Reconciliation: Lent 2016  

Reconciliation is Christianity's central gift to the world. It is rooted in the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ, and central to the biblical story. In Christ, it is possible for us to overcome what the letter to the Ephesians calls "the dividing wall between us." Not only are the Twin Cities and American society divided along lines of race and class, our lives are divided too. Many of us live in neighborhoods and hang out with people who look, think, and act like us. We are in conflict with and perhaps not speaking to family members, church members, and fellow employees who drive us nuts. We are divided between how we relate to others and what we do with our gifts, time, and resources, and who God is calling us to be.

We often want to "fix" the problems we see all around us, without first looking internally and fixing ourselves. But the beautiful thing about God's gift of reconciliation is that God is the primary acting agent, not us. Only God can bring healing and new life. We are invited to work for these things, but ultimately they are a gift we must receive. Reconciliation is a gift that begins a process of metanoia, a turning from our present lives, addictions, blindness, impatience, patterns of consumption, and desire for control to a life in full communion with God and others.

If we truly desire to engage in God's work of reconciliation, we must slow down, learn what is really happening around us, listen to others' stories, and lament the pain and brokenness in our world. As Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice the authors of Reconciling All Things: A Christian Vision for Justice, Peace, and Healing point out, every city in the world has "forgotten communities." These communities help us see the depth of trauma in our world. If we are willing to journey to these places and enter relationships with the people there, we will also see the depth of our own brokenness. As Katongole and Rice observe, "lament in local places is a reminder of the long journey to tear down walls and become different people."

But thanks be to God, reconciliation has already been accomplished in Christ, and is available to all! Our willingness to make ourselves face the truth, our lament, is a sign of hope. It is the beginning of a journey of dying to self and all that is not of God, and being raised by God into something new.

This Lent I invite you to join me on a journey of learning more about the Christian gift and practice of reconciliation and what it might look like in our lives and world. Beginning on Thursday, March 18 we will have the privilege of discussing Christian reconciliation and race with the people of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, using the book Reconciling All Things (mentioned above) as a springboard for conversation and discerning God's vision and leading. If you can't join us, please read the book and participate in the online conversation about it on The City.
Wishing you a most holy and transformative Lent,
Blair
- A recent Sunday morning at Holy Trinity Episcopal
Lenten Discussions on Reconciliation and Race   
This year during Lent we will partner with another Episcopal Church in St. Paul - Holy Trinity (located in the Midway neighborhood at 1636 Van Buren Ave).  Together, we will read and discuss Emmanuel Katongole and Chris Rice's powerful book Reconciling All Things: A Christian Vision for Justice, Peace, and Healing.

Plan to join the conversation at St. Matthew's on Thursday evenings in the parish hall: February  18 & 25, and March 3.  We will gather for a  6:00 pm soup supper, followed by discussion from 6:45-8:30pm.  Each week we will pray and dwell in scripture together, using 2 Corinthians 5:16-21. 
- Dan and Judy Johnson            
5 Questions for Judy Johnson

As St. Matthew's Junior Warden, you are in a leadership position on the Vestry - our church governing board.  What is happening  this year that you are excited about? I'm excited to see a growing volunteer base from all ages. People that are newer to St Matthew's are bringing a range of gifts and skills that keep all ministry areas vibrant. The relationships between long-time members and new folks enriches both. We have so much to learn from each other. And I love that this is a learning community. The practices of story and reflection help us experience and grow more faithful to God's unique call for us. Sharing our stories lets us all see how God is working in everyday lives.

You work with students at Augsburg College as an Admission counselor - can you tell us a little about that? I am a transfer specialist and work with students from the local community colleges. I listen to people's stories and dreams for their life every day and facilitate ways to get there. Augsburg is the most diverse private college in the state so I work with a wide range of people, all races and ages, religions and socio-economic backgrounds. It is a privilege to help students find their way. 

In the past, you have worked with several very different churches, as a staff member.  Given your experience, what wisdom have you gained about healthy congregations?  Where, in your opinion, does St. Matthew's rank on that scale?There are several characteristics of a healthy faith community. First, is there a mix of ages, backgrounds and perspectives? Diversity, when embraced, stimulates conversation and creativity and growth. Second, is the community open to learning? This includes learning about God, leadership, spiritual practices, community and neighbors to name a few. Third, is there evidence of love, mercy and compassion? When a community emphasizes these characteristics they can work through any challenge or conflict together. A loving family is a strong family. Based on these characteristics I think we are in a good place.

You and your husband, Dan came to STM 6 years ago.  What brought you to our church and why have you stayed? Dan and I moved from a house in the suburbs to a condo in the city, by Hwy 280 and University. After taking a break from church for a couple of years, we wanted to find a neighborhood liturgical church, very different from our previous churches. We tried several in the area, St Matthew's was our fourth stop. Many things spoke to us that Sunday. We loved the art and the sanctuary, the sermon using the Velveteen Rabbit as an example, a woman priest (I had not seen a woman lead a service in any previous churches), and the mix of ages in the congregation were all signals that this was a place we should stay for a while.

Is there anything else you would like to add? Conversation is so vital to a community. I need context and information to understand a situation or problem. Please stop me anytime, or message me on the City, with your thoughts, questions and ideas. I'd love to hear your story. 
            - Paul Savage: 1921 - 2016                
Remembering Paul Savage  

Paul Savage was a vital member of St. Matthew's for many years.  He served on the Vestry and building committees and offered his woodworking talents - making most of the Godly Play wooden figures and the beautiful wooden aumbry box in the side chapel (where consecrated bread and wine is kept). Paul was also an incredibly committed volunteer in St. Paul and the St. Anthony Park community.

A memorial service was held here on February 1st.  He is survived by his wife Arla, who lives in Arden Hills, 2 children, 3 grand children and 4 great grandchildren.

Read more about Paul's life in a lovely extended obituary article in the Star Tribune.
Faith + Learning Resources  
  • The Rev. Blair Pogue recommends Reconciling All Things: A Christian Vision for Justice, Peace and Healing by Chris Rice and Emmanuel Kotolange.  This is the book we will use for the Lenten series on Race and Reconciliation with Holy Trinity Episcopal in St. Paul.
  • The Rev. Dan Anderson recommends several Lenten resources, including a prayer book - A Guide to Prayer for God's People by Rueben Job & Norman Shawchuck and Walk With Jesus, Stations of the Cross, by Henri Nouwen.
  • During this unusual election season, Parker Palmer offers a meditation on Chutzpah and Humility - Five Habits of the Heart for  Democracy in America (Palmer is a regular contributor to the On Being blog).
  • A recent article in the New York Times magazine gives unexpected lessons in generosity and hospitality (and a great recipe!) in The Generosity of Senegalese Stew.
Looking Ahead: Calendar Highlights
  • February 14, 21 and March 6: Celtic Sources class with John Lawyer in the Faith Forum, 9:15am
  • February 17: Cook's Night Out, Mirror of  Korea, 6:00pm
  • February 18, 25 and March 3: Race and Reconciliation book discussion and soup suppers. 6:00pm dinner, 6:45pm discussion begins.
  • February 21: Lenten Taize Candlelight Service, 5:30pm
  • February 28: Loaves and Fishes at the Dorothy Day Center
 
Please share your news and photos with us: tidings@stmatthewsmn.org 

Visit our website for the prayer list, calendar and sermons