November-December, 2014
The magazine of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Yardley, PA
The Day Rite 13
Left The Building
ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL
CHURCH
Founded 1835
47 West Afton Avenue
Yardley, PA 19067
Tel: 215.493.2636; Fax: 215.493.3092
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.standrews-yardley.org
The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel 3rd,
Bishop Provisional
Parish Staff
The Rev. Dr. Daniell C. Hamby, Rector
E-mail: [email protected]
The Rev. Lloyd H. Winter, Jr.,
Priest Associate
Mr. Mark Dolan, Music Director
Cheri Peters, Parish Administrator
Joyce Krauss, Pledge Secretary
TITAR Commercial, Cleaning Service
Bob Ebert, Sexton
Office of the Rector
Accounting Warden
Jennifer Duffield 917-846-1120
Rector’s Warden
Joan Thomas 215-369-8141
The Vestry
Angela Grady 215-860-8268
Porter Hibbitts 215-550-6791
Randy Hill 215-579-1518
Liz Lapiska 215-321-7523
Dave Richardson 215-295-3235
Steve Rupprecht 215-428-9568
Write to The Chronicle:
Reviews, Voices: Maximum 500 wor ds.
Letters: Maximum 200 wor ds.
News: Maximum 200 wor ds.
Send via e-mail to editor Robin Prestage at
[email protected]
or call 215-295-7346.
2
FOR YOUR CALENDAR
November
3: Prayer Shawl Ministry, 7:30pm, RCR
4: Camera Club, 7:00pm, PH
5: Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, 2:50pm
8: Acolyte Training, 11:00am, C
11: Potluck Supper, 6:30pm, PH
11: Property Committee, 7:30pm, RCR
13: Finance Committee, 7:00pm, RCR
15: Diocesan General Convention, Paoli
15: Aid for Friends, 8:30am, PH
16: Sonic Theology, 5:00pm, C
18: GRACE Book Club, 2:00pm
19: Vestry Meeting, 7:30pm, PH
25: Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, 2:50pm
27: Thanksgiving Day Service, Church of
the Incarnation, Morrisville, 10:00am
December
1: Prayer Shawl Ministry, 7:30pm, RCR
2: Camera Club, 7:00pm, PH
3: Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, 2:50pm
4: Nursery School fundraiser, PH
7: Bishop Visitation
7: Cantus Novus concert/reception, C, PH
9: Potluck Supper, 6:30pm, PH
9: Property Committee, 7:30pm, RCR
10: Blue Christmas Service, 7:30pm, C
11: Finance Committee, 7:00pm, RCR
14: Evensong/Messiah, Part One, 5:30pm, C
17: Vestry Dinner, 7:30pm, at the Hambys
18: Bucks Deanery Meeting, 12 noon, PH
20: Aid for Friends, 8:30am, PH
20: Greening the Church, 9:00am
23: Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, 2:50pm
24: Christmas Eve services, 4:00pm, 8:00pm,
10:45pm, C
25: Christmas Day service, 10:15am, C
28: Lessons & Carols, 10:15am, C
On the cover: Rite 13 students and teachers at the Garden of
Reflection during The Church Has Left The Building workday.
Later they worked at the Robert Morris Apartments in Morrisville.
See page 4.
THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2014
FROM THE RECTOR
The season of God’s return among us
Dear People of God:
SEVERAL years ago the Church of England’s
Liturgical Commission entertained the possibility of
lengthening Advent.
Given the press of commercialism, Great Britain’s
declining numbers of people in worship, and the
general sweep of the gathered clouds of
christmas” (note the little ‘c’), their idea was that by
lengthening Advent, it could
build in a more intentional
time to prepare.
Perhaps, they thought, were
there more time to think on
the themes of preparation,
discernment, repentance, and
more importantly “longing,”
they hoped that by
lengthening Advent to an
eight-week period it might be
good. For weal or woe, the
Bishops of the C of E did not
agree, and the theologically
sound — at least I thought
theologically sound —
proposal went down to the
dust, not singing Alleluia,
Alleluia, Alleluia.
It is so tempting to give in to
the cries of woe we hear
from some parts of the
church. “Let’s put Christ
back in Christmas.” “It is
such a shame that Christmas
has become commercialized,” others bemoan. “I
remember when Christmas was about going to church
with family,” yet others report. It becomes one of
those opportunities where we can re-think our
Baptismal Covenant.
Let’s be clear. There is not a duality that goes
“Commercialized Christmas is Bad,” “Church
Christmas is good.” All that God has created is good.
The question that might be addressed, though, is how
decking our halls somehow reminds us that the chief
reason for the season is the return of God amongst us.
THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2014
Making one another feel guilty never helps. What
might it mean to realize again, in the words of
Gustav Holst: “Christ is born to save….Christ is born
to save.”
I wonder, though, if we who look for the coming of
God, and the birth of the Messiah, might find it
meaningful if we did some intentional planning, some
intentional “getting ready.”
That could include protected
time, put aside to be with our
family and friends. It could
be an occasion that we share
a simple (simple!) meal.
Perhaps it might be including
children in the annual
Christmas Card sending….
not worrying that they get the
stamps on crooked or their
handwriting isn’t as good as
mom’s and dad’s.
If we really want to go the
whole hog, what if there were
an inter-family conversation
about giving one or two
“alternative” Christmas gifts,
a flock of chickens or a goat
or something, maybe a
contribution to Habitat for
Humanity or some other
favorite charity. The list can
be as creative as your own
ideas.
Advent begins in three short
weeks. Just after
Thanksgiving. With a little
planning, perhaps this year the anticipation of God’s
return to us can be more than the blur that seems these
days to begin at Halloween, and extends to New
Year’s Day.
Until then, God Rest you “merry” Gentle-friends
(remembering that the middle-English word “merry”
meant Peace).
Daniell+
3
OUTREACH/ADVOCACY
Advocacy group to
host parish forums
THE Advocacy group is continuing
to host parish forums through
November 23. What's on tap:
November 2: J esus and the Minimum Wage - Bob Anderson will
lead a study of Matthew 20:1-16.
November 9: Par t One of Civil
Discourse in America: Finding
Common Ground for the Greater
Good. We will view an Episcopal
Church webcast guiding us in
reasoning sweetly together about
social issues rather than tearing
each other apart.
November 16: Par t Two of Civil
Discourse in America.
November 23: What have we
learned about our faith and civil
discourse. Where do we go from
here?
Christmas shoeboxes
and food for families
ST. ANDREW’S will again collect
shoeboxes and food bags for
children and families living in the
Robert Morris Apartments for
Christmas. The collection will be
between Sunday, November 16 and
Sunday, December 14. Feel free to
share these projects with a friend or
another family! The posters with
names and information will be posted in church on November 16.
The Robert Morris Apartments
(RMA), in Morrisville are part of
the Bucks County Housing Group,
which is a private, non-profit social
service organization that provides a
wide range of housing and related
social services to homeless and low
-income families.
Their primary goal is to assist
families attain permanent housing
and financial security. The Penndel
4
Food Pantry is also
part of this group.
St. Andrew’s has
had a long term
association with
RMA, and the
food pantry.
For Christmas
shoeboxes: Select
a figure from the
Christmas tree at
the back of the
church, with the
name, age and
gender of a child.
Pick up a flyer
with instructions
and suggestions
for gifts. On the
Sign up Sheet,
please sign your
name beside the
name of the child
or children you
selected. Fill a
shoebox or small
gift bag with goodies, small toys,
mittens, knit hat, candy, pencils,
pens, toothbrush, and etc. Please
bring shoeboxes to church,
unsealed, with the nametag
SECURELY ATTACHED and
leave at the back of the church on
Sunday or drop off anytime at the
parish office.
For holiday food bags: Pick up a
“Holiday Shopping Bag” and
“Snowman tag” from the wreath,
indicating a family and family size
on the tag. Fill the bag with canned
vegetables, instant potatoes, apple
sauce, stuffing mix, cranberry
sauce, gravy, hot chocolate mix,
Christmas cookies, dessert mixes
and etc. Feel free to add napkins
and candy canes, to make it more
festive! Also include a $25.00 gift
card for Giant grocery store, so they
can purchase a ham or turkey and
On Sunday, October 26, St. Andrew’s
joined more than 30 other area churches in
serving our community as part of The
Church Has Left The Building workday.
Parish members worked at the Clark
Nature Center in Newtown (top), the
Garden of Reflection (cover), the Old
Library in Yardley and the Robert Morris
Apartments in Morrisville. Others worked
in the Parish House wrapping utensils for
the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (above,
photo: John Sherrard). After the work was
completed a joint service of celebration
was held at Woodside Church, Yardley.
other perishable items. Put
everything in the shopping bag.
Bring “bags” to the church on
Sunday or leave at St. Andrew’s
House during the week.
Deadline for shoeboxes and Food
Bags is Sunday, December 14. Call
Ann Holland 215-428-3571 or
Doug Riblet 215-321-7920 if you
have questions.
THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2014
GALLERY
Homecoming...and
a fond farewell
Our Homecoming Tailgate
Party featured team jerseys,
caps and, of course, hot
dogs and burgers.
And, top left, holy folders
and many other friends
gathered to offer Marge
Connors fondest wishes
on her move to an Episcopal retirement community
near Reading.
THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2014
5
REVIEW
House for All Sinners and Saints
MEET Nadia Bolz-Weber. She stands 6’1” and is
covered with tattoos, including one of Mary
Magdalene. Like MM, she has been possessed by
demons — in her case alcohol, pot, and manicdepressiveness. She jokes like the stand-up comic she
once was and swears like a truck driver.
Bolz-Weber is now a Lutheran minister, pastor of the
House for All Sinners and Saints in Denver. How did
she get from pot to priest? Her bestselling book,
Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner and
Saint, tells us. It is hilarious and sobering, profane
and holy.
of those newcomers. You can look around at
the 120 or so people gathered on any given
Sunday and think I am unclear what all
these people have in common. Out of one corner of your eye there’s a homeless guy serving communion to a corporate lawyer and
out of the other corner is a teenage girl with
pink hair holding the baby of a suburban
soccer mom.
At HFASS, all are welcome for “we are
simultaneously sinner and saint, 100 percent of both,
all the time.”
Bolz-Weber’s sacred journey begins with the gracious To my mind, this saint/sinner paradox is the bedrock
truth for building a faithful church and any real
community of a 12-step program and the suicide of
P.J., a friend possessed by alcohol and other demons. community. There are no individual exceptions to our
common sinful saintliness; no gospel gradations
When she and other recovering alcoholics gather to
limiting “inclusiveness” or “hospitality.”
mourn, she is led to lead a memorial service.
All are welcome. And all are loved, equally and
Something takes hold of her and doesn’t let go.
eternally.
Skeptical about the Spirit, she asks herself: “With a
universe this vast and unknowable, what are the odds
that this story of Jesus is true? Come on, Nadia. It’s a Bolz-Weber illuminates that truth by tilling the dirt of
our daily lives with the living waters of the scriptures.
[f******] fairy tale.” The answer arises in her very
Come with her as an Ethiopian eunuch is baptized;
next thought: “Except that throughout my life, I’ve
wedding water turns into wine; workers receive the
experienced it to be true.”
same wages for differing work hours, and loaves and
fishes multiply.
Speed ahead to 2008 when Bolz-Weber opens The
Listen as Mary Magdalene encounters a “gardener”
House for All Sinners and Saints in a run-down
section of Denver. HFASS is to be a place “where no besides an empty tomb:
one had to check at the door their personalities or the
parts of the stories that seemed ‘unChristian’” and
It happens to all of us, I concluded that Eastwhere “something other than how we responded to
er Sunday morning. God simply keeps reachrules was at the center of our life together.”
ing down into the dirt of humanity and resurrecting us from the graves we dig for ourAt first, there are only eight congregants, “four of
selves through our violence, our lies, our selfwhom are queer.” But HFASS grows steadily and
ishness, our arrogance, and our
finds itself featured in The Denver Post. Suburbanites
addictions. And God keeps loving us back to
who wear Dockers and eat at Applebee’s start
life over and over.
showing up. Bolz-Weber wonders if the church is
Yes, God keeps loving us back to life, every blessed
attracting “the wrong element,” but learns that
one of us, over and over. May St. Andrew’s be a
“welcoming the stranger includes those people who
look like mom and dad, not just young transgendered house for all sinners and saints. Amen.
people.” B-W adds:
It goes without saying that House for All
Sinners and Saints is stronger now because
6
Bob Anderson
THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2014
REVIEW
Library offers books, DVDs for all ages
brings a funny,
emotional, and
very modern
day approach to
faith when the
believer isn’t
quite sure what
there is to believe in. Lamott
has a great
sense of humor
and, like C. S.
Lewis, can talk
about serious
ideas in ways we can all
conversations about faith.
understand.
Each book and DVD has an oldSheppard’s Congregational
fashioned library card to fill out and
Connections - Uniting Six
place in the basket. Please keep the
Generations in the Church is a
book for a week or two, then bring
clear-eyed look at the pushes and
it back, put the card back in, and
pulls in every modern congregation return it to the shelf. It’s pretty
and addresses how to deal with
much sorted by author.
them in a loving and inclusive way. If you have some Christian books at
And, the funniest set of resources is home that you’d like to put to good
the V eggie Tales DVD collection, use, please bring them in and drop
I’ve always considered C. S. Lewis including Classic Bible Stories and them on the window seat next to the
Super Heroes. They’re fairly short, bookcase or contact me at 908-391a brilliant author for his ability to
active, humorous, and made for
talk about deep topics using
2686.
kids (but I think they’re great!).
language that is really very
approachable. We have a number of They’ll lead to some great
Clay Hayden
his books that I think you’ll enjoy,
including the complete Chronicles
of Narnia series. These were
GOOD Reads And Conversational Excellence (G.R.A.C.E.). We read
ostensibly written for younger
two books in September: A Dog’s Purpose and A Dog’s Journey both by
readers, but I re-read the whole
W. Bruce Cameron. Two hear t-warming accounts of life from a dog’s
series just last year.
perspective.
We also have a biblical reference
October’s
book was The Invention of W ings: a Novel by Sue Monk
series called Interpretation, each
volume covering one or two books Kidd, an histor ical novel taking place in pr e-Civil War Charleston,
South Carolina. The lives of two women are portrayed, a reluctant slave
of the Bible. These are also very
approachable and answer many of owner and her slave.
November’s book is The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman. We
the questions each of us struggle
skip December for the holidays.
with when reading Scripture.
Help – Wow – Thanks – The Three
Henrietta (Hank) Grosz
Essential Prayers by Ann Lamott
MANY of us (some of a certain
age…) like to have a physical book
in our hands – something to sit
quietly with in a comfortable chair.
Many of us, of all ages, feel called
to deepen our lives of faith through
Scripture, biblical commentary, and
Christian study.
St. Andrew’s has a great and
growing ministry in the form of a
lending library in our living room
just across the street. We have well
over 300 books and DVDs for all
ages, for those deep in Christian
topics and those just starting out.
GRACE Notes: What we’re reading
THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2014
7
VOICES
Leading by example, with faith and love
An occasional series of articles in which
put up posters of J.C. alongside
MY parents were atheists. This
parish members talk about their journey to
posters of Duran Duran. In High
wasn’t that weird in the
St. Andrew’s and raising a church family.
School, I went in the other direction
progressive, shag-carpet 70’s, but
and declared to everyone who
my parents combined their
would listen that God Was Dead (I was a less than
unbelief with enrolling my sister and me in Catholic
charming teen.)
School. When they registered us at St. Matthew’s in
Ridgefield, New Jersey, they made sure to let Sister
My husband, Tim O’Donnell, comes from a slightly
Patricia know that they had no
different background. While his parents were not atheintention of ever attending mass or church events.
ists, they were lapsed.
There would be no
praying before dinner
Neither of us went to
church regularly, nor
or bed or after major
did our friends. But I
catastrophes.
did go to church, seeking God, after SeptemSo when I learned
ber 11. I went after a
about Adam and Eve in
friend died of cancer. I
Kindergarten and
went after Tim’s dad
excitedly told my mom
died suddenly.
about how God created
I opened my heart and
humans, she said,
mind to God and was
“That’s a nice story,
amazed to find Him
honey. But there are
there. Not only when I
lots of stories in the
was in desperate need,
world. And that’s all
but even when I wasn’t.
they are. Stories.”
When we started our own family, we thought seriously
So it’s something of a miracle that I find myself taking about what we wanted for our children. We wanted
God to be part of their daily lives. We wanted them to
my own young family to church (nearly) every
Sunday. That I want to attend, that I seek to be closer understand that Jesus walks with them. But we didn’t
know how to start.
to God and to a fellowship in Christ. In the words of
The Talking Heads, How did I get here?
The teachings of our Catholic upbringing didn’t match
In my mind, it’s a natural evolution. While my parents what we knew to be true about how God loves us—
taught me to value skepticism and critical thinking, the irrespective of gender, sexual orientation and race. So
we searched. And searched. And finally, we found the
loving but stern nuns at St. Matthews, and later at
Paramus Catholic Girls High School, instilled a sense little church on the lake.
of God’s love for me, for all of His creation.
Now we talk to our children about praying to God
when they are scared or unsure or thankful. We tell
I don’t know how they did it. They didn’t try to
them that if they can spend countless hours watching
convince me of anything. They just required me to
show up. It turns out that being there is an integral part Sponge Bob, they can show up to Church once a
week. Most of all, we try to lead by example. We
to being open to God.
show up. We listen. Because we know that faith isn’t a
At least it was for me. I dabbled with being really into thing you have. It’s a thing you do.
Jesus. I may or may not have tried to get my friends to
Alex Villasante
8
THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2014
VOICES
Count to five, at least, before speaking
“IF you can’t say something good
about someone, sit right here by
me.” So spoke Teddy Roosevelt’s
tart-tongued daughter, Alice
Roosevelt Longworth.
Alice is dead, but her spirit is alive.
Her invitation is all too readily
issued and accepted in our
polarized and pugnacious society.
There’s something pleasing and
addictive in complaining about
“them” in like-minded company,
thereby assuring each other of a
shared superiority. I give in to that
temptation from time to time;
perhaps you do too.
But following Alice kills our souls,
our relationships, and our
communities. There’s a better way.
Sharline Fulton, a for mer pr iest
of my church, once instructed me:
“Bob, I want you to count to five
before you speak.” When I thought
I was being smart, I was sometimes
just being a smartass. My unfiltered
words were unhelpful and
sometimes unkind.
The usual advice is to count to ten
before speaking, but the pragmatic
Sharline knew ten was a bridge too
far for me. Five is a good target;
I’ve been trying to reach it ever
since. Counting to five before
speaking gives me time to remember five of the non-negotiable basics of my faith:
Forgive us our trespasses as
we forgive those who trespass
against us.
Judge not, lest you be judged.
Let he [or she] who is without
sin cast the first stone.
Take the mote from your own
eye before criticizing it in
someone else’s.
Love your enemies (no
exceptions).
Counting to five gives us time to
think, thus making it more likely
we may say something helpful and
maybe even wise. When we speak
too quickly, we are prone to simply
repeating a party line, replaying a
tape of grievances we’ve played
way too often, or just prattling on.
As folk wisdom has it, sometimes
it’s “better to remain silent and be
thought a fool than to speak and
Turkey drive: Time to share our thanks
ST. ANDREW’S will hold the traditional collection of frozen turkeys
and traditional thanksgiving fare on Sunday, November 23. This year
we will share our gifts with families served by the Penndel Food
Pantry, the Robert Morris Apartments, and the Salvation Army.
Frozen turkeys and other nonperishable Thanksgiving fare (cranberry
sauce, boxed stuffing, gravy, etc.) should be delivered to Church that
day, up until the end of the 10:15am service. Please do not bring the
turkeys at any other time as we do not have freezer space to
accommodate them. You can also make a financial contribution,
checks payable to St. Andrew’s, marked “turkeys” and the funds will
be used to purchase additional turkeys or other goodies to go with a
Thanksgiving feast. Any monetary donation must be received by
November 20 so we have time to buy the additional food. For more
information contact Jonathan and Joanne Smith at 215-321-0651.
THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2014
remove all doubt.” Counting to five
gives us time to listen and learn,
thus making it more likely we will
be respectful and grow in empathy
and understanding.
Counting to five gives us time to let
go of anger, thus making it less
likely we will say something
spiteful that may destroy peaceful
relationships.
That possibility led Thomas
Jefferson to adopt this canon of
conduct: “When angry, count ten
before you speak; if very angry,
100.” Ambrose Bierce adds: “Speak
when you are angry and you will
make the best speech you will ever
regret.”
Counting to five gives us time to
embrace peace, thus making us
better able, like St. Francis, to be
instruments of peace. At peace
ourselves, we can counteract the
anger that is poisoning our souls
and paralyzing our politics.
Counting to five allows time to
apply these three tests in deciding
whether to open the gates of one’s
mouth: Is what I propose to say
true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
These tests are often wrongly
attributed to Buddha, but they do
accord with his teachings. Applying
them would do much to reduce
hatred and misunderstanding.
The Letter of St. James (1:19) sums
up the alternative to accepting Alice’s invitation: “Be quick to
listen, slow to speak, and slow to
anger.” Alice, you’re fun and
you’re tempting, but I’m sticking
with Sharline. Lord, help me to bite
my tongue and count to five before
I speak.
Bob Anderson
This article first appeared in the
Bucks County Courier Times.
9
FROM EPISCOPAL NEWS SOURCES
ER&D: 75 years ‘healing a hurting world’
more deeply with ER&D’s programs and get involved
in promoting and sustaining the organization’s work.
These opportunities are detailed in a special web
section at www.episcopalrelief.org/75, which also
includes a social media hub around the celebration
hashtag #AllHands75, and an interactive historical
timeline.
One of the cornerstones of the celebration is a
traveling photo exhibition, which features 33 iconic
images of ER&D’s work, along with in-depth
explanations and personal reflections through an
accompanying e-docent app. The exhibition officially
launches at New York City’s Cathedral of St. John the
Divine and continues its national tour with stops in
Denver, San Francisco and Cincinnati. Other venues
are being confirmed.
Similarly, the organization’s 75 Stories Project
provides a window into the programs,
“Each year, more than three million people
events and personalities that have shaped
participate in innovative, locally led programs the last 75 years and are changing lives
today. Individuals and groups are
that. . .empower people to build livelihoods
encouraged to offer reflections and stories
through financial and skills training.”
through the Share Your Story page, and
inspire and energize others to join the
celebration.
overcome challenges and create lasting change.
ER&D has created a variety of resources to help
“At this milestone anniversary, Episcopal Relief &
individuals, congregations, dioceses, schools and
Development is celebrating 75 years of healing a
groups to join the 75th Anniversary Celebration.
hurting world, together with our partners and
Worship and prayer resources build awareness and
supporters around the globe whose contributions of
solidarity with the organization’s partners worldwide,
time, talent and treasure have made this work
and faith formation materials can spark multihappen,” said Rob Radtke, the organization’s
President. “Each year, more than three million people generational conversation about global needs and what
each person can do to help.
participate in innovative, locally led programs that
Additionally, five campaign toolkits provide easy-toboost harvests while protecting the environment,
use informational leaflets, images, videos and creative
prevent diseases by mobilizing local volunteers and
empower people to build livelihoods through financial ideas to rally communities around a specific issue, or
support the organization’s overall mission.
and skills training. It is a joy to be part of the
The goal of the campaigns is to raise $7.5 million by
community of people whose efforts support this
the end of 2015. Downloadable toolkits are available
life-giving work.”
on the organization’s website to help individuals and
Led by a volunteer Steering Committee and an
Honorary Committee co-chaired by Presiding Bishop groups to invite their communities to make a 75th
Katharine Jefferts Schori and her pr edecessor s, the Anniversary contribution and join the celebration.
For more information visit
Rt. Rev. Frank T. Griswold and the Rt. Rev.
www.episcopalrelief.org/75 or call 1.855.312.HEAL
Edmond L. Browning, the 75th Anniver sar y
(4325).
Celebration provides many opportunities to engage
EPISCOPALIANS, friends and partner agencies
around the globe are joining together to celebrate
Episcopal Relief & Development (ER&D)’s 75th
Anniversary. The 75-week celebration, which will
continue through the end of 2015, invites supporters to
learn more about the organization’s programs and get
involved in campaigns to raise $7.5 million to sustain
its vital work.
In 1940, the National Council of The Episcopal
Church established Episcopal Relief & Development –
originally the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World
Relief – to respond to the needs of European refugees
fleeing World War II.
Now, working on behalf of the Church with partners
in nearly 40 countries, the organization continues its
legacy of bringing together the generosity of
Episcopalians and others to help communities
10
THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2014
FROM EPISCOPAL NEWS SOURCES
have limited resources for adapting
to climate change’s effects.
Opportunities to act imaginatively
and courageously abound in all our
THE following Pastoral Message
on Climate Change has been issued individual callings. The Holy
Spirit’s work in us leads us as
by Episcopal Church Presiding
faithful consumers and investors in
Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori
a global economy to make
with the heads of the Anglican
responsible choices to reduce
Church of Canada, and the
energy
use, carbon emissions, and
Evangelical Lutheran Churches in
the
wasteful
consumption of water
America and Canada.
“We are united as Christian leaders and other natural resources. As
in our concern for the well-being of citizens, we have voices to use in
our neighbors and of
God’s good creation that
provides life and
livelihood for all God’s
creatures. Daily we see
and hear the evidence of a
rapidly changing climate.
At the same time we also
witness in too many
instances how the earth’s
natural beauty, a sign of
God’s wonderful
creativity, has been
defiled by pollutants and
waste. Many have reacted to these educating children about the
changes with grief and anger. In
climate and in shaping public and
their outrage some have
corporate policies that affect the
understandably focused on the
environment. The Spirit has also
neglect and carelessness, both in
given us our voices to contribute
private industry and in government our witness to public discussion of
regulation, that have contributed to just and responsible use of natural
these changes.
resources.”
However, an honest accounting
requires a recognition that we all
participate both as consumers and World’s largest climate
action march
investors in economies that make
intensive and insistent demands for DON ROBINSON’S right hand
energy. In addition, as citizens we gripped a leaf of curly kale,
have chosen to support or acquiesce pointing it toward the sky as he liftin policies that shift the burdens of ed his eyes in silent prayer.
climate change to communities that Robinson, from the Diocese of
are most vulnerable to its effects.
Western Massachusetts, stood
People who are already challenged among more than 200
by poverty and by dislocation
Episcopalians and Anglicans from
resulting from civil war or famine as far as Alabama, Oregon and
Pastoral Message on
Climate Change
THE CHRONICLE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 2014
South Africa, all squeezing into
their designated patch of 58th Street
in Midtown Manhattan, New York
City.
He stood for the human right to
save Earth and all of its living
things from the snowballing effects
of climate change. “We have a
responsibility as stewards of God’s
creation,” Robinson said.
On a Sunday in September more
than 310,000 people of all faiths
and none joined the People’s
Climate March (see photo, left), the largest
demonstration for climate
action in history, while a
series of religious events
included a multifaith
evening service at the
Cathedral of St. John the
Divine in New York.
The Episcopal contingent
on the 2.2-mile march
held signs such as “There
is no Planet B,” “For
Christ’s Sake, Tax
Carbon” and “I’m marching for
wildlife (That means humans too).”
The march was endorsed by more
than 1,200 organizations, including
the nation’s largest environmental
organizations, labor unions,
faith-based and social justice
groups.
While legions swarmed the streets
of Manhattan, 30 faith leaders
representing nine religious
traditions signed their names to a
statement calling for concrete
actions to curb carbon emissions.
The interfaith conference was
co-hosted by the World Council of
Churches and Religions for Peace,
an interfaith coalition with
members in more than 70 countries.
Signatories hailed from 21
countries on six continents.
11
Almighty God, who created us in
your image: Grant us grace
fearlessly to contend against evil
Grant, O God, that your holy and and to make no peace with
oppression; and, that we may
life-giving Spirit may so move
every human heart [and especially reverently use our freedom, help
us to employ it in the maintenance
the hearts of the people of this
land], that barriers which divide us of justice in our communities and
among the nations, to the glory of
may crumble, suspicions
disappear, and hatreds cease; that your holy Name; through Jesus
Christ our Lord, who lives and
our divisions being healed, we
reigns with you and the Holy Spirmay live in justice and peace;
it, one God, now and for ever.
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Amen.
Prayers for Social
Justice