At our Parish Brunch-and-Meet last Sunday, the discussion of parish finances and stewardship stirred a pot of strong feelings and beliefs. At a time when, frankly, we are not able to meet all the financial goals we have set for ourselves (including our charitable giving, compensation for pastor, and other items), does it make any sense whatsoever to even think about taking on other financial commitments (like contributing to the Chapel's upkeep)?
Applying sound and prudent business principles, one would immediately say, "Good God, NO! - Don't take on additional obligations when you haven't figured out how to meet current ones." I suspect no one would disagree with this in consideration of normal family or business finances. Except that this instinctive response, on closer examination, proves faulty. Families and businesses, in fact, quite regularly take on additional obligations. Family examples might include spending for medical expenses, or for unforeseen home repairs, or for emergency travel, or for tithing to one's church. Business examples include costs of expanding the business in a down year ("You must spend money to make money"), capitalizing on unforeseen opportunities requiring up-front investment, or bolstering an underperforming subsidiary.
In all these cases, prudent management often condones deficit spending (and I haven't even mentioned the government!). But there is still a more subtle reason for considering such commitments by a parish community.
One of the tenets of stewardship has been the principle of "sacrificial giving." What this means is that I am called upon to offer support for my community from my substance, rather than from my excess. In other words, I don't wait to see what's left over for the church; I find some prudent way to give from my substance, and this may mean that I have to tighten the belt in other ways. That is, the church becomes a primary, rather than an optional, recipient of my giving.
In a similar way, without violating prudent budgeting and financial management, it is a calling for every church community to think outside the box (pardon the tired cliche) - to go beyond the normal bounds of family or business operations when we envision commitments that are suggested for our consideration. Does the suggested commitment really have a close bearing on our authentic Christian witness, on our sense of identity as a parish? Would its neglect do damage to that authenticity? In other words, if we never make contributions to the needs of our greater community, if we never do charitable giving, hasn't this affected our claim to authenticity as a Gospel community? Would it not be better to begin to actually make such a commitment, thereby forcing ourselves to come to terms with what it requires, rather than simply to say, "We can't afford it now; maybe sometime in the future"?
Making public commitments requires a parish to take a fundamental stance. If it results in interim deficit financing, then the leadership has an obligation to contend with this so as to avoid shortfalls. It is simply not sufficient to avoid the commitments arising out of authentic mission on the grounds of financial wherewithal. Making the commitment will tend to generate the wherewithal.
Some will dismiss this reasoning as irresponsible, and others will decry its lack of "real world" awareness. But some may find value in a sort of ongoing, forced reckoning with the implications of Christian witness. At a certain point, perhaps we become more conditioned to replace "either/or" thinking with a "both/and" stance. What do you think?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Denver Interfaith Council Invites Us
I have been in communication with Rev. John Thompson, who chairs the Denver Interfaith Council at Stapleton, and who invites our membership in the Council. I’m not sure if any of our parishioners have ever taken part in such a group, but I believe this would be a wonderful experience for us.
Years ago, while pastoring in Colorado Springs, I was invited to join the Pikes Peak Interfaith Council. Over the next six years I was very much involved, including service as President and in other roles. It was a vibrant, focused group, and we spent a great deal of time learning about one another and trying to grow our own hospitality to difference – in beliefs and expression – before tackling the world.
We did tackle local issues where we felt it appropriate to do so. Peace and social justice issues were a substantial theme. Pooling our resources to invite prominent speakers to town was a great tool for our mutual learning and outreach. We tried to steer clear of politics per se, but on issues campaigns, we were a prominent voice (at least, a frequent and for some, an annoying voice).
Our method was interesting: each month we’d meet at a member’s place of worship. One month it was at a Mormon church, the next perhaps at the UCC, and then the Unitarian Universalists, then the Roman Catholic, next the Pagans (we met in a park!), and so on. The host would devote part of the program to a brief introduction/explanation of her/his faith tradition’s worship, with a helpful tour of the worship space. After this, and usually over a lunch, we’d break open our discussion on both agenda topics and new ideas. Usually we’d have 15-20 folks on hand. It developed into a great fellowship, and soon we were leaning on one another for mutual support, fellowship, and fun.
When I returned to Denver, I inquired but found the Denver Interfaith Council to be inactive. That was a great disappointment following the healthy experience in Colorado Springs. And that’s why this new invitation – and the prospect of a good, healthy group here – is so appealing to me.
These are NOT exclusively clergy groups. I am hoping that some folks in our parish might have an interest in attending to check it out. They meet once a month, on the second Wednesday, at Johnson and Wales University in the President's Boardroom in the student union building. Quebec Street just north of 17th Avenue. The meeting runs from 9:30 am-11:00 am.
Hope you’ll join me on August 12th.
Years ago, while pastoring in Colorado Springs, I was invited to join the Pikes Peak Interfaith Council. Over the next six years I was very much involved, including service as President and in other roles. It was a vibrant, focused group, and we spent a great deal of time learning about one another and trying to grow our own hospitality to difference – in beliefs and expression – before tackling the world.
We did tackle local issues where we felt it appropriate to do so. Peace and social justice issues were a substantial theme. Pooling our resources to invite prominent speakers to town was a great tool for our mutual learning and outreach. We tried to steer clear of politics per se, but on issues campaigns, we were a prominent voice (at least, a frequent and for some, an annoying voice).
Our method was interesting: each month we’d meet at a member’s place of worship. One month it was at a Mormon church, the next perhaps at the UCC, and then the Unitarian Universalists, then the Roman Catholic, next the Pagans (we met in a park!), and so on. The host would devote part of the program to a brief introduction/explanation of her/his faith tradition’s worship, with a helpful tour of the worship space. After this, and usually over a lunch, we’d break open our discussion on both agenda topics and new ideas. Usually we’d have 15-20 folks on hand. It developed into a great fellowship, and soon we were leaning on one another for mutual support, fellowship, and fun.
When I returned to Denver, I inquired but found the Denver Interfaith Council to be inactive. That was a great disappointment following the healthy experience in Colorado Springs. And that’s why this new invitation – and the prospect of a good, healthy group here – is so appealing to me.
These are NOT exclusively clergy groups. I am hoping that some folks in our parish might have an interest in attending to check it out. They meet once a month, on the second Wednesday, at Johnson and Wales University in the President's Boardroom in the student union building. Quebec Street just north of 17th Avenue. The meeting runs from 9:30 am-11:00 am.
Hope you’ll join me on August 12th.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thinking Ecumenically
On our parish website, I was adding some elements emphasizing our ecumenical nature, when the light bulb went on: Not everyone knows what the word means! How many really have any sense of the history of the ecumenical movement, in this country or worldwide? It's a rich and inspiring history, but not widely known, even among "ecumenical" folks. Since we as a Communion have chosen to include "Ecumenical" in our name, it's a subject we should all be immersed in.
First, let's clarify: "ecumenical," technically, refers to openness to and dialogue among all Christian faiths, with a view to finding common ground. Beyond the Christian realm, openness and dialogue with other religions has been termed "Interreligious" or "Interfaith." In recent years, however, the first term, "ecumenical," has been more commonly used to refer to any and every sort of reaching out, hospitality, encounter and dialogue among religions, and this is the broader sense that our Ecumenical Catholic Communion wishes to champion.
I did write a piece on the meaning of the term, and linked it on the About Us page (please have a look). But I'm still reflecting, and remembering - when was the first time I heard of "ecumenical"? I believe it was in the early 70's, when the religious world was still brimming with the excitement of Vatican II. Churches had really begun to talk with one another, and to look for common ground. Now, to be sure, some churches were vigorously going the opposite way - refusing such discussions, insisting on their own primacy or authenticity while discounting the legitimacy of other bodies. But the World Council of Churches was by then about 25 years old, and it was moving steadfastly in the direction of cooperation, collaboration and dialogue. I have always felt the Holy Spirit was behind this, for the movement had overcome so many obstacles to that dialogue.
I had been a young Jesuit seminarian at the time of the Second Vatican Council. What a heady, exciting time for the church (not to mention a fledgling seminarian). The winds of change were transporting many of us toward new ways of thinking about "the other" - you know, those other people who belong to different churches, the ones we'd been raised to think were going to hell. Suddenly we were asked to consider what we might learn from them, to imagine that they were our sisters and brothers in faith. They spoke "a different language" of faith and theology, of belief and practice - but they were seeking God just as devoutly, as passionately, as we were.
Make no mistake - we have a long, long way to go. Some religionists still proclaim theirs is the only way, and some even chant "death to the infidels." But the worldwide ecumenical movement has made wonderful, important strides. The case has been made for respect, tolerance and cooperation. What remains is to see who really cares. Who will commit to advancing the cause in their own lives, in their own churches and communities? Will we?
At St. A's I hope we will begin to chart a course that involves us more concretely in the ecumenical movement. I'm suggesting a number of activities we might consider, and I would sure love to hear from one and all about your own feelings and opinions on the subject. Here are some initial suggestions for how we can become more ecumenical in our actions as well as our words:
Regularly inviting representatives of other faith groups – Christian, Jews, Muslim, Buddhists and others to offer prayers and presentations for our learning and the opening of our minds and hearts and spirits.
Recognizing the holy days of other religions by explicit mention within our celebrations of eucharist, and in our newsletters and other communications.
Exploring ecumenical topics in book groups or movie clubs.
Appointing delegates to local interfaith groups.
Seeking to partner with other faith groups in projects for social justice.
Creating special ecumenical prayers and distributing to our members.
Offering support – physical presence, labor, prayer, etc – whenever another faith group or congregation is the object of defamation, vandalism or violence.
Best and blessings to you.
First, let's clarify: "ecumenical," technically, refers to openness to and dialogue among all Christian faiths, with a view to finding common ground. Beyond the Christian realm, openness and dialogue with other religions has been termed "Interreligious" or "Interfaith." In recent years, however, the first term, "ecumenical," has been more commonly used to refer to any and every sort of reaching out, hospitality, encounter and dialogue among religions, and this is the broader sense that our Ecumenical Catholic Communion wishes to champion.
I did write a piece on the meaning of the term, and linked it on the About Us page (please have a look). But I'm still reflecting, and remembering - when was the first time I heard of "ecumenical"? I believe it was in the early 70's, when the religious world was still brimming with the excitement of Vatican II. Churches had really begun to talk with one another, and to look for common ground. Now, to be sure, some churches were vigorously going the opposite way - refusing such discussions, insisting on their own primacy or authenticity while discounting the legitimacy of other bodies. But the World Council of Churches was by then about 25 years old, and it was moving steadfastly in the direction of cooperation, collaboration and dialogue. I have always felt the Holy Spirit was behind this, for the movement had overcome so many obstacles to that dialogue.
I had been a young Jesuit seminarian at the time of the Second Vatican Council. What a heady, exciting time for the church (not to mention a fledgling seminarian). The winds of change were transporting many of us toward new ways of thinking about "the other" - you know, those other people who belong to different churches, the ones we'd been raised to think were going to hell. Suddenly we were asked to consider what we might learn from them, to imagine that they were our sisters and brothers in faith. They spoke "a different language" of faith and theology, of belief and practice - but they were seeking God just as devoutly, as passionately, as we were.
Make no mistake - we have a long, long way to go. Some religionists still proclaim theirs is the only way, and some even chant "death to the infidels." But the worldwide ecumenical movement has made wonderful, important strides. The case has been made for respect, tolerance and cooperation. What remains is to see who really cares. Who will commit to advancing the cause in their own lives, in their own churches and communities? Will we?
At St. A's I hope we will begin to chart a course that involves us more concretely in the ecumenical movement. I'm suggesting a number of activities we might consider, and I would sure love to hear from one and all about your own feelings and opinions on the subject. Here are some initial suggestions for how we can become more ecumenical in our actions as well as our words:
Regularly inviting representatives of other faith groups – Christian, Jews, Muslim, Buddhists and others to offer prayers and presentations for our learning and the opening of our minds and hearts and spirits.
Recognizing the holy days of other religions by explicit mention within our celebrations of eucharist, and in our newsletters and other communications.
Exploring ecumenical topics in book groups or movie clubs.
Appointing delegates to local interfaith groups.
Seeking to partner with other faith groups in projects for social justice.
Creating special ecumenical prayers and distributing to our members.
Offering support – physical presence, labor, prayer, etc – whenever another faith group or congregation is the object of defamation, vandalism or violence.
Best and blessings to you.
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Parish and the Web
Today St. Augustine's launches its long-awaited Website. I hope you'll visit it, at: http://www.staugustine-ecc.org/
Many, many parish members were involved in brainstorming the website over several years. We were blessed with a handful of technical wizards as well as with the creative types, imagining layouts and colors and such. And yet, for all our enthusiasm, we lagged, and the project languished.
Then we received a robust kick in the pants, primarily from our Parish Council leaders, who said in one voice: "Get off the pot." And at that time, Bill Hanzel (Holy Family parish) appeared from the ether and offered his services to us. Bill is the ECC Webmaster and has created websites for a number of our sister parishes. In fairness, he'd been doggedly offering to help us for well over a year. But he reappeared and this time, we bit.
Please let us know what you think of the website. Suggestions are HEARTILY welcomed. Any offerings, grand or modest, are eagerly sought.
We are, after all, in the 21st century. Thus the website. Thus this blog. Thus all the marvelous contraptions and devices reputed to "simplify" our lives. But in the end, none of it matters a whit, if it doesn't truly, in a genuine and enduring way, help to draw us closer to one another.
Thanks to Bill Hanzel and all those in the parish who lent creative hands to this work.
Blessings, one and all.
Many, many parish members were involved in brainstorming the website over several years. We were blessed with a handful of technical wizards as well as with the creative types, imagining layouts and colors and such. And yet, for all our enthusiasm, we lagged, and the project languished.
Then we received a robust kick in the pants, primarily from our Parish Council leaders, who said in one voice: "Get off the pot." And at that time, Bill Hanzel (Holy Family parish) appeared from the ether and offered his services to us. Bill is the ECC Webmaster and has created websites for a number of our sister parishes. In fairness, he'd been doggedly offering to help us for well over a year. But he reappeared and this time, we bit.
Please let us know what you think of the website. Suggestions are HEARTILY welcomed. Any offerings, grand or modest, are eagerly sought.
We are, after all, in the 21st century. Thus the website. Thus this blog. Thus all the marvelous contraptions and devices reputed to "simplify" our lives. But in the end, none of it matters a whit, if it doesn't truly, in a genuine and enduring way, help to draw us closer to one another.
Thanks to Bill Hanzel and all those in the parish who lent creative hands to this work.
Blessings, one and all.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Reflecting on The Retreat
I have had several days to reflect on the ECC Retreat in Estes Park. My impressions are many and varied, which is as it should be, given the wonderfully diverse and incredibly gifted bunch of people who attended. Eighty-some in all, from around the country. How good to see friends, and good to make new ones. The conversations, both in the formal sessions and around the tables at meal time, were in earnest, interesting, funny, serious, provoking - a very heady stew.
The prayer sessions (Morning and Evening Prayer each day, in addition to Eucharist) were a great mix of style and content. Each was warmly evocative of the Spirit, perfect beginnings and endings for our time together. St. Augustine's had the honor of presenting Morning Prayer for Thursday. Ours was a simple format, taken right out of the Liturgy of the Hours. In comparison to some of the other services, it was nearly austere, and yet I think each of the services provided a nice contrast with the others, and all of them together afforded a sweep of liturgical possibilities. We began and ended our prayer in song, with able assist from the guitar and voice of Fr. Len Shreiner.
Fr. Bjorn Marcussen, whom I first met 6 or 7 years ago, was a very inspiring presenter. He had lots of material, and the first session in particular was heavy with background info, but that was necessary. By the end of the second session, I think most could see that he was taking us on a journey, helping us to travel around all the many implications of this thing we call Independent Catholicism. He helped us with questions of identity, community, faith, and the call to love. He is truly a great person, and I'm delighted to be invited to share a continuing conversation with him.
Estes Park was, of course, beautiful and summer-delightful. The YMCA Camp proved itself once again as a perfect spot for such a gathering. We mingled with many other groups - the numbers became obvious at mealtime in the vast cafeteria (but the waits in chow line are never too long, thank God).
It took an incredible amount of work to put it all together, and our thanks and admiration are due to the members of the Regional Council, including Laura Strom and Fr. Stan, and our Vicar, Fr. Scott Jenkins. They've done good.
The prayer sessions (Morning and Evening Prayer each day, in addition to Eucharist) were a great mix of style and content. Each was warmly evocative of the Spirit, perfect beginnings and endings for our time together. St. Augustine's had the honor of presenting Morning Prayer for Thursday. Ours was a simple format, taken right out of the Liturgy of the Hours. In comparison to some of the other services, it was nearly austere, and yet I think each of the services provided a nice contrast with the others, and all of them together afforded a sweep of liturgical possibilities. We began and ended our prayer in song, with able assist from the guitar and voice of Fr. Len Shreiner.
Fr. Bjorn Marcussen, whom I first met 6 or 7 years ago, was a very inspiring presenter. He had lots of material, and the first session in particular was heavy with background info, but that was necessary. By the end of the second session, I think most could see that he was taking us on a journey, helping us to travel around all the many implications of this thing we call Independent Catholicism. He helped us with questions of identity, community, faith, and the call to love. He is truly a great person, and I'm delighted to be invited to share a continuing conversation with him.
Estes Park was, of course, beautiful and summer-delightful. The YMCA Camp proved itself once again as a perfect spot for such a gathering. We mingled with many other groups - the numbers became obvious at mealtime in the vast cafeteria (but the waits in chow line are never too long, thank God).
It took an incredible amount of work to put it all together, and our thanks and admiration are due to the members of the Regional Council, including Laura Strom and Fr. Stan, and our Vicar, Fr. Scott Jenkins. They've done good.
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