There is a listserv used by deputies to General Convention as well as Bishops. And “used” is an interesting word – not many “use” it, but many do read it. You can also be permitted “kibitzer” status, which allows you to read but not post on the list.
A Holy, and different, Lent
Lent of 2009 we were getting ready. After 3 1/2 years in exile since the hurricane, our new building was going up. We were excited and anxious, and somewhere WAY past ready….
So we paused. During Lent, we reflected and we remembered. Then we looked ahead. Our focus during Lent and Holy Week of 2009 was on returning from exile. What is it like, to return? To come back? What’s the same? What’s different? How are we different?
I had been saying since the storm-that-should-not-be-named, that if the end result was we were the same as we were before, what a shame that would be. We are forever changed, and despite the human tendency to revert, find “normal” again, halt these changes forced upon us, we cannot now, nor ever, deny how we’ve been shaped by what we’ve been through. Some of that is good, some not so much. At the core, though, is this sense of incredible gratitude – for we cannot look at our beautiful new buildings without seeing the faces of so many people who came to our aid and who helped make it happen.
Consequently, we are changed by their love, just like we are all changed by God’s love. In both cases, it’s love that we did not earn or even deserve, yet was and is freely given. With that at our core, how could we ever be the same?
So Lent 2010 is upon us. This year, as I think and pray and plan Lenten sermons and liturgies, the focus may be on home, home in the true sense of warmth, welcome, security, hospitality – now that we are home, how do we fling these doors open, reach out to our community, be much more present in word and deed, and invite, intentionally and ferociously, others in our community to come “home” too, to be with us, to teach us, to join us?
Could be an interesting time. You, too, are invited to the observance of a Holy Lent. I pray you will do so in whatever faith community you find yourself in – wherever you find home.
Asking for prayers…
Sometimes when you are in this “bidness” you can forget to ask for prayers for yourself and family. It’s been a very intense pastoral care week at St Pats – our first funeral of a parishioner in our new building (horrible train – car accident), another great family who is losing a loved one, two other families in real crisis (can’t say more). It becomes a challenge to be everywhere you need to be.
And on the home front, my daughter, whose illness was chronicled on here a year or so ago, is having difficulty again. In a lot of pain and discomfort. She and my LW are back at the university hospital today for doctor visits, and some additional tests are already scheduled for later this month. Just cannot find out what’s causing all this.
My wife was in the hospital 3 times before Christmas – sinus surgery, then they had to go back in, then had to be put in the hospital a 3rd time to manage things. She’s really no better, in fact I think she is far worse than before the surgery. Everyday wakes up with her face swollen and severe headaches.
I think we are haunted by some kind of Katrina Krud.
Then tomorrow (Friday), my mother in law is having a pace maker put in (a new one) and my LW will be her round the clock nurse, as usual. The next day I have a niece getting married (a good thing of course) in the same town where ma-in-law will be, so will get to see lots of family. Then we hope to take a few days off in New Orleans the first of the week. Good friends have arranged us tickets and access to a suite at the Hornets game Monday night – should be fun!
A mix of difficulty and good times ahead. Prayers are always appreciated – especially for my daughter, Mackenzie, and my wife and her mom.
New Year – Post More?
Wow, it’s been since August since I blogged on here. Facebook and Twitter have become my primary way of saying anything in the public domain. That’s to my shame. 144 character bursts of wisdom don’t really cut it (but may be all I have anyway).
So…most likely this blog exists and no one ever checks it any more. Who could blame them? I would like to write more and intend to for 2010. But may find another forum, because this one may just be dead.
So….if you read here, or have me on your RSS or ATOM feed and would like to “see” more, would you comment on this post and let me know? Otherwise, I will move to another venue, because the “itch” to write is growing stronger. It can help me process and share and gather ideas and feedback.
Thanks – if you are still watching!
A Time to Bless
Monday (17th) is the 40th anniversary of Hurricane Camille, the most powerful storm (in wind speed) to ever make landfall in the US (at least in our recorded history). Sustained winds of 200 mph+, incredible destruction and loss of life.
I was eleven when Camille hit, living in Hattiesburg. It was my oldest brother’s birthday. It was also the first night I ever stayed up the ENTIRE night, as we sheltered in the hallway of our new home, hearing the wind howl (it was about 140mph winds in Hattiesburg, 70 miles north of the Coast). Our house was ok, trees down everywhere but none hit our home. We were without power for a good bit of time, but otherwise ok. I won’t ever forget my Dad taking us outside during the eye of the storm – it was the middle of the night, but you could see the cloud wall as we stood in the calmness as the eye passed over. Then the wind started picking up again, this time from the opposite direction, and we hunkered down again.
Two weeks from tomorrow (the 29th) is the 4th anniversary of Katrina, the most devastating storm in US history. While Camille destroyed 6000 homes on the coast of Mississippi, Katrina destroyed 65,000. It still boggles the mind, and helps us understand why so much is still not done.
Elsewhere here I have chronicled riding Katrina out and dealing with the aftermath, losing our church, etc. And while it is very true that much is left to be done – one thing IS done – our new church home! While we celebrated on Pentecost Sunday our first service in the building, tomorrow (Saturday the 15th) we will officially Dedicate and Consecrate our new home.
Bishop Gray will be joined by Bishop Howard of the Diocese of Florida (who spearheaded an enormous donation from that diocese to our rebuilding), and we will truly celebrate a grand accomplishment, made possible by the help of so many churches and people. We are truly blessed.
The service will be joyous and fun, and a BIG party is planned afterwards. If you are around, please join us. It’s a time to bless and to celebrate!