In normal times I would have gone to one of the three churches I serve and everyone would have seen me and heard me and we would have celebrated the Eucharist and had coffee hour and loved each other.
But today, in these anything BUT normal times, we did church on Zoom and Face Book and on phones and no one could see me, though they could hear me and listen to my sermon and Bryan's celebration of Eucharist. I saw myself through it all. Weird.
Zoom broke down on Sunday morning between 9 and noon in many parts of the country--especially it seems, New England. Covid-19 and Zoom don't seem to like New England.
Folks reading froze up. Folks doing prayers dropped out. It was weird, but not so surprising in such un-normal times. Internet technology is just like most every thing else. S*** happens.
It was fine in the end. I've talked to several folks who said 'listening' was better than 'nothing'.
Which is true always.
I could see one of my cousins who tuned in from WV, but not the other one.
I say 'cousins' because we are, somehow.It's just on my father's side of my family, relationships were vague and varying. I called lots of people 'aunt' and 'uncle' who weren't.
My mother's side of the family was strict to being ridiculous about 'relationships'.
My uncle Sid, my father's brother, happened to marry my mother's 1st cousin. Sid and Callie's two children told me that we were 'double first cousins' and since I was much younger, that made sense.
When I told my maternal grandmother that--Lina Manona Sadler Jones--she said 'humpf' and told me that we were first cousins on my father's side but third cousins on my mother's side.
Well, that wasn't the only distinctions between the sides of my family. The Bradley's liked a drink and the Jones' were non-drinkers. The Jones' were all Evangelical church-goers and the Bradley's (except for my father) avoided church whenever they could.
No wonder I have so many conflicting opinions....
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Saturday, May 16, 2020
In normal times 4
In normal times, I'd be thinking about which of the three churches I was scheduled for tomorrow and thinking about my sermon and how long the drive will take--so I'd know when to get up.
But these aren't normal times.
I'll set my alarm for 9:11 a.m. and be part of the zoom and facebook live service at 10.
Bryan and I are never at the same church unless there is joint service with the Bishop, but we'll be there on zoom. I'll do the sermon and blessing and Bryan will do the rest.
It's been working well for weeks now, but it's not the same as normal time.
What will 'normal time' look like when there is a break from this virus?
I'm not sure.
Not as much touching, for sure--though that's hard for church...all three churches are hug filled places.
Masks are fine with me--but for how long? Always, that seems severe, but if it is necessary I will do it.
I had asthma as a child and get shots of Zolaire every two weeks to control any bronchial problems. The drug does control that, but what would the virus do?
I've come to grips because of my age and bronchial problems, that if I get the virus, I will die.
I realize that and therefore will obey all the rules as long as they are in place.
Lots of people like me, I'm sure.
So while those idiots protest without masks or social distancing and carry weapons to 'reopen' states, I will play by the rules as long as rules are needed.
You should too.
Really, you should in these oh-so-not normal times.
But these aren't normal times.
I'll set my alarm for 9:11 a.m. and be part of the zoom and facebook live service at 10.
Bryan and I are never at the same church unless there is joint service with the Bishop, but we'll be there on zoom. I'll do the sermon and blessing and Bryan will do the rest.
It's been working well for weeks now, but it's not the same as normal time.
What will 'normal time' look like when there is a break from this virus?
I'm not sure.
Not as much touching, for sure--though that's hard for church...all three churches are hug filled places.
Masks are fine with me--but for how long? Always, that seems severe, but if it is necessary I will do it.
I had asthma as a child and get shots of Zolaire every two weeks to control any bronchial problems. The drug does control that, but what would the virus do?
I've come to grips because of my age and bronchial problems, that if I get the virus, I will die.
I realize that and therefore will obey all the rules as long as they are in place.
Lots of people like me, I'm sure.
So while those idiots protest without masks or social distancing and carry weapons to 'reopen' states, I will play by the rules as long as rules are needed.
You should too.
Really, you should in these oh-so-not normal times.
Friday, May 15, 2020
I don't get it
The University of Chicago Divinity School did a poll that said 2/3 of Americans believe the corona virus is a 'message from God'.
I don't get it.
Which God do they mean, the Old Testament Yahweh who sent plagues and pestilence and wiped out people? Or the God/Father/Mother of Jesus who urged us to love one another and even be kind and pray for our enemies?
A sign from God, in my mind, any message God would send, would be of hope and promise and life--not a virus of death.
Now, to give them credit, those people in the survey did say that the sign from God was to tell the world to 'change its ways': to stamp out poverty and racism, to narrow the gap between rich and poor, to raise wages, to improve healthcare for all people, things like that.
And hopefully, when the is better contained, we will have the will and leadership to accomplish those things. It is just a shame that thousands must die to inspire us to level our differences in health and wages and racial disparity.
But to say 'God sent it to teach us a lesson' is beyond my theological grasp.
No God I know and love and trust would do that.
Not now, not ever....
I don't get it.
Which God do they mean, the Old Testament Yahweh who sent plagues and pestilence and wiped out people? Or the God/Father/Mother of Jesus who urged us to love one another and even be kind and pray for our enemies?
A sign from God, in my mind, any message God would send, would be of hope and promise and life--not a virus of death.
Now, to give them credit, those people in the survey did say that the sign from God was to tell the world to 'change its ways': to stamp out poverty and racism, to narrow the gap between rich and poor, to raise wages, to improve healthcare for all people, things like that.
And hopefully, when the is better contained, we will have the will and leadership to accomplish those things. It is just a shame that thousands must die to inspire us to level our differences in health and wages and racial disparity.
But to say 'God sent it to teach us a lesson' is beyond my theological grasp.
No God I know and love and trust would do that.
Not now, not ever....
Thursday, May 14, 2020
In Normal times 3
In normal times, since it is 9:19 p.m., we would have wrapped up the last evening session of Making a Difference and be going to bed ready for the transformation of tomorrow.
MAD is 'transformational technology' (even though my spell check doesn't know that t-word) and the last morning is when we actually see people's faces and body language change for the better.
It is a remarkable experience to see that. And even more remarkable to experience that.
We end the workshop with centering prayer--which has been a part of each day several times--and then go eat lunch before leaving, all new.
For my part, I can't over-state what the workshop has meant to me and many others over the years. A new start, a 'beginning' with no end, something beyond words but felt deeply.
I miss not being there at Holy Cross for tomorrow!
I will hold that longing in my heart.
But I am more moved by how safe we are, here in Cheshire, and how no one in the three little rural churches has the virus. And how our children and grand-daughters are safe.
These are trying times.
Meditation helps.
I do centering prayer--just sitting for 20 minutes longing to be present to the God within me.
I also do the Jesus prayer. Inhale and say, to yourself, "Lord Jesus Christ", the exhale and say in your mind, "have mercy on me".
Do either and you will be calmed.
And there are lots of videos on line that are soothing. My friend Charles sent it to me. Try it out.
MAD is 'transformational technology' (even though my spell check doesn't know that t-word) and the last morning is when we actually see people's faces and body language change for the better.
It is a remarkable experience to see that. And even more remarkable to experience that.
We end the workshop with centering prayer--which has been a part of each day several times--and then go eat lunch before leaving, all new.
For my part, I can't over-state what the workshop has meant to me and many others over the years. A new start, a 'beginning' with no end, something beyond words but felt deeply.
I miss not being there at Holy Cross for tomorrow!
I will hold that longing in my heart.
But I am more moved by how safe we are, here in Cheshire, and how no one in the three little rural churches has the virus. And how our children and grand-daughters are safe.
These are trying times.
Meditation helps.
I do centering prayer--just sitting for 20 minutes longing to be present to the God within me.
I also do the Jesus prayer. Inhale and say, to yourself, "Lord Jesus Christ", the exhale and say in your mind, "have mercy on me".
Do either and you will be calmed.
And there are lots of videos on line that are soothing. My friend Charles sent it to me. Try it out.
try that one and be rewarded.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Bird songs and too, too soon
There are so many birds in our yard.
I took the dog out at 9 p.m. and they were still singing. Lots of song birds and a few too many crows.
Crows are the smartest birds, by the way. They figure out things you wouldn't think a bird brain could figure out. Like stealing shiny objects. One sat on a tree this morning and stared at me for five minutes. I was feeling a little unsafe when he finally cawed and flew away. And a group of crows are called a 'murder of crows'. Not a comforting title.
But even crows would be smart enough to know it is too, too soon to be opening the country in the face of this pandemic.
Staying home and staying safe is working--but not enough yet.
The problem is the President is ignoring the pleas of public health experts and scientists because he feel a robust economy is his only chance for re-election.
Another problem is that the virus takes a couple of weeks to show up, even if there was enough testing--which, in spite of the President's statements, there isn't enough.
So states like Georgia and Texas and many others re-opening won't know for 14 days or so how much the virus has spread. Then it will be too late to avoid needless deaths.
Joe Biden said, the other day, if he were President he would tell people to listen to Dr. Fauci and other scientists and not to politicians.
Would that he were!
Many Americans who will die in the too soon re-opening wouldn't if we extended the shut down.
Bird songs are soothing. The deeply partisan politics in our nation during a national emergency is anything but soothing.
Anxiety and Fear fit better for that.
Listen to the birds to soothe your heart and soul.
Vote in November to end the anxiety and fear you feel.
I took the dog out at 9 p.m. and they were still singing. Lots of song birds and a few too many crows.
Crows are the smartest birds, by the way. They figure out things you wouldn't think a bird brain could figure out. Like stealing shiny objects. One sat on a tree this morning and stared at me for five minutes. I was feeling a little unsafe when he finally cawed and flew away. And a group of crows are called a 'murder of crows'. Not a comforting title.
But even crows would be smart enough to know it is too, too soon to be opening the country in the face of this pandemic.
Staying home and staying safe is working--but not enough yet.
The problem is the President is ignoring the pleas of public health experts and scientists because he feel a robust economy is his only chance for re-election.
Another problem is that the virus takes a couple of weeks to show up, even if there was enough testing--which, in spite of the President's statements, there isn't enough.
So states like Georgia and Texas and many others re-opening won't know for 14 days or so how much the virus has spread. Then it will be too late to avoid needless deaths.
Joe Biden said, the other day, if he were President he would tell people to listen to Dr. Fauci and other scientists and not to politicians.
Would that he were!
Many Americans who will die in the too soon re-opening wouldn't if we extended the shut down.
Bird songs are soothing. The deeply partisan politics in our nation during a national emergency is anything but soothing.
Anxiety and Fear fit better for that.
Listen to the birds to soothe your heart and soul.
Vote in November to end the anxiety and fear you feel.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
In Normal Times 2
In post pandemic times I would be in West Park, NY, at Holy Cross Monastery getting ready for bed having finished the day's session of the Making a Difference workshop.
What 'making a difference' is about is going outside the lines of what is easy and hard, what is important and unimportant, possible and impossible to a place where we 'make a difference' beyond those realms.
Our lives are run on a scale of important and unimportant.
If you are a minister, writing your sermon isn't 'important' on Monday. It becomes very 'important' by Friday night. But if you hear a parishioner is in the hospital on Saturday morning, the sermon becomes less 'important' and the visit to the hospital becomes 'important'.
"Making a Difference" isn't on that scale.
Making a Difference, as we draw it on a board, after drawing the important/unimportant line, is a dot up in the corner that is labeled MAD.
Making a difference is something that comes out of our declaration of 'who we are in the matter'.
It's not important or unimportant--it's WHO WE BE.
It's a powerful and profoundly transforming workshop.
I wish I were there helping lead it--leading people to Declare Who They Be in the matter.
And standing on the huge porch of the monastery watching the mighty Hudson River flow.
I miss that in this strange and utterly different times.
What 'making a difference' is about is going outside the lines of what is easy and hard, what is important and unimportant, possible and impossible to a place where we 'make a difference' beyond those realms.
Our lives are run on a scale of important and unimportant.
If you are a minister, writing your sermon isn't 'important' on Monday. It becomes very 'important' by Friday night. But if you hear a parishioner is in the hospital on Saturday morning, the sermon becomes less 'important' and the visit to the hospital becomes 'important'.
"Making a Difference" isn't on that scale.
Making a Difference, as we draw it on a board, after drawing the important/unimportant line, is a dot up in the corner that is labeled MAD.
Making a difference is something that comes out of our declaration of 'who we are in the matter'.
It's not important or unimportant--it's WHO WE BE.
It's a powerful and profoundly transforming workshop.
I wish I were there helping lead it--leading people to Declare Who They Be in the matter.
And standing on the huge porch of the monastery watching the mighty Hudson River flow.
I miss that in this strange and utterly different times.
Monday, May 11, 2020
In normal times
In normal times, I would be packing tonight to go to Holy Cross Monastery (Episcopal monks live there, in case you didn't know Episcopalians had 'monks') in West Park, New York, on the upper Hudson River, to help lead a Making A Difference Workshop.
I've been leading it for over 25 years and have outlived all the other leaders except A.O. who is the head of the Mastery Foundation, which sponsors the workshops and J.. who is 90 and quit leading years ago.
Making a Difference changed and saved my life!
I was out of parish ministry when I took the workshop, burned out to a crisp and considering renouncing my priestly vows.
But, at the workshop I came up with the Declaration (which is how all workshops end--with the participants 'declaring' who they are.
My declaration after 4 days, was this, 'I AM PRIEST'.
Not "I am A priest". No, it was that who I am in this world is 'Priest'. That's who I be. That's what I live into and out of. My identity. "Who I Am"!!!
I was called to be the Rector of St. John's in Waterbury for the next 21 years and then partially retire and be the Missioner of the Middlesex Area Cluster since shortly after that.
Mine is not the only life I've seen saved and altered by the workshop. Almost everyone who does it gets their Identity made 'all new' and with power to speak that into the world.
I love leading, though I probably won't after a few more years.
But I owe the workshop my life as I have lived it for the last 30 years--the life I was meant to have.
It makes me sad that I won't be heading to West Park tomorrow. We've moved it to next year.
I hope that works out. I need to 'give back' some of what 'I've gotten' from Making a Difference.
Giving back is how I pay forward for this life I love so much.
I've been leading it for over 25 years and have outlived all the other leaders except A.O. who is the head of the Mastery Foundation, which sponsors the workshops and J.. who is 90 and quit leading years ago.
Making a Difference changed and saved my life!
I was out of parish ministry when I took the workshop, burned out to a crisp and considering renouncing my priestly vows.
But, at the workshop I came up with the Declaration (which is how all workshops end--with the participants 'declaring' who they are.
My declaration after 4 days, was this, 'I AM PRIEST'.
Not "I am A priest". No, it was that who I am in this world is 'Priest'. That's who I be. That's what I live into and out of. My identity. "Who I Am"!!!
I was called to be the Rector of St. John's in Waterbury for the next 21 years and then partially retire and be the Missioner of the Middlesex Area Cluster since shortly after that.
Mine is not the only life I've seen saved and altered by the workshop. Almost everyone who does it gets their Identity made 'all new' and with power to speak that into the world.
I love leading, though I probably won't after a few more years.
But I owe the workshop my life as I have lived it for the last 30 years--the life I was meant to have.
It makes me sad that I won't be heading to West Park tomorrow. We've moved it to next year.
I hope that works out. I need to 'give back' some of what 'I've gotten' from Making a Difference.
Giving back is how I pay forward for this life I love so much.
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