This from “The New France” by Andrew Jefford, talking about how French wine-growers are learning from New World (i.e. South America, North America, Australia): “A spell in South Africa, Chile or Australia is now an essential part of the education of many young French wine-growers. What they tend to learn…are the best lessons of New World winemaking. Rethink every action; do nothing for precedent’s sake alone; understand as much as possible; and practice your vocation with absolute commitment.”
He goes on to say that the lesson they don’t bring back to France is that winemaking “can be a brand-driven industry like any other…and that marketing strategies are more important than scent and flavour in selling wine.”
What would the church look like if we rethought everything we did, and everything we did had a purpose that was in step with our vocation and mission? What would it be like if we did nothing for precedent’s sake, but understood the “scent and flavour” of our liturgy completely? What would Sundays look like?
Friday, May 16
Monday, May 12
Built to Last
My mom gave me a subscription to The Week, a collection of tidbits from the US and international press on the goings-on of the world. There's usually a cartoon picture of a very sour looking Hillary Clinton on the cover. It's a good read for those of us who are too wrapped up in the NHL playoffs and sermonating to actually, y'know, know what's going on in the world.
In last week's issue, there was a piece from the magazine Fortune, which oddly enough I do not subscribe to, concerning the fate of great businesses. See if you can find the church analogy. Jim Collins wrote a book called "Built to Last" about how businesses adapt during times of flux. He considers Wal-Mart (boooooo) and Ames (wistful sigh; I grew up with one in Oneonta), which were very similar in the 70's and 80's. Well, you know why we booooo Wal-Mart now-a-days--they are everything we hate about the megastore. What about Ames? Who? What? Why did one thrive and one fail to survive? Collins writes "Wal-Mart opted for steady growth consistent with its strategy. Ames pursued 'wild growth' through acquisition. Wal-Mart created its own success, and Ames caused its own death."
Myanmar (Burma) Crisis
I am sure you have all been as horrified as I have been watching the events unfold in Burma. The government there is literally twiddling their thumbs, letting people die, watching people suffer and rebuking outside assistance due to their isolationist nationalist political agenda. The government in "Myanmar" is a military dictatorship that is not recognized as legitimate by most of the world powers. Their democratically elected leader (Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi or "The Lady" as she is fondly called) remains under house arrest for at least 12 of the last 19 years.
The government of Myanmar does not represent the people of Burma. My husband (Rev. Alan Gates) spent a month in Burma about 4 years ago. He went for a program supporting the Anglican Church in the country. Of course, the government knew that he was a "religious" person but he had to apply for entry as a "teacher" in order to be granted access. The Anglican Church is not sanctioned by the Myanmar government. His small group was followed, documented, photographed and regularly put through extra steps requiring bribes and flattery to move forward. The government would have the lights and power shut off to areas he traveled, often leading to preaching in the dark. The group was not deterred, everyone continued as though it was perfectly normal. The country did (and does not) have a communications infrastructure, so there were no telephone calls or emails to let me know that he was ok. At one point he was horribly ill - but the people of Burma took wonderful care of him. He can share the details of his adventure far better than I can, but the agency he was most taken with was World Vision. The big dogs from UNICEF were living life large with giant homes, staff and luxuries whereas the people of World Vision were out in the field, orphanages and villages - completely committed to the people they were working for. Since then, World Vision has been a favorite go-to charity for my family. They are already in Burma. They know how the system works. You can be sure they are working as hard as they can to provide the maximum amount of assistance and relief to devastated areas and families.
As of this morning (5/12/08) the government has finally allowed one US shipment of assistance in to the country. Hopefully it will not go the way of prior efforts (the government confiscated aid so they could relabel it with the names of local generals, adding days to the rescue efforts). Their airport is small but is only handling about 4-5 incoming flights per day when they should be allowing at least one per hour. They should be doing many things. Should, but won't. It is painful to stand by and watch this happen. Certainly reminds me of my feelings of outrage during and after Katrina struck the Gulf Coast. And we should still have outrage for our own culture of corruption in the continued rebuilding efforts in our own country.
Any able country that refuses to reasonably mobilize or accept aid in the wake of a disaster should be subjected to strict international scrutiny, sanctions and held to a criminal court. But what does an international community do when the country in question is so extremely isolated and removed from the world at large? Where no system is in place to feel the pressure of sanctions or threats? Or where sanctions only hurt the people of the country more than help? North Korea - the archetype of isolationism - has more international ties than Myanmar. Ideally, you want to see the people rise up and fight against the corruption and fight against dictatorship ... but that is a very Western thought. The people of Burma are peaceable, the national religion is Buddhism and there is a strong belief in nonviolence. Unfortunately, it is not a belief their own government holds dear. Pray for the people of Burma.
The government of Myanmar does not represent the people of Burma. My husband (Rev. Alan Gates) spent a month in Burma about 4 years ago. He went for a program supporting the Anglican Church in the country. Of course, the government knew that he was a "religious" person but he had to apply for entry as a "teacher" in order to be granted access. The Anglican Church is not sanctioned by the Myanmar government. His small group was followed, documented, photographed and regularly put through extra steps requiring bribes and flattery to move forward. The government would have the lights and power shut off to areas he traveled, often leading to preaching in the dark. The group was not deterred, everyone continued as though it was perfectly normal. The country did (and does not) have a communications infrastructure, so there were no telephone calls or emails to let me know that he was ok. At one point he was horribly ill - but the people of Burma took wonderful care of him. He can share the details of his adventure far better than I can, but the agency he was most taken with was World Vision. The big dogs from UNICEF were living life large with giant homes, staff and luxuries whereas the people of World Vision were out in the field, orphanages and villages - completely committed to the people they were working for. Since then, World Vision has been a favorite go-to charity for my family. They are already in Burma. They know how the system works. You can be sure they are working as hard as they can to provide the maximum amount of assistance and relief to devastated areas and families.
As of this morning (5/12/08) the government has finally allowed one US shipment of assistance in to the country. Hopefully it will not go the way of prior efforts (the government confiscated aid so they could relabel it with the names of local generals, adding days to the rescue efforts). Their airport is small but is only handling about 4-5 incoming flights per day when they should be allowing at least one per hour. They should be doing many things. Should, but won't. It is painful to stand by and watch this happen. Certainly reminds me of my feelings of outrage during and after Katrina struck the Gulf Coast. And we should still have outrage for our own culture of corruption in the continued rebuilding efforts in our own country.
Any able country that refuses to reasonably mobilize or accept aid in the wake of a disaster should be subjected to strict international scrutiny, sanctions and held to a criminal court. But what does an international community do when the country in question is so extremely isolated and removed from the world at large? Where no system is in place to feel the pressure of sanctions or threats? Or where sanctions only hurt the people of the country more than help? North Korea - the archetype of isolationism - has more international ties than Myanmar. Ideally, you want to see the people rise up and fight against the corruption and fight against dictatorship ... but that is a very Western thought. The people of Burma are peaceable, the national religion is Buddhism and there is a strong belief in nonviolence. Unfortunately, it is not a belief their own government holds dear. Pray for the people of Burma.
Myanmar Crisis - Episcopal Relief & Development
[Episcopal Relief and Development]
With estimates of as many as 100,000 people dead in Myanmar, and fears of disease and food shortages on the way, Cyclone Nargis has created a major humanitarian crisis.
Episcopal Relief and Development is responding to this disaster with our Anglican and ecumenical partners. Please find below more information about our response, how you can help, and resources available for churches.
What is Episcopal Relief and Development doing to help?
We are working with Anglican and ecumenical partners to meet the immediate needs of victims by providing food, water and shelter. We have provided monetary support to our partners to obtain and distribute the necessary resources they need to assist victims.
We are reaching people in three affected areas: a suburban area of Yangon (Rangoon) and two areas in the Irrawaddy Division (East Delta and West Delta regions).
What has been accomplished so far?
Because our partners live and work in the affected communities, they were able to respond immediately to the disaster. One partner has already sent three assessment teams to assist and determine needs in the hard hit areas. They have established a relief committee to review the assessments and response required.
Episcopal Relief and Development’s assistance thus far has been to provide financial support to help our partners purchase critical goods and supplies. We know that financial support is crucial at this point so that our partners can secure and distribute emergency assistance.
We are confident that our church partners are reaching people in the affected areas, and will effectively distribute resources to those who need it most.
Has Episcopal Relief and Development been in communication with anyone in Myanmar?
As a result of the damage to infrastructure from the cyclone, it is difficult to count on normal communications at present. At this point, we are in limited communication with our church partner. However, we know from recent correspondence that our outreach work is profoundly appreciated. We will have more specific information about the situation in the hardest hit regions of the country later next week when our partner’s assessment teams return.
Will Episcopal Relief and Development staff be going to Myanmar soon?
We plan to send staff to Myanmar in the next few weeks. During this trip, staff will assist our partner in designing a long-term recovery plan based on the needs evident from the assessment. We also will provide ongoing support for those affected while the long-term recovery plan is being developed.
How long has Episcopal Relief and Development been working in Myanmar?
We have been working in Myanmar since 2006. Our programs have helped people achieve economic stability through education, vocational training, and micro-finance initiatives. We have also provided tools and training to improve the food supply and access to clean water.
What kind of accountability system do you have?
Since we have an established relationship with our local church partner in Myanmar, we have mechanisms for planning, reporting and accounting.
Will Episcopal Relief and Development be involved in long-term recovery and rehabilitation in Myanmar?
One of the most important features of our disaster relief work is the commitment to long-term recovery. After the first three to six months of a disaster, Episcopal Relief and Development stays in-country when most organizations leave. It generally takes five to eight years for a community to recover from a disaster on the scale of Cyclone Nargis.
We always follow the lead of our local partners in planning response and recovery activities in order to respect unique local context of the country in which we are working.
How can I help?
You can help victims of Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.
- Give online at http://www.er-d.org/
- Call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129 (Monday- Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EDT)
- Mail gifts to: Episcopal Relief and Development “Myanmar and Cyclone Response Fund” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.
Please be sure to designate all gifts to Episcopal Relief and Development’s “Myanmar and Cyclone Response Fund”
If you would like to make a donation outside of our normal business hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm EDT (Monday – Friday), please visit our website: http://www.er-d.org/ and designate your donation toward the Myanmar and Cyclone Response Fund. You also can mail contributions to our address listed above.Do you have any resources my church can use to let people know how to help?
Episcopal Relief and Development has a downloadable bulletin insert available for churches to copy and place in their Sunday service leaflets. Please ask your clergy to consider using this on May 11 or May 18.
Saturday, May 10
Confirmation
I have spent much of this year serving as the interim chaplain at the St. George's School in Newport, RI. It has been a great experience working and preaching with 300+ students. One of the neatest pieces of my role has been hearing seniors give chapel talks. I also enjoyed preparing a group for Confirmation.
This past week was Bishop Wolf's visit. I was a little nervous. It was a big service and there were lots of participants to coordinate.
Bishop Wolf preached a very good sermon about finding your passion. The confirmands were great. Everything fell right into place.
In my mind, the great moment in the service happened at the Fraction. As Bishop Wolf broke the bread, she started to spontaneously sing a fraction anthem. She sang in a hushed tone, the mic quietly amplified. The alleluias slowly wafted through the enormous chapel. All fidgeting ceased. It became very quiet except for the alleluias washing over all. It was quite a moving moment of the pronounced presence of the Holy Spirit.
For me, it was a moment signifying hope. It was a moment that showed just how open young people are to transcendence. The Church is always talking about how to reach younger people. We are always looking for innovative ways to accomplish this. Yet, in the midst of a very normal Confirmation, it happened. Maybe, it is less about us, and more about the Spirit.
The Rev'd Chris Epperson
This past week was Bishop Wolf's visit. I was a little nervous. It was a big service and there were lots of participants to coordinate.
Bishop Wolf preached a very good sermon about finding your passion. The confirmands were great. Everything fell right into place.
In my mind, the great moment in the service happened at the Fraction. As Bishop Wolf broke the bread, she started to spontaneously sing a fraction anthem. She sang in a hushed tone, the mic quietly amplified. The alleluias slowly wafted through the enormous chapel. All fidgeting ceased. It became very quiet except for the alleluias washing over all. It was quite a moving moment of the pronounced presence of the Holy Spirit.
For me, it was a moment signifying hope. It was a moment that showed just how open young people are to transcendence. The Church is always talking about how to reach younger people. We are always looking for innovative ways to accomplish this. Yet, in the midst of a very normal Confirmation, it happened. Maybe, it is less about us, and more about the Spirit.
The Rev'd Chris Epperson
Wednesday, April 30
When Flamingos Attack
If you find this note delivered by a wild flock of pink flamingos, you will know what to do!
Congratulations!! You have been attacked by the flamingos of the E.Y.E. 2008 Rhode Island Delegation. We are a group of teenagers from the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. We are raising money to help pay for our trip to the 2008 Episcopal Youth Event in San Antonio, Texas this July. “The Episcopal Youth Event (E.Y.E.) is a gathering of high school aged youth and their advocates from throughout the Episcopal Church to inspire and empower youth as Christian apostles.” To find out more visit the website www.eye2008.org. To help us in our fund-raising effort, these flamingos are migrating to different churches in the diocese.
- For $20 we will liberate the flamingos (tips are welcome)
- For another $20 we will allow you to determine where the flamingos go next
- For another $10 you can buy insurance to be sure the flamingos don’t return
- For another $20 we will remove them within 24 hours.
The details for who to contact will be included with the note delivered by the flamingos.
Monday, April 21
Revisited: For the Beauty of the Earth
Originally an EPPN Lenten series, this information is timely for Earth Day 2008 and for reference year-round.
For our waste and pollution of your creation, and our lack of concern for those who come after us, Accept our repentance, Lord
—Litany of Penitence, BCPOur climate is changing and the consequences could be dire. As Christians and Episcopalians, what is our role and responsibility in climate change? What can I do? What can we as a Church do? How do we not become overwhelmed?
What is climate change?
Simply put the world is getting warmer and the consequences will affect humans, animals and all of creation in negative and potentially drastic ways—increased droughts, disease, floods, storms and with these changes an escalation in conflict and death. The cause? Most climate scientists believe that the warming trends are the result of increased emissions of carbon dioxide and other green house gasses as a result of human activity into the atmosphere. Carbon emissions come from our cars, our farms, and our power plants to name just a few of the many sources. Just about everything we do has carbon emission implications. Click here for more information. Some of the strongest information about climate change comes from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (http://www.ipcc.ch/). This panel, created in 1988 by the United Nations, includes hundreds of scientists from around the world and representatives from many countries.
What is the bottom line?
In order to avoid the most dire consequences of global warming, the best science available today indicates that our nation must reduce our carbon emissions 15-20 percent by the year 2020 and 80 percent by the year 2050. However, if we don't start now we risk losing the opportunity to avoid climate catastrophe completely. We do this by 1) Reducing our personal carbon emissions and 2) urging our policy makers at every level of government to begin addressing climate change locally, nationally and globally.
What is the Episcopal Church Saying about Climate Change?
Last June, under the glare of camera lights, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori testified before the U.S. Senate's Environment and Public Works committee on the subject of climate change. She was joined by Roman Catholic, Evangelical and Jewish leaders, united in urging Congress to make addressing climate change a national priority, saying:
"The crisis of climate change presents an unprecedented challenge to the goodness, interconnectedness, and sanctity of the world God created and loves… As one who has been formed both through a deep faith and as a scientist I believe science has revealed to us without equivocation that climate change and global warming are real, and caused in significant part by human activities. They are a threat not only to God's good creation but to all of humanity. This acknowledgment of global warming, and the Church's commitment to ameliorating it, is a part of the ongoing discovery of God's revelation to humanity and a call to a fuller understanding of the scriptural imperative of loving our neighbor."
Full text available: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/78703_86656_ENG_HTM.htm
What is my ecological footprint? This week we invite you to learn more about your ecological footprint. How much land and water do you physically require to support your daily routine? Calculate your ecological footprint using this calculator.
—Litany of Penitence, BCP
Our climate is changing and the consequences could be dire. As Christians and Episcopalians, what is our role and responsibility in climate change? What can I do? What can we as a Church do? How do we not become overwhelmed?
What is climate change?
Simply put the world is getting warmer and the consequences will affect humans, animals and all of creation in negative and potentially drastic ways—increased droughts, disease, floods, storms and with these changes an escalation in conflict and death. The cause? Most climate scientists believe that the warming trends are the result of increased emissions of carbon dioxide and other green house gasses as a result of human activity into the atmosphere. Carbon emissions come from our cars, our farms, and our power plants to name just a few of the many sources. Just about everything we do has carbon emission implications. Click here for more information. Some of the strongest information about climate change comes from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (http://www.ipcc.ch/). This panel, created in 1988 by the United Nations, includes hundreds of scientists from around the world and representatives from many countries.
What is the bottom line?
In order to avoid the most dire consequences of global warming, the best science available today indicates that our nation must reduce our carbon emissions 15-20 percent by the year 2020 and 80 percent by the year 2050. However, if we don't start now we risk losing the opportunity to avoid climate catastrophe completely. We do this by 1) Reducing our personal carbon emissions and 2) urging our policy makers at every level of government to begin addressing climate change locally, nationally and globally.
What is the Episcopal Church Saying about Climate Change?
Last June, under the glare of camera lights, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori testified before the U.S. Senate's Environment and Public Works committee on the subject of climate change. She was joined by Roman Catholic, Evangelical and Jewish leaders, united in urging Congress to make addressing climate change a national priority, saying:
"The crisis of climate change presents an unprecedented challenge to the goodness, interconnectedness, and sanctity of the world God created and loves… As one who has been formed both through a deep faith and as a scientist I believe science has revealed to us without equivocation that climate change and global warming are real, and caused in significant part by human activities. They are a threat not only to God's good creation but to all of humanity. This acknowledgment of global warming, and the Church's commitment to ameliorating it, is a part of the ongoing discovery of God's revelation to humanity and a call to a fuller understanding of the scriptural imperative of loving our neighbor."
Full text available: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/78703_86656_ENG_HTM.htm
What is my ecological footprint? This week we invite you to learn more about your ecological footprint. How much land and water do you physically require to support your daily routine? Calculate your ecological footprint using this calculator.
Thursday, April 17
Rest in Peace Rev. William Payton
The Rev. William R. Payton
June 19, 1940 - April 16, 2008
Bill Payton+ The Rev. William R. Payton, who served several Diocese of Atlanta parishes during his 42 years as a priest, died this morning after a valiant battle with cancer. He as 67. Since 2003 he had been a priest associate at the Cathedral of St. Philip, where services will be this weekend.
A native of Carrollton, Bill had been rector of churches in Georgia, Maryland, Connecticut and Rhode Island. A graduate of UGA and General Theological Seminary, he was a priest associate at St. Bartholomew's Atlanta, from 1969-1971 and 1983-86 and rector at St. Edward's Lawrenceville, from 1987-95. He also spent a year as interim rector at Church of the Holy Spirit, Cumming. His passion in ministry was focused on spiritual direction and liturgy.
Bill is survived by his wife, Joan, and two grown sons, Ramsay and Wyn. THeir home address is 1861 Colland Drive, Atlanta, GA 30318.
The body will be received in Mikell Chapel at the Cathedral of St. Philip at 7 p.m. Friday, April 18, followed by the Vigil of the Resurrection. The Liturgy for the Burial of the Dead will take place at 12 Noon on Saturday. Music will begin at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow in Bishop Child Hall.
Clergy are invited to vest and process (white stoles).
May he rest in peace and rise in glory!
Faithfully,
J. NEIL ALEXANDER
Bishop of Atlanta
Friday, April 11
Mindless Consumption
Read The False Gospel of Mindless Consumption by the Rev. Mike Kinman at e4gr.blogspot.com.
What will you be doing with your "economic stimulus" check? Donate to charity? Tithe? Pay off debts? Go shopping? Help fund a summer vacation? Save?
Thursday, April 10
Taize Prayer, April 13th
Taize Prayer
This Sunday
April 13th at 4:00 PM
Cathedral of St. John
271 North Main Street
Providence
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