Bricks for Haiti Campaign: A HUGE Success!

[From our Bishop, The Right Rev. Gregory H. Rickel]

Dear Ones,

Today, I am full of gratitude for your generosity and for your vision. When our diocese joined the effort to help rebuild Holy Trinity Cathedral in Haiti, I knew to expect great things. Our diocese has a long history of responding to the needs of others, both abroad and at home. Our dedicated parish lay leaders and clergy "walked the walk" in supporting recovery in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, fighting malaria in Africa through NetsforLife, and providing clean water through the Wine Into Water campaign. I knew that despite the daily demands of your lives and the economic challenges of our time, you would share generously of all your gifts in answering the call of our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

Today, I am pleased to say that the people of the Diocese of Olympia have exceeded all our hopes
and expectations! Working together, the members of more than 65 churches have contributed over $118,700 toward rebuilding the center of spiritual life and community in the largest and poorest diocese of the Episcopal Church. As is typical for our diverse diocese, each church "did it their own way" -- tailoring the campaign to fit their talents, capabilities and priorities. We know that some gave directly, individually, and that was just as crucial and appreciated in our reaching this goal. As a result, our diocese is one of the most generous in "grass-roots giving" in the Episcopal Church. Thank you! I give special thanks to all of the local organizers, and most especially to the person I entrusted with this campaign, and who "knocked it out of the park" Jennifer Daugherty. She has proven herself an amazing leader.

As the Bishop of Haiti has said, your generosity will do more than raise up bricks and cement. It  ill raise the hopes of a people who have lost so much of their earthly habitation. It will raise the spirit of a community made weary, and it will inspire the minds and hearts of the young men and women who knew Trinity as their intellectual and artistic home. On behalf of them all, I am deeply grateful and I bless you.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel
Bishop of Olympia

Anglican Church in Canada confesses and asks forgiveness for secretly selling Japanese Canadian church buildings

Highlights from the Council of General Synod: March 14

March 14, 2013 -  This document is also available as a PDF.

Japanese-Canadian presentation

Archdeacon Jim Boyles, former General Secretary of the Anglican Church of Canada, introduced speakers representing the Japanese-Canadian Vancouver Consultative Council: Joy Kogawa, Lynne Shozawa, and Greg Tatchell.

The speakers shared the story of how two Vancouver Japanese-Canadian churches-Holy Cross and the Church of the Ascension-were sold by the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster after World War II.

In 1942, 22,000 Japanese Canadians were sent to internment camps. On April 1, 1949, they were allowed to return. The church sold Church of the Ascension in 1945 and Holy Cross Church was sold just months after Japanese Canadians were allowed to return to Vancouver.

JC-VCC researchers have spent years piecing together the stories of these properties and were finally able to prove the story in 2009.

Bishop Michael Ingham, Diocese of New Westminster, apologized for these actions in 2010.

"Racism is and has been part of our church," read Bishop Ingham's apology, "and we should acknowledge and repent of it."

*Resolution
COGS adopted the following resolution from the Partners in Mission and Ecojustice Committee:

1. Acknowledges the injustices experienced by Japanese Canadian Anglicans at the hands of our Church during and after WW II; and confesses the error of our ways.

2. Expresses its gratitude for the activities of the Japanese Canadian Vancouver Consultative Council (JC-VCC) and the Diocese of New Westminster, which since 2008 have braved to tell the truth about a long, hidden story of racism at numerous levels of our Church, including the naming of the 1,500 Japanese Canadian Anglicans who were exiled in 1942.

3. Supports the 2010 apology made by Bishop Michael Ingham for the sale of Japanese Congregation Churches in the Diocese of New Westminster in 1949.

4. Recognizes that deep-seated historic racism continues as a source of pain to Japanese  Canadian Anglicans across Canada, and commends every effort in the interests of healing and reconciliation.

5. Recommends that the Council of General Synod study the Episcopal Church's Asiamerica Ministries to explore ways of our participation in it.

6. Encourages the dioceses of the Anglican Church of Canada to be mindful of the growing multi-cultural membership of our Church, to celebrate that diversity, and to enhance partnerships in common ministry.

The Primate spoke to the resolution. "I want to express gratitude to those who came to tell this story," he said.

"This is a sign to the whole church to acknowledge sins of the past and expresses a desire to be continually reconciled."

JC-VCC members gave the Primate a plaque that tells the story of their churches.

"What's Going on Here?!"

Ever wonder what's happening at St. Peter's or around the Diocese? 

1) You can always look online at Parish Events Calendar ( http://bit.ly/stpetereventscalendar ). Our events calendar can even be set up on your iPhone/iPad or Android device. See Fr. James for help doing so. 

2) For the Diocese of Olympia events including Safeguarding trainings, spirituality workshops, free concerts, and adult forums on all sorts of topics, see its webpage, www.ecww.org , and select "What's Happening".  

3) For behind the scenes info on what your vestry has been up to, don't forget to see the "Vestry Highlights" linked to each monthly e-Valor.   

4) And don't forget about these:

    webpage -  www.stpeterseattle.org

    Facebook - www.facebook.com/stpeterseattle

    Twitter -      www.twtter.com/stpeterseattle

                       or @stpeterseattle

    Valor Blog - http://thevalorblog.blogspot.com/

The Catechumenate at St. Peter's Episcopal, Seattle

The Catechumenate*

(Preparation for Adult Baptism)

The Catechumenate is a period of preparation in which a Catechumen, defined here as a person capable of making mature faith decisions of faith and commitment for themself and desiring to be a Christian, undergoes training and formation in the Christian Faith within the Christian community. There is no specified length of time this period may last since readiness for baptism is determined by the catechumen in conjunction with Sponsors, Catechist (Teacher) and the clergy. This period typically, but not always, lasts between three months to a year.

In the Episcopal Tradition, Catechumens are often baptized on the Great Vigil of Easter, usually held on the Saturday night before the Sunday morning Easter Service. It has been St. Peter's recent tradition to baptize Catechumens on Pentecost Sunday (50 days after Easter Sunday), a common practice in old days of the British Isles from whence our Christian tradition comes.   

There are three stages of the Catechumenate.

STAGE 1:  Inquiry. During this time catechumens are instructed to examine their own motivations that they may freely choose Christ of their own accord. Preconceived notions of Christianity are also called into question. Inquirer’s classes are encouraged and group and individual meetings with the Catechist and clergy are encouraged. 

STAGE 2:  Catechumenate. Each person wishing to be baptized is presented by at least two sponsors to the congregation in a liturgical rite held at a Sunday Eucharist. This rite usually includes signing of the cross upon the forehead by the priest, a commitment from the parish community to pray for and encourage the catechumen in love, grace, and mercy, and the catechumen’s commitment to the following:

1)      Regular attendance at Sunday Eucharists with their sponsors. (Heb. 10:24-25)

2)      Attendance at regularly scheduled meetings (at least twice a month) with sponsors and teachers. The topics of discussion will include the most recent Scripture readings and other Biblical readings as well as the catechumen’s experience of the Christian Faith as they are living it. (Acts 2:42)

3)      Daily recitation of the Daily Office, meaning praying Morning and Evening Prayer. (1 Thess. 5:17)

4)      Practice of the Christian Way of Life with the understanding that earnest striving and faithfulness are our goals, not perfection. (Matt. 22:36-40; 1 John 1:5-10)

It is during this second stage that the Catechumen, accompanied by sponsors, the catechist, and others, will experience and digest a significant portion of the Christian faith. Typically, this reflection occurs by reflecting upon the worship and Scripture lessons of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. The format for this period of learning is to experience first and then to reflect and discuss. 

STAGE 3: Candidacy for Baptism. This stage includes a series of liturgical acts that are designed to complete the preparation of the Catechumen for Holy Baptism. They are as important for the candidate as they are for the community and take place at the Sunday morning liturgy. Typically, the following are observed:

1)      Ash Wednesday

2)      Enrollment of Catechumens for Baptism on the first Sunday of Lent.

3)      The Presentation of the Creed on the Third Sunday of Lent (or Easter 2)

4)      The Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer on the Fifth Sunday of Lent (or Easter 4)

5)      Vigil before Baptism (observed the evening immediately before the day or night of baptism)

6)      Baptism at The Easter Vigil or at the Feast of Pentecost

7)      The Sunday Following Baptism (Easter Sunday, Easter 2, or Trinity Sunday)  

THE BAPTISMAL LIFE:  Holy Baptism, like marriage, is not a certificate program. Completion of the process does not mean one is finished, just as getting married does not mean the marriage is completed and over. Rather, in both Baptism and marriage, the sacrament signifies the beginning of a new relationship.

            Therefore, it is expected that the newly Baptized will continue in that new relationship to God and to their neighbor, “devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). And also that they will remember in prayer and action the poor and the neglected, the orphans and the widows, the oppressed and forgotten, just as Christ has remembered us.

            And so, “let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb. 10:24-25)

 

*  This information is based on the Catechumenate pattern set forth in The Book of Occasional Services, 2003 by Church Pension Fund, copyright 2004 and used by permission. 

What is 'Candlemass'?

Candlemas

reposted from 

www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com

Please see this sight for many more interesting articles.

In many cultures, including in some Latin countries today, Candlemas marks the end of the Christmas season. It is celebrated on February 2^nd, the 40^th day after Christmas, and is technically known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Dom Prosper Guéranger, O.S.B., wrote in 1871 that "We apply the name of Christmas to the forty days which begin with the Nativity of our Lord, December 25, and end with the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, February 2. It is a period which forms a distinct portion of the Liturgical Year..."

The basis of the Feast of the Purification was the Jewish tradition that women were considered unclean after the birth of a child and were not permitted to enter the Temple to worship. This was 40 days after the birth of a son and 60 days after the birth of a daughter. At the end of the 40 or 60 days, the mother was brought to the Temple or synagogue and ritually purified. Now she can go to religious services again, and generally go out in public. See Leviticus 12:2-8 (opens in a new page at Bible Gateway).

This feast is also celebrated as the Presentation of the Lord, when the infant Jesus was taken to the Temple by his parents according to Jewish custom. See Gospel of Luke 2: 22-39.

In many ways, Candlemas can be thought of a pivotal feast. It is forty days since Christmas and Lent is coming soon (Lent can begin as early as February 4 and as late as March 10 on the western Christian liturgical calendar; your mileage may vary). Likewise, the words of Simeon the Just at the Presentation reinforce the pivotal nature of this date. The section on Candlemas at Oremus notes:

… the prophetic words of Simeon, which speak of the falling and rising of many and the sword that will pierce, lead on to the Passion and to Easter. The scriptures and the liturgy of the Christmas season have several pointers to the suffering of the Lord, but none more potent than the words of Simeon.

At Candlemas, there is also the traditional observance of blessing beeswax candles and distributing the candles to clergy and the laity. The candles recall the lights of Christmas, and also symbolize Simeon's words to Mary and Joseph that Jesus would be "a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

According to "Candlemas" article at the Catholic Encyclopedia (1911), this was also the day that by tradition all candles that would be used for the next year were blessed. Christians were observing Candlemas in Jerusalem as early as the 4th century A.D. By the middle of the 5th century, candles were lit on this day to symbolize that Jesus Christ was the light, the truth and the way. The feast spread slowly and wasn’t well known even in the 7^th century.

Like Christmas, Candlemas also has its secular side. In some prosperous manors of old England, this extension of Christmas-tide was marked by music, dancing, games and feasting: A "lord of misrule," or "abbot of unreason" was appointed, whose duty it was to play the part of a buffoon. In addition,

"The larder was filled with capons, hens, turkeys, geese, ducks, beef, mutton, pork, pies, puddings, nuts, plums, sugar and honey.... A glowing fire, made of great logs, the principal of which was termed the 'Yule log,' or Christmas block, which might be burnt till Candlemas eve, kept out the cold; and the abundance was shared by the lord's tenants amid music, conjuring, riddles, hot-cockles, fool-plough, snap-dragon, jokes, laughter, repartees, forfeits, and dances."

Many poems and carols celebrate Candlemas. By tradition, Candlemas eve was the date upon which all Christmas decorations were removed. The mid-17^th century English poet Robert Herrick (1591-1674) wrote at least four poems concerning Candlemas. In his "Ceremony Upon Candlemas Eve," [Down With The Rosemary, And So] he wrote

Down with the rosemary, and so
Down with the bays and misletoe ;
Down with the holly, ivy, all,
Wherewith ye dress'd the Christmas Hall :
That so the superstitious find
No one least branch there left behind :
For look, how many leaves there be
Neglected, there (maids, trust to me)
So many goblins you shall see.

In his longer "Ceremonies for Candlemas Eve," [Down With The Rosemary and Bays] he wrote:

DOWN with the rosemary and bays,
Down with the misletoe ;
Instead of holly, now up-raise
The greener box (for show).
The holly hitherto did sway ;
Let box now domineer
Until the dancing Easter day,
Or Easter's eve appear.
Then youthful box which now hath grace
Your houses to renew ;
Grown old, surrender must his place
Unto the crisped yew.
When yew is out, then birch comes in,
And many flowers beside ;
Both of a fresh and fragrant kin
To honour Whitsuntide.
Green rushes, then, and sweetest bents,
With cooler oaken boughs,
Come in for comely ornaments
To re-adorn the house.
Thus times do shift ; each thing his turn does hold ;
New things succeed, as former things grow old.

This poem was adapted into a carol, Candlemas Eve Carol, set to a Basque melody by Edgar Pittman (1865-1943). Likewise, Candlemas day had its own traditions. In "Upon Candlemas Day," Herrick wrote:

END now the white loaf and the pie,
And let all sports with Christmas die.

Finally, in "The Ceremonies for Candlemas Day," [Kindle The Christmas Brand] he wrote:

Kindle the Christmas brand, and then
Till sunset let it burn ;
Which quench'd, then lay it up again
Till Christmas next return.
Part must be kept wherewith to tend
The Christmas log next year,
And where 'tis safely kept, the fiend
Can do no mischief there.

This latter poem celebrates the tradition that Christmas plants would be burned and the Yule log was to be allowed to burn down completely, but that a portion should be held back to start next year’s Yule log (and as a good luck charm against "mischief"). The ashes were to be spread over the gardens to ensure a good harvest. Also, the Yule log for the next year would be chosen then.

And there is this poem from colonial Williamsburg, first published in the 18th Century:

When New Year's Day is past and gone;
Christmas is with some people done;
But further some will it extend,
And at Twelfth Day their Christmas end.
Some people stretch it further yet,
At Candlemas they finish it.
The gentry carry it further still
And finish it just when they will;
They drink good wine and eat good cheer
And keep their Christmas all the year.

Candlemas was also believed to be a good day for weather forecasting (it falls halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox). If it were a sunny day, there would be forty more days of cold and snow. This belief has carried into folklore tradition in England, Scotland, Mexico, the United States (as Groundhog Day), in Germany (using a badger instead of a ground hog), and many other places. One English rhyme says:

If Candlemas Day be fair and bright,
Winter will have another flight;
But if it be dark with clouds and rain,
Winter is gone, and will not come again.

In Western Europe, this was also the time for preparing the fields for the first planting.

Likewise, many carols of the period refer to Candlemas as the conclusion of the Christmas season.

In Christemas Hath Made An End, the singer laments the end of this Christmas-tide and the return to the fields:

Christemas hath made an end,
  Well-a-day! well-a-day!Which was my dearest friend,
  More is the pity!For with an heavy heart
Must I from thee depart,
To follow plow and cart
All the year after.

Keyte and Parrott, in The New Oxford Book of Carols, note that in the 17th century, there was little work to be done in the fields during winter, and that the Christmas-tide was, by nature, an extended holiday which could be lengthened to Candlemas (as in this carol), although rarely beyond Epiphany (January 6th).

The carol Farewell To Christmas begins:

Here have I dwelled with more & less
From Hallowtide till Candlemas,
And now must I from your hens pass;
Now have good day! [1]

The reference to Hallowtide comes from a tradition that the monarch would announce on All Hallows (November 1) where he or she would spend Christmas. There's a tradition I could live with! Celebrate the holidays from November 1 through February 2! See: Now Have Good Day, Now Have Good Day!

The carol Of The Purification concludes with:

Farewell, Christmas fair and free;
Farewell, New Years day with thee;
Farewell the holy Epiphany; [2]

Another carol, The fyrst day of yole have we in mynd, begins with:

Make we mirth
For Christ’s birth,
And sing we yule till Candlemas.

The last verse of this carol, which is an enumeration of the feasts of Christmas-tide, is:

On the xl [40] Day came Mary mild,
Unto the temple with her child,
To show her clean that never was defiled,
And therewith endeth Christmas. [3]

See also The fyrst day of yole have we in mynd and The fyrst day of yole have we in mynd - Thomas Wright.

But this is not just an old tradition, now forgotten. In many Latin countries, the tradition of Candlemas is still celebrated.

In Mexico, la Rosca de Reyes, a sweet circular cake is served with a doll baked inside representing the baby Jesus (similar to Mardi Gras Kings Cake) and is served with hot chocolate on Epiphany (known locally as Three Kings Day or El Dia de los Reyes Magos). The person who finds the baby in their slice is to host the forthcoming celebration Candelaria or Candlemas on February 2^nd (when a feast of tamalitos and hot chocolate is enjoyed by all). According to an article in the Oaxaca Times by Gayle Hanson, when 20 or thirty people are on hand sometimes several babies are baked into the cake, all the better to spread out the cost of the next party among friends.

The Rosca de Reyes was used by the friars to evangelize: a small doll, representing the Christ child, is baked right in the bread- "hidden", to symbolize the hiding of the infant from King Herod's troops on the day of Los Santos Inocentes, the Holy Innocents.

As was the case in old England, it is on this day that the nativity scene and all the Christmas decorations are put away.

Note: See: A Christmas Mumming, 1377.

Footnotes:

1. Songs, Carols, and other Miscellaneous Poems, from the Balliol MS. 354, ed. R. Dyboski, E. E. T. S., Extra ser., CI [1907], 18. This carol may also be found in Richard Greene, ed., A Selection of English Carols (Oxford: Clarendon, 1962), Carol 38.Return

2. Of The Purification, found MS Eng. Poet. e I, (ed. Wright, as above, p. 57, "Of the Puryfycacion"). This carol may also be found in Richard Greene, ed., A Selection of English Carols (Oxford: Clarendon, 1962), Carol 37. Return

3. MS Eng. Poet, e. I, printed Percy Society (ed. T. Wright), XXIII (London, 1848), 24. This carol; with some variants, is also found in MS Sloane 2593, printed Warton Club (ed. Wright; London, 1856), p. 98. Cf. Another similar carol in MS Sloane, "Wolcum be thou, hevene kynge," on p. 93 of the Warton Club’s printing, or in E. E. L., p. 232. This carol may also be found in Richard Greene, ed., A Selection of English Carols (Oxford: Clarendon, 1962), Carol 3. Return

Sources:

• Annie’s Candlemas Page
• Christmas Then and Now
• Customs of the Weeks after Epiphany, Candlemas
• Bill Egan, Christmas International group, in a message titled "Candlemas - End of the Christmas season," Monday, 03 Feb 2003 and Wednesday, 05 Feb 2003.
• Merry Christmas!
• Waverly Fitzgerald, School of the Seasons, Celebrating Candlemas
• Groundhog’s Homepage [Page has disappeared; see Groundhog Day at Wikipedia]
• Frederick G. Holweck, Catholic Encyclopedia, Candlemas
• Dom Prosper Gueranger, O.S.B., "Le Temps de Noel," L’Annee Liturgique ["The Liturgical Year"] (3^me ed.; Paris, 1871), I, 9-15. See: Advent - Dom Prosper Guéranger, OSB
• The Many Days of Christmas
• Oremus, Candlemas
• Gayle Hanson, "Christmas: The second season," Oaxaca Times
• Edward Bliss Reed, Christmas Carols Printed in the Sixteenth Century (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1932), Introduction, page xxx-xxxii
• William S. Walsh, Curiosities of Popular Customs And of Rites, Ceremonies, Observances, and Miscellaneous Antiquities(Lippincott Company, 1897), cited  by Yule
• Wikipedia contributors. "Ash Wednesday." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 29 Jan. 2010. Web. 30 Jan. 2010.

See also: Advent - Resources for the Season

10 Spiritual Practices toward a Peaceful Christmas

by The Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, Everett, Washington "God rest ye, merry gentlemen - let nothing you dismay. Remember, Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day!"            For many of us, the Advent and Christmas seasons can often mean the onset of a couple of unwelcome guests - Stress and Depression. In the midst of what is presented as a joyous time, we can often experience a burden of expectations (imposed by others or by the self) that can create a long list of demands upon us - parties, gatherings, watching a seemingly endless series of traditional movies, attending the theater or ballet, shopping, baking, Christmas pageant preparations, cleaning and entertaining, as well as decorating and driving around looking for "needed" items (just to name just a few stress triggers).           It's so important to remind ourselves and our families that the Spirit of Christmas is not some kind of divine bullwhip driving us into a manic frenzy of over-commitment and consumerism. Rather, the Spirit of Christmas is a gently-whispered invitation to enter the quiet contemplation of the Holy Nativity scene - the hidden Crèche within each of our hearts, wherein lies the sleeping Christ Child.           Through some practical spiritual practices, we can help ourselves to minimize the stress that accompanies the Season and ensure that the King of Peace really is born into our world (into and through each one of us) this Christmas. To this end, here are 10 spiritual practices I have put together for your consideration this month.  1) Acknowledge your feelings. Whatever your feelings about this time of year or Christmas, acknowledge them. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with those you love, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and even grief at significant holidays and anniversary dates. It's alright to take time to mourn or express your feelings. Try not to "force yourself" or permit others to force you to be artificially cheerful just because it's the holiday season. Choose how you will manage your feelings and care for yourself, so that you can be authentically present to others (and to God), honoring your own needs as well as those of others. 2) Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community; come to our various church services or other social events around you - even if it's just for a little while. These resources and gatherings can offer support and companionship, even if all you talk about is the sale at Macy's, contemplate the weather, or just rest and take in what's happening around you. Volunteering your time to help others is a great way to change your focus as well as broaden your friendships. Practice community - by bringing your whole and sacred self into the presence of the Season. 3) Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like years gone by. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals can change as well. Feeling nostalgic is natural, but we also follow a God who promises to renew all things. So, choose a few traditions to hold on to, but be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can't come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails, videos or Skype! 4) Set aside differences. (This is not asking the same as asking for reconciliation, which can be a life-long spiritual work). As a spiritual practice for the Season, try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. If you really cannot tolerate someone's unhealthy behavior, limit your exposure to them through clear boundary setting of your time and participation - plan for a low-key, healthy exit strategy for the times when you may need one. You may even want to create a rescue code word or phrase (like "fruitcake!" or "the penguins must be hungry!") in order to alert a close friend to quietly support you as you remove yourself from a given situation. However, be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry with planned events. Chances are good that they're experiencing the effects of holiday stress and depression, too, but they haven't identified those feelings. 5) Budget. Be a Good Steward of the resources God has provided to you, and stick to a budget you can afford. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then, stick to your budget! Don't try to buy happiness or gratitude with gifts - guilt is always bad credit. Instead, remember the Pearl of Great Price - the genuine article of Love that can only ever be truly given when it is given with no expectation of return. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade gifts, or write a handwritten letter - a personal letter is a precious and rare thing these days! 6) Plan ahead. Scripture consistently reminds us to be prepared - this spiritual practice applies to daily living as well as waiting for Christ (which very much characterizes Advent). Set aside specific days and times for preparations such as shopping, baking, visiting friends, Advent prayers/reading at home and other activities. If you've committed to assisting at church services, be sure to arrive a little early for personal prayer and centering - church isn't just one more "task" to check off at this time of year. Rather, church services and service to others can help keep us grounded and fed by the Season instead of exhausted and depleted by it. 7) Learn to say a holy, healthy "no." Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed later. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no to something, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the given time - set your priorities and stay with them. The spiritual practice of a holy, healthy "no" helps preserve and sustain our best health during a time when God asks us for the gift of our attention - inviting us to be fully present to the in-breaking of the Divine on Earth and within our own hearts. 8) Don't abandon healthy habits. Christmas is a time for celebration but not for reckless abandon - try not to let the Season become an excuse for losing your spiritual mindfulness. Overindulgence only adds to stress and guilt later. So, have a healthy snack before attending holiday parties so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Use small plates for buffets and servings. Also, continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity, offsetting any extra calories you may choose to take in. 9) Relax. Remember: the song is "God REST Ye, Merry Gentlemen!" Be intentional about scheduling some time for yourself. Spend at least 15 minutes alone every day of Advent as a Mini Sabbath - a sacred time without distractions or agenda; this can refresh you enough to handle what you need to accomplish. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find an image of the Sacred within your inward vision that reduces stress for you - then, clear your mind, slow your breathing, and restore your inner calm. 10) Don't hesitate to seek professional help. Despite your best efforts and best spiritual practices, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical discomfort, unable to sleep, feeling irritable or hopeless - the season may disjoint you completely, causing you to feel unable to face even routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, please talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. You may feel more comfortable initially speaking with a clergy person, such as [*gasp!*] your Pastor. If you would like to speak with me, please be assured that I will help find a referral resource for you for ongoing professional support while maintaining your confidentiality and respecting your privacy. Ultimately, the most valuable gift we can bring to Christ at Christmastide is ourselves - complete and whole, just as we are - with all our feelings, all our messiness, all our hopes and fears, all our talents and insecurities. We are asked to leave it all at the Manger, in the sure and certain confidence that to God it is all priceless treasure. Even as much as Advent is a time of preparation, it is also a journey of remembrance - timelessly reminding us that we are unconditionally loved by the Christ who is Emanuel, "God with Us." Now, always...and forever. May you have a truly Blessed Advent and Merry Christmas,  Experiencing a truly sacred Season of the Spirit.

Prepare Ye the Way

Advent is upon us. That seems to mean little to much of society around us. In the shopping malls and stores it is Christmastide, the time to vie for consumers' time and money, tempting us all with the alluring promise of happiness in getting the ''irresistible bargain.' And I confess, I fall prey. Every year I do. And yet, every year I also grow a little into Advent.

The commercial emphasis on preparing for Christmas isn't wrong. In fact, it's dead on. It's just that commerce and God's People perceive what Christmas is and how we prepare for it very differently.

In the Church we use the word 'advent' to describe our period of preparation. The word is Latin from adventus meaning 'coming' or 'arrival'. This is the Latin translation of the Greek word parousia, which is used in the Bible to refer to the Second Coming of Christ Jesus and a word Christian scholars still use in theological discourse. The season conjoins our expectation of Christ's Second Coming with our anticipation of celebrating Christ's first coming. In both cases, Christians are called upon to prepare their hearts, minds, and lives for Christ's arrival.

That begs the question whether our preparations for Christmas really look like we're preparing for Christ to come. Personally, I find the busyness of our festivities make it harder for me to make time for Jesus. Prayer time, Bible reading, contemplative mediation, true service to others easily take a back seat to party planning and gift shopping. If I'm not careful, I can easily miss the Advent of Christ when he and his family knock on my life's door and ask if there is any room here for them.

I'm pleased to tell you, though, that as powerful as temptation can be, God's grace is more powerful - more enticing even, when given our attention! In our home, in the living room, sits a small pewter wreath with three blue and one pink candles. While holiday commercials bombard me by the powerful flickering of my television and the world outside fills up with glamorous light displays, I find the simple lighting of a few candles on our family's my Advent wreath pulls me back to the parousia of my Savior.

It's a mysterious grace and a powerful promise I encounter in that flame. It is a sacramental experience of God's gentle, humble, and overwhelming presence in the midst of a blaring sensory overload. That small act calls me into a different place. The glitz passes as the tender eyes of God meet mine and my soul sees its Maker.

Deep in the flame of those eyes I feel the invitation, "I long to be with you. I'm coming. Be ready."

Prepare the way.
    Clear your schedule.
        Make room.

Your Savior is coming.
      Your God longs to be with you.