Thursday, December 31, 2009
Another Pic
Couldn't resist posting this, it's from the official Episcopal Church PB page. Nice! Wish it was bigger!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
You Tube madness
I was just randomly looking around You Tube for some posting material. Though this is clearly a anti-KJS sentiment, I thought I'd post it just for novelty's sake.. I respect that he can put a song together but he can use some singing lessons..yikes!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_knN0c7I0A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_knN0c7I0A
Friday, December 18, 2009
Running On Faith
A nice article from Runner's World magazine showing the athletic side to KJS:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-369-374--12358-0,00.html
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-369-374--12358-0,00.html
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
KJS: Presiding Bishop, Sheep, Shepherd.
"I want to follow the Jesus who went to the graveyard and invited Lazarus back into life … who was willing to be taught by a foreign woman that he was supposed to give her good news, too. And I want to follow the Jesus who hung out with the wrong people, and challenged 'the right people' to re-examine their categories."
This was said by KJS during a visit to Dallas. There, she had a dialogue with Bishop Frey, who is considered a "more conservative" Episcopalian, and perhaps the polar opposite of KJS in many ways. Still they were able to speak rationally and amicably in front of hundreds who came. The talk, or "debate" ended with a hug.
Also from that day:
The Presiding Bishop described a postcard she keeps on her desk at the Episcopal Church Center, of a Navajo shepherd as an image of Jesus that speaks powerfully, yet humbly, to her.
"It's from a black-and-white photograph that was taken in 1925 near Shiprock, New Mexico," she told the gathering at St. Michael's & All Angels.
"Most of the sky is covered with dark clouds, but there is light in the distance on the horizon. The herd isn't all that big, but it has white sheep and black sheep, sheep with long hair and short, lambs and old ones. The shepherd is looking out over the backs of her sheep far into the distance. It's both reassurance and invitation for me, reminder that the good shepherd has all of us in his ken, and yet each one of those sheep, each of us, is called to similar kinds of shepherding on his behalf."
During the visit, she also dedicated a "jubilee center", an outreach ministry which benefits scores of children.
This was said by KJS during a visit to Dallas. There, she had a dialogue with Bishop Frey, who is considered a "more conservative" Episcopalian, and perhaps the polar opposite of KJS in many ways. Still they were able to speak rationally and amicably in front of hundreds who came. The talk, or "debate" ended with a hug.
Also from that day:
The Presiding Bishop described a postcard she keeps on her desk at the Episcopal Church Center, of a Navajo shepherd as an image of Jesus that speaks powerfully, yet humbly, to her.
"It's from a black-and-white photograph that was taken in 1925 near Shiprock, New Mexico," she told the gathering at St. Michael's & All Angels.
"Most of the sky is covered with dark clouds, but there is light in the distance on the horizon. The herd isn't all that big, but it has white sheep and black sheep, sheep with long hair and short, lambs and old ones. The shepherd is looking out over the backs of her sheep far into the distance. It's both reassurance and invitation for me, reminder that the good shepherd has all of us in his ken, and yet each one of those sheep, each of us, is called to similar kinds of shepherding on his behalf."
During the visit, she also dedicated a "jubilee center", an outreach ministry which benefits scores of children.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
"The Door Has Been Open For Many Years"
Only a few weeks after this interview with NPR took place, the Diocese of Los Angeles elected an openly gay female for bishop.
To listen to the interview, go here:
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wabe/news.newsmain/article/223/0/1578612/WABE.Features/Episcopal.Presiding.Bishop.Says.Door.Still.Open.to.Gay.Bishops
Full text of the interview is here:
November 16, 2009By Denis O'Hayer
6 years ago, Eugene Robinson became the first openly gay Episcopal bishop. But internal battles continue. Some parishes left the church, to join other parts of the Anglican Communion. This summer, the church's General Convention resolved that the screening process for new bishops is open to gays and lesbians. Two years ago, Episcopal leaders had said they'd hold off on gay bishops. Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori told WABE's Denis O'Hayer that's not a contradiction.
KJS: We did not see that as a reversal. The Canons or the Church Law of The Episcopal Church has for a long time said that the discernment process is open to any baptized person. So it does not represent a change. It represents a reaffirmation of what church law has said for a long time. It did not say anything about repudiating the statement that the bishops made in 2007.
NPR: So the bottom line is it fair to say that at least the door has been opened for gay and lesbian bishops in addition to Bishop Robinson.
KJS: The door has been open for many years.
NPR: So if an openly gay or lesbian person were to make it through to the stage where he or she could be consecrated bishop you would go ahead with that.
KJS: It is my duty, my canonical duty as Presiding Bishop, to take order for the consecration of a bishop whose election has been affirmed by the consent process.
NPR: The Archbishop of Canterbury said that we need to have a real thorough exploration of all of this and we need to have a wider consent within the communion in order to go ahead with either the consecration of gay bishops or blessings of gay unions. He said that does not exist in the communion right now. How do you feel about that?
KJS: The conversations been going on in The Episcopal Church for 45 years. The reality is that same-sex unions are blessed in many churches of the Anglican Communion. Not just in the United States or Canada, but in the Church of England. Not officially but that is reality.
NPR: Do you think there is scriptural basis for what the convention did and what is it.
KJS: The scriptural basis for what the convention affirmed about our discernment process is that each human being is made in the image of God.
NPR: I think perhaps for some folks the distinction is not about how one is made but how one behaves. All of the arguments I've read center around behavior, ways of acting, is there a difference between the two?
KJS: In some circumstances yes. My experience in talking to people about this is that some people who object to the ordination of gay and lesbian people really begin with their orientation. They cannot see beyond that. Others will admit that gay and lesbian people might be created in the image of god and be fit mattered whatever their orientation. But object to the fact that some live in partnered relationships. What the church is really called to do is support all its members in living holy lives as exemplars of God's love in the world. I think the biggest challenge we're having right now is knowing what holy living looks like. We do not reject people who give evidence of gluttony; we do not prima facie reject people who give evidence of excessive consumerism. I think those are far more challenging issues than long-term committed relationships of a person with the same gender.
NPR: You said in a conversation with me last year that approaching people who disagree we need to be in conversation and that's not lobbing words at each other its listening to each other. What would you say to somebody who says ‘ok this vote by the general convention is not conversation but a form of escalation'?
KJS: Legislative processes are not terrible conducive to conversation when we push something to a vote we create winners and losers. The decisions of General Convention last summer I don't honestly believe pushed things any farther. We simply re-iterated what the standards of this church are at this time.
NPR: That is not what at least some of those who've been unhappy with it are saying their saying ‘this is legislation this is top down and it is going in the wrong direction.'
KJS: It's hard to understand General Convention as being top down. It's nearly 1,000, its more than a 1000 people gathered together representing the broad diversity of this Church, seeking discernment in the name of Christ together. It's not an archbishop saying this is how things must be.
NPR: You've probably also hear people saying, 'this is going too slowly. If this is right, why not just do it the people who are gonna leave are gonna leave any why'?
KJS: Our tradition has been called the middle way for a very long time and its attention to the fact that we are called to deliberate action. Considered action. And it doesn't happen as fast as some would like it. It happens faster than others would like.
NPR: But in the mean time you are spending more and more of your resources on legal battles. Doesn't that take away from what the church should really be about?
KJS: The reality is that this is a portion of our mission. Preserving the assets of our church is a part of our responsibility. It's certainly not the whole of our responsibility. There are abundant resources for the work of the gospel. Our task is to focus on the ways they can be most productive.
NPR: Pope Benedict has said that or has started a process of really opening the door easing the process for Anglicans or Episcopalians who want to leave in groups and become Roman Catholics. They could keep their churches, they could keep much of the liturgy, they could keep the clergy, even married clergy. This is obviously still in the works, but how do you see that? Do you see that as an open challenge to The Episcopal Church?
KJS: No, there've been provisions that are effectively identical for nearly 30 years in the United States. Yes, some clergy have departed The Episcopal Church, some Episcopalians have departed The Episcopal Church for the Roman church. On the other hand, Roman Catholic clergy and people join The Episcopal Church. One of the Bishops in Florida says that the road between Canterbury and Rome is well traveled and our job is to make sure the stop lights work. I really don't think this is going to have any significant impact on the church in the United States or in the other parts of the world where The Episcopal Church exists. Despite these provisions, my understanding is that there are only four congregations that have developed as a result of this in the last 30 years. So it's unlikely to have any significant impact here.
NPR: You don't think the announcement as public as it is, is really an open invitation to Anglicans to crossover?
KJS: I don't think it is directed at The Episcopal Church.
NPR: The last time we were together I asked you a question, what do you pray for? When you pray now, do you do so from a position of feeling that the challenges facing the church are greater or smaller than they were?
KJS: I see challenges as invitations to growth. Challenge means that we're taking notice of the fact that we have not yet arrived at the fullness of the kingdom of God and therefore we have work to do. In The Episcopal Church, that has to do with celebrating our reality as a multi-cultural church and discovering the reality that there are vast numbers of un-churched people around us, who are hungry for the hope that the Gospel offers. There are countless numbers of people around us who need the hope that this church presents through ministry, with those on the margins.
NPR: So you don't see schism as inevitable or even having started?
KJS: No, no absolutely not.
End
To listen to the interview, go here:
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wabe/news.newsmain/article/223/0/1578612/WABE.Features/Episcopal.Presiding.Bishop.Says.Door.Still.Open.to.Gay.Bishops
Full text of the interview is here:
November 16, 2009By Denis O'Hayer
6 years ago, Eugene Robinson became the first openly gay Episcopal bishop. But internal battles continue. Some parishes left the church, to join other parts of the Anglican Communion. This summer, the church's General Convention resolved that the screening process for new bishops is open to gays and lesbians. Two years ago, Episcopal leaders had said they'd hold off on gay bishops. Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori told WABE's Denis O'Hayer that's not a contradiction.
KJS: We did not see that as a reversal. The Canons or the Church Law of The Episcopal Church has for a long time said that the discernment process is open to any baptized person. So it does not represent a change. It represents a reaffirmation of what church law has said for a long time. It did not say anything about repudiating the statement that the bishops made in 2007.
NPR: So the bottom line is it fair to say that at least the door has been opened for gay and lesbian bishops in addition to Bishop Robinson.
KJS: The door has been open for many years.
NPR: So if an openly gay or lesbian person were to make it through to the stage where he or she could be consecrated bishop you would go ahead with that.
KJS: It is my duty, my canonical duty as Presiding Bishop, to take order for the consecration of a bishop whose election has been affirmed by the consent process.
NPR: The Archbishop of Canterbury said that we need to have a real thorough exploration of all of this and we need to have a wider consent within the communion in order to go ahead with either the consecration of gay bishops or blessings of gay unions. He said that does not exist in the communion right now. How do you feel about that?
KJS: The conversations been going on in The Episcopal Church for 45 years. The reality is that same-sex unions are blessed in many churches of the Anglican Communion. Not just in the United States or Canada, but in the Church of England. Not officially but that is reality.
NPR: Do you think there is scriptural basis for what the convention did and what is it.
KJS: The scriptural basis for what the convention affirmed about our discernment process is that each human being is made in the image of God.
NPR: I think perhaps for some folks the distinction is not about how one is made but how one behaves. All of the arguments I've read center around behavior, ways of acting, is there a difference between the two?
KJS: In some circumstances yes. My experience in talking to people about this is that some people who object to the ordination of gay and lesbian people really begin with their orientation. They cannot see beyond that. Others will admit that gay and lesbian people might be created in the image of god and be fit mattered whatever their orientation. But object to the fact that some live in partnered relationships. What the church is really called to do is support all its members in living holy lives as exemplars of God's love in the world. I think the biggest challenge we're having right now is knowing what holy living looks like. We do not reject people who give evidence of gluttony; we do not prima facie reject people who give evidence of excessive consumerism. I think those are far more challenging issues than long-term committed relationships of a person with the same gender.
NPR: You said in a conversation with me last year that approaching people who disagree we need to be in conversation and that's not lobbing words at each other its listening to each other. What would you say to somebody who says ‘ok this vote by the general convention is not conversation but a form of escalation'?
KJS: Legislative processes are not terrible conducive to conversation when we push something to a vote we create winners and losers. The decisions of General Convention last summer I don't honestly believe pushed things any farther. We simply re-iterated what the standards of this church are at this time.
NPR: That is not what at least some of those who've been unhappy with it are saying their saying ‘this is legislation this is top down and it is going in the wrong direction.'
KJS: It's hard to understand General Convention as being top down. It's nearly 1,000, its more than a 1000 people gathered together representing the broad diversity of this Church, seeking discernment in the name of Christ together. It's not an archbishop saying this is how things must be.
NPR: You've probably also hear people saying, 'this is going too slowly. If this is right, why not just do it the people who are gonna leave are gonna leave any why'?
KJS: Our tradition has been called the middle way for a very long time and its attention to the fact that we are called to deliberate action. Considered action. And it doesn't happen as fast as some would like it. It happens faster than others would like.
NPR: But in the mean time you are spending more and more of your resources on legal battles. Doesn't that take away from what the church should really be about?
KJS: The reality is that this is a portion of our mission. Preserving the assets of our church is a part of our responsibility. It's certainly not the whole of our responsibility. There are abundant resources for the work of the gospel. Our task is to focus on the ways they can be most productive.
NPR: Pope Benedict has said that or has started a process of really opening the door easing the process for Anglicans or Episcopalians who want to leave in groups and become Roman Catholics. They could keep their churches, they could keep much of the liturgy, they could keep the clergy, even married clergy. This is obviously still in the works, but how do you see that? Do you see that as an open challenge to The Episcopal Church?
KJS: No, there've been provisions that are effectively identical for nearly 30 years in the United States. Yes, some clergy have departed The Episcopal Church, some Episcopalians have departed The Episcopal Church for the Roman church. On the other hand, Roman Catholic clergy and people join The Episcopal Church. One of the Bishops in Florida says that the road between Canterbury and Rome is well traveled and our job is to make sure the stop lights work. I really don't think this is going to have any significant impact on the church in the United States or in the other parts of the world where The Episcopal Church exists. Despite these provisions, my understanding is that there are only four congregations that have developed as a result of this in the last 30 years. So it's unlikely to have any significant impact here.
NPR: You don't think the announcement as public as it is, is really an open invitation to Anglicans to crossover?
KJS: I don't think it is directed at The Episcopal Church.
NPR: The last time we were together I asked you a question, what do you pray for? When you pray now, do you do so from a position of feeling that the challenges facing the church are greater or smaller than they were?
KJS: I see challenges as invitations to growth. Challenge means that we're taking notice of the fact that we have not yet arrived at the fullness of the kingdom of God and therefore we have work to do. In The Episcopal Church, that has to do with celebrating our reality as a multi-cultural church and discovering the reality that there are vast numbers of un-churched people around us, who are hungry for the hope that the Gospel offers. There are countless numbers of people around us who need the hope that this church presents through ministry, with those on the margins.
NPR: So you don't see schism as inevitable or even having started?
KJS: No, no absolutely not.
End
Friday, December 4, 2009
A New Episcopalian Looks Back
Episcopal Life published my commentary. In it, I mention meeting KJS:
Almost two months after I was baptized, the Episcopal Church elected its first female presiding bishop. Since part of the appeal of the church for me was its inclusion of women in the priesthood and episcopate, I was absolutely thrilled at this news. Unbeknownst to me at that time, I would get to meet this presiding bishop almost three years later and tell her in person how joining this church was the best decision I ever made.
The full text is here:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81840_117301_ENG_HTM.htm
People wrote in reactions to my piece. One of the reactions was this:
Re: New Episcopalian looks back
From Carole Hannon • Anthem, Arizona, Nov 27, 2009: I haven't become an Episcopalian YET, but everything sure seems to fit with what I believe. I've had a very bumpy road trying to figure out where my ever-evolving understanding of me and where religious affiliation is taking me. Then I heard Katharine Jefferts Schori and have been totally enamored of her ever since. My reasoning went something like this; if the Episcopal Church is where she calls home, then I need to check it out too. I'll be attending my first service this Sunday. When I visited yesterday, I spoke to the church secretary. I asked about the Book of Common Prayer and she said I could take it home. I copied the Catechism and have questions and would love to talk more about things. Thank you.
Whether Bishop Katharine is aware of it or not, she is changing lives.
Almost two months after I was baptized, the Episcopal Church elected its first female presiding bishop. Since part of the appeal of the church for me was its inclusion of women in the priesthood and episcopate, I was absolutely thrilled at this news. Unbeknownst to me at that time, I would get to meet this presiding bishop almost three years later and tell her in person how joining this church was the best decision I ever made.
The full text is here:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81840_117301_ENG_HTM.htm
People wrote in reactions to my piece. One of the reactions was this:
Re: New Episcopalian looks back
From Carole Hannon • Anthem, Arizona, Nov 27, 2009: I haven't become an Episcopalian YET, but everything sure seems to fit with what I believe. I've had a very bumpy road trying to figure out where my ever-evolving understanding of me and where religious affiliation is taking me. Then I heard Katharine Jefferts Schori and have been totally enamored of her ever since. My reasoning went something like this; if the Episcopal Church is where she calls home, then I need to check it out too. I'll be attending my first service this Sunday. When I visited yesterday, I spoke to the church secretary. I asked about the Book of Common Prayer and she said I could take it home. I copied the Catechism and have questions and would love to talk more about things. Thank you.
Whether Bishop Katharine is aware of it or not, she is changing lives.
Advent Message
Complete with church music in the background and birds flying behind her, KJS offers us a special message of hope and food for thought.
Straight Against Hate
KJS speaks out against persecution of gays in Uganda and other places:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_117521_ENG_HTM.htm
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_117521_ENG_HTM.htm
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Not Your Grandmother's Church
This ad was run in California. More info is found on this blog http://blogs.deanbaker.org/?p=1887, there's an excellent slideshow plus a sermon audio of her recent visit to Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento, California. Good stuff!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Could you please pass the salt?
Sermon reflecting on the "salt of the earth" and what that means:
Where do we encounter the kind of salt that Jesus is talking about, that salt of welcome and friendship and life? Where do you know salt in your own life? Maybe it was the whiff of salt in the air along New York's East River Thursday morning, as the tide pushed in from the sea, but what I thought of first was the salt within us. The taste of salt in the tears my eyes were making in the cold wind, but also the taste of salt in blood and sweat. And the connection with the sea isn't trivial - sea water has a lot to do with the composition of the blood in our veins. The salt within us is indeed about life, for it reflects our evolutionary history, and our origins in a salty sea.
http://day1.org/1615-the_most_rev_katharine_jefferts_schori_being_salt_in_the_world
Where do we encounter the kind of salt that Jesus is talking about, that salt of welcome and friendship and life? Where do you know salt in your own life? Maybe it was the whiff of salt in the air along New York's East River Thursday morning, as the tide pushed in from the sea, but what I thought of first was the salt within us. The taste of salt in the tears my eyes were making in the cold wind, but also the taste of salt in blood and sweat. And the connection with the sea isn't trivial - sea water has a lot to do with the composition of the blood in our veins. The salt within us is indeed about life, for it reflects our evolutionary history, and our origins in a salty sea.
http://day1.org/1615-the_most_rev_katharine_jefferts_schori_being_salt_in_the_world
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Icon
A lovely icon of KJS can be seen at this church in Los Angeles:http://www.holynativityparish.org/abouthn.htm
Monday, October 5, 2009
2010 Unofficial KJS Calendar
I made up a KJS 2010 calendar using some of the photos and quotes featured on this page. It a very simple layout: One pic and one quote a month, and the calendar is just the dates, just plain numbers (no holidays noted, etc). You can have one- just let me know I will email one to you. It is in a PDF format, and will be sent by Toobigforemail.com- a free program I use to send big files. This calandar is totally free, and not to be sold.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Forward Day by Day reading
SUNDAY, September 20 16 Pentecost
Mark 9:30-37. Whoever welcomes one such child...welcomes me. Several months ago I saw a wonderful picture of Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, clad in a brightly colored chasuble and sitting on the floor in church, surrounded by children. Our presiding bishop travels extensively. She is so available that whenever she comes to a diocese, she tries to spend time with children and youth. When she comes to consecrate a new bishop, she asks to stay over Sunday and visit a small church. She strives to make the office of presiding bishop touch as many people as possible.
All too often when people are elected to high office, they lose touch with the "children"--both literal ones and figurative ones. How refreshing it is to see young children in the White House, and see our President and First Lady as mom and dad.
Jesus makes no bones about the fact that when we welcome children into our life, we welcome him. May we never be so busy that we lose touch with the children. For when we welcome them, we welcome Jesus.
PRAY for the Diocese of Southwark (Canterbury, England)
Ps 1 and Proverbs 31:10-31 –OR– Ps 54 and Wisdom of Solomon 1:16-2:1, 12-22 or Jeremiah 11:18-20; James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Mark 9:30-37. Whoever welcomes one such child...welcomes me. Several months ago I saw a wonderful picture of Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, clad in a brightly colored chasuble and sitting on the floor in church, surrounded by children. Our presiding bishop travels extensively. She is so available that whenever she comes to a diocese, she tries to spend time with children and youth. When she comes to consecrate a new bishop, she asks to stay over Sunday and visit a small church. She strives to make the office of presiding bishop touch as many people as possible.
All too often when people are elected to high office, they lose touch with the "children"--both literal ones and figurative ones. How refreshing it is to see young children in the White House, and see our President and First Lady as mom and dad.
Jesus makes no bones about the fact that when we welcome children into our life, we welcome him. May we never be so busy that we lose touch with the children. For when we welcome them, we welcome Jesus.
PRAY for the Diocese of Southwark (Canterbury, England)
Ps 1 and Proverbs 31:10-31 –OR– Ps 54 and Wisdom of Solomon 1:16-2:1, 12-22 or Jeremiah 11:18-20; James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
A Picture and a Quote
Things that come in different sizes and colors and shapes and body forms are all part of that incredible diversity of creation that's present below the waters where we never even see them. And the Psalms tell us that God delights in that. That creation is in some sense God's way of-- loving the world.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Worth Repeating
This an interview with Bill Moyers in 2007, as a new Presiding Bishop. She touches on science and religion, schism and homosexuality and scripture. It's lovely to listen to. A lovely montage of her installation, her posing with squid as a marine biologist, and then as a pilot of her plane, and footage of her testifying to Congress about global warming lead up to the interview.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/06082007/watch2.html
Sunday, August 23, 2009
“Look for the blessing in the person that drives you crazy.”: The 30 Day Experiment
“Look for the blessing in the person that drives you crazy.”
This quote from ++KJS is something that really stuck with me. Perhaps the fact that she said it when she was visiting my diocese had something to do with it. Or not. Anyway, I decided to meditate on the quote every day for 30 days, and write down what happens each day when I apply the quote to daily events and people who I encounter. I'm on my 15th day now, and so far the experiences have been challenging and enriching, and also reflective. It is kind of amazing. The diary is written into a small booklet which I will transfer onto a blog when complete. It will be a separate blog than this one, as it will be too much about me, and I want this blog to remain a KJS blog purely. I look forward to sharing this with you.
This quote from ++KJS is something that really stuck with me. Perhaps the fact that she said it when she was visiting my diocese had something to do with it. Or not. Anyway, I decided to meditate on the quote every day for 30 days, and write down what happens each day when I apply the quote to daily events and people who I encounter. I'm on my 15th day now, and so far the experiences have been challenging and enriching, and also reflective. It is kind of amazing. The diary is written into a small booklet which I will transfer onto a blog when complete. It will be a separate blog than this one, as it will be too much about me, and I want this blog to remain a KJS blog purely. I look forward to sharing this with you.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
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Sunday, August 2, 2009
Bishop Katharine and the Native Americans
A story has been submitted to me from a fellow KJS admirer. Thank you so much for this story!
"Our Supply Priest today told me the most amazing ++KJS story. Apparently when Bishop Katharine visited the tiny church located on a Native American community (St Anna's in Atmore, Alabama, in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast,), the women of the congregation persented her with a handmade Native America quilt. And according to the priest who witnessed this, '++Katharine was crying tears of gratitude and joy as the ladies wrapped her in the quilt!' The priest who supplied for my parish today had been the interim priest at the parish on the Native American reservation, so she got to spend a lot of time with our PB. This is a photo from that day- she is wrapped in the quilt."
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Letter to the Church after the GC
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112789_ENG_HTM.htm
"My sense is that we have been very clear that we value our relationships within and around the Communion, and seek to deepen them. My sense as well is that we cannot do that without being honest about who and where we are. We are obviously not of one mind, and likely will not be until Jesus returns in all his glory. We are called by God to continue to wrestle with the circumstances in which we live and move and have our being, and to do it as carefully and faithfully as we are able, in companionship with those who disagree vehemently and agree wholeheartedly. It is only in that wrestling that we, like Jacob, will begin to discern the leading of the Spirit and the blessing of relationship with God."
"My sense is that we have been very clear that we value our relationships within and around the Communion, and seek to deepen them. My sense as well is that we cannot do that without being honest about who and where we are. We are obviously not of one mind, and likely will not be until Jesus returns in all his glory. We are called by God to continue to wrestle with the circumstances in which we live and move and have our being, and to do it as carefully and faithfully as we are able, in companionship with those who disagree vehemently and agree wholeheartedly. It is only in that wrestling that we, like Jacob, will begin to discern the leading of the Spirit and the blessing of relationship with God."
Friday, July 17, 2009
General Convention- closing comments
It was great to follow the General Convention, and especially nice to see headlines like "Episcopalians make move to be more inclusive of gays" appear on CNN and MSNBC, etc. I wondered how the Episcopal Church could get out the news that it is an inclusive church, and you can't buy better advertising than that.
In her closing sermon, Presiding Bishop Katharine says:
"We've heard lots of words these last 11 days. We've used those words to make policy, to claim our missionary heartbeat, to bind ourselves in solidarity with the least, the lost and the left out. Some of us have even had to eat our words – unexpected things have happened, we've made mistakes, and we may even have misused our words. We have eaten Word, sacramental Word becoming flesh in us, that our words might come closer to that original Word."
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112704_ENG_HTM.htm
She also gave the attendees some "homework", or "marching orders", take your pick- on feeding the sheep:
"The food you have to offer has to be digestible and attractive – it needs to be good news, if you’re going to tend the sheep around you. Going home with a list of complaints, or full of anger about what you wanted that didn’t pass, is only going to generate indigestion. That is not an act of love. Sure, every flock finds a few noxious weeds in the pasture, but healthy sheep learn to how to avoid them. Tending the sheep means leading them to good pasture and caring that they might grow. What food will you take?"
May God bless Bishop Katharine and all of those who attended the Convention. Grant them all safe travel back home where hopefully they will start to make more shalom. +In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
In her closing sermon, Presiding Bishop Katharine says:
"We've heard lots of words these last 11 days. We've used those words to make policy, to claim our missionary heartbeat, to bind ourselves in solidarity with the least, the lost and the left out. Some of us have even had to eat our words – unexpected things have happened, we've made mistakes, and we may even have misused our words. We have eaten Word, sacramental Word becoming flesh in us, that our words might come closer to that original Word."
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_112704_ENG_HTM.htm
She also gave the attendees some "homework", or "marching orders", take your pick- on feeding the sheep:
"The food you have to offer has to be digestible and attractive – it needs to be good news, if you’re going to tend the sheep around you. Going home with a list of complaints, or full of anger about what you wanted that didn’t pass, is only going to generate indigestion. That is not an act of love. Sure, every flock finds a few noxious weeds in the pasture, but healthy sheep learn to how to avoid them. Tending the sheep means leading them to good pasture and caring that they might grow. What food will you take?"
May God bless Bishop Katharine and all of those who attended the Convention. Grant them all safe travel back home where hopefully they will start to make more shalom. +In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. AMEN.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Lifting Women's Voices
This is a new book by Church Publishing which is a compilation of prayers written for and by Anglican women from all over the world. I had submitted a prayer when the editors were asking for contributions, and I am published in this book! It is such an honor to be in this wonderful book. It's special focus is on the Millennium Development Goals-which deal with women's empowerment, eliminating poverty and respecting the earth, and much more.
So what does this have to do with KJS? She wrote the forward to the book, and a beautiful forward at that. "We pray because we live in hope.", she says. It is so special to me that I am in the same book she is!
I'd like to share my prayer which is also in this book:
A Petition of Prayer for Women
For all women in our community, nation and world; we pray to you Lord God.
For all oppressed women; grant them strength to strive for equality, freedom and justice.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
For all women suffering abuse; grant them full autonomy of body and mind.
Give every woman a healthy sense of self-worth and confidence that does not cease.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Grant every woman infinite opportunity in religious and secular life.
Give them means to ascend to new heights and to break new ground.
Let their pathways be filled with peace and dignity.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
General Convention II
I Like This Quote!
"Episcopalians are like Boy Scouts – we like to be ready, with prayer book, hymnal, and bulletin in hand, and a Swiss army knife in our back pocket to open the wine bottle."
Sunday Eucharist sermon to United Thank Offering (UTO):
Thursday, July 9, 2009
General Convention, July 9, 2009: "Mission, mission, mission!"
Opening Eucharist and Sermon:
"A new heart results in renewed creation – that reconciling mission we're so fond of talking about."
Interestingly, she also spoke of "new hearts" when I saw her preach in March. It was great to hear, and I am glad she is speaking of that again.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Fasten Your Seatbelts!
Our KJS immortalized in a cartoon! This is July 2009 in a calendar by Church Publishing. The original is in color, with purple bishop's shirt, etc but the office doesn't have a color copier right now...so here's B&W version.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Prayers for this week's General Convention of the Episcopal Church
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (from the Book of Common Prayer)
My own prayer:
Almighty God, please grant all who are attending the Convention the wisdom and strength to practice the Baptismal Covenant, especially in matters of respecting the dignity of every human being. Especially look upon our sister, Bishop Katharine. Let her be an effective and strong leader during any turmoil that may strike during this time. Grant her safe travel, make her an instrument of peace and reconciliation. +In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
My own prayer:
Almighty God, please grant all who are attending the Convention the wisdom and strength to practice the Baptismal Covenant, especially in matters of respecting the dignity of every human being. Especially look upon our sister, Bishop Katharine. Let her be an effective and strong leader during any turmoil that may strike during this time. Grant her safe travel, make her an instrument of peace and reconciliation. +In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
More "Gospel"
"Gospel in the Global Village..." book review on EpiscopalLife
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81827_111285_ENG_HTM.htm
Here's another quote from the book that I like, she said this in England, where women are still fighting to become ordained bishops.
"Courage come from a deep confidence in being beloved of God, in knowing that nothing can separate us from that love, including death, failure, social opprobrium, or the ecclesiastical equivalent of being labeled a feminist, a bitch, or even nastier things."
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81827_111285_ENG_HTM.htm
Here's another quote from the book that I like, she said this in England, where women are still fighting to become ordained bishops.
"Courage come from a deep confidence in being beloved of God, in knowing that nothing can separate us from that love, including death, failure, social opprobrium, or the ecclesiastical equivalent of being labeled a feminist, a bitch, or even nastier things."
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Article:‘Media Doesn’t Cover Good Things We Do’
Worth a mention:
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2009/5/1/west-texas
“The hot-button issues are a part of our mission, but only a part. Human sexuality is part of being a creature of God but it’s only a part. The media doesn’t want to cover the good things we do. Episcopal Relief and Development is working in 42 countries and touching 2.5 million lives every year. That does not make the news.”
“As Anglicans we are supposed to be able to live in tension......We’re not good at it. It’s a hard place to live, but it’s a life-giving place to live. Dealing with the conflict in the midst of it in a gracious way, I think, is the way to go through it.”
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2009/5/1/west-texas
“The hot-button issues are a part of our mission, but only a part. Human sexuality is part of being a creature of God but it’s only a part. The media doesn’t want to cover the good things we do. Episcopal Relief and Development is working in 42 countries and touching 2.5 million lives every year. That does not make the news.”
“As Anglicans we are supposed to be able to live in tension......We’re not good at it. It’s a hard place to live, but it’s a life-giving place to live. Dealing with the conflict in the midst of it in a gracious way, I think, is the way to go through it.”
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
New book: "Gospel in the Global Village..."
Excerpt:“Beware of religious leaders who are unwilling to serve the greater good, who insist that God loves only some, or who say that a portion of humanity is not worthy of respect or dignity. That is a hamstrung and limping version of the great dream of shalom, salaam, or shanti(the Sanskrit word for peace). As in the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr., we seek a world in which all children can grow and play together, unconcerned by those accidents of birth or life that others see as all-defining. We seek a world where the poor hear good news, the ill are healed and the hungry fed; where prisoners are forgiven, set free, and restored to community; where no one studies war any more. We seek a world in which the systems that maintain some in servitude or slavery are abolished, where all have the minimal right to life, liberty, and thepursuit of happiness. But even more, we seek a world where all have the right to full and abundant lives at peace with their neighbors.”
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Sermon-4/26/2009
I met the risen one just a few days ago. I sat in a hotel restaurant alone, waiting for my dinner. Suddenly someone came up behind me to say hello – a leader in this church, with whom I have not recently had a very fruitful relationship. I invited this person to join me, and the invitation was accepted. We had a very good time – as we shared stories of sorrow and hope in our own families, old suspicions began to fade away, perceived slights were forgiven, and together we delighted in signs of new life in a number of places around this church. I know the risen one was in our midst – and the fish was very tasty.
Will you be a witness?
Full sermon here:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/78703_107141_ENG_HTM.htm
Will you be a witness?
Full sermon here:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/78703_107141_ENG_HTM.htm
Monday, May 4, 2009
More quotes
"Chapter 61 of Isaiah is an icon for me of what Christian work should be about. That's what Jesus reads in his first public act. In Luke, he walks into the synagogue and reads from Isaiah. It talks about a vision of the reign of God where those who are mourning are comforted, where the hungry are fed, where the poor hear good news."
"When we remember our baptisms in the sprinkling in a few minutes, most of us will probably cringe. We don't like to get wet. But I hope and pray that you and I can welcome those surprising drops as a tiny reminder of what is meant to happen to us, over and over again, day after day after day. Die to the old, be unbound, come out into abundant life in service to the world. Wake up, and notice the suffering around us."
"Turn inward for a moment and greet the spirit planted within you. When we come to the peace, turn to your neighbors and greet the saints, the fire-lighters in this field. Welcome, saint! Burn brightly and transform this world of god’s into a field for life, full measure, pressed down and overflowing, meant for all humanity and creation. Burn!"
“Look for the blessing in the person that drives you crazy.”
When asked "What is your prayer for the church today?":
"That we remember the centrality of our mission is to love each other. That means caring for our neighbors. And it does not mean bickering about fine points of doctrine."
"As a scientist and an Episcopalian, I cherish the prayer that follows a baptism, that the newly baptized may receive "the gift of joy and wonder in all God's works." I spent the early years of my adulthood as an oceanographer, studying squid and octopuses, including their evolutionary relationships. I have always found that God's creation is "strange and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139). ..."
"The vast preponderance of scientific evidence, including geology, paleontology, archaeology, genetics and natural history, indicates that Darwin was in large part correct in his original hypothesis."
"Not to use our brains in understanding the world around us seems a cardinal sin."
"I think there is some incredible sense of divine humor in calling somebody who is that much of an introvert to do the kind of work I’m doing."
"Each of us, and each portion of the church in tension, must repent of its self-centeredness and excessive hubris, seek reconciliation with its most hated opponents, and find new ways of living together. It will not be painless or easy, but it is the road to abundant life."
"Go hunting for the unloved."
“Our job is to show up, pay attention, tell the truth, and leave the rest up to God.”
"I will bend over backward to build relationships with people who disagree with me ."
On why her parents left the Roman Catholic Church: "I think my parents were looking for a place where wrestling with questions was encouraged rather than discouraged."
"When we remember our baptisms in the sprinkling in a few minutes, most of us will probably cringe. We don't like to get wet. But I hope and pray that you and I can welcome those surprising drops as a tiny reminder of what is meant to happen to us, over and over again, day after day after day. Die to the old, be unbound, come out into abundant life in service to the world. Wake up, and notice the suffering around us."
"I don't bring the history of forty years in the same parish ... But I bring different life experience. I bring the training to see the world carefully .... The gift to me has been to be able to serve in a lot of different ways in the church -- as an active lay person and as a priest later."
"Turn inward for a moment and greet the spirit planted within you. When we come to the peace, turn to your neighbors and greet the saints, the fire-lighters in this field. Welcome, saint! Burn brightly and transform this world of god’s into a field for life, full measure, pressed down and overflowing, meant for all humanity and creation. Burn!"
“Look for the blessing in the person that drives you crazy.”
When asked "What is your prayer for the church today?":
"That we remember the centrality of our mission is to love each other. That means caring for our neighbors. And it does not mean bickering about fine points of doctrine."
"As a scientist and an Episcopalian, I cherish the prayer that follows a baptism, that the newly baptized may receive "the gift of joy and wonder in all God's works." I spent the early years of my adulthood as an oceanographer, studying squid and octopuses, including their evolutionary relationships. I have always found that God's creation is "strange and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139). ..."
"The vast preponderance of scientific evidence, including geology, paleontology, archaeology, genetics and natural history, indicates that Darwin was in large part correct in his original hypothesis."
"Not to use our brains in understanding the world around us seems a cardinal sin."
"I think there is some incredible sense of divine humor in calling somebody who is that much of an introvert to do the kind of work I’m doing."
"Each of us, and each portion of the church in tension, must repent of its self-centeredness and excessive hubris, seek reconciliation with its most hated opponents, and find new ways of living together. It will not be painless or easy, but it is the road to abundant life."
"Go hunting for the unloved."
“Our job is to show up, pay attention, tell the truth, and leave the rest up to God.”
"I will bend over backward to build relationships with people who disagree with me ."
On why her parents left the Roman Catholic Church: "I think my parents were looking for a place where wrestling with questions was encouraged rather than discouraged."
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Past appointments
Former parish in Oregon where she was Assistant Rector:
http://www.goodsamchurch.com/
Former Diocese (Nevada) where she was Bishop
http://www.nvdiocese.org/
http://www.goodsamchurch.com/
Former Diocese (Nevada) where she was Bishop
http://www.nvdiocese.org/
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Why a KJS Fan Page?
I took this photo of KJS whe she visited a church in Philadelphia.
Though not the best quality (it was taken with my cell phone), I love this photo and how the sun is shining through the church window right onto her!
Though not the best quality (it was taken with my cell phone), I love this photo and how the sun is shining through the church window right onto her!Turn inward for a moment and greet the spirit planted within you.- KJS
You may be wondering why someone (like me) would create a page dedicated to The Most Reverend Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. I'll do my best to explain this:
In 2006, I found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church. I made it "official" by getting baptized on Easter 2006. As someone new to the Church, I was very keen on following Church news and issues. So I obviously I was following the General Convention of the Church (it takes place every 3 years) in the summer of 2006 and knew that a new Church leader- a new Presiding Bishop was to be elected as the current one was finishing his 9 year term.
I was following the happenings online when the news broke that the Episcopal Church had elected its first female Presiding Bishop- the first woman leader in the Anglican Communion, the first woman to lead a major Christian denomination. The news broke on CNN and other major news outlets.
Being someone who cheers any time a woman breaks a glass ceiling- especially in the field of religion, I was thrilled. I was excited to be part of the Episcopal Church and I knew my decision to join was a right move. To see her elected in the same year of my baptism was a thrill.
Her status made her an instant celebrity of sorts: her background was the subject of several articles and the interviews started to appear. The more I learned about her, the more I admired her. And I thought, "I'd love to hear and see her in person!"
It is exciting for me to have a leader who was not only female in a field that had been previously male-dominated, but to have a leader who has a science background (marine biology), who believes in Darwin and knows that science and religion are not mutually exclusive. I feel the same way.
I also like it that she's a pilot and she loves nature. She has a sense of adventure. She mixes the beauty and wonders of nature with Gospel and the Baptismal Covenant so well in her book, "A Wing and a Prayer." The book is a message of peace, justice and hope. It is great to open and read any page, especially on days when you feel frustrated, are disappointed in something or someone, or think you are losing faith or burning out. It is a great remedy.
She speaks Spanish and is well traveled. She has an appreciation for small parishes and knows that they are as important as the bigger cathedrals. I also like that she supports gay clergy and gay unions: all are to be accepted and included just as Jesus was accepting of everyone. She sympathizes with the marginalized.
I admire her leadership, and her willingness to take on a denomination that has had it's share of conflicts. She's already been vilified by some inside and even outside the Episcopal Church. This is not easy for anyone to stomach, but I have confidence in her as a leader. I pray for her every Sunday during Prayers of the People, and I mean it!
As the first woman Presiding Bishop, she is a historical figure as well, I followed her installation online and shared the experience with others. It was very moving. I am sure she is an inspiration to many women young and old, and will continue to be so.
I think her strength as a leader, her compassion and sincerity come through even in photographs, hence why I posted so many.
She became a topic of conversation among various Anglican/Episcopal message boards, blogs, etc. I started talking about her too on my own blog. Then the idea came to me that she deserves her own page. It's not that unusual that a religious figure has a blog/site devoted to them. Cardinal Ratzinger had an online fan club long before he was Pope Benedict XVI!
Three years later after her election, she visited my diocese and I got to see her celebrate Eucharist in that colorful chasuble and mitre first seen on the day she was installed. Everything about her was so calming- the tone of her voice, the words of her sermon, even her physical gestures. It was time for communion and I could not believe that I was now going to stand in front of her face to face. I stood in front of her, she looked right in my face and I received communion from her, I was so honored and moved that I burst into tears as I made my way back to my seat! After the service was over, I got up the nerve to talk to her and tell her how much I loved being part of the Church and that I was still a fairly new member. She told me, "Welcome home." -as she shook my hand. She was also kind enough to sign my copy of "A Wing and a Prayer." She radiated such warmth and goodness. She will look you right in the eye when she speaks to you, as if you are the most important person in the room.
It's safe to say that this encounter made me an even bigger fan than before.
I think that some may appreciate this page. Comments are welcome, and feel free to link this page in your page if you so desire. I'd like to know about it though!
Peace and Shalom,
Stacey
You may be wondering why someone (like me) would create a page dedicated to The Most Reverend Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. I'll do my best to explain this:
In 2006, I found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church. I made it "official" by getting baptized on Easter 2006. As someone new to the Church, I was very keen on following Church news and issues. So I obviously I was following the General Convention of the Church (it takes place every 3 years) in the summer of 2006 and knew that a new Church leader- a new Presiding Bishop was to be elected as the current one was finishing his 9 year term.
I was following the happenings online when the news broke that the Episcopal Church had elected its first female Presiding Bishop- the first woman leader in the Anglican Communion, the first woman to lead a major Christian denomination. The news broke on CNN and other major news outlets.
Being someone who cheers any time a woman breaks a glass ceiling- especially in the field of religion, I was thrilled. I was excited to be part of the Episcopal Church and I knew my decision to join was a right move. To see her elected in the same year of my baptism was a thrill.
Her status made her an instant celebrity of sorts: her background was the subject of several articles and the interviews started to appear. The more I learned about her, the more I admired her. And I thought, "I'd love to hear and see her in person!"
It is exciting for me to have a leader who was not only female in a field that had been previously male-dominated, but to have a leader who has a science background (marine biology), who believes in Darwin and knows that science and religion are not mutually exclusive. I feel the same way.
I also like it that she's a pilot and she loves nature. She has a sense of adventure. She mixes the beauty and wonders of nature with Gospel and the Baptismal Covenant so well in her book, "A Wing and a Prayer." The book is a message of peace, justice and hope. It is great to open and read any page, especially on days when you feel frustrated, are disappointed in something or someone, or think you are losing faith or burning out. It is a great remedy.
She speaks Spanish and is well traveled. She has an appreciation for small parishes and knows that they are as important as the bigger cathedrals. I also like that she supports gay clergy and gay unions: all are to be accepted and included just as Jesus was accepting of everyone. She sympathizes with the marginalized.
I admire her leadership, and her willingness to take on a denomination that has had it's share of conflicts. She's already been vilified by some inside and even outside the Episcopal Church. This is not easy for anyone to stomach, but I have confidence in her as a leader. I pray for her every Sunday during Prayers of the People, and I mean it!
As the first woman Presiding Bishop, she is a historical figure as well, I followed her installation online and shared the experience with others. It was very moving. I am sure she is an inspiration to many women young and old, and will continue to be so.
I think her strength as a leader, her compassion and sincerity come through even in photographs, hence why I posted so many.
She became a topic of conversation among various Anglican/Episcopal message boards, blogs, etc. I started talking about her too on my own blog. Then the idea came to me that she deserves her own page. It's not that unusual that a religious figure has a blog/site devoted to them. Cardinal Ratzinger had an online fan club long before he was Pope Benedict XVI!
Three years later after her election, she visited my diocese and I got to see her celebrate Eucharist in that colorful chasuble and mitre first seen on the day she was installed. Everything about her was so calming- the tone of her voice, the words of her sermon, even her physical gestures. It was time for communion and I could not believe that I was now going to stand in front of her face to face. I stood in front of her, she looked right in my face and I received communion from her, I was so honored and moved that I burst into tears as I made my way back to my seat! After the service was over, I got up the nerve to talk to her and tell her how much I loved being part of the Church and that I was still a fairly new member. She told me, "Welcome home." -as she shook my hand. She was also kind enough to sign my copy of "A Wing and a Prayer." She radiated such warmth and goodness. She will look you right in the eye when she speaks to you, as if you are the most important person in the room.
It's safe to say that this encounter made me an even bigger fan than before.
I think that some may appreciate this page. Comments are welcome, and feel free to link this page in your page if you so desire. I'd like to know about it though!
Peace and Shalom,
Stacey
Monday, April 27, 2009
Additional links
Facebook fan page
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1103814976&ref=name#/pages/The-Most-Reverend-Katharine-Jefferts-Schori/35804395284
Commerative merchadise on Cafepress:
http://shop.cafepress.com/katharine-jefferts-schori
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1103814976&ref=name#/pages/The-Most-Reverend-Katharine-Jefferts-Schori/35804395284
Commerative merchadise on Cafepress:
http://shop.cafepress.com/katharine-jefferts-schori
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