “Why then pray at all?” The answer is simple – because prayer works. Study after study shows that those who have a good prayer life, and/or have others praying for them, spend less time in a hospital bed. Why is the ever-cost-conscious VA is so hospitable toward their chaplains? It is because the chaplaincy core reduces expenses way more than they cost.
God, who created everything, including the planets in their courses and this fragile earth, our island home, did so by an orderly process. Humans have memory, reason and skill. We learn, become wise, and pass skills onto to others – all by process, not instantaneously. There are much needed changes and reforms in this country; in particular, that all citizens should be treated uniformly by their government. But, it can’t happen overnight. Change is a process that can be ugly and messy, often times slow and unresponsive; nevertheless, it is a process.
May God sustain and strengthen our country as we go through the process of change.
This past Sunday, we heard about Day 6 of creation – when animals and humans were made (chapter 1, Genesis). You and I both know that it took more than a “day” to make all creepy crawly things as well as humans, but, the author(s) of Genesis set out to show the orderliness of God’s creation. It’s not like God said, “Well, let’s see what happens this morning,” and then created fish before the ocean was made, or birds before air. That’s not how God does it. God Almighty seems to have a process and a plan; or maybe vice-versa.
In 2009, in California, I participated in an interfaith march to object to Governor Schwarzenegger’s budget that greatly reduced walk-up health clinics for the poor and marginalized. Once we reached the clinic, one of hundreds in the state that was scheduled to close, I was asked to start us off with prayer. I opened my prayer book and started – orderly and structured is our way, after all – and was followed by a Franciscan monk who volunteers as a chaplain at the clinic. Standing tall in his brown robe, he invited the large crowd to raise their palms in the air and face them toward Sacramento. He then gave a rousing and spontaneous prayer about the Lord who watches over the least and that our wealthy-movie-star-turned-Governor should do better. After the “amen” he said, “There we have it, God hears every prayer, and our clinic will be saved.” … which it was, after a lengthy process of negotiations and input from the citizenry. In fact, all the clinics in California were spared. It did not happen overnight, but rather, it took a process.
Healing prayers often work in the same way. There are times when instantaneous healing occurs; which are quite noteworthy; but they are the exception, not the rule. Often when we pray for healing, it occurs after a process of medical intervention and rehabilitation. Some would ask, “Why then pray at all?” The answer is simple – because prayer works. Study after study shows that those who have a good prayer life, and/or have others praying for them, spend less time in a hospital bed. Why is the ever-cost-conscious VA is so hospitable toward their chaplains? It is because the chaplaincy core reduces expenses way more than they cost.
God, who created everything, including the planets in their courses and this fragile earth, our island home, did so by an orderly process. Humans have memory, reason and skill. We learn, become wise, and pass skills onto to others – all by process, not instantaneously. There are much needed changes and reforms in this country; in particular, that all citizens should be treated uniformly by their government. But, it can’t happen overnight. Change is a process that can be ugly and messy, often times slow and unresponsive; nevertheless, it is a process.
May God sustain and strengthen our country as we go through the process of change.
Discerning the Times
June 4, 2020
If you, like me, are troubled by our times and wonder if any of the past marches for rights and protections have done any good, I find comfort in the words of our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, “The Christian race is not a sprint; it is a marathon. Our work for justice, healing, and truth telling must be unceasing.”
A crowd gathered around Jesus looking for him to perform a miracle. He said that although they could look to the clouds and predict when it would rain, they couldn’t understand the times they were living in. In other words, the sign from heaven is the incarnation of God in human flesh; Jesus himself. That is the only sign they needed. Too often, however, they, like me (and perhaps us), look with our eyes up to the clouds looking for a sign from God, and wonder if God is even listening, when Jesus is right in front of us.
As we, individually and as a nation, struggle with the death of George Floyd; as we struggle with the call for every American to have equal protection under the law, George’s death, along with so many others, is a sign to us that equal protection has not materialized in our day. Are the prayers we say on Sunday – give peace O Lord because only in you can we live in safety – abdicating our responsibility to offer peace to everyone? Asking God to guide us into the way of justice and peace; is this our modern way of looking to the clouds of heaven for an answer?
Jesus said the top priority for all his followers is to love others as he loves us.
In our day, this priority can be viewed as outlined here in the letter to the Romans:
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else.
Associate with people who have no status.
Don’t pay back evil actions with evil actions,
but show respect for what everyone else believes is good.
To the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. Romans 12:15-18
How do we do this today? One way is the cross-shaped principle – move ahead intentionally with accountability. Systemic changes need to occur in our country and it starts locally with the transformation of individual hearts. There are many resources for people of faith to act. Please contact me if you would like some ideas. Again quoting Presiding Bishop Curry, “We need not be paralyzed by our past or our present. We are not slaves to fate; but rather, we are people of faith.” Meaningful change in our country has always started with people of faith. As we take steps on this marathon of faith, let us be lifted up by God and strive to do the work of Jesus by weeping with those who weep, by considering everyone as equal, by associating with people who have no status, by not paying back evil actions with evil actions, and, to the best of our ability, by living at peace with all people.
May God bless us along this marathon journey of faith,
-Fr. Dave
A crowd gathered around Jesus looking for him to perform a miracle. He said that although they could look to the clouds and predict when it would rain, they couldn’t understand the times they were living in. In other words, the sign from heaven is the incarnation of God in human flesh; Jesus himself. That is the only sign they needed. Too often, however, they, like me (and perhaps us), look with our eyes up to the clouds looking for a sign from God, and wonder if God is even listening, when Jesus is right in front of us.
As we, individually and as a nation, struggle with the death of George Floyd; as we struggle with the call for every American to have equal protection under the law, George’s death, along with so many others, is a sign to us that equal protection has not materialized in our day. Are the prayers we say on Sunday – give peace O Lord because only in you can we live in safety – abdicating our responsibility to offer peace to everyone? Asking God to guide us into the way of justice and peace; is this our modern way of looking to the clouds of heaven for an answer?
Jesus said the top priority for all his followers is to love others as he loves us.
In our day, this priority can be viewed as outlined here in the letter to the Romans:
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else.
Associate with people who have no status.
Don’t pay back evil actions with evil actions,
but show respect for what everyone else believes is good.
To the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. Romans 12:15-18
How do we do this today? One way is the cross-shaped principle – move ahead intentionally with accountability. Systemic changes need to occur in our country and it starts locally with the transformation of individual hearts. There are many resources for people of faith to act. Please contact me if you would like some ideas. Again quoting Presiding Bishop Curry, “We need not be paralyzed by our past or our present. We are not slaves to fate; but rather, we are people of faith.” Meaningful change in our country has always started with people of faith. As we take steps on this marathon of faith, let us be lifted up by God and strive to do the work of Jesus by weeping with those who weep, by considering everyone as equal, by associating with people who have no status, by not paying back evil actions with evil actions, and, to the best of our ability, by living at peace with all people.
May God bless us along this marathon journey of faith,
-Fr. Dave
Summer Reading List
May 28, 2020
The Manatee County library has been closed for months and the Marshalls are running out of books to read. We are now sharing books we have at home and discussing them as a family. One of my favorite summertime books is one that Elijah read; simply titled, “Skink.” Set in coastal Florida, it is a fictional story of a teenager who befriends a crazy man, named Skink, who also used to be the governor of Florida. So, in some respects, it is not far from reality. It is a wonderful summertime read and led to a discussion about the ethics of what happened, or should have happened, to the antagonist in the story.
A book that is too mature for Elijah was read by the three of us. It is an assigned reading book from Ethan’s AP English class, titled, “Zeitoun” (pronounced Zay-toon). It is set in August, 2005, in New Orleans and is the real-life story of Abdulrahman Zeitoun – a Syrian Muslim,
successful business owner of a home repair company, who is a father of three, married to a white American, who was raised Southern Baptist and converted to Islam prior. The award winning book, written by Dave Eggers, is well researched and documents the real-life struggle of
what happens when Zeitoun decides to stay home to watch over his business while his family evacuates because of Hurricane Katrina. Zeitoun’s family, religious, and business life is interesting enough, but, add the hurricane and it becomes a riveting story that involves the largely untold story of civil rights violations brought on by an alliance of a for-profit prison with untrained National Guardsmen. Ethan read it for class and found that it provided fruitful discussions with his school mates and their teacher. Likewise, we had many fruitful conversations at home about it.
One of my seminary professors said the Bible shouldn’t be read alone because it comes alive in discussion. We are experiencing that in the study of the Book of Revelation. I’m wondering if we should expand that idea. If you have read something that you’d like to share, please email Maria (marialove@allangelslbk.org)
I’d like to compile a summer reading list for All Angels. I am interested in getting together on Zoom once in a while to discuss a book.
For as much as I enjoyed Zeitoun; for the summer, I’d have to stick with Skink.
Blessings to you on all your summer readings,
-Fr. Dave
A book that is too mature for Elijah was read by the three of us. It is an assigned reading book from Ethan’s AP English class, titled, “Zeitoun” (pronounced Zay-toon). It is set in August, 2005, in New Orleans and is the real-life story of Abdulrahman Zeitoun – a Syrian Muslim,
successful business owner of a home repair company, who is a father of three, married to a white American, who was raised Southern Baptist and converted to Islam prior. The award winning book, written by Dave Eggers, is well researched and documents the real-life struggle of
what happens when Zeitoun decides to stay home to watch over his business while his family evacuates because of Hurricane Katrina. Zeitoun’s family, religious, and business life is interesting enough, but, add the hurricane and it becomes a riveting story that involves the largely untold story of civil rights violations brought on by an alliance of a for-profit prison with untrained National Guardsmen. Ethan read it for class and found that it provided fruitful discussions with his school mates and their teacher. Likewise, we had many fruitful conversations at home about it.
One of my seminary professors said the Bible shouldn’t be read alone because it comes alive in discussion. We are experiencing that in the study of the Book of Revelation. I’m wondering if we should expand that idea. If you have read something that you’d like to share, please email Maria (marialove@allangelslbk.org)
I’d like to compile a summer reading list for All Angels. I am interested in getting together on Zoom once in a while to discuss a book.
For as much as I enjoyed Zeitoun; for the summer, I’d have to stick with Skink.
Blessings to you on all your summer readings,
-Fr. Dave
Safe Church
May 21, 2020
I have read stories of churches that recently have disregarded the ten-person indoor limit, parishioners became infected, and they had to close. One such church may never open again. Church should be a safe place. To be a safe church, we have complied with the state mandated stay-at-home order for ten or less people to be gathered inside a house of worship. Since that time, I am excited at what our leadership team, church staff, and volunteers are doing to bring the living Christ to those outside of the church during this unparalleled time.
Data about the virus is becoming clearer; and unfortunately, it doesn’t look good for keeping churches safe. You may have read about the choir in Washington State’s Skagit Valley that, during one choir practice, one non-symptomatic infected member caused more than 60% of the choir to become infected. Two of the choir members have died. I imagine you are familiar with various meat processing facilities that temporarily closed because many workers became infected. It seems that singing and yelling (like in a processing facility) are ways the virus can spread quickly.
On Tuesday, the diocesan clergy had a Zoom meeting with the bishop to discuss keeping church safe. In preparation for the meeting, we were assigned material to read that took about 90-minutes to complete. Each piece of data seemed to be more alarming than the next. Covid-19 is an airborne virus that spreads on exhaled water droplets. Sneezing and coughing produce the most aerosol particles. But, the best way to spread it is by singing or yelling because it is a longer duration of exhaled air. This is very bad news for school choirs and band programs, for barbershop quartets to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. To be frank, I don’t know what my rising senior in High School is going to do with his plans to play his clarinet and baritone sax in band during the fall school semester.
The second piece of bad news is the equation of exhaled aerosol particles with regards to time. If you walk past a non-face masked shopper at CVS, you will get a small amount of virus particles into your system. Let’s say the body can take 1,000 particles before getting sick; this brief shopping encounter could get you to 200. However, if you were sitting in a room for an hour with that person, just breathing the same indoor air could bring you over the 1,000 threshold. Add talking, and it takes less time. Add singing, and, well, you get the idea. As a result of this data, the state is allowing small indoor gatherings that typically take a short duration of time. If you have noticed, waiting rooms have been eliminated because of the equation of time and aerosol particle. Oddly enough, bars, churches, and indoor sporting events seem to be most at risk because people congregate, talk or sing/yell, and typically spend more than fifteen minutes.
One more piece of the equation – location (location, location). There is a big difference with indoor and outdoor air. Imagine if Marjorie Stapleton sat in her normal seat; right side, second to last row, second to last chair; and I was up by the organ. I don’t smoke, but, for the sake of example, let’s say I lit a cigarette. How long would it take for Marjorie to smell the cigarette? I’m not sure but I think eventually she would. Likewise, let’s say she opened a box of chocolates. Eventually, I would be able to smell chocolate. Using the same scenario, let’s say she and I are outside. In order to smell the chocolate, or the cigarette, we would have to be a lot closer. Also, the smell of each would be diminished when compared to being inside. This is why there is only one case of virus transmission outdoors (and that case is rather suspect, it probably occurred inside a bathroom at an outdoor event).
The missing part of the equation, when talking about an airborne virus, has to do with particle size. We know that when talking, rather large exhaled droplets can travel three feet. The six-foot distance rule was set up in order to double that range. The big question has to do with small particles that can remain in the air for quite a while. The chocolate particle that tells our nose that someone has opened a box of candies is small and can stay airborne for more than thirty minutes. … just ask any child who has eaten some candy and then hid it from their parents. Based on data collected from a restaurant in China where the air conditioning unit seemed to help spread the virus from one table to another, and a different study from a call center in an office building where one person spread the infection to more than 90 other employees on the same floor, we know that distance and time are a major factor (restaurant – short time, close distance; office – eight-hour shift, long indoor distance). How does this relate to All Angels?
Right now, we are limited to ten people or less inside, and 50 people or less outside with six-feet of distance between family units. To produce (for lack of a better churchy term) a service, it takes 8 – 10 people; thus, we are allowing only those who are scheduled to serve inside. We currently have more than 10, but less than 50, congregants outside either in their cars, or sitting on benches, or on beach chairs. This is keeping us safe. Sooner rather than later, Episcopal churches in this diocese can consider holding indoor worship services up to 25% of capacity. For us, this is 35 people (45 total including those serving). Although Sunday attendance is lower in the summer, I don’t recall a Sunday where we had less than 45.
While we are learning more about the virus and how to be a safe church, there are many more questions to answer about going to 25% capacity. I don’t have the answers to these questions yet. The Vestry and our leadership team are looking at a whole variety of options for when the time comes that we can go to 25% occupancy. Please know that we are working diligently and praying fervently to do this right. I welcome your thoughts and feedback on this. We are all in this together and we are bringing the living Christ to those inside and outside the church. And, we are doing it safely.
-Fr. Dave
Data about the virus is becoming clearer; and unfortunately, it doesn’t look good for keeping churches safe. You may have read about the choir in Washington State’s Skagit Valley that, during one choir practice, one non-symptomatic infected member caused more than 60% of the choir to become infected. Two of the choir members have died. I imagine you are familiar with various meat processing facilities that temporarily closed because many workers became infected. It seems that singing and yelling (like in a processing facility) are ways the virus can spread quickly.
On Tuesday, the diocesan clergy had a Zoom meeting with the bishop to discuss keeping church safe. In preparation for the meeting, we were assigned material to read that took about 90-minutes to complete. Each piece of data seemed to be more alarming than the next. Covid-19 is an airborne virus that spreads on exhaled water droplets. Sneezing and coughing produce the most aerosol particles. But, the best way to spread it is by singing or yelling because it is a longer duration of exhaled air. This is very bad news for school choirs and band programs, for barbershop quartets to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. To be frank, I don’t know what my rising senior in High School is going to do with his plans to play his clarinet and baritone sax in band during the fall school semester.
The second piece of bad news is the equation of exhaled aerosol particles with regards to time. If you walk past a non-face masked shopper at CVS, you will get a small amount of virus particles into your system. Let’s say the body can take 1,000 particles before getting sick; this brief shopping encounter could get you to 200. However, if you were sitting in a room for an hour with that person, just breathing the same indoor air could bring you over the 1,000 threshold. Add talking, and it takes less time. Add singing, and, well, you get the idea. As a result of this data, the state is allowing small indoor gatherings that typically take a short duration of time. If you have noticed, waiting rooms have been eliminated because of the equation of time and aerosol particle. Oddly enough, bars, churches, and indoor sporting events seem to be most at risk because people congregate, talk or sing/yell, and typically spend more than fifteen minutes.
One more piece of the equation – location (location, location). There is a big difference with indoor and outdoor air. Imagine if Marjorie Stapleton sat in her normal seat; right side, second to last row, second to last chair; and I was up by the organ. I don’t smoke, but, for the sake of example, let’s say I lit a cigarette. How long would it take for Marjorie to smell the cigarette? I’m not sure but I think eventually she would. Likewise, let’s say she opened a box of chocolates. Eventually, I would be able to smell chocolate. Using the same scenario, let’s say she and I are outside. In order to smell the chocolate, or the cigarette, we would have to be a lot closer. Also, the smell of each would be diminished when compared to being inside. This is why there is only one case of virus transmission outdoors (and that case is rather suspect, it probably occurred inside a bathroom at an outdoor event).
The missing part of the equation, when talking about an airborne virus, has to do with particle size. We know that when talking, rather large exhaled droplets can travel three feet. The six-foot distance rule was set up in order to double that range. The big question has to do with small particles that can remain in the air for quite a while. The chocolate particle that tells our nose that someone has opened a box of candies is small and can stay airborne for more than thirty minutes. … just ask any child who has eaten some candy and then hid it from their parents. Based on data collected from a restaurant in China where the air conditioning unit seemed to help spread the virus from one table to another, and a different study from a call center in an office building where one person spread the infection to more than 90 other employees on the same floor, we know that distance and time are a major factor (restaurant – short time, close distance; office – eight-hour shift, long indoor distance). How does this relate to All Angels?
Right now, we are limited to ten people or less inside, and 50 people or less outside with six-feet of distance between family units. To produce (for lack of a better churchy term) a service, it takes 8 – 10 people; thus, we are allowing only those who are scheduled to serve inside. We currently have more than 10, but less than 50, congregants outside either in their cars, or sitting on benches, or on beach chairs. This is keeping us safe. Sooner rather than later, Episcopal churches in this diocese can consider holding indoor worship services up to 25% of capacity. For us, this is 35 people (45 total including those serving). Although Sunday attendance is lower in the summer, I don’t recall a Sunday where we had less than 45.
While we are learning more about the virus and how to be a safe church, there are many more questions to answer about going to 25% capacity. I don’t have the answers to these questions yet. The Vestry and our leadership team are looking at a whole variety of options for when the time comes that we can go to 25% occupancy. Please know that we are working diligently and praying fervently to do this right. I welcome your thoughts and feedback on this. We are all in this together and we are bringing the living Christ to those inside and outside the church. And, we are doing it safely.
-Fr. Dave
Jerks
May 14, 2020
American cartoonist, and creator of the single-panel comic strip Far Side, Gary Larson, created a cartoon that I have included in this reflection. Pictured is a caricature of God who is cooking up the earth in his kitchen. On the shelf are various ingredients – humans, insects, birds, tress. Like a master baker, God has one last ingredient to put onto his masterpiece. Over the earth, he has a shaker and the ingredient is labeled, “Jerks”. God is pictured saying, “Just to make it interesting…”
It made me laugh – yet, it is also true. There are jerks on every continent, every business and government, and, may I dare add, even in religious organizations. Whether or not God placed them on every continent is a different reflection altogether.
The discussion groups this week read three articles that focused on the intersections of government, the pandemic, and religion. One article quoted Christian religious leaders in the U.S. who claimed the Coronavirus was politically motivated, it was propaganda, and an illusion or mirage. The second article highlighted how leaders of Islam were reacting to the pandemic. I found it interesting that some Islamic leaders said things similar to what the U.S. Christian leaders said about the virus. I would like to point out, however, that just like most Christians leaders, the majority of Islamic leaders worldwide are working with public health officials and are modifying their practices keep their people safe. Moderate voices, nevertheless, do not seem to make it into the press as much. Take for example how the local media reports on a public school board meeting. Considerate and well-thought out arguments rarely make the news. The voices we hear on the evening news are usually, if you don’t mind me saying, jerks. Maybe God did give us jerks to make things more interesting.
So, how about this for a new spiritual practice: next time I’m at Publix and I encounter a jerk, or I get passed while driving the speed limit on GMD Drive, instead of getting angry, maybe I should see the encounter as God making life interesting.
It made me laugh – yet, it is also true. There are jerks on every continent, every business and government, and, may I dare add, even in religious organizations. Whether or not God placed them on every continent is a different reflection altogether.
The discussion groups this week read three articles that focused on the intersections of government, the pandemic, and religion. One article quoted Christian religious leaders in the U.S. who claimed the Coronavirus was politically motivated, it was propaganda, and an illusion or mirage. The second article highlighted how leaders of Islam were reacting to the pandemic. I found it interesting that some Islamic leaders said things similar to what the U.S. Christian leaders said about the virus. I would like to point out, however, that just like most Christians leaders, the majority of Islamic leaders worldwide are working with public health officials and are modifying their practices keep their people safe. Moderate voices, nevertheless, do not seem to make it into the press as much. Take for example how the local media reports on a public school board meeting. Considerate and well-thought out arguments rarely make the news. The voices we hear on the evening news are usually, if you don’t mind me saying, jerks. Maybe God did give us jerks to make things more interesting.
So, how about this for a new spiritual practice: next time I’m at Publix and I encounter a jerk, or I get passed while driving the speed limit on GMD Drive, instead of getting angry, maybe I should see the encounter as God making life interesting.
Spiritual Communion
May 7, 2020
This is a strange time. One thing I have learned from it is that I have taken two things for granted about church – socializing and receiving communion. The two go hand-in-hand and there are times when I’d be hard pressed to say which one is personally more important. What I do know is that I value, and miss, both socializing and communion now.
This is a strange time, and having church on-line is not easy; but, I am learning how my clergy friends lead services. And, thanks to an alert on my Facebook feed, I found myself watching a service at St Patrick’s in Dublin (yes, the very same cathedral in which Oliver Cromwell stabled his horses to show his disdain for Anglicanism). Another learning opportunity of our strange time is that the clergy of the diocese are in a Zoom meeting with the bishop every two weeks for mutual support and communication. Last week we talked at length about Eucharistic theology (Eucharist = communion). I imagine for most passers-by it would be a pretty boring conversation; but for us, it was important. The main question was this: how/when will we have communion again? The bishop restricted us from offering “virtual Eucharist” which allows people at home to hold up bread and wine in front of their computer screen while the priest consecrates it on-line. There are Eucharistic rubrics (rules) that prohibit that. However, our Bishop allowed for “spiritual communion” which recognizes that there are times when one can’t physically receive communion but can spiritually receive the benefits of it. The concept of it comes from a prayer book attributed to St. Augustine (354-430). Although from the 5th century, it addresses our time now when we can’t receive physically receive communion.
My personal Eucharistic theology prohibits me from receiving communion unless it is offered to all baptized people. As such, I have been offering Morning Prayer. On the flip side, several clergy colleagues are offering a Holy Communion service. They receive the consecrated host but do not offer it off the altar. Although that practice is not my particular theology/ecclesiology, I don’t think what they are doing is wrong; rather, it is simply not how I feel called to celebrate the Eucharist. In this strange time, I don’t know how to offer the Eucharist off-altar because it requires that we share the same air. I suppose I could serve my family off the altar because we share the same air at home. But, that seems pretty exclusive for a sacrament in which Jesus gave us no bounds when he said, take, break, eat, share. This is a liminal time – there will be a day when we will be able to receive communion again. It may not be until we are all vaccinated, but the time is coming when we will all be able to share in the body of Christ through the receiving of bread and wine.
This Sunday, taking a page out of St. Augustine’s prayer book, we are going to participate in spiritual communion, which, is worth repeating, is receiving the spiritual blessings of communion when one can’t physically receive it. And, unlike traditional Sunday morning Eucharist services, you can receive spiritual communion whenever and wherever you would like by watching and participating in Sunday’s service. It is a strange time indeed, but, there are some things we can learn, perhaps receiving spiritual communion is one of them.
-Fr. Dave
This is a strange time, and having church on-line is not easy; but, I am learning how my clergy friends lead services. And, thanks to an alert on my Facebook feed, I found myself watching a service at St Patrick’s in Dublin (yes, the very same cathedral in which Oliver Cromwell stabled his horses to show his disdain for Anglicanism). Another learning opportunity of our strange time is that the clergy of the diocese are in a Zoom meeting with the bishop every two weeks for mutual support and communication. Last week we talked at length about Eucharistic theology (Eucharist = communion). I imagine for most passers-by it would be a pretty boring conversation; but for us, it was important. The main question was this: how/when will we have communion again? The bishop restricted us from offering “virtual Eucharist” which allows people at home to hold up bread and wine in front of their computer screen while the priest consecrates it on-line. There are Eucharistic rubrics (rules) that prohibit that. However, our Bishop allowed for “spiritual communion” which recognizes that there are times when one can’t physically receive communion but can spiritually receive the benefits of it. The concept of it comes from a prayer book attributed to St. Augustine (354-430). Although from the 5th century, it addresses our time now when we can’t receive physically receive communion.
My personal Eucharistic theology prohibits me from receiving communion unless it is offered to all baptized people. As such, I have been offering Morning Prayer. On the flip side, several clergy colleagues are offering a Holy Communion service. They receive the consecrated host but do not offer it off the altar. Although that practice is not my particular theology/ecclesiology, I don’t think what they are doing is wrong; rather, it is simply not how I feel called to celebrate the Eucharist. In this strange time, I don’t know how to offer the Eucharist off-altar because it requires that we share the same air. I suppose I could serve my family off the altar because we share the same air at home. But, that seems pretty exclusive for a sacrament in which Jesus gave us no bounds when he said, take, break, eat, share. This is a liminal time – there will be a day when we will be able to receive communion again. It may not be until we are all vaccinated, but the time is coming when we will all be able to share in the body of Christ through the receiving of bread and wine.
This Sunday, taking a page out of St. Augustine’s prayer book, we are going to participate in spiritual communion, which, is worth repeating, is receiving the spiritual blessings of communion when one can’t physically receive it. And, unlike traditional Sunday morning Eucharist services, you can receive spiritual communion whenever and wherever you would like by watching and participating in Sunday’s service. It is a strange time indeed, but, there are some things we can learn, perhaps receiving spiritual communion is one of them.
-Fr. Dave
Solving for X
April 30, 2020
Now that Elijah and Ethan are learning-from-home I get to see more of Elijah’s day-to-day school work. The math that the fourth graders are doing is different than what I learned. I suppose the fundamentals are the same – two plus two still equals four – but the mechanics of it are different. One thing I struggled with in my math lessons was solving for X. Luckily, I have a patient mom who also taught math. I used to get frustrated and say, “Why don’t they just tell me what X is?!” As I learned, there are important lessons that one has to go through to figure out what is hiding behind the X.
I thought about this the other day when I felt as if I was risking my life at Publix. Coffee creamer is essential, right? There were two different brands in the cooler. One was on sale but usually has a higher price. I found myself solving for X to see which one was the better buy. Could it be that all those years after I complained about why do I have to learn this, could it be that I actually needed to know how to do it?
That got me thinking about the other times in life I had to solve for X. The first thing came to mind was being an underwriter for an insurance company. X is the rate of loss. I knew information on the insured, what they wanted covered, and how much coverage they needed. But, what I didn’t know, is if they would have a loss. As it turned out, I had a pretty good sense on how to solve that equation. Likewise, as a sales manager for a home electronic retailer, I got pretty good at approving checks. I saw the customer, what they wanted to purchase, and their check. Solving for X is this: would the check clear or not.
The leadership team at All Angels has been working diligently on solving for X in our time. X consists of a balance of safety, gathering for public worship, spacing and timing. It’s a pretty complex X. There will be a time when our doors will be open, but when? People, both those familiar to us and strangers, will be welcomed in. Where will everyone sit? How will we do communion that incorporates both touch and sharing the same air space? These are the X’s that we are solving. One of the lessons we have learned in our solving-for-X time is just how important it is for the people of All Angels to be together. I, for one, took for granted the weekly gathering together. The so-called “welcome line” that we did after the service probably won’t happen until after 2021’s flu season has ended. That “X” is partially solved. What remains is how to greet one another warmly, at a safe distance. Going back to the book of Ecclesiastes, “there is a time for embracing and a time to refrain from embracing.” Church history has had to deal with a number of X’s; starting with the first one – what to do with a crucified Messiah? From the early Church to now, we continue to solve for X, with God’s help. I believe that God is behind the X, in front of the X, to its left and to its right, God is above it and below it, and God is in us as we solve for X.
-Fr. Dave
I thought about this the other day when I felt as if I was risking my life at Publix. Coffee creamer is essential, right? There were two different brands in the cooler. One was on sale but usually has a higher price. I found myself solving for X to see which one was the better buy. Could it be that all those years after I complained about why do I have to learn this, could it be that I actually needed to know how to do it?
That got me thinking about the other times in life I had to solve for X. The first thing came to mind was being an underwriter for an insurance company. X is the rate of loss. I knew information on the insured, what they wanted covered, and how much coverage they needed. But, what I didn’t know, is if they would have a loss. As it turned out, I had a pretty good sense on how to solve that equation. Likewise, as a sales manager for a home electronic retailer, I got pretty good at approving checks. I saw the customer, what they wanted to purchase, and their check. Solving for X is this: would the check clear or not.
The leadership team at All Angels has been working diligently on solving for X in our time. X consists of a balance of safety, gathering for public worship, spacing and timing. It’s a pretty complex X. There will be a time when our doors will be open, but when? People, both those familiar to us and strangers, will be welcomed in. Where will everyone sit? How will we do communion that incorporates both touch and sharing the same air space? These are the X’s that we are solving. One of the lessons we have learned in our solving-for-X time is just how important it is for the people of All Angels to be together. I, for one, took for granted the weekly gathering together. The so-called “welcome line” that we did after the service probably won’t happen until after 2021’s flu season has ended. That “X” is partially solved. What remains is how to greet one another warmly, at a safe distance. Going back to the book of Ecclesiastes, “there is a time for embracing and a time to refrain from embracing.” Church history has had to deal with a number of X’s; starting with the first one – what to do with a crucified Messiah? From the early Church to now, we continue to solve for X, with God’s help. I believe that God is behind the X, in front of the X, to its left and to its right, God is above it and below it, and God is in us as we solve for X.
-Fr. Dave
Patient/Endurance
April 23, 2020
I had a very interesting Revelation Bible study class I’d like to share with you. The last book in the Bible seeks to answer four questions: Why do the righteous suffer? Why are the wicked not punished? What is the meaning of suffering? Where is God’s justice?
Our current pandemic has led many of the faithful to ask similar questions.
In Class 2, we read the following verse, “I, John, your brother who shares with you in the hardship, kingdom, and endurance that we have in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and my witness about Jesus.” (1:9)
The approach I took on this passage was to show who the author is and where he is writing from. Several people on the Zoom study stopped me and said their Bible translation read, “I, John, your brother in the suffering and patient endurance…” Their question was why did my translation leave out “patient” when describing endurance. I was baffled. I quickly pulled up different English translations and found some had “patient” and others didn’t. I then shared my screen with them that had the Greek version (the original language) and the English equivalent underneath so we could read it together. Nowhere in the original did it show “patience”. Nevertheless, I did some research into this; here is what I found.
At issue, is the word ὑπομονή (hupomonḗ) which is translated “endurance” in the Common English Bible. It means to persevere, remain under; a bearing up under, patience, endurance as to things or circumstances. Hupomonḗ is associated with hope and refers to that quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial. Generally meaning endurance, patience, perseverance or constancy under suffering in faith and duty. In the context of Rev 1:9, it means by the quality to which one perseveres.
The big question is how to translate that into English. Can one patiently endure? I am in the presence of some folks at All Angels who are patiently enduring with a health condition of themselves or of their partner/spouse. They know there is nothing they can do about their condition. Daily, they choose to persevere instead of falling prey to negativity, anger, and bitterness. Now, they’d be the first to tell you that there are days… but, for the most part, they are enduring, patiently. A friend wrote to me about the Bible study and said that patiently enduring requires consent on the one who is being put to the test. John, therefore, is writing to those who consent to call Jesus Lord and, as such, they are consenting to endure with him, patiently.
One last thing – the Greeks of the 1st century, like today, are into endurance sports like long distance running, wrestling, and swimming. It should be no surprise they are credited with creating the Olympic Games. Endurance activities are individual sports that, if done to a high quality, can lift a nation. Each one of those sports requires patience as well as endurance. What John is describing, in his Revelation is that no matter what we are facing, God is patiently enduring with us. Whether one is trapped on the exile island of Patmos, or physical distancing at home, God is with us. And, through hope that there will be an end to suffering, God is helping us to endure, which, could lift a nation.
-Fr. Dave
Our current pandemic has led many of the faithful to ask similar questions.
In Class 2, we read the following verse, “I, John, your brother who shares with you in the hardship, kingdom, and endurance that we have in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and my witness about Jesus.” (1:9)
The approach I took on this passage was to show who the author is and where he is writing from. Several people on the Zoom study stopped me and said their Bible translation read, “I, John, your brother in the suffering and patient endurance…” Their question was why did my translation leave out “patient” when describing endurance. I was baffled. I quickly pulled up different English translations and found some had “patient” and others didn’t. I then shared my screen with them that had the Greek version (the original language) and the English equivalent underneath so we could read it together. Nowhere in the original did it show “patience”. Nevertheless, I did some research into this; here is what I found.
At issue, is the word ὑπομονή (hupomonḗ) which is translated “endurance” in the Common English Bible. It means to persevere, remain under; a bearing up under, patience, endurance as to things or circumstances. Hupomonḗ is associated with hope and refers to that quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial. Generally meaning endurance, patience, perseverance or constancy under suffering in faith and duty. In the context of Rev 1:9, it means by the quality to which one perseveres.
The big question is how to translate that into English. Can one patiently endure? I am in the presence of some folks at All Angels who are patiently enduring with a health condition of themselves or of their partner/spouse. They know there is nothing they can do about their condition. Daily, they choose to persevere instead of falling prey to negativity, anger, and bitterness. Now, they’d be the first to tell you that there are days… but, for the most part, they are enduring, patiently. A friend wrote to me about the Bible study and said that patiently enduring requires consent on the one who is being put to the test. John, therefore, is writing to those who consent to call Jesus Lord and, as such, they are consenting to endure with him, patiently.
One last thing – the Greeks of the 1st century, like today, are into endurance sports like long distance running, wrestling, and swimming. It should be no surprise they are credited with creating the Olympic Games. Endurance activities are individual sports that, if done to a high quality, can lift a nation. Each one of those sports requires patience as well as endurance. What John is describing, in his Revelation is that no matter what we are facing, God is patiently enduring with us. Whether one is trapped on the exile island of Patmos, or physical distancing at home, God is with us. And, through hope that there will be an end to suffering, God is helping us to endure, which, could lift a nation.
-Fr. Dave
Cobividpolar-19
April 16, 2020
A High School friend on Facebook posted this question:
Have you heard about Cobividpolar-19? It’s a new disorder manifested by weeks of pandemic self-isolation.
These symptoms include:
Feelings of anger, fear, hope, judgement and empathy all within a 30-minute span of a national newscast.
Being happy to Zoom with people you miss and also angry that you have to put on a decent shirt.
A slow building dread as each new toilet paper roll is put out.
Hiding the good candy because you’re tired of sharing EVERYTHING ELSE.
Helping your kids with math and when they ask why they have to learn this you say, “Because when you are older you might be stuck at home during a pandemic and have to teach your children.”
And, lying in bed pondering the philosophical question of 2020: To Pants or Not to Pants.
It made me laugh and I wanted to share it with you so that maybe you’d get chuckle too. But, there is nugget of truth in there that stuck out for me – going through a variety of thoughts and emotions; including hope and judgement; while watching a nationally televised news program.
On a good day, I struggle with judging. The news cycle these days doesn’t help at all – I can judge our government on every level and what they have or have not done to help us, how businesses are responding or perhaps making the situation worse, and I watch how others are selflessly helping others and then judge myself for not doing more. None of this is good for myself or for others. I could blame Cobividpolar-19 or I could take a deeper look at the issue.
I can’t control the behavior of others; the car tailgating me on GMD Drive, the person who stands too close to me in line, or the cougher without a mask on aisle 9. They are responsible for their own behavior, and likewise, I am responsible for my behavior toward them. What comes to mind is control. I can’t control the driver nor the shopper. In fact, there is a lot going on around me that I am not in control of. But, my faith says that God knows what’s going on. The tailgater who suddenly turned into the post office and ran up the steps with a package. The cougher who placed bags of groceries in three different cars. The close-stander who smiled at me with kind eyes, thanked me for wearing a mask, and said he hasn’t talked to anyone in a week. After experiencing that, my judging side started slipping away and I found empathy and hope lurking underneath.
We are not rewarded for how well we judge others. What is rewarding, however, is to find hope and empathy loitering around us. The upside of Cobividpolar-19 is the ability to feel empathy and hope; even better is responding to those feelings.
Over the last couple of weeks, All Angels has written checks - $5,000 to Children First, $5,000 to Meals on Wheels-Plus, and another $2,000, that came in on our Good Friday electronic offertory plate, will go out next week to another local charity in need. We had a full barrel of food picked up today for the Manatee Food Bank. I imagine it’ll be full again after Sunday. I am hearing stories of parishioners who are standing up to the feelings of fear and judgement and instead of putting the stimulus money into savings they are putting it directly into the economy by helping others through the church, local food banks, and as cash to people who have been laid-off.
Instead of harshly judging the effects of Cobividpolar-19, when looking at our situation through the lens of empathy and hope, I am starting to think that is a time of resurrection, hope, and new life.
-Fr. Dave
Have you heard about Cobividpolar-19? It’s a new disorder manifested by weeks of pandemic self-isolation.
These symptoms include:
Feelings of anger, fear, hope, judgement and empathy all within a 30-minute span of a national newscast.
Being happy to Zoom with people you miss and also angry that you have to put on a decent shirt.
A slow building dread as each new toilet paper roll is put out.
Hiding the good candy because you’re tired of sharing EVERYTHING ELSE.
Helping your kids with math and when they ask why they have to learn this you say, “Because when you are older you might be stuck at home during a pandemic and have to teach your children.”
And, lying in bed pondering the philosophical question of 2020: To Pants or Not to Pants.
It made me laugh and I wanted to share it with you so that maybe you’d get chuckle too. But, there is nugget of truth in there that stuck out for me – going through a variety of thoughts and emotions; including hope and judgement; while watching a nationally televised news program.
On a good day, I struggle with judging. The news cycle these days doesn’t help at all – I can judge our government on every level and what they have or have not done to help us, how businesses are responding or perhaps making the situation worse, and I watch how others are selflessly helping others and then judge myself for not doing more. None of this is good for myself or for others. I could blame Cobividpolar-19 or I could take a deeper look at the issue.
I can’t control the behavior of others; the car tailgating me on GMD Drive, the person who stands too close to me in line, or the cougher without a mask on aisle 9. They are responsible for their own behavior, and likewise, I am responsible for my behavior toward them. What comes to mind is control. I can’t control the driver nor the shopper. In fact, there is a lot going on around me that I am not in control of. But, my faith says that God knows what’s going on. The tailgater who suddenly turned into the post office and ran up the steps with a package. The cougher who placed bags of groceries in three different cars. The close-stander who smiled at me with kind eyes, thanked me for wearing a mask, and said he hasn’t talked to anyone in a week. After experiencing that, my judging side started slipping away and I found empathy and hope lurking underneath.
We are not rewarded for how well we judge others. What is rewarding, however, is to find hope and empathy loitering around us. The upside of Cobividpolar-19 is the ability to feel empathy and hope; even better is responding to those feelings.
Over the last couple of weeks, All Angels has written checks - $5,000 to Children First, $5,000 to Meals on Wheels-Plus, and another $2,000, that came in on our Good Friday electronic offertory plate, will go out next week to another local charity in need. We had a full barrel of food picked up today for the Manatee Food Bank. I imagine it’ll be full again after Sunday. I am hearing stories of parishioners who are standing up to the feelings of fear and judgement and instead of putting the stimulus money into savings they are putting it directly into the economy by helping others through the church, local food banks, and as cash to people who have been laid-off.
Instead of harshly judging the effects of Cobividpolar-19, when looking at our situation through the lens of empathy and hope, I am starting to think that is a time of resurrection, hope, and new life.
-Fr. Dave
Social Distancing?
April 2, 2020
I have just finished up a week of Zoom meetings. If you are not familiar with Zoom, you will be soon. It is a web-based program that allows for up to 1,000 people see each other and talk all at the same time on either a computer or a smart phone. On Tuesday, I had a Zoom meeting with the Men’s Discussion Group. Later that day, I had a Zoom meeting with the Bishop and 145 members of the diocesan clergy. On Wednesday, I had a Zoom meeting with 115 treasurers and rectors from around the diocese to talk about the impact of Safer-at-Home and church finances; and, in the afternoon, with 12 clergy members of our area deanery. Thursday, I had a zoom meeting with the Women’s Discussion group and a practice session with my senior warden to get music and other things to share in with the discussion; similar to what you are seeing on television. If you are wondering, Zoom is a publicly traded company and has nearly doubled in stock price over the past two months. This week, I have been socializing, if you will, with nearly 300 people. Yet, we have been physically distant.
Because of the Safer-at-Home declaration by Florida’s governor, I have been pondering how All Angels should react and comply with the letter and spirit of the law. The governor has declared church services (for all faith traditions) to be essential and therefore admissible. At the same time, we are restricted to have 10 or fewer in groups and, if you look at a previous declaration, it seems like people over the age of 65 can’t do anything but go to the store, get prescriptions, and take a walk.
I feel as if I have been caught flat-footed with this. It’s like we have been reacting and pivoting to the restrictions. In reaction, we started the Drive-in church where folks drive onto the campus and can hear the service through 99.9 FM or over the outdoor loudspeakers. We started with something like 0 cars, to 9, to 17 last week. Likewise, we are having more walk-ups who are either siting on our benches or bringing their own chairs. With this type of growth, we will easily go above both the spirit and letter of the law for the number of people in attendance. … which is great, but probably not the best idea at this time.
As such, we are putting the Drive-in church on hiatus for this month. Instead, we are going live on Zoom this Sunday at 9:15. The service will be recorded and then posted on the YouTube channel like normal. Proactively speaking, if (or when) an executive order from either the Longboat Town Council, the Bishop’s Office, the County Commissioner, the governor or president, which takes the gathering number from ten to zero, we will be already doing our worship services in our homes.
In the future, I imagine that restrictions will be gradually relaxed. That means we will start up the Drive-in church and then, hopefully just a couple of weeks later, be able to open the doors for all to gather. On that great and glorious day, we will still be live-streaming on the internet, broadcasting over 99.9 FM for those who prefer to stay in their cars, broadcasting through our loudspeakers to those who prefer to be outside, and, videotaping the service for viewing on YouTube.
They say we should be socially distant for a while to stop the spread of the Covid virus. I prefer to think of it this way: to stop the spread, we should be physically distancing ourselves yet finding new ways to be socially connected.
- Fr. Dave
Because of the Safer-at-Home declaration by Florida’s governor, I have been pondering how All Angels should react and comply with the letter and spirit of the law. The governor has declared church services (for all faith traditions) to be essential and therefore admissible. At the same time, we are restricted to have 10 or fewer in groups and, if you look at a previous declaration, it seems like people over the age of 65 can’t do anything but go to the store, get prescriptions, and take a walk.
I feel as if I have been caught flat-footed with this. It’s like we have been reacting and pivoting to the restrictions. In reaction, we started the Drive-in church where folks drive onto the campus and can hear the service through 99.9 FM or over the outdoor loudspeakers. We started with something like 0 cars, to 9, to 17 last week. Likewise, we are having more walk-ups who are either siting on our benches or bringing their own chairs. With this type of growth, we will easily go above both the spirit and letter of the law for the number of people in attendance. … which is great, but probably not the best idea at this time.
As such, we are putting the Drive-in church on hiatus for this month. Instead, we are going live on Zoom this Sunday at 9:15. The service will be recorded and then posted on the YouTube channel like normal. Proactively speaking, if (or when) an executive order from either the Longboat Town Council, the Bishop’s Office, the County Commissioner, the governor or president, which takes the gathering number from ten to zero, we will be already doing our worship services in our homes.
In the future, I imagine that restrictions will be gradually relaxed. That means we will start up the Drive-in church and then, hopefully just a couple of weeks later, be able to open the doors for all to gather. On that great and glorious day, we will still be live-streaming on the internet, broadcasting over 99.9 FM for those who prefer to stay in their cars, broadcasting through our loudspeakers to those who prefer to be outside, and, videotaping the service for viewing on YouTube.
They say we should be socially distant for a while to stop the spread of the Covid virus. I prefer to think of it this way: to stop the spread, we should be physically distancing ourselves yet finding new ways to be socially connected.
- Fr. Dave
Where is God in all of this?
March 30, 2020
Where is God in all of this?
How long, Lord? Will you ever remember me?
How long will you hide from me?
How long must I wrestle with internal thoughts and have sorrow in my heart? Daily?!
How long will this enemy triumph over me? Psalm 13:1-2
Of the 150 psalms, 42 are of lament – 30 of which are personal. These laments ask where God is in a particular situation, or where is God in the center of government, or in our communities. Quoting the first verse of Psalm 22, Jesus famously said from the cross, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.”
It seems these days we are writing our own psalms of lament. How long will we have to live like this? Why is God allowing this to happen? Has God forsaken us? What is next for us and will God be there with us? Although I do not have a definitive answer for these laments, I do have some thoughts and some faith.
Although non-believers use times of challenge, like the current pandemic, to “prove” that God doesn’t exist. They will even say that ancient writings in the Bible show that people have historically reached out to a non-existent being with no solace. But, if that were actually the case, wouldn’t our faith traditions have ended long ago.
We often wonder why God allows for evil to happen; but, what if God is a response to evil? I wonder this because it seems like after a bad thing happens, something good happens. Now, I understand there is no way to know of the evil that God stops before it happens, but what if we have it in reverse. Would you look at the news differently if God was a reaction to bad news instead of the gatekeeper who allows it? Would that make you look at God differently too?
Intertwined in the bad news of the day, there are shining bright spots. The images of children holding home-made signs of love for their grandparents; health care professionals working as hard as they can to help; compassion coming from neighbors helping other neighbors; weddings that are still happening; Sunday’s in-home concert by today’s top performers to raise money for those in need; houses across the country putting their Christmas lights back up so they can shine a light of hope at night; congress unanimously passing a bill; animal shelters bringing adoptee pets out to perspective fur-ever homes; Germans singing songs on their balconies in tribute for those in Italy; free-book libraries turning into free-food pantries. What if this is God’s reaction to Covid-19? What if this is the Spirit of God blowing through individuals to do their best to help others.
For every psalm of lament, there are more psalms of joy and thanksgiving. It seems as if we need to have the lament to then have the joy. What if God reacts to things in that manner and perhaps in that order. Like the alcoholic that celebrates more than 30 years of sobriety, or the stage 4 cancer survivor giving thanks for the sunrise; there are victories of God in and around us. So, with our pandemic, where is God in all of this? I see God showing up in all sorts of signs and actions of people helping one another and of finding new and innovative ways to connect, even though we must remain apart.
Jesus’ last words were not, “Why have you forsaken me.” The joy of his resurrection came shining through in the way that he revealed his resurrected self by baking fish for the disciples on a lake shore. The joy of his resurrection came when he was ascending and told his followers to take his peace and “Go, to the ends of the earth.” … which they did, and are still doing. God further revealed the power of resurrection on the Day of Pentecost which shines through at every baptism today. The words Jesus said on the cross were not his last words and neither will our laments about Covid-19 be God’s last word on us.
The Book of Psalms ends with this:
Hallelujah! Sing to the Lord a new song.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah! (Ps 149:1;150;6)
We are singing new songs, and old songs in a new way, and giving praise to God. Although it is different, because of the pandemic, we are gathering together in unique ways to praise the Lord. Hallelujah!
May the Peace of the Lord be with you,
- Fr. Dave
How long, Lord? Will you ever remember me?
How long will you hide from me?
How long must I wrestle with internal thoughts and have sorrow in my heart? Daily?!
How long will this enemy triumph over me? Psalm 13:1-2
Of the 150 psalms, 42 are of lament – 30 of which are personal. These laments ask where God is in a particular situation, or where is God in the center of government, or in our communities. Quoting the first verse of Psalm 22, Jesus famously said from the cross, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.”
It seems these days we are writing our own psalms of lament. How long will we have to live like this? Why is God allowing this to happen? Has God forsaken us? What is next for us and will God be there with us? Although I do not have a definitive answer for these laments, I do have some thoughts and some faith.
Although non-believers use times of challenge, like the current pandemic, to “prove” that God doesn’t exist. They will even say that ancient writings in the Bible show that people have historically reached out to a non-existent being with no solace. But, if that were actually the case, wouldn’t our faith traditions have ended long ago.
We often wonder why God allows for evil to happen; but, what if God is a response to evil? I wonder this because it seems like after a bad thing happens, something good happens. Now, I understand there is no way to know of the evil that God stops before it happens, but what if we have it in reverse. Would you look at the news differently if God was a reaction to bad news instead of the gatekeeper who allows it? Would that make you look at God differently too?
Intertwined in the bad news of the day, there are shining bright spots. The images of children holding home-made signs of love for their grandparents; health care professionals working as hard as they can to help; compassion coming from neighbors helping other neighbors; weddings that are still happening; Sunday’s in-home concert by today’s top performers to raise money for those in need; houses across the country putting their Christmas lights back up so they can shine a light of hope at night; congress unanimously passing a bill; animal shelters bringing adoptee pets out to perspective fur-ever homes; Germans singing songs on their balconies in tribute for those in Italy; free-book libraries turning into free-food pantries. What if this is God’s reaction to Covid-19? What if this is the Spirit of God blowing through individuals to do their best to help others.
For every psalm of lament, there are more psalms of joy and thanksgiving. It seems as if we need to have the lament to then have the joy. What if God reacts to things in that manner and perhaps in that order. Like the alcoholic that celebrates more than 30 years of sobriety, or the stage 4 cancer survivor giving thanks for the sunrise; there are victories of God in and around us. So, with our pandemic, where is God in all of this? I see God showing up in all sorts of signs and actions of people helping one another and of finding new and innovative ways to connect, even though we must remain apart.
Jesus’ last words were not, “Why have you forsaken me.” The joy of his resurrection came shining through in the way that he revealed his resurrected self by baking fish for the disciples on a lake shore. The joy of his resurrection came when he was ascending and told his followers to take his peace and “Go, to the ends of the earth.” … which they did, and are still doing. God further revealed the power of resurrection on the Day of Pentecost which shines through at every baptism today. The words Jesus said on the cross were not his last words and neither will our laments about Covid-19 be God’s last word on us.
The Book of Psalms ends with this:
Hallelujah! Sing to the Lord a new song.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah! (Ps 149:1;150;6)
We are singing new songs, and old songs in a new way, and giving praise to God. Although it is different, because of the pandemic, we are gathering together in unique ways to praise the Lord. Hallelujah!
May the Peace of the Lord be with you,
- Fr. Dave