This week, in a book I'd set aside at least two years ago, I found a slip of paper on which I had written a couple of commitments: to practice patience and to find moments of joy to celebrate each day.

I was an excellent reminder to stumble across just now. We are almost to the end of Lent, and stand at the moment on the edge of Holy Week. Holy Week demands patience, as we move from the waving of palms and the loud "hosannas" to betrayal, crucifixion and the longing for new life.

Personally, I'm forced to wait right now, as I continue to be homebound with my injured ankle. Moreover, my laptop has resisted all efforts at resurrection! So, I can't get out because I can't drive or walk much, and I can't communicate with the ease we've all become accustomed to.

The situation has challenged that old commitment to patience and celebration, to be sure. On the other hand, it has driven me back to some books I'd set aside, including John Crossan's God & Empire, in which I found the slip of paper.

Crossan invites us to confront the questions that inevitably arise when Christian faith confronts political empire. As we marked last week the seventh anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, and as we mark next week the death of Jesus at the hands of the empire of his day, it seemed a timely coincidence that I should return to this book and find in it my own promise to practice patience and to seek joy. 

This Sunday we will celebrate Palm Sunday and turn toward the passion of Good Friday. It is a time for patience. It is a time to open our hearts in the hope of joy yet to come. Come and worship. Come and celebrate.

peace,

David

Our annual Music and the Spoken Word Sunday will be on April 11, 2010, the Sunday after Easter.

For that service, we invite you to share a reading or a piece of music that holds a special spiritual meaning for you, whether or not that item is considered "sacred" or "secular."  For example, past participants have read from favorite poems, novels, plays and essays, as well as favorite psalms, interpretations of Bible stories, and reflections by authors of religious texts.  We've had people share personal stories and have also had small-group skits performed.  Shared music pieces have ranged from live instrumental or vocal performances to prerecorded pieces on CD (a CD player will be provided).  This year, the choir will be performing a special selection or two and the Sunday school kids will also be singing.

Whatever you feel led to contribute, please let us know by no later than Easter Sunday, April 4, so that we will have time to assemble the program.  Contact Mike Bagwell at tnpava@yahoo.com or 703-931-0515.  In your message, include your name, the title of the piece you wish to share, the author or performer (as applicable) and the approximate length the piece will take to read, play or perform.

On Saturday, May 1st at 11:00am, CPC hosts a free Learning Through the Law Seminar on GLBT civil rights issues. The seminar will cover marriage law updates and contractual relationships (including civil unions and domestic partnerships) that can help protect you and your partner in areas such as inheritance, medical rights and reproductive rights. 

Presenters are licensed in MD, DC, and VA. Please RSVP to Molly DeMaret-Tahu by April 27th at mdemaret@comcast.net.

Metro DC PFLAG's Annual Gala is on April 10 at the Grand Hyatt in DC. The event begins with a silent auction at 6:00 p.m., with the dinner to begin at 7:00. Tickets are $175.

Metro DC PFLAG is the largest PFLAG chapter in the world and a leader in programs and activities for other chapters. Their Annual Honors Gala has helped define them as a global and community leader. This Gala has always been a memorable event and this year will feature Mike Manning of MTV's Real World DC and Emcee Ann Gillespie (who played Jackie Taylor on 90210). 

Tickets are available at www.pflagdc.org.  If you'd like to attend and sit with other CPC members, please e-mail me at revdocdee@gmail.com.

CPC, in conjunction with the Center for Pastoral Counseling, will offer a seven-session "life direction lab" experience beginning Sunday, April 18.

This small group experience, facilitated by David and the Rev. Dr. Kevin Ogle, is designed to help participants discover the deepest gifts and explore where those gifts meet the world's deep needs.

The experience has proved transformative in the lives of many past participants, and led to both deeper commitments to current vocation for many and significant vocational changes for others.

Registration is open now. For members of the Clarendon Presbyterian community, the cost of the program is $175, which is half off the regular cost.

We gather on Sunday afternoons from 4:30 - 7:00. If you'd like to part of the spring group, please e-mail me at revdocdee@gmail.com.