Posted on March 9, 2013 by

Dear Friends in Christ,

Lent is a season of reflection. It comes from an old English word meaning “a lengthening.” And as the days become longer, we watch for signs of spring when nature sings a song of renewed life, energy and growth.

During lent we are called upon to reflect together as a community of faith on the final weeks of Christ’s ministry. We remember His betrayal, arrest, and suffering upon the cross. And we look to Easter Sunday with hope.

Lent is a time for us to reflect individually on our own discipleship. Perhaps you have taken on a new devotion or discipline for this time. You may have chosen to give up something.

Whatever your Lenten practice is this year I pray that it will deepen your relationship with Christ. With Christ as our compass on this Lenten journey may we pick up our crosses and follow Him and walk these 40 days with the assurance of Christ’s love and with the hope of renewal.

With my deepest gratitude for all that you do and all that you are,
I am… Yours in Christ Rev. Carol+

Arthur Lichtenberger, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church from 1958-1964:

Fast from criticism, and Feast on praise;
Fast from self-pity, and Feast on joy;
Fast from ill temper, and Feast on peace;
Fast from resentment, and Feast on contentment;
Fast from jealousy, and Feast on humility;
Fast from pride, and Feast on love;
Fast from selfishness, and Feast on service;
Fast from fear, and Feast on faith.

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A year in review…

Posted on February 2, 2013 by

Annual Meeting  - St. John of the Cross
January 20, 2013

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Let us pray.

Gracious and loving God You have gathered us together this day to worship You, to praise You.  We thank You, Lord God, for the year that has past and await the coming year with holy expectancy. May we keep Your cross before us in all that we do.  Lead us Lord Christ into the coming year. By the power of the Holy Spirit give us a passion for the Gospel, a heart for the lost, a willingness to do whatever it takes, and a commitment to one another.  All this we pray in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

When I look back over this past year I am ever thankful.  I am thankful for this parish, for all who faithfully serve this parish.  I am thankful for each and every member of St. John of the Cross Episcopal Church for you are the ministers of this parish.  You are the body of Christ, You are the saints.

Our Gospel lesson today speaks of Jesus’ first miracle, The Wedding of Cana, changing water into wine. Had the wine run out…it would have been a social disaster.  The couple forever remembered as the ones whose wedding ended early.  John includes this story and cites it as the first of seven signs; signs that reveal the identity of Jesus – the promised one. The symbols in this story are rich:  A joyous wedding, six Jewish ritual pots, thirsty wedding guests, and an abundance of wine. We need to remember that our celebrations should be joyous. The symbols of the ritual water pots now being transformed into an abundance of wine reminds us that Christ wants to transform our lives: Not being just quiet people of faith but a community of a celebration of people; joy-filled, living out loud — people of faith, filled with God’s lavish outrageous grace.

Being a Christian is perhaps the most demanding task of this life. Yet, we have each other and we have the Holy Spirit… so should not give up or grow complacent in our mission. We must live our faith and be willing to share our faith with others.  You see, faith, though it is personal is not meant to be private.  We must be willing to share that faith and witness in the community – the community where we live and the community in which we work.  We need to make that invitation to others. Share what we have. Share the fact that we are THE alive and exciting Episcopal Church in Bristol, Indiana.

We must become a light on a stand instead of under a bushel. I believe this will require all of us to become courageous witnesses for Christ everywhere we go and in everything we do. Each one of you has a story to tell about your faith.  We also have a wonderful and glorious story to share as an Episcopal congregation and as a Christian community. We must learn to tell our story boldly. We must learn to make invitation.  That will be challenging but it is essential to our growth. That will be transformation, like changing water into wine.

We must continually learn what it means to be faithful stewards. We must continue to learn about discipleship, for discipleship asks much from us. Yet we serve with a glad heart.  When we serve we find the rewards eternal.  We find the rewards priceless. Here is just a sampling – a small list of what I find priceless at St. John of the Cross. I pray I haven’t forgotten anyone or anything.

We have fine leadership in our Sr. Warden, Deb Walters and Jr. Warden, Cindy Dixon.  Your direction is … priceless.

We have excellent guidance in our vestry, Bruce Krueger, Dave Streeter, Lynne Barnaby, Terry Miller,  I am forever grateful for the spirit of cooperation that permeates our vestry and the willingness to get the job done.  Your service is … priceless.

I would like to say thank you to Bob Hatley who has done an excellent job as treasurer.  And also thank Karen Hipsher for assisting the treasurer. Both Bob and Karen has work many hours to keep our financial records in order. Your expertise is … priceless.

Thanks to the finance committee that works with Bob [Hatley] and the vestry to present a budget that we can live with. We thank you!     Your guidance is … priceless.

Thank you to you the congregation, the parish stewards, who without your financial support these doors would not open.  Your giving of treasures  … priceless.

Thank you Sue West for the keeping the schedule of readers and servers.  Thank you for your card ministry.  Your personal touch is always nice and it is… priceless.

We have the fine work of Cindy Keck and the Altar Guild that work behind the scenes to prepare for worship.  Your time is … priceless.

We stay current with the times with our facebook and new webpage, our newsletter is maintained by Mary Ann and Joe Bean, your technological expertise … priceless.

Thank you Kay Streeter for your time in preparing the announcements each week. Your service is … priceless.

How could we function without the many volunteers?  Thank you to those who serve as Lay Readers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Greeters, Coffee hour ministry, Acolytes, Altar guild, Men’s group, Women’s Group, the Gardening ministry, Musicians, Tellers, Trash ministry, Cemetery records, and Prayer ministry.  Thank you to all those who serve behind the scenes I may have missed.  Your willingness to humbly serve is… priceless.

Seeing to the needs of Christian education led by Anne Raftree. Your willingness to share…. priceless.

For your service to the community in efforts such as the Bristol Food Pantry, Bristol Elementary School… the sock tree, backpacks, food baskets… the many ways you all give back……. priceless.

The Bristol July 4th parade, the Strawberry Shortcakes, Garage Sale, Trunk or Treat, the Sugar and Spice Bazaar, Shrove Tuesday pancakes… the many ways we come together and serve… priceless.

To those retiring from vestry, Dave Streeter and Bruce Krueger; Please know that your service has been greatly appreciated by everyone. Your leadership is … priceless.

What has our worship life been like this past year? We have had

  • Mass on the Grass, a wonderful summer picnic, a horse-drawn wagon ride, a time of fellowship at Bonneyville… priceless.
  • Blessing of the Animals held at LoveWay Theraputic Riding Stables.  Watching the Cadets from The Howe School interact with the members of St. John of the Cross… priceless.
  • The Lesson and Carols service at The Howe School the many members that came to support our choir and the see the Historic Chapel. Watching our members interact with the Cadets and eating in the Mess hall… priceless.
  • One confirmation and one reception this past year.  Welcoming our newest members to our parish, Cyd and Michael Sunday … priceless.
  • Two baptisms this past year.  Watching Christ touch the lives of Marcus and Kiaya is… priceless.
  • The job description for Acolytes: One who gets to play with fire, smoke and big sticks.  Watching Breanne and Austin serve as acolytes … priceless.
  • The ministry of music continues to grow.  Our Sundays are blessed with the musical talents of Terry Scott, Mary Ann Bean and Skip Barnett.   Also for those who sing in the choir and are willing to add voice to our worship. Sharing the gift of music is… priceless.
  • Steve Streeter and Cyd Sunday led us in a Fall Bible study based on the book “Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus”.  We look forward to its completion in Lent. Thank you for leading us … priceless.
  • Wednesday evening prayer and monthly Eucharist — 463 persons attending … priceless.
  • A steady Sunday attendance: This past year there were 3035 persons in attendance at the Sunday worship service. Our average Sunday attendance is 58.  Feeding God’s lambs… priceless.
  • It is my privilege to serve as your priest.  I hope that this has been a year of renewal and a year of spiritual growth.  I look forward to the year to come.  Tending God’s lambs…  priceless.

Dear Lord, may You find this parish, St. John of the Cross, precious in Your sight.  For these and all Your priceless gifts that You have bestowed on this parish we thank You and praise You. May we come with open hearts to serve You with all that we are and all that we have.  May we have eyes open to see where You lead us and ears to hear you call us. Give us the courage to trust and follow you where you lead and the boldness to do whatever it takes so that others may know the saving grace of the cross of Christ. All this we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.


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Advent message

Posted on December 1, 2012 by

Dear Friends in Christ,
As I write this letter, I wish it were snowing for it makes writing the December – Advent letter much easier. It helps in the preparing for the season.

The first snow of the season is always exciting. Well ok it is exciting for those of us who love winter and love snow. And so we make our preparations. We prepare for the season of winter… get out the winter coats, hats and gloves, prime the snow blower, find the shovels and mark the driveway with the orange poles awaiting the big storm!

And so it is in this season of Advent as we prepare for the coming of Christ. There is always the tension of the season: The now and not yet. Christ has come into the world and we await his coming. There is a tension in what the world would have us think and do during this season and what Christ would have us do. And so we live in the tension and we know in our hearts how Christ would have us live and do our best to live His way.

As I reflect upon this season of Advent I am ever mindful of the great blessing it is to serve at St. John of the Cross Episcopal Church. This will be our second Christmas together. I pray this season will bring a new sense of purpose and service.

So in this season amidst all the preparations may you find time to rest, to reflect and ponder all these things in your heart and may Christ enter in

May the true gifts of this season be yours:
The gift of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love
that is found in One born in Bethlehem,
Christ Jesus our Lord.

With my deepest gratitude for all that you do and all that you are, I am…
Yours in Christ,
Carol+

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Bible-Book Study

Posted on November 2, 2012 by
“Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus” begins this Wednesday November 7th at 6:30pm (immediately following Evening Prayer). Join us as we examine some of Jesus’ most important teaching in light of their Jewish context. The book is written by author and scholar Lois Tverberg.

Hope to see you!

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The Blessing of the Animals

Posted on October 27, 2012 by

Dear friends in Christ,

The Blessing of the Animals at LoveWay Inc. was a great day. Yes it was hectic. Yes it was different. The people at LoveWay were so appreciative of our coming.  St. John of the Cross was paid the highest compliment by the Cadets of Howe as they requested to do this again next year.  They appreciated the hospitality of our hosts and of the parish. Thank you!  I heard from many of you how impressed you were with the Cadets. Let’s continue to explore ways to be a part of the lives of these cadets.

Our next opportunity to worship together is December 19th at The Chapel of St. James for the annual Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols. The time for this is 11:40 am. Our choir has been asked to sing and we will also have the choir from St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sturgis.  I hope that you all will come.

Our latest offering for study will begin Wednesday evenings this month.  We will be offering Part I in Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus.  The meeting dates/times will be Nov 7, 14, 28 and Dec 5 beginning at 6:30 – 7:30 pm. We will resume with Part II of the study during Lent.  Steve Streeter and Cyd Sunday will be our leaders. The books are in and the cost is $13.50.  We will not have the Wednesday Morning Bible during this time.

The colors of the season have just about run their course.  The leaves have been spectacular:  Bold splashes of color on the landscape.  I never tire of the colors of autumn.  The changing of the seasons marks another season for us.  May we be that bold splash of color in our communities serving those around us.  May we be thankful for work we do together and may we be bold to explore new ways of reaching out.

For all that you do and all that you are,

I am,
Yours in Christ,

Carol+

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Posted on September 30, 2012 by

Dear Friends in Christ,

Is it just me or does the end of the month seem to come earlier and earlier each month? It has been a busy September. Howe School is in full swing and our Wednesday Bible study has resumed. We had a great ladies luncheon at Olive Garden. We received new members, Michael and Cyd Sunday this past month. Thank you for those who helped with the reception for Bishop Little and our new members. It is always a good time to be with our Bishop.

Bishop Little and I were colleagues in California. He was part of my discernment process in the Diocese of San Joaquin. It was by Bishop Little’s invitation that I came to the Diocese to Northern Indiana. So I am always inspired by his message and his witness to Christ in his life and grateful for his friendship.

October looks like an even busier month. I will be traveling to The National Cathedral for the Acolyte Festival October 6th. The Archdeacon George Douglass will be our presider. We will celebrate St. Francis – The blessings of the animals on Sunday October 14th at LoveWay Therapeutic Riding Stables. We will hold a joint service with the Cadets from Howe. Bring your pets for a blessing. And the cadets will lead the service that day… as readers and choir. I have asked the Cadets to split and leave a few seats at each table for ‘parish folks’. We have students from all over the world. Enjoy some lively conversation!

Thank you for all those who traveled to Donaldson, for the Art Show. I hope you enjoyed the colors of fall along the way. I hope you enjoyed the exhibit.

Having an art exhibit has been an interesting learning experience. I arrived at the Gallery Tuesday evening and unpacked the van. After a light supper, Sr. Mary took me to the studio and I began to lay out the carvings. I had envisioned where I thought things might go. She told me, that Wednesday Sr. Nancy would help me with the layout. Once everything was laid out I went over to the residence and went to bed. In the morning, Nancy had already been hard at work arranging. She met me with… “now don’t be upset we moved a few things”. A few things…they moved everything! I told her all was fine… as I have never set up an art show. By mid-afternoon I was beginning to see her vision. I really could see how… the pieces were coming together. And that sometimes …less is more and more …well it is just more. We didn’t use all the pieces and that really did make sense.

At three o’clock we stopped. In fact the community stops for 30 minutes. Sr. Nancy leads centering prayer at the residence. Though we still had a lot left to do and I only had that day to set up, I stopped. I will tell you I was torn between continuing to set up and taking time to be still.

Centering prayer is 30 minutes of silence. We let our minds empty out and be still. It takes practice as the mind tends to bounce from thought to thought but eventually you can get into the silence and feel God’s presence. My first thoughts were mostly anxious about getting everything done (and hopefully before midnight). The 30 minutes felt like eternity. Eventually I relaxed and became enveloped in the prayer of silence.

It was amazing how energized we were when we finished. The rest of the pieces came together; I had my videotaped interview, the labels posted on the wall. Everything came together just as it was supposed to and I was driving home as evening fell.There’s a lesson in all that. Just when we think we don’t have time to stop and pray… stop and pray! We all have experienced those times when we don’t think we have time—not even time to pray. Yet it was just the respite this priest needed in the course of a hectic day. May we find time to be still and know…,

Grateful for all that you are and all that you do,

I am

Yours in Christ,

Carol+

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Holy Leisure

Posted on September 1, 2012 by

Dear Friends in Christ,

Well I hope you had a great summer. I have to say I enjoyed my staycation. I did manage to attend my first National Convention. It was in Indianapolis where I caught up with my “Monday friend”. Rev. Twyla and I met in Seminary and we have kept our friendship going ever since. She is the woman who has made many of my stoles. We call on Mondays to catch up on the week past. We often laugh when we ask the question: “if we didn’t talk on Monday would we know its Monday?” She traveled from Colorado to be at Convention. I hadn’t actually seen her face to face since her ordination in 2005. As we sat in the great hall for lunch we barely talked… we didn’t need to. Instead we just sat and looked at each other…so grateful to be in each other’s company.

I think what it must have been like for the first disciples of Christ…the men and women who sat at the teachers feet, listened and soaked up all that He said. They were in His presence and they were present. It seems to be something we miss in today’s fast paced – high tech world – the art of being present. We snap instant photos and download them on Facebook the moment ‘something’ or ‘nothing’ happens and live our lives out in the virtual world. We rarely just experience the moment and allow ourselves to just be.

I remember a couple at my very first parish who invited me to their house to just ‘be’. Not to do… but to be. It was great to sit on their deck and enjoy the beauty of the nature around us.

This summer I took the opportunity to just be. I had lots of company this summer but with each guest we took plenty of time to just be. Each got to experience something that I have come to learn about living here. Each took time to unwind and experience the prayer… “The shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hushed…” We took at least one day to be content to rise in the morning, and begin the day hearing the birds sing, seeing the mist rise up from the lake as sun breaks through. To be content not to have a plan for the day—for the day IS the plan. To watch the turtles as they frolic on the top of the water or sun themselves on a plank set there just for them. To float on rafts and let the turtles watch us as we them. To be the only one on the water on the kayaks and paddle in silence. To slow down if only for the day.

It was good spiritual time. It is a time that actually has a name:

“OTIUM SANCTUM”
Holy Leisure

What a thought! Holy Leisure. How often, especially at home I feel guilty of ‘committing leisure’. As if it were an act of laziness. But somehow this summer the leisure time seemed spiritual. Otium Sanctum Holy Leisure feeling as if this precious time were a divine appointment to relax in God’s presence with the beauty of His creation. Otium Sanctum—as if being given divine permission to be leisurely with His Blessing!

Richard Foster defines Otium Sanctum in this way: It refers to a sense of balance in life. An ability to be at peace through the activities of the day, an ability to rest and take time to enjoy beauty, an ability to be at peace with ourselves.

The real art of Holy Leisure comes not during the vacation time but during the vocation time. To be at peace through the activities of the day… at work and at home. It is something we practice.

And so as the summer days come to a close and the program year begins… I pray that we continue to find time to be present to one another and with our Lord. I pray that your days become infused with Holy Leisure; That you find spiritual balance of caring for mind, body, and soul. May Christ be at the center of your leisure and His peace flows through the busyness of your day. Be blessed with Otium Sanctum.

With my deepest gratitude for all that you do I am…

Yours in Christ,
Carol+

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Invitation to join us for Mass on the Grass

Posted on August 11, 2012 by

Join us for our annual Mass on the Grass at Bonneyville Mill Park in Bristol on Sunday, August 19. The service begins at 10:30 am followed by a picnic – bring a friend, all are welcome!

 

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The Church calls this Ordinary Time.

Posted on July 1, 2012 by

Dear friends in Christ,

Summer time… the Church calls this Ordinary Time.You know, ordinary doesn’t seem so ordinary when you see God in the ordinary.

How will you spend this summer of ordinary time? For some people, summer is a busy time. For others it’s a time to slow down and recharge the batteries. I suppose I am still on the school schedule especially now that I also serve The Howe School. When I was a teacher I appreciated the time off. I still do. My clock winds down in summer. I will try to recharge my batteries. I will spend the time reading, writing, playing guitar, carving, and turning. I will reflect on our past year together at St. John of the Cross and dream, wonder, and explore ways to renew our life of ministry together.

During this Ordinary Time stop, look, but also listen. Listen to and reflect on what Jesus asks of You. Where does He call you to go? As part of our baptismal covenant we are called to be ministers in His Name. What is your ministry? What are your spiritual gifts? Where do you see yourself in the life of St. John of the Cross? You are an essential part of the church. Where you are, young or not so young, new member or longstanding member – you are essential to life and mission of this parish.

Each of us has been given gifts. How will you use your gifts in this parish this fall? Lead a Bible or a book study, sing in the choir, serve on the Altar Guild, serve as a Eucharistic Minister, an acolyte, usher or Lector. These are just a few of the many opportunities to serve your parish. I look forward to seeing where the Lord will take us.

There is a collect in Morning Prayer that touched my heart for this ordinary of times. It is the collect for the Renewal of Life. It reads: O God, the King eternal, who divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep Your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done Your will with cheerfulness while it was day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give You thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

What struck me were the words: having done Your will with cheerfulness. It caused me to take stock. Do I always do His will with cheerfulness? There is such a joy that comes with serving our Lord, Jesus. I pray that His joy is always evident. Now as we enter into the season of Ordinary Time may we too experience the renewal of life in Jesus Christ. May we share His joy with others as we do His will with cheerfulness.

With my deepest gratitude for all that you do and all that you are, I am…

Yours in Christ
Carol+

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Posted on May 28, 2012 by

Dear friends in Christ,

There’s been a wrapped gift in the sanctuary. I’m sure you have all seen it at some point. I didn’t plan the end of my sermon on Pentecost but trusted the Holy Spirit to finish. Here are excerpts of that sermon:

In the readings for Pentecost we hear of wind and of fire. These two words evoke very powerful images. These two words evoke for the disciples powerful memories. Images and memories from the stories they have heard and told time and time again throughout their lives as told in the scriptures The Torah. They knew the Old Testament like the back of their hands. When Jesus promised that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit, they would remember the stories of God’s Spirit in their scriptures –– in their history.

Fire: What stories do we remember that deal with fire…
• The burning bush
• Pillar of fire by night to give light
• Fiery furnace
• I think of the story of the road to Emmaus… when the two men said.. “And were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us.”
• In today’s world we see the image of fire…we see its destructive power…the fires that ravage a forest or building.

I think of the one who tends the fire. Or the one who carried the fire… before the matches… the one who carried the embers as the group traveled from one place to another. An ember that stands alone will soon go out… but when embers are gathered together… they build off one another and flames begin.

How would you use the image of fire to describe your faith? I think there are times I am an ember… burning quiet even struggling to stay lit. At times I am that slow steady burning log… like the duraflame logs. Sometimes I am the fire starter…a match…my purpose is to get things started. And perhaps times when my fire is out of control… but I hope in a good way… where my heart burns as Christ opens the scriptures and sends me on my mission.

As you examine your life… your fire… If your fire is blazing…then spread the good news with others. Share the gift.

However, if you feel that your fire is barely burning – if the ruach-the Spirit has gone out of you… Come to the well and be renewed. Feast on His word. Soak yourself in prayer and praise. Open the gift that is waiting for you.

Come, Holy Spirit, and renew in us the fire of your love.
Fill us with holy expectancy as we gather in the name of Jesus.

Give us a passion for the Gospel, a heart for the lost, a willingness to do whatever it takes, and a commitment to one another.Stir up Your power within us, encourage us, empower us as disciples who make disciples for Jesus’ sake.   Amen.

Well, I went over and sat down. I asked if someone would please let the Spirit out of the box. And sure enough the Spirit moved in Josh to come up to the altar and open the gift. We watched in suspense as he worked on unwrapping the box. Finally he opened it and pulled out the red paper… and looked quite shocked at its contents. Or should I say lack of contents. I explained the box was empty because the Holy Spirit was given to us through our baptism. All we had to do is open our hearts.

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