Lent Retreat with Canon Lee, a short overview

 This image from Facebook (Thanks Kathleen) could have been the theme of the Lent Retreat led by Canon Lee Curtis. We had time to consider as individuals and as a group what some of the positives and not so positives were from the past year. Then we had the opportunity to really think about what good things we want to carry forward as life, esp. in the church, moves on. 

You can watch the Saturday intro to the retreat, and learn about Canon Lee Curtis here: https://youtu.be/xOjED8UfAZA

The Saturday retreat is available here: https://youtu.be/flebiWyvvqA

Canon Lee first asked us to consider what has changed in our personal lives over the past year, what we'll want to keep, and what we won't. The responses were surprisingly positive. We've seen that we can be part of a broader community via technology (Zoom, etc.) and we should not lose that. There has been a surge of intentional reaching out and connecting with friends, family, church members, and others which certainly needs to continue. We've become aware of respecting our space and other's personal space in a new way; and found an empathy for those with chronic issues or who are unable to get out. 

As we discussed these things, we also considered how our spiritual lives have been impacted by the pandemic. Many have been expanding their church attendance to more than one service on a Sunday and during the week. We have mourned the fact that we cannot fully grieve the loss of friends and family because we cannot have memorial services. The intimacy of meeting online has surprised us, but also made us feel that we know more about one another since we've been 'in' other's homes. 

On Saturday afternoon we considered how do we return to church and a new normal. Canon Lee noted that we have an unprecedented opportunity to reflect on and reset our ministries and worship and to decide what really is essential. We can ask ourselves what we really want to resume, and what may no longer by valid, needed, or viable. There was a lot of discussion about the way the church needs to become more visible within our communities, serving via Food Pantries, special services, other outreach. As Canon Lee noted, when people see Christians really acting like Christ, they are more willing to listen to what we have to say about our Lord. 

ANEW2, June 27: Praying Beyond Church Walls

For our June 27 ANEW2 Zoom meeting, we heard from Linda Rounds-Nichols, member at Holy Spirit in Gallup. She gave us an entertaining and inspirational look at ways to pray when you cannot be in church. After reminding us all of the childhood finger game of "here's the church, here's the steeple", (which I missed in the video because I hit record a minute late), Linda led a discussion of various types of prayer and places to find resources. 

Attendees also shared ideas, some of which are listed below:

Participation in Albuquerque Jewish services like Nahalat Shalom, Albuquerque

Following services from the Washington National Cathedral, and/or other parishes plus your own. 

Signing up to get daily inspirational meditations in your email: 

My Utmost for His Highest (Oswald Chambers)

The Center for Action and Contemplation (Richard Rohr)

Christ in the Desert, Abiquiu, NM

There are many other resources, too. 

Books, Zoom webinars, and other study opportunities are all becoming more and more available online. 
One study option is HarvardX, with free online courses. 

You can watch the Zoom recording of the event.

Coming ANEW2 events: 
July 25: Telling Our Story (The Rev. Jeanine Driscoll, St. Thomas of Canterbury)
Aug. 22: What’s Different? What's the Same? (Vicki Reder and co-authors based on their book Three Paths, One God)
Sept. 12: Free ECW Prov. 7 Assembly via Zoom: Carry the Light of Love (Cindy Davis Keynote speaker)
Oct. 24: (TBD)

Nov. 20-21: Bosque Center Retreat: Wildernesses with the Rev. Carolyn Metzler

Other Events

Donations for books for Tojajille continues. Around $200 raised so far.
EpisGOPal Virtual Race on July 22-31.
Weekly E-Study based on the Book of Revelation will resume soon (Elaine has been sick)
Lord’s Prayer 7-week study based on Cindy’s new book will begin in July (watch for info on FB and Cindy's website. 

The Lord is Risen

Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

This year our Easters looked different. We weren't all together in one place, celebrating together. Most of us were hunkered down at home. 

Perhaps tired of the long days of enforced at-home-ness.
Perhaps worried about a loved one who is an essential worker and risking exposure to COVID-19.
Perhaps concerned that we are or will be sick.
Perhaps -- you can fill in how you feel. 

Despite our emotions and feelings, Easter came! 

How did you celebrate? By participating in one, or more, of the many online liturgies? By lighting your own candles? By talking to family and friends on Zoom or phone or Facebook? 

Jesus Christ is Risen! The Crucified One is alive!

Like the first witnesses, the women who came expecting to anoint the dead body of their beloved teacher and friend, our world is out of kilter. 

Like the world of the First Century, life is uncertain. The first disciples were so convinced that their life and ministry was over that they were in self-isolation--hiding 'in fear of the Jews'. 

Like us, the people of First Century Jerusalem and Judea did not know what the next day would bring. They never knew if a Roman soldier would conscript, steal, or even kill them. We keep waiting for worse and worse news, and perversely follow every tidbit no matter how bad it is. 

Br. James Koester, Superior of the Society of St. John Evangelist, notes, "Life may feel like a cruel joke today, but Jesus Christ is risen. You may not feel like Easter, but allow those faithful women who went to the tomb early, on the first day of the week, as the sun was dawning, and a new day was breaking, to carry you along with them. You may not feel like Easter, but allow those faithful women to show you what they saw. You may not feel like Easter, but run with those faithful women, who ran with fear and great joy. You may not feel like Easter but through your tears and sorrow, your fear and worry, your dread and anxiety, look for risen Jesus who stands before you, saying Greetings! It may not feel like Easter, but still Jesus Christ is risen today! Alleluia!"

We can BE the Church IN the World! 

How can we share our Easter message in this time? The women ran to tell the other disciples. We can also "Publish glad tidings, tidings of peace; tidings of Jesus, redemption, and release" (Hymn 539) in innovative ways. We can still pray and we can participate actively, even from our computers and couches. 

Invite friends to join you in one or more of these actions:

Worship via live-streamed services from around the Diocese posted in Diocesan listing of online worship opportunities

Use the links on the Diocesan Coronavirus page to offer your own prayers.

Watch and/or read items from the National Church and Presiding Bishop, including Habits of Grace. 

Participate in the Good Book Club reading of the Gospel of Matthew during Eastertide. 

Donate to a Food Panty, homeless shelter, or organization like Heading Home. 

Reach out to friends, family, shut-ins at nursing homes, first responders, and medical workers with a card or a meal or a virtual 'hello' on Facebook, phone, or text. 

Share your own ideas for 'being church' at this time. 

Watch for a Zoom event sometime this month where we can join for worship and sharing ways we are Being Church!!  

Plans continue for our Summer Events (restrictions permitting), and other opportunities to rejoice together. Keep up with them here, and via the calendar page.

Note: the Lectionary Study is on hiatus. 

This prayer from the New Zealand Prayer book, which I shared before is still beautifully applicable. 

God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to us
as we wait in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make us the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring us courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.