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CHI RHO
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Vol. VI, No. 6
1. Stained Glass Pictures on Web Site
31 March 2005
2.
Looking for Writers for "The Journey is Our Home:" Sharing Our Faith Journeys
3. Have you read "Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse"?
4.
"The Journey is Our Home:" Sharing Our Faith Journeys, by Billy Cochran
5. Become a Guardian Angel of Chi Rho Press
6. "Christian with a Twist"
7. Sanctoral Cycle
8. Adam's Last Word
This issue's Quote:
"The possession of facts is knowledge, the use of them is wisdom."
Thomas Jefferson
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Welcome once again to the Chi Rho Connection, the
electronic newsletter of Chi Rho Press.
To join our list and automatically receive these newsletters by e-mail, send an e-mail message to ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Direct all other e-mail to Adam@ChiRhoPress.com.
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1. Stained Glass Pictures on Web Site
Our Webminister, the Rev. Clay Witt has added seven photos of stained glass windows made by resident stained glass craftsperson, Adam DeBaugh. Adam specializes in windows and also created the small pieces that Chi Rho Press sells. The stained glass pieces Chi Rho Press sells are the basic cross ($12.00), the gay/lesbian rainbow flag ($18.00), the red stained glass AIDS ribbon ($7.50), the rainbow cross ($18.00), and the rainbow star of David ($18.00). See them at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/stainedglass.html.
Adam will create windows on commission. Glass is expensive and commissions generally are $75 a square foot. It takes up to 100 hours to make a two by three foot window, from design to framing. He uses the copper foil and solder method of stained glass. Each piece is cut to fit, then the edges are wrapped with copper foil to have something for the solder to adhere to, then the pieces are soldered together to make the window. Finally, the whole piece is outlined in zinc came and framed.
Contact him at Adam@ChiRhoPress.com for further information and to discuss commissions.
New pictures on the Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/stainedglass_custom.html. They include three windows commissioned for Holy Redeemer Metropolitan Community Church in College Park, Maryland. They are the Communion Window, the Holy Spirit Window, and the Noah's Ark Window. In addition are other windows made as gifts or hanging in Adam's home: Irises, Tulips in a Blue Vase (made for a wedding gift), a Hummingbird and Wisteria, and a Rocking Horse made on the birth of Adam's first nephew, Douglas.
Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site and take a look at the stained glass windows.
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2. Looking for Writers for "The Journey is Our Home:" Sharing Our Faith Journeys
We are still looking for authors to contribute essays for our series in the Chi Rho Connection in which people tell the story of their faith journeys. You do not have to tell everything about your faith journey, of course, just a piece of it!
The title of this column, "The Journey is Our Home," comes from a wonderful contemporary hymn by Ruth Duck, called "Lead on, O Cloud of Yahweh." The whole second verse reads,
Lead on, O fiery pillar,
We follow yet with fears,
But we shall come rejoicing
Though joy be born of tears.
We are not lost, though wandering,
For by your light we come,
And we are still God's people,
The journey is our home.
Won't you contribute to this series? Our writers will be well known and not famous at all, clergy and lay people, LGBT people and non-gay people, people from all walks of life, and even Christians and non-Christians. And we are waiting for YOUR journey of faith.
If you would like to contribute the story of your faith journey for inclusion in "The Journey is Our Home," please try to limit your story to 500 words. Write us at Connection@ChiRhoPress.com with your submission.
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3. Have you Read "Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse"?
"Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse" by Dr. Rembert
Truluck is remarkable for many reasons. From a publishing standpoint, it is our
largest book to date with over 550 pages. And it is the fastest selling and most
popular book Chi Rho Press has ever produced.
The reasons for the popularity of "Steps" are clear.
Dr. Truluck speaks the language of ordinary people of faith, his book is written in plain language that all can understand, and concentrates on the basics, God's creation, love, and redemption of ALL humanity.
He has identified an important and lethal trend in the religious community, the tendency to be legalistic and judgmental and to use the faith and the Bible as a weapon to hurt people rather than a source of healing and love.
Truluck concentrates on the Good News of the Bible, Good News that is for everyone, not just heterosexual white men. Too often LGBT commentators concentrate on defending their position that the Bible doesn't really say anything bad about homosexuality. This is true, and Dr. Truluck does devote four chapters to the pitifully few verses that have been used to condemn LGBT people. He effectively counters those who insist that the Bible condemns Gay people.
But most of "Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse" doesn't dwell on a rebuttal to those who use the Bible to attack LGBT people, but rather concentrates on those many passages of the Holy Scripture which speak words of love, understanding, tolerance, and joy for God's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people and those who love them. Dr. Truluck proves that the Bible is our friend!
Lastly, Dr. Truluck offers a 12 Step program to counteract a history of Bible abuse in effective and joyful ways. The 12 Steps, plus a concluding thirteenth step, lead people through the pain inflicted on us by misunderstanding of the Bible and legalistic, judgmental religion, and on into the peace of God's love and acceptance. "Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse" leads people from hate to love, from fear to confidence, and from pain to joy. It is a remarkable journey!
We invite you to take this journey with us! Buy "Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse" on the Chi Rho Press Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevStepsToRecovery.html, using your credit card on our secure shopping cart.
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4. "The Journey is Our Home:" Sharing Our Faith Journeys, by Billy Cochran
This is from Billy Cochran, of Duluth, Georgia. By way of introduction, Billy writes, "I am a 40 year old gay man, divorced/single (dating someone special). I have two children (one son 17, a daughter 13). I live in Duluth, Georgia where I am the Director of Operations for TP Corporate Lodging. We provide temporary housing for people in all walks of life.
"I am attending St Marks United Methodist Church in Atlanta presently and am seeking a permanent church. I am the facilitator/leader of the Gay Fathers of Atlanta and currently am excited about being the first DAD to be asked to speak to the Straight Spouses Network in our city. I am dating someone special that I am very excited about and the main reason is that I found someone who is really interested in finding a church as well and making Christ the center of the household."
Here is Billy's "The Journey is our Home" faith journey:
I am a life long member of the United Methodist Church, and I knew an older gentleman at my church who went to his grave as someone I admired for many years.
I was on the board of the church from a very young age. The gentleman, Robert, and I disagreed at more meetings about more issues than we agreed. There were times where his wife would literally kick him under the table for being so passionate.
One night, he went too far with me, leaving me very upset and disappointed in someone I looked up to so much. He said some things that were untrue and unfair.
The next day, my phone rang in the afternoon and he said, "before you say anything, let me talk. First of all, I have plowed my garden three times today and it didn't need the first time. Secondly, I'm sorry for what I said last night and I've called every board member to tell them I was wrong.
"But the most important thing I want to tell you is this. If we all agreed, if we all had the same opinions, if we all had the same goals, there would be no need for boards, committees, or at times even organized religion. The nice thing is, that we do disagree and it pushes us to learn more, to be more passionate, and to learn that love isn't always an easy road."
He said, "learn from the differences and enjoy the process of finding out how to get around them."
It was the best advice I've ever been given. It has been my constant reason for loving someone I am disagreeing with and has kept many friends that some folks would walk away from.
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As you may already know, 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!
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.
Thanks for your support!
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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 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 "Joy at the Tomb" from the Easter section of "Christian with a Twist."
Please read John 20:1-2, 11-13a, and Psalm 30:5b
During this holy season when we "celebrate" the death of Jesus on the cross (if celebrate is a word we can use) I cannot help but compare it to the death of my own companion from AIDS. Over the past years I have come to appreciate being a Christian much more fully. It is ironic that my companion would bring that out of me, his being Jewish, but then so was Jesus.
This appreciation has to do with Easter Morning, for I know that in some very real way my personal loved one, like Jesus, has risen to be with the God of Creation. Life does not end with a tomb.
Mary Magdalene, like most of us, went to the tomb to grieve and to honor the one she loved. Randy's parents and I often go to his tomb, and it is a good and respectful thing that we do that. But recently his parents did something that has added much to that experience, something that I think would make Jesus smile and give Randy a hug.
Across from the grave marker, a very proper bronze plaque with Randy's full name and dates, they placed a beautiful granite bench with not his formal name but rather the name that those who loved him best called him, "The Randy Bear."
So I go not just to Randy's tomb but to his bench, and I sit there and feel his presence and his love that comes not from the tomb, but rather from the sunshine of God's living creation. Jesus is there too, as he is present whenever God's love takes human form.
Jesus left the tomb. He did not want to leave us with a place to go and weep as respectful as that may be. Rather, he wanted to teach us that it is the joy of life that is eternal, that God and those of God's children who have gone before us smile upon us and wish us long, full, and happy lives. Weeping may linger for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Happy Easter.
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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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Thurs., Mar. 31. St. Cyril of Alexandria. The Incarnation: The Incarnation is the mystery of God's dwelling as human with us, and therefore, should be a most important object of our contemplation. It was the passion of St. Cyril's life for he underwent toil and persecution and willingly sacrificed credit and friends for this.
Fri., Apr. 1, St. Paul the Simple. Single-mindedness: We have only thing to do the will of God! We have only one thing to fear offense against God. One thing to hope for the possession of God's grace. Our actions should have only one motive the glory of God.
Diversity Dates: Cancer Control Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Sat., Apr. 2, St. Francis of Paola. Rely on God: Rely on God in all your difficulties. This reliance on God enabled St. Francis to do great miracles and will in direct proportion, do wonders for you by giving you strength and consolation. "All creatures obey those who serve God with a perfect heart," St. Francis of Paola.
Sun., Apr. 3, St. Richard of Chichester. On being faithful: St. Richard performed his duties as a brother, chancellor, and bishop without a single thought of self-interest. Neglect of duty is the first sign that of self-love which ends in loss of grace. "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Mon., Apr. 4, St. Isidore of Seville (Patron saint: computer users). Flattery: Temptation's strength lies in something being flattering to our pride; or fits in with our laziness; or may be attractive to our passions. St. Isidore teaches us to listen neither to the promptings of our baser natures nor the plausible advice of friends when they contradict the voice of God. "By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people" (Romans 16:18).
Tues., Apr. 5, St. Vincent Ferrer (Patron saint: builders). There really is power in God's word: "Whatever you do, do not think of yourself but of God." St. Vincent preached in this spirit and when God speaks to us in the spirit, if we listen, we CAN hear the voice of God. "I must fulfill the commands I have received from God: God has commanded me to preach the judgment to all God's peoples," St. Vincent Ferrer.
Wed., Apr. 6, St. Pambo. Watching what you say: When we think "saints" we think of their self-denial and the numerous mortifications they underwent, however if we just control what we say to others, we too can follow the saints' teachings. Watching what we say about ourselves, our beliefs and refrain from giving unsolicited opinions is very much within the realm of what we can do.
Thurs., Apr. 7, St. John the Baptist de la Salle (Patron saint: teachers, educators). Be driven: "Be driven by the love of God because Jesus Christ died for all, that those who live may live not for themselves but for him, who died and rose for them. Above all, let your charity and zeal show how you love the Church. Your work is for the Church, which is the body of Christ," St. John the Baptist de la Salle.
Diversity Date, World Health Day
Fri., Apr. 8, St. Colette. Pray for our leaders: One of the great tests of being a good Christian is to pray for our church leaders and the leaders of our nation. "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him" (Acts 12:5).
Sat., Apr. 9, Sts. Apollonius and Philemon. Gentleness: We wonder why when we discuss our faith with non-Christians, our discussions bear little fruit. It is because we think too much of ourselves, too little of charity and of truth We should forget ourselves, and learn to be humble and meek. Then Christ will speak for us.
Sun., Apr. 10, St. Michael de Sanctis. Holy communion: The saints gave their whole lives to the preparation for communion and never felt fully prepared. We gripe about a short half hour of preparation every Sunday before taking communion and are perfectly content.
Mon., Apr. 11, St. Gemma Galgani (Patron saint: pharmacists). Purity of words, deeds, and actions: "Look at what Jesus has suffered for us. Consider one by one these Wounds. It is Love that has opened them all. See how execrable (horrible) sin is, since to expiate it, so much pain and so much love have been necessary," St. Gemma Galganic. St. Gemma is one of the few stigmatists in the church's history.
Tues., Apr. 12, St. Sabas the Goth. Serving faithfully: Most of our problems occur because we try to follow too many masters at the same time instead of following Christ first. Let us order our priorities and place first things first: all else will fall into place. "I am coming soon: Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown" (Revelations 3:11).
Wed., Apr. 13, St. John of Egypt. Self-examination: St. John teaches us that the saints examine themselves minutely in the light of God's perfection, repent and do penance accordingly. We, on the other hand, judge ourselves by the standard of oth er people and rest satisfied with the findings. Yet it will be by divine perfection that we will be judged when we die.
Thurs., Apr. 14, Bd. Lydwina (Patron saint: nurses). On pain: God gives us pain so that we can learn from it and grow in our reliance on God. Bd. Lydwina reminds us how great the rewards are for those who know and accept its value, learn from it, grown in love of Christ, and accept it as a mercy.
Diversity Date, Pan American Day, Latin America: celebrates friendship between the United States and the Latin American countries.
Fri., Apr. 15, Bd. Peter Gonzalez. Preaching: Everything spoken in the name of Christ that is biblically founded and that spreads His work IS the word of Christ, from whom all grace comes. Learn from Bd. Peter that none are beyond the power of such words, modestly but boldly proclaimed. "The sound of the words strikes the ear; the master teaches within," St. Augustine.
Sat., Apr. 16, St. Benedict Labre. Reverence before the sacraments: Prayer and time spent meditating before the blessed sacrament is important time spent with God. If you have friends that live near you, you endeavor to spend time with them. So it is with Christ in the blessed sacrament. Take time to see God in the bread of life and give God time to see you praying.
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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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Do check out the two new titles added to our Remainder
Table.
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/remainders.html
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We urge you to invest in this ministry with $1,000 or more in Promissory Notes.
This is an excellent investment for your church building fund, as well as for individuals who want to receive a good return on their investment while helping the LGBT community.
Promissory Notes in $1,000 increments are available from Chi Rho Press, at 6% simple interest, repaid in eight quarterly payments over a two year period.
Write Adam@ChiRhoPress.com for the text of the Promissory Note, and send your check for $1,000 (or $2,000, $3,000, or even $5,000!). We will send a signed Note upon the receipt of your check.
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We would like to have your input if you are one of the many Chi Rho Press customers who use our annual Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary in worship planning. Even though we are not far into this church year, our authors have begun work on the 2005-2006 edition so that it will be published well before the beginning of the next church year in November.
Now is your chance to make suggestions. If you use this publication, we would like to hear from you about what you like about it that we should continue and how we might improve it to better meet your needs. Please send your comments to adam@chirhopress.com.
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We invite you to 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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Gracia y paz,
R. Adam DeBaugh, Director, Adam@ChiRhoPress.com.
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Copyright 2005, Chi Rho Press, Inc.
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