John Calvin is said to have quipped that if you talk about the Trinity long enough, you either lapse into heresy or go insane. For some, the difficulty in understanding God's tri-unity is that it is talked about in terms of paternal hierarchy: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 
 
What may be helpful is the language of an eight-century Greek theologian, John of Damascus, who talked about the "perichoretic" nature of the three persons of the Trinity. Peri (as in perimeter) means 'around.' Choresis means dancing (as in"choreography of a ballet"). John of Damascus' image of the Trinity is that of three dancers, holding hands, dancing around together in joyful freedom.
 
I realize that the phrase 'three persons of the Trinity' is also confusing. The word "personal" means interpersonal: one cannot be truly personal alone, but only in relation to other persons. Such is the unity and personal character of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--they are not three independent dancers (or three independent gods); they are God only in relationship to one another. Each exists only in this relationship and would not exist apart from it.
 
Hope this helps dissuade the pop-theology that understands that the Father created the world, then the Son came to bring salvation, and when he went to heaven, His Spirit took over. It's not a relay-race where the baton is passed--it is a dance!

Grateful to the legacy and lead-gift from the estate of Walter and Bunny Dunlap, the Session is pleased to announce that Faith will join the Lee Memorial Health System Parish Nurse Program. Currently, there are twenty faith communities in Lee and Collier Counties, representing nine denominations,  that are part of this program. The parish nurse will be a health counselor, educator, resource agent, integrator of faith and health, and health advocate.

This will be a twenty-hour a week, paid position.  The person who is chosen will not see this as a job, but as a 'calling' to use their gifts in service to Christ in the unique context of the Faith community.

We are looking for a Registered Nurse with the following qualifications:

• Active RN license in good standing from the state of Florida
• 3 - 5 years recent clinical/community nursing experience required, BSN preferred
• Ability to make competent nursing assessments independently
• Demonstrates knowledge of teaching and adult learning principles
• Shares values, beliefs, spirituality and practices consistent with faith denomination
• Demonstrates spiritual maturity and commitment to personal spiritual growth
• Ability to understand, integrate and communicate concepts of the interrelatedness of body, mind and spirit in health and wellness
• Models personal concepts of wholistic health incorporating body, mind and spirit.
  

If you feel God is calling you to serve in this health ministry, please stop by our church office for an application packet or call Nancy Roberts, LMHS Parish Nurse Manager at (239) 432-3182. Parish Nurse Course Preparation and orientation provided by Lee Memorial Health System. Applications Due November 1, 2010. Position begins January 1, 2011.