1. New Products: Wonderful Music!
2. Chi Rho Greeting Cards
3. Have you read "Living as the Beloved"?
4. "The Journey is Our Home:" Sharing Our Faith Journeys, by Father Jeremy
5. "Christian with a Twist"
6. Sanctoral Cycle
7. Adam's Last Word
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This issue's Quotes:
 

"I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be. And by the grace of God, I am what I am."
John Newton (1725-1807)
(Thanks to Mary Pearson and www.GayChristians.com)

"You say you're supposed to be nice to the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians and the Methodists and this, that, and the other thing. Nonsense. I don't have to be nice to the spirit of the Antichrist."
Pat Robertson, on his 700 Club program, January 14, 1991

*****
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.  New Products: Wonderful Music!

There are three new music offerings on the Web site:

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

All songs on this excellent album were written by the Rev. David K. North, now pastor of Holy Redeemer Metropolitan Community Church, College Park, Maryland, USA, except "I am Not Ashamed," which was written by Virgil Night and David North.

Gospel Celebration includes David North, piano and lead vocals; Janina Sajka, keyboard; Jeanie Broderick, drums and percussion; Virgil Night, bass guitar and vocals; Scott Breivold, tenor; Shirley L. Clay, alto; Freida Rink-Walton, soprano; and Myriam Valle, soprano.  Additional instrumental soloists for selected songs include Myriam Valle on acoustic guitar, Dave Hanbury on lead guitar, Al Williams on saxophone, and Dennis Thompson on bagpipes.

Songs on this album include "Whosoever Will," "A Little Bit of Faith," "Beloved," "He Was Wounded," "Be Encouraged," "No, I'll Never Turn Back," "Power of Prayer," "Justified," "I'm Covered," "My Prayer," and "I'm Not Ashamed."

David North and the Gospel Celebration use this as their mission statement:

"We are committed to extending the celebration of joy in God's Word and the inclusive healing power of God's Love to all communities through our music.

"It is our hope that whoever may share in this outpouring of praise will take something away that will uplift and enrich their life.

"We ask your prayers for our steadfastness to this goal;  that nothing keep us from the course of this ministry."

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.

Witness was a vibrant LGBT Christian music group that had it's roots in the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC.  Included on this tape are David Carlin King, guitar; Tom Hall, piano and vocals; Dale Jarrett, bass and vocals; Jeanie Broderick, percussion.

The Tape includes "I Need Jesus," "Jesus is Lord of All," "Cling to the Cross," "I'm One of the King's Kids," "Trinity," "Ida's Song," "What Will You Have Me Do," "Right Now," "I Am Willing," and "Ten Thousand Years."  All of the selections are original songs by Dale Jarrett and Virgil Night, except "Ten Thousand Years," a hymn standard.

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 "Living as the Beloved"?

A powerful book of daily devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra L. Bochonok.  $20.95 each, six or more copies for $15.75 each, plus shipping and handling.  You can see and order the book on our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.htm

Dr. Bochonok is the founder of the very popular Soul Food Ministry Web site (www.soulfoodministry.org), a special work of Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC.

"Living As The Beloved" has a Scripture reading, meditation, and prayer for every day of the year.  Dr. Bochonok's meditations are poignant, wise, and amazingly pastoral.  Her many years of ministry as a military chaplain and pastor, and now as an Internet pastor shine through her every word.  Her meditations are simple, basic Christian teaching, yet glow with power, grace, and beauty.  These are devotions that will light your days for many years to come.

Dr. Rembert Truluck, author of "Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse" (http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevStepsToRecovery.html), writes:

"I welcome the opportunity to commend to you this new book of daily meditations by my friend Sandra Bochonok.  The meditations are centered in a realistic practical understanding of love and recovery 'one day at a time.'  Filled with personal experiences, helpful information and quotes from other sources, the book is easy to read.  Dr. Bochonok draws upon her own personal spiritual pilgrimage and her loving listening relationships with many people in her own family and in her life as a minister and teacher at MCC DC.  Thank you, Sandra, for passing on to us what you have discovered that has been helpful to you."

Order your copy of "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time" today.  Only $20.95, plus shipping and handling, six or more copies are $15.75 each plus shipping and handing.

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

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4.  "The Journey is Our Home:"  Sharing Our Faith Journeys, by Father Jeremy

This edition of "The Journey is Our Home:"  Sharing Our Faith Journeys, is something I received in the mail from a beloved and precious friend of mine, a Roman Catholic priest now retired early, due to health problems, after 40 years of regular active ministry.  Fr. Jeremy muses on what it is like to discover that he has aged and how he reacts to this.  He realizes that he actually now celebrates who he has become.  He sees what God has fashioned and says, "Yes . . . this is very good!"

Here is part of Fr. Jeremy's faith journey:

*  *  *

The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old.  I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old.  Upon seeing my reaction, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let him know.

Old age, I decided, is a gift.  I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be.  Oh, not my body!  I sometime despair over my body, but I don't agonize over it for long.  At least I try not to.   ;-)

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly.  As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself.  I've become my own friend.  I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio.  I am entitled to overeat, to be messy, to be extravagant.  I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read until 4 am, and sleep until noon?  I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50s and 60s, and if I at the same time wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I know I am sometimes forgetful.  But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten, and I eventually remember the important things.  And . . . does it really matter?

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken.  How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or when you are not accepted or included, or when war seems so futile and cruel?  But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion.  A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn white, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.  So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.  I can say "no," and mean it.  I can say "yes," and mean it.  As you get older, it is easier to be positive.  You care less about what other people think.  I don't question myself anymore.  I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer the question, I like being old.  It has set me free.  I like the person I have become.  I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.

For the first time in my life, I don't have to have a reason to do the things I want to do.  If I want to play games on the computer all day, lay on the couch and watch old movies for hours or don't want to go to the beach or a movie, I have earned that right.  I have put in my time doing everything for others, so now I can be a bit selfish without feeling guilty.

I sometimes feel sorry for the young.  They face a far different world than I knew growing up, where we feared the law, respected the old, the president, our country.  I never felt the need to use filthy language in order to express myself.  And they too will grow old someday.  I am grateful to have been born when I was, into a kinder, gentler world.

Yes, I like being old!

Joy to the world. . . .

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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 "Tongues" from the Pentecost section of "Christian with a Twist."

Please read Acts 2:1-13

"Filled with new wine."  Too bad I did not know that phrase back when . . .  well, back when I had not had the experience of sharing the cup with you all, and perhaps and hopefully having my eyes opened a bit and my mind broadened.  Maybe my thoughts would have been a bit more Christian-like when I heard people say that God had spoken to them.

At least I kept my mouth shut, except maybe after a few drinks of old scotch, but I did not believe them.  At best I thought they were fooling themselves and at worst trying to fool me.

But then God spoke.  Well, I suppose maybe God had spoken a lot, but I had not listened.  Or maybe God did not speak until there was at least a possibility that I could hear.  The first couple times God spoke to me, it was not with a voice or words.  That was probably a good thing.  God just planted the necessary concepts into my brain, like my first time at MCC when God "told me" I would be coming every Sunday from then on.

At least I had the sense to put some of my skepticism aside.  I am glad God was easy on me for a while, and let me spend some time here before hearing anyone speak in tongues or get slain in the spirit.

But there did come a time when God had to raise God's voice to me.  Finding two quarters on the road two nights in a row, led me to wonder if God had a message for me – at a time when I needed God's guidance.  "Take what God gives you!"  God fairly shouted at me, and I accepted not just those fifty cents, but the most meaningful relationship in my life thus far.

Yes God does speak, using whatever tongues, messengers, or tools God needs to get the message across.

Filled with new wine, yes, I suppose that on occasion God has used that, too.  But let us not use that as an excuse to try to drown the voices in our heads.  Let us just listen and know that God has many voices and many songs to sing.

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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Sun., May 15, Pentecost

Mon., May 16, St. John of Nepomuk (Patron saint: discretion).  Indiscretion:  St. John teaches us that what we hear in confidence must stay in confidence.  He was martyred for refusing to break the seal of confession in Czechoslovakia when the king ordered him to reveal what his wife had confessed.

Tues., May 17, St. Paschal Baylon.  Devotion to the blessed sacrament:  St. Paschal believed that we should never let a day pass without visiting Jesus in the sacrament.  If we are not able to take the sacrament, then we are to turn our minds and thoughts to Jesus at least once daily.

Wed., May 18, St. Felix of Cantalice.  Being thankful:  St. Felix always greeted people with the words "Deo Gratias;" he taught all the children he came into contact with to repeat the words and when they saw him, they would call it out.  "I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good.  I will praise you in the presence of your saints" (Psalm 52:9).

Thurs., May 19, St. Peter Celestine (Patron saint: bookbinders).  Solitude with God:  "To speak heart to heart with God you must love to be with God alone; they who take pleasure in the society of the great will never hear God's voice," St. Celestine.

Fri., May 20, St. Bernardine of Siena.  Devotion to the holy name:  Bernardine was a youth when he undertook the care of an old woman relation of his, who was destitute, bedridden, blind, and could hardly speak except to utter the holy name.  He watched over her until her death.  To understand the mysteries of Jesus, we too must become families with his friends, the poor, the suffering, and the sick.

Sat., May 21, St. Andrew Bobola.  Courage in suffering:  Always be ready, like a good and faithful servant of Christ, to bear bravely the cross of our Lord, who was crucified for love of you.

Sun., May 22, St. Dunstan (Patron saint: goldsmiths and jewelers).  Reprimand wrongs:  St. Dunstan's open opposition to vice brought him banishment and loss, but his fearless rebukes of scandal on his return proved his disregard of the things around him and that he was ready again to suffer for Christ.  We must use every opportunity available to us to set the correct example of Christian life as well as check and correct our neighbors' transgressions.

Mon., May 23, St. Aldhelm.  Use of your talents:  The gifts of God need to be consecrated to God's service, they will then not only promote our own sanctification but also that of others.  St. Aldhelm was perhaps the most learned and accomplished man of his time in England, yet he was a saint, and the spiritual father of many holy men and women.

Tues., May 24, St. Theodotus of Ancyra.  Forbearance and mercy:  Resolve yourself to benefit others by forbearance, charity, and strictness with yourself.  You are truly merciful when you seek to supply the spiritual necessities of your friends and neighbors.  "Blessed," Christ says, "are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

Wed., May 25, St. Gregory VII.  Loyalty to God's kingdom:  "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people.  It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever" (Daniel 2:44).

Thurs., May 26, St. Philip Neri.  Joy:  St Philip wanted all children to serve God, like the first Christians, in gladness of heart.  He said this was the true spirit of son-ship and that it expanded the soul giving it liberty and perfection in action, power over temptation, and fuller aid to perseverance.  "I will have no scrupulosity and no melancholy in my house," St. Philip Neri.

Fri., May 27, St. Bede.  Search for God's wisdom:  The more we are at one with ourselves, at peace and free of complications, so much more and deeper are things that we are able to understand because we receive the light of understanding from above.

Sat., May 28, St. Augustine of Canterbury.  Obedience:  The work of an apostle, or of any Christian for that matter, is the work of the right hand of God.  God often chooses weak people for the mightiest purposes.  The most pure sign of lasting success in missionary work is obedience to superiors and diffidence about oneself.

Sun., May 29, St. Mary Magdalen dei Pazzi.  Divine charity:  Charity is the presence of God in the soul, transforming it into a new creature.  Mary Magdalen called the day of holy communion the day of love.  The charity that burned in her heart and led her to choose the Carmelites was the fact that they received the Sacrament of Holy Communion daily.  "I love people because Jesus loves them, and I would bear anything to comfort them, for God cannot rest in a heart that is ill at ease," St. Mary Magdalen.

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., Jun. 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

*****

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

Happy Birthday, Church!  Yes, today is the Day of Pentecost, and historically Christians think of this as the birth day of the Christian Church.  But as the sermon I heard this morning reminded us, Pentecost is not necessarily about adding members to the Church, but rather it is about adding believers to the faith.  The people from many nations heard the Gospel in their own languages, in words they could understand and relate to.  I think this is the very essence of inclusive language.

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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!

*****

I am very pleased my old friend, Father Jeremy, was able to add his poignant and powerful reflections on growing older to our Chi Rho Connection today.  We can not give you his full name, of course, since he is still a Roman Catholic priest, though retired.  But I hope you were blessed by Fr. Jeremy's insights on growing older.

*****

Well, Spring is well and truly here in the Maryland suburbs of Washington DC.  The weather is warm and plants are growing and everywhere there is green.  I hope wherever you are that the weather is a blessing to you and that this time is one of joy and satisfaction to you.