It’s no news that folks are hurting these days, as are many of their congregations. Clergy suffer doubly, because they need to pastor their parishioners who are unemployed, “de-leveraged” or afraid while simultaneously trying to figure out how to balance the church budget. Income is down; costs continue to rise. It’s not pretty.
The Episcopal Church is offering several resources than may be helpful. Their web site includes a page on Responses to Troubled Times - a collection of examples and resources that clergy may find helpful. You can find it here; if you read nothing else, check out the “Enron example.”
The Stewardship page also contains a well-done print brochure (you can download the PDF and print ‘em off) on stewardship in hard times. It offers a reflective strategy that can be helpful in guiding folks through the inevitable re-prioritizing that a job loss entails. You can find it here.
We will include links to these resources on the parish resources section of the Diocesan web site.
One more note... my apologies for having been very quiet of late. Postings should be more frequent from here on out.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Emmanuel - God With Us
I have been absent from this blog for too long. Along with a promise to be more diligent in the new year, I want to reprise a bit of verse from last year—mostly because what was important last Christmas remains important this Christmas.
Emanuel – God with us
With the children who are anticipating their first Christmas
And the families who will share their joy
And the families who will be apart
And those which are torn apart.
With those who are with friends
And those who are alone
And those who are alone, even with friends
With the parents who are too busy to see the wonder
And the parents who care for children
And the parents who fail to care for children
And the parents who care for parents.
With those whose joys are memories, and whose futures are uncertain
And those who love them and watch them decline
And with those who grieve over their losses
And – especially – with those who do not know that God is with them…
Blessed Christmas to us all
Emanuel – God with us
With the children who are anticipating their first Christmas
And the families who will share their joy
And the families who will be apart
And those which are torn apart.
With those who are with friends
And those who are alone
And those who are alone, even with friends
With the parents who are too busy to see the wonder
And the parents who care for children
And the parents who fail to care for children
And the parents who care for parents.
With those whose joys are memories, and whose futures are uncertain
And those who love them and watch them decline
And with those who grieve over their losses
And – especially – with those who do not know that God is with them…
Blessed Christmas to us all
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Making All Things New...
This past Sunday was interesting. I spent the afternoon doing a little praying about the good people of St. Mary’s, Williamsport, who were celebrating their final eucharist before closing that parish. I’m delighted to hear that the pews were full, though the current congregation numbers only a half dozen or so souls.
At the same time, I was sorting through the photos that the Diocese received over the summer... images that illustrate the diocese we are today. There were shots of teams working to rebuild in Mississippi, visitors to Brazil; bishops at Lambeth; a number of local parish events; young people on mission trips, at summer camp, and at the national EYE conference in San Antonio. You can see them all from the “summer photo album” link on the diocesan web site here.
It is worth noting that there are new ministries afoot in Williamsport as well. They are the first fruits of a long process of rediscovery that the clergy and people there have crafted. It’s a slow process, but it’s happening.
Why does it matter? It matters because the rumors of our demise are, for the most part, untrue. Church, done successfully, is far more than how many fill the pews on Sundays. Church is about being God’s community when we’re out in the community, and we’re discovering that it can be really good evangelism as well. It’s not a new model; in fact, it’s the original model. It worked for the Disciples; it might work here, too.
At the same time, I was sorting through the photos that the Diocese received over the summer... images that illustrate the diocese we are today. There were shots of teams working to rebuild in Mississippi, visitors to Brazil; bishops at Lambeth; a number of local parish events; young people on mission trips, at summer camp, and at the national EYE conference in San Antonio. You can see them all from the “summer photo album” link on the diocesan web site here.
It is worth noting that there are new ministries afoot in Williamsport as well. They are the first fruits of a long process of rediscovery that the clergy and people there have crafted. It’s a slow process, but it’s happening.
Why does it matter? It matters because the rumors of our demise are, for the most part, untrue. Church, done successfully, is far more than how many fill the pews on Sundays. Church is about being God’s community when we’re out in the community, and we’re discovering that it can be really good evangelism as well. It’s not a new model; in fact, it’s the original model. It worked for the Disciples; it might work here, too.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Meanwhile, Back at Home...
Summer is nearly over, and with its end comes the inevitable, “What next?” Before turning the page on another season, though, it’s worth noting that over the past few months - while our clerical Big Guns were preparing for, experiencing, and reporting on the events of Lambeth 2008 - life went on.
That’s not to say that the work of bishops isn’t important; it’s vital. But a wise friend of mine likes to remark that ministry, like politics, is mostly local.
So, while the prelates did their business, our local parishes were conducting work projects - both here and in places like Mississippi and Virginia. Children were attending VBS sessions whose themes varied around the compass. (First prize to the Rev. Robyn Szoke at St. John’s, Carlisle, for a VBS - complete with armor - on a King Arthur theme.) Parishes were running outreach projects for those in need of all ages. Kids went to summer camp, and teens to conferences. Congregations were planning new ventures for fall, redesigning parish newsletters, welcoming new rectors, fixing the steeple, and a host of other events.
Some of it was new and wonderful; much was just as it usually is. But it’s what we do, and it’s all important. We should not forget that.
That’s not to say that the work of bishops isn’t important; it’s vital. But a wise friend of mine likes to remark that ministry, like politics, is mostly local.
So, while the prelates did their business, our local parishes were conducting work projects - both here and in places like Mississippi and Virginia. Children were attending VBS sessions whose themes varied around the compass. (First prize to the Rev. Robyn Szoke at St. John’s, Carlisle, for a VBS - complete with armor - on a King Arthur theme.) Parishes were running outreach projects for those in need of all ages. Kids went to summer camp, and teens to conferences. Congregations were planning new ventures for fall, redesigning parish newsletters, welcoming new rectors, fixing the steeple, and a host of other events.
Some of it was new and wonderful; much was just as it usually is. But it’s what we do, and it’s all important. We should not forget that.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Bishop Baxter at Lambeth - August 1
Editor's note:
We are reprinting Bishop Baxter's Lambeth Journal here for those who may be interested in reading it.
Dear Friends in Christ:
It is Friday evening the 1st of August and only two days remain. We have been so busy with meetings, hearings and discussion groups (beside the regular Bible study and worship) that from 7 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. is the schedule of a normal day. We are tired but renewed in the richness of God's gift to us, The Anglican Communion.
Whatever you may be reading in the Press, the overall spirit of this conference is spiritual, respectful, candid and hard-working. Persons who have staunchly different views or feel offended by the other continue to seek out the other individually, as well as in open groups, for apology and reconciliation. Even earnest challenges to change views of the scripture or doctrine are being done with a clear, intentional spirit of respect. There are few who do not honor such spirit of the Conference. The Provinces are clearly not of one mind about same-sex blessing and consecration of bishops in same-sex partnerships. But there is recognition that:
1. Those who bishops who support such ministries are doing so not as a cultural accommodation but with theological and pastoral commitment.
2. The act and manner of the decision (without the courtesy of consultation) to confirm and consecrate the Bishop of New Hampshire has caused serious injury and embarrassment to the evangelism, witness and mission of many churches in other provinces; especially those in predominantly non-Christian counties.
3. That incursions by foreign bishops (taking over churches and ordaining bishops) is not only causing turmoil in the Episcopal Church (beginning years before the consecration of the Bishop of New Hampshire), but is a dangerous precedent for the future of the Anglican Communion.
4. That an Anglican Covenant is needed, that is not punitive but instructive regarding our common commitments to one another; and guiding in how we reach reconciliation when conflict or offense occurs.
Additionally, we spent much time on the role of Bishop in the ministry of the church; in fact more time on these matters than on sexuality. Sessions on the Bishop and: Evangelism, Social Justice, Ecumenism, Ecology and the Environment, Christian Witness in an Interfaith World, Bishop's role in situation of power abuse (including domestic abuse) and interpreting and ministering through the Bible.
Beside these formal sessions we were guided by many rich resources and also elective courses during afternoon sessions with scholars on these subjects and more. But the most powerful experiences have been the hearing the faith witness and powerful stories of bishops and their churches from around the world. This has happened in the daily Bible study groups and the larger daily discussion groups on ministry, and in the powerful worship and preaching.
It is not expected that any decisions will be made at this conference. On the whole (and historically) Lambeth is not designed a decision making body. However, there will be pastoral documents representing the spirit and perspectives of these days. There will also be instructions to both the Windsor Continuation Committee and the Covenant Design Committee. Both bodies have been truly listening to all sides, welcoming insights and guiding us to understand the issues beyond our respective perspectives. What the final outcome will be a year from now, I do not know. However, l believe that the spirit of this Lambeth has helped us all to see a larger whole, have more generous hearts towards one another and is encouraging us all to greater patience in finding the mind of Christ for the whole of the communion.
With your continued prayers, I remain,
A Lambeth Pilgrim
+Nathan
We are reprinting Bishop Baxter's Lambeth Journal here for those who may be interested in reading it.
Dear Friends in Christ:
It is Friday evening the 1st of August and only two days remain. We have been so busy with meetings, hearings and discussion groups (beside the regular Bible study and worship) that from 7 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. is the schedule of a normal day. We are tired but renewed in the richness of God's gift to us, The Anglican Communion.
Whatever you may be reading in the Press, the overall spirit of this conference is spiritual, respectful, candid and hard-working. Persons who have staunchly different views or feel offended by the other continue to seek out the other individually, as well as in open groups, for apology and reconciliation. Even earnest challenges to change views of the scripture or doctrine are being done with a clear, intentional spirit of respect. There are few who do not honor such spirit of the Conference. The Provinces are clearly not of one mind about same-sex blessing and consecration of bishops in same-sex partnerships. But there is recognition that:
1. Those who bishops who support such ministries are doing so not as a cultural accommodation but with theological and pastoral commitment.
2. The act and manner of the decision (without the courtesy of consultation) to confirm and consecrate the Bishop of New Hampshire has caused serious injury and embarrassment to the evangelism, witness and mission of many churches in other provinces; especially those in predominantly non-Christian counties.
3. That incursions by foreign bishops (taking over churches and ordaining bishops) is not only causing turmoil in the Episcopal Church (beginning years before the consecration of the Bishop of New Hampshire), but is a dangerous precedent for the future of the Anglican Communion.
4. That an Anglican Covenant is needed, that is not punitive but instructive regarding our common commitments to one another; and guiding in how we reach reconciliation when conflict or offense occurs.
Additionally, we spent much time on the role of Bishop in the ministry of the church; in fact more time on these matters than on sexuality. Sessions on the Bishop and: Evangelism, Social Justice, Ecumenism, Ecology and the Environment, Christian Witness in an Interfaith World, Bishop's role in situation of power abuse (including domestic abuse) and interpreting and ministering through the Bible.
Beside these formal sessions we were guided by many rich resources and also elective courses during afternoon sessions with scholars on these subjects and more. But the most powerful experiences have been the hearing the faith witness and powerful stories of bishops and their churches from around the world. This has happened in the daily Bible study groups and the larger daily discussion groups on ministry, and in the powerful worship and preaching.
It is not expected that any decisions will be made at this conference. On the whole (and historically) Lambeth is not designed a decision making body. However, there will be pastoral documents representing the spirit and perspectives of these days. There will also be instructions to both the Windsor Continuation Committee and the Covenant Design Committee. Both bodies have been truly listening to all sides, welcoming insights and guiding us to understand the issues beyond our respective perspectives. What the final outcome will be a year from now, I do not know. However, l believe that the spirit of this Lambeth has helped us all to see a larger whole, have more generous hearts towards one another and is encouraging us all to greater patience in finding the mind of Christ for the whole of the communion.
With your continued prayers, I remain,
A Lambeth Pilgrim
+Nathan
Monday, July 28, 2008
Bishop Baxter at Lambeth - July 25
Editor's note:
We are sharing Bishop Baxter's Lambeth Journal for those who may be interested in reading it.
Dear Friends in Christ,
It is Friday the 25th and we are ten days into the conference. Each day begins with a small group bible study which is intense and caring. It seems that this is the case in most of the groups. In my group is the Bishop of Bangladesh. He remembers fondly the days of Companion Diocesan life with Central Pennsylvania. When I mentioned Bishop McNutt, he beamed.
In my Indaba group, which gathers together five bible study groups to discuss critical aspects of "being a bishop", I am blessed to have Bishop Bird of San Paulo. It has also been good for Mary Ellen and me to have occasions to share occasionally outside of the formal settings.
The hard issues of sexuality, scriptural interpretation and authority, the Windsor Report, and the Covenant are being discussed in both the Indaba Groups and in hearings convened by the Continuing Windsor Committee and the Covenant Design Group. There are also short self-select classes during the week by theologians to help us understand and better discuss the deeper theological, biblical and ecclesiastical principles which can enable our discussions. In the last several days the conversations have been increasingly frank, passionate and tough but respectful. I believe that this can be the most important outcome of the conference--coming to know one another. This includes the non-sexuality issues of the challenges of mission and stories faith, some of which are very difficult and courageous. This deepens our respect for those who may strongly disagree with the actions of the Episcopal Church. Conversely, others learning of ministry and mission may help them see the love of Christ in us. I know that we will leave disagreeing on some of the critical issues. But I pray that we will leave saying I disagree with "my brother." Clearly, the conference and our conversations over these days have been about more than sexuality. Great friendships are forming and we are all learning about spiritual leadership (evangelism, social justice and mission).
Thursday (24th) was "London Day." WHAT A DAY!!! All the bishops and their spouses and the conference staff and volunteers were bused to London. Beginning at Parliament Square all 2,000 of us, bearing posters, signs and umbrellas with the Micah Theme, marched to Lambeth Palace for a rally supporting the MDG. We were joined by ecumenical and interfaith representatives of the UK, and members of Parliament. The speaker was Prime Minister Brown. He gave an incredibly inspiring speech and charge to press our Governments and UN Ambassadors to release the funds and resources to accomplish the Goals by 2015. We are now falling behind the endeavor as Governments are not fulfilling their pledges. The march and the rally were a great witness and showed that the Communion is united on God's mission for a new world.
After lunch at Lambeth Palace we were bussed to Buckingham Palace for Tea with the Queen. It was an incredible afternoon in the garden of the palace with the Queen and Prince. A few bishops were selected to greet the Queen and the Prince, others of us were fortunate to glimpse her as they passed gracefully among us. However, the Prince glimpsed Mary Ellen's hat and came over to greet her and then asked about the "poverty bible" I was carrying. After glancing through it for a moment he said with a smile that I should be sure to read it. We were surprised and delighted, as again Mary Ellen's presence afforded me opportunities I did not deserve!
Continue the Conference in your prayers. A spirit of community is emerging. Good things are happening. The pilgrimage is uncertain but God is present.
+Nathan
We are sharing Bishop Baxter's Lambeth Journal for those who may be interested in reading it.
Dear Friends in Christ,
It is Friday the 25th and we are ten days into the conference. Each day begins with a small group bible study which is intense and caring. It seems that this is the case in most of the groups. In my group is the Bishop of Bangladesh. He remembers fondly the days of Companion Diocesan life with Central Pennsylvania. When I mentioned Bishop McNutt, he beamed.
In my Indaba group, which gathers together five bible study groups to discuss critical aspects of "being a bishop", I am blessed to have Bishop Bird of San Paulo. It has also been good for Mary Ellen and me to have occasions to share occasionally outside of the formal settings.
The hard issues of sexuality, scriptural interpretation and authority, the Windsor Report, and the Covenant are being discussed in both the Indaba Groups and in hearings convened by the Continuing Windsor Committee and the Covenant Design Group. There are also short self-select classes during the week by theologians to help us understand and better discuss the deeper theological, biblical and ecclesiastical principles which can enable our discussions. In the last several days the conversations have been increasingly frank, passionate and tough but respectful. I believe that this can be the most important outcome of the conference--coming to know one another. This includes the non-sexuality issues of the challenges of mission and stories faith, some of which are very difficult and courageous. This deepens our respect for those who may strongly disagree with the actions of the Episcopal Church. Conversely, others learning of ministry and mission may help them see the love of Christ in us. I know that we will leave disagreeing on some of the critical issues. But I pray that we will leave saying I disagree with "my brother." Clearly, the conference and our conversations over these days have been about more than sexuality. Great friendships are forming and we are all learning about spiritual leadership (evangelism, social justice and mission).
Thursday (24th) was "London Day." WHAT A DAY!!! All the bishops and their spouses and the conference staff and volunteers were bused to London. Beginning at Parliament Square all 2,000 of us, bearing posters, signs and umbrellas with the Micah Theme, marched to Lambeth Palace for a rally supporting the MDG. We were joined by ecumenical and interfaith representatives of the UK, and members of Parliament. The speaker was Prime Minister Brown. He gave an incredibly inspiring speech and charge to press our Governments and UN Ambassadors to release the funds and resources to accomplish the Goals by 2015. We are now falling behind the endeavor as Governments are not fulfilling their pledges. The march and the rally were a great witness and showed that the Communion is united on God's mission for a new world.
After lunch at Lambeth Palace we were bussed to Buckingham Palace for Tea with the Queen. It was an incredible afternoon in the garden of the palace with the Queen and Prince. A few bishops were selected to greet the Queen and the Prince, others of us were fortunate to glimpse her as they passed gracefully among us. However, the Prince glimpsed Mary Ellen's hat and came over to greet her and then asked about the "poverty bible" I was carrying. After glancing through it for a moment he said with a smile that I should be sure to read it. We were surprised and delighted, as again Mary Ellen's presence afforded me opportunities I did not deserve!
Continue the Conference in your prayers. A spirit of community is emerging. Good things are happening. The pilgrimage is uncertain but God is present.
+Nathan
Monday, July 21, 2008
Bishop Baxter at Lambeth - July 20
Editor's note:
We are sharing Bishop Baxter's Lambeth Journal for those who may be interested in reading it.
July 20, 2008
Dear Friends in Christ,
Today was the formal opening Eucharist of the Lambeth Conference. I can't express how magnificent it was to see approximately 670 bishop--conservatives, moderates and progressives, processing side by side into the Canterbury Cathedral, the ancient seat of St. Augustine and Anglicanism. Representatives from about 75 denominations were present and processed. The worship represented the great cultural, racial, and linguistic diversity of the Communion. The musical setting of the liturgy was Congolese mass performed by the men and boys choir of Canterbury Cathedral. The petitions of the Prayers of the People were in Hindi, Portuguese, Japanese and French with English subtext and responses. The Gospel procession lead by Melanesian dancers and singers bearing the Gospel on a ceremonial ark built like a canoe. The Archbishop Sursum Corda in Congolese and English.
Perhaps one of the most poignant moments of the liturgy was the sermon by the Bishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. As the Archbishop had done earlier, he mentioned the sadness we all feel in the absence of the several protesting Provinces (about 200+ Bishops). Bp de Chickera shared that "we are a wounded community...a crisis that can't be resolved instantly." But he said that absence undermines unity. Then citing the Gospel (Matthew 13, "If we uproot the unrighteous, then none of us will remain....I suggest that we stay together and grow from our common heritage, regardless of our differences." Finally, he reminded progressives that self-examination and discipline for the sake of the communion is an obligation which must be taken more seriously.
This evening all the bishops were gathered to review the agenda for the conference. This included:
Daily small group discussion based on scripture but addressing the issues of division;
Indaba Groups 2-3 times weekly (this is the combining 7-8 small groups for a broader
conversation. It is a method used in Zulu villages when there is a crisis to insure that all are heard by a larger portion of the community. It is principally for listening, counsel and advice but not decision making.)
Optional learning sessions to better understand specific aspects of controversy either with scholars or invited guest who represent a particular view.
We were also advised that the Covenant Process and the Continuing Windsor
Report Process will be a major part of our work. However, it was emphasized that Conference is not a context for decision making or editing, rather a time for education, discussion and advising. Decisions will be made after individual provinces (e.g. The Episcopal Church)and their bishops have had a year of review and offer their opinions and views.
Well, it promises to be an intense but meaningful conference. My prayer is that we will come to a place to recognize the treasure we have as a communion is from God and that God's way forward for us may be beyond our wildest hopes or fear.
Peace in Christ,
+Nathan
a Lambeth Pilgrim
We are sharing Bishop Baxter's Lambeth Journal for those who may be interested in reading it.
July 20, 2008
Dear Friends in Christ,
Today was the formal opening Eucharist of the Lambeth Conference. I can't express how magnificent it was to see approximately 670 bishop--conservatives, moderates and progressives, processing side by side into the Canterbury Cathedral, the ancient seat of St. Augustine and Anglicanism. Representatives from about 75 denominations were present and processed. The worship represented the great cultural, racial, and linguistic diversity of the Communion. The musical setting of the liturgy was Congolese mass performed by the men and boys choir of Canterbury Cathedral. The petitions of the Prayers of the People were in Hindi, Portuguese, Japanese and French with English subtext and responses. The Gospel procession lead by Melanesian dancers and singers bearing the Gospel on a ceremonial ark built like a canoe. The Archbishop Sursum Corda in Congolese and English.
Perhaps one of the most poignant moments of the liturgy was the sermon by the Bishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka. As the Archbishop had done earlier, he mentioned the sadness we all feel in the absence of the several protesting Provinces (about 200+ Bishops). Bp de Chickera shared that "we are a wounded community...a crisis that can't be resolved instantly." But he said that absence undermines unity. Then citing the Gospel (Matthew 13, "If we uproot the unrighteous, then none of us will remain....I suggest that we stay together and grow from our common heritage, regardless of our differences." Finally, he reminded progressives that self-examination and discipline for the sake of the communion is an obligation which must be taken more seriously.
This evening all the bishops were gathered to review the agenda for the conference. This included:
Daily small group discussion based on scripture but addressing the issues of division;
Indaba Groups 2-3 times weekly (this is the combining 7-8 small groups for a broader
conversation. It is a method used in Zulu villages when there is a crisis to insure that all are heard by a larger portion of the community. It is principally for listening, counsel and advice but not decision making.)
Optional learning sessions to better understand specific aspects of controversy either with scholars or invited guest who represent a particular view.
We were also advised that the Covenant Process and the Continuing Windsor
Report Process will be a major part of our work. However, it was emphasized that Conference is not a context for decision making or editing, rather a time for education, discussion and advising. Decisions will be made after individual provinces (e.g. The Episcopal Church)and their bishops have had a year of review and offer their opinions and views.
Well, it promises to be an intense but meaningful conference. My prayer is that we will come to a place to recognize the treasure we have as a communion is from God and that God's way forward for us may be beyond our wildest hopes or fear.
Peace in Christ,
+Nathan
a Lambeth Pilgrim
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