The Most Rev. Edmond Browning
Monday, May 28, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
After Easter Joy, What?
As I stood at the bus stops on the way to church Easter Sunday, I had time to reflect on Easter, remembering what I had talked about on Good Friday.
On Good Friday, we reflected on the overwhelming love of God for each one of us. Starting with the gift of His Son, Jesus, sent to lead us and teach us and heal us. Then the sacrifice of His from on the cross that our sins might be forgiven.
We remembered Jesus’ love for His Father and how He loved Him so much He accepted the cross. We remembered the love Jesus has for us in giving us a living example of how to live and His going to the cross for us.
Still struggling to understand the overwhelming love of God, the Father, and Jesus, the Son, I got off the bus to enter St. James to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. When I entered the church it was like a great big bubble full of love had burst open, spreading love everywhere. There were small groups of people scattered around the church talking joyfully and full of love towards each other. I was barely inside and a man came up to me and asked, “Can I say Alleluia yet?” Then a lady came up to me saying, “I love all this noise.” It wasn’t the noise of voices in gossip, it was the noise of loving, joyful conversations!
The Service Began with Joy
All of this came together as the service began with the joyful music of Easter and the Gospel message of the Resurrection and extended to Sullivan holding up Alleluia signs made by the Sunday School kids all during the sermon.
Leaving the church that day, I felt the need to shout to the rooftops: Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
We need to find a way to share this love with others beyond the services we provide the homeless and needy. We need to extend our job. We need to keep the joy of Easter rolling outward. We cannot be selfish with this joy.
Take Action
In the course of a leadership level weekend called Cursilla, one of the talks is called Action. The purpose of the talk is to give people a way to lead others to Christ. The way to action is: Make a friend; Be a friend; Bring a friend to Christ.
In each of our lives we encounter people who are searching for something to give meaning to their lives. The searching sometimes is verbalized but may only be a feeling we get from them. Take a leap of faith and make them your friend.
As friendships grow, we begin to share bits and pieces of ourselves. We listen to each other. We help each other.
What We Can Share
What we can share is what we have found that gives meaning to our lives. Sharing our love of Jesus may be easier than we realize. If we present ourselves the way we are as Christians, if we do not hide that aura of love that we feel and live with, we may find that our new friend sees it and asks about it and wants what we have! Share it!
Having shared what we have learned and how we strive to live, offer them a way to find their way. Bring your friend to Christ.
In doing these actions with others, we are doing what Jesus did and would have us do in His name.
Leap out of the cocoon that can be too comfy. Yes, you can sing out Alleluia! Yes, we can make a joyful noise. Yes, we can hold up our Alleluia signs. Let us take all that we have out into the streets and share the love with all we meet!
Deacon Ned Howe
On Good Friday, we reflected on the overwhelming love of God for each one of us. Starting with the gift of His Son, Jesus, sent to lead us and teach us and heal us. Then the sacrifice of His from on the cross that our sins might be forgiven.
We remembered Jesus’ love for His Father and how He loved Him so much He accepted the cross. We remembered the love Jesus has for us in giving us a living example of how to live and His going to the cross for us.
Still struggling to understand the overwhelming love of God, the Father, and Jesus, the Son, I got off the bus to enter St. James to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. When I entered the church it was like a great big bubble full of love had burst open, spreading love everywhere. There were small groups of people scattered around the church talking joyfully and full of love towards each other. I was barely inside and a man came up to me and asked, “Can I say Alleluia yet?” Then a lady came up to me saying, “I love all this noise.” It wasn’t the noise of voices in gossip, it was the noise of loving, joyful conversations!
All of this came together as the service began with the joyful music of Easter and the Gospel message of the Resurrection and extended to Sullivan holding up Alleluia signs made by the Sunday School kids all during the sermon.
Leaving the church that day, I felt the need to shout to the rooftops: Alleluia, Christ is Risen!
We need to find a way to share this love with others beyond the services we provide the homeless and needy. We need to extend our job. We need to keep the joy of Easter rolling outward. We cannot be selfish with this joy.
Take Action
In the course of a leadership level weekend called Cursilla, one of the talks is called Action. The purpose of the talk is to give people a way to lead others to Christ. The way to action is: Make a friend; Be a friend; Bring a friend to Christ.
In each of our lives we encounter people who are searching for something to give meaning to their lives. The searching sometimes is verbalized but may only be a feeling we get from them. Take a leap of faith and make them your friend.
As friendships grow, we begin to share bits and pieces of ourselves. We listen to each other. We help each other.
What We Can Share
What we can share is what we have found that gives meaning to our lives. Sharing our love of Jesus may be easier than we realize. If we present ourselves the way we are as Christians, if we do not hide that aura of love that we feel and live with, we may find that our new friend sees it and asks about it and wants what we have! Share it!
Having shared what we have learned and how we strive to live, offer them a way to find their way. Bring your friend to Christ.
In doing these actions with others, we are doing what Jesus did and would have us do in His name.
Leap out of the cocoon that can be too comfy. Yes, you can sing out Alleluia! Yes, we can make a joyful noise. Yes, we can hold up our Alleluia signs. Let us take all that we have out into the streets and share the love with all we meet!
Deacon Ned Howe
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The Pantry Basket
What is the Pantry Basket?
It is the basket a member of St. James carries marked “Pantry” during the offering. Do you know why the basket exists? And where does the money go? The sign would suggest a food pantry. Well, that’s true, but it is much more than that. It is St. James' (your) continuing support of Central City Churches (CCC).
Two programs partially funded by our Pantry Basket contributions:
Central City Churches’ Outreach Ministry
The CCC Outreach Ministry is housed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church and operates a food pantry that has a 40-year history in the St. Paul's/Our Savior's neighborhood.
The CCC OM provides physical, emotional and spiritual support by offering the following to neighbors:
• Daytime safe haven
• Food pantry
• Hospitality including daily refreshments and light lunches October through April
• Telephone, FAX and computer with internet access
• Resource people including a health and wellness professional and housing advocate
• Social service and health referrals
• Stock boxes for senior adults
Central Community Interfaith
Central Community is a Neighborhood Outreach Program of Interfaith Older Adult Programs, Inc. that began as Central City Churches Interfaith located at Gesu Parish. It combined with Community Interfaith and the office moved to Washington Park Senior Center. A neighborhood Director coordinates volunteer services for seniors who are in need of help with shopping, transportation and socialization.
Over 1100 individuals and families are served by the Outreach Ministry every month!
The Pantry Basket is a visible sign of multiple services being provided on our behalf as we continue “to serve in the central city of Milwaukee.” The reality is as the churches on the Avenue struggle with fewer members and finances, the more important the Central City Churches organization becomes.
Linda Steiger
It is the basket a member of St. James carries marked “Pantry” during the offering. Do you know why the basket exists? And where does the money go? The sign would suggest a food pantry. Well, that’s true, but it is much more than that. It is St. James' (your) continuing support of Central City Churches (CCC).
Central City Churches’ Outreach Ministry
The CCC Outreach Ministry is housed at Our Savior's Lutheran Church and operates a food pantry that has a 40-year history in the St. Paul's/Our Savior's neighborhood.
The CCC OM provides physical, emotional and spiritual support by offering the following to neighbors:
• Daytime safe haven
• Food pantry
• Hospitality including daily refreshments and light lunches October through April
• Telephone, FAX and computer with internet access
• Resource people including a health and wellness professional and housing advocate
• Social service and health referrals
• Stock boxes for senior adults
Central Community Interfaith
Central Community is a Neighborhood Outreach Program of Interfaith Older Adult Programs, Inc. that began as Central City Churches Interfaith located at Gesu Parish. It combined with Community Interfaith and the office moved to Washington Park Senior Center. A neighborhood Director coordinates volunteer services for seniors who are in need of help with shopping, transportation and socialization.
Over 1100 individuals and families are served by the Outreach Ministry every month!
The Pantry Basket is a visible sign of multiple services being provided on our behalf as we continue “to serve in the central city of Milwaukee.” The reality is as the churches on the Avenue struggle with fewer members and finances, the more important the Central City Churches organization becomes.
Linda Steiger
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Our Abundance
At our April Vestry meeting, we discussed the question, “What has God given us (the community of St. James) in abundance?”
Some Answers
Here are some of the answers: opportunities to deepen our faith, joy, deep care for one another, leadership opportunities, building space, calls to exercise our ministry, commitment to our mission, relationships with community partners, musical talent, and prayers.
How would you answer the question above for our community? How would you answer the question for your life?
This conversation started while working on a Challenge Grant for the Diocese of Milwaukee. This year the Challenge Grant is focused on new stewardship initiatives. The first step, in writing this grant, was naming ways in which God has blessed us with abundance. This is not just a first step in a grant writing, this is a first step for all of us who seek to be good care-takers of all God has given us.
The Parable of the Talents
After naming the ways in which we have been blessed with an abundance, we are called to action. When considering how I might best care for all that I have been given, I like to reflect on a parable in the 25th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, often referred to as the Parable of the Talents.
I do understand that the ending of that parable causes anxiety. As a child, I heard this story over and over again, but the ending was altered to be a little less harsh. For me, though, it is not a scary story, but a call to truth and action. We have been given so much! God trusts us with so much, while we are on this earth. We are to use the abundance we have been given---our time, treasures, talents, hopes, dreams, love---everything we have been given is meant to be used, not buried. We may even take risks with our abundance, and see what happens! The ending of the parable carries much truth for me. If I am like that third servant, not using what I have been given, burying what I have been given, or sitting afraid to even see what I have been given, I feel as though I am thrown out into darkness. I feel far from God when I do not face the truth of God’s blessing in my life. At times, when I have buried my gifts, it is as if they cry out to me to be used, and I have just got to get out the shovel and dig them up!
God Has Blessed Us
Please know that I apply my understanding of this parable to our life as a parish, too. God has blessed us with such an abundance --- opportunities to deepen our faith, joy, deep care for one another, leadership opportunities, building space, calls to exercise our ministry, commitment to our mission, relationships with community partners, musical talent, prayers, and more--- an abundance to be celebrated! If any of our talents are hidden in the sand out of fear, I hope to dig them out WITH YOU! I will continue to encourage you to use your talents here at St. James and out there in the community. I give thanks for the simple diocesan grant writing exercise because it reminds us of our joy as God’s good and faithful servants, to name our abundance and take risks with our abundance.
God bless you this month, and always!
The Rev. Lisa Saunders
Some Answers
Here are some of the answers: opportunities to deepen our faith, joy, deep care for one another, leadership opportunities, building space, calls to exercise our ministry, commitment to our mission, relationships with community partners, musical talent, and prayers.
How would you answer the question above for our community? How would you answer the question for your life?
This conversation started while working on a Challenge Grant for the Diocese of Milwaukee. This year the Challenge Grant is focused on new stewardship initiatives. The first step, in writing this grant, was naming ways in which God has blessed us with abundance. This is not just a first step in a grant writing, this is a first step for all of us who seek to be good care-takers of all God has given us.
The Parable of the Talents
After naming the ways in which we have been blessed with an abundance, we are called to action. When considering how I might best care for all that I have been given, I like to reflect on a parable in the 25th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, often referred to as the Parable of the Talents.
I do understand that the ending of that parable causes anxiety. As a child, I heard this story over and over again, but the ending was altered to be a little less harsh. For me, though, it is not a scary story, but a call to truth and action. We have been given so much! God trusts us with so much, while we are on this earth. We are to use the abundance we have been given---our time, treasures, talents, hopes, dreams, love---everything we have been given is meant to be used, not buried. We may even take risks with our abundance, and see what happens! The ending of the parable carries much truth for me. If I am like that third servant, not using what I have been given, burying what I have been given, or sitting afraid to even see what I have been given, I feel as though I am thrown out into darkness. I feel far from God when I do not face the truth of God’s blessing in my life. At times, when I have buried my gifts, it is as if they cry out to me to be used, and I have just got to get out the shovel and dig them up!
God Has Blessed Us
Please know that I apply my understanding of this parable to our life as a parish, too. God has blessed us with such an abundance --- opportunities to deepen our faith, joy, deep care for one another, leadership opportunities, building space, calls to exercise our ministry, commitment to our mission, relationships with community partners, musical talent, prayers, and more--- an abundance to be celebrated! If any of our talents are hidden in the sand out of fear, I hope to dig them out WITH YOU! I will continue to encourage you to use your talents here at St. James and out there in the community. I give thanks for the simple diocesan grant writing exercise because it reminds us of our joy as God’s good and faithful servants, to name our abundance and take risks with our abundance.
God bless you this month, and always!
The Rev. Lisa Saunders
Monday, May 7, 2012
Ask the Priest!
Dear Lisa,
Why are we "bold" to pray the Lord's Prayer?
Dear Bold,
Great question! I thought I would share with you a beautiful reflection on boldly praying the prayer Jesus taught us. See below for an excerpt from Frederick Buechner’s, Wishful Thinking.
“In the Episcopal [Anglican] order of worship, the priest sometimes introduces the Lord’s Prayer with the words, “Now, as our Saviour Christ hath taught us, we are bold to say…” The word bold is worth thinking about. We do well not to pray the prayer lightly. It takes guts to pray it at all. We can pray it in the unthinking and perfunctory way we usually do only by disregarding what we are saying.
“Thy will be done” is what we are saying. That is the climax of the first half of the prayer. We are asking God to be God. We are asking God to do not what we want but what God wants. We are asking God to make manifest the holiness that is now mostly hidden, to set free in all its terrible splendor the devastating power that is now mostly under restraint. “Thy kingdom come… on earth” is what we are saying. And if that were suddenly to happen, what then? What would stand and what fall? Who would be welcomed in and who would be thrown the hell out? Which if any of our most precious visions of what God is and of what human beings are would prove to be more or less on the mark and which would turn out to be phony as three-dollar bills? Boldness indeed. To speak those words is to invite the tiger out of the cage, to unleash a power that makes atomic power look like a warm breeze.
You need to be bold in another way to speak the second half. Give us. Forgive us. Don’t test us. Deliver us. If it takes guts to face the omnipotence that is God’s, it perhaps takes no less to face the impotence that is ours. We can do nothing without God. We can have nothing without God. Without God we are nothing.
It is only the words “Our Father” that make the prayer bearable. If God is indeed something like a father, then as something like children maybe we can risk approaching him anyway.”
– Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking
God bless you,
The Rev. Lisa Saunders
Feel free to send questions for this column to revlisasaunders@gmail.com or leave a message at 414-271-1340.
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