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CHI RHO
CONNECTION |
Vol. VI, No. 7
1.
Stewardship
Story: The Twenty and the One
2.
Have you read
"Christian with a Twist"?
3. "The
Journey is Our Home:" Sharing Our Faith Journeys, by James Simmons
4. New
Ways Ministry Statement on the Passing of the Pope
15 April 2005
This issue's Quote:
"This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people . . . and your very flesh shall be a great poem."
Walt Whitman
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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.
*****
1. Stewardship Story: The Twenty and the One
A well-worn one dollar bill and a similarly distressed twenty dollar bill arrived at a Federal Reserve Bank to be retired. As they moved along the conveyor belt to be burned, they struck up a conversation.
The twenty dollar bill reminisced about its travels all over the county. "I've had a pretty good life," the twenty proclaimed. "Why I've been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the finest restaurants in New York, performances on Broadway, and even a cruise to the Caribbean."
"Wow!" said the one dollar bill. "You've really had an exciting life!"
"So tell me," says the twenty, "where have you been throughout your lifetime?"
The one dollar bill replies, "Oh, I've been to the Methodist Church, the Baptist Church, the Lutheran Church. . . ."
The twenty dollar bill interrupts, "What's a church?"
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2. Have you Read "Christian with a Twist"?
"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.
We are confident that you will agree that this book of reflections is a work of mighty faith, great skill, and surprising good sense. It is also a very enjoyable read. So please break open the wonders and delights of this "Christian with a Twist." Read them all in one sitting, one a day, even one a week. We guarantee that you will be blessed.
$19.95 each, $14.95 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling. View and order this book on our Web site at:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.htm
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3. "The Journey is Our Home:" Sharing Our Faith Journeys, by James Simmons
This edition of "The Journey is Our Home:" Sharing Our Faith Journeys, is from a discussion that began on the notion of "cafeteria Christians." The author is James Simmons, a resident of Dallas and a native of Texas. James is a former Baptist minister, and has been a member of Cathedral of Hope for the past 20 years. Here is part of James' faith journey:
The Human Rights Campaign hosts formal Black Tie Dinners as fund raisers in various major cities across the country (at $300 per person). My company was a major corporate sponsor of the Dallas event in 2004, and after the event was over, the host hotel invited all of the sponsors to a complimentary lunch at the hotel (which we knew would amount to a business pitch).
Toward the end of lunch, the hotel general manager remarked that our Black Tie Dinner was one of the largest events ever held at the hotel (some 3,500 tickets were sold). He went on to mention another large event hosted by his hotel: The Southern Baptist Convention.
The entire hotel management staff is amused each time the SBC holds their event there. It seems that the bar remains empty and does very little business at all over the long weekend that the SBC occupies the hotel. Room service liquor sales, on the other hand, are through the roof!
Bottom line: everyone goes to the cafeteria. We simply make different choices once we are there. Whether or not a choice one makes at the cafeteria is sufficient enough to label that individual a hypocrite is not up to anyone to decide, not even the preachers, contrary to what most of them choose to believe!
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4. New Ways Ministry Statement on the Passing of the Pope
New Ways Ministry statement regarding John Paul II's pontificate and its negative approach to gay/lesbian issues, from New Ways Ministry, 4012 29th Street, Mt. Rainier, Maryland 20712 (www.newwaysministry.org).
Statement of Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director, New Ways Ministry, On the Passing of Pope John Paul II and His Pontificate's Negative Approach to Lesbian/Gay Issues.
Pope John Paul II was a leader of deep piety and strong convictions. His moral leadership was heeded not only by Catholics, but by politicians, philosophers, and religious leaders throughout the world.
He was a man whose ideas were deeply formed by coming of age in his native Poland, occupied first by the Nazis, and then by the Communists. These experiences of oppression inspired his deep concern for social justice. He will be remembered for his strong voice on human rights and dignity.
Unfortunately, his record on gay/lesbian issues is not as admirable. His 26-year pontificate was marked by an end to dialogue on many theological issues, including homosexuality. He closed the windows of renewal that were opened by Pope John XXIII and the Second Vatican Council.
Specifically, under his leadership, many important steps were made to stifle the gay rights movement in the Church and in society: the publication of a 1986 letter on pastoral care of homosexuals, which, in fact, curbed many pastoral innovations being developed; silencing theologians like Charles Curran, who sought to update the Church's view on homosexual relationships; trying to silence the pioneering educational and pastoral ministry of Sister Jeannine Gramick and Father Robert Nugent, founders of New Ways Ministry; removing powers from prophetic bishops like Bishop Jacques Gaillot of Evreux, France, and Archbishop Raymond Hunthausen of Seattle, USA, who made bold statements of lesbian/gay equality; trying to prevent the 2000 World Pride celebration from occurring in Rome; making strong attempts to prevent same-sex marriage initiatives from being enacted in secular governments.
We pray for the repose of his soul, and we pray that the Holy Spirit will provide our Church with a leader who shares Pope John Paul II's strong voice and moral courage, but who will provide us with a Church that is more open to dialogue, reconciliation, and gay/lesbian equality. Lesbian/gay Catholics and their families need a leader who offers a healing hand after John Paul's pontificate which often caused them so much pain.
(Located in Mt. Rainier, Maryland, New Ways Ministry is a 28-year old national Catholic ministry which seeks to build bridges of justice, education, and reconciliation for lesbian/gay Catholics and the wider Church community.)
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This week, Laura Sheahen, the senior religion editor for the popular Beliefnet Internet site, responded to overwhelming online traffic by launching www.beliefnet.com/conclave/, which she's calling a "Virtual Conclave." At that site, 25 religious scholars and activists are posting papal comments.
"We set this up because there's so much interest now," she said. "Catholics, non-Catholics, conservatives and liberals, everyone around the world wants to know who the next pope will be."
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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 "Christ in Her" from the Easter section of "Christian with a Twist."
*****
Please read Mark 16:1-2
Where do we find Christ? Certainly not in a tomb. Most Christians take the story of Jesus' physical resurrection literally, and those of us who do not need to be a bit careful how we express ourselves. No matter what the actual events looked like long, long ago; Jesus is very much alive for us. But where do we find him?
I think we often catch glimpses of Jesus when one person serves another out of love. Sometimes we see Jesus in the face of the server and sometimes in the gratitude of the one served. In fact, allowing another to serve you is often a way of serving them.
Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of Jesus in this gospel version of the story went to serve Jesus one last time. He was beyond need of that particular service, but they were not beyond the need to serve him. And they were not beyond the reach of his love for them.
In another story about Mary and Martha, two sisters and friends of Jesus, it was Mary who knew that the best way to serve Jesus was to sit and listen to him. Martha, more practical and more like most of us, measured her own service in work accomplished. Jesus told her that her sister had chosen the better part.
Some say it was that same Mary who anointed Jesus' feet and dried them with her hair in John's Gospel. That is about as loving and personal as service can get. Some of those gathered around just did not get it and even complained that the expensive ointment could have been sold and the money given to the poor. There is no way to put a price tag on service when Christ is found in it.
On the evening of the Last Supper Jesus insisted on washing the feet of his disciples. In a way this is the beginning of the course of events that transformed the person of Jesus into Christ for us. Again, some did not get it and wanted to wash his feet instead, or to take the gesture to a meaningless extreme of a total bathing.
But Jesus taught us that divinity dwells in the ultimate servant, not he or she who demands service valued in gold or dollars. We can do a lot of good with our money and our resources, but it is when we give of ourselves that Christ is revealed. Christ was in each of the women named Mary in his story, and each of them sought Jesus by giving of themselves. It is in giving ourselves away that we find the resurrected life that Jesus promised.
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.htm
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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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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.
Sun., Apr. 17, St. Stephen Harding. Idleness: St. Stephen teaches us to never be found doing nothing, either by intention or boredom. In finding nothing to do, we have great opportunities to go astray and sin. "Lazy hands make people poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. They who gather crops in the summer are wise, but they who sleep during the harvest are disgraceful" (Proverbs 10:4-5)
Mon., Apr. 18, Bd. Mary of the Incarnation. Purity of our intentions: "Whatever you do, do not think of yourself, but keep your intention pure. Begin nothing without an impulse from God, or under obedience to a superior who stands in God's place. Whatever you do, keep your eyes fixed on God. Be ready at each moment to help your neighbor, whomever it may be," Bd. Mary of the Incarnation.
Tues., Apr. 19, St. Alphege. Helping the poor and oppressed: Consider your good position in life as a reward, rather than the deserver or owner of the talents and wealth or power that is entrusted to you. Use them to benefit those who have less or are weak and oppressed. St. Alphege died rather than extort his ransom from the poor tenants of the church lands.
Wed., Apr. 20, St. Agnes of Montepulciano. Pray faithfully: St. Agnes prayed and asked in faith, and her prayers and petitions were granted. Our prayers and petitions are often unheard and unanswered because we doubt if God will hear them or answer them. "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (Mark 11:24).
Thurs., Apr. 21, St. Anselm. Loyalty: "Let all and each of you understand that in whatever relates to God I will obey the successor of St. Peter; and in whatever belongs to the earthly authority of my lord the king I will dedicate to him my fidelity and my assistance according to my knowledge and conscience," St. Anselm. "Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God" (Romans 13:1-2).
Fri., Apr. 22, Sts. Epipodius and Alexander. Strictness of life: The death of the martyrs was not their crowning glory and not the beginning of their holiness. They died well because they lived well. We too must follow Christ along the narrow way of virtue if we would have him accept our death as an oblation precious in his sight.
Sat., Apr. 23, Bd. Giles of Assisi. The riches of poverty: "Earthly goods are of such a nature that they who possess fewest of them are the best off," Bd. Giles.
Sun., Apr. 24, St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen. Neighborly concern: We take great delight in decorating altars with flowers and pretty things made of gold and silver, and it is right to do so, but if we want to offer God gifts of greater value we must, like St. Fidelis, seek to save souls who but for us would be lost. By offering God these souls, we offer God the jewels of paradise. "And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" (Romans 10:15).
Mon., Apr. 25, St. Mark (Patron saint: lawyers). On Christ's adult life: Learn from St. Mark to keep the image of Christ constantly before you. Mark provided numerous slight details that give us vivid coloring in the gospel scenes and help us picture the very gestures and the look of Christ. "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made God's light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Tues., Apr. 26, St. Frances of Rome. Guardian angels: God appointed an angel to guard each one of us, who watches and prompts us daily. If we listen to our angel's voice now, we will be led to the very throne of God. "Reverence your guardian angel; do not dare to do before him what you would not dare to do before me," St. Bernard.
Wed., Apr. 27, St. Zita (Patron saint: domestic workers). Prayer and work: "What must I do to be saved?" asked a despairing person. "Work and pray, pray and work," replied a voice, "and you will be saved." The whole life of St. Zita teaches us this truth. "We are no good if we are not industrious; work-shy piety is sham piety," St. Zita.
Thurs., Apr. 28, St. Paul of the Cross. Devotion to the Passion: St. Paul prayed and suffered especially for England, where he saw many souls in danger of perishing through religious error and unbelief. One sign of devotion to the Passion and all that it means is a love of those for whom Christ died. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20).
Fri., Apr. 29, St. Peter of Verona. Confessing the truth: St. Peter spent his entire life preaching to heretics. We, too, live surrounded by people who (mostly through no fault of their own) reject parts or all of the Christian faith. Are we courageous, firm, zealous, full of prayers for their conversion, unflinching in our profession of faith?
Sat., Apr. 30, St. Catherine of Siena (Patron saint: fire prevention). The business of the church: St. Catherine willingly sacrificed the delights of contemplation to work for the church and the Apostolic See. How deeply do the troubles of the church, and their inevitable effects on individual members, weigh on our minds? How often do we pray for our church leaders and their loved ones?
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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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Spring is here in the Northern Hemisphere. In most of the US, we have "sprung forward," putting our clocks an hour ahead for Daylight Savings Time. The flowering trees in my neighborhood are in full bloom. Irises are leafing out in my little front courtyard, and the hastas have started to put up their first green shoots. It has even hit 70 degrees F a couple of days. That is the good news.
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The less good news for us Americans is that today is tax day, April 15, the day our federal and state income taxes and tax returns are due. I amaze myself, having finished and mailed my returns on Tuesday of this week! And I am getting over a thousand buck back from the Feds! Which of course I will use to pay down personal credit cards. <sigh>
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My home church, Holy Redeemer MCC, College Park, Maryland, is hosting three Thursday evenings in May with a lawyer to discuss "Estate Planning for Our Community." Olivia Cammack, Esq., will talk about living wills, durable powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, "do not resuscitate" instructions, wills, and the like. Thursdays, May 5, 12, and 19, at 7:30 pm, at the church. Check out the church Web site Website: http://www.holy-redeemer-mcc.org for directions and join us.
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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 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!
Won't you contribute to this series? 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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Look for new products to be announced within the next two weeks! Wonderful albums of Christian music by LGBT artists and the Chi Rho Cards are coming back, greeting cards for our community.
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Our Webminister, the Rev. Clay Witt has added seven photos of stained glass windows made by me in my role as resident stained glass craftsperson. I specialize in windows and also create 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.
I have created 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. I use 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 me at Adam@ChiRhoPress.com for further information and to discuss commissions.
New pictures are 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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Gracia y paz,
R. Adam DeBaugh, Director, Adam@ChiRhoPress.com.
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Copyright 2005, Chi Rho Press, Inc.
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