Mother Susan's Recommended Book Heaven, edited by Roger Ferlo As I started preparing for an upcoming sermon next month that deals with the afterlife, I became motivated to tackle the unknown realm of “Heaven." What will it be like? How do we even begin to imagine it? Do I need to fear that I might be excluded? I feel like I am in good company at wondering about all of that... So - beyond praying and meditating upon what I would like to convey in my sermon on the 10th of Nov, I also went to this amazing book that I purchased while in Seminary. Professor Ferlo - the editor was one of my teachers and priest at seminary. I highly recommend this book. It's actually a compilation of short essays by fairly well known Episcopal priests (mostly) who help flesh out some of their own wondering. It includes essays by Barbara Brown Taylor, Phyllis Tickle, Alan Jones, Barbara Crafton, Martin Smith and Malcolm Boyd. Every one of these short essays leaves me feeling hopeful. What a great Christmas or Thanksgiving Day gift for someone who doesn't have a lot of time to read - but wants some substance and wonder in their day. This book offers hope and perspective. God is so gracious - to give us life, and more life. Nick's book recommendation: This Far by Grace It's probably no surprise that after I arrived in Pensacola my family and I BY GRACE began all of the things you do to set up shop in a place: buy a house, find the grocery store, find a doctor, a dentist, an optometrist, etc. And always, there were the questions, "What brings you down here?" and "O, where do you work at?" At the time, I was surprised A Bishop's Journey by just how many people knew of St. Christopher's, the Episcopal Through Questions About Homosexuality Church, and the theological work the church at large had done in the past twenty years. For instance, in the dentist office Teresa was J. Neil Alexander speaking about St. Christopher's and then seemingly out of nowhere was asked about Gene Robinson by her hygienist! That says something to me. What I was not prepared for, however, was that folks genuinely expected our interpretation in return to their questions about the church's stance on sensitive matters such as sexuality. These kinds of conversations got me to thinking about where people are theologically in their understanding of Grace and sexuality in our parish. So, we thought it would be helpful to offer a Faith Forum that helps us think about what scripture says on the matter. I highly recommend Neil's book. In this thoughtful and timely book, as Bishop Alexander (Dean of the School of the Theology at the University of the South) explores his journey through the theological, scriptural, and pastoral aspects of the questions surrounding homosexuality and the Christian faith. As the former Bishop of Atlanta, I find his story fascinating and I hope you will too, should you be asked to give an account of the hope that is within you. The sacrament of baptism is an opportunity for joy, power, and a deep connection with tradition. These 3 short videos follow the Gregory family as they navigate the process of preparing their young daughter, Anna, for baptism. Watch as they discover the beautiful reason why we baptize, create lifelong relationships with the community of believers on this journey with them, and connect with the ancient history of God’s presence through this outward sacrament of inner grace. Watch the videos... Throughout the world this past week, churches held special services for the blessing of animals. People young and old brought their pets to the service to have them prayed over and blessed. When I have had the honor to help at these services, I have blessed beloved dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, fish, and even a few stuffed animals that children lovingly brought with them to church. I have friends who have blessed horses, cows, goats, rats, and snakes! Read more... Mother Susan's Book Recommendation: You Are the Beloved: Daily Meditations for Spiritual Living, By Henri J. M. Nouwen This daily devotional book is a compilation of Henri Nouwen's wisdom over a life-time. Truly - it is balm for the soul. Like Henri's "Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith," this book also contains focused nuggets of lifegiving truth. Most mornings - as I read these half-page reflections, I am not only reminded of my own Belovedness by God, but feel like Henri's given me glimpses through a compassionate lens to 'see' as God does. He speaks about faith, love and death in ways that resonate with my heart and allow me to carry a blessing into my day to share with others. This book makes a great personal companion near your Prayer Chair for daily devotions. The good news is - you can also receive these daily devotions by email for no charge at https://henrinouwen.org. Father Nick's Book Recommendation: Walking in Wonder: Eternal Wisdom for a Modern World by John O'Donohue In October, St. Christopher's will be hosting a Godly Play workshop for the Southeast region of the United States. As part of our program we will feature a John O'Donohue presentation on some of the theology present in Jerome Berryman's work. Finding examples in Berryman's writings on the subject of “wonder" has proved to be a very edifying as well as pleasing experience. O'Donohue's work on the other hand, albeit an indirect analog, is quite complementary to Berryman's in a variety of ways. In particular, O'Donohue's theology of “wonder" complements Berryman so well that I felt the need to share it will all of my Godly Play friends here. O'Donohue says that "wonder has a sister and her name is compassion." I think that is such a rich theological statement and worthy, so worthy, of discussion here for the many ways you all remain compelled to "walk in love" with one another. An Episcopal seminary in Virginia has announced plans to create a $1.7 million endowment fund whose proceeds will support reparations for the school’s ties to slavery. Virginia Theological Seminary said in a Thursday (Sept. 5) statement that enslaved persons worked on its campus and the school “participated in segregation” after the end of slavery. Read the article... Mother Susan's Recommendation Abide - Keeping Vigil with the Word of God, by Sister Abide Macrina Wiederkehr. Keeping Vigil with the Word of God Each morning and throughout the day, we have the privilege of offering God both our 'priestly' and 'affective' prayers. Praying the Daily Offices (Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer or Compline), is priestly prayer which benefits us, the pray-er - but this type of prayer is principally offered, with and for the welfare of others around the world. Saying the Daily Office is our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving - where we remember our place in the Created order - and thank God for all his many graces, guidance and protection. But the sweetness of affective prayer is when we take the time to get intimate with God, and allow our heart space to hear him tell us - "I love you." Recently, I'm enjoying this book, "Abide." It helps me pray over a single verse of scripture, and open heart-space for Jesus to minister to my soul. The book is composed of short (2-3 page) reflections of a scripture verse, with some reflection questions and a prayer to close out your prayer time. Sister Macrina (a Benedictine nun for over 50 years) invites us to rest in the sanctuary of God's heart. I am finding it a wonderful, soul-nurturing, life-long bedside book... Father Nick's Book Recommendation: The Heart of the World by Thomas Keeting Tis the season of catechesis here at St. Christopher's. While the catechism found in the back of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer is fundamental to the teaching of the Episcopal Church, I have found that Keating's book The Heart of the World is an excellent companion. While the new subtitle of the book reads, “An Introduction to Contemplative Christianity," its original subtitle was, "A Spiritual Catechism." I found that reading Keating's book offered me a unique experience. It allowed me to explore subjects within our catechism such as: sacrifice, redemption, salvation, faith, and prayer through a contemplative lens as well as through a scholastic one. Our Christian heritage contains such a rich contemplative wisdom that it would be a shame if we did not include it in our catechesis. So, I encourage you to explore contemplative Christinity's literature Revered by the leaders of the civil rights movement for his mysticism, not his activism, and for his pastoral presence, not his political strategy, theologian Howard Thurman is to many people a somewhat perplexing figure in American religious life. A man committed above all to prayer and spiritual discipline, he was a key inspirational figure for Martin Luther King Jr. Read the article... Susan's Book Recommendation: Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices This is a fabulous read & reference for every Episcopalian. I highly encourage you to get it! For the second year in a row, this is the book we will use for the “Back to the Basics" class during our August - October Faith Forums. We will order 10 copies for people who want to purchase them from the church at a reduced rate of $15. This is a wonderful guide for newcomers and longtime members, alike. The thing I like about this book, is that it's not just the facts around the subjects of the sacraments, prayer or liturgy - but rather it offers real spiritual grist and encouragement for those of us who long to be in closer relationship with the TriuneGod, who loves us so! For parents, grandparents or God-parents, this is a book to know about as you encourage your beloved to "Walk in Love!" Nick's Book Recommendation: Galore, by Michael Crumey On our trip to Newfoundland Teresa and I took the chance to visit the Anglican Cathedral for evening prayer when we first arrived. There, we met a young postulant who gave us a fantastic brief of things we should see while we were in town and more to the point, books we should read as well. Among them was this one, Galore, by Michael Crumey - himself a native Newfoundlander. I couldn't resist this intro: "When a whale beaches itself on the shore of the remote coastal town of Paradise Deep, the last thing any of the townspeople expect to find inside it is a man, silent and reeking of fish, but remarkably alive. The discovery of this mysterious person, soon christened Judah, sets the town scrambling for answers as its most prominent citizens weigh in on whether he is man or beast, blessing or curse, miracle or demon." One thinks of Jonah, yes? Sprawling and intimate, stark and fantastical, Galore is a novel about the power of stories and how they ultimately shape and sustain us. This article by Vincent Harding is well written and addresses our Lenten study on how Howard Thurman’s role differed from many of the other Civil Rights Leaders. Different - and yet so important. It equally highlights how King’s committed leadership, bravery and activism were also so necessary to achieve greater equality for all. The quotes in this article are rich. Makes me proud to be an American; motivated to journey toward our best selves as a nation of diverse people. Susan… Read the article... How is the Episcopal Church looking at the Border Crisis? This article was helpful for me in understanding how Episcopalians on the border are viewing and responding to the growing humanitarian crisis at our southern border. Bishop Hunn’s faithful responses to the Canadian reporter’s questions helps frame the situation in a Christian perspective, and clarifies the terms used to categorize various kinds of people seeking to cross our borders (i.e.: asylum seekers, refugees, immigrants and illegal aliens). He also offers ways to become more informed on what the Diocese of the Rio Grande is doing and how others can assist their diocese in dealing with this escalating crisis. Susan…+ Read the article |
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January 2021
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