Advent IV: Birth of Jesus: Journeying in the World

Welcome to the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Often this Sunday gets overshadowed by the last-minute preparations around home and church for the grand Christmas Eve celebrations. I invite you to return to the reading, curriculum and calendar* this week after all the presents are unwrapped.

The Planner page suggests pausing throughout the week to consider blessings, and needs. We are also invited to Turn using the words of the Graham Kendrick song, Soften My Heart (1988):

Soften my heart, Lord
Soften my heart
From all indifference
Set me apart
To feel Your compassion
To weep with Your tears
Come soften my heart, O Lord
Soften my heart

Perhaps during your Christmas celebrations you will find an answer to the curriculum’s question “Where have you seen love birthed into the world this week?” Perhaps it was during a Christmas service you attended, while opening presents with family, meditating on a creche scene (like the one in the image from 1989), or while reading or listening to the familiar words from Luke 2:

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:  to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.  When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:1-20)

The Way of Love curriculum* reminds us that “the Way of Love cannot be contained. The Way of love bursts out into the world, crossing boundaries and offering blessings to many. It demands to be told.”

Participants are asked to consider which part of the story ‘reflects where you are today’ and think about some questions like:

• “Where, with whom, and how are you called to share about the good news of Jesus’ life and love?
• What amazes you about God? About God’s love?”

The curriculum* encourages each person to look at their Rule of Life, or to create one with “one spiritual practice in each facet of the Way of Love that they will commit to practice weekly through the seasons of Christmas and Epiphany.”

Have you created a Rule of Life that includes living a Way of Love? Here is a blank planner page to guide you in merging your current rule of life (prayer, exercise, study, etc.) into the Way of Love Rule of Life. Maybe your time at the gym is a time to Go and share God's love. Perhaps you already have a Prayer circle to continue with. Probably you have a form of study to help you Learn. You don't have to totally recreate your Life. A Rule of Life is simply a way to be more intentional and focused in your loving relationship with God, yourself, and others. 

Maybe this prayer from the curriculum* will help you live your commitments.

God who makes the impossible possible, quicken our hearts to follow the shepherds who went with haste to see Jesus and told the world what they had heard and seen. Enliven our imagination to the many ways to walk the Way of Love with Jesus. Strengthen our resolve to remain on the journey with Jesus as individuals, with family and friends, and in community to proclaim your word in the world; through Jesus Christ, your Son, and with the power of the Holy Spirit, one God, whose way is love. Amen.

*Way of Love Advent Curriculum; By Jenifer Gamber and Becky Zartman; Copyright © 2018 by The Episcopal Church;

The Episcopal Church/ 815 2nd Ave/New York, NY 10017

Advent III: The Birth of John the Baptist: Journeying with Community

We are already at the third week of Advent. On the third Sunday many churches will have pink flowers on the altar to recognize Gaudete Sunday. This was originally to offer a bit of lightness into the mildly penitential tone of Advent. Often the words of Philippians 4:4-6 are sung. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your forbearance be known to all, for the Lord is near at hand; have no anxiety about anything, but in all things, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be

Last week I suggested that “Telling one another when blessings happen deepens the joy for both parties. Let's tell our stories.” Our joy will be greater when shared. This is the time of year when we do a lot of celebrating with friends and with family. Sometimes it can be pretty superficial, but there are also times when you have lunch with a dear friend or two, or with someone in your family and you can share you deepest joys and sorrows.

That is what happens with Elizabeth. It is always more fun to celebrate in community. In following the Way of Love curriculum and Advent calendar*, we come to the community celebration of the birth of John to Elizabeth and Zechariah. Remember, this child would grow up to become John the Baptist, the forerunner of Messiah. For now, though, this is a joyful party rejoicing in the birth of a son to an elderly couple. The Gospel of Luke says, “Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.”

The art by Luca Giordano from the 1680s entitled Birth of St John the Baptist captures the joy of the moment when all the friends and family gather together to rejoice at the new baby.  

Inviting the community can be a mixed blessing. Friends and family think they have to have input into all the decisions. “On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him…The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel” (Luke 1:57-80)

In keeping with the theme of ‘rejoice’ this week, the story of John’s birth and circumcision is filled with joy. As soon as he can talk again, “[Zechariah] began to speak, praising God.” His entire prophecy for his son, is a joy-filled hymn of praise in a way that touches on each of the 7 Way of Love disciplines. Take some time this week to pause with each phrase and pray about what it means to you, your Advent journey, and all those on the Way of Love.

Pray: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.

Worship: He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David

Learn: as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,

Go: to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days

Turn: And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins.

Bless:  By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death

Rest: to guide our feet into the way of peace.

On the Planner page, you will find some hints for thinking about Community as you go through the week.

The Way of Love curriculum* asks participants to consider all seven of the Way of Love practices (Worship, Go, Learn, Pray, Bless, Turn, Rest) with some thought-provoking questions that you may want to think about.

• Which of the practices brought you the most joy…or blessing? Which practice has been life-giving and where did you cross borders?

• How does your community celebrate joy together? How does your community support others in their joy?

• Who in your faith community has a prophetic voice? (perhaps it is you)

• When have you experienced God’s love for you here? When have you felt yourself loving God in the context of this community?

This week you may want to use this prayer from the curriculum:

Merciful God of peace, your word, spoken by the prophets, restores your people’s life and hope: Fill our hearts with the joy of your saving grace, that we may hold fast to your great goodness and proclaim your justice in all the world. Amen [Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, alt., proposed by the Consultation on Common Texts (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2002), p. 33].

*Way of Love Advent Curriculum; By Jenifer Gamber and Becky Zartman; Copyright © 2018 by The Episcopal Church;

The Episcopal Church/ 815 2nd Ave/New York, NY 10017

Advent II: Mary and Elizabeth: Journeying with Family and Friends

During Advent this year, we are following along with the Episcopal Church Way of Love Advent Calendar and curriculum*. Last week we looked at how saying ‘yes’ to God is countercultural. Really saying ‘yes’ and living a Way of Love can change us and our world.

This week, we continue by considering the story of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-56). We all need companions on the journey, no matter where we are going. The Way of Love curriculum* notes that “Mary set out in haste [to visit Elizabeth]…The life - the Word - that began to grow within her could not be contained. She just had to share her good news with her cousin Elizabeth and set out to the hill country of Judea, a long journey. By going, Mary found out that Elizabeth, too, was on a journey of love.”

She had to share her news and find out if, indeed, Elizabeth also had news to share. When we are faced with something new, we want to share it with someone. We text our friends or call them up. We post on Facebook or Instagram when we discover a new restaurant or recipe. Do we do the same thing when we read an inspiring devotion or learn a new prayer?

Elizabeth exalts, "blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." We all know the lovely prayer that Mary offers in response. It is called the Magnificat and many choral settings have been done using her words of celebration and prophecy. "My soul magnifies the Lord," she praises. Her response to the new journey she is on is to join in prayer and praise with Elizabeth. "The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name," she continues.

This image from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Seattle is symbolic of the link between Mary and Elizabeth; and between any friends who share their lives. This can be sharing joys, but also sharing sorrows. We should share both with our friends so they can walk with us.

Is my first response to good news a prayer? Not always, I must admit. Even though I might share the news with someone, I may not remember to thank God as the originator of all good things. I may not even really pause to recognize the blessings.   

The curriculum asks “What good news do you have to share with one another?... How have you experienced your faith or trust in God as a blessing?” 

How often do you share good things with friends to encourage them? Telling one another when blessings happen deepens the joy for both parties. Let's tell our stories. One of the activities in the curriculum* and planner page is to pray for 10 minutes with someone. Another is to offer to pray for someone. Both are ways to share joys and sorrows.

This week, if something good happens consider pausing to say a prayer before moving on. Remember, prayer isn’t fancy words, it is simply a heartfelt meeting with God. Think about what you have to say ‘thank you’ for this week. Share that with a friend and with God. When we pray together, we offer Blessing to each other. When we pray for someone, we are giving them the gift of our heart. In all prayer, we are meeting God and joining in creating a Way of Love.

 Again, we close with the prayer from the curriculum* suggested for use this week: “O God of Elizabeth and Mary, you visited your servants with news of the world’s redemption in the coming of the Savior: Make our hearts leap with joy, and fill our mouths with songs of praise, that we may announce glad tidings of peace and welcome the Christ in our midst. Amen.”

*Way of Love Advent Curriculum; By Jenifer Gamber and Becky Zartman; Copyright © 2018 by The Episcopal Church;

The Episcopal Church/ 815 2nd Ave/New York, NY 10017

Advent I: The Annunciation-saying Yes to the Way of Lovve

Last week we started our Advent Journey on the Way of Love with an exploration of what a Rule of Life is and how each individual Rule of Life might assist us in our Journey through Advent. Today is the First Sunday of Advent. This week we will look at how saying ‘yes’ to God and to the journey might change and enrich us.

We are using ideas in the Way of Love curriculum and Advent calendar from the Episcopal Church*. I’ve taken some of those suggestions and incorporated them into the Planner page for this week, along with some other ideas. The planner gives you tips for using the study in an individual way, and the Way of Love curriculum can be used in a group setting.

The Way of Love curriculum encourages us to be specific about their Rule of Life actions in each of the 7 disciplines in the Way of Love. Perhaps Centering Prayer is your Prayer practice and reading a devotional or selected scripture daily is what you do to Learn. Are Sunday church services your Worship? What do you do for the Bless, Turn, Go, and Rest portions? How do each of these practices help you say ‘yes’?

This week’s scripture is the Annunciation story in Luke 1:26-38 (depicted here in Ecce Ancilla Domini! by Dante Gabriel Rosetti, 1849-50). Mary’s ‘yes’ to God’s call on her life is, as the Way of Love curriculum notes, “a model for our own yes to the Way of Love…one of the most countercultural things we can do today…it may be just as frightening as Mary’s. We may not know the implications of saying yes…We can never be fully prepared for the magnificent journey with Jesus…we are called to say ‘yes’ to this impossibility made possible.”

It is true. If we really LIVE a Way of Love that says ‘yes’ to God, we are being countercultural. Think about all the messages we are bombarded with. Very few of them have anything to do with love. The daily news is full of scary and bad things happening. Social media is crammed with negativity (interspersed with cat videos). There is fear and anger and hatred, seemingly, everywhere. To live as members of the Body of Christ and embody the Way of Love Jesus taught is not an easy response to those people or things that make us afraid or angry.

We must be very intentional about seeking out positive things to focus on. We need tools that will help us react in a loving way rather than in a self-protective, angry, or negative way. The Way of Love disciplines are one way to re-program our minds to look to God first and foremost as we incorporate them into our individual Rule of Life.

During this Advent journey along the Way of Love, we may just discover that by deepening our life in Prayer and Rest, Learning and Worship; and that living by Turning (or re-Turning) and Going out to Bless we can indeed be a countercultural influence in the world.

As the saying goes, “A day hemmed in with prayer won’t unravel”. That’s true. When we keep our hearts fixed on looking for God and saying ‘yes’ to the little and big ways God is calling us to live Love, we will be changed. Just maybe we’ll change the world around us, too. All it takes is saying ‘yes’ to God’s call! That sounds deceptively simple, doesn’t it?

Think about your own life now and leading up to this moment. When have you heard God asking you to say ‘yes’? Where has that taken you? For me, one of the times I heard God asking me to step out was when I sat down to write my first book. And then to publish it. I would never have guessed that the simple act of putting words on paper would change me from an introvert who would prefer not to speak to groups, to someone who leads retreats and chairs committees.

Sometimes it’s not completely clear what God is asking, or where it will lead. There is a recent contemporary Christian song by Hillary Scott. In her song Thy Will, Scott admits, “I’m so confused/ I know I heard You loud and clear/ So, I followed through/ Somehow I ended up here/ I don’t wanna think/ I may never understand/ That my broken heart is a part of Your plan.”

This week’s planner asks us to consider our 'yes' to God by asking what part of Worship fills your heart and why. The planner invites us to really listen to someone else’s point of view, and to do a random act of kindness. We are also called to consider where we might have fallen short and invites us into Rest by doing something that feeds the soul. Each of these is a way to say ‘yes’ to God’s call and invitation to live a Way of Love. We don’t know where that will take us, and being out of control is usually scary.  

As Hillary Scott sings, “Sometimes I gotta stop/ Remember that You’re God/ And I am not…Thy will be done.” Often the best we can do when we are faced with God’s answer to our ‘yes’ is to admit we aren’t God, or in control, and just pray ‘Thy will be done’. We have to trust, with Scott, “I know You hear me, Lord/ Your plans are for me/ Goodness You have in store.”

Whenever we say ‘yes’ to God, we’ll go places we didn’t ever expect. As things change around us, we are can be assured that God is in control, no matter what. As a way of submitting to God, you may want to add this closing prayer from the Way of Love curriculum to your Way of Love prayers this week.

Holy One, who makes the impossible possible, open our ears to hear you calling us to birth new life into the world. Grant us, through the power of the Spirit, the courage of Mary to respond with “yes” so that your Word may dwell in our hearts; through your son Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.*

*Way of Love Advent Curriculum; By Jenifer Gamber and Becky Zartman; Copyright © 2018 by The Episcopal Church;

The Episcopal Church/ 815 2nd Ave/New York, NY 10017

Toward the Way of Love

Last week I mentioned the Episcopal Church, and Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s, Way of Love. What exactly is that, you might ask. It is simply a form of a Rule of Life encompassing: Worship, Go, Learn, Pray, Bless, Turn, Rest. You’ll notice there are 7 parts, and there are 7 days of a week. That’s so the Rule of Life fits neatly into your week.

First, though, what is a “Rule of Life”? Often, we think of monastics, or priests, or other ‘religious folks’ as the only ones who have a Rule of Life. This can be something set up by their Order or ordination. However, each of us has a Rule of Life, whether you’ve ever thought of it that way or not. If you read your Bible, or a devotional book, or do some journaling, or have a quiet few minutes to pray then you have a Rule of Life.

According to the Journeying the Way of Love, Advent Curriculum (by Jenifer Gamber & Becky Zartman; Copyright © 2018 by The Episcopal Church, 815 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10017) a Rule of Life is “not just a set of rules to live by; rather, it is a gentle framework to guide and support us on our way [that] It helps us clarify our most important values, relationships, dreams, and work.” The authors point out “a rule of life [is] commitments to regular practices.” It can include, so called, secular activities like exercise or eating dinner as a family.

The Way of Love as outlined by the Episcopal Church is a Rule of Life with the goal of helping us grow in our relationship with God, ourselves, and others. According to the Advent curriculum, “The Way of Love invites us to a rule of life that leads to incarnating Divine Love in the world, so it is appropriate to initiate a journey on the Way of Love during Advent, the season we slow down to get ready to welcome Jesus, God incarnate, anew.”

Let’s review the seven parts of the Way of Love Rule of Life and what they mean.

Sunday, we are invited to Worship as an intentional way to gather in community with and before God. “As we break bread, our eyes are opened to the presence of Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we are made one body, the body of Christ sent forth to live the Way of Love.”

Monday calls us to Go across boundaries and live like Jesus. “He sends us beyond our circles and comfort, to witness to the love, justice, and truth of God with our lips and with our lives…to join God in healing a hurting world [and] to become Beloved Community, a people reconciled in love with God and one another.”

Tuesday reminds us that we must Learn. The authors of the curriculum note, “When we open our minds and hearts to Scripture, we learn to see God’s story and God’s activity in everyday life.”

Wednesday, the middle of the week, is a time to remember to Pray. Prayer is an offering of our thanksgivings and concerns to God while listening for God’s voice in our lives. “When we pray

we invite and dwell in God’s loving presence.”

Thursday is a time to Bless by sharing our faith and unselfishly serving. The authors note, “We are empowered by the Spirit to bless everyone we meet…and to share our stories of blessing and invite others to the Way of Love.”

Friday is a day to Turn and take a break. “With God’s help, we can turn from the powers of sin, hatred, fear, injustice, and oppression toward the way of truth, love, hope, justice, and freedom. In turning, we reorient our lives to Jesus Christ, falling in love again, again, and again.”

Saturday is a day of Rest when we can be restored by God’s grace and peace. This is an invitation to an intentional time “for restoration and wholeness…[because] by resting we place our trust in God, the primary actor who brings all things to their fullness.”

In preparation for Advent, consider what your current Rule of Life is-both secular and spiritual. To help with that, you can download the weekly planner page for this week. You’ll notice the theme for the week is Preparation. Isaiah 40:3 calls us to Hear “the voice of someone shouting, "Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!”

Are there parts of your life that might be called ‘wasteland’?

Can you make a straight ‘highway’ for God to enter your heart this Advent?

What changes might you want to make or include in preparation for Christmas?

I invite you to join me in journeying the Way of Live this Advent using the Advent calendar incorporated in the weekly planner pages available, with some additional hints, from this blog during Advent. Download the first page to get started on the journey. 

Or gather in a small group to follow the curriculum itself. Perhaps you would prefer to simply download the Advent calendar  follow it through the next four weeks with the following topics:

• Advent One: The Annunciation: Saying “Yes” to the Journey

• Advent Two: Mary and Elizabeth: Journeying with Family and Friends

• Advent Three: The Birth of John the Baptist: Journeying with Community

• Advent Four: The Birth of Jesus: Journeying with the World

Pentecost: Women in MInistry

Last week I introduced a poem by Frances Croake Franke. It was written to confront the non-ordination of women in Roman Catholic church. Franke herself was a nun, yet she spoke out for women in ministry-be they ordained or lay who say to the Lord ‘this is my body, this is my blood’.

It has not been that long since women were first allowed to take part in many ministries in the church and to, in fact, be ordained (in the Episcopal church at least). The journey for women to be accepted in ministry, especially into ordination (in the Episcopal Church) was a long journey detailed in this article and highlighted below.* Why does that history matter to the ordinary, everyday woman who wants to serve God, but doesn’t want to be ordained as a priest?

On the retreat last weekend, we came to understand that the 5 women we studied were, in fact, ordinary women, going about their daily lives when God stepped in. Then they acted with courage to be God-bearers to the world. That is what the Philadelphia Eleven and the other women (and men) who worked for generations to make all ministry open to women were doing.

By The Philadelphia Inquirer - © The Philadelphia Inquirer (acquired from The Philadelphia Ordinations), Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43398366

A resolution passed at General Convention in 1976 (the same Convention that opened the door to women’s ordination) stated that no one could be barred from participating in the life and governance (italics mine) of the church…because of their gender. Prior to this few, if any, women were allowed on governing bodies (vestries) of local parishes.

By opening more avenues of ministry, the ordinary women in church found ways to use their God-given gifts and talents more broadly than on the altar guild and in sewing circles. Now, in most parishes, you will find women serving in all sorts of ways. Women are even acknowledged as leaders in historically male roles such as president of Standing Committee or other diocesan boards.

As ‘ordinary’ women, we are following in the footsteps of the ordinary women of the past who acted for and with God lead on and show us the way.

·       Ruth, the foreigner whose dedication to her mother-in-law gave her stature as the great-grandmother of King David.

·       Esther, an unlikely queen who saved her people by risking her life and being a whistle-blower.

·       Judith whose bold action of cutting off General Holofernes head routed the Persian army.

·       Mary (Mother of Jesus) who said ‘yes’ to God’s request to bear a child out of wedlock.

·       Mary Magdelene, remaining constant to the end was graced with bearing news of the Resurrection to the male disciples.

·       Lydia, Prisca, Chloe and the other New Testament female leaders who opened their homes and taught their neighbors.

·       Julian of Norwich, Hildegard of Bingen and other mystics across the ages, who stood up to popes and kings while speaking for God’s way.

·       Frances Perkins, Clara Barton, Florence Nightingale and others who went where ‘women weren’t supposed to go’ and did what others wouldn’t so that the ill and downtrodden had a voice.

·       The Philadelphia Eleven and those who followed who bravely stood for their rights before God.

·       Female priests and bishops in the church now who prove that there is no ‘male’ or ‘female’ in the call to ministry.

We are the heirs of those women and many others. Our faith fore-mothers give us the courage to say ‘yes’ to God ourselves. There is still ground to be plowed. Women may be active in multiple roles, but they are not necessarily accorded the same respect as a man. Women typically work harder to be seen as equal in talent. A lot may have changed over the past decades and centuries, in how women in ministry are perceived, and there is a lot still to do.

“Our daughters’ daughters will adore us and they’ll sing in grateful chorus ‘well done, sister suffragette’,” sings Winifred Banks in the Disney movie Mary Poppins. We can look back at our faithful fore-mothers and applaud ‘well done, sister in Christ’. And we can lay the ground work for our own grand-daughters.

Over the next few weeks, we'll look at some 'ordinary' women, whose lives were anything but ordinary. 

This week, I would encourage you to think about how your life and ministry are affected by the steps taken by women in the past. 

*Briefly, in 1855 the Bishop of Maryland ‘set apart’ two deaconesses. Not quite an ordination, but a first tiny step. Eighty years later, the Church of England found no reason for or against ordination of women; but stated they would continue to be excluded ‘for the church today’. Another 35 years passed before the lay deputies at the General Convention of the Episcopal church passed a resolution affirming female ordination, but it was defeated by the clergy.

Only 4 years later, on July 29, 1974, the “PhiladelphiaEleven” were ordained by three bishops (two retired and one who had resigned). These were eleven female deacons who had requested ordination. The action by the 3 bishops caused “great consternation among the church hierarchy” and the ordinations were declared invalid. This didn’t stop the women from serving in a few parishes, although priests who allowed this were charged with ‘violating the canons’.

At the 1976 General Convention, in Philadelphia, a resolution passed stating “no one shall be denied access” to ordination. To say that not every person or diocese supported this move is an understatement. Some bishops side-stepped the issue by referring women seeking ordination to other dioceses. Some parishioners left their churches. Even today, some people will change sides at the communion rail if a woman is doing the bread or wine. I remember feeling confused about the issue myself as someone who had just recently returned to the church.

Ten years later, a huge shift happened when the Rev. Barbara Harris was elected Suffragan Bishop of Massachusetts on September 24, 1988. Then in 2006, in an even bigger step, the Right Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, Bishop of the Diocese of Nevada, was elected the 26th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, USA. She served for 9 years, the maximum a Presiding Bishop can serve.

Fall Meditations-Ember Day Letter

Four times a year, the Church sets aside three days to focus on God. These are "Ember Days," or Quatuor Tempora, in Latin. These dates fall close to the changes of the seasons and are meant to help us focus on God in our lives and in all creation. Ember Days are traditionally observed on the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after the First Sunday in Lent (February or March), the Day of Pentecost (May or June), Holy Cross Day (September 14) and December 13. 

In the Episcopal Church (and probably some other denominations), Postulants and Candidates for the diaconate or priesthood are required by canon law to report to their Bishop in writing at each of these seasons. Guidelines for these letters say, “It is not enough to say that you read a book or took a course, but how did it affect you? Did you learn something that you didn’t know before? Was it helpful or challenging? Are you struggling with long held beliefs that no longer seem tenable? If you are like most of us, your spiritual journey has ups and downs. Where are you today? What works? What is hard and why?”

During the sermon on Holy Cross Day, everyone at St. John's was challenged to write an Ember Day letter outlining our ministry or calling and how well we feel we are following it. We were encouraged to look at our lives in terms of that ministry or calling to see what works and what is not so joyful about it. (You can hear the sermon itself here: http://stjohnsabq.org/sermon_archive.php, scroll down to Sept. 13)

So, why is it important to look at our lives in terms of our ministry or calling? Putting your Rule of Life down on paper is a time honored discipline of monastic and lay orders. Most of us don’t live in monasteries and the majority are not members of lay orders, either. As the Ember Day guidelines point out, “It is important for you to know and to explain your own spiritual journey for it is in that way we begin to understand and empathetically respond to another’s journey.”

In taking up the challenge to write an Ember Day letter, I discovered that my own life is rather like a braided rope with three interconnected strands of ministry that use my gifts in different ways. There are at least 3 ways I use the gifts from God to proclaim the Kingdom of God.

One is in my work-a-day world as an administrative assistant, using gifts of organization and administration to keep the behind the scenes tasks of the Cathedral running smoothly.

Then there are the various named ministries I am involved in, such as Daughters of the King. Being chapter president involves similar gifts of administration and teaching as well as a servant’s heart to carry out the Rule of Life of the Order: Prayer and Service and Evangelism to women and girls.
My writing is another strand of the rope of ministry. The process involves being open to the ‘whispers of the Eternal’ and discovering the link between the lives of our spiritual ancestors and our faith journeys today. The gift of teaching is also involved, not only in my books, but in the studies, retreats, and even these blog postings I write.

It was an interesting process to undertake an Ember Day Letter and actually take time to look at the ministry I am involved in and how I feel about each part of that ministry. I would encourage you to take some time over the next week to evaluate your life and ministry in terms of your gifts and calling. A place to start is with the three questions used weekly by men and women who have attended Cursillo. These questions help you look at the important parts of your Christian Walk.
With what spiritual aids have you nourished your vital union with Christ? (piety)

What have you done to understand the gift of God and form your mind after the mind of Christ? (study)

What apostolic success did the Lord accomplish through you? (evangelism/action)

If you are like me, you will probably find it easiest to write these down and look at while mulling over your answers. However, some may find it more beneficial to think 'outside the box' and make a collage or draw your feelings about these topics. Maybe it will involve making something like the braided rug above. It is for your benefit, so you can do it any way that fits you.
See you next week for another Fall Meditation.