For my retreat I chose to live with the Common Friars for a few days at the Good Earth Farm in Athens, Ohio. They are a small community in formation as a religious community here in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Among other things they grow and distribute healthy organic produce to local food pantries and shelters. They do this with the help of many volunteers from their parish of the Church of the Good Shepherd and the surrounding area.
The country air here is refreshing. It is not a place of putting on airs at all. It is a place of common folk - Common Friars living together, sharing, working, praying and playing together. There is a certain draw here; a sense of the the presence of the Holy. The question arises, could I ever live in a place like this? There are couples and single people living here, so I wouldn't have to revisit the issue of celibacy. Actually, I don't think I would ever revisit that issue. I remain open to the possibility of meeting someone someday.
There are joys and struggles in living together a common life. I've experienced some of that in just the few days I've been here. That is true of every community whether it is of two people or more.
We are drawn to live in community, We are created as social beings. Yet there is also a draw to emphasize the me in the relationship of community. We are called to live in healthy balance of taking care of self and others. I came seeking to reclaim balance in my life and I think I have.
My retreat was not all that I planned it to be, but it was everything God intended it to be!
I look forward to leading the youth mission trip to this holy place in June.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sermon for the 2nd Sunday of Easter Year C - St. Luke's Granville
What did Jesus’ life and death mean? We shall have to wait a few days to see. Those of you who were here for Good Friday services may remember these words with which I closed my sermon. Today, I complete if you will my Holy Triduum Trilogy. Having preached on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, I now preach on Easter. Yes, I know on our calendar it is already the Second Sunday of Easter, but our Gospel lesson from John still comes from the experience of that first Easter night. It is still Easter and just a few days have passed.
It is time to see what meaning Christ’s life and death have for us. We can begin to answer the question because we now can view his life and death from the viewpoint of the resurrection. All we had on Good Friday in the midst of his death were questions. With Easter, we have a way to find some answers.
Most religious people even if they are not Christians would say that Jesus was a great teacher. Many would acknowledge that he was a great healer and miracle worker. As important as those things are, they were but signs pointing to a more important reality; a reality not totally revealed until the events we continue to remember in John’s lesson for today.
Even in Jesus’ time, many would ascribe to him the status of a great teacher and prophet the likes of which there had been others in Israel’s history; Moses, Elijah, and most recently John the Baptist to name but a few. In reality though, Jesus was not a person who could be compared to any other. As much as there were similarities with others, there was something quite unique about Jesus. Jesus’ attempts to explain to his disciples that he would have to die and rise again were never really understood as long as he was among them. Immediately after his death, it would seem that their emotions took over. It was not a time for reason to interpret all that Jesus had taught. Isn’t that often the experience for us when someone close to us dies. In those first days, don’t we largely live in our emotions as varied and as complex as they can be? We largely find peace and meaning in their lives in the ensuing days and months.
John’s Gospel tells us that even after finding the tomb empty, neither Mary, Peter nor John understood the scripture that he must rise from the dead. Each had to first have a personal encounter with the risen Lord. Jesus spoke Mary’s name in the garden and he appeared to the disciples in the upper room that evening saying “Peace be with you.” With these personal encounters, they each believed.
Many give Thomas a bum rap for his refusal to believe unless he too personally encountered this risen Christ. In the end, he only wanted the same experience the others had. It seems inevitable to me that each of the apostles would need this experience so that their testimony would all rest on the same foundation of having encountered the risen Christ.
The real meaning of Christ’s life and death come only in his resurrection. Only now could he be truly known as the way, the truth and the life. Only now could he truly be known as Son of Man and Son of God. Only now could Christ’s sacrifice be known as the means of our reconciliation with God and our way to eternal life.
It is not because of Christ’s teaching that we are here today. It is not because of Christ’s holy life that we are here today. It is not because of Christ’s miracles and healings that we are here today. We are here today because of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. All of the others would long have been forgotten, but for Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
It is the resurrected Christ that says to the disciples that first Easter night: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Christ knew that not everyone would be able to have the same encounter with him that these disciples had. He was sending the disciples out to teach and to proclaim his resurrection as eye witnesses, but not alone. He breathed upon them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” By the Holy Spirit they were empowered to proclaim the Good News of the resurrection and forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. They did this with boldness and power and not even imprisonment or death could stop them.
In our reading from Acts, we encounter the apostles before the same council that had sentenced Jesus to death and it is not their first time there. We pick up the story in mid stream and I discovered that unfortunately we do not hear the earlier portion in any of the lections appointed for Sundays in the three year lectionary cycle according to the Revised Common Lectionary we now use.
Peter and the other apostles were boldly proclaiming the gospel and many were being added to the Lord. The sick and those with unclean spirits were being cured. The high priests had had enough. All of the apostles were arrested and thrown into prison. It would be easy to imagine that the apostles at this point might have been expecting an outcome similar to that of Jesus. Perhaps they were expecting a trial and death the very next day, but that’s not what happened.
Instead we are told that an angel of the Lord opens the prison doors and commands them: “Go stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.” We are no longer dealing with the same bunch of apostles that ran scared after Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. We are talking about the apostles after their encounter with the risen Christ and their receiving of the Holy Spirit. Can you imagine the fear of the high priests when they received the news that these same apostles were free from their imprisonment and were back at the temple teaching on the very next day after their arrest? They were brought back to the same council and instructed once again to stop teaching in Jesus’ name to which Peter and the apostles responded: “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” They were not rearrested, but released. The only hope this council had was that this movement was of human origin and would die out. If indeed it was of God, they realized they would not be able to stop it.
We find ourselves here today because the teaching of the apostles was of God. No attempts in all the 2000+ years since have been able to stop the spread of the Gospel; no persecution, no hardship, not even the death of so many on account of their faith. The spread of the Gospel has not been stopped by apathy, false teachings or scandals that from time to time have entered the Church.
Rather on the basis of the preaching of the Gospel in every generation people have been raised up that have had their own personal encounter with the risen Christ. Not in the same way as did the apostles, but every bit as real. Our generation is no exception.
In our own day, in our own lives, we hear Christ calling us by name, saying to us: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Receive the Holy Spirit.” In our own days when the challenges to the Gospel are every much as real as in any other age, we are the disciples. The apostles have gone on before us. We are the ones who know the risen Lord. We are the ones called to preach and teach by word and example in the temple, in the streets, in our families; wherever we find ourselves.
We have received the same Spirit that the apostles received. We cannot leave this work to others. We too are members of Christ’s Body. We are his hands and feet and mouth. Prison doors will be flung open for us. What prison do you find yourself in? The door can be opened. We will be challenged and persecuted, but we too will triumph. We are the ones today through whom the Holy Spirit is working to add great numbers to the Lord. Let us say yes to Christ when he calls our name. And if you have doubts like Thomas did, engage them in the midst of the community of believers. It is in the midst of this community that when you encounter the risen Lord you will proclaim as Thomas did, “My Lord and my God.”
In the Spirit, we will boldly say as did the apostles, to any who would stop us from proclaiming the Good News of Christ crucified and risen from the dead:
We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.
In just a few moments, as we exchange the peace, let us hear for ourselves as did the apostles that first Easter night these words of Jesus that started it all: “Peace be with you.” Let us see in each other the risen Christ.
It is time to see what meaning Christ’s life and death have for us. We can begin to answer the question because we now can view his life and death from the viewpoint of the resurrection. All we had on Good Friday in the midst of his death were questions. With Easter, we have a way to find some answers.
Most religious people even if they are not Christians would say that Jesus was a great teacher. Many would acknowledge that he was a great healer and miracle worker. As important as those things are, they were but signs pointing to a more important reality; a reality not totally revealed until the events we continue to remember in John’s lesson for today.
Even in Jesus’ time, many would ascribe to him the status of a great teacher and prophet the likes of which there had been others in Israel’s history; Moses, Elijah, and most recently John the Baptist to name but a few. In reality though, Jesus was not a person who could be compared to any other. As much as there were similarities with others, there was something quite unique about Jesus. Jesus’ attempts to explain to his disciples that he would have to die and rise again were never really understood as long as he was among them. Immediately after his death, it would seem that their emotions took over. It was not a time for reason to interpret all that Jesus had taught. Isn’t that often the experience for us when someone close to us dies. In those first days, don’t we largely live in our emotions as varied and as complex as they can be? We largely find peace and meaning in their lives in the ensuing days and months.
John’s Gospel tells us that even after finding the tomb empty, neither Mary, Peter nor John understood the scripture that he must rise from the dead. Each had to first have a personal encounter with the risen Lord. Jesus spoke Mary’s name in the garden and he appeared to the disciples in the upper room that evening saying “Peace be with you.” With these personal encounters, they each believed.
Many give Thomas a bum rap for his refusal to believe unless he too personally encountered this risen Christ. In the end, he only wanted the same experience the others had. It seems inevitable to me that each of the apostles would need this experience so that their testimony would all rest on the same foundation of having encountered the risen Christ.
The real meaning of Christ’s life and death come only in his resurrection. Only now could he be truly known as the way, the truth and the life. Only now could he truly be known as Son of Man and Son of God. Only now could Christ’s sacrifice be known as the means of our reconciliation with God and our way to eternal life.
It is not because of Christ’s teaching that we are here today. It is not because of Christ’s holy life that we are here today. It is not because of Christ’s miracles and healings that we are here today. We are here today because of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. All of the others would long have been forgotten, but for Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
It is the resurrected Christ that says to the disciples that first Easter night: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” Christ knew that not everyone would be able to have the same encounter with him that these disciples had. He was sending the disciples out to teach and to proclaim his resurrection as eye witnesses, but not alone. He breathed upon them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” By the Holy Spirit they were empowered to proclaim the Good News of the resurrection and forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. They did this with boldness and power and not even imprisonment or death could stop them.
In our reading from Acts, we encounter the apostles before the same council that had sentenced Jesus to death and it is not their first time there. We pick up the story in mid stream and I discovered that unfortunately we do not hear the earlier portion in any of the lections appointed for Sundays in the three year lectionary cycle according to the Revised Common Lectionary we now use.
Peter and the other apostles were boldly proclaiming the gospel and many were being added to the Lord. The sick and those with unclean spirits were being cured. The high priests had had enough. All of the apostles were arrested and thrown into prison. It would be easy to imagine that the apostles at this point might have been expecting an outcome similar to that of Jesus. Perhaps they were expecting a trial and death the very next day, but that’s not what happened.
Instead we are told that an angel of the Lord opens the prison doors and commands them: “Go stand in the temple and tell the people the whole message about this life.” We are no longer dealing with the same bunch of apostles that ran scared after Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. We are talking about the apostles after their encounter with the risen Christ and their receiving of the Holy Spirit. Can you imagine the fear of the high priests when they received the news that these same apostles were free from their imprisonment and were back at the temple teaching on the very next day after their arrest? They were brought back to the same council and instructed once again to stop teaching in Jesus’ name to which Peter and the apostles responded: “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” They were not rearrested, but released. The only hope this council had was that this movement was of human origin and would die out. If indeed it was of God, they realized they would not be able to stop it.
We find ourselves here today because the teaching of the apostles was of God. No attempts in all the 2000+ years since have been able to stop the spread of the Gospel; no persecution, no hardship, not even the death of so many on account of their faith. The spread of the Gospel has not been stopped by apathy, false teachings or scandals that from time to time have entered the Church.
Rather on the basis of the preaching of the Gospel in every generation people have been raised up that have had their own personal encounter with the risen Christ. Not in the same way as did the apostles, but every bit as real. Our generation is no exception.
In our own day, in our own lives, we hear Christ calling us by name, saying to us: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Receive the Holy Spirit.” In our own days when the challenges to the Gospel are every much as real as in any other age, we are the disciples. The apostles have gone on before us. We are the ones who know the risen Lord. We are the ones called to preach and teach by word and example in the temple, in the streets, in our families; wherever we find ourselves.
We have received the same Spirit that the apostles received. We cannot leave this work to others. We too are members of Christ’s Body. We are his hands and feet and mouth. Prison doors will be flung open for us. What prison do you find yourself in? The door can be opened. We will be challenged and persecuted, but we too will triumph. We are the ones today through whom the Holy Spirit is working to add great numbers to the Lord. Let us say yes to Christ when he calls our name. And if you have doubts like Thomas did, engage them in the midst of the community of believers. It is in the midst of this community that when you encounter the risen Lord you will proclaim as Thomas did, “My Lord and my God.”
In the Spirit, we will boldly say as did the apostles, to any who would stop us from proclaiming the Good News of Christ crucified and risen from the dead:
We must obey God rather than any human authority. 30 The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.
In just a few moments, as we exchange the peace, let us hear for ourselves as did the apostles that first Easter night these words of Jesus that started it all: “Peace be with you.” Let us see in each other the risen Christ.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good Friday Sermon at St. Luke's
Good Friday Year C 04022010 Sermon at St. Luke’s
IS 52:13-53:12, PS 22, HEB 10:16-25, JN 18:1-19:42
Though I don’t remember particular examples, my parents will tell you that my favorite words when I was growing up were “why” and “how come.” It would be impossible to count the number of times they answered those questions.
These days especially when it comes to matters of faith, I don’t personally ask those questions too much anymore. Perhaps I’ve answered most of them or perhaps I’ve found that in many cases there are no satisfactory answers. Still on Good Friday, I like most of you still have to ask the questions. Why did Jesus have to die? Why did Jesus have to die on a cross? Even if we’ve discovered a satisfactory answer for ourselves, we still need to ask these questions as a community on Good Friday in order to fully experience the joy of Easter.
Did Jesus have to die? That question was answered I think when he was born. As human beings, we know from the moment of birth that we shall one day die. Death is a fact of life. Couldn’t Jesus have just been “lifted up” at the end of his life? I don’t think so. Jesus did not come to show us how to escape human life, but rather how to live human life authentically. As mortal beings; humans as it were and not gods, death is a reality of our existence. For Jesus to be truly human, he too was destined on the journey of life that leads to death.
Being born in human likeness, Jesus did not exploit his equality with God to avoid the reality of human life. He humbled himself by becoming one with us in all things, but sin. If Jesus was fully human, but without sin, that means that though we sin, it is not our authentic created nature to sin. Sin entered into our world by choice, not creation.
In the person of Jesus Christ, God has so perfectly intimately, become one with us. God is not our adversary. God is not out to get us. God is in solidarity with us through all that life brings our way, even death. Our fear of God is to be in the sense of reverence, not in the sense of being afraid.
Because of Christ we no longer need to fear death. I often say, “I’m not afraid of death. I’m afraid of dying.” There is a difference. As we read of Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, we see that even Jesus was afraid of dying, but he did not exercise some divine escape clause from being fully human. He overcome the fear of dying and was obedient even to the point of death.
Every society has held a place of special honor for those who in the process of saving another life lose their own. We hold our fallen first responders in the highest regard. There is something heroic or noble about such people. They give their all for the sake of another.
Jesus’ case is different. His death did not immediately save anyone from death. Quite to the contrary, those early followers of Jesus often became martyrs because of their relationship with Jesus. Jesus’ death saved us not from death, but from the consequences of death. Death would no longer be a permanent separation from God, but the gateway to new life through Christ and an eternal place in God’s presence.
But, did Jesus’ death have to happen the way it did? I think the answer to that question is yes. His way of life was one of speaking truth to power, not exactly a way to endear oneself to those in power. Jesus stood in solidarity with the poor. That did not make the rich his best friends. Jesus sought justice for the oppressed. When you work for justice, those responsible for the injustices in the world are most likely out to get you. Jesus’ life was almost a certain pathway to the type of death he suffered at the hands of the powerful, the rich and the oppressors. Jesus poured out his life for others. His entire life was given in sacrifice for others. In the end, his life was destined to end in sacrifice precisely because of the way he lived sacrificially.
Jesus crucifixion was not so much a matter of being obedient to a God who demanded blood as a sacrifice for sin as it was of being obedient to a God who would pay any cost to show us that God loved us. In the end, God’s people were no more willing to accept this love from Jesus than they were from any of the myriad of other ways God had demonstrated love to them.
It was not God that demanded that Jesus be crucified. It was us. We can point to the particular people calling the shots that fateful day, but we are all responsible. As we repeated time and time again last night in our responses to the readings of Tenebrae: “All we like sheep have gone astray: we have turned, everyone to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” God allowed Jesus who knew no sin to give himself in sacrifice as he became one with us to the point of taking on our sin. In one cosmic moment, the sin of the whole world, of each individual, your sin and mine was received into Jesus.
Jesus’ suffering on the cross was only faintly from that of physical torture. His suffering was rather more from the mental anguish that came in one moment when he experienced the one thing he had not experienced in his human life to this point; the separation from God that is the consequence of sin. In the end, Jesus experienced everything in life and death that all humans experience.
And now the hour has come. We remember Jesus’ death. We cannot immediately celebrate his resurrection. We must first live through the void that existed in between, a time that must have seemed like an eternity, but was only a matter of three days. What did Jesus’ life and death mean? We shall have to wait a few days to see.
IS 52:13-53:12, PS 22, HEB 10:16-25, JN 18:1-19:42
Though I don’t remember particular examples, my parents will tell you that my favorite words when I was growing up were “why” and “how come.” It would be impossible to count the number of times they answered those questions.
These days especially when it comes to matters of faith, I don’t personally ask those questions too much anymore. Perhaps I’ve answered most of them or perhaps I’ve found that in many cases there are no satisfactory answers. Still on Good Friday, I like most of you still have to ask the questions. Why did Jesus have to die? Why did Jesus have to die on a cross? Even if we’ve discovered a satisfactory answer for ourselves, we still need to ask these questions as a community on Good Friday in order to fully experience the joy of Easter.
Did Jesus have to die? That question was answered I think when he was born. As human beings, we know from the moment of birth that we shall one day die. Death is a fact of life. Couldn’t Jesus have just been “lifted up” at the end of his life? I don’t think so. Jesus did not come to show us how to escape human life, but rather how to live human life authentically. As mortal beings; humans as it were and not gods, death is a reality of our existence. For Jesus to be truly human, he too was destined on the journey of life that leads to death.
Being born in human likeness, Jesus did not exploit his equality with God to avoid the reality of human life. He humbled himself by becoming one with us in all things, but sin. If Jesus was fully human, but without sin, that means that though we sin, it is not our authentic created nature to sin. Sin entered into our world by choice, not creation.
In the person of Jesus Christ, God has so perfectly intimately, become one with us. God is not our adversary. God is not out to get us. God is in solidarity with us through all that life brings our way, even death. Our fear of God is to be in the sense of reverence, not in the sense of being afraid.
Because of Christ we no longer need to fear death. I often say, “I’m not afraid of death. I’m afraid of dying.” There is a difference. As we read of Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, we see that even Jesus was afraid of dying, but he did not exercise some divine escape clause from being fully human. He overcome the fear of dying and was obedient even to the point of death.
Every society has held a place of special honor for those who in the process of saving another life lose their own. We hold our fallen first responders in the highest regard. There is something heroic or noble about such people. They give their all for the sake of another.
Jesus’ case is different. His death did not immediately save anyone from death. Quite to the contrary, those early followers of Jesus often became martyrs because of their relationship with Jesus. Jesus’ death saved us not from death, but from the consequences of death. Death would no longer be a permanent separation from God, but the gateway to new life through Christ and an eternal place in God’s presence.
But, did Jesus’ death have to happen the way it did? I think the answer to that question is yes. His way of life was one of speaking truth to power, not exactly a way to endear oneself to those in power. Jesus stood in solidarity with the poor. That did not make the rich his best friends. Jesus sought justice for the oppressed. When you work for justice, those responsible for the injustices in the world are most likely out to get you. Jesus’ life was almost a certain pathway to the type of death he suffered at the hands of the powerful, the rich and the oppressors. Jesus poured out his life for others. His entire life was given in sacrifice for others. In the end, his life was destined to end in sacrifice precisely because of the way he lived sacrificially.
Jesus crucifixion was not so much a matter of being obedient to a God who demanded blood as a sacrifice for sin as it was of being obedient to a God who would pay any cost to show us that God loved us. In the end, God’s people were no more willing to accept this love from Jesus than they were from any of the myriad of other ways God had demonstrated love to them.
It was not God that demanded that Jesus be crucified. It was us. We can point to the particular people calling the shots that fateful day, but we are all responsible. As we repeated time and time again last night in our responses to the readings of Tenebrae: “All we like sheep have gone astray: we have turned, everyone to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” God allowed Jesus who knew no sin to give himself in sacrifice as he became one with us to the point of taking on our sin. In one cosmic moment, the sin of the whole world, of each individual, your sin and mine was received into Jesus.
Jesus’ suffering on the cross was only faintly from that of physical torture. His suffering was rather more from the mental anguish that came in one moment when he experienced the one thing he had not experienced in his human life to this point; the separation from God that is the consequence of sin. In the end, Jesus experienced everything in life and death that all humans experience.
And now the hour has come. We remember Jesus’ death. We cannot immediately celebrate his resurrection. We must first live through the void that existed in between, a time that must have seemed like an eternity, but was only a matter of three days. What did Jesus’ life and death mean? We shall have to wait a few days to see.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Maundy Thursday Sermon
Maundy Thursday Year C 04012010 St. Luke’s
EX 12:1-4, 10-14 PS 116:1, 10-17 1 COR 11:23-26 LK 22:14-30
How many times have you heard these words of wisdom: “Don’t believe everything you read." Well this can be especially true if you read it on the Internet! It’s truer still if you read it on April 1st, April Fool’s Day. Whether you’re the really cautious type or the very gullible type, we’ve all been the brunt of a good April Fool’s joke. Today, I was greeted by a Facebook friend who had posted a link to a blog by someone sharing the “news” that Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, had changed some of his positions concerning the proposed Anglican Covenant. By the time I checked out the blog and read the post, the blogger was already responding to comments left by other readers admitting that it was indeed a hoax, an April Fool’s joke. Sometimes, things are not always what they seem to be or what they say they are.
Tonight, we celebrate the institution of the Lord’s Supper which grew out of the great Jewish feast of the Passover. Each year, the Passover is celebrated to remember the mighty work of God in freeing the Israelites from their bondage of slavery in Egypt. We are now in the midst of the great Easter Triduum in which we remember the mighty work of God in freeing us from the bondage of sin through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This night some 2000 years ago, the disciples heard these words for the first time: “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Whether any individual disciple was quick to believe or was skeptical, I doubt any of them had a good idea of what this meant and probably weren’t even asking the question yet of how this could be, but because they were spoken by Jesus himself, they certainly didn’t mistake them for an April Fool’s joke.
The early Church in following Christ’s command, “Do this in remembrance of me,” celebrated the Lord’s Supper proclaiming the death and resurrection of Christ as they awaited his coming again. They discovered in this bread and wine, taken, blessed and shared; food for their journey of faith. In the midst of their joy and trials, they were strengthened for the journey. They discovered in their sharing of the meal the presence of the risen Christ and their oneness in that same Body of which they were all constituent members. It was this experience of Christ in the midst of the meal that made the Eucharist the central act of Christian worship.
The Eucharist became the central act of Christian worship through the Church’s experience of the Eucharist not because of a theological thesis that explained the Eucharist. As things go, theological statements about the Eucharistic can be helpful or problematic.
We human beings are want to explain things; what a thing is, where it comes from, how it operates, how it affects us. The advancement of our race has been dependent on this drive to discover and understand. This same drive deepens our faith; makes it our own. We Christians have a better understanding of who God is because God became one like us in Jesus Christ. In the end, however we can’t know God completely. We must be content to live with the mystery that ultimately God is beyond human understanding.
So we return to our weekly celebration of the Eucharist. In our doing as the Lord did and speaking as the Lord spoke, we experience the Lord in our midst just as the early Church did.
Humans are beings who must continually remember and be fed. Jesus knew this intimately well being born of human estate. He continually read the scriptures and ate with his disciples. In his institution of the Lord’s Supper, he established a perpetual meal in which we recall his death and resurrection and partake of the Word himself. In partaking of the one bread and the one cup, we become one with Christ and with each other.
All of this is neither conferred upon us by magic or by force. It is given freely in love and must be freely received in love. Any true encounter with Christ must be one of love.
Can any of us really explain our relationships of love? In the end, aren’t we left with some degree of awesome mystery? When the mystery ends or we no longer engage in the mystery of our relationships isn’t that when they grow old and bereft of life? Only when we reengage the mystery of relationship, start dating again do we rediscover the life and love that we knew before and then even more. Tonight, we are called to reengage with the Mystery of God’s love for us made known to us in Christ; in the breaking of bread and in the cup.
Immediately after the Lord’s Supper, Judas betrayed Jesus and the other disciples began arguing among themselves who was the greatest. Jesus turns upside down the notion that the greatest is one who is served. He asks his disciples, “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” Jesus demonstrates to us what it is to be great.
Those downstairs that will soon be joining us for the Eucharist are experiencing the servanthood of Christ in the Washing of Feet. In order to truly understand the greatness that comes from servanthood, we must be willing to be served and also to serve. Just as Jesus was willing to allow Mary to wash his feet with costly perfume, so was he also willing to wash the feet of his disciples. Jesus calls us to follow his example to serve and to be served if we are truly to be considered great.
Like the disciples at that first Eucharist, we don’t always get it. Sometimes we approach the table with little sense of the mystery of which we are about to partake. Sometimes we leave the table and immediately resume our disputes among one another and with our neighbors. We are called to something more. Listen again to the words we say at communion.
We begin the distribution of communion with the proclamation: “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;” to which we all respond: “Therefore let us keep the feast.”
We are then invited to receive what we have just proclaimed to be true: “The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.”
When we receive the Body of Christ, the bread of heaven and the Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation we assent to this mystery when we respond, “Amen.” “I believe.”
As our words proclaim the mystery we receive, may our bodies dance to the rhythm of those words. From our procession to the communion rail, to our receiving of the precious Body and Blood, to the raising of our voices in prayer after communion, let our bodies move both in reverence and intimacy to our relationship with the crucified and risen One and with each other. May our regular participation in this mystery bring us ever closer to Christ and to each other. May it keep us ever before the cross and in the presence of the risen Christ that we may faithfully “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!”
EX 12:1-4, 10-14 PS 116:1, 10-17 1 COR 11:23-26 LK 22:14-30
How many times have you heard these words of wisdom: “Don’t believe everything you read." Well this can be especially true if you read it on the Internet! It’s truer still if you read it on April 1st, April Fool’s Day. Whether you’re the really cautious type or the very gullible type, we’ve all been the brunt of a good April Fool’s joke. Today, I was greeted by a Facebook friend who had posted a link to a blog by someone sharing the “news” that Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, had changed some of his positions concerning the proposed Anglican Covenant. By the time I checked out the blog and read the post, the blogger was already responding to comments left by other readers admitting that it was indeed a hoax, an April Fool’s joke. Sometimes, things are not always what they seem to be or what they say they are.
Tonight, we celebrate the institution of the Lord’s Supper which grew out of the great Jewish feast of the Passover. Each year, the Passover is celebrated to remember the mighty work of God in freeing the Israelites from their bondage of slavery in Egypt. We are now in the midst of the great Easter Triduum in which we remember the mighty work of God in freeing us from the bondage of sin through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This night some 2000 years ago, the disciples heard these words for the first time: “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Whether any individual disciple was quick to believe or was skeptical, I doubt any of them had a good idea of what this meant and probably weren’t even asking the question yet of how this could be, but because they were spoken by Jesus himself, they certainly didn’t mistake them for an April Fool’s joke.
The early Church in following Christ’s command, “Do this in remembrance of me,” celebrated the Lord’s Supper proclaiming the death and resurrection of Christ as they awaited his coming again. They discovered in this bread and wine, taken, blessed and shared; food for their journey of faith. In the midst of their joy and trials, they were strengthened for the journey. They discovered in their sharing of the meal the presence of the risen Christ and their oneness in that same Body of which they were all constituent members. It was this experience of Christ in the midst of the meal that made the Eucharist the central act of Christian worship.
The Eucharist became the central act of Christian worship through the Church’s experience of the Eucharist not because of a theological thesis that explained the Eucharist. As things go, theological statements about the Eucharistic can be helpful or problematic.
We human beings are want to explain things; what a thing is, where it comes from, how it operates, how it affects us. The advancement of our race has been dependent on this drive to discover and understand. This same drive deepens our faith; makes it our own. We Christians have a better understanding of who God is because God became one like us in Jesus Christ. In the end, however we can’t know God completely. We must be content to live with the mystery that ultimately God is beyond human understanding.
So we return to our weekly celebration of the Eucharist. In our doing as the Lord did and speaking as the Lord spoke, we experience the Lord in our midst just as the early Church did.
Humans are beings who must continually remember and be fed. Jesus knew this intimately well being born of human estate. He continually read the scriptures and ate with his disciples. In his institution of the Lord’s Supper, he established a perpetual meal in which we recall his death and resurrection and partake of the Word himself. In partaking of the one bread and the one cup, we become one with Christ and with each other.
All of this is neither conferred upon us by magic or by force. It is given freely in love and must be freely received in love. Any true encounter with Christ must be one of love.
Can any of us really explain our relationships of love? In the end, aren’t we left with some degree of awesome mystery? When the mystery ends or we no longer engage in the mystery of our relationships isn’t that when they grow old and bereft of life? Only when we reengage the mystery of relationship, start dating again do we rediscover the life and love that we knew before and then even more. Tonight, we are called to reengage with the Mystery of God’s love for us made known to us in Christ; in the breaking of bread and in the cup.
Immediately after the Lord’s Supper, Judas betrayed Jesus and the other disciples began arguing among themselves who was the greatest. Jesus turns upside down the notion that the greatest is one who is served. He asks his disciples, “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” Jesus demonstrates to us what it is to be great.
Those downstairs that will soon be joining us for the Eucharist are experiencing the servanthood of Christ in the Washing of Feet. In order to truly understand the greatness that comes from servanthood, we must be willing to be served and also to serve. Just as Jesus was willing to allow Mary to wash his feet with costly perfume, so was he also willing to wash the feet of his disciples. Jesus calls us to follow his example to serve and to be served if we are truly to be considered great.
Like the disciples at that first Eucharist, we don’t always get it. Sometimes we approach the table with little sense of the mystery of which we are about to partake. Sometimes we leave the table and immediately resume our disputes among one another and with our neighbors. We are called to something more. Listen again to the words we say at communion.
We begin the distribution of communion with the proclamation: “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;” to which we all respond: “Therefore let us keep the feast.”
We are then invited to receive what we have just proclaimed to be true: “The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.”
When we receive the Body of Christ, the bread of heaven and the Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation we assent to this mystery when we respond, “Amen.” “I believe.”
As our words proclaim the mystery we receive, may our bodies dance to the rhythm of those words. From our procession to the communion rail, to our receiving of the precious Body and Blood, to the raising of our voices in prayer after communion, let our bodies move both in reverence and intimacy to our relationship with the crucified and risen One and with each other. May our regular participation in this mystery bring us ever closer to Christ and to each other. May it keep us ever before the cross and in the presence of the risen Christ that we may faithfully “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!”
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Relationship Consideration in Decision Making
The word "relationship" surfaces everytime I talk about my ministry. That's not surprising. After all the Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer explains that the mission of the Church is "to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ."
As Wendano Ministries evolves, it is important that is does so in relational ways: Americans to Africans, Anglicans to Anglicans, Christian to Christian, Christian to non-Christian, Wendano resident to fellow Wendano resident, supporter to supporter, Wendano resident to supporter, Wendano Ministries to other ministries. You get the idea. It has to be much more than just collecting money and disbursing it for "good causes."
Each heart must be changed, moved, filled with the love of Christ. The gospel must be the motivating force for all we do. We must be changed by the relationships we enter through this ministry. This we is a total we. The Wendano children are participants in this ministry as well. So if you're planning to get involved, be ready to be changed.
Now I started with all of that to get to the inspiration I had earlier today about decision making. What if before we made a decision we actually thought about how those decisions would affect our relationships; those with the people closest to us, those related to us on a global scale and all those in between. It's not a novel idea, but I suspect thinking about relational ramifications would change some of our intitial thoughts about what we wanted to do.
This is an idea not just for individuals, but for groups, communities, etc. How would our churches be different if vestries used this type of approach to decision making. Someday when I'm a rector, I'd like to try it out with my vestry. I'm recording this idea in my blog in case my memory grows faint in the intervening years!
If you try it out, let me know what difference it makes.
As Wendano Ministries evolves, it is important that is does so in relational ways: Americans to Africans, Anglicans to Anglicans, Christian to Christian, Christian to non-Christian, Wendano resident to fellow Wendano resident, supporter to supporter, Wendano resident to supporter, Wendano Ministries to other ministries. You get the idea. It has to be much more than just collecting money and disbursing it for "good causes."
Each heart must be changed, moved, filled with the love of Christ. The gospel must be the motivating force for all we do. We must be changed by the relationships we enter through this ministry. This we is a total we. The Wendano children are participants in this ministry as well. So if you're planning to get involved, be ready to be changed.
Now I started with all of that to get to the inspiration I had earlier today about decision making. What if before we made a decision we actually thought about how those decisions would affect our relationships; those with the people closest to us, those related to us on a global scale and all those in between. It's not a novel idea, but I suspect thinking about relational ramifications would change some of our intitial thoughts about what we wanted to do.
This is an idea not just for individuals, but for groups, communities, etc. How would our churches be different if vestries used this type of approach to decision making. Someday when I'm a rector, I'd like to try it out with my vestry. I'm recording this idea in my blog in case my memory grows faint in the intervening years!
If you try it out, let me know what difference it makes.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
The Photos of Children
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(Marci and George)
Not being a grandparent, I do the same thing as a doting uncle. I have two nephews and one niece. James the youngest of the nephews was my first. He is the son of my brother Michael and sister-in-law You Xia who live in Lexington, KY. James has an alias. He goes by Jack when we play spies. I see him mostly at family holiday celebrations. We always have a great time together.
George is the older of the nephews, but came after James. He is about a year and a half older than James, but they are about the same size. Just like grandparents sometimes mix up the names of their grandchildren, sometimes I call George James and vice versa. George is the son of my Kenyan friends John and his wife Susan who I know as brother and sister. George is a funny guy and loves to take photos.
Marci, my niece is now nine months old and beginning to crawl. She is George’s sister. She is very engaging and strong and she is quickly mastering the technique of twisting you around her little finger!
In my presentations to groups about my recent travels to Kenya and my ongoing mission collaboration with John and Susan, I’ve sprinkled a “few” pictures of George and Marci among the pictures in my slide show. If anyone’s attention is waning, I know I’ve regained their attention when I see them smile as the children’s faces appear on the screen.
There are other children’s faces in my slide show and all of their pictures were taken by George (my official photographer when I’m in Kenya). These are the orphans of Wendano Village that our ministry is touching. They are lovely children though sometimes their clothing or their facial expressions may try to hide this fact.
I’m praying that the photos of these children will engage my audiences even more so than those of George and Marci. I pray that they are taken into the hearts of the people in my audiences. I pray that the people will fall in love with these children and reach out in love to them. By helping to touch the lives of these children; by empowering them to be all that God calls them to be, we are reaching out to countless others whose lives they will touch. That’s the way love works. It is always reaching beyond itself. That’s the way God works too! Not surprising whey we remember that God IS love. (1 JN 4:8)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Power of Prayer
In recent days, I've been a witness to the power of prayer. This was not a first time experience mind you, but it has been especially poignant in the last few days.
Last night in the course of an hour, eight people from St. Luke's gathered in fellowship beginning with a short prayer and formed the new Contemplative Prayer Group (CPG). There was a synergy in the group as we gathered in the name of Christ, seeking the Father's will and receiving power from the Holy Spirit. We agreed on a method and meeting details, discussed our ministry in the parish and closed with a short time of contemplative prayer. As the people straighted up, gathered up their belongings and exited the building; all in silence, the power of the Holy Spirit was palpable in that space. That abiding presence of God and the power of God's presence went home with each person and is influencing their thoughts and actions today.
During my weekly check-in with one of my "moms", we often request prayers of each other for various people. Our conversation often becomes a time of giving testimony of how God has answered prayer. This week, there were testimonies of one woman being cancer free and of a man who was spared serious complications after a stroke. There was a spontaneous prayer of praise and thanksgiving when I shouted out a "Praise the Lord!"
Lest we ever think we pray alone, let us be reminded that all prayer is communal in nature. Yes, the prayers of the church rise up from gatherings of two or more and from individuals, but we are not individuals that exist outside of community. As followers of Christ, we are members of his body seen concretely in the world through the Church. We struggle mightily to be of one mind in Christ, so that our prayers are united in purpose, but we sometimes fail. God will answer prayer in a way that accords with God's will. Over time, God's answer to our prayers directs us in the way we should go and brings us to the truth which sets us free and unites us in mind and spirit. I am especially fond of two of the concluding collects for the Prayers of the People:
Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask: Help us to ask only what accords with your will; and those good things which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot ask, grant us for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Last night in the course of an hour, eight people from St. Luke's gathered in fellowship beginning with a short prayer and formed the new Contemplative Prayer Group (CPG). There was a synergy in the group as we gathered in the name of Christ, seeking the Father's will and receiving power from the Holy Spirit. We agreed on a method and meeting details, discussed our ministry in the parish and closed with a short time of contemplative prayer. As the people straighted up, gathered up their belongings and exited the building; all in silence, the power of the Holy Spirit was palpable in that space. That abiding presence of God and the power of God's presence went home with each person and is influencing their thoughts and actions today.
During my weekly check-in with one of my "moms", we often request prayers of each other for various people. Our conversation often becomes a time of giving testimony of how God has answered prayer. This week, there were testimonies of one woman being cancer free and of a man who was spared serious complications after a stroke. There was a spontaneous prayer of praise and thanksgiving when I shouted out a "Praise the Lord!"
Lest we ever think we pray alone, let us be reminded that all prayer is communal in nature. Yes, the prayers of the church rise up from gatherings of two or more and from individuals, but we are not individuals that exist outside of community. As followers of Christ, we are members of his body seen concretely in the world through the Church. We struggle mightily to be of one mind in Christ, so that our prayers are united in purpose, but we sometimes fail. God will answer prayer in a way that accords with God's will. Over time, God's answer to our prayers directs us in the way we should go and brings us to the truth which sets us free and unites us in mind and spirit. I am especially fond of two of the concluding collects for the Prayers of the People:
Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask: Help us to ask only what accords with your will; and those good things which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot ask, grant us for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Morning Prayer at Schiphol Airport - Day 18: Friday, 5/2/2010
I arrived in Amsterdam on an overnight flight from Nairobi. Once in the terminal, I made my way to the Meditation Room on the second floor for morning prayer. It is interesting that I find the interfaith gathering conducive to prayer rather than a destraction. Somehow in ways we often fail to recognize out in "the world," here we find our common ties in faith as we pray to God each from our own traditions. For my part, I was using Daily Morning Prayer: Rite II from the Book of Common Prayer - Psalms: 40 and 54, Lessons: Genesis 17:15-27, John 6:1-15 and Canticles: 14 and 18.
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen
On a Wing and a Prayer - Day 17: Thursday, 4/2/2010
The drive to the airport seemed like it took forever. There was that aboding dread of saying goodbye that made time seem to hang forever and in fact it took us two hours to get there because of the traffic jams, which John had correctly anticipated. I got there more than three hours before departure because they had to get back home in order to get proper sleep for the coming day. We had our last embraces, words of love and tears. As I left the screening area and the terminal's front wall of glass, we waved goodbye and I turned towards the check-in counter. It was the 2009 departure all over again.
Now as I sit in the airport awaiting my departure, my safe travels home depend on a wing (the skills of the pilot, ground crew, etc., the maintenance of the plane and the weather) and a prayer. As I prepare to return to the U.S., the motto on our currency comes to mind: "In God we Trust."
Now as I sit in the airport awaiting my departure, my safe travels home depend on a wing (the skills of the pilot, ground crew, etc., the maintenance of the plane and the weather) and a prayer. As I prepare to return to the U.S., the motto on our currency comes to mind: "In God we Trust."
Wendano Ministries is born! - Day 17: Friday, 4/2/2010
This morning, John, Susan and I sat down for our business meeting to discuss our collaborative mission plans. They explained how they were drawn to work with orphans after two children in their extended families were orphaned after both parents died of AIDS. We talked about what has been done with the 20 children at Wendano Village and about what we hope to do in the future.
Of course the ministry wasn't born today in one sense, because it has been ongoing. It was born in the sense of adopting "Wendano" or "Love Among Us" as an overarching name that can broaden the ministry beyond the limits of the village.
The ministry in Kenya is now registered with the government and John and Susan have identified a board of five including themselves. Now the formal establishment of the American side of the ministry must begin. We will need to establish a qualifying charity recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service. This will enhanse our ability to solicit donations and to seek charitable grants.
I explained that the ministry in the U.S. needed to be organized such that its mission is specific enough to focus on the children of Wendano Village and general enough to allow for future expansion of the ministry. I also explained that I thought it was important to continue to build a relationship with Namrata Shah Children's Home operated by the Diocese of Thika in order to continue to build bridges between our two churches. I also explained that there may be future collaborative ministries in Zimbabwe with my friend Pastor Michael Dube. It remains to be seen whether legal requirements will allow us to create one united organization or whether we will two organizations with "joint operating agreements!"
We concluded by giving thanks for the "love among us" that has drawn us into relationship and to shared ministry and invoking the power of the Holy Spirit in our endeavor to do the will of the Father and to follow in the Way of Jesus. (Did you get the Will, Way and Power connection?)
Of course the ministry wasn't born today in one sense, because it has been ongoing. It was born in the sense of adopting "Wendano" or "Love Among Us" as an overarching name that can broaden the ministry beyond the limits of the village.
The ministry in Kenya is now registered with the government and John and Susan have identified a board of five including themselves. Now the formal establishment of the American side of the ministry must begin. We will need to establish a qualifying charity recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service. This will enhanse our ability to solicit donations and to seek charitable grants.
I explained that the ministry in the U.S. needed to be organized such that its mission is specific enough to focus on the children of Wendano Village and general enough to allow for future expansion of the ministry. I also explained that I thought it was important to continue to build a relationship with Namrata Shah Children's Home operated by the Diocese of Thika in order to continue to build bridges between our two churches. I also explained that there may be future collaborative ministries in Zimbabwe with my friend Pastor Michael Dube. It remains to be seen whether legal requirements will allow us to create one united organization or whether we will two organizations with "joint operating agreements!"
We concluded by giving thanks for the "love among us" that has drawn us into relationship and to shared ministry and invoking the power of the Holy Spirit in our endeavor to do the will of the Father and to follow in the Way of Jesus. (Did you get the Will, Way and Power connection?)
Sharing a Meal in the Name of the Lord with Goat and Lamb - Day 16: Wednesday, 3/2/2010
This is my last full day in Kenya. As we celebrate our time together, we also must prepare to say goodbye. Thankfully, we have found a way to make technology work for us so that we will be better able to stay in touch until I return in 2011.
We partook of roasted goat, a meat often associated with big celebrations, (George and I are chomping down) and a host of my favorite Kenyan dishes.
We partook of roasted goat, a meat often associated with big celebrations, (George and I are chomping down) and a host of my favorite Kenyan dishes.
After this meal, we had another meal recalling the sacrifice the Lamb of God made for our sins as we celebrated the "memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ's death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension . . ." John asked me to preside from the BCP of The Episcopal Church using The Holy Eucharist: Rite II service. At this Eucharist we blessed by their first use the vessels of the communion set given to me by All Saints at my ordination and first mass, which I then presented to John. It seemed to be a "right, and a good, and joyful thing" to share one of the two sets I had received. Rather than to have one of two sets sitting on a shelf, they are both now in regular use thus blessing those who were so generous to me. As this set is used by John, prayers will be lifted up for the people of All Saints, Pleasant Ridge in Cincinnati, OH.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
A Private Conversation - Day 16: Wednesday, 3/2/2010
This afternoon, John and I sat out on the covered veranda at the back of the house and settled in for a private conversation at my request. As we were preparing for a business meeting the following day to discuss our moving forward in collaborative ministry, I thought we needed to put a few things on the table for discussion so that we didn't enter blindly into this enterprise.
After reviewing the history of our relationship and mutually giving thanks for it, I told John that I thought it was important for us to acknowledge the risk involved with what we were proposing to do. I told him that if one was ever inclined to "Google" my name, it would be easy to discover that I'm gay. I wanted him to know that I was concerned that in the future his association with me could pose risks for his ministry.
John's response, which I paraphrase: I know what kind of a person you are, i.e. I know you are a man of God. I know the Holy Spirit is calling us into this collaborative ministry. Therefore, we must move forward in spite of the risk.
I was brought to tears by this response though it did not come as a surprise. The tears were tears of joy that the Lord of Love would lead us to such a bond of affection. My initial reaching out in friendship has been blessed by what is now a mutual relationship not only with John, but with his whole family.
After reviewing the history of our relationship and mutually giving thanks for it, I told John that I thought it was important for us to acknowledge the risk involved with what we were proposing to do. I told him that if one was ever inclined to "Google" my name, it would be easy to discover that I'm gay. I wanted him to know that I was concerned that in the future his association with me could pose risks for his ministry.
John's response, which I paraphrase: I know what kind of a person you are, i.e. I know you are a man of God. I know the Holy Spirit is calling us into this collaborative ministry. Therefore, we must move forward in spite of the risk.
I was brought to tears by this response though it did not come as a surprise. The tears were tears of joy that the Lord of Love would lead us to such a bond of affection. My initial reaching out in friendship has been blessed by what is now a mutual relationship not only with John, but with his whole family.
A Page out of the American Prayer Book - Day 16: Wednesday, 3/2/2010
John was telling me that the Kenyan prayer book did not have a rite for the celebration of a new ministry or induction as he called it. When John discovered such a rite in the BCP of The Episcopal Church, which he received as a gift from Bexley Hall Seminary before he returned home, he recommended it to his bishop for adoption in the Diocese of Thika. And so it was!
In The Episcopal Church, I've been in a number of churches that have used prayers in "Our Modern Services" of the Anglican Church of Kenya. In a church where we often say, "If you want to know what we believe, see how we worship," perhaps borrowing from each others prayer books which are both mostly adaptations of the 1662 BCP shows we really are much more alike in our beliefs than loud voices and news media would suggest.
In The Episcopal Church, I've been in a number of churches that have used prayers in "Our Modern Services" of the Anglican Church of Kenya. In a church where we often say, "If you want to know what we believe, see how we worship," perhaps borrowing from each others prayer books which are both mostly adaptations of the 1662 BCP shows we really are much more alike in our beliefs than loud voices and news media would suggest.
A Day at the Country Home - Day 16: Wednesday, 3/2/2010
Sounds like a well-to-do family from the big city going out to spend a weekend of rest and relaxation at the country estate - well not exactly.
There is a distinct tie to the land in Kenya. Those who have moved to the cities for work are still connected to the family homestead, which is often subdivided so that each son has a plot of ground. Some choose to stay and earn a subsistence living on ever shrinking size plots of land. For those who become urbanized, it is still quite common to build a "rural home."
For John and Susan who live in a home furnished by the church, their "rural home" is their source of security when mandatory retirement comes. They know they will have a place to call home when they are no longer serving a parish.
Today, we went to the country. It took us an hour or so to get there. We reached the edge of Thika and turned right into a developing estate. The houses there were spread out and grew thinner as we went on. As we traveled on, the earthen roads grew worse and eventually seemed to be nothing more than a well worn path over the ground. Finally we arrived at the homestead, a 15+ acre farm where John grew up. The family home was there as well as the duplex house he and his brother Henry had built for their two families. The dwelling here was a bit more rustic than in town. There was no electricity save a solar charged battery that allowed for watching TV. The stove burned wood rather than gas and water was gravity fed from elevated tanks built to hold rain water. You guessed it, the "facilities" were outside!
On the farm, the principle crops were chicken, goats and maize. Since Henry had just moved back to the farm, the agricultural use of the land was expanding. You could sense the pride of home ownership among the two brothers.
As we drove back and I could see from where we had come, we were really not that far out into the courntryside, it just seemed so because the travel had been at such slow speeds. We were not but a mile or two away from the outskirts of the estate. Taking a page from the American experience, I know that one day urban sprawl will gobble up their farm and their home. I suppose they will be the wealthier for it when it happens, but the ties with the land will be gone.
There is a distinct tie to the land in Kenya. Those who have moved to the cities for work are still connected to the family homestead, which is often subdivided so that each son has a plot of ground. Some choose to stay and earn a subsistence living on ever shrinking size plots of land. For those who become urbanized, it is still quite common to build a "rural home."
For John and Susan who live in a home furnished by the church, their "rural home" is their source of security when mandatory retirement comes. They know they will have a place to call home when they are no longer serving a parish.
Today, we went to the country. It took us an hour or so to get there. We reached the edge of Thika and turned right into a developing estate. The houses there were spread out and grew thinner as we went on. As we traveled on, the earthen roads grew worse and eventually seemed to be nothing more than a well worn path over the ground. Finally we arrived at the homestead, a 15+ acre farm where John grew up. The family home was there as well as the duplex house he and his brother Henry had built for their two families. The dwelling here was a bit more rustic than in town. There was no electricity save a solar charged battery that allowed for watching TV. The stove burned wood rather than gas and water was gravity fed from elevated tanks built to hold rain water. You guessed it, the "facilities" were outside!
On the farm, the principle crops were chicken, goats and maize. Since Henry had just moved back to the farm, the agricultural use of the land was expanding. You could sense the pride of home ownership among the two brothers.
As we drove back and I could see from where we had come, we were really not that far out into the courntryside, it just seemed so because the travel had been at such slow speeds. We were not but a mile or two away from the outskirts of the estate. Taking a page from the American experience, I know that one day urban sprawl will gobble up their farm and their home. I suppose they will be the wealthier for it when it happens, but the ties with the land will be gone.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
An Ash Wednesday Sermon Insert
There are still a few days of my time in Kenya to blog about and I plan to do so in the next few days. Meanwhile, ministry calls me to account here in Granville! Today is Ash Wednesday. I thought some of you might like to read my sermon for the day, so here it is:
Each year at this time, I remember well an Ash Wednesday from my early seminary days in the 80’s. That year I was near perfect in my observance of a day of penitence and fast. I dutifully participated in the office of the day and worshipped at the mass. I was diligent in measuring my food portions so as to make sure that all of meals for the day were less than the equivalent of two full meals. By the end of the day, my stomach was letting me know that I had indeed fasted! But my heart was not participating in the fast my body was undertaking. On the outside, my piety appeared to be perfect, but my heart was not humbled. My heart was “secretly” planning a coup d’etat and my piety was successfully overthrown. You see I stayed up to the stroke of midnight for the purpose of studying or so I thought. I learned better when at the stroke of midnight I was on the phone to Domino’s ordering a large pepperoni pizza!
I think each year as the anniversary of this coup d’etat rolls around, God get a little chuckle. Don’t you remember a time when a child you were close to (a son or daughter, niece or nephew or grandchild) pulled a fast one and thought they got by with something? You probably even let them think they actually did. Eventually you used it as a teaching moment. Don’t you laugh about it now? It may even have become a favorite family story. I think that is how that Ash Wednesday is for God and me.
What I remember about Lent from my childhood years was that it was about denying myself something I really liked and following a few rules like fasting on the appointed days and not eating meat on Fridays. I remember going to confession on Holy Saturday so that on Easter Sunday I would be properly disposed to receive Communion. This was all fine as far as it went for a child and perhaps I’m simplifying things a bit, but the point is Lent can be so much more than this.
In today’s reading from Joel, we hear the prophet calling the people of Israel to repentance. He speaks of a God who is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” He then says in effect, ‘If we repent of our sins and return to the Lord, perhaps he will turn from judgment and punishment and forgive us.’ There seems to be some element of doubt expressed in Joel’s call, but he calls on the people to trust that God might just relent and forgive them.
In our own lives, doubt as to whether or not God will forgive us or even as to whether or not we are forgivable can dissuade us from repenting and returning to God. Why bother we might say, it won’t make any difference. I’m doomed anyway. There’s no way God will forgive me for what I’ve done. Hogwash! If you are in anyway tempted to believe this, I particularly invite you to keep a holy Lent.
This is the season in which we are pointed towards Christ’s suffering, death and ultimate resurrection from the dead while at the same time calling to mind the distance that may exist between us and God. We are called to wrestle with this juxtaposition. It is this wrestling that removes any doubt about our being forgivable.
We are called to be mindful of our own sinfulness during Lent so that we can identify Jesus’ sacrifice as necessary for the forgiveness of our sins and to remember at the same time that his suffering and death alone were not the means of our reconciliation with God, but also Christ’s glorious resurrection from the dead.
I invite you to discern for yourself a Lenten discipline that will bring you into a humble presence before the Lord. What practices of alms giving, prayer, study, fast, and/or acts of love will bring you into that humble presence before the Lord? How can you best acknowledge your sinfulness and limitations before God, keep your eyes upon Jesus as you follow his way to the cross and prepare yourself to receive once again the truth, the revelation, and the promise, that through faith in Jesus Christ your sins are forgiven?
Discern what Lenten discipline will do that for you. It need not be a matter of public knowledge, but rather something between you and God. If however, you find yourself having difficulty maintaining your discipline perhaps it would be helpful to talk to a priest or any person of faith that can help you examine your chosen discipline, revise it if necessary and provide support and accountability if needed.
We do this not only for ourselves, but for the sake of others. We not only need to repent and return to the Lord as individuals, but also as communities; as church, village, city, state, and nation and as citizens of “this fragile earth, our island home.” This can be accomplished not by dictate, but by individual example. When we live in the truth of the forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God we have through Jesus Christ, we will be truly the light of the world which, will direct others to the One who is the source of our light. As we walk towards the light of Jesus, we can walk in no other path, but that of love, peace and justice. As we walk this path, we will live into the reality that Jesus came to reconcile the whole world with God.
As Paul says, “now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation.” Let us choose today, to repent and return to the Lord.
Each year at this time, I remember well an Ash Wednesday from my early seminary days in the 80’s. That year I was near perfect in my observance of a day of penitence and fast. I dutifully participated in the office of the day and worshipped at the mass. I was diligent in measuring my food portions so as to make sure that all of meals for the day were less than the equivalent of two full meals. By the end of the day, my stomach was letting me know that I had indeed fasted! But my heart was not participating in the fast my body was undertaking. On the outside, my piety appeared to be perfect, but my heart was not humbled. My heart was “secretly” planning a coup d’etat and my piety was successfully overthrown. You see I stayed up to the stroke of midnight for the purpose of studying or so I thought. I learned better when at the stroke of midnight I was on the phone to Domino’s ordering a large pepperoni pizza!
I think each year as the anniversary of this coup d’etat rolls around, God get a little chuckle. Don’t you remember a time when a child you were close to (a son or daughter, niece or nephew or grandchild) pulled a fast one and thought they got by with something? You probably even let them think they actually did. Eventually you used it as a teaching moment. Don’t you laugh about it now? It may even have become a favorite family story. I think that is how that Ash Wednesday is for God and me.
What I remember about Lent from my childhood years was that it was about denying myself something I really liked and following a few rules like fasting on the appointed days and not eating meat on Fridays. I remember going to confession on Holy Saturday so that on Easter Sunday I would be properly disposed to receive Communion. This was all fine as far as it went for a child and perhaps I’m simplifying things a bit, but the point is Lent can be so much more than this.
In today’s reading from Joel, we hear the prophet calling the people of Israel to repentance. He speaks of a God who is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” He then says in effect, ‘If we repent of our sins and return to the Lord, perhaps he will turn from judgment and punishment and forgive us.’ There seems to be some element of doubt expressed in Joel’s call, but he calls on the people to trust that God might just relent and forgive them.
In our own lives, doubt as to whether or not God will forgive us or even as to whether or not we are forgivable can dissuade us from repenting and returning to God. Why bother we might say, it won’t make any difference. I’m doomed anyway. There’s no way God will forgive me for what I’ve done. Hogwash! If you are in anyway tempted to believe this, I particularly invite you to keep a holy Lent.
This is the season in which we are pointed towards Christ’s suffering, death and ultimate resurrection from the dead while at the same time calling to mind the distance that may exist between us and God. We are called to wrestle with this juxtaposition. It is this wrestling that removes any doubt about our being forgivable.
We are called to be mindful of our own sinfulness during Lent so that we can identify Jesus’ sacrifice as necessary for the forgiveness of our sins and to remember at the same time that his suffering and death alone were not the means of our reconciliation with God, but also Christ’s glorious resurrection from the dead.
I invite you to discern for yourself a Lenten discipline that will bring you into a humble presence before the Lord. What practices of alms giving, prayer, study, fast, and/or acts of love will bring you into that humble presence before the Lord? How can you best acknowledge your sinfulness and limitations before God, keep your eyes upon Jesus as you follow his way to the cross and prepare yourself to receive once again the truth, the revelation, and the promise, that through faith in Jesus Christ your sins are forgiven?
Discern what Lenten discipline will do that for you. It need not be a matter of public knowledge, but rather something between you and God. If however, you find yourself having difficulty maintaining your discipline perhaps it would be helpful to talk to a priest or any person of faith that can help you examine your chosen discipline, revise it if necessary and provide support and accountability if needed.
We do this not only for ourselves, but for the sake of others. We not only need to repent and return to the Lord as individuals, but also as communities; as church, village, city, state, and nation and as citizens of “this fragile earth, our island home.” This can be accomplished not by dictate, but by individual example. When we live in the truth of the forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God we have through Jesus Christ, we will be truly the light of the world which, will direct others to the One who is the source of our light. As we walk towards the light of Jesus, we can walk in no other path, but that of love, peace and justice. As we walk this path, we will live into the reality that Jesus came to reconcile the whole world with God.
As Paul says, “now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation.” Let us choose today, to repent and return to the Lord.
Another Thought about Coffee, Day 15: Tuesday, 2/2/2010
Having visited more than one family with a small farm including coffee and tea, I was interested in how one might establish a direct link with one of these families for exporting coffee and tea. When these farms have only an acre or two at most of these two commodities, I wonder if a parish or a diocese could contract to purchase all of the coffee and/or tea from an individual farm or a coop of small farmers guaranteeing them a good price for their harvest. This would be a fair trade coffee enterprise that created lasting relationships too. Local roasters in the U.S. could also join in the relationship. I wonder where the Lord could lead such relationships in the pursuit of church mission.
Sent on a Mission by the Bishop, Day 15: Tuesday, 2/2/2010
After meeting with The Rev. Joyce, John and I were sent on a mission by the bishop along with two other priests to pay a visit upon a family in one of the parishes in a neighboring town. Our job was to recruit them for a role in an upcoming fundraising effort for Namrata Shaw Children's Home, the AIDS orphanage operated by the diocese.
Before we could conduct business, however we had to share a meal. And what a meal it was. It included all of my favorite dishes and there was plenty for seconds and thirds! It was some of the best food I've eaten in Kenya. After we were finished eating, we had the formal introductions. Then the discussion began. Our mission was successful and the children of Namrata Shah will be the beneficiaries.
As we were waiting for our parting gift of bananas, one of the other priests and I had a conversation about the current efforts to draft a new constitution. Amazingly the different parties were reaching consensus or making the necessary compromises to move this effort forward. One contentious issue that may doom the passing of a new constitution is the provision for separate Islamic courts. This is seen by many Christians as one religion receiving favored status by the government. A referendum on the new draft constitution is scheduled this summer. We shall see how it goes.
Before we could conduct business, however we had to share a meal. And what a meal it was. It included all of my favorite dishes and there was plenty for seconds and thirds! It was some of the best food I've eaten in Kenya. After we were finished eating, we had the formal introductions. Then the discussion began. Our mission was successful and the children of Namrata Shah will be the beneficiaries.
As we were waiting for our parting gift of bananas, one of the other priests and I had a conversation about the current efforts to draft a new constitution. Amazingly the different parties were reaching consensus or making the necessary compromises to move this effort forward. One contentious issue that may doom the passing of a new constitution is the provision for separate Islamic courts. This is seen by many Christians as one religion receiving favored status by the government. A referendum on the new draft constitution is scheduled this summer. We shall see how it goes.
A Visit with The Rev. Joyce, Day 15: Tuesday, 2/2/2010
Hearing various voices about female clergy in the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), I wanted to hear someone tell me about their first hand experience so I made an appointment to meet with The Rev. Joyce, a friend I had met on my first visit to Kenya when she was serving on the staff of the cathedral. She is now the vicar at St. John's.
A bit of history: The first woman was ordained a priest in the ACK in 1987. There is no canonical restriction prohibiting a woman from being consecrated as a bishop. There are still two diocese within the ACK that have not ordained a woman.
I was surprised that she was not aware that we had elected The Rt. Rev. Katherine Jefferts Shori as our presiding bishop in 2006. Don't we Americans often think that we are the center of the universe? She was greatly encouraged by this news!
Joyce has been a priest for 10 years, but before that she was a lay leader in the Church Army, an evangelical missionary society in the Anglican Communion.
She described a climate in which women have to work doubly hard to prove themselves. It is esential for women to be successful because to be unsuccessful cast a cloud over all women. It is a double standard because each man stands on his own merit.
There is still resistance in some places, but acceptance is growing. In Kenyan society in general gender issues and the role of women are evolving.
Though there are cultural difference between the U.S. and Kenya, I couldn't help but see more similarites than differences between the struggles for women's equality in the two countries. While the struggle is not over in the U.S. we are a bit further along.
With regards to women in The Episcopal Church, there has been a long hard battle for full inclusion. I believe we are now shining a bright light leading others in the Communion forward. I can't help but believe the same is true for LGBT persons in the church.
At the end of our discussion, without mentioning specific issues Joyce and I agreed that while we may go kicking and screaming the church will ultimately find itself where God would have it be!
A bit of history: The first woman was ordained a priest in the ACK in 1987. There is no canonical restriction prohibiting a woman from being consecrated as a bishop. There are still two diocese within the ACK that have not ordained a woman.
I was surprised that she was not aware that we had elected The Rt. Rev. Katherine Jefferts Shori as our presiding bishop in 2006. Don't we Americans often think that we are the center of the universe? She was greatly encouraged by this news!
Joyce has been a priest for 10 years, but before that she was a lay leader in the Church Army, an evangelical missionary society in the Anglican Communion.
She described a climate in which women have to work doubly hard to prove themselves. It is esential for women to be successful because to be unsuccessful cast a cloud over all women. It is a double standard because each man stands on his own merit.
There is still resistance in some places, but acceptance is growing. In Kenyan society in general gender issues and the role of women are evolving.
Though there are cultural difference between the U.S. and Kenya, I couldn't help but see more similarites than differences between the struggles for women's equality in the two countries. While the struggle is not over in the U.S. we are a bit further along.
With regards to women in The Episcopal Church, there has been a long hard battle for full inclusion. I believe we are now shining a bright light leading others in the Communion forward. I can't help but believe the same is true for LGBT persons in the church.
At the end of our discussion, without mentioning specific issues Joyce and I agreed that while we may go kicking and screaming the church will ultimately find itself where God would have it be!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Journey to the Mountain, Day 14: Monday, 1/2/2010
Mt Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak is regarded as the realm of Ngai, god of the local Kikuyu people. Traditionally, all Kikuyu home were built to face this sacred peak. They call it Kirinyaga, or place of light. (old.magicalkenya.com)
The Kikuyu believes in one God, Ngai, the creator and giver of all things. (http://www.mircea-eliade.com/from-primitives-to-zen/004.html) Because of this traditional belief in one supreme god, the Christian missionaries translated God as Ngai when they translated the bible into the native Kikuyu language.
I was expecting I guess something like the American Appalachian Mountains. Mt Kenya, however is a dormant volcanic mountain and so completely different. This is a mountain for serious mountain climbers. There are no winding roads arounnd the peaks and through the valleys. There were 4x4's available for hire that could take you over 10 kilometers of very rough terrain to the base of the mountain. We did not have the time or the money to make such a journey, so we satisfied ourselves by enjoying it from afar.
Our encounter with the mountain of Ngai reminded me of our encounter with God. We cannot approach God on our own terms and we cannot fully know God. We could not get too close to Mt. Kenya and we cannot get too close to God. In both cases, however, there is a surety of the presence of both. I did not have to reach the summit of the mountain to know its presence. I also don't have to know God completely to know God is present.
Let the sure rock solid presence of the mountain stand as a sign of my faith in the one God, creator and giver of all thingss.
The Kikuyu believes in one God, Ngai, the creator and giver of all things. (http://www.mircea-eliade.com/from-primitives-to-zen/004.html) Because of this traditional belief in one supreme god, the Christian missionaries translated God as Ngai when they translated the bible into the native Kikuyu language.
I was expecting I guess something like the American Appalachian Mountains. Mt Kenya, however is a dormant volcanic mountain and so completely different. This is a mountain for serious mountain climbers. There are no winding roads arounnd the peaks and through the valleys. There were 4x4's available for hire that could take you over 10 kilometers of very rough terrain to the base of the mountain. We did not have the time or the money to make such a journey, so we satisfied ourselves by enjoying it from afar.
Our encounter with the mountain of Ngai reminded me of our encounter with God. We cannot approach God on our own terms and we cannot fully know God. We could not get too close to Mt. Kenya and we cannot get too close to God. In both cases, however, there is a surety of the presence of both. I did not have to reach the summit of the mountain to know its presence. I also don't have to know God completely to know God is present.
Let the sure rock solid presence of the mountain stand as a sign of my faith in the one God, creator and giver of all thingss.
Sure cure for the hiccups, Day 14: Monday, 1/2/2010
Here's a sure fire cure for the hiccups that George swears by:
Tear off a small piece of paper (say lozenger size), lick it and stick it to your forehead!
Try it next time you get the hiccups and let me know how it works!
Tear off a small piece of paper (say lozenger size), lick it and stick it to your forehead!
Try it next time you get the hiccups and let me know how it works!
A Handmade Thank You Card, Day 13: Sunday, 31/1/2010
It was nearly 8 p.m. when Isaac and I returned to Thika after our day together at church and visiting his family and friends in the area where he grew up and now lives with his aging parents. You know how children can be when they've been waiting impatiently for a long time for someone to arrive. I thought George would knock me down when he came rushing to greet me when I walked through the door! He exclaimed, "I have a surprise for you!" as he pulled me down the hall to my room.
Precious gifts are not such because of their economic value, but because of the love with which they are given. George had made me some simple, but priceless gifts while I was gone. He extolled the love and generosity of his uncle and extended the same to me in a handmade thank you card. From the same notebook paper, he also made me a paper airplane, a paper boat and a paper hand fan. One gift was not enough. He had to follow my example and give more.
I am reminded that I too was following the example of others. We all follow the example of Christ who gave everything for us. "We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19) NSRV
Being loved with the bountious, sacrificial, infinite love of Christ, we are called to love in the same way. It may be painful at times, but therein lies the source of all joy.
Precious gifts are not such because of their economic value, but because of the love with which they are given. George had made me some simple, but priceless gifts while I was gone. He extolled the love and generosity of his uncle and extended the same to me in a handmade thank you card. From the same notebook paper, he also made me a paper airplane, a paper boat and a paper hand fan. One gift was not enough. He had to follow my example and give more.
I am reminded that I too was following the example of others. We all follow the example of Christ who gave everything for us. "We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19) NSRV
Being loved with the bountious, sacrificial, infinite love of Christ, we are called to love in the same way. It may be painful at times, but therein lies the source of all joy.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Love is Patient . . . - Day 13: Sunday, 31/1/2010
Welcome to A.C.K. St. Peter's Kairi! I was made to feel most welcome as I came to concelebrate with my friend The Rev. Isaac Njemga Mwangi (standing to my immediate left in the second photo, the first photo showing the sanctuary) who was priested (ordained) just three months before I was. We wore matching handwoven green stoles from Guatemala. My home church, Church of Our Saviour, Cincinnati, had given one to me as an ordination gift and I likewise had given one to Isaac for just such as an occasion as today! What a joy to be able to celebrate the Eucharist together in the local Kikuyu language! Let's just say Isaac did most of the speaking!
Isaac had also invited me to preach, though with only a few days lead time, I was a bit anxious as my prep time was minimal. But lo and behold when I saw the scriptures included the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians I breathed a sigh of relief. This is one of my favorite passages in all of the scriptures for it includes St. Paul's beautiful discription of love. to which I added a bit from St. John's first letter that proclaims that God is love.
My main point was that any relationship that fits Paul's description of love is of God because God is love. As I explained to the congregation not all such love is readily understood or accepted by others. By way of example, I shared the story of how I became a son to an African American woman named Sandi. Our relationship is undeniable one of love and each time our introductions raise a few eyebrows, we have another opportunity to give a testimony!
I was a bit less than satisfied with the sermon as it came to a close. It didn't unfold quite the way I had planned and it didn't flow all too well because of the pauses for translation. Isaac, however was singing its praises after the service. He explained how over the past several weeks he had invited guest preachers, all of whom preached on love; a message he said was just what the congregation needed to hear. Then I remembered the prayer often said before one preaches: "May the words of my mouth and the meditaions of our hearts be acceptable to you O Lord, our rock and our redeemer." Today, the Holy Spirit was busy in the House of the Lord!
When finished preaching, I sang "They'll Know We are Christians by Our Love." When the service was over, I was approached by a choir member requesting the words for the song. They had heard it on the radio and wanted to teach it to the choir, but didn't have the words. This Sunday, the Lord provided the words to them.
I didn't leave before several people invited me to bring Sandi to their church. Just so happens, she is planning to travel to Kenya with me on my return visit in 2011! You can be sure we will visit St. Peter's.
Back to School - Day 12: Saturday, 30/1/2010
Today we went to visit the children of Wendano Village that we are currently ministering to. There are 20 in all, but not all of them could be excused from the classroom to meet with us.
The little girl in this photo (John is working on compiling a file for me that will include name, bio and photo for each child) is in Form 1 (first grade). The school term began just this month.
For some reason, this girl reminded me of my mother. For that reason, I'm particularly fond of her.
The purpose of today's gathering was two fold; to introduce me to the kids and to measure them for new school uniforms.
Our children go to school in worn out uniforms and often without shoes because their guardains simply can't afford any better. Sadly, I learned that some of the children also don't have textbooks because they are not provided free of charge.
Now before you go to thinking that these children are neglected or abused, let me simply say that they are all twice orphaned and live in a village where the residents live on $1 to $2 a day. They are the blessed ones because they have a guardian and haven't ended up on the streets.
John and Susan had determined that one of our first projects should be to provide one new uniform and a new pair of shoes for each child. This will be a tremendous boost to their egos when they join their fellow students in the classroom.
We are employing one of the women in the village to make the uniforms, so that the economic benefits of the project will be realized in the village as well.
There are more projects in the pipeline. There will be more about that in a later blog.
It is hard for me to imagine my mother growing up in such circumstances or going to school in a tattered uniform without shoes and hard for me to accept that the little girl that reminds me of my mother does.
Praise be to God, soon she will be smiling big when she has a new set of clothes for school!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Living in the Moment
As any regular reader of this blog has seen, I haven't exactly been blogging in real time. While recording bits of my experience here in Kenya over the past 2+ weeks has been an important part of my visit, actually living in the moment has been even more important. In other words, it's more important to take the time to experience things that it is to take time to write about them.
I have been spending what time I have to spend on the computer in the past few days readying my laptop for its new home. Today is my last day here, and there is much to do not the least of which is the business meeting John, Susan and I will have this afternoon to lay the groundwork for our future ministry together.
Beginning Saturday, February 6, I will begin the completion of my blogging about my time in Kenya, so come back to hear the rest of the story and from time to time in the future as I intend to keep this blog open. God is overwhelming me with blessings and from my own experience, I know this will continue, which means there will be lots more to write about as my ministry continues!
Pray for my safe travel home.
I have been spending what time I have to spend on the computer in the past few days readying my laptop for its new home. Today is my last day here, and there is much to do not the least of which is the business meeting John, Susan and I will have this afternoon to lay the groundwork for our future ministry together.
Beginning Saturday, February 6, I will begin the completion of my blogging about my time in Kenya, so come back to hear the rest of the story and from time to time in the future as I intend to keep this blog open. God is overwhelming me with blessings and from my own experience, I know this will continue, which means there will be lots more to write about as my ministry continues!
Pray for my safe travel home.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Paradise Lost (and found) - The Rediscovery of Eden? – Day 11: Friday, 29/1/2010
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Well I’m sorry to say this wasn’t the case. If Eden did actually exist as one place on Earth, I don’t think anybiblical scholar believes it was located in modern day Kenya. Where we actually went was a park not far from Thika.
We had a great day, exploring a small cave, taking a peaceful rowboat ride on the lake and riding a camel! It wasn’t exactly paradise, but we had a great time as you can tell from look on Marci’s face and the Gitau family ride on a camel in these photos!
Developing a Strategy for Better Communication - Day 11: Friday, 29/1/2010
John and I have been discussing the need to have faster and more reliable communication going forward as we collaborate in future ministries. On this end in Kenya, John has been working with a Pentium III generation computer and dial-up speed internet. Enough said.
Today we met with Peter who has an IT business managing computer networks for his clients including the Diocese of Thika. We sought a diagnosis for John’s computer with upgrades to meet our needs. It needs more RAM, a faster processor, etc. In other words, it’s already on life support with every major system failing (for the stated goal of faster and more reliable communication).
Plan B was to see about buying a new computer here in Kenya. New computers here are mostly a couple of generations older than ours. (I just saw an ad in the paper announcing the arrival of Office 2007. In the U.S., if Office 2010 hasn’t already come out it will shortly.) In short, it would cost as much or more to buy a new computer here as it would in the U.S. and it would already be outdated (by U.S. standards). Peter looked at my two year old laptop and said it would be a top of the line computer here in Kenya! Plus my computer is already loaded with lots of software.
So after Peter left, John and I discussed the situation and agreed we could get more bang for the buck by him acquiring my laptop while I buy a new one in the U.S. We also discovered that there is a wireless 3G network here in Kenya that would provide broadband internet access. So it appears that within a short time our communication dreams will come true.
We thank God for this gift and offer it back to God for God’s purpose as we are led forward by the Holy Spirit in ministry!
Today we met with Peter who has an IT business managing computer networks for his clients including the Diocese of Thika. We sought a diagnosis for John’s computer with upgrades to meet our needs. It needs more RAM, a faster processor, etc. In other words, it’s already on life support with every major system failing (for the stated goal of faster and more reliable communication).
Plan B was to see about buying a new computer here in Kenya. New computers here are mostly a couple of generations older than ours. (I just saw an ad in the paper announcing the arrival of Office 2007. In the U.S., if Office 2010 hasn’t already come out it will shortly.) In short, it would cost as much or more to buy a new computer here as it would in the U.S. and it would already be outdated (by U.S. standards). Peter looked at my two year old laptop and said it would be a top of the line computer here in Kenya! Plus my computer is already loaded with lots of software.
So after Peter left, John and I discussed the situation and agreed we could get more bang for the buck by him acquiring my laptop while I buy a new one in the U.S. We also discovered that there is a wireless 3G network here in Kenya that would provide broadband internet access. So it appears that within a short time our communication dreams will come true.
We thank God for this gift and offer it back to God for God’s purpose as we are led forward by the Holy Spirit in ministry!
Lunch with the School Manager - Day 10: Thursday, 28/1/2010
After visiting Pioneer Christians Memorial Academy, we had lunch with Simon the school manager, his wife and his brother and his wife. As is the custom, Susan took a few things for the woman of the house. Lunch was one of the most delicious meals I’ve had here in Kenya. I had two huge plates and the hosts were very pleased! For a while the luncheon conversation focused on the “gay issue” in the church. My contribution to the conversation consisted of two points. I explained that the future of those who have broken away from The Episcopal Church is far from certain. I also discussed the problem of bishops taking actions inside another bishop’s diocese without permission. I think I made some headway when they agreed that this is something that would not even be allowed within the Anglican Church of Kenya itself.
After fellowship and lunch I said a prayer of blessing for the household and then we toured the small farm with its dairy cows, goats, bananas, several kinds of produce and coffee trees. As we were going to leave, we were given at least 50 pounds of potatoes and the banana harvest from three trees.
The one thing that stands out for me more than anything else was Simon’s comment, “You’re not like other white men. You should learn Kikuyu and become one.” I’m not sure exactly what he meant, but I do know it was an obvious compliment. I know God is doing a good work through me because as I build up goodwill and develop relationships, the day will come when they will be challenged to rethink everything they think they know LGBT people are. I don’t know when that will be. I’m not quick to come out at this point. The timing I pray will be God’s and not my own.
After fellowship and lunch I said a prayer of blessing for the household and then we toured the small farm with its dairy cows, goats, bananas, several kinds of produce and coffee trees. As we were going to leave, we were given at least 50 pounds of potatoes and the banana harvest from three trees.
The one thing that stands out for me more than anything else was Simon’s comment, “You’re not like other white men. You should learn Kikuyu and become one.” I’m not sure exactly what he meant, but I do know it was an obvious compliment. I know God is doing a good work through me because as I build up goodwill and develop relationships, the day will come when they will be challenged to rethink everything they think they know LGBT people are. I don’t know when that will be. I’m not quick to come out at this point. The timing I pray will be God’s and not my own.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Pioneer Christians Memorial Academy: Day 10: Wednesday, 28/1/2010
Below is a draft for a letter I intend to send to the President on behalf of the children at the acadamy:
Dear Mr. President,
As an Episcopal priest on mission to Kenya, I have been serving as an unofficial U. S. ambassador for the past two weeks. Because of the high respect the people of Kenya have for you , I’m not sure we need any other ambassador here. I am amazed at how many homes have your photo.
Today I visited Pioneer Christians Memorial Academy, a primary school operated by St. Peter’s Parish Kiamwang, Anglican Church of Kenya. You are held as a great example that the youth here can achieve anything. So when I have the opportunity to speak to youth as I did today, as a U.S. citizen, I take the liberty of extending greetings from President Barack Obama.
The students asked me to take their greeting to you back with me to the U.S. I’m afraid they thought that I could actually personally deliver their greetings! Before I could reply, my friend and guide promised them that I would relay their greetings to you. Since it is impossible to do so personally, I resolved to write you this short letter so that the promise made to them would be fulfilled.
So on behalf of the students at Pioneer Christians Memorial Academy whose faces lit up at the mention of your name, I send you their heartfelt greetings and enclose a photo of my visit with them. As for myself, I send with this letter my personal prayers as you lead our nation forward.
Sincerely,
The Reverend Thomas J. Fehr
Friday, January 29, 2010
Meeting with Esther Mombo: A Witness for our Communion: Day 9: Wednesday, 27/1/2010
Today was the appointed day for us to meet in person. I must believe it was in God’s good timing. We were 40 minutes late for our appointment. We got away a bit late because John had unexpected visitors in his office to meet with and we were delayed by two accidents on the road, one an overturned lorry crossing both lanes that caused traffic to deviate around it on dry ground causing a red cloud of dust in the air.
I was ushered into a waiting room while Dr. Mombo was found. She came out to greet us and then advised us that she had an engagement to speak to the students on the first day back for the new term. She had someone bring me a cup of tea and I read the latest edition of the school’s magazine while John and Susan left to visit John’s grandmother who is nearing 100 years of age.
There was an interesting reprint of a speech (2003) by the first woman to graduate from St. Paul’s, Deaconess Mildred Owani from Uganda. I was still reading the magazine when Dr. Mombo returned to call on me.
Another example of God’s timing. Had we been on time, I would have had 45 minutes with Dr. Mombo max. As it turned out we had to cut things short because I knew John would be outside waiting on me.
It turns out that she was at GC 2006 in Columbus when Katherine Jefferts Shori was elected presiding bishop. She noticed less rancor at the 2009 convention, which she correctly connected to the loss of more conservative members of the church. She was denied approval to attend, but took leave and went on her own resulting in a reprimand upon her return.
I think it best not to mention details of our discussion here in a public forum, but I will say the frank and open conversation was inspiring.
I thanked her for taking the time to see me and for being a true witness of Christ.
Kenya is already beginning to deal with gender issues and where that occurs, LGBT issues are not far behind. I am more convinced than ever of the prophetic role of TEC in these days. I’m proud of that and I must double my efforts to add my voice. I am also more convinced than ever that God is calling me to this ministry of presence, conversation and relationship.
I was ushered into a waiting room while Dr. Mombo was found. She came out to greet us and then advised us that she had an engagement to speak to the students on the first day back for the new term. She had someone bring me a cup of tea and I read the latest edition of the school’s magazine while John and Susan left to visit John’s grandmother who is nearing 100 years of age.
There was an interesting reprint of a speech (2003) by the first woman to graduate from St. Paul’s, Deaconess Mildred Owani from Uganda. I was still reading the magazine when Dr. Mombo returned to call on me.
Another example of God’s timing. Had we been on time, I would have had 45 minutes with Dr. Mombo max. As it turned out we had to cut things short because I knew John would be outside waiting on me.
It turns out that she was at GC 2006 in Columbus when Katherine Jefferts Shori was elected presiding bishop. She noticed less rancor at the 2009 convention, which she correctly connected to the loss of more conservative members of the church. She was denied approval to attend, but took leave and went on her own resulting in a reprimand upon her return.
I think it best not to mention details of our discussion here in a public forum, but I will say the frank and open conversation was inspiring.
I thanked her for taking the time to see me and for being a true witness of Christ.
Kenya is already beginning to deal with gender issues and where that occurs, LGBT issues are not far behind. I am more convinced than ever of the prophetic role of TEC in these days. I’m proud of that and I must double my efforts to add my voice. I am also more convinced than ever that God is calling me to this ministry of presence, conversation and relationship.
Meeting with Bishop Timothy Ranji Mbuthia: Day 8: Tuesday, 26/1/2010
On our way to Nairobi, we made a few stops to deposit contributions made by the TLS group so that they would have receipts for their contributions. One of those contributions was for an orphanage operated by the Anglican Diocese of Mt. Kenya South. The diocesan offices are located in Kiambu.
Since the accountant had stepped away, we had a chance to visit with some of the staff including Bishop Mbuthia. Turns out he is an avid mountain climber and uses this as a way to raise funds for diocesan youth ministries. (Perhaps this is a fund raising idea for St. Luke’s High School Youth Group?:-))
John made introductions and we had a short visit. There was nothing exceptional about the visit except that I must say that every time I as a gay priest in The Episcopal Church feel humbled and honored. Now that is not to say I came out to the bishop, but he knew that I was a representative of TEC. The cordial hospitality I receive everywhere I go in spite of the media focus on issues of disagreement continues to tell me that this work on the ground is a ministry. The loud voices that we keep hearing speaking doom and gloom and division are not the only voices and I dare say not truly representative. Is there ever one voice that speaks for all?
I had decided purposely that I would not ask for anyone’s card while here, thinking it better if it were voluntarily offered. We had the normal handshakes and goodbyes and started down the hallway when the bishop caught up with us to hand me his card as he said, “You forgot something.” In fact, he hadn’t given it to me before. So in this case, it seems clear that he definitely wanted me to have it. One more contact and one more opportunity to reach out again once I return to the U.S.
For one or two of you (you know who you are) who I so often must remind, I’ll say it again, “Good is good!” I know you’re laughing as you read this!
Saying Goodbye to the TLS Group: Day 8: Tuesday, 26/1/2010
Today was the day I was glad I was not on the Kenyan Safari class trip because they are heading back to the U.S. and I still have a week and a half in Kenya!
John, Benson (the catechist at Thika Memorial Parish) and I travelled to Nairobi today to see off the group. Since the church bus would be returning to Thika, rather than drive in we traveled by matatu (this is a 14 passenger minivan – this is not a larger minivan that we are used to it just means they put twice as many people in it!). We had several transfer points and being 6’5” I felt like I was getting in and out of sardine cans. This was not a new experience for me as I traveled by matatu last year as well. It is part of experiencing the day to day life of the people who live here. I will say my knees were not the better for the wear and tear today!
Ironically, Michael was finally being reunited with his luggage after having been without it for two weeks. He was glad that he could actually share the gifts he had brought for John and his family.
After seeing them off at the terminal, we boarded the church bus and headed home for a late dinner. I must say that after the matatu it seemed we were traveling in luxury!
John, Benson (the catechist at Thika Memorial Parish) and I travelled to Nairobi today to see off the group. Since the church bus would be returning to Thika, rather than drive in we traveled by matatu (this is a 14 passenger minivan – this is not a larger minivan that we are used to it just means they put twice as many people in it!). We had several transfer points and being 6’5” I felt like I was getting in and out of sardine cans. This was not a new experience for me as I traveled by matatu last year as well. It is part of experiencing the day to day life of the people who live here. I will say my knees were not the better for the wear and tear today!
Ironically, Michael was finally being reunited with his luggage after having been without it for two weeks. He was glad that he could actually share the gifts he had brought for John and his family.
After seeing them off at the terminal, we boarded the church bus and headed home for a late dinner. I must say that after the matatu it seemed we were traveling in luxury!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
My Family in Kenya
I was paid a high compliment today by a church elder who said I wasn't like other white men he had met. He said I was a Kenyan!
What can I say? I have family here!
Women are ordained priests in Kenya: Day 7: Monday, 25/1/2010
They also face a lot of obstacles in their ministry. They are not accepted by many they are called to serve. Because of their leadership role in the church, they often find it difficult to marry. It is even true that some women don’t approve.
Sound like anything we’ve experience in The Episcopal Church (TEC)? Let us not forget that until only recently, we had dioceses in our own church that wouldn’t even ordain women.
I am interested to hear firsthand a bit more about this experience in the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK). I am scheduled to meet with Joyce next Tuesday. I met her last year while she was serving as one of the canons at the cathedral. Now she is serving in her own parish as rector.
Women have always been vital in the work of the Church. I pray that the Church quickly respects the dignity of every human being including the women who serve it so faithfully.
Sound like anything we’ve experience in The Episcopal Church (TEC)? Let us not forget that until only recently, we had dioceses in our own church that wouldn’t even ordain women.
I am interested to hear firsthand a bit more about this experience in the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK). I am scheduled to meet with Joyce next Tuesday. I met her last year while she was serving as one of the canons at the cathedral. Now she is serving in her own parish as rector.
Women have always been vital in the work of the Church. I pray that the Church quickly respects the dignity of every human being including the women who serve it so faithfully.
A Surprise Trip to Philadelphia in the Middle of my Time in Kenya: Day 7: Monday, 25/1/2010
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Well if you really believed that, I have to burst your bubble. There is a retreat and conference center in Kenya called Philadelphia. It was started just a few years ago on the farm of now retired Archbishop David Gitari. By John’s account, he is revered in Kenya with a character similar to that of Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa.
We met briefly with the archbishop who I sensed had a very conciliatory attitude towards the current strife in the Anglican Communion. When I was introduced to the archbishop, he asked, “Are you an Episcopalian.” I answered, “Yes.” He then said, “We are Anglicans. We are all the same.” This made a memorable impression on me. He presented me with his card at the end of our visit and I intend to correspond with him when I return home.
The center is designed after a traditional Kikuyu village. It was a beautiful place. I envision taking those who accompany me to Kenya next year there for a couple day orientation and retreat to begin our mission.
What exactly is prayer?: Day 7: Monday, 25/1/2010
Well if I have to answer that exactly, I’m afraid I can’t. It surely isn’t just one thing or done in one way. I will tell you what prayer was for me this morning as I lay in bed before getting up. I was mostly feeling. There were few words. As I lay picturing my journey to Kenya and the possibilities for ministry here that the Lord may be calling me to I was more focused on my feelings. I was experiencing a whole range of emotions as I tried to figure things out.
I was all at once very aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit as I began to question why I had spent all of this energy without uttering a prayer. It was then that I realized I had been praying all along. It wasn’t I that had initiated the prayer, it was the Holy Spirit. We had been having a mostly wordless conversation speaking through emotions.
If we surrender ourselves to God, our whole life can be a prayer.
I was all at once very aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit as I began to question why I had spent all of this energy without uttering a prayer. It was then that I realized I had been praying all along. It wasn’t I that had initiated the prayer, it was the Holy Spirit. We had been having a mostly wordless conversation speaking through emotions.
If we surrender ourselves to God, our whole life can be a prayer.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Apologies for My Absense
Sorry I've been away from the blog. I used up all of John's internet credit the other night and we just bought more and loaded them this evening. One of the disadvantages to not having unlimited usage for a flat price.
I've just posted some more blog entries. I hope you will check them out. There is lot's more to come. I'm just a few days behind!
I've just posted some more blog entries. I hope you will check them out. There is lot's more to come. I'm just a few days behind!
A Prayer for Ben: Day 6: Sunday, 24/1/2010
I met Ben today. He is John’s nephew. Ben’s father (John’s brother-in-law) was brutally murdered in December as he was assaulted on his way home from work. The official mourning period is over, but the family still struggles to cope with their new reality. John’s sister now runs the family business while trying to raise her three children as a single mother. I could see Ben’s sadness on his face even as he played with his cousins George and Sarah.
Will you join me in keeping Ben and his family in your prayers and the many others in similar circumstances? May we reach out to them in the name of Christ as their brothers and sisters.
Will you join me in keeping Ben and his family in your prayers and the many others in similar circumstances? May we reach out to them in the name of Christ as their brothers and sisters.
Coming to America: Day 6: Sunday, 24/1/2010
Today we worshiped at St. Matthew’s Juga. It was the Kenyan version of Morning Prayer with lots of music and preaching and thanksgiving for a very important family in the parish that was successful in the “green card” lottery. They depart for America on February 4 (the same day I leave, but on a different flight). Three hours in all, not bad for Morning Prayer!
I was asked to say the prayers of intersession (there were no communal responses – similar to what we do in Rite I, but without a composed text), to say the prayer over the offering and at the appropriate time to introduce myself.
There were musical presentations by the Mother’s Union, the men’s group, the choirs and the various youth groups. Then there was a second offering that was presented to the family. The family sat up front as members of the congregation processed forward to say their goodbyes, offer thanks for the family’s service to the community (the father was the vice chairman of the parish council and the wife was the leader of the Mother’s Union) and to offer some token of monetary support for the family’s resettlement in America.
I discovered that there are a considerable number of people here that have registered for the “green card” lottery. I suppose that shouldn’t surprise me. America is highly respected here and is seen as the land of opportunity just as it was for many of our ancestors, though of course this was not the case for the first Africans to come to our shores. What surprised me was the level of excitement and support this family received. The congregation was joining in the joy and excitement of the departing family even though they were losing family members, friends and a good deal of leadership as a result. Part of the service also reinforced the continuing relationship between those departing and those remaining. In reality, as is often the case, these close ties will probably be broken within a generation or two.
They are relocating to Alabama. The road ahead in the land of promise will not be an easy one. The degrees earned by the parents will not likely be recognized and according to my friend John, most who immigrate must work in lower paid jobs despite their level of education. Arriving in February well into the school year, I wonder how the children will adjust to new schools.
There will be difficult cultural adjustments for this family. The African American experience will not be their own, though they will likely be labeled as such. They will have an accent more British than American. They will be subjected to racial discrimination that they have not experienced before. They will struggle to maintain their identity as Kenyans living in America, even as they most likely dream of citizenship some day.
Will they be able to then maintain a cultural identity as Kenyan Americans or will they be lumped into one large category? We never hear the term European Americans. Descendants from Europe often maintain some measure of their cultural identities. Understandably, most African Americans have no specific national roots because this was largely lost as a result of slavery.
We now see in our larger cities some measure of cultural identity among immigrants from African nations. We should resist the temptation to criticize them as being aloof or from becoming “truly American.” We should also celebrate their cultural identity. We are a stronger nation when we celebrate our diversity in the midst of our common identity as Americans.
Though it was a few days before their departure from Kenya, I was the first American to welcome them to America. Will you join me in welcoming them and all immigrants to our shores? Our welcome will be a blessing to them as they bring countless blessings to us.
I was asked to say the prayers of intersession (there were no communal responses – similar to what we do in Rite I, but without a composed text), to say the prayer over the offering and at the appropriate time to introduce myself.
There were musical presentations by the Mother’s Union, the men’s group, the choirs and the various youth groups. Then there was a second offering that was presented to the family. The family sat up front as members of the congregation processed forward to say their goodbyes, offer thanks for the family’s service to the community (the father was the vice chairman of the parish council and the wife was the leader of the Mother’s Union) and to offer some token of monetary support for the family’s resettlement in America.
I discovered that there are a considerable number of people here that have registered for the “green card” lottery. I suppose that shouldn’t surprise me. America is highly respected here and is seen as the land of opportunity just as it was for many of our ancestors, though of course this was not the case for the first Africans to come to our shores. What surprised me was the level of excitement and support this family received. The congregation was joining in the joy and excitement of the departing family even though they were losing family members, friends and a good deal of leadership as a result. Part of the service also reinforced the continuing relationship between those departing and those remaining. In reality, as is often the case, these close ties will probably be broken within a generation or two.
They are relocating to Alabama. The road ahead in the land of promise will not be an easy one. The degrees earned by the parents will not likely be recognized and according to my friend John, most who immigrate must work in lower paid jobs despite their level of education. Arriving in February well into the school year, I wonder how the children will adjust to new schools.
There will be difficult cultural adjustments for this family. The African American experience will not be their own, though they will likely be labeled as such. They will have an accent more British than American. They will be subjected to racial discrimination that they have not experienced before. They will struggle to maintain their identity as Kenyans living in America, even as they most likely dream of citizenship some day.
Will they be able to then maintain a cultural identity as Kenyan Americans or will they be lumped into one large category? We never hear the term European Americans. Descendants from Europe often maintain some measure of their cultural identities. Understandably, most African Americans have no specific national roots because this was largely lost as a result of slavery.
We now see in our larger cities some measure of cultural identity among immigrants from African nations. We should resist the temptation to criticize them as being aloof or from becoming “truly American.” We should also celebrate their cultural identity. We are a stronger nation when we celebrate our diversity in the midst of our common identity as Americans.
Though it was a few days before their departure from Kenya, I was the first American to welcome them to America. Will you join me in welcoming them and all immigrants to our shores? Our welcome will be a blessing to them as they bring countless blessings to us.
Happy Valentine’s Day!: Day 5: Saturday, 23/1/2010
I will never see a dozen roses in quite the same way again. (Not that I’ve received any for a number of years!) Today we joined up with the group from Trinity Lutheran Seminary on a bus ride through the Rift Valley to Naivasha Lake. In route we stopped at one of many rose farms in Kenya. The one we stopped at was actually one of the smaller ones according to the tour guide and it was 10 acres. That’s 10 acres under cover as they are all grown in greenhouses that are scientifically controlled for temperature, moisture and nutrients. Imagine roses as far as you could see! There was an elaborate computerized system that regulated water flow, chemical mixtures etc. All of the runoff water was recycled back into the system. It was a marvel to behold.
So roses are a great cash crop for Kenya, to use my friend’s terms, part of the two-thirds world. (I remember in high school debate using the terms, underdeveloped or less developed and now two-thirds world. I dislike these terms while granting the reality they try to present. But I don’t see the world in purely economic terms. I see us all as children of God and equal in God’s eyes. In some ways, perhaps we in the U.S. and the developed world are not as developed (morally or spiritually) as we think we are.
Roses are a cash crop. Jobs are provided. Many of the workers earn around Ksh 5000 or $67 per month. There seems to me to be some injustice when we will pay $20 or more for a dozen roses this Valentine’s Day and the workers responsible for growing those roses earn so little. They are earning barely $2/day.
To add insult to injury, we were each given a dozen roses as we left the tour! In U.S. terms we were given more than the workers earn in a week.
I don’t have easy answers to the questions I raise. It will take all of us, but first we have to be made aware of the problem. We can’t deal in theory; we need to be made aware of the reality of economic injustice. We need to hear people’s stories. We need to educate ourselves and open our wills and hearts to how the Holy Spirit might lead us to make a difference.
This year, you might consider the theme of economic justice for your Lenten devotion and discipline.
So roses are a great cash crop for Kenya, to use my friend’s terms, part of the two-thirds world. (I remember in high school debate using the terms, underdeveloped or less developed and now two-thirds world. I dislike these terms while granting the reality they try to present. But I don’t see the world in purely economic terms. I see us all as children of God and equal in God’s eyes. In some ways, perhaps we in the U.S. and the developed world are not as developed (morally or spiritually) as we think we are.
Roses are a cash crop. Jobs are provided. Many of the workers earn around Ksh 5000 or $67 per month. There seems to me to be some injustice when we will pay $20 or more for a dozen roses this Valentine’s Day and the workers responsible for growing those roses earn so little. They are earning barely $2/day.
To add insult to injury, we were each given a dozen roses as we left the tour! In U.S. terms we were given more than the workers earn in a week.
I don’t have easy answers to the questions I raise. It will take all of us, but first we have to be made aware of the problem. We can’t deal in theory; we need to be made aware of the reality of economic injustice. We need to hear people’s stories. We need to educate ourselves and open our wills and hearts to how the Holy Spirit might lead us to make a difference.
This year, you might consider the theme of economic justice for your Lenten devotion and discipline.
Esther Mombo’s Email: Day 4: Friday, 22/1/2010
I almost met Esther this past summer at General Convention. She was a guest of Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies. Both her and Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Shori invited friends from around the communion to be a part of General Convention.
While I was away from the Integrity booth, Esther stopped by. The Nerve Center (Integrity’s operating hub during convention) was able to secure contact information, but she was leaving that same day for Kenya. I chose not to attempt a last minute meeting, but rather simply sent an email saying that I was sorry to have missed her and hoping that we could meet when I returned to Kenya in January. Within a few days, I received a gracious reply inviting me to do just that.
Well now I’m here in Kenya. I sent an email right before I left the U.S. telling her that I was coming. Today, I received a reply telling me to call on Monday to arrange a meeting time. John will do that today. She and John know each other. I wonder how they will react to conversation that might ensue. Could I build a bridge or is it a risk for both of them? Perhaps the conversation should be just between her and me. I don’t know.
There is a delicate balance in this bridge making business. There must be and is a genuine interest in collaborating in the ministry here to the poorest of the poor. There must also be an openness to engage in the dialogue called for at Lambeth 1998 concerning the life of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people (I’m not sure of the exact language, but I think it used homosexuals – normally I would check this out before posting, but the internet connection is so slow here) in the life of the Church. The concern is that these two things could jeopardize each other and yet somehow my purpose as best as I can determine is to engage in both.
I can do no better that to trust God and follow the Holy Spirit’s lead as best I can. I can also ask for your prayers and do!
While I was away from the Integrity booth, Esther stopped by. The Nerve Center (Integrity’s operating hub during convention) was able to secure contact information, but she was leaving that same day for Kenya. I chose not to attempt a last minute meeting, but rather simply sent an email saying that I was sorry to have missed her and hoping that we could meet when I returned to Kenya in January. Within a few days, I received a gracious reply inviting me to do just that.
Well now I’m here in Kenya. I sent an email right before I left the U.S. telling her that I was coming. Today, I received a reply telling me to call on Monday to arrange a meeting time. John will do that today. She and John know each other. I wonder how they will react to conversation that might ensue. Could I build a bridge or is it a risk for both of them? Perhaps the conversation should be just between her and me. I don’t know.
There is a delicate balance in this bridge making business. There must be and is a genuine interest in collaborating in the ministry here to the poorest of the poor. There must also be an openness to engage in the dialogue called for at Lambeth 1998 concerning the life of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people (I’m not sure of the exact language, but I think it used homosexuals – normally I would check this out before posting, but the internet connection is so slow here) in the life of the Church. The concern is that these two things could jeopardize each other and yet somehow my purpose as best as I can determine is to engage in both.
I can do no better that to trust God and follow the Holy Spirit’s lead as best I can. I can also ask for your prayers and do!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Cooking with Susan and Tom - Day 4: Friday, 22/1/2010
Susan and I are spending a good amount of time together in the kitchen. (I really wish Abby were here with her apron! She just might be next time as she has expressed some interest in traveling here with me next year!) With George (my nephew, the promising photographer) taking pictures as we cook, we’ve come up with an idea for a show on the Food Chanel! With the right blend of Kenyan and American cuisine and a bit of comedy, it might just be a hit.
She has taught me to make two versions of beef stew, one called a Meat and Vegetable Stew as well as Green Banana Stew. We’ve also made chapates. My first American meal to prepare was a classic: hamburgers, fries (chips) and genuine Coca Cola! My next meal with be Apple Cider Stew together with (ugali that she will teach me to prepare since we don’t have an oven to make cornbread) and banana splits. We are taking notes and adding recipes to our repertoire. John and George are enjoying everything and we’re having a ball.
She has taught me to make two versions of beef stew, one called a Meat and Vegetable Stew as well as Green Banana Stew. We’ve also made chapates. My first American meal to prepare was a classic: hamburgers, fries (chips) and genuine Coca Cola! My next meal with be Apple Cider Stew together with (ugali that she will teach me to prepare since we don’t have an oven to make cornbread) and banana splits. We are taking notes and adding recipes to our repertoire. John and George are enjoying everything and we’re having a ball.
ACK Thika Diocese Salary and Benefit Package, Day 3: Thursday, 21/1/2010
John left this document out on the desk as he left my room (which is also his office) this evening. I was sure it was for me to peruse and so I did. I was curious to see what my salary would be if I were serving in the Diocese of Thika. Well if you’re trying to get rich . . . well don’t work for the church anywhere, but let’s just say I shouldn’t complain about my residency compensation package!
I figure my benefit package after three years of experience would be approximately 30,630. No I didn’t for get to add the dollar sign; I forgot to add Ksh for Kenyan schillings.
Ksh 30,630 is approximately $455/mo. Then there is a parish provided house and a very small medical reimbursement plan.
Why do I still feel drawn to this place? Why do I consider the possibility of investigating mission opportunity here? I can only say the Lord is calling me to wrestle with it all. I wonder, where my discernment will lead me?
The opening line of the next day’s morning prayer began: “I will give you as a light to the nations that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” That certainly woke me up!
I figure my benefit package after three years of experience would be approximately 30,630. No I didn’t for get to add the dollar sign; I forgot to add Ksh for Kenyan schillings.
Ksh 30,630 is approximately $455/mo. Then there is a parish provided house and a very small medical reimbursement plan.
Why do I still feel drawn to this place? Why do I consider the possibility of investigating mission opportunity here? I can only say the Lord is calling me to wrestle with it all. I wonder, where my discernment will lead me?
The opening line of the next day’s morning prayer began: “I will give you as a light to the nations that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” That certainly woke me up!
Gift Giving - Day 3: Thursday, 21/1/2010
Our true gift of love keeps on giving. It is expressed symbolically in the giving of gifts. Each gift was received with a special joy. Marci’s eyes lit up with the gift of the baby quilts. George’s favorites were the yo-yo, which he had just recently seen on TV and the sweets all 20 lbs. of them! In the days since, we have begun learning the games I brought. We’ve just about mastered Yahtzee. Susan enjoyed the quilted hanging and the stained glass sun catcher (and was saddened when it fell from the window the following day and broke), but it can be replaced. John was especially moved by the communion set for home or hospital visits. I received two for ordination and decided to share one with him.
They have given me a new family and wonderful love felt hospitality on two visits now. John’s gift of friendship that has never wavered, but has only grown stronger since I came out, is a gift that brings me to tears every time I think about it. We are modeling in our friendship what we pray our churches can do within the Anglican Communion. We are giving a witness to the whole world.
They have given me a new family and wonderful love felt hospitality on two visits now. John’s gift of friendship that has never wavered, but has only grown stronger since I came out, is a gift that brings me to tears every time I think about it. We are modeling in our friendship what we pray our churches can do within the Anglican Communion. We are giving a witness to the whole world.
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