Where are you taking me?

There are many types of work cycles, and those of us who work in a church environment, focus on a liturgical church calendar. Once Pentecost is over we settle into the “Green Season” and enter into a lighter summer schedule.

When I was a regular churchgoer and the choir would disband for summer with clergy taking their vacations, the passing weeks slowly trudging onward. Yes, I would attend services, but all seemed to be marking time until everyone returned in the fall, and I remember looking forward to the Sunday when the choir and clergy returned. Read More �

I apologize if I cover familiar ground, however . . . .

Emergence has been defined as the way complex systems and patterns arise out of a multiplicity of relatively simple interactions, and a lot of net ink, and print space has been devoted to the concept of the Emergent Church; a claim, and movement which has yet to be totally defined.

In many cases, when I read of the Emergent Church, talk invariably moves towards liturgy, which is the most obvious resting place for many churchgoers. Try as we might, there is a connection between what we experience, and how we inwardly process public expressions of faith. Read More �

Delivered at St. George’s Episcopal Church, La Canada, CA

Amos 7:7-17
Psalm 82:1-5,8
Colossians 1:1-14
Luke 10:25-37

One of the major differences between Judaism, and Christianity is very subtle. The difference is that Judaism focuses on the Law, but Christianity from the onset, was attracted to the story. Read More �

Delivered at St. George’s Episcopal Church, La Canada, June 27, 2010

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
Luke 9:51-62

In what appears to be a fit of anxiety, Elisha turns to his mentor and asks for a double share of the spirit. The prophet tells his student that what he asks for is a difficult thing, offers no promises, and in a whirlwind of fire, a chariot carries the prophet Elijah into heaven. By the sea, Elisha find’s his master’s mantle, a cloak of authority, stands there alone, hesitates…..eventually picks it up, and follows in Elijah’s footsteps.

Paul writes to the people of Galatia who are confused, and unsure of what to do next. They struggle with many things, including the traditions of the Law of Torah, and the prevalent philosophy of the region which states that when you are totally free that you can do anything you want as long as it feels good.
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It’s strange how things happen, and when they happen. Last weekend I was involved as part of the altar party in two ordinations, plus I had to take care of services at St. George’s where I am on staff as my rector began a much needed sabbatical.  Last weekend might also have been named a weekend of “I bind unto myself today.” I, personally, have had enough of that hymn for the time being. Read More �

Vested and ready to process into the Long Beach Convention Center for the consecration of two bishop suffragans, I had inadvertently taken a wrong turn, and was told by security I had to exit the building, and walk around a secured area and re-enter through the same security check in area I had entered after I had first arrived. So be it….I understood.

As I was making my way bacl to the building I had to walk past two people representing the typical array of shouters who show up at all religious, or human rights events from Gay Pride parades, to the AIDS Walk in Orange County. These people are not members of a church but a group using freedom of speech, and “church” protection show up at many public events including funerals of fallen soldiers spewing hate in the name of Christ. Read More �

Though not totally surprised, I was informed that the lease to the guest house where I have resided for almost three years had come to an end, and I must move by March 31. I, of course, had to scramble into action and within the first two weeks of the month saw a variety of places, most of which were totally uninhabitable.  I am not one who expects to live in the bosom of opulence,  but I expect to view a place devoid of filth.

My needs are relatively simple. A private place to relax, and prepare simple meals. A space comfortable enough to watch my PBS shows, or screen a movie. A space enough for my bed, and small flexible table for meals, a usable bathroom for grooming, and a place to hang my cloths.

For almost 900.00 I was offered a living spaces the size of some people’s walk in closets, a kitchenette consisting of a microwave, and a dorm refrigerator. Surprisingly, one place in Glendale was so dirty, it appeared to have been painted over 20 years ago with grit in the shower older than the the city itself. Read More �

Based on Exodus 3:1-15

Does anyone remember the story of Narcissus? In Greek Mythology, Narcissus was a beautiful youth who was arrogant, cruel and insensitive to the feelings of others. Hearing the prayer of a maiden in distress, an avenging goddess [Aphrodite] decided that Narcissus would come to feel what it was like to love and experience no return of affection. One day, he came upon a clear fountain where he saw his own image reflected upon the water. Fascinated with the image, he fell in love and came to cherish that which he could not possess or control. He became so absorbed in himself that he eventually drowned in his own reflection.

Myths are powerful because they reflect a truth greater than truth itself. Myths, with their vivid images, and extraordinary tales, expose a psychological reflection of our deepest fears, and our own worries about our self, and our place in the world. Myths, according to Joseph Campbell are, “the experience of meaning” the “clues to the potentialities of a spiritual life.” I would argue that we can’t experience the depth of a spiritual life unless we can find meaning found in the realities of the world around us, to see situations from an inward theological perspective, over and above taking in life’s rawness like the passive shutter of a camera lens. Jesus’ parables are forms of crystallized myths centering on a greater truth, exposing life in its rawness leading towards a deeper experience of meaning. Read More �

Jeremiah 1:4-10
Psalm 71:1-6
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Luke 4:21-30

It was a balmy warm summer evening in Huntington Beach. The courtyard of the church was enveloped by a vibrant palette of sunset colors which slowly evaporated into a blanket of cloud cover.

In the courtyard of St. Wilfrid’s, mixed with audio strains of Gregorian chant, lay a hand crafted labyrinth made from blue duct tape. It was nothing fancy, and was obviously designed from a “how to” book. Placed in various areas of the labyrinth were small half domed candles,  you might know those kind I’m talking about; candles made from glass with cargo netting around the outside, but in the center of the maze was a large white candle glowing by itself – - – - it seemed lonely. Read More �