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CHI RHO
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Vol. IX, No. 2
************************* 1. New
2008 Liturgical Calendar 2.
Three Devotionals for the New Year 3.
May We Suggest Two Lenten Studies? ------------ This issue's Quote: "If the only prayer you say in your life is 'thank
you,' that would suffice." Meister Eckhart ***** 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- To remove yourself from this list send an e-mail to:
ChiRhoPress- Please visit our Web site at http://www.chirhopr Direct all other e-mail to
Adam@ChiRhoPress. ------------ 1.
New 2008 Liturgical Calendar! The new Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary is out! The
new Church Year started with the first Sunday in Advent, December 2, 2007. Chi
Rho Press' annual Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary for 2007-2008, Year A is
now on the Chi Rho Press Web site and ready to ship. You may view and order it
at this link:
http://www.chirhopr The 2007-2008 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary is
spiral bound so it can lie flat for easy use, in the popular 8 ½" x 11" format
and sells for $11.95 each, $9.50 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and
handling. The Lectionary in the Liturgical Calendar is from the
Revised Common Lectionary. Our Liturgical Calendar is packed with useful
information for planning worship and preaching in the local church. It is
intended for use by pastors, musicians, altar guilds, teachers, theological
students, and anyone using the Church Year as a basis for worship or education. Featured in the Liturgical Calendar are these
sections: A Heading that identifies the day in the church year (for example, the
first Sunday of Advent) with alternative descriptions where appropriate. The
Revised Common Lectionary readings are next, including a brief summary of each
reading. (These are only a very brief overview not a thorough exegesis.) The First Reading is usually from the Hebrew
Testament, but there are exceptions, such as the use of readings from Acts
during the Easter season. This is followed by a Response, usually a Psalm. The
Epistle Reading is next, also typically a series of key passages from the same
book being read over a number of weeks. Finally the Gospel Reading follows the
story of Jesus through the Christmas and Easter cycles, plus the teachings of
Jesus the rest of the year. Next is a section called "Worship Planning," which
includes suggestions for liturgical colors, decorations or symbols for special
seasons. Rev. Witt has added lots of Notes in the Worship Planning section,
which serve to explain in more detail information about the time of the church
year, provide resources for further study and information, and develop
liturgical themes to make your worship experience more rich and meaningful. Then comes a section called "Special Events," which
includes any special events occurring that day or that week that you may wish to
commemorate, such as World AIDS Day, and some special occasions for celebrations
of diversity, such as celebration days for specific cultures (e.g., Cinco de
Mayo) and special days for the GLBT community (e.g., a day of remembrance for
Matthew Shepard). A special section, includes alternative readings for
the five Sundays of Pride-Tide (June) prepared by the Rev. Gordon McCoy. The
five sets of readings for Pride-Tide may be used at any time in the year that
the faith community celebrates LGBT Pride. The standard Revised Common
Lectionary readings are included for the five Sundays in June as well. The 2007-2008 Liturgical Calendar will be a helpful
aid for anyone involved in planning worship, as well as a useful resource for
all who want to know more about the Church year and the rich liturgical life of
the Church Universal. We think you will like this Liturgical Calendar. The 2008 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary sells for
$11.95 each, $9.50 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling.
Order the 2008 Calendar today at this new link:
http://www.chirhopr
Return to table of contents 2.
Three Devotionals for the New Year It is difficult to believe that 2008 has already
started. It seems just a short time ago that my friend Kevin and I watched 2000
come in with some anticipation and joy. With the new year already a week old, we
thought it would be good to remind our faithful readers of three books of daily
devotions that Chi Rho Press has to offer, "The Road to Emmaus," "Christian with
a Twist," and "Living as the Beloved." Please order at least one of these
excellent books, of all three, for your daily devotions. They also make
excellent gifts throughout the year. We still have copies of the excellent daily
devotional, "The Road to Emmaus." This was the first book of daily devotions
published by and for the LGBT faith community. "The Road to Emmaus: Daily Encounters with the Risen
Christ," is an inclusive devotional edited by Joseph W. Houle. "The Road to Emmaus" is a valuable resource for those
who wish to balance the frenetic pace of modern life with moments of
recollection and spiritual refreshment. There is a Gospel reading for each day
of the year and a meditation based upon it. Each meditation is a
gentleinvitation to become attentive to the presence of the Sacred in the
ordinary circumstances of our lives and to open our hearts to the risen Christ
in quiet reflection. As an inclusive devotional, "The Road to Emmaus"
affirms the goodness of all God's children, the young and the old; the male and
the female; the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered person; heterosexuals;
the single, coupled, and celibate; and people of all races, physical ability,
and education. Its underlying message is that the Gospel is good news for all
people. If you seek a deeper walk with the risen Christ, the
dailymeditations of "The Road to Emmaus" will speed you on your way. James B. Nelson writes, "Reading the devotions in The
Road to Emmaus made scriptural passages come alive for me, often in new ways.
Further, the writings prodded me to examine myspirituality more honestly. And,
most importantly, theyfreshened my hope." Contributors to "The Road to Emmaus" include the Rev.
KathyBaker, the late Rev. Harold J. Burris, Adam DeBaugh, Sarah Fershee, Sr.
Jeannine Gramick, the Rev. Louis Kavar, the late Joseph Houle, Virginia Miles,
Fr. Robert Nugent, Jack Pantaleo, the Rev. Dusty Pruitt, the Rev. Andy Sidden,
andthe late Rev. Larry Uhrig. "The Road to Emmaus" is available at $9.95 each plus
shipping and handling. Six or more copies are $7.50 each. Order on our Web site
at
http://www.chirhopr ***** "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.
http://www.chirhopr $19.95 each, $14.95 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling. 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. For a sampling of Bill's writing, please see article #
6 below. $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.chirhopr ***** 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.chirhopr Dr. Bochonok is the founder of the very popular Soul
Food Ministry Web site (www.soulfoodminist "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" writes: (http://www.chirhopr "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 listeningrelationships 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.chirhopr
Return to table of contents 3.
May We Suggest Two Lenten Studies? Lent begins in just a few weeks on Wednesday, February
6, and Chi Rho Press is very proud of our two books of Lenten devotions. Here is
a 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.chirhopr In "You Need Only to be Still," each of the 40 days of
Lent, starting with Ash Wednesday, features a Hebrew Testament passage, followed
by two questions for your consideration to bring the passage into our own lives.
Then Randy provides his own "Thoughts for Meditating," a few paragraphs
reflecting on the ancient Bible story in which he offers some background
information where it is needed and his own thoughts on the two questions. On the
right hand page for each day in Lent there is space for the reader to write his
or her own "Personal Reflections, The six Sundays of Lent in "You Need Only to be Still"
have a very different format with two blank pages for each Sunday, one for
"Reflections from the Past Week" and one for "Opportunities to Seek in the New
Week." Randy writes, "I have chosen the Sunday format for a couple of reasons.
First of all, I have chosen not to have a Scripture passage for Sundays because
I did not want to interfere with the scripture passages used in the regular
lectionary for the day. Secondly, it is my practice to do just as I have
suggested on Sundays. I spend my devotional time on Sundays to reflect on the
events of my past week and contemplate on opportunities that may lie before me
in the new week. I think it is important for us to remind ourselves of the
lessons we have learned, the joys we have known, and the pains that have pierced
our hearts. It is also good for us to make plans for the days that come before
us. Reflecting is truly a time of quiet meditation and being still before God." The title, "You Need Only to be Still," comes from
Exodus 14:13-14, "Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and
you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you
see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only
to be still.'" Randy Jedele writes, in the Introduction, "Too often we
Christians ignore the Hebrew Scriptures and build our relationships with God on
the New Testament. However, as I have journeyed through the Hebrew Scriptures
through the years, I have always marked passages that spoke to me. It has not
surprised me to discover a wealth of spiritual wisdom throughout the Hebrew
Scriptures. It is my hope and prayer that those who use this devotional as they
journey through Lent will also discover the richness of the God of the Hebrew
Scriptures. Truly, there is much to be learned as we discover the God of
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of Hannah, Ruth, and Esther, a God who was a
powerful source in the lives of those who learned to seek the presence of the
living God and to live in the stillness of God's grace." "Over and over, God calls us to be still, so that God
can minister to our hearts and prepare us to journey each day as a new day. . .
. I have envisioned that [this devotional] will mostly be a personally journey,
a quiet time each day when the readers will, on their own, seek the stillness of
God. . . . As you read, meditate, and pray through this devotional, may God
bless and enrich your life. It is my prayer that each of you will find God in
the stillness of your busy lives and that God will provide you with wisdom, fill
you with peace, and shower you with love." We know you will be blessed by this book of devotions
for Lent. You may order it on our Web site at this link:
http://www.chirhopr $10.95 each, six or more copies for $8.95 each, plus
shipping and handling. ***** Our other 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.chirhopr Written out of the deep faith and learning of a gay
practicing Roman Catholic and from a Catholic perspective, "For Another Flock"
includes daily meditations for all the days of Lent and Holy Week, beginning
with Ash Wednesday (which this year is Feb. 9), and ending with Easter Sunday.
Scripture readings are provided for every day in Lent and Holy Week followed by
a reflection from a uniquely gay and Catholic point of view and a prayer. Following the daily meditations is a seven-week Lenten
Bible Study Guide. Jeff Lea's introduction explores Lent as a penitential
season, discussing penance and repentance. Each weekly Bible Study starts with a
Gospel reading. There is a Lenten theme for each of the seven sessions. Week One
is "An Ash Wednesday Ritual and Discussion of the Nature of Penance." Week Two
is "The Nature of Temptation." Week Three is "The Meaning of Sin in our Lives."
Week Four is "Faithfulness and Homosexuality. Jeff Lea writes, "Far too many gay women and men
continue to view the primary Christian scripture, the Holy Bible, as a document
hostile to people whose expression of intimate love is homosexual. Nothing can
be further from the truth. While the Bible does condemn the ritualistic abuse of
human sexuality it does not ever express a view of same-sex love as an
abomination. Infact it affirms it in the love story of Jonathan and David. "The Bible's primary message is Love. To love God,
ourselves, and each other as God has loved us. The Bible is not a handbook on
how to hate sin. It is atranscript of the ongoing love story between God and the
people of God. "Lent is the primary renewing and penitential season
of the Church year. It is the time of personal examination and purification
before we enter into thePaschal mystery on Easter Sunday. We are at the door to
salvation during this time. Gay people are also at that door and we too have an
experience of conversion and faith. These meditations present the point of view
of a gay male Christian exploring the liminal experience of coming out gay,
coming out Christian, and discovering affirmation in the Bible. The book
provides both a daily meditation on the scriptural readings for Lent, and a
seven-week group study that explores penance from a positive gay perspective. "For Another Flock: Rainbow Meditations and Study
Guide for Lent" is spiral bound, 5 ½" x 8 ½", 104 pages, and sells for $10.95
each, $8.95 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling.
http://www.chirhopr
Return to table of contents Prices are going up everywhere. And our Stained Glass
Bear has found that the prices of glass, copper foil, solder, and everything
else are going up too. Reluctantly we are going to have to increase the prices
of our five standard stained glass pieces. BUT, the new, higher prices are being held off until
March 1! That means you can still purchase the Chi Rho Press stained glass at
the same prices they havebeen at since they were first introduced over eight
years ago. We have pictures of all of our stained glass products
on our Web page. These pieces are all hand crafted in the copper foil and solder
method. They have an attached loop so you may hang it in a window to catch the
light. Check out the descriptions of our five stained glass
below and on our Web page at:
http://www.chirhopr Stained Glass Crosses are simple, yet striking
additions to any window. Made from five pieces of glass and measuring seven
inches high and four inches wide, these crosses are hand crafted in the copper
foil and solder method. The cross has an attached loop so you may hang it in any
window to catch the light and remind all of the power of our faith. The arms of
the cross are clear, frosted glass and the center square is red. $12.00 each
until March 1, 2008 when the price goes up. Stained Glass Lesbian/Gay Rainbow Flags are a solid
rectangle of bright red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple glass, four
inches by six inches, with two loops for hanging. The rainbow flag has become an
international symbol of Gay/Lesbian Pride. Show your pride! $18.00 each until
March 1, 2008 when the price goes up. AIDS Ribbons In Stained Glass are made from three
pieces of red, textured glass and measure three inches high. There is a loop for
hanging this fitting reminder of our concern for all those affected by the
HIV/AIDS crisis. $7.50 each until March 1, 2008 when the price goes up. Stained Glass Rainbow Cross is made of seven different
pieces of glass (the arms have rectangles of red, orange, yellow, green, blue,
and purple with a frosted clear center). They are handcrafted in the copper foil
and solder method. They have an attached hoop so you may hang it in a window or
from a Christmas tree as a holiday decoration. $18.00 each until March 1, 2008
when the price goes up. Stained Glass Rainbow Star of David is made of seven
different pieces of glass (the points are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and
purple with a frosted clear center). They are handcrafted in the copper foil and
solder method. They have an attached hoop so you may hang it in a window. $18.00
each until March 1, 2008 when the price goes up.
Return to table of contents Free GLBTIQ Dating Service Launched Last week www.ChristianGays. This is not a service where you sign up for free, but
then have to pay to connect with people. It is not an introductory offer. This
Dating Service is FREE now, and will remain completely FREE for ALL GLBTIQ’s. It is filled with more "extras" than most dating
services, including the opportunity to have up to 20 pics and 5 videos in your
profile, instant messaging, contact others as soon as you register, and much
more, but the main feature is the faith-focused compatibility questionnaire, 26
pages ofquestions which allows comparison of two profiles, calculating the
percentage of compatibility overall, and in each section. Please visit the Web site at
http://christiangay
Return to table of contents Here is a selection from our 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.chirhopr 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 "Self Presentation" from
the Epiphany section of "Christian with a Twist." Please read Mark 1:4, 9-11 I once heard a preacher begin a sermon on this passage
by suggesting that we would wonder why Jesus would have to be baptized since he
was without sin. This made me think so much about having never wondered such a
thing that I pretty much missed the rest of the sermon. If I had been there with John at the Jordan River in
those days I may have been surprised at seeing Jesus arrive. I may have been
awestruck at his presence, but I do not think I would have been surprised to see
him get in line for baptism. Likewise, if Jesus were to worship with us, I would
fully expect to see him go up and take communion. Our own experience has a lot to do with how we relate
Jesus to our own lives. All of us have heard that baptism is to wash away our
sins, but how much washing we think we need depends on how we view ourselves.
That, in turn, depends on the signals we have gotten from others. To me it seems that the word sin is far overused. I am
sure I have sinned, but I do not think of myself as a sinner. Others do, I
suppose, but not the peoplewho loved me in my formative years. I cannot believe
that God thinks of us as sinners either. I just cannot think that God says,
"Well, I had better check on how the sinners are doing." I know I am neglecting the concept of original sin
from which some think even a newborn baby must be cleansed. I remember hearing
older women in church and family asking in hushed tones when someone died, "Was
he saved?" and seeing the sigh of relief when the answer was yes. For me baptism was presenting myself to God in front
of a faith community who shared the commitment I was making. It was not a
turning away from a sinful past life, but rather a milestone in a life that I
had come to appreciate more fully as God-given and God-guided. Sin was simply
not on my mind. I was looking toward the future and I think God was, too. That Jesus presented himself before God as he began a
ministry that would change the world seems the most natural of acts to me. Jesus
had nothing to turn away from, but certainly much to move toward. That God’s
voice was heard proclaiming, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well
pleased," may have been miraculous, but it was as naturally motivated as our
applause after one of our own comes up and is baptized.
http://www.chirhopr
Return to table of contents I hope you will take advantage of the special on
stained glass before the prices have to go up on March 1. ***** Our annual Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary is now
available! Please order now at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa07_08.html
***** 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, Brother R. Adam DeBaugh, OSL 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 moneyorder. 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. Our telephone and fax number is 301/926-1208. Copyright 2008, Chi Rho Press, Inc.
20 January 2008
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P.O. Box 7864
Gaithersburg, MD 20898
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