Reflections
With the arrival of Bishop Seage this weekend (see below) I thought it might be helpful to reflect a bit on the nature of the work of a bishop within our Episcopal/Anglican tradition and why Bishop Seage’s visit is so important.
As I considered my decision whether or not to allow my name to be placed in nomination for bishop ( Kathy and I were both quite hesitant, initially.)I sought counsel from Brother Curtis Almquist, a member of the monastic community of the Society of St. John the Evangelist. When I asked him what things should I be considering in making this decision his response was, “ How big a cross can you carry?” It was certainly not the response I was expecting, but I came to appreciate its wisdom.
The bishop is the ecumenical symbol of unity in a very broken and divided church throughout the world. Unique to this vocation within our own Episcopal Church, the bishop takes a vow before God and God’s people “ to guard the faith, unity and discipline of the church” in a time and culture when resistance to authority is a national pastime. No one else takes that vow. The implications of that vow are enormous.
Except in matters of clergy deployment, the bishop has very little “power”. Our post-Revolutionary War ancestors were quite wary of the power of church authorities. But the bishop does have “authority”, but that comes only after trust is earned.
Using St. Paul as a model, the church gives a bishop oversight of all the congregations in the diocese. Uniquely, for mission congregations like Nativity, the bishop is, the primary authority. The term “Vicar” comes from a Latin word meaning “substitute”. Thus, as Vicar of Nativity I am, literally, the Bishop’s Substitute at Nativity-I stand in his place. Since Nativity’s rebirth in 2017, a decision made and facilitated by Bishop Seage, he has taken a particular interest in Nativity. He and I talk with some regularity about what has been going on here. On one occasion, as I told him of Nativity’s capacity to contribute to the Diocesan budget for the first time since it’s reopening, he told me, “You have made my day!”
In our culturally conflicted time, much of the bishop’s time is spent seeking to be a reconciling presence in the midst congregational conflicts. As bishop I, or a member of my staff, were involved, at one time or another, in doing conflict mediation in more than half of the Episcopal congregations. Such work takes an emotional toll.
Thus, in coming to a church that is healthy, joy-filled and outwardly focused, Bishop Seage will be receiving a great gift. It was in these kinds of visits that my often near empty emotional gas tank was refilled.
So, my dear friends, never underestimate what you have to offer to others, some of whom you never knew needed you.
Other Important Items To Note
Details of Bishop’s Visitation
Saturday, February 11 - 5:00-7:00pm Party to honor Bishop Seage, those being baptized, confirmed and reaffirmed, and to celebrate our common life at Nativity.
We’ll meet at Fountain Square (218 Frostland Drive) for the intergenerational event with music, games, barbeque and a special mystery guest. Dress is casual.
Sunday, February 12 - 10:30am Bishop Seage preaches, celebrates, baptizes, confirms and reaffirms. Coffee, juice and muffins will be available after the service.
Lenten Offerings at Nativity
February 19- April 2: Bible study-The Gospel of Mark. Starting 3 days before
Lent, this study will take a look at the humanity of Jesus through the lens of Mark, the earliest gospel. Sundays, 9:15-April 2 at the This Is Noteworthy (tin.) building, 106 South Main.
February 22- Ash Wednesday: 5:30pm Holy Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes . The beginning of the penitential season of Lent where Christians around the world gather to confess their sins, are anointed with ashes to remind themselves of their mortality and participate in the grace and forgiveness of the Eucharistic meal.
Wednesdays in Lent- Like we did during Advent, Evening Prayer will be read each Wednesday evening at 5:30pm at Nativity.
Annual Congregational Meeting February 5- A Brief Report
-Two new members of the Mission Committee were elected for 3 year terms -Shannon Chiles and Les Nichols.
-Robbie Fisher reported on the previous weekend’s 196th Annual Diocesan Council, and its theme of racial healing;
-Reports were given by the Senior Warden (James McCormick) and the Junior Warden (Jenni Campbell) related to different aspects of our congregational life;
-In the Treasurer’s report, Kathryn York described the very healthy financial condition of Nativity.
-Joe York described a proposal that will be formally presented to the Mission Committee at a later date, whereby a group of private investors will purchase the building across Main Street from Nativity. They, in turn, will lease the building to Nativity for multi-purpose use. When the investment group pays off the mortgage, they will donate the building to Nativity. Lots of good questions made for a productive conversation. Anyone who has questions, or wishes to join the investment group should contact Joe at jayork13@me.com.
Christ’s Peace be with you.
See you (Saturday and) Sunday!
Duncan
(601)260-1937
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