| St. James' Weekly Epistle |
| Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ
I don't usually think of morning radio sports talks shows as being a good source for theological inspiration. However, this morning's Mike and Mike program raised some interesting questions for me. Mike Greenberg and guest analyst Coach Herman Edwards were conversing about the issue of worrying. The coach suggested that he wasn't much of a worrier. He doesn't become anxious over matters outside of his personal control. Greenberg on the other hand mentioned that the matters outside of his control cause him the biggest difficulties. He knows that he can take care of the issues close at hand but becomes frustrated by issues as inconsequential as the stupid plays that his favorite football teams make all the way up to the truly frightening nature of unexpected threats or dangers to his family.
 | | Abraham - Phillip Ratner, 1998. Israel Bible Museum |
The issues of worry and anxiety are quite Lenten in nature. This Sunday'sHebrew Bible story describes YHWH (God) establishing his covenant with Abram (Abraham) and Sarai (Sarah). God says: I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you, and to your offspring after you, the land where you are now an alien, all the land of Canaan, for a perpetual holding; and I will be their God."
Let's be clear, I think that we're divinely created and worrying, for whatever reason, is something that we inherently and responsively "do." Maybe we are the way we are so that we will learn to let go of things beyond our grasp even as we learn more to trust in God's love.
I also believe that there are some parameters for us to consider during our wanderings in Lent's wilderness. Let's recall that we share in Abraham's covenanted relationship with YHWH and Jesus the Christ's loving relationship with God the Father and us. Jesus is the Messiah!
Second, as Stephen Covey suggests: Be Proactive. Proactive, "faithful" people are "response-able." They focus their God-give time, talents, and treasures on things they can control within their circle of influence (use of words, healthy patterns of living, etc). They do not become overwhelmed by past trials and tribulations. They let go of the horrible things that have happened because God is alive and breathing today. From a Christian point of view, it's important to realize on a daily basis that non-prayerful, emotionally-laden responses to things that reside in a circle of concerns such as natural disasters, unexpected illnesses, and past disasters create stress that we really can't effectively respond to at a moment's notice or perhaps even over the longer haul of life.
There may be no two Anglican theologians who view the Reign of God differently than Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Bishop N.T. Wright. However both of them would assuredly be quick to say that "God is in control." Wright and Tutu both invite us to participate in God's redemptive and healing work in the world and we have to sometime realize our limitations, calm our souls, and relinquish the fears that we cannot proactively respond to without recognizing Jesus the Christ's love for us and for our world.
Let me conclude by offering you this encouraging prayer written by another one of my favorite theologians, Thomas Merton.
MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
- Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"
|
 March's Journal
and Other Notes of Interest
This month's "Journal" should be available in print format and on St. James website by Mar. 5th. Look for it!
The pictures from our Celebration of New Ministry are up on the web too. Take a look and enjoy.
|
|
Easter Flowers
Please contact Julaine Mokren to offer your Easter Lily remembrances and thanksgivings. Pls. note that we will have an Easter Vigil Service @ St. Luke as well as an Easter Sunday Morning Service here @ St. James. |
Quick Links
|
Lenten Supper, Bible Study and DVD Series
We began this year's Lenten Bible Study and Supper last night. It would be terrific to have a few more people when we meet again on Mar 13th @ 6PM. 24 Hours that Changed The World is an informative documentary providing meaningful information about Jesus the Christ's passion as well as the time and places of those fateful last hours. Please contact Deborah if you're planning to attend on the 13th as well as if you'd be willing to provide a light supper (soup and salad, etc.) for the next meeting or ones to come later in Lent. |
Who are you rooting for in Lent Madness
A few of us are really enjoying learning more about the Saints as well as making Lent a little lighter at the same time. Check out Lent Madness and compare your votes with your friends @ St. James and around The Episcopal Church. |
This Week @ St. James
Thursday - 11 AM
Episcopal Church Women's Meeting
Rite I Eucharist
Sunday - 11 AM
Rite II Eucharist
|
|
