Reflections
This week I am in Charleston, South Carolina. I am on a mission of healing, to live into the vision of Isaiah we hear each Advent: “ The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid…”
The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina has been bitterly divided for a decade as it has dealt with the departure of a large number of its congregations, their physical properties and their bishop to the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA) a decade ago. The presenting issue was the Episcopal Church’s evolving views on same sex relationships, but the cultural divisions are much deeper than a single issue. Relationships In families and between friends have been torn apart, and the issue of who owned the church properties has been litigated for almost a decade.
This summer the South Carolina Supreme Court decided in favor of the Episcopal Church in regards to most of the church properties, and Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has asked me to facilitate a support community for those Episcopal clergy who are returning to church buildings, previously used by ACNA, who are feeling called to rebuild these now very small congregations. I have been deeply impressed by the lack of triumphalist posturing these clergy are demonstrating.
One became very emotional as she spoke with me of the deep divisions that needs to be addressed even as the legal issues have been, for the most part, settled. “The Body of Christ is deeply wounded. This is no time for celebration,” she said with tears in her eyes.
Another told me of meeting an old colleague, golf buddy and friend of mine who was part of the breakaway group. I had “warned” my breakaway friend that I was coming in to his former territory. They ran into each other at the Post Office after my old friend noticed my new colleague’s clerical collar.
“Are you the new Episcopal priest down the road?” he asked.
“Yes, but just since September.”
“Do you know Duncan Gray?”
The ice was broken, and there was the beginning of a relationship, formed by telling stories(mostly lies!) about this old war horse.
I’m going to be working in this battered and broken church for a season, but I’m going to watch the church in South Carolina very closely. They may have something to teach our larger, bitterly divided, society.
“The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw with the ox.”
Sunday’s Scriptures: A Few Brief Thoughts
Isaiah 11:1-10 See above
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Echoing the words of Isaiah this is a beautiful vision of the peace and harmony that is God’s purpose for all creation.
Romans 15:4-13 St. Paul describes the radical welcome that followers of Jesus are expected to provide those not of their natural community. Most of us are agreeable until that welcome causes us to make changes in the ways we do things. Then things get difficult. That’s why the term ‘radical’ is used.
Matthew 3:1-12 This time each year, just when I start to feel warm and fuzzy in the anticipatory season of Advent, an unwelcome guest arrives in church. John the Baptist doesn’t reassure me with soft words of comfort. Rather, he challenges me to understand that my Advent preparation includes taking a serious look at my life and how it measures up to God’s command of love and justice.
Other Matters of Interest
Evening Prayer-5:30pm on Wednesdays in Advent
Join us for a quiet prayer service at the end of the day. It’s a wonderful way in
this often hectic season to be still and know that God is God, and we’re not.
Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols -Sunday, December 18
Thanks to the leadership of Brenda Prager plus musical and lection volunteers Nativity is ready to produce the traditional Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols on Sunday morning, December 18. There will also be additional musical volunteers for Christmas Eve worship. We appreciate all who continue to work to make these very special worship experiences at Nativity.
Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist- 5:30pm. Please note: there will not be worship services at Nativity on Christmas Day.
Hospitality for Water Valley Christmas Parade-December 2
The This Is Noteworthy (TIN) community is hosting a festive gathering during the Christmas parade, providing bathrooms and shelter for all. There will be activities for kids, and adults are encouraged to bring their own libations. In addition, Nativity’s own Drew Chiles will be the DJ!
Mission Committee to Meet-6:00pm December 13 @BTC
If you have agenda items for the Mission Committee to consider, please contact James McCormick or the Vicar.
Annual Congregation Meeting-February 5 @11:45am
By canon each congregation is required to have a formal meeting each year to conduct whatever business that is required. Please plan to join us. One of the matters that we will undertake is the election of at least one new member of the Mission Committee. If you are interested in serving at Nativity in that capacity, please let our Senior Warden, James McCormick, know of your interest.
See you Sunday!
Peace,
Duncan
Kommentare