Growing in “ordinary time”

Last week I felt energy shift, in my own life and the community. Two days of intense heat, some more humidity, finals and graduations and vacation plans seemed to move people into summer, ready or not.  The parish slows down some—discussion group will probably break for a few weeks, plans for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School are still in process, choir rehearsals stop and choir members sing from the pews (with a few solos in the works!),  The Weatherglass and the vestry take a break for August, “coffee hour” becomes languid conversation over lemonade.

Use this time for refreshment, at home, work, or vacation.  Here are some prayers and reflections to encourage all of us to delight in God’s creation and find “food for the journey.” 

On Praise and Thanksgiving (Elizabeth Roberts & Elias Amidon, Earth Prayers from Around the World, (1991, Harper San Francisco) pp. 211-213,  218,

            Prayer is a sense of belonging.  Belonging is the basic truth of our existence. We belong here.  Life belongs here.  Likewise, at the heart of gratefulness, in its deepest sense, we also find an expression of belonging.  When we say “Thank you” we really are saying “We belong together.”  That is why we sometimes find it so difficult to say “Thank you,”—because we don’t want to acknowledge our interdependence.  We don’t want to be obliged.    But in a healthy society that is exactly what we seek:  mutual obligations.  Everyone is obliged to everyone and everything else; we all belong together, we are of each other.  In this awareness we are freed from self-preoccupation—and only then, emptied of self, can we be filled with thanks.  As Brother David Steindl-Rast tells us, “Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise—then you will discover the fullness of your life.”

            Within this human impulse to gratitude flow the vast cycles of universal reciprocity—for everything that is taken, something has to be given in return.  If you merely take in a breath and stop there, you will die.  Likewise if you merely breathe out.  Life is not giving or taking, but give and take.  This is the dynamic expression of universal belonging expressed in our thanksgiving. . . .

In the midst of a pragmatic world in which we constantly ask ourselves how “useful” things are, these prayers may seem “useless.” Yet perhaps the greatest gift we humans have to offer the rest of creation is our heartfelt appreciation.  The ability to receive in thankfulness the blessings of life is an awesome quality.  We alone on this planet can reflect on all that surrounds us and through our loving recognition the rest of the Earth achieves a deep fulfillment. 

From Gerard Manley Hopkins

(Also found in Earth Prayers)

Glory be to God for dappled things—

            For skies of couple-colour as a brindled cow’

                       For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim,

Fresh-firecoal chestnut falls; finches’ wings;

            Landscape plotted and pierced—fold, fallow, and plough,

                       And all other trades, their gear and tackle and trim.

All things counter, original, spare, strange,

            Whatever is fickle, freckled (who knows how?)

                       With swift, slow, sweet, sour, adazzle, dim;

God fathers-forth whose beauty is past change:

                                   Praise him.

African Canticle (also from Earth Prayers:  Try to notice, really notice, the big and small things in our lives as specifically as this prayer notices details of Africa.)

All you big things, bless the Lord

Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Victoria

The rift Valley and the Serengeti Plain

Fat baobabs and shady mango trees

All eucalyptus and tamarind trees

Bless the Lord

Praise and extol God for ever and ever.

All you tiny things, bless the Lord

Busy black ants and hopping fleas

Wriggling tadpoles and mosquito larvae

Flying locusts and water drops

Pollen dust and tsetse flies

Millet seeds and dried dagga

Bless the Lord

Praise and extol God for ever and ever.

~ Allison Moore

 A Mini-Quiet Day, Saturday, July 12, 9:30 a.m. – 1p.m.

The Seventh Day:  Sabbath Rest…..& Revival 

How do we find the balance between the spiritual “rest” and growth found in worship and community, and the spiritual “work” of ministry and mission to which all of us are called?  Scripture, simple biblical meditation, quiet time, discussion, poetry, art meditation and a festive luncheon are part of this Mini-Quiet Day. 

Sponsored by:   Trinity, Cliffside Park; All Saints, Leonia; Atonement, Tenafly; Good Shepherd, Fort Lee

Location:        All Saints Episcopal Church, 150 Park Avenue, Leonia  RSVP:    201-947-1233 (Leonia), 201-568-1763 (Tenafly)

Atonement568@verizon.net

Mission and Ministry

We just blessed the monies given for Mission and Ministry month this morning—thank you to all who contributed!  It is not too late to send your contribution in if you haven’t yet.  Members of the parish recently received an issue of the Friends for Life newsletter describing some of their work.  Here is a bit more information from Deacon Diane Riley, who helped us understand issues of local hunger.

“The fact that there are people in NJ who go hungry is most likely not news to anyone here at Good Shepherd.  The fact that the number of hungry people in NJ could fill Giant’s stadium 9.4 times, probably is.  For years, the number of people at risk for hunger has been growing. However, over the last year the situation has become even more distressing.

“For a generation, Episcopal faith communities have long been on the frontlines of the fight against hunger, offering food pantries and other support for hungry people in many different counties and communities.  Feed the Solution is part of The Apostles’ House outreach to the community.  It is an education and advocacy program that hopes to inform people of the many factors that contribute to the problem and illuminate ways we all can be part of the solution that will not only help reduce the number of hungry people but eliminate hunger.

A word about Deacons …(also from The Rev. Diane Riley)

“Deacon Diane Riley is a permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Newark.  Within the Episcopal Church, these persons are the ordained: deacons, priests and bishops who are the embodiment of Christ’s priestly, prophetic and serving ministries. With the laity they comprise the Church of Christ in a circle of love and leadership that brings healing to God’s broken world.

            Diaconal ministry is one of service to the church within the church body and to the greater community outside the church. When she is not working for Feed the Solution, she serves as Deacon at All Saints Church in Glen Rock (a non- stipendiary assignment).  In their ordination, deacons are called upon to “serve all people, particularly the poor, the weak, the sick and the lonely.” (BCP, pp 543) and they promise to “look for Christ in all others, being ready to help and serve those in need.” (BCP,pp 544) “They enlist, organize, lead, and encourage all the baptized in ministries of mercy, justice and peace. Deacons stand at the Gates of Hope at the margins, ministering to those who have been left behind by a modern society. 

Cabaret Evening at Good Shepherd

            On Saturday evening, June 7, over 60 people braved the 98º weather to attend a delightful concert by the Belgian cabaret singer, Micheline Van Hautem– accompanied by her charming European guitarist, Erwin.  In addition to members of the congregation there were a number of other friends of the church, and some of Micheline’s followers, from neighboring states.  The concert was followed by a delicious reception, where we were able to meet Micheline, her husband and young baby! – an all together memorable evening.

            There are many people who helped make this evening possible – if I have forgotten any, please let me know, and I shall do suitable penance!

            Bill and Carol Ellis underwrote the evening, worked for weeks beforehand on publicity and logistics, and worked very hard on the night itself.

Linda Simsarian and Barbara Mack did a great job on the refreshments, with great good humor and expertise.

Ken King was an enormous help with heavy stuff, and managed last minute artiste details with great good humor.

Mary Roodkowsky was enormously efficient and enthusiastic with tapers for the many candles and hurricane lamps, and general being where someone was needed at the right time!

Bessy Inomata did wonderful, cheery work in the kitchen, as always, before and after.

Patrick Hammer and Bob Cox were splendid collecting money and welcoming people, and noting that it wasn’t really as hot as it seemed.

Victoria Porcelli and Philip Kay helped clean up and chatted cheerfully.  And let us not forget Anna Byrne and Olga Derick, who helped Bill get out all the publicity material.

Gillian Newell was “Woman Friday” for the weeks leading up to the concert and the night itself, overseeing, planning, catching last minute details, and generally coordinating the event.

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Sunday Evening Eucharists

We're going to try something new for the summer, and maybe into the fall.  Several people have asked if we could try a Sunday evening Eucharist.  I would be happy to offer a simple 30-40 minute inclusive Eucharist at 6 pm, no music (or a capella singing or if someone is moved to play an instrument, so much the better), for the following Sundays:  July 6, July 13, August 3 and 10, every Sunday in September.  Help setting up (30 minutes ahead of time), musical offerings, or other help would be wonderful.

Pasta Dinner and Auction:

A good time was had by all!

Our annual pasta dinner and auction was a rousing success again this year—great food, great spirit, and over $5000 to help with the annual budget.  A belated thank you (somehow this escaped from the May and June Weatherglasses!) to Bessy Inomata and Leslie Greenberg, who coordinated the event, to the Rafterys for the best sausages in town (and everything else was delicious too!), to David Lilly and Southard, his partner, who traveled from Boston yet again to cheer and encourage good bids, to all who brought donations, helped set up and clean up, brought friends, and made the evening fun.

Rector’s vacation schedule and other news

Allison will be away the week of July 18-29, at the beach on vacation for the first week, and at the annual “Society for Values in Higher Education” conference the second.  The Reverend Steve Galleher will preach and celebrate those weeks.  Two weeks of vacation in August are yet to be decided.

The parish has been very supportive of me over the past few years as I have worked on a book about “Clergy Moms:  balancing family and congregation.”  The book, published by Seabury Press/Church Publishing Incorporated, should be coming out any day—thank you for time, prayers, and good stories!!

What is the Little Blue Box?

The United Thank Offering invites people to offer daily prayers of thanksgiving to God and outward and visible signs of thanks by putting coins in a blue box. The blessing of this action will benefit many others throughout the world.

Your Thanks Today Helps Others Tomorrow

The little box is really a prayer tool. Use it as a way to pause in the middle of your hectic life, for a moment of spiritual quiet and reflection. Use it as a way to stop and offer thanks to God for all the blessings God has provided for you in your life.

The United Thank offering is a program of the Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole Church, founded by and administered by women since 1889. However there are many men in congregations that are coordinators. The United Thank Offering is a prayer partner for every man, woman and child in God’s family. The United Thank Offering committee awards and administers grant monies within the framework of the policies and procedures of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society.

Each diocese has a UTO committee that reviews grant request in their own diocese. Two grant applications are then sent on to the national committee and this is the board that makes the final decision as to who will get the grants. The request is far greater then the amount available, all are deserving but not all can be granted. This year we sent 2 grant applications into the national committee and I am sorry to say that neither one was granted.

The United Thank Offering Spring Ingathering was held on May 15th at Trinity+St. Philips’Cathedral in Newark, The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith was the celebrant. Following the Ingathering 43 people attended a luncheon at Cathedral House on Rector St. I took the time to give an update on the changes in leadership at the UTO National Office and answered questions from those present.

The UTO Ingathering count from 24 congregations and the collection plate money taken during the service totals: $7,793.82. This amount is lower than last spring but I am still expecting a few more congregations to send in the blessings of thankfulness.   

Make that little blue box your prayer partner and friend. Then bring that friend to church on the Sunday of your ingathering. Or count your offering and write a check to the UTO and bring that to church to put in the collection. "What's that you say? You do not have a blue box." Well just pick one up in the back of the church and you will have a new friend.

Please remember to give God thanks and praise every day.

Blessings & Peace,

Anna Byrne

Diocesan UTO Coordinator

Telephone Contact Information

for Rev. Allison Moore

Going forward, any non-emergency messages for Allison should be left at the Rectory number (201) 944-9165.  Allison’s cell phone may be used for emergencies.

“Who receive the Holley Center Gifts?”

Shep Haiku

Coffee hour

twenty minutes

when the donuts disappear

Sunday Service at Ten

ringing the bell six times—

don’t upset the neighbors

Rector’s sermon

on God’s love and peace—

haven’t I heard this before?

Logjam in the center aisle

during The Peace—

a big piece of God with us

Seasonal Order of Service,

Bulletin, Prayer Book, Hymnal,

Lift Every Voice And Sing.

   It’s Whit Sunday, thank God 

   I speak this Anglican tongue.   

                                               -- Patrick Hammer, Jr.

These are really very powerful.  Implement whatever you can.

• Take a 10-30 minute walk every day.  And while you walk, smile.  It is the ultimate anti-depressant
• Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.  Buy a lock if you have to.
• When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, “My purpose is to _______ today,”
• Buy a DVR. Tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
• Live with the 3 E’s – Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
• Play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.
• Make time to practice meditation, yoga or stretching, and prayer.  They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
• Spend more time with people over 70 and under the age of 6.
• Dream more while you are awake
• Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
• Drink green tea and plenty of water.  Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds and walnuts.
• Try to make at least three people smile each day.

More to follow next issue …..

Submitted Anna Byrne

˜

Oops   Editor’s note!

I forgot to tell you all who that adorable curly-headed, flaxen-haired toddler was in the May issue of the Weatherglass!  It was ME!!  I’d like to do other baby pictures of parishioners.  Submit a photo and I will scan it and return the original to you intact.

~ Peter Hughes

In the year 2008, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States, and said, 'Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me.  Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans.’

He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, 'You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights.'

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark.

'Noah!' He roared, 'I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?'

'Forgive me, Lord,' begged Noah, 'but things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations.  We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision.

Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea.  I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl.  I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!

When I started gathering the animals, an animal rights group sued me.  They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will.  They argued the accommodations were too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.

Immigration and Naturalization are checking the green-card status of most of the people who want to work.

The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience.

To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.

So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark.'

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.  Noah looked up in wonder and asked, 'You mean you're not going to destroy the world?'

'No,' said the Lord. 'The government beat me to it

Submitted by June Bannister