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CHI RHO
CONNECTION |
Vol. V, No. 19
15 November 2004
1. A Statement from the Presiding Bishop, The Episcopal Church, USA
2. 2004-2005 Liturgical Calendar Published!
3. New Board Member, the Rev. Rob Taylor
4. Do Your Holiday Shopping Now, at ChiRhoPress.com
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This Issue's Quotes:
"Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just."
Thomas Jefferson
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron."
July 26, 1920, H. L. Mencken
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Welcome once again to the Chi Rho Connection, the electronic newsletter of Chi Rho Press.
To join our list, send an e-mail message to ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
To remove yourself from this list send an e-mail to ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Direct all other e-mail to Adam@ChiRhoPress.com.
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1. A Statement from the Presiding Bishop, The Episcopal Church, USA
[Episcopal News Service] Having come through one of the most vitriolic and divisive election campaigns any of us has ever experienced, we now look ahead to the next four years and the continuing leadership of President Bush. For many of our fellow citizens this is a cause for rejoicing. For others it is an occasion for despair. Given the polarizing rhetoric that has been employed throughout the campaign, it may be very difficult to find our way forward. Therefore, what is needed now on all sides is a genuine effort to move beyond entrenched positions and to seek common ground. What is needed now is a unifying vision, clearly articulated, of our great nation as a servant of all the world's peoples in their yearning after justice and peace.
Our President has consistently named his religious faith as the guiding force of his decisions, and our nation proclaims in the "Pledge of Allegiance" that we are one nation "under God." Such obedience to God obliges us to look always to the well-being of a world broken and bleeding, which God loves so much that he came among us in the person of Jesus to reconcile to himself and to save. Such obedience obliges us to ground our national policies in much more than self-interest and self-protection.
Let us pray that in the difficult and challenging days ahead we together, regardless of our several points of view, along with our President, may be faithful to what the Lord requires. And, as the prophet Micah tells us, what the Lord requires is "to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God."
The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold Presiding Bishop and Primate The Episcopal Church, USA
November 3, 2004
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2. 2004-2005 Liturgical Calendar Published
The new liturgical year begins in just a few weeks. There is still time to purchase your copy of the new Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary, Year A, November 2004 through November 2005, compiled by Raye-Anne Dorn and the Rev. Clay Witt. $11.95 each, six or more copies, $9.50 each, plus shipping and handling. http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa04_05.html
Chi Rho Press is pleased to announce a brand new Liturgical Calendar for the coming 2004-2005 church year. The Liturgical Calendar features readings from the Revised Common Lectionary, widely used as the ecumenical consensus on readings for each Sunday and holy day in the three-year cycle. Our Liturgical Calendar is packed with useful information for planning worship and preaching in the local church for each Sunday and Holy Day of the Church Year. It is intended for use by pastors, musicians, altar guilds, teachers, theological students, and anyone using the Church Year as a basis for worship or education. The Liturgical Calendar is spiral bound so it can lie flat for easy use, in the popular 8 ½" x 11" format.
Featured in this new Liturgical Calendar are these sections: A Heading that identifies the day in the church year (for example, the first Sunday of Advent, or Proper 20) with alternative descriptions where appropriate. The Revised Common Lectionary readings, including a brief summary of each reading.
Next is a section on Worship Planning, including the liturgical Color of the day, Symbols and decorations that can be used to enhance the worship experience, and Special Events and secular and Jewish holidays for the week which the congregation may want to remember and commemorate on Sunday.
Rev. Witt has added lots of Notes in the Worship Planning section which serve to explain in more detail information about the time of the church year, provide resources for further study and information, and develop liturgical themes to make your worship experience more rich and meaningful.
The last section for each Sunday is called Following God's Footprints and is the unique contribution of Raye-Anne Dorn. For every day of the year, Raye-Anne gives us a traditional saint, with a brief overview of an important theme for which the saint is remembered and what that particular saint can teach us. Some Diversity Dates are also included, special occasions for celebrations of diversity, such as special celebration days for specific cultures (e.g., Cinco de Mayo) and special days for the GLBT community (e.g., a day of remembrance for Matthew Shepard).
The 2004-2005 Liturgical Calendar will be a helpful aid for anyone involved in planning worship, as well as a useful resource for all who want to know more about the Church year and the rich liturgical life of the Church Universal.
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You may now order the 2004-2005 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary on the Chi Rho Press Web site at this link: http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa04_05.html
You may also order by sending your order, along with your name, address, telephone, and credit card name and expiration date by e-mail (to Orders@ChiRhoPress.com), snail mail (to Chi Rho Press, P.O. Box 7864, Gaithersburg, MD 20898), or telephone or fax (at 301/926-1208). Or if you prefer you may send a check or money order to our post office box.
The Liturgical Calendar is $11.95 each, six or more copies are $9.50 each, plus shipping and handling.
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3. New Board Member, the Rev. Rob Taylor
Please welcome a new member to the Board of Directors of Chi Rho Press, your LGBT Christian publishing house, the Rev. Rob Taylor.
Rob was born and raised in the Hudson Valley of New York State, north of New York City. He was married to his High School girlfriend and they have five children: Siobhan, age 20, Brittany,17, Kayla,16, Ryan,14, and Chelsea, 12.
He was ordained a United Methodist and has served numerous parishes in Central Pennsylvania since 1988. From 1992-95, Rob taught religion and was Associate Director of Youth Ministry for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City. He graduated with an M.Div. from Wesley Theological Seminary, where he was adjunct faculty in pastoral liturgics last year. He is a candidate in the D.Min Program at Princeton Theological Seminary, working on his final project in Spiritual Theology.
Rob was married on June 3rd, 2004 to Rob Apgar in Cambridge, Massachusetts and was recently installed as pastor of Open Door MCC in Boyds Maryland. Rob and Rob share custody of the children with Rob's ex-wife and live in Hagerstown, Maryland, with Joey and Wesley (their four legged sons) and Lestat (their ball-python).
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4. Do Your Holiday Shopping Now, at ChiRhoPress.com
What if we could point you to a store which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; where you can shop in your pajamas if you want; where you can buy books, stained glass, and even stocking stuffers; and where shipping within the United States is free for orders over $100! Of course, we are talking about our own Web site, http://www.ChiRhoPress.com.
Books make great gifts! Titles such as Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse, Living as the Beloved, Christian with a Twist, The Bible and Homosexuality, two different Lenten studies, Come Home!, Called OUT!, Positively Gay, My Memory Book, the new 2005 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary, The Road to Emmaus, and Together in Love are all available and ready to ship. Plus we Have an audio and video tape, five different stained glass designs, rainbow key chains and bracelets, and more!
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We have designed gift certificates that can be made out for any amount you care to give.
These are not yet available on our Web site, so send your check with a note indicating that you are buying a Gift Certificate and we will make up an attractive Gift Certificate for the amount of your check for you to give along with a copy of our catalog.
Chi Rho Press Gift Certificates make excellent gifts! Order some today at Chi Rho Press, P.O. Box 7864, Gaithersburg, MD 20898.
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Come shop at Chi Rho Press!
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Here is a selection from our second major book of reflections, "Christian with a Twist: Reflections on Scripture that are a bit more inclusive, a bit more relevant, and with a bit of a bite," by William Gaston. This is especially poignant for us now, so soon after the death of author Bill Gaston.
"Christian with a Twist" is available for $19.95 each, $14.95 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling. You can read more about it and order it at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.htm
As the subtitle suggests, Bill's writing has a bit of a bite, and we believe you will enjoy his sharp, but loving take on Scripture, life, and faith.
Here is a selection from the Ordinary Time section of "Christian with a Twist."
Saved by Faith
Please read Galatians 2:15-21
Oftentimes it seems that our religious practices and beliefs are based more on the teachings of Paul than the teachings of Jesus. Maybe it is because Paul's ministry was longer and he talked a lot. I suppose I should relate to that. I talk a lot, too, and probably am as opinionated and as sanctimonious as Paul. Maybe that is why I have trouble with him.
In today's passage my trouble with Paul is not so much what he says, but what I find myself reading between the lines. He is saying that we are justified by faith in Jesus, not by the law. Who can argue with that? It sounds as good as mother and apple pie.
Somehow though, I get the feeling that Paul has created a new law. What if my faith in Jesus is not the same as his? Who determines what is faith? This may be a harder law to follow than the old law. I may not even know if I have complied or not.
There is a harshness here that does not seem like Jesus: "Servant of sin," "transgressor," "no longer I who live," and "died for nothing." These all seem like warnings that I better be getting something right. Jesus said that sins are forgiven, that we should not judge, that God wants us to have life abundantly, and that life is eternal.
With all respect to Paul and the church he established, I think it may be better to strive to have the faith OF Jesus rather than faith IN Jesus. That way I can look at how I am living and compare it to how Jesus lived to measure my success. Paul's way, it seems is that I have to rely on the judgment of others. I am not very comfortable with that. It is, after all, Jesus whom I am willing to call LORD, not the church that seems to have made laws about the faith that is supposed to have replaced the law.
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As a regular feature in the Chi Rho Connection, we are offering up traditional and modern saints and various holy days and holidays listed in the 2004 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary from today until our next scheduled electronic newsletter.
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Tues. Nov. 16, St. Margaret (1046-1093). Queen and patron of Scotland. One of the last members of Anglo-Saxon royalty, she married King Malcolm of Scotland. There she devoted much of her life to reforming the church and clergy, as well as founding many schools, hospitals, and orphanages. She was famous for her love for the poor and for reducing warfare between the clans.
Sat. Nov. 20, Revolution Anniversary (Mexico).
Wed. Nov. 24, Diwali (Hindu). Festival of Lights recognizing the human urge to move toward the light. Features the exchange of gifts, fireworks and festive meals.
Thu. Nov. 25, Thanksgiving Day (USA).
Fri. Nov. 26, Sojourner Truth (1797-1883). Abolitionist preacher. Born a slave to a Dutch family in New York, Sojourner (a name she chose later in life) was freed when slavery there was abolished. She became noted as a passionate itinerant preacher and a legend even in her own life. She devoted her life to the antislavery cause, and later to women’s suffrage and equal rights. While some thought it was best to set aside the rights of women for a later date, in her mind the two were inseparable. She was widely acknowledged as one of the most influential women of her day.
Sat. Nov. 27, Harvey Milk (1931-1978). First openly gay elected official (U.S.A.). Although not a professional politician, Harvey Milk ran for a seat as a City Supervisor in San Francisco in order to stand for the rights of people without a voice — blue collar workers, the elderly, racial minorities, and especially gays and lesbians. He expected he would die violently, and was shot five times at close range by another politician angered at his stand for gays. That night 40,000 people took to the streets in a candle light vigil outside City Hall. Although not a religious person, he is remembered because, as Cardinal Juan Fresnos of Chile said, “Whosoever stands up for human rights stands up for the rights of God.”
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Order the brand new 2004-2005 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary, complete with the entire year's Sanctoral Cycle, at this link: http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa04_05.html
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Here in the United States Thanksgiving is just a short time away and I hope we will all take time to truly reflect on that God has given us. Giving thanks is not just something to do, but rather it is an obligation. All that we are, all that we have comes from God. And all God expects in return is our thanks, our gratitude, and our striving to be as generous to others as God has been to us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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A special reminder to those using the Shopping Cart on our Web site: Webminister Clay Witt has created a new shipping and handling schedule which gives you choices of shipping methods for your order. The default is to United Parcel Service ground rate, but there are other choices as well. Please look at the drop down and select the most appropriate shipping method, some of which will be less expensive for you. UPS themselves will tell you that United States Postal Service (USPS) parcel post will be more economical for orders weighing less than seven pounds.
Please take the time to check all your options when ordering.
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It is not too early to think about your holiday shopping! Christmas is a little over a month away. Chi Rho Press never closes, at least our Web site never closes, and it is available for your shopping needs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (366 days this year!).
We hope you will consider doing at least some of your holiday shopping at Chi Rho Press.
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Please join Chi Rho Press as a partner in ministry with Dr. Rembert Truluck. You may buy his wonderful and inspiring book, "Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse," on line at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevStepsToRecovery.html Or make a fully tax-deductible contribution by making your gift check out to Chi Rho Press, designate that it is "For Dr. Truluck" in the memo line, and send it to Chi Rho Press, P.O. Box 7864, Gaithersburg, MD 20898, USA. If you prefer, you may make your contribution on line at this link: http://www.chirhopress.com/sponsor.html. Just note in the "Special Instructions and Comments" that your contribution is designated "For Dr. Truluck" and we will make sure he receives your generous gift.
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Please do not forget the new way for local churches to start their own church bookstores, our Church Bookstore Starter Kit. Chi Rho Press would certainly be only one of a number of publishing houses that a local church might want to purchase books from for resale. In order to make the process a little easier, we offer an easy to deal with starter kit of books on consignment for the first six months to serve as the nucleus for a new local church bookstore.
See the September 30th edition of the Chi Rho Connection to review the terms for this opportunity, on the Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/newsletter_archive/2004_archieve_files/newsletter_V_No16.html
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On a budget? There are two books on our Remainder Table at reduced prices. You can find "Called OUT! The Voices and Gifts of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Presbyterians" by the Rev. Jane Adams Spahr, et al, and "Come Home: Reclaiming Spirituality and Community as Gay Men and Lesbians," by Chris Glaser. Both books are at significantly reduced prices.
Visit the Remainder Table at this link: http://www.chirhopress.com/products/remainders.html
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Gracia y paz,
R. Adam DeBaugh, Director, Adam@ChiRhoPress.com.
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We are glad you are partners in ministry with us here at Chi Rho Press. We are eager for your comments, your suggestions, your assistance with selling our books, and your own purchases! And of course, we covet your prayers for this ministry.
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You may pay by credit card on our web page or we will ship your order after receiving your check or money order. Please always include your e-mail address, mailing address, and telephone number.
For all e-mail correspondence, please write Adam@ChiRhoPress.com.
Our snail mail address is:
Chi Rho Press, Inc. P.O. Box 7864 Gaithersburg, MD 20898
Our telephone and fax number is 301/926-1208.
Customers outside the U.S. and especially our Canadian friends can order using credit cards on our Web page or through our Canadian distributor, MAP Enterprises, Mary Ann Pearson, at her Web page, http://www.christiangays.com.
Copyright 2004, Chi Rho Press, Inc.
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