December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011 (no article for this month)
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
The Meaning of Christmas
Most of us grow up with an image of the ideal Christmas. It is usually somewhere between the fun gathering of friends like Charlie Brown and the image of family gatherings described by Dickens. Whether we find that our hearts are pulled to relatives or friends, office companions or crowds gathering for Christmas cheer, there always seems to be a need to gather with others in community. We want to be recognized as a meaningful part of the gathering – we long to have a place at the table – to feel the warm affection of others. Christ’s birth into this world was in answer to that longing that we feel – that need to know that we are not alone - that our lives are significant. This child who could not find a bed to be born in offers the world the assurance that we all have a home with God, that we are loved beyond measure and that we are part of an eternal community.
The birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption. It is a promise made to the whole world. The meaning of Christmas is defined by all of us each time we look for Christ in each other. Whenever we consider God’s creation of love around us and reflect that love to others, we demonstrate Christ’s presence in the world. God sent himself into the world as a small child, dependent on the love of others while he grew into his ministry of mercy, light and life. An open heart, seeking to let in that mercy, light and life is a heart truly open to the meaning of Christmas.
Have a Blessed Christmas
Claudia+
On the Playground
It can certainly raise suspicion (and should) when an adult stranger stops for very long to watch children playing on a playground. Occasionally however, as a former teacher and a long-distance grandmother, my caution about appearances gets pushed aside by my need to simply hear the young voices and see the energy of youth. I obviously keep my distance and stay on the outer side of the fence – but if there is some sunshine and blue sky to go with the sound of play, I stop to be re-energized and inspired.
Rarely am I disappointed. Recently, I was inspired again. A small group of kids about 10 years old were slowly circling a girl of about the same age. I stopped to observe – all of my mental and emotional alarms going off. I looked around the area to see if there was a playground supervisor nearby. There wasn’t. I tried to see the expressions on the faces of those who were circling, but my own poor eyesight made that impossible. So, I watched and waited, ready to find an opening in the fence and run to the rescue or yell out in my best teacher voice.
The body language of the girl in the center told me that she was on full alert even though she didn’t say anything. Then, suddenly, the group circling her – almost in one motion moved in and lifted her up with their arms. As they did so they let out a huge cheer. I know if someone had walked past me at that moment, they would have wondered at the surprised look I had on my face. But that look could not have held a candle to the look of surprise on the face of the girl in the center of the circle. Once she was safely back on the ground there was laughter and friendly nudging throughout the group. Then, a couple of girls wrapped their arms around the surprised girl’s shoulders and strode off across the playground to take up their next activity.
I stood very still by that fence for a few moments. I was getting my heart back down into my chest and turning off all the internal alarms. After another few seconds I called out to one of the boys who had lifted up the girl. He looked over at this short, older woman wearing a funny collar and black shirt and must have decided that I wasn’t much of a threat through a chain link fence. I asked the question I wanted to ask while he was still a distance from the chain link. “Why did all of you pick the girl up like that?”
His shoulders went up in that familiar shrug that makes up a good portion of the signaling system used by youth towards those of us who are no longer with it. “I don’t know,” he said. “She just needed it.” Then he turned around and ran back to his buddies.
“Jerusalem! Jerusalem! . . . How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings . . .”. I stood by the fence for awhile longer, thinking about how easy and natural it had been for that group of children to lift someone into the air. All of us need gathering. All of us need times to be raised up. The sunshine, the blue sky, the voices at play are God’s grace at work in Creation. The outstretched arms and surprised joy are the community we can make in God’s Creation.
Blessings
Claudia+
Dear Friends in Christ
Each year as we begin the Stewardship Drive for funding, the following comment occurs; “Well, here we go again, asking for money.” OK. That’s right. This is the time of year when we examine our Church expenses and our Church budget, and we begin to prepare for next year’s financial needs. We might like to think that, just as Jesus fed the 5 thousand, the Church’s material needs will be cared for because God will provide. Yes, God WILL provide. But even Jesus began the miracle of feeding all those people by calling upon the crowd to contribute what they had brought with them and then by prayerfully offering thanks to God for blessing such gifts.
Jesus’ example reminds us of all the aspects of stewardship and how the act of giving is a reciprocal arrangement. It requires a giver and a receiver and some way of connecting the two together. Right now, at this time of the year, we place much of the stewardship emphasis on money. Bills need to be paid. Programs need to be funded. Mission needs to go forward. But the gift of money to the Church is also a message of understanding. It’s a gift that says, “I understand that God has given me all that is good in my life. I understand that God has shown mercy to me when I have done nothing to deserve it. I understand that all that I am and all that I have belongs to God anyway, and giving back a portion of what I have is a small but significant message of love that I send to the One who created me.”
Stewardship is about trust. Stewards are people who watch out for the belongings of their masters. They work hard to increase what their masters have and to wisely use the resources to please their masters. In 21st Century America, we don’t like to think about having masters, but where God is concerned we have to put all our needs; our need to be equal, our need to be in control, our need to demand our rights – we must put all of these aside and confess that God is our Master and all that we have is His.
So, what are the things we are required to do in order to be good stewards? First, we must be in community. Jesus did not perform his feeding miracle when he was alone. He feeds the people because he loves them and is spending time with them. When we gather in community we are participating in opportunities to love one another as our master has taught us to do.
We must be prayerful. The Stewardship campaign is a good season to inventory our prayer life. Do we make time to have conversation with God? Sometimes this means that we need to find a quiet space and talk to our loving Father. Sometimes it means that we need to ask silently for a quick blessing on the person we just passed on the street or the child asleep in the bed. Sometimes it means being conscious that a problem must be handed over to God and that we must commit ourselves to trusting that God will lead us through the mess in the way that is best for us and others.
Being a good steward means setting aside time to worship God and to receive Eucharist. It is an act of praise that allows us to spend time in confession, worship, and community with others who have come to understand that we are loved in spite of ourselves by a Creator who longs to be with us.
Stewardship is also about giving back. It’s about making a commitment in the form of a monetary pledge. It’s about understanding that God wants us to demonstrate that we know where all our gifts come from and that we will not take for granted the many blessings that God’s grace brings to us. It is a very important way to say thank you.
Stewardship is about faith. It requires us to put our practices, our prayerfulness, our commitments, and yes, our money where our mouth is. To be a follower of Christ is to be a steward. Please fill out a Pledge card and commit yourself to stewardship in all its forms.
Blessings
Claudia+
Lists
A few months after 9/11 in 2001, David and I found ourselves standing in front of Ground Zero in New York City. The shock of the attack, and the magnitude of its impact on our nation were in full bloom. You may remember the armed military guards at airports, the heightened nervousness of passengers and the overall sense of siege that our country experienced.
In the space of a few weeks, we all found our nation in a war and tilting on the edge of economic instability that ultimately helped widen the way for the financial disasters that loomed not too far in the future. Lists began to appear. Troubling, disturbing lists. Lists of colors representing the level of terrorist threat held in each day. Lists of names of individuals to be stopped, interrogated and possibly detained when trying to board planes. Lists of physical characteristics that might make someone seem more likely to be an enemy. Lists of books, websites, source materials to be watched. Lists of musicians, artists, writers, movie stars who might be susceptible to antigovernment influences. Lists of words not to be printed in emails, or said in airports or other public places without risk of detention. Lists of charities and community organizations accused of funding questionable, shadowy activities. So many lists. It was easy to get swallowed up in the fear and the shock. The fear was real and the shock was palpable. Certainly some of that fear and the precautions it brought was a legitimate reaction to the terrible crime that had been committed against so many innocent people. But some of the fear strengthened our inabilities to communicate with those who disagree with us politically or spiritually. That’s a damage from 9/11 we have not managed yet to repair.
As we come to the tenth anniversary of such a tragic event in our shared history, my hope is that we will remember the day with lists that help us bind our wounds and move forward together. Shared memories of the courage and love displayed in a time of crisis allow us to grow strong as a people. Let’s remember those lists of firefighters and law enforcement officers who rushed in as others were rushing out. Remember the passenger lists of those who died – often leaving phone called messages to loved ones in their last moments of life. Remember the lists of medical and rescue teams who worked tirelessly for weeks on end to keep hope alive. Remember the lists of those who escaped from collapsing, burning buildings and have continued to courageously fight through the scars such a day brings. Remember the lists of families, friends, and coworkers who lost the company and comfort of those who died. Remember the list of nations who offered prayers and consolations to a wounded people.
Nations may always choose what to learn and what to keep from each tragedy that occurs. My prayer is that what we decide to hold on to from 9/11 will be those lists that help us be a more loving and courageous people.
With Love and Blessings
Claudia+
I’m absolutely stunned. How can it be that in the blink of an eye we have gone from March to August? Truly, I have been buried in a heap of work, rain, and moving – and somewhere in that pile was a calendar that didn’t wait for me. My pace is out of alignment. When I taught school, I tracked the days more carefully. I wanted to make sure I noticed each 24 hour period and counted the number of times I worked in the yard or cleaned out a closet. But those timekeepers don’t work for me any more.
I think my new timekeeper is food. Fresh food. Not only will the fruits and vegetables that cross my table remind me of the time of year, but they offer an opportunity to read scripture with more insight and depth of spirit. Think of all the countless stories in the Bible that concern food. Think of all the times Jesus used planting, fishing, harvesting, eating and drinking as a way to give insight. Scriptural food serves to feed not only the mind and spirit, but to remind us to nourish the body.
With gardens yielding the fruits of our labor, this is a good time to think upon the bounty and to offer some of our blessings to those who are hungry. Fresh vegetables contributed to the food pantry can be a huge blessing to many.
Perhaps it is also time to take this image one step further. Over the next few months please give some serious consideration to possible ways our parish might grow as a resource in assisting those who are hungry. Some things to assist have been tried and implemented before. Our work for the community food pantry through Fishes n’ Loaves is an important resource. Potluck Sundays (which begin again in September) have served some of this purpose as well. What other ideas do we need to consider? Many prayerful hearts and minds can find ways to increase blessings.
In a few months we’ll see what possibilities have come to mind. Through those conversations we’ll see where the Spirit takes us. There are a few things to consider as we examine this.
• Is it something many people can do at different times of day?
• What are the expenses?
• What kind of planning and advance work will need to be done?
• How will we know if it is successful?
• What kind of commitment is needed from the parish to make this a success?
• What benefits to the parish will be gained by doing this ministry?
Please think outside the box. Have you heard of a program or activity that builds community while supporting those in need? Have you been wanting to try an idea? Ultimately, if we end up trying anything new, it will need to be through the consensus of our community. We are called to be more. Perhaps this is the call. Together, let’s find out.
Blessings
Claudia+
This month brings to St. Peter’s the much anticipated ordination of The Rev. Susan Fischer. Susan has been with us, serving as a transitional deacon for the past year. In that time, she won the hearts of the members of this parish. I know that it will be difficult for us to let her go on to the ministries she has been called to, but we shall continue to be grateful for the gifts she has shared with us and the joy she has given to the parish with her presence and talents.
I have often reflected on my role in relation to Susan during this past year. Mentoring someone in transition can be a rather awkward thing to do. It is a balance of instruction and creating space. The task of the mentor is to create opportunities for the individual to develop their own approach to the priesthood, while at the same time, expecting that a steady course be maintained for the parish. I have enjoyed working with Susan and hopefully, allowing her to grow into her own particular gifts a little more. I believe she is a strong witness to the power and love of God at work in the world. I look forward to hearing of her accomplishments in the future. She takes with her my continual prayers for her ministry.
For us at St. Peter’s, while we will miss having Susan serve as our deacon, this time of transition should also serve as a time of reflection. Discernment is not intended to happen just for those who may be called to ordination. Discerning our gifts and figuring out how God would have us use them within our Church community is a task all of us share. There are as many ways to serve the Church as there are talents.
The ordination ceremony on the 18th of June is a reminder of the call that all baptized Christians receive – to love God with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds; and to love each other as we love ourselves. As we watch Susan take her vows, perhaps each of us should silently take our own vows – to discover more fully the ways that God would use us. More than the cloak of vestments, more than the setting apart for ordination – each of us is called to be cloaked in the full birthright that comes through baptism and to be set apart for the work that God would have us to do. We will celebrate with the Diocese in Susan’s ordination. Let’s also celebrate in the deepening commitment each of us makes to love and serve God, each other, and the world.
Blessings
Claudia+
Have you noticed how many rose bushes are dead? They seem to have been hit hard throughout the entire Wasatch Front. Last November we had a cold patch of weather followed by some really warm weather and then back again to freezing. The poor roses didn’t know whether to be dormant or to move to growth and many of them got caught in the cold. Nurseries advise us that we can cut the bushes back deeply (sometimes almost to the ground) and that some of the root bases will gradually begin to promote new growth. But for many of the plants, they are beyond salvation. Rose gardens this spring look like they belong around the home of Gomez and Morticia Adams (if you don’t know who these characters are – ask your parents)! The condo that David and I have moved into is surrounded on all three sides by rose bushes. They look abandoned and forlorn. They also look deadly. The long spikes and black stems give out a warning – that you are taking your life into your own hands if you get too near. I am not looking forward to the prospect of cutting them down and digging them out.
The same scenario exists at both St. Peter’s and St. Michael’s. What were once beautiful rose bushes in our gardens, now look like props in a scary movie. The task of determining which ones will live and which ones must go will be tough.
The last few years have seen us all going through our own kinds of freezing temperatures – hot and cold spells – hot wars and cold economy – hot political tempers and cold calculations concerning help to those in need. It is easy to begin to feel like dead rose bushes – with nothing left but dark branches and severe thorns. Times like these can make us feel abused and cynical. But we are called to hope. We are called to remember that Christ walks the trying times with us as well as the times of celebration.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians that, “whoever plows should plow in hope . . .” (9:10). Hope sometimes seems hard to maintain. But we are better able to have hope when we are surrounded by hopeful people. Our faith is reinforced when we hang out with those who are faithful. When you find yourself in a time of struggle, that is not the time to back away from your faith community. That’s the time to increase your contact. Whether the issue is health or finances or family struggles or depression, it is in community that we can support each other through the rough times.
Sometimes we may have to be pruned all the way to the root. Sometimes the winterkill doesn’t leave much for us to celebrate. But when we nurture each other in our faith and in hope, we may come to feel how close God is as support in our troubles and guide for our steps.
Blessings for Your Garden
Claudia+
Easter is late this year, and for me, that’s a good thing. David and I began the process of looking for a condo not too long ago, and when we found one, we thought the negotiations on a price would take awhile. We bid low and figured we would have a month or so. But the owners took our bid and suddenly, we were off to the races. Anyway, if all the signing, packing, moving, unpacking, cleaning had taken place in Holy Week, I would never have been able to do it. Besides all that, I always liked a late Easter. How can little girls show off their Easter dresses if it’s still freezing outside?
One of the consequences of having a late Easter this year however, is having more time to watch some of the antics of our state and national governments as they figure out the budgetary politics for the year. The words that seem most often to describe the proposed pieces of legislation are fear, power, greed and injustice. I’ll leave it to you to determine – prayerfully – which political groups seem to wrap these terms around their negotiations most often. In the mean time, the rest of us are left to lobby, pray and wait to see what courses get set.
Isn’t it interesting, that the same descriptions that we can apply to legislation today were the same characteristics that were present in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus two thousand years ago? It was the fear, power, greed, and injustice of the world that had condemned us, and Christ’s love for us that saved us from ourselves. Love – pure and simple. It is the message that Christ brings to us.
When Christ rose from the tomb and conquered death, he did so through the power of love – for God is love. The life that we are meant to have – the joy, empowerment, generosity and justice that we are meant to experience and share are freely given if we have faith.
Christ’s resurrection is our own and we are called to understand the lessons of this new life. So, begin with love. If you are confused about world affairs begin by asking where is the basis for love. If you aren’t sure whether to support a political action or contribute to a political cause, ask if the action or cause will increase love. We don’t need more fear in the world. We have more than our share of power grabbers. People will face greed and injustice without us adding to their misery. We have to take a stand. More than two millennia of trying it the old way should be enough evidence to suggest that we need to make different choices.
Try love. Christ calls us out of the darkness of our own tombs into new life. The things that we say and do – the actions and choices that we make need to reflect what we say Christ has done to our lives. To love each other – to love all people – to think about their welfare and their futures is to live into the promise of the risen Christ. It is to live a life that proclaims to the world, “Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed!”
Have a Happy and Blessed Easter Season
Claudia+
Civility Revisited
Each month I attend a meeting of the Interfaith Association in Brigham City. The concept for such a group is not new, but itself is great. The organization’s purpose is to pull together leaders and representatives from a variety of faith traditions so that they may find ways to serve the community at large and to promote understanding and cooperation among the faith communities themselves. This particular group however, faces two awkward challenges. The first is that all of the individuals attending come from Christian-based traditions. All faith groups are invited, but we’re not finding a synagogue, mosque, or any other spiritual sanctuary in the area to tap into. This immediately limits the sorts of conversations that such a group would like to be exploring. The second challenge is that, even some of the Christian-rooted faith groups in the area refuse to be a part of the association because it allows for people of all faiths – Christian or not – to be a part of the conversation. Those refusing to attend consider the rest of us as leaders who are very close to selling out to the Devil.
In spite of these drawbacks – or perhaps because of them- the association continues to meet and to reason. Out of these meetings has come a series of articles published each month in the local newspaper surrounding the topic of Civility. This would seem like a pretty safe topic to discuss with people, and it is. This would also seem like a much -needed topic to discuss with people and again, it is. However, the topic may also serve as a trap. Civility – in all its forms – pushes for politeness. Now there is nothing wrong with being polite. As a parent, grandparent, and former school teacher, I am totally in favor of everyone being more polite. As an author of some of the articles on Civility, I certainly support the promotion as far as it reaches. But, most of us know that our society – our world community- is not really going to make the changes that are needed in order to be the people God (in all God’s definitions) intended us to be by simply being civil. Civility is a place to begin, but it can’t deter us from where we are being called to journey.
Civility alone too often allows us to hide ideas and actions that entrench us in misconceptions about each other or are even malevolent in nature. One example is the “civil” way the invitation to the Interfaith meetings is politely rejected by some of our Christian collogues. Another example involves “civility” on a larger scale. How many times have we heard public officials answer questions with “polite” responses that mask actions and motives intended to deprive people of basic necessities or to hide underhanded dealings that work in favor of the ‘haves’ by taking from the ‘have nots’? Civility used in such a way can mask not only public neglect but even criminal behavior. Civility used as well to promote patriotism can be a positive force, but it often becomes a hammer to slam down on the heads of people calling for openness and change. Like any positive quality, Civility can be turned into a negative attribute.
“Civil” discourse in our country may fly out the window when pressure is applied. In times of trouble, those with the least power are often targeted as the reasons for general suffering. When unemployment is high, there is a tendency to blame the immigrant, or the unionist, or the racial minority. When fear of attack is high, there is a tendency to blame those of other faiths and other traditions. Never mind past policies that maintain 95% of the wealth for those in the top 1% of the population, leverage companies into bankruptcy or pollute and destroy living and working areas. Never mind policies that disregard the human rights of the world’s people in favor of geopolitical power and influence. Some of the worst problems the world faces today are problems that all of us, for many years have contributed to making while often hiding behind the economic, diplomatic and social graces of so-called civility.
Civility without love of others leaves us cynical and calculating. I am not suggesting for even a moment that the way to stop some of the worst abuses in the world is for everyone to become rude. What I am suggesting is that we understand the need to connect our practice of civility with a genuine love for each other. Civil disagreement based on honesty will get us further than polite conversations that hide negative motives and disdain. Really hearing each other and making up our minds that we are all in this world together will move us into the best parts of civility. And it all begins with each of us. Speaking truth to power – in honest dialogue can change the world. Being smart in our politeness, without sacrificing integrity, moves everyone forward.
So let’s start with those around us. Stop the polite gossip that usually begins with phrases like. “I just love so-and-so but, . . . “ (Ouch! I just hit a bad habit!) Stop talking to others about third parties. If there are issues to sort out, talk directly to the person involved – in true civility – using politeness based on love of the ‘other’. Put yourself in the other guy’s shoes (We know this one!). It really is OK for other people to view the world from a different point of view than our own. Civility based on love and honesty isn’t about coming to agreement. It’s about honoring each other as children of the Eternal and Everlasting God. It’s about seeing God’s creation in each other’s eyes and knowing that we are called, as people of faith, to love each other and honor the love of God we find in the presence of every person on earth.
I don’t know if I’ll be called upon to write any more articles on the concept of Civility. But if I do, I promise to make sure I connect it to the idea of really honoring, respecting and loving each other. These, after all, are the best qualities of Civility.
Faithfully
Claudia+
PRIEST IN CHARGE
As I begin my second year as Priest in Charge at St. Peter’s, I am filled with tremendous gratitude for the opportunity God has given me to be with you. This past year has been marked with changes and adjustments. I want to thank you for your gracious patience and flexibility as we have worked to come together in community and as a sister parish with St. Michael’s in Brigham City. Change is always difficult, especially for Episcopalians! There are, after all, reasons why we tell jokes about ourselves and our grip on things we consider permanent, (“Change the light bulb?!!! My mother gave the church that light bulb!!”). In spite of the changes, we have had an opportunity to examine the great work done by people of faith within this community this year. Thank you for your commitment to God, to this parish family, and to the community as a whole.
This past year has been full of extended blessings for me that have helped me grow in my calling. Near the end of 2009, I was asked to join the Commission on Ministry in the Diocese. This is an advisory group that assists the Bishop in determining the education and ordination process for prospective clergy, and offers guidance for lay education. I continue to serve on this Commission and to serve as the Chairperson for its permanent sub-committee on Education and Formation. As Chair, I authored an extensive policy statement for the sub-committee this year. I am also currently attending the Fresh Start program in the Diocese. Each time clergy enter a new parish, they begin this two-year program of education and reflection. I continue to serve on the New Hope Crisis Center Board and on the Food Pantry Board in Brigham City. I am a member of the Interfaith Ministerial Association and the Northern Utah Ministerial Association. I also continue to serve as the Convener for the Northern Clericus in our Diocese. I was asked to submit two articles on Civility to northern region newspapers this year, and to serve the ACLU as a panel member on LGBT issues, at Weber State University last fall.
As the priest of two parishes, I know that the greatest challenge I continually face is to find ways to be present with both communities for as many activities and services as possible. Thank you for being so conscientious in remembering that because there are two parishes yoked together, every parish activity and function is doubled on my calendar. I deeply appreciate your vigilance in checking with me before scheduling parish activities. This assists me in being with you whenever I can so that you will know that I love you and want to share our spiritual and fellowship experiences.
Our Ministry
We changed the time for worship service in June, from 10:30 AM to 9:30 AM. This change has allowed me to move from only being with you once or twice a month, to being present with you virtually every Sunday. Thank you for this. With your sister parish of St. Michael’s, the time changes have allowed me to spend time with you each week, whether I am the preacher/celebrant or not. Thank you also for allowing me to minister to you when you have been in the hospital or recuperating from illness. Thank you for coming to me when you have needed an ear to listen or a voice of support. Allowing me to become a part of your lives is a great gift you have given me. I treasure it.
I am deeply grateful to my colleague and mentor The Rev. Ivan Cendese, PhD, for his enthusiastic support of this parish and our ministry together. His insights and talents are a joy that we at St. Peter’s have the pleasure to experience. Father Ivan’s enthusiasm for learning has led to the creation of a men’s Sunday gathering twice a month after service where ideas and scripture may be more fully explored. If you have not taken advantage of this group, you need to. Episcopalians have always been known for their free exchange of ideas – no small accomplishment in a society that often seems intent on making us all think alike. We are fortunate that Father Ivan will be able to remain at St. Peter’s through this year. I value his support and friendship and his commitment to the Gospel.
We have had the joy of meeting The Rev. Susan Fischer this year. Susan is currently serving as our Transitional Deacon and is in process for her ordination to the priesthood. Susan has proven to be a willing student and I appreciate her devotion to learning all she can about the role of a priest and to her ability to remind us how wonderful it is to have a Deacon serve at the Altar. In order to add to her experience at St. Peter’s, I have assigned Susan to preach once a month during her transition. She has been doing a beautiful job. Susan has also been willing to lead the women’s study group that meets after service twice each month. She is doing a great job with this as well. As a parish we will, with God’s grace and the consent of the Bishop, soon see Susan ordained as a priest. Thank you for your enthusiastic support of her ministry.
Our ministry at St. Peter’s however goes far beyond the work of the clergy. Many of you have given of your time and talents to build the community of St. Peter’s. From the members of the Bishop’s Committee to the newly formed Finance Committee, from Music ministry to Altar Guild, from Servers to Sunday School teachers and Nursery, LEMs, Artists Guild, Building and Grounds, newsletter and bulletin, Coffee Hour and Brunch, Ladies’ Luncheons and special activities, as well as our new Social Committee, the loving people of St. Peter’s reach out to each other and to everyone who enters this place, with their love and talents.
The love extends further through our outreach ministries. The quiet way in which many of you leave gifts of food to be given through our Fishes and Loaves ministry to the local Food Pantry is an expression of your understanding that God calls us to practice the Gospel in the world. The ministry provided by so many of you to Lincoln Elementary through year long donations of school supplies, clothing, books and money has offered the opportunity for children to have better lives. Thank you for the gentle, thoughtful way you have presented your gifts and offered up such blessings.
This community has come forward in its ministry of leadership as well. I am deeply grateful for the work of the Bishop’s Committee. This Committee has prayerfully and thoughtfully approached parish work and continues to be a great guide for us in the life of this community. Our loving Sunday School teachers have prepared and modeled lessons of love and faith for our children. God bless them for their dedication. Our choir and wonderful organist have led us in the celebration of music and God’s love. Each person who has stepped forward to offer their abilities to God and this community has been a part of what makes St. Peter’s such a wonderful place to worship and laugh together. Thank you for your ministries and for sharing them with all of us.
Stewardship
Stewardship is at the heart of these ministries. In its most obvious form, stewardship is also what keeps our doors open and the lights turned on. Even in the difficult economic times we have faced as a society, the people of St. Peter’s have committed themselves to thoughtful stewardship of our church. We surpassed our goal in numbers of pledges as well as ended the past year ‘in the black.’ As a mission church of course, we are not able to cover all the costs of maintaining our parish. We are fortunate however, to receive a generous grant from our diocese. This grant covers clergy salary and benefits as well as some operations money. One of our challenges as a parish is to find ways to become more financially independent. In order to help us more clearly lay out our vision for reaching financial goals, a diocesan commission will be visiting with us later in the year as we review our plans for the future.
Stewardship is also obvious in the loving care demonstrated through the work of our Building and Grounds ministry, Mike Harris’ work as Sexton, and the beautiful ministries of the Altar Guild and the Artists’ Guild. The lovely mural in the Narthex and the wonderful paintings of the Gospel symbols are only two of the examples. Loving hands prepare food for Sunday and gatherings and hand us bulletins as we enter the church. All of these ministries are demonstrations of God at work through us.
I look forward to another year of growing in faith with you. I’m excited about the activities that have already been planned for this year and the possibilities for sharing new ways to build community with each other and the world around us. Thank you again for your graciousness and patience as changes to liturgy, schedules, committees, activities and finances have been made. Your faith and love of God and each other are at the core of St. Peter’s Church.
Yours in Christ
Claudia+
Happy New Year!!
So how are you doing with your New Year’s resolutions? Are you still losing weight, getting organized, planning a special trip, or trying to get along better with family members? Did you make a resolution, or did you decide that such an activity is a waste of time and it would be better to make your way into the kitchen for another sandwich made from that Christmas ham? Resolutions for me receive the same reaction as the thought of exercise – I lie down until the mood passes.
I’m more likely to change a habit or pick up a new one if I approach it in a different way. First I need to think very carefully about the habit as a whole. It’s not enough to know that a new habit might be good for me. I have to figure out a way to make that new habit part of my DNA. This always takes careful, conscientious practice. It takes thoughtfulness and constant vigilance. But if the habit is worthwhile, then this step gradually leads me to accepting the good the habit brings to me. For me – the plan has to be laid out before I can even imagine making the resolution.
As I apply this philosophy to St. Peter’s, I know that I need help in laying out our plans for the new year. That help of course, comes from the Bishop’s Committee, ministry leadership, finance committee, supporting clergy, and most importantly the community of St. Peter’s as a whole. Our upcoming Annual Meeting will help us get started on the journey. Please plan on attending on January 30, following the worship service. The meeting will last about an hour and then we’ll head into the fellowship hall for a catered luncheon.
During the meeting we’ll review some of the activities and accomplishments of the past year, and look forward to the promises and challenges for the coming year. We will select two new members to the Bishop’s Committee (Please consider running for a position or supporting someone you know who would be great in leadership.). We will also select two delegates and two alternates for this year’s convention in the fall. This will also be a time for me to specifically thank so many of you who have committed yourselves to the community of St. Peter’s.
As for the luncheon that follows. My good friend Dyrk Farr will take care of everything for us. If we need any motivation to keep the meeting short, the wonderful smells permeating from the kitchen will remind us to stay on task. Please come hungry. Dyrk makes a great roast. Ladies, there is no cleanup or set up with this meal. It is all taken care of. Your only task is to relax and enjoy. David and I want all of you to consider this our way of saying thank you to everyone for your supportive love during the year, and an opportunity to show the appreciation we feel for being with you. I have fallen in love with you this year. It makes planning for the future a real joy.
God Bless Each of You as You Begin This New Year
Claudia+
A Christmas Message
I heard the news this morning that, contrary to the hopeful predictions of many economic forecasters, the
unemployment rate rose in November. This news has followed closely on the revelation that Congress is not going to
extend long-term unemployment benefits into the new year. None of this speaks of a merry Christmas for millions of
Americans. The desperation many people are experiencing is not really centered around questions of whether or not the
kids will get presents under the tree, (though I remember how desperate my mother looked one year when there were
zero gifts under the tree for me – there was also no tree). The desperation instead, arises from wondering how to put food
on the table, keep the house, or pay the heat bill. These are hard times for many people.
Though we may be able to rationalize for ourselves that some individuals deserve the dire straits they find
themselves in at present, it’s tough to extend that kind of retribution on to children who begin each day without food or a
roof over their heads simply because an adult may have erred. While I would argue that our eagerness to judge others
is not a Christ -like virtue, the comparison of human justice and God’s justice will have to wait for another article. Here, I
want to stay with the subjects of need and suffering.
How our country’s economic problems are addressed down the road is going to be a long conversation with a
great deal of argument over future national policies. Whether you believe that our country needs to cut spending, raise
taxes, or do a little of both, the solutions will probably take a long time to figure out. However, as Christians, we still face
very important questions that need some resolution as quickly as possible. One of the biggest questions we may confront
is, “Why does God allow such desperation and suffering to be a part of our world?” Another question we may confront is,
“What is expected of each of us in such a crisis?”
To answer these questions it is important to remember that God loves us very much. Hard times are not a
punishment from God. Struggles and sufferings that now confront us are primarily of our own making and are linked
closely to the greed, selfishness and callousness that mark the center of many of the actions that led to the collapse of
banks, industries and markets. It was not God’s will that we practice some of our most negative vices. God did not call
us as a people to want more than we can afford or to hoard away necessities from those in need. It has never been God’s
will for children to go to bed hungry or for people to sleep out in the cold. We have done this and we need to stop blaming
God for where we find ourselves.
For many of us the lessons leading to a better life never seem to truly stick. We hear those lessons but we don’t
seem to believe them. Lesson number one: The more you love God – God’s creation, God’s still, small voice, God’s
presence in every part of everything - the better your life will be. Lesson number two: The more you love everyone – not
just family and friends but also the “jerk” who lives next door – the better your life will be. These lessons don’t mean
that all your struggles will go away or your suffering will disappear (We are, after all, too easily led – along with all our
neighbors – to the consequences of our greed, selfishness and callousness.). But to truly love God and each other does
mean that we are better equipped to keep our sufferings in perspective and to find the where-with-all to move forward in
our lives when hard times occur. This happens because when we turn to God in faith, we find ourselves in community.
Our safety net for the hard times strengthens. Our emotional support that we may rely on in those desperate hours is
available and ready. We gain courage through our prayerful conversations with God and in the knowledge that there are
others who love us as they love themselves. We then, are no longer alone.
If you are one of the many who currently finds yourself wondering how you will make it through these hard times,
please do yourself two favors. First, pray for the strength and abilities necessary to continue in faith. Then regardless of
employment or unemployment, you will be receptive to all the ways that God presents love to you. This will strengthen
you and help you continue on. Secondly, turn to your faith community. Seek out those whose needs may be even greater
than your own. Be honest in your own circumstances, and build community with each other so we may help bind up each
other’s wounds and encourage each other in our love.
Christmas is a time of hope and remembrance. It is a time of celebrating the birth of our Savior. That birth
brought God’s love in physical presence into the world. God’s love continues with us today. It is now up to us, in prayerful
faith, to be Christ’s physical presence in the lives of those around us – loving, encouraging, giving. It is up to us to see
Christ in each other and act accordingly. To do these acts take no more energy than the negative actions of greed,
selfishness and callousness, but the consequences of love are life giving and eternal.
Remember to thank God for your blessings and hold each other in your hearts.
Have a Blessed Christmas
Claudia+
Stewardship
If you have a pulse and have been anywhere near the church in the last few weeks, you are aware that we are in the midst of our annual Stewardship campaign. It is true that stewardship, like almost every other principle worth thinking about, has multiple meanings and approaches. Stewardship – as you undoubtedly have been told – is a time for inventorying our talents, time and treasure. It is, truly, an opportunity to commit ourselves to God’s work at hand by using the resources that we have. In small parishes it is a crucial way for us to build community and at the same time fill needed ministries. Community and ministries especially apply to the ideas of talents, time and treasure. So, I urge you to prayerfully think about the capabilities and resources you have and put them to work in our parish family. Your skills and abilities – your sharing of time – impacts faith, not only in your own life, but very directly in the lives of others. When you share of yourself with the people who walk through the doors of our church you help preach the Good News in a world that is desperate to hear some.
As the recent political campaign season reminded us, we humans are used to wading through a tremendous amount of sewage without letting much of it sink into our skins. We tend to plow past the pie-in-the-sky promises, hyperbolic threats and old- fashioned nastiness without allowing too much of it to stick. It doesn’t matter which side of the political isle you supported, or if you were seated in the peanut gallery, there was plenty of waste to go around. The one problem however, with being so impervious to whatever is floating by, is that we may easily lose our sense of building and belonging. There is a tendency to hunker down – to refuse to help ourselves build the kind of world most of us would really like to live in. We can spend an awful lot of energy being dissatisfied with the mess instead of building the kind of community that can work together to clean it up.
There’s always plenty of garbage to go around and we’re not going to be able to turn the world into all goodness and light entirely on our own, but we can make a better start of it than we often allow ourselves to imagine. That better world starts right here – in our parish. Making a monetary commitment to our church family, along with the use of your time and talents, is a way of saying, “I’m in.” As the offering is brought to the altar, the words from Rite I often come to my mind, “All things come from thee O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee.” When we pledge to the church – whatever the amount –we express our understanding of these words.
This is a special place filled with good people who are journeying together in Christ. To continue to do so requires that each of us take our commitment to this community seriously. It requires that each of us remember that a place of worship needs lights and water and music and staffing and faithful people in prayer and action for the good of God’s world. Please, if you have not done so already, fill out a pledge trifold. Commit to the stewardship God calls us to in all its forms.
Blessings
Claudia
Dear St. Peter’s Family
I look forward to the beginning of the Program Year each fall because it brings a new sense of activity and perspective to parish life. People who have been traveling during the summer come home and families with children settle into the routines of work and school. It also offers a great opportunity to come together as a church family and remember to give thanks for God’s grace to us over the last few months.
In tough economic times, it is sometimes difficult to be motivated toward thankfulness. Often it may seem as if the grace of God has planted itself somewhere else rather than at our own doorstep. But these are exactly the times when God’s grace is most evident and it is important that we be reflective enough to sense that grace at work in our lives.
There is a great scene in the movie “The Lord of the Rings,” taken from the pages of Tolkin’s book, which describes these sorts of circumstances. Frodo, the main character, is carrying a ring which is so filled with powerful evil, that in order to save the people of Middle Earth, it must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom. But to journey to the mountain is a tremendous struggle filled with horrifying dangers and no certainty of success. In one important scenario, Frodo speaks with Gandolph the Wizard who is his guide. Frodo says, “I wish the ring had never come to me! I wish none of this had happened!” So many times in our lives we may feel just the same way – wondering why some of the struggles we face seem to be so massive and smothering. Perhaps it’s worries over unemployment or medical bills. Maybe we feel overwhelmed by the illnesses of a loved one or the painful relationships we have with members of our own family. Maybe we find ourselves filled with self -doubt or unable to see a way to move forward in our lives.
All of these struggles can darken our vision of God’s love for us unless we give up trying to come through these events alone and realize that we must depend upon the love of God, and the grace and wisdom that comes from trusting in that love. It flows also from the strength of community found in joining with others who are open to celebrating the love of God in the world. Strength and courage are gathered from these true sources. And experiences that could easily lead us to times of despair are transformed into times of opportunity and growth. We have the freedom through God’s love to see the struggles and sufferings of our lives as times to strengthen our own priesthoods and serve as messengers of grace to others. Faith doesn’t make trials and sufferings go away. Faith gives us the grace to do what needs to be done and to deepen our spiritual growth. Jesus spoke of this often throughout his teaching. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”
Gandolph’s response to Frodo echoes this idea. When Frodo laments, “I wish none of this had happened!”, Gandolph looks at him gently. Then he says softly, ”So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” And so it is with us. With God’s love, and the love we share with each other, we move forward.
Blessings
Claudia+
Dear Family of St. Peter’s
This time of year offers clergy wonderful opportunities to write about the upcoming programs within the Church. The articles are usually upbeat and filled with encouragement. I know this, because like you, over the years I have read plenty of such articles. I also know this because over the years I’ve written my fair share of them. Now, I certainly do want to encourage you to participate in the ministries, activities and programs in the upcoming year. But I want to plant this encouragement in a little different tone this time by asking that we examine together the opportunities before us and the reasons for taking advantage of them.
At the beginning of spring, I offered St. Peter’s an opportunity to hold Adult Forum at 10:30 AM each week and to move Sunday School for children to 10:30 AM as well. But as we have moved into the year, it has become apparent to me that there is very little interest right now in Adult Forum. I believe I have not done a very good job of promoting the benefits of a forum to you. So, rather than begin something without support for it, I’ll work this year on trying to make a more persuasive argument about the rewards of adult spiritual education. This is not an opportunity missed – only one delayed.
In the meantime, Sunday School for Children, pre- school to 12 years old, will be held each Sunday during the 9:30 worship service. I’m so deeply grateful for the ministry of our Sunday School teachers. They deserve our thanks and our support. The best support that you can give them is to offer assistance when asked. The best support you can offer your children for the coming school year is to insist that they actively participate in Sunday School. Our kids face an uphill battle every day – filled with all kinds of harmful temptations, disillusions and untruths. We can’t be with them during a large portion of their weekdays, but we can work together to make sure that they are given the spiritual strength they need to climb over the barriers that might block their spiritual paths. Combining this with your love and guidance, our kids can grow as Children of God. There really is no greater gift that a parent can give to their child than this.
As for other activities and programs, well, there are a number of things already being planned. I’m excited about the upcoming Christmas Cantata the choir is preparing. I know it will be wonderful. Father Ivan is beginning a Youth Group. If you have teens – send them (and have them invite their friends to something at your teen’s church for a change!). Bible Study on Thursdays will begin again soon and there will also be short, evening Adult discussion groups planned throughout the year. The Men’s Bible Study is forming and the Vestry is planning monthly family activities. Other ministries that function all year long will continue to strengthen our faith by their presence in our worship and in our lives. You’ll be able to tell for yourself as you move into these activities and ministries whether or not each is worthwhile. You’ll know from participation whether each program fed your heart and soul and left you still a little hungry for more. It’s my hope that along the way, you’ll talk to me about the things in the program year that help you on your spiritual journey and that we’ll also be able to converse about how some things help only some members of the community directly while the rest of us grow by knowing we are working in support roles. All these ministries and your participation in them are how we build and strengthen our faith community.
If you have ideas for activities, please share them with the Vestry or clergy. If you begin to hear that still, small voice calling to be a part of a ministry, project or program, don’t lie down until the mood passes. Instead stand up; become involved. If you can list a few hardships and problems that you face in your life right now, then you have just given yourself the reasons why you need to become more deeply connected to this Church community. Let God and those who worship with you, offer you the love and strength you need to move on through the tough stuff. Bring yourself, bring your kids, bring your neighbor’s kids. Come. Come. Come.
Blessings
Claudia
Dear Friends in Christ
We are quickly approaching, what many consider to be the end of summer. The weather is still plenty warm – and will be for some time to come, but the back to school ads and clearance sales tell us that in some ways, the season is ending.
Soon we will begin a new program year at St. Peter’s. One of the things that each parish is asked to do at this time of year is to determine what sort of congregational development is occurring within the congregation.
It is a time to take stock and figure out what our next steps at St. Peter’s are to be in our church journey. So let’s see where we are. There are four development categories for congregations within the church. These categories are based on specific qualities of growth and potential growth, as well as the congregation’s actual financial support of the parish and its potential support of the parish. While on the surface, these qualities seem like they deal with nothing but numbers, they also tell a great deal about a worship community’s sense of unity, its vision for the future, and the region of the state it serves.
• Parishes are worship communities that do not rely upon the diocese to care for any of their financial needs. They pay their clergy themselves and they pay their assessments to the diocese. They have a committed group of communicants who attend church regularly. They can usually count on 50 or more people in their pews each week.
• Developing Parishes are worship communities that develop a 5 - year plan leading to becoming Parishes. They are paying for most of their expenses, including their diocesan assessment, but still rely on some funding from the diocese to maintain their salaries and programs. Each year they reduce their dependency on the diocese as they move toward becoming a full parish.
• Missions are church communities that rely heavily on the diocese for financial support. Missions usually need the diocese to pay for a priest as well as give extra money through grants in order to help support programs. Mission churches tend to have relatively small congregations – around 30 -50 in attendance. Missions still are required to pay assessments to the diocese, but they receive back more than they give. Missions are established by the Church with the expectation that the faith community will do everything it can to increase attendance and its financial commitment to the diocese as it moves towards more independence.
• Permanent Missions are faith communities where the expectation is that the number of members and the financial support will remain so small that there really is no way for the community to exist without the willingness of the diocese to maintain the community by providing a priest and substantial financial support. This category makes it possible for our Native American worship communities to exist.
St. Peter’s is a Mission Church. The diocese pays the clergy salary and provides grants to assist us with the operations of the church. Each year, we submit a request for money in order to help cover our budget. Without the support of the diocese, we would not be able to continue as a community.
Other differences exist between parishes and developing parishes on the one hand, and missions on the other. Parishes and developing parishes have lead priests called Rectors. Missions have priests called Priests in Charge or Vicars. Rectors are selected through a search process by the parish. Missions do not carry out a search process but may have a Vicar assigned to them if the bishop determines that one should be placed there. Parishes have Vestries while Missions have Bishop’s Committees. As you can see, missions depend upon the generosity of the Bishop and Diocesan budget in order to function.
Obviously, parishes have more voice than missions in determining who their clergy will be, and what activities and programs they will have. We are fortunate to be in a diocese that has determined that small faith communities can serve important purposes through their presence in regions of the state. But this is only possible because the diocese has had the funds to provide such presence. The last few years have seen many small congregations across the country close their doors because of a lack of funding. Like the rest of the country, our diocese has had to tighten its belt considerably in order to maintain the presence of the Church throughout the state.
Each of us needs to determine how we can contribute to the health and growth of our Mission community. Many of you give generously of your time, money and talents. You are the backbone of this faith family. I want to thank you for your follow through. However with two parishes to maintain, I have had very little opportunity to get to know some of you. So it becomes imperative when sharing a priest that each member of the faith community step up and do their part to carry on.
St. Peter’s has the potential to build its membership and its financial independence. It will do this as each person makes a commitment to all the other members of this faith family. It is your love for each other that determines the future steps of St. Peter’s. I’m here to guide and council, but this community belongs to you. What do you want to do with it?
Have a wonderful end of summer. Please continue to keep St. Peter’s in your prayers and in your life.
Blessings
Claudia+
Dear Friends in Christ
We’re at that time of year again. School is out. Plans for summer vacations are rolling. The short-sleeved shirts come to the front of the closet and the sweaters go to the back. Days grow longer and warmer and the smell of new mown grass stays nearby most of the time.
Summer seems to be an energizing time for so many people. We catch up on chores around the house. We spend more time with immediate and extended family (reunions anyone?), and generally get more sunshine and fresh air. Thank God for summer. No, truly, thank God for summer.
If there is a time of year that fully demonstrates the renewing, abundant love of the Creator, it’s summer. There are all the obvious things that demonstrate this to us. Crops are growing in the fields. The fruit we eat is at its very best. The trees whisper to us in their lush green movements. The streams, no longer frozen, flow past, tempting us to stick in a toe, or a foot, or jump in. Children seem to laugh more and run more. More living seems to be packed into every day. Summer, more than the other seasons, seems to be easier on most people.
In many ways, the season of summer touches the same part of my heart as the Eucharist. In both cases, I get to immerse myself in the plenty of God and give thanks for all the wonderful gifts God gives. After all, the word Eucharist means “The Great Thanksgiving.” One of the wonderful characteristics about the Eucharist is the way it helps bind us together in community. All of us are welcome at the Eucharistic table. All of us are invited to lay aside the worries and struggles, the hurts and pains that may take so much of our energy in other moments of our lives. The Eucharist gives us time to allow the prayers, the blessings, the sanctified Bread and Wine to renew us, strengthen us, and to give us the wisdom to know that the love we feel in our lives and show to others is God working in the world. It is like jumping into the summer stream – refreshing and invigorating.
As you head out on your summer adventures, don’t forget the One who is the founder of your summer feast. Take time in your summer pursuits to thank God for God’s continual love and goodness. Remember too, that Eucharist is celebrated in community. Be present. Be renewed.
Blessings
Claudia+
Dear Friends -
I have been attending a book study group every other Wednesday for the last several months. The group decided when it was formed, that it didn't want to take on the usual fare of romance or dramatic stories that often become the center of such group discussions. Instead, everyone determined to mentally stretch themselves. After some discussion, the group decided to read Dietrich Bonheoffer's, Ethics. I admitted to the group that I had already read the book a number of years ago, but I'm glad to be reading it again. It is writing definitely worth revisiting.
Bonheoffer was facing a terrifying existence while writing this book. He had opposed the Nazi regime in previous articles, sermons and actions. The cost of his outspoken resistance was his freedom. Placed in a concentration camp from which he would never be released, he began to write on every little scrap of paper he could find. Several of the chapters in his work are incomplete or in need of some editing, but they at least survived whereas the writer did not.
One of Bonheoffer's main arguments in his book is that our ethics cannot be things of convenience – turned off and on as opportunity and situation arise. Bonheoffer reminds us that God is everywhere, in everything, and with everyone. Consider that for a moment. God is not only in the Church but on the freeway; not only in our living room but also in the bathroom; not only in the park on a beautiful sunlit day but also in the bar in the middle of the night. Like it or not – accept it or not – God is everywhere and with everyone. God only creates good, therefore all that is created is good. It’s just that sometimes it gets covered in crap.
Our task as Christians is to wipe off that crap and see the good that God has surrounded us with. We are not to fall victim to the delusion that most things, events and people are evil, or at the very least, not worth our attention. How is our view of the world reformed when we remember that the whole world belongs to God? The biggest lie that evil ever tells us is the lie that we are fighting to make the world a good place. The reality of God is that we are fighting to help everyone come into the truth that God’s world and all that is in it is good.
The Easter season reminds us of the creative and redeeming force of God and the creative and renewing power of God’s love and goodness. Christ’s atonement empowers us to rejoice in the power of that creation and to celebrate the fact that we are a part of it. Bonheoffer knew this. In the midst of darkness, pain and suffering, he turned his heart’s eye toward the love and creative force of God, inspiring generations to view the world again with new eyes. Wouldn't’t it be wonderful for us to inspire others in the same way?
Blessings
Claudia+
Dear Parish Family
Here we sit in Eastertide. So, what is this Jesus thing all about? Just what are we talking about, singing hymns about, getting dressed up about? Is Easter season really anything more than just the adaptation of an ancient pagan ritual celebrating the rite of spring? Of course, you know, that in my line of work – I have to say yes. But let me assure you, that as a rational, well-read, thinking individual – with or without the collar wrapped around my neck – the answer would still be yes. Easter is more than just a time to shed the chill of winter, and Jesus is more than just a word heard in church or with an exclamation point after it.
It’s easy to understand why we might ask whether Easter or Jesus have any consequential meaning for us. It often seems as if the majority of people in our world have either shrugged off their religious attire, or wear it so tightly wound around them that it has cut off their spiritual circulation, leaving them cold hearted and lacking the necessary oxygen for spiritual thought. L. William Countryman, in his book Living in the Border of the Holy, writes that the world is characterized by “hostility along the dividing lines of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion and class: by complex economic and political justifications for arrogance, selfishness, and greed . . . by new forms of homicidal absolutism in the world religions; by an intense desire to prove ourselves always in the right and our enemies always in the wrong . . . “ If this is so, (and I think it is) then it’s not difficult to understand how easily the message of Easter – that Jesus has cut our bonds of slavery to sin and shown us a living Christ who offers us eternal life – might be a message that doesn't’t get through.
Perhaps it is just too easy not to recognize that Jesus continues to cut these bonds of slavery and offers eternal life every second of every day. Our lives can be full of worries and mishaps – a thousand voices urging us to be angry and defensive – encouraging us to see others as objects to be avoided or exploited rather than as Christ’s people in community with us. It is too easy to find ourselves feeling powerless and alone. But each time we make a decision, determine whether to help or hinder someone else’s progress, speak truth to power, or consent in silence, we determine whether we are seeing Jesus as the risen Christ or not. Faith is a two way street. The love of Christ is offered – but we have to decide to accept it. That means allowing the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and the love that Christ gives, to count enough in our own personal court that we permit ourselves to be made new. Our choice determines whether or not we understand how enslaved we are to a thousand things and actions that keep us from the constant companionship of an ever faithful Lord. Christ’s offer of redemption is ongoing. Jesus’ loyalty to us is unfailing – even when we forget to return the favor. Christ says to us, over and over and over again. I am with you always. I forgive you. I love you. Powerful messages intended to empower us every day.
We look out the window and see the rite of spring happening all around us. New growth, new life. God’s creation. Is it really so hard to imagine, that like the earth after a long winter, Christ provides us a way to begin new too. Over and over and over again.
May the Blessings of the Risen Christ Be Yours
Claudia+
Dear Friends
My grandmother was a quilter. No matter the time of year, as long as her hands were able and her eyes could see fairly well, she would make quilts. She and her friends would gather in my grandmother's big living room in the winter months, and on the large front porch in the summer. There they would set up their frame, exchange family stories, drink plenty of iced tea, and fawn over the latest pieces of bright materials they had found for their project.
By the time she died, my grandmother had made at least one large quilt for each of her ten children and her more than forty grandchildren. Even quite a few of the great grandchildren had received such a gift. I still have the one she made for me. It's a series of pinwheels. Each stitch placed carefully by hand. Each piece of material comes from a dress or a shirt – or even a pair of shorts I wore at one time or another. That quilt represents my childhood. That quilt represents my grandmother's patience and careful planning. That quilt represents our love for each other, bonded into the stitches of its creation.
This month marks the completion of the beautiful mosaic that has been lovingly created at St. Peter's. Each piece of the mosaic has been carefully placed, embedded in the grout, cleaned and polished. Each stone, bead, marble – each little piece of jewelry or pottery or plate – shows care and patience taken by members of this parish in order to create something beautiful. It is an act of love – evidence of the hearts that dwell here. It will be beautiful hanging in the Narthex.
Like the pieces of that wonderful mosaic, the people of St. Peter's create, together, their own beautiful picture. Each member shines with particular talents, skills, and interests. Some of those abilities have already been demonstrated to me. I can hardly wait to see what shines through from you next. It is a blessing getting to know you.
Claudia+
Dear People of St. Peter's
This new year brings a new priest to St. Peter's. I know that it was a surprise to many of you to learn of Susan's leaving. Her gentleness and humor are to be treasured. She loves the people of St. Peter's and will miss you. Susan's spiritual journey has brought her to a new calling. She will be a wonderful Hospice Chaplain.
It is often difficult having to accept change. We just get comfortable – get into a routine - and then, we have to start all over again. Usually, when a new Rector comes into a parish, there has been an Interim time before. That's a time when the congregation has a priest who temporarily maintains the functions of the parish while a Search Committee puts together a Parish profile and conducts a search for the right person to fit the need.
Because the Diocese pays for a priest to be at St. Peter's, this parish skips the whole Interim and Search process and simply has a new priest delivered to their door. This can be both convenient and worrisome. Convenient because it saves time and money. Worrisome because the parish more or less has to take who is sent. I suppose it's like buying a car without a test drive. You don't even get to kick the tires. (PLEASE don't kick the tires!)
Over the next few months we will get to know each other. But to do that, someone has to make the first introduction. So, let me say just a few things about myself so I won't be a complete stranger to you.
My name is Claudia Seiter. I am currently the Vicar of St. Michael's in Brigham City. This is now your sister parish. St. Mike's and St. Pete's will share priests and some ministries. Over the next few months together, we'll figure out how to do that. I have been the Vicar of St. Michael's for 2 years. Before that, I was the Associate Rector of Good Shepherd in Ogden for 6 years. I currently serve on the Commission on Ministry and have served in a variety of diocesan positions in the past. My husband's name is David. We have 4 grown children and 9 grandchildren with another on the way. I taught high school for 30 years and loved it. So, nothing scares me!
More importantly, I want to fall in love with you. I know, that sounds really corny and insincere. But, I firmly believe that the only way a community of faith can function effectively is if every member tries to fall in love with everyone else who comes through the door. The only way I know to teach that lesson is to do it.
The next few months will be challenging for us. Trying to figure out schedules; helping me and my Assisting Priest, The Rev. Canon Ivan Cendese, PhD., and my deacon, The Rev Deanna Sue Adams, get to know you; learning to trust and rely on each other. All those things take time.
I hope that you will step with me into this next part of the St. Peter's journey. I look forward to meeting you, getting to know you, and learning to love you.
Blessings
Claudia +
P.S. To help get this going, please circle Sunday, January 31, on your calendar. Following our Annual Meeting, I'm hosting a special brunch for the parish, in the parish hall. It's my way of letting you know how happy I am to be with you.