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Vol. VII, No. 10 1. Episcopal Church, like MCC, to be Headed by a
Woman! 2. Children Retell Familiar Bible Stories 3. May We Suggest Chi Rho Cards? 4. Step Number 4: "Face and Deal with your Anger" -------------------------------------------------- In the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, in the service
used to ordain a bishop, has these prophetic words, "Let the whole world see and
know, that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had
grown old are being made new." Amen. ***** Welcome once again to the Chi Rho Connection, the
electronic newsletter of Chi Rho Press. Thank you for passing this Chi Rho
Connection on to others. 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. Please visit our Web site at www.chirhopress.com to
see our entire lines of books, handouts, videos, tapes, tchochkas, and stained
glass. Direct all other e-mail to
Adam@ChiRhoPress.com.
Return to table of contents
1.
Episcopal Church, like MCC, to be Headed by a Woman! Has the Metropolitan Community Church once again
spoken a Word of prophesy to the Church Universal with the election of the Rev.
Elder Nancy Wilson as Moderator of the largely LGBT denomination? It seems so,
with the election of the Right Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, bishop of Nevada,
as the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States. Congratulations to the new "PB," as American
Episcopalians like to call the head of their denomination, as well as to the
Episcopal Church which continues to reject the theology of exclusion and
"purity" that its more conservative members keep trying to foist on the American
branch of the Anglican Communion. That notion of purity includes opposition to
the ordination of Gay and Lesbian people; their elevation to the episcopacy
(becoming a bishop), like the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson; but also includes notions
of biblical inerrancy, opposition to interfaith worship, women priests and
bishops, and remarriage after divorce. In other words, these conservatives
totally embrace the logic of all purity movements, which is to exclude people
who are different. The delicious irony, of course, is that these
disgruntled conservatives turn to none other than the notorious homophobe,
misogynist, and crypto-fascist Peter Akinola, the Primate of Nigeria. Archbishop
Peter fancies himself the true Archbishop of Canterbury, which he has mistakenly
places somewhere in Nigeria, and is eager to serve as bishop over the
disgruntled (and wealthy) American, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, and even
English Anglican Churches who hate the idea of Gays, Lesbians, Women, and God
only knows who else becoming priests and bishops. Never mind the suspect theology of the Nigerian branch
of the Anglican Communion on such issues as polygamy, not to mention the role of
women in ministry and the savage oppression of Gay and Lesbian people. Never
mind the traditional proscription in the world-wide Anglican Communion of
Bishops meddling in the affairs of other dioceses. Never mind the fact that
Jesus always sided with the oppressed and marginalized and outcast. Archbishop
Peter has his eyes on the prize and the prize is control of the world-wide
Anglican Church and the imposition of his repressive, un-Christian, and hateful
theology on everyone else. Never mind. Bishop Jack Iker, of the Fort Worth, Texas diocese has
already appealed to the Archbishop of Canterbury to take his diocese out of the
American church and under the Episcopal oversight of another, more acceptable
(meaning male) Bishop. Other conservative dioceses and churches will likely
follow. It looks as if the majority of delegates at the
Episcopal Church's General Convention in Columbus, Ohio, have voted to remain
pure and true to the teachings of Jesus Christ, not the likes of Bishop Iker and
Archbishop Akinola. Jesus taught about inclusion, not exclusion, about
tolerance, not discrimination, about love, not hate. And we have a right to
celebrate with our brothers and sisters in the Episcopal Church in the US not
only over their overwhelming vote to be led by Bishop Jefferts Schori, but over
their willingness to stand up for a Gospel of Inclusion and Acceptance. As the Book of Common Prayer says in the service of
consecration of a bishop, "Let the whole world see and know, that things which
were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being
made new." Amen and Amen.
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2. Children Retell Familiar Bible Stories Gleaned from the Internet, with no attribution. These
may have been floating around the ether for a while and we apologize if you have
read them before, but we found them amusing. STORY OF ELIJAH. The Sunday school teacher was
carefully explaining the story of Elijah the Prophet and the false prophets of
Baal. She explained how Elijah built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the steer
in pieces, and laid it upon the altar. And then, Elijah commanded the people of
God to fill four barrels of water and pour it over the altar. He had them do
this four times "Now, said the teacher, "can anyone in the class tell me why the
Lord would have Elijah pour water over the steer on the altar?" A little girl in
the back of the room started waving her hand, "I know! I know!" she said. "To
make the gravy!" LOT'S WIFE. The Sunday School teacher was describing
how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Jason
interrupted, "My Mummy looked back once, while she was driving," he announced
triumphantly, "and she turned into a telephone pole!" GOOD SAMARITAN. A Sunday school teacher was telling
her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and
left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her students would
catch the drama. Then, she asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the
roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?" A thoughtful little girl
broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up." DID NOAH FISH? A Sunday school teacher asked, "Do you
think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?" "No," replied David.
"How could he, with just two worms?" HIGHER POWER. A Sunday school teacher said to her
children, "We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible
times. But, there is a higher power. Can anybody tell me what it is?" One child
blurted out, "Aces!" MOSES & THE RED SEA. Nine-year-old Joey was asked by
his mother what he had learned in Sunday school. "Well, Mom, our teacher told us
how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites
out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge
and all the people walked across safely. Then, he radioed headquarters for
reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites
were saved." "Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his
mother asked. "Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd
never believe it!" THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD. A Sunday School teacher
decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the
Bible; Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse. Little Rick
was excited about the task, but, he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much
practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were
scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Rick was so nervous.
When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The
Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know." LITERAL TRANSLATION. Sunday after church, a Mom asked
her very young daughter what the lesson was about. The daughter answered, "Don't
be scared, you'll get your quilt." Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later
in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that
morning's Sunday school lesson was about. He said, "Be not afraid, thy comforter
is coming."
Return to table of contents 3.
May We Suggest Chi Rho Cards? Chi Rho Cards: A line of Gay and Lesbian greeting
cards from Chi Rho Press. 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 and see pictures of each card at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/cards.html
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4.
Step Number 4: "Face and Deal with your Anger" Step Number 4 in the "Steps to Recovery from Bible
Abuse," but the Rev. Dr. Rembert Truluck, is to "Face and Deal with your Anger." Here is the introductory material from chapter 9 of
"Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse," in which Dr. Truluck outlines the fourth
step needed to recover from Bible abuse. The Fourth Step: Face and Deal With Your Anger Anger toward people and toward God or yourself can
delay your recovery. Resist seeing yourself as a victim. Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow
to anger; for human anger does not achieve the righteousness of God. James
1:19-20 How Jesus faced and dealt with his own anger is
demonstrated in Mark 3:1-7, which is the basis for the first lesson in the
Fourth Step. Jesus began dealing with anger by recognizing that he was angry and
by taking appropriate steps to deal with it. The emotions of Jesus are given
special attention in the Gospel of Mark. Read through Mark again and notice how
often the human feelings of Jesus, such as compassion, grief, amazement, etc.,
are brought out. How Jesus handled his own feelings can be very instructive to
us in equipping us to recover and heal from the abuses of sick, oppressive
religion. Anger is a prevailing feature of the current gay
lifestyle. Oppressed, abused people are usually frustrated, and anger is the
natural outgrowth of frustration. The second lesson in the Fourth Step will
explore the origins and dynamics of anger and suggest practical help in handling
your anger. The words "mad" and "anger" are used to mean the same
thing, because anger makes us at least "a little bit crazy" and sometimes makes
us into raving maniacs. We cannot over emphasize the importance of gay, lesbian,
bisexual, and transgendered people learning to recognize and control their
anger. Anger is a very natural and healthy emotion, but when it develops into a
lifestyle or an expression of obsessive/compulsive behavior, anger kills. Additional Resources See a very helpful (and entertaining, with lots of
cartoons) recent bestseller by Redford Williams, M.D. and Virginia Williams,
Ph.D., "Anger Kills:" Harper,1994. Buy the complete book, "Steps to Recovery from Bible
Abuse," on the Chi Rho Press Web site, at this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevStepsToRecovery.html
Return to table of contents 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 and Ordinary Time 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
Return to table of contents As a regular feature in the Chi Rho Connection, we are
offering up traditional saints listed in the 2006 Liturgical Calendar and
Lectionary from today until our next scheduled electronic newsletter. ***** Thurs., June 29, St. Peter (Patron saint:
fishers). The successors of Peter: St. Peter lives on in his successors and
guides and feeds the flock committed to him. The reality of our devotion to him
is the surest test of the purity of faith. "Where Peter is, there is the
Church," St. Ambrose. "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven"
(Matthew 16:19). Fri., June 30, St. Paul. Whole conversions: St.
Paul complains in his letter to the Christians at the church of Philippi that
all seek the things that are their own, and not the things that are of Christ.
See if these words apply to you, and resolve to give yourself to God without
reserve. "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you"
(Ephesians 5:14). Sat., July 1, St. Isidore of Madrid. Simple
faith: St. Isidore became a saint because he preferred prayer with God to
conversation with other people, and because he trusted the divine power and
goodness rather than any human aid. "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in God
and God will do this; God will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the
justice of your cause like the noonday sun" (Psalm 37:5). Sun., July 2, Bd. Peter of Luxemburg.
Self-denial: Bd. Peter teaches us how, by self-denial, rank, riches, the highest
dignities, and all this world can give may serve to make a saint, and that in
extreme youth. "And Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me,
he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me'" (Matthew 16:24). Mon., July 3, St. Thomas (Patron saint:
architects). The triumph of faith: Discard all notions, doubts, and
uncertainties and learn to overcome old weaknesses as did St. Thomas, who "by
his ignorance instructed the ignorant, and by his incredulity served the faith
of all ages." "By his confession and touching of the wounds he taught us what we
ought to believe. He saw one thing and believed another. His eyes beheld Christ
alone, but by his faith he confessed God," St. Augustine. Tues., July 4, St. Elizabeth of Portugal
(Patron saint: jealousy). Daily attendance at church: In the Eucharist, St.
Elizabeth daily found strength to bear suspicion and cruelty patiently; and by
that same holy sacrifice her innocence was proved. By neglecting opportunities
of daily communion and church fellowship we lose opportunities for gaining
strength. Wed., July 5, St. Antony Zaccaria. Fulfilling
'apostleship:' By his following of St. Paul's example in going out to all
people, and by the use he made of the Apostle's letters, St. Antony Zaccaria
gives us an example in turn. We must always be ready to help our fellow persons
in every way that we can; and we should constantly re-read and ponder Paul's
expositions of the Christian faith and life. Thurs., July 6, St. Maria Goretti. Triumph over
sin: Maria Goretti had led a very ordinary life. But in spite of her simplicity,
her great faith and love for God made her truly extraordinary. This was the
triumph of the little girl who loved God and hated sin. Fri., July 7, St. Arsenius. Silence: Let us
learn from the example of St. Arsenius that it is not enough to punish our
bodies; we must also keep a careful watch over our hearts. Those who attend to
the exterior alone are like statues that shine on the outside with gold and
polish, but inside are full of dirt and rubbish. "God knows how much I love the
brethren, but I cannot be with God and people at the same time; so I will not
leave God to be with them," St. Arsenius. Sat., July 8, St. Odo of Canterbury. Brotherly
corrections: In correcting we should use all possible gentleness and meekness,
always remembering that, if similarly tempted, we should ourselves have fallen
yet more gravely. Sun., July 9, St. Veronica Giuliani. Devotion
to the passion: "Blessed be God! Everything seems little that is suffered for
God's love. Blessed be the simple Cross! Blessed be pure suffering!" St.
Veronica Giulani. St. Veronica teaches us that it is honorable and just to deny
our own natural inclinations by being lovers of the Cross. Mon., July 10, St. Alban (Patron saint:
refugees). Selflessness: When a persecution of the Christians in England broke
out a certain cleric flying for his life took refuge in Alban's house. Alban
sheltered him, and after some days, moved by his example, he received baptism.
Later on, when the governor's emissaries came to search the house, Alban
disguised himself in the cloak of his guest and gave himself up in his place. He
was dragged before the judge, scourged, and, when he would not deny his faith,
condemned to death. Tues., July 11, St. Benedict (Patron saint:
kidney disease sufferers). Power of prayer: In all of the saints' lives, one
thing is common to all of them: they never feared to do any work, no matter how
menial or tiring, because they distrusted "self" and relied wholly on the power
of prayer for support and assistance. "Whatever good work you begin to do, first
ask God earnestly to bring it to a good conclusion," St. Benedict. Wed., July 12, St. John of Gualbert. Forgiving
your enemies: St. John of Gualbert's defining moment of heroism came when he
forgave his enemies. We learn from him to never resolve our issues of anger or
ill treatment by attempting to revenge ourselves in deed, in word, or in
thought. "I cannot refuse what you ask in Christ's name. I grant you your life
and I give you my friendship. Pray that God may forgive me my sins," St. John of
Gualbert. Thurs., July 13, St. Brigid of Kildare (Patron
saint: healers). Mary as our role model: We all have to seek to resemble the
mother of Jesus in purity of heart. This grace St. Brigid's prayers have
obtained in a wonderful degree for the daughters of her native land (Ireland)
and she will never fail to ask it of God for all those who turn to her. "If you
love Mary and wish to please her, make her your model," St. Bernard. Fri., July 14, St. Camillus de Lellis (Patron
saint: hospitals). Prayers for the sick: St. Camillus saw the sick as living
images of Christ, and by ministering to them in this spirit atoned for the sins
of his youth, led a life precious in merit, and from a troublesome soldier
became a gentle, loving spirit. "Charity does not seek its own convenience. We
must give the spur to this jade of a body of ours, to make it trot on and get
forward. The good servant of the sick dies in the hospital," St. Camillus. Sat., July 15, St. Henry the Emperor.
Offerings: St. Henry gave up and deprived himself of many things that his
offerings could enrich the house of God. We spend money on ourselves and leave
Jesus in poverty and neglect." For here in the church all our wealth is
treasured; here lies all our hope," St. John Chrysostom. ***** Order the 2005-2006 Liturgical Calendar and
Lectionary, complete with the entire year's Sanctoral Cycle, at this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa05_06.html
Return to table of contents I had a wonderful birthday celebration the weekend of
June 23 through 25. I turned 59, as I mentioned in the last edition of the Chi
Rho Connection, or 15 Celsius. Of course in Queer Years, 59 is 35. I think every
age over 35 is, well, 35. But I could be wrong. I took the actual day of my birthday off work from my
secular job (Friday) and checked into a wonderful bed and breakfast just a few
miles from my home. Check out the Gaithersburg Inn in Old Town Gaithersburg at
http://www.gaithersburginn.com. The owners are a delightful semi-retired
straight couple who are very welcoming and accepting of LGBT folks. The B&B is
in an 1892 Victorian house, fully and lovingly restored by Chris and Terry
Kirtz. When I arrived Friday afternoon, Chris and Terry had
tea laid for the three of us, and then I rested in my lovely upstairs room. My
dear friend Barbara stopped by with a bottle of wine, which we shared with our
hosts in the gazebo in their very large back garden. Then Barb and I walked a
block and a half to a great little Thai restaurant in Old Town for a late
dinner. Saturday featured a fabulous breakfast of waffles,
sausage, and fresh fruit, and I spent the morning and early afternoon finishing
up entering edits in Candace Chellew's excellent manuscript which we are getting
ready for publication. Then my 12 guests started to arrive at the Inn for an old
fashioned English tea, which was my birthday party. Terry and Chris continued to
be gracious hosts and the tea was a great success. My son Patrick arrived Saturday evening and spent the
night in the Inn, then after another excellent breakfast he went to church with
me at Open Door MCC in Boyds, Maryland, my home congregation, followed by lunch
with friends. In all it was a splendid birthday weekend! ***** I really encourage you all to become Guardian Angels
of Chi Rho Press. This will help us a lot as we prepare our next books for
publication. Just $150 for a year will make you an important participant in this
ministry. Thank you! ***** Gracia y paz, R. Adam DeBaugh, Director, Adam@ChiRhoPress.com. ****************************************** 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
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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 also available through our
Canadian distributor, MAP Enterprises, Mary Ann Pearson, at her Web page,
http://www.christiangays.com. Copyright 2006, Chi Rho Press, Inc.
5 July 2006
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