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CHI RHO CONNECTION The eNewsletter of Chi Rho Press, Your LGBT Christian Publishing House

Vol. VI, No. 10
31 May 2005
 

Contents:

There are new music offerings on the Chi Rho Press Web site:

"I am Not Ashamed," by David North and the Gospel Celebration.  CD for $15.00 each, cassette tape for $10.00 each.

Read about and order this album on the Chi Rho Press Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/AudioRevNotAshamed.htm

Also on the Web site is "Jesus is Lord of All," by Witness.  Cassette tape, Special low price of $5.00.

Read about and order this album on the Chi Rho Press Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/AudioRevLordOfAll.htm

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2.  Chi Rho Greeting Cards

Chi Rho Cards: A line of Gay and Lesbian greeting cards from Chi Rho Press.

Take a look at the cards and read about and order them on the Chi Rho Press Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/cards.html

We are bringing back our line of greeting cards, originally made available in 1993.  With original artwork by talented New York artist Timothy Leetch, Chi Rho Cards are designed by and for the Lesbian and Gay community.  Chi Rho Cards are printed on 100% recycled paper and are affordably priced, selling single cards (for $1.49 each), in packs of five of one design (for $6.95), packs of ten of one design (for $12.95), and in a sample pack of two of each of the eight cards (for $16.95).

Women's Relationship Card.  A religiously-themed card for a Lesbian couple, suitable for Holy Unions, Anniversaries, legal marriages, or just to celebrate their relationship.  On the cover, a dove of peace holding entwined female symbols is superimposed over the cross.  Inside: "God's Blessings on Your Relationship."

Men's Relationship Card.  A religiously-themed card for your favorite Gay male couple, suitable for Holy Unions, Anniversaries, legal marriages, or just to celebrate their relationship.  On the cover, two men stand hand in hand in a grand cathedral.  Inside: "God's Blessings on Your Relationship."

Lesbians' Anniversary Card.  Two women, very much in love, silhouetted on a seashore, make this a striking card for a Lesbian couple's anniversary.  Inside: "Happy Anniversary!"

Gay Men's Anniversary Card.  An intimate scene of a Gay male couple's bathroom decorates our card to celebrate your favorite Gay couple's anniversary.  "His and His" towels are next to a steamed up mirror on which is written, "I luv U" in a heart.  Inside: "Happy Anniversary!"

All Purpose Anniversary Card.  Our all purpose anniversary card is ideal to celebrate anniversaries of relationships, employment, sobriety, or any other special occasion.  On the cover, festive cards pinned to spell out "Happy Anniversary."  Inside: blank so you may write your own specific message.

Get Well Card.  Send our little bear to cheer up a friend who is ill, and speed their recovery.  On the cover, little Aloysius the Teddy Bear in his sick bed.  Inside: "I Can't Bear That You Are Ill.  Get Well Soon."

Sympathy Card.  An empty chair poignantly calls to mind the loss of a loved one, through death or divorce.  Inside: "Grieving With You at Your Loss.  You are in my Prayers."

Thank You Card.  Our leaping figure celebrates all that we have to be thankful for.  Express your gratitude with this joyous card.  Inside: blank, write your own specific message.

All Chi Rho Cards measure 4-1/4" wide by 5-1/2" high and come with plain white envelopes.  Our packaging isn't fancy, to save you money.

Order your selection of Chi Rho Cards now!  Single cards are $1.49 each, packs of five of one design are $6.95, packs of ten of one design are $12.95, and a sample pack of two of each of the eight cards is $16.95; plus shipping and handling.

Find them at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/cards.html

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3.  Have you read "The Road to Emmaus"?

We still have copies of the excellent daily devotional, "The Road to Emmaus."  This was the first book of daily devotions published by and for the LGBT faith community.

"The Road to Emmaus:  Daily Encounters with the Risen Christ," is an inclusive devotional edited by Joseph W. Houle.

"The Road to Emmaus" is a valuable resource for those who wish to balance the frenetic pace of modern life with moments of recollection and spiritual refreshment.  There is a Gospel reading for each day of the year and a meditation based upon it.  Each meditation is a gentle invitation to become attentive to the presence of the Sacred in the ordinary circumstances of our lives and to open our hearts to the risen Christ in quiet reflection.

As an inclusive devotional, "The Road to Emmaus" affirms the goodness of all God's children, the young and the old; the male and the female; the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered person; heterosexuals; the single, coupled, and celibate; and people of all races, physical ability, and education.  Its underlying message is that the Gospel is good news for all people.

If you seek a deeper walk with the risen Christ, the daily meditations of "The Road to Emmaus" will speed you on your way.

James B. Nelson writes, "Reading the devotions in The Road to Emmaus made scriptural passages come alive for me, often  in new ways.  Further, the writings prodded me to examine my spirituality more honestly.  And, most importantly, they freshened my hope."

Contributors to "The Road to Emmaus" include the Rev. Kathy Baker, the late Rev. Harold J. Burris, Adam DeBaugh, Sarah Fershee, Sr. Jeannine Gramick, the Rev. Louis Kavar, the late Joseph Houle, Virginia Miles, Fr. Robert Nugent, Jack Pantaleo, the Rev. Dusty Pruitt, the Rev. Andy Sidden, and the late Rev. Larry Uhrig.

"The Road to Emmaus" is available at $9.95 each plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are $7.50 each.  Order on our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevRoadToEmmaus.html

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4.  How You Can be a Part of this Ministry

Chi Rho Press needs your assistance!  All contributions to Chi Rho Press are fully tax deductible.  If you are able to make a financial gift to this ministry, we would welcome your support.  Gifts and contributions of any size are welcome and appreciated!  We could sure use your help!

Our Guardian Angel Individual Sponsors program starts with a minimum gift of $150 a year and our Guardian Angels receive discounts on Press publications, free gifts during the year, and special other perks.

You may contribute on line, paying with your credit card at http://www.chirhopress.com/sponsor.html or send your check or money order to Chi Rho Press, P.O. Box 7864, Gaithersburg, MD 20898.

If you want to designate your gift to the work of the Spanish Translation Task Force, just let us know!  Thanks for your support!

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5.  "Christian with a Twist"

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 the late William 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 entitled "Who Turned Out the Lights?" from the Pentecost section of "Christian with a Twist."

Please read Genesis 1:1-4, Matthew 28:16-20, and 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Enough already!  God created the earth and called it very good.  God sent Jesus to teach the simple and honest truth of God's love.  Paul established the church.  It has a few warts and weaknesses, but still truth and beauty can certainly be found within it.

God's kingdom is at hand, but still mostly we do not see the light.  We look around waiting for someone to show us the way out of some darkness that we must be creating for ourselves.

People who have had near death experiences report seeing a blinding, beautiful light.  I expect to be tired and wanting to close my eyes and rest when I die.  I want to see God's light now while I am alive and awake.

Jesus said I could and by the grace of God I shall.  Anything that blocks my view will just have to get out of the way.  The light was turned on a long time ago, and God did not give anyone the power to switch it off.

http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.htm

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6.  Sanctoral Cycle

As a regular feature in the Chi Rho Connection, we are offering up traditional saints listed in the 2005 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary from today until our next scheduled electronic newsletter.

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Mon., May 30, St. Joan of Arc (Patron saint: rape victims).  God does speak to us:  If we take the time to listen, we can hear God's voice.  St. Joan is a prime example of the types of people that God chooses for great things.  She was an illiterate farm girl, unschooled and ill prepared for what God had in mind for her, yet she heard God's voice and allowed God to lead her.

Tues., May 31, St. Angela Merici.  Waiting for God:  We want for much but to get it accomplished, that is for God.  "They who, when they have knocked, are angry because they are not forthwith heard, are not humble petitioners but imperious demanders.  However long God may leave you waiting, wait patiently for the Lord's own time," St. Peter Chrysologus.

Wed., June 1, St. Justin (Patron saint: lecturers).  The certainty of faith:  We all receive the gift of faith with little or no effort of our own.  We need to learn how to value it from those who reached it after a long search.  Let us fear, like St. Justin did, the account we shall have to render for God's gift.  "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that God is able to guard what I have entrusted to God for that day" (2 Timothy 1:12).

Diversity Date.  June is Gay and Lesbian Pride Month

Thurs., June 2, St. Erasmus (Patron saint: sailors).  Constancy:  When St. Erasmus, also known as St. Elmo, preached against the heretics of his day, he was hunted, tortured, and finally martyred by having his intestines wound on a windlass.  He never stopped preaching and converting people to God.  His constancy and willingness to die for what he believed is a lesson for us: believe and hold on to God through all things.

Fri., June 3, St. Kevin.  Even our pets are gifts of God:  St. Kevin did not particularly enjoy the company of people and spent his life as a hermit living in a cave surrounded by wild animals that provided him with food and other necessities.  St. Kevin teaches us that God provides to those that ask of God and believe that God will find a way to get what we need to us.

Sat., June 4, St. Francis Caracciolo.  Worshipping Jesus in the blessed sacrament:  It is for us, not for angels, that our Lord lives sacramentally upon the altar; yet angels crowd our churches to worship him, while we ignore him.  Learn from St. Francis to avoid such ingratitude and to spend, as he did, every possible moment before the most Holy Sacrament.

Sun., June 5, St. Boniface of Crediton.  Willingness to let go:  St. Boniface teaches us how the love of Christ changes all things.  It was for Christ's sake that he toiled, preferring poverty to riches, labor to rest, suffering to pleasures, death to life, that by dying he might live with Christ.

Mon., June 6, St. Norbert.  Reverence:  In the course of their work, St. Norbert and his followers had to stand up for the reverence and honor that is due to the Holy Eucharist.  We must guard in our present worship practices against irreverence and outrages offered by others.  "Then the man said, 'Lord I believe,' and he worshiped Christ" (John 9:38).

Tues., June 7, St. Robert of Newminster.  Setting examples:  Religion and reason both teach us that we should act virtuously; but only facts prove that we do so.  This is why examples have more power to move us, and why our individual actions are of such crucial importance for others as well as for ourselves.

Wed., June 8, St. Medard (Patron saint: good weather).  Shelter:  St. Medard is always depicted as a young man standing in the rain under the shelter of an eagle.  St. Medard teaches us that God's love is as gentle as a dove but as fierce as an eagle.  We are sheltered from adversity by God's protection if we pray and believe that God will provide.  Just as St. Medard was sheltered from the rain, so will God protect us.

Thurs., June 9, Bd. Anne Taigi.  Heavenly knowledge:  Every day duties are no hindrance to a full and vibrant relationship with God.  St. Anne would be in the middle of everyday tasks when she would feel God's presence.  She would immediately exclaim, "Leave me in peace, Lord; leave me to my job!"  "Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; and your old men shall dream dreams and your young men shall see visions.  Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days" (Joel 2:28-29).

Fri., June 10, St. Margaret of Scotland.  Letting things go:  Perfection consists in keeping a watch on the heart.  Wherever we are, we can make a solitude in our hearts, detach ourselves from the world, and talk confidently with God.  Let us take St. Margaret as our example and gain encouragement from it always.

Sat., June 11, St. Barnabas.  Generosity:  It is remarkable to note the amount of time the apostolic church spent on collecting and distributing alms.  For the first Christians, sending alms to Jerusalem was a testament to their unity of faith as well as the fervor of their charity.

Sun., June 12, St. John of Sahagun.  Lovers of peace:  We all desire peace but few find it and enjoy it.  If you realized what peace would come to you and happiness to others if you kept yourself in a good state, you would be more anxious for spiritual benefits.  "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it" (Psalm 34:14).

Mon., June 13, Antony of Padua (Patron saint: travelers).  Hide:  We need to love to pray and labor unseen and cherish in the secret of our hearts God's graces and the growth of our own souls.  Like St. Antony, let us attend to this and leave the rest to God.  "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Creator who is in secret; and your Creator who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:6).

Tues., June 14, St. Basil.  Christian courage:  "When I look about me I seem to have no one on my side.  I can but pray I may be found in the number of those seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.  I know our present persecutors seek my life; yet that shall reduce none of the efforts I owe to the churches of God," St. Basil.

Wed., June 15, St. Germaine.  Patience:  St. Germaine was a peasant, ignorant in human knowledge, who learned something that is very precious in God's eyes: patience.  She spent most of her life watching over her family's flocks in the pastures, and in spite of neglect and cruelty, she was good, kind, and devout.  The unhappiness in her home was borne with unfailing patience.

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Order the 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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7.  Adam's Last Word

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Well, we have been busy, adding two new Christian music albums to our Web site, "I Am Not Ashamed" tape and CD by David North and the Gospel Celebration, and "Jesus is Lord of All" tape by Witness.  There is some wonderful music here and I encourage you to order both of these albums.  See the description of the albums in article 1 of this edition of the Chi Rho Connection and on our Web site at:  http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/AudioRevNotAshamed.htm

and http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/AudioRevLordOfAll.htm

*****

Chi Rho Cards are back!  After a few years hiatus, we have brought back our line of greeting cards, by the talented New York artist Timothy Leetch.  See the descriptions of the cards in article 2 above and on our Web site at:

http://www.chirhopress.com/products/cards.html

Order some cards today!

*****

This edition of the Chi Rho Connection is coming out a day later than usual because I spent a wonderful Memorial Day weekend in New York City with my good friend the Rev. Edgard Danielson-Morales.  Edgard heads up our Spanish Task Force, so it was a working vacation as we discussed the two major projects we have in the works now.

Edgard is in the process of finalizing his move from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to New York City, where he is the associate pastor for congregational life at MCC NY.  He has been commuting between San Juan and New York most of this year and has only two more weekends of flying up to New York, after which he will be all moved in to his new flat in Morningside Heights.

We spent a wonderful day Saturday wandering around the Cloisters, a magnificent collection of medieval art, including the famous Unicorn tapestries and lots of religious sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and much more.  We also made a bit of a pilgrimage to the site of the World Trade Center and visited St. Paul's Chapel where a new ministry sprung up on September 11, 2001 in response to the devastation of the day.  The sanctuary of this lovely old church continues to be a museum dedicated to the volunteers who gave so much of themselves in the aftermath of the attacks on New York and Washington.  (It is a truly historic church, the oldest public building still in use in New York.  George Washington prayed here after his inauguration as President of the United States!  I guess the Episcopalians know how to building churches that last!)

Sunday we spent at church at MCC New York, a wonderful church with a vibrant ministry for social justice.  Senior Pastor the Rev. Pat Bumgardner preached a brilliant sermon and Edgard asked me to read Scripture and serve communion at all three services.  It was a great day.

I took Amtrak up to NYC so did not have room for a lot of books, but Edgard and Pat had asked me to bring a bookstore so we have a selection of books for people to order.  If you are in the New York area, do visit MCC NY!

*****

I hope as we move into summer time here in the Northern Hemisphere that you are enjoying the weather and the time of year.  (For our Southern Hemisphere friends, Happy Winter!)

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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.

If you've received the Chi Rho Connection as a result of someone passing it along to you and would like to receive it directly from us, please follow these directions:

To SUBSCRIBE send blank e-mail to: ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. To UNSUBSCRIBE send blank e-mail to: ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Please visit http://www.ChiRhoPress.com.  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.  Some of our books are available through our Canadian distributor, MAP Enterprises, Mary Ann Pearson, at her Web page, http://www.christiangays.com.

Copyright 2005, Chi Rho Press, Inc.

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