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CHI RHO
CONNECTION |
Vol. VII, No. 5 2. New
Chi Rho Press Board Members 3. May We
Suggest "Called Out"? 4.
Become a Guardian Angel
of Chi Rho Press
-------------------------------------------------- "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every
rocket fired, signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and
are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. The world in arms is not
spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its labourers, the genius of
its scientists, the hopes of its children." Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969), U.S. general,
Republican politician, U.S. President ***** 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 Sent to us by former board member and Web minister the
Rev. Clay H. Witt. Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too
distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians -- they are
my best work. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and
expect to be thanked -- I can use them. Blessed are the touchy who stop going to church --
they are my missionaries. Blessed are the trouble makers -- they shall be called
my children. Blessed are the complainers -- I'm all ears to them. Blessed are those who are bored with the minister's
mannerisms and mistakes -- for they get nothing out of the sermons. Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited
to his own church -- for he or she is a part of the problem instead of the
solution. Blessed are those who gossip -- for they shall cause
strife and divisions that please me. Blessed are those who are easily offended -- for they
will soon get angry and quit. Blessed are those who do not give their offering to
carry on God's work for they are my helpers. Blessed is the one who professes to love God but hates
his or her brother and sister for that one shall be with me forever. Blessed are you who, when you read this, think it is
about other people and not yourself -- I've got you too!
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2. New Chi Rho Press Board Members We are saddened to announce the retirement of yet
another member of the Board of Directors of Chi Rho Press. As you may remember,
the Rev. Clay Witt retired from the Board last year, as well as from active
ministry, and moved to Florida. Clay continues to serve as our Web minister and
is also busy compiling the 2006-2007 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary. Today, March 31, marks the end of over ten years of
service of another Board member, Mr. Stephen Barchers. Steve has been an incredibly faithful and wonderful
board member and he will be missed. But after ten years, we can not disagree
that it is time for him to move on and focus his considerable energies on other
ministries. Steve lives in Front Royal, Virginia, with his partner
of many years Frank. We are pleased to welcome two new Board members into
our midst as well! The Rev. Reg Richburg is on staff at MCC of
Washington, DC, and has been in Washington taking courses at Wesley Theological
Seminary. Reg returns home to New York just after Easter to work in a counseling
center for about a year, before coming back to DC with partner Susie. Reg is a
social worker in addition to being MCC clergy and an excellent workshop leader
and spiritual director. Also joining the board is C. Gabriel Carey, Ph.D.,
also from MCC DC. Dr. Carey is a college level English teacher and has recently
begun a contract as an editor at the Library of Congress. An active lay person,
she is committed to small group curricula and other ministries of Chi Rho Press. Please join us in welcoming Reg and Gabriel to our
Board of Directors!
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3. May We Suggest "Called Out"? We believe that Presbyterians and indeed all people of
faith need to read "Called OUT! The Voices and Gifts of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
and Transgendered Presbyterians" now more than ever. "Called OUT!" was compiled by the Rev. Jane Adams
Spahr, Kathryn Poethig, Selisse Berry, and Melinda McLain. In it 39 LGBT
Presbyterians tell their stories about their lives in, and out of the
Presbyterian Church. People from both the old northern and southern churches,
and the reunited Presbyterian Church (USA), from all over the United States,
tell their stories here with candor, wit, and faith. An important book for all
who either are Lesbian or Gay or would seek to understand Gay people of faith,
regardless of their religion. Now in its second printing, "Called OUT!" has been
called an incredibly valuable book. Former Stated Clerk William P. Thompson said
all "Presbyterians should read 'Called OUT'." "Called OUT!" is available from Chi Rho Press for $17.95 each, six or more copies for $15.25 each. You may order on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevCalledOut.html
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4. Become a Guardian
Angel of Chi Rho Press 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! We are committed to reviving our Guardian Angel
program. 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!
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 "Snap Out of It!" from the Lenten section of "Christian with a Twist." Please read Genesis 2:4b-9 and Romans 5:12 One of the purposes of the book of Genesis must have
been to give an explanation of how things came to be. All ancient cultures had such stories, and it is
amazing how similar they are. Now of course, with our modern scientific approach
to things we know much, much more. Of course, comparing what we know even now to
all that there is to know probably leaves much room for future generations to
impress the God that created them. By evolution, big bang, or whatever, God surely did
create the earth and the heavens. It does not take any genius to look up and
look down and know that they are there. It does not say Sony or Mitsubishi
anywhere on them. God is by definition the source of all there is. You can call
God something else, but you can not deny that a piece of creative work has been
done. God did it. There was nobody else around to even put a bid on the
contract. How, why, when, and how long it took are interesting
details. I suppose that God might find some of our efforts to do so quite
amusing sort of like watching a child try to figure out a new toy. Of course we do grow up. God created us to do that
hard as that sometimes is to believe and not only can we figure out a lot of
things, we can pass knowledge on to others. That is a good thing. I do not know about you, but I am particularly fond of
indoor plumbing and central heat. Modern medicine has benefited me, too. I am
kind of glad that somebody found some knowledge, whether on a tree or elsewhere. It is wonderful how God created so much and still left
us plenty to do to occupy our time. We have accomplished quite a lot since the
time of Genesis. We could not have done any of it without the resources
God provided but, hey, we get at least a C+ for our efforts. So why do we insist on bragging about how bad we can
be? From way back in Genesis we have been claiming that we can sin so powerfully
that we even created death itself. But no, we did not. God created life and living things that grow and
change, reproduce and die. Life itself is eternal and anything about us that God
considers worth saving will live on in eternity. Our sins cause a lot of heartache. They are
distracting little blips in God's infinite plan, but they are not the be all and
end all of creation. God created the earth and the heavens. Do you not
think God could snap us out of it if we were too far out of hand? God just has
an amazing amount of patience.
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. ***** Fri., March 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. Sat., April 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 Date: Cancer Control Month and National
Child Abuse Prevention Month Sun., April 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. Mon., April 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 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). Tues., April 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). Wed., April 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. Thurs., April 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
and our beliefs and refraining from giving unsolicited opinions is very much
within the realm of what we can do. Fri., April 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. Sat., April 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). Sun., April 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. Start of Holy Week. Palm/Passion Sunday. Mon., April 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. Tues., April 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 Galgani. St. Gemma is one of the few
stigmatists in the church's history. Wed., April 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). Thurs., April 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 other people and rest
satisfied with the findings. Yet it will be by divine perfection that we will be
judged when we die. Maundy Thursday Fri., April 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, grow in love of Christ, and accept it
as a mercy. Good Friday Diversity Date: Pan American Day, Latin America:
celebrates friendship between the United States and the Latin American
countries. Sat., April 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. ***** 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 Have you heard of Whosoever, the on-line LGBT
Christian magazine at
www.whosoever.org? I really encourage you to check it out! Whosoever is celebrating their tenth anniversary this
year and founder and editor the Rev. Candace Chellew-Hodge has offered a
collection of essays to Chi Rho Press to celebrate the anniversary. The editing
of "Homospirituality: A Queer Kind of Faith" is nearing completion and we look
forward to its publication this year. Don't miss the Chi Rho Connection for news
of the pre-publication sale! ***** Lent began on Wednesday, March 1, and Chi Rho Press is
very proud of our two books of Lenten devotions. Here is a brief description of
each one. "'You Need Only To Be Still:' Using the Hebrew
Scriptures to Journey Through Lent," by Randy Jedele. Spiral bound, 5½" x 8½",
100 pages. A book of daily devotions for Lent, in which author Randy Jedele
takes us on a journey through the Old Testament. A lay Christian Education
minister in the United Church of Christ in Iowa, Randy Jedele has drawn on his
strong Protestant and Congregationalist background to enliven the Hebrew
Testament for us in new ways in these Lenten devotions. View it on our Web site
at this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevYouNeedOnlyToBeStill.htm
$10.95 each, six or more copies for $8.95 each, plus
shipping and handling. ***** Our first book of Lenten Meditations was "For Another
Flock," written from a Gay Roman Catholic point of view. "For Another Flock:
Rainbow Meditations and Study Guide for Lent," by Jeffrey Lea. ($10.95 each,
$8.95 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling.) View it on our
Web site at:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevForAnotherFlock.htm
$10.95 each, $8.95 each for six or more copies, plus
shipping and handling. ***** The 2005-2006 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary, Year
B is available on the Chi Rho Press Web site. You may view it and order it at
this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa05_06.html The 2005-2006 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary sells
for 11.95 each, $9.50 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling. ***** I have begun work on next year's Liturgical Calendar
and Lectionary. The Rev. Clay Witt has sent the first quarter of the Liturgical
Calendar and I have finished editing it and am waiting for the next installment.
Watch for news of the publication of this popular
resource in the early Autumn of this year. ***** Please check out the Chi Rho Cards! Our line of
greeting cards, by the talented New York artist Timothy Leetch, are now
available. See the descriptions of the cards on our Web site at:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/cards.html. Order some cards today! ***** 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
us, please follow these directions: To SUBSCRIBE send blank e-mail to:
ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UNSUBSCRIBE send blank e-mail to:
ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Please visit http://www.ChiRhoPress.com. You may pay
by credit card on our web page or we will ship your order after receiving your
check or money order. Please always include your e-mail address, mailing
address, and telephone number. For all e-mail correspondence, please write
Adam@ChiRhoPress.com. Our snail mail address is: Chi Rho Press, Inc. P.O. Box 7864 Gaithersburg, MD 20898 Our telephone and fax number is 301/926-1208. Customers outside the U.S. and especially our Canadian
friends can order using credit cards on our Web page. Some of our books are 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.
31 March 2006
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