Dear Urban Abbey Members and Friends,
This is a ‘Save the Date” reminder for our Urban Abbey Community meeting on Saturday, June 19. We’ll meet at St. George’s from 9:30 am to about 3:30 pm. We plan to use the “hours” – Terce, Sext, and None – to frame the day. Our general topic will be on caring for one another in community. There will be community discussion time as well as spiritual exercise and fellowship time.
Seton has agreed to organize lunch and refreshments; so, expect a note from him in the next week or so with more specifics. We hope that you all will be able to join us for the day. Please feel free to invite friend who you think might be interested in the Abbey.
We’ll have more information near the end of the week or early next week.
Shalom, George
Monday, June 7, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Meditation - Maundy Thursday 2010
Meditation - Maundy Thursday 2010
Thursday Apr 01, 2010I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love one anotherJohn 13:34 (NRSV)Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come before you;*Hide not your face from me in the day of my trouble.Incline your ear to me;*when I call, make hast to answer mePsalm 102:1-3 (BCP)
If I take Jesus' call to love one another just as He loved me I do need to pray, and trust that God hears me. I am far from being able to love the other just as God loved all the others while here on earth.
Love one another? Easy when it is my neighbor or family and they treat me well. Not so easy when I don't them. Or when I disagree with them. Do I love them when they make a mess, or when they haven't had a bath or shower in days (or weeks) and need my help?
Jesus showed love for others in many ways during his last night with us on earth. He knew Judas would betray him. He knew Peter would deny him. He washed their feet knowing all this. He prayed knowing they would fall asleep as he was praying. And Jesus loved all of them. We find out how much he loved all of them, and us tomorrow.
But today, come, sit and pray with Jesus. Pray that we may love one another, both those we know and those we don't. And pray that most of all we keep loving all the others, even the others we recoil from, or simply forget...
Reading Can Be Prayer...
Prayer can take the form of reading and reflecting. I include two passages for your reading and reflection, should you wish.
John 13:1-17, 31b-35 (NRSV)
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ Jesus answered, ‘You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’ Peter said to him, ‘You will never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.’ Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!’ Jesus said to him, ‘One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.’ For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’
After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
The New Commandment
When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’
Psalm 102 (BCP)
1 Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come before you; *
hide not your face from me in the day of my trouble.
2 Incline your ear to me; *
when I call, make haste to answer me,
3 For my days drift away like smoke, *
and my bones are hot as burning coals.
4 My heart is smitten like grass and withered, *
so that I forget to eat my bread.
5 Because of the voice of my groaning *
I am but skin and bones.
6 I have become like a vulture in the wilderness, *
like an owl among the ruins.
7 I lie awake and groan; *
I am like a sparrow, lonely on a house‑top.
8 My enemies revile me all day long, *
and those who scoff at me have taken an oath against me.
9 For I have eaten ashes for bread *
and mingled my drink with weeping.
10 Because of your indignation and wrath *
you have lifted me up and thrown me away.
11 My days pass away like a shadow, *
and I wither like the grass.
12 But you, O Lord, endure for ever, *
and your Name from age to age.
13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion,
for it is time to have mercy upon her; *
indeed, the appointed time has come.
14 For your servants love her very rubble, *
and are moved to pity even for her dust.
15 The nations shall fear your Name, O Lord, *
and all the kings of the earth your glory.
16 For the Lord will build up Zion, *
and his glory will appear.
17 He will look with favor on the prayer of the homeless; *
he will not despise their plea.
18 Let this be written for a future generation, *
so that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord.
19 For the Lord looked down from his holy place on high; *
from the heavens he beheld the earth;
20 That he might hear the groan of the captive *
and set free those condemned to die;
21 That they may declare in Zion the Name of the Lord, *
and his praise in Jerusalem;
22 When the peoples are gathered together, *
and the kingdoms also, to serve the Lord.
23 He has brought down my strength before my time; *
he has shortened the number of my days;
24 And I said, “O my God,
do not take me away in the midst of my days; *
your years endure throughout all generations.
25 In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations
of the earth, *
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
26 They shall perish, but you will endure;
they all shall wear out like a garment; *
as clothing you will change them,
and they shall be changed;
27 But you are always the same, *
and your years will never end.
28 The children of your servants shall continue, *
and their offspring shall stand fast in your sight.”
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Authority
Dear Abbey Members and Friends: Some thoughts for Tuesday in Holy Week…
A portion of Mark’s Gospel reading for today follows: Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?’
We know by what authority Jesus is doing the marvelous things that have led to this moment. His authority is from and shared with the Father. We share in that authority as believers in Jesus. We have spent the days of Lent so far attempting to mold our wills more towards God’s and less toward our own. Some have been much more focused and diligent in their preparation. Others, perhaps like me, have tried but have been sidetracked by work, children, grandchildren, etc. But we all can have confidence in our God that we have His authority behind all our endeavors. I believe it is critical that we acknowledge God as our source and strength to be able to tap into this authority. Second, I believe it is important to want (or have the intention) to align ourselves with God’s will. Having done these two things on our part, God opens a floodgate of grace and love to each one of us.
Spending these last few days before Easter to focus on God’s will and His authority in our lives will enable us to be more deeply joys as we receive once again the Easter news that Christ is risen and brought new life to us all.
Shalom and many blessings, George
A portion of Mark’s Gospel reading for today follows: Again they came to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him and said, ‘By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do them?’
We know by what authority Jesus is doing the marvelous things that have led to this moment. His authority is from and shared with the Father. We share in that authority as believers in Jesus. We have spent the days of Lent so far attempting to mold our wills more towards God’s and less toward our own. Some have been much more focused and diligent in their preparation. Others, perhaps like me, have tried but have been sidetracked by work, children, grandchildren, etc. But we all can have confidence in our God that we have His authority behind all our endeavors. I believe it is critical that we acknowledge God as our source and strength to be able to tap into this authority. Second, I believe it is important to want (or have the intention) to align ourselves with God’s will. Having done these two things on our part, God opens a floodgate of grace and love to each one of us.
Spending these last few days before Easter to focus on God’s will and His authority in our lives will enable us to be more deeply joys as we receive once again the Easter news that Christ is risen and brought new life to us all.
Shalom and many blessings, George
Monday, March 29, 2010
Our Sacrifice - A Meditation for Monday In Holy Week 2010
The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 51:17 (NRSV)
During Lent and now during Holy Week we walk with Jesus, remembering his forty days of temptation. Yesterday we read of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, followed by arrest, interrogation, torture and crucifixion. We heard about every day people in extraordinary times and situations. Some failed when God called, some responded above and beyond expectation, and many, many more didn't even realize God was calling. All were human, all were imperfect... Just like you and me.
So if we are just as human, just as broken (and, yes, just as saved) what are we to do? We offer a sacrifice, just as the psalmist says: the sacrifice of our broken spirit. Our broken and contrite hearts are not despised. No. They are taken by God and mended, made whole, forgiven!
This Holy Week take your heart, your broken spirit and hold it, ready it, bring it to God. And on Easter Sunday bring yourself, and your heart, mends, tears, and all the rest of it, to celebrate Christ's resurrection!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Community Meeting
Dear Urban Abbey Members and Friends,
I want to remind you of our Urban Abbey Community meeting on Saturday, March 20, from 10 am - 3 pm. This will be an important meeting in the life of our Community as we'll elect a Leadership Council and work on some of the issues raised at our January meeting. We on the Transition Team will be working on the agenda for the meting in the next few weeks, but welcome your thoughts and ideas as well.
The purpose of this note is to ask each of you in the Abbey to spend some time in quiet reflection about how you are called to serve the Abbey Community and whether you are called to be part of the Leadership Council. As a reminder, there was a consensus in the Community that we should have a 3-person Leadership Council and that each member would serve a 2-year term, with a member rotating off every 8 months to ensure some continuity.
I also ask each of the Listening Groups to spend some time during their March meetings addressing service in Community and the call for leadership. If during this reflection time you feel called to a leadership role, please let one of us on the Transition Team know. If you feel that God is calling you to raise up another Abbey member to a leadership role, please first consult with that person. Then, with that person's blessing, let one of us on the Transition Team know.
I envision our leadership selection process will be similar to that which we've used to call an Abbot/Abbess in the past. It will be steeped in silence, allow for time to discern as a Community, and require consensus by all Abbey members present.
We look forward to seeing all of you on Saturday, March 20. Please RSVP to Laurie Lewis [laaurieannlewis@gmail.com] so we can plan for adequate supplies and refreshment.
Shalom and many blessings,
Your Transition Team -- Angela, Laurie, and George
I want to remind you of our Urban Abbey Community meeting on Saturday, March 20, from 10 am - 3 pm. This will be an important meeting in the life of our Community as we'll elect a Leadership Council and work on some of the issues raised at our January meeting. We on the Transition Team will be working on the agenda for the meting in the next few weeks, but welcome your thoughts and ideas as well.
The purpose of this note is to ask each of you in the Abbey to spend some time in quiet reflection about how you are called to serve the Abbey Community and whether you are called to be part of the Leadership Council. As a reminder, there was a consensus in the Community that we should have a 3-person Leadership Council and that each member would serve a 2-year term, with a member rotating off every 8 months to ensure some continuity.
I also ask each of the Listening Groups to spend some time during their March meetings addressing service in Community and the call for leadership. If during this reflection time you feel called to a leadership role, please let one of us on the Transition Team know. If you feel that God is calling you to raise up another Abbey member to a leadership role, please first consult with that person. Then, with that person's blessing, let one of us on the Transition Team know.
I envision our leadership selection process will be similar to that which we've used to call an Abbot/Abbess in the past. It will be steeped in silence, allow for time to discern as a Community, and require consensus by all Abbey members present.
We look forward to seeing all of you on Saturday, March 20. Please RSVP to Laurie Lewis [laaurieannlewis@gmail.com] so we can plan for adequate supplies and refreshment.
Shalom and many blessings,
Your Transition Team -- Angela, Laurie, and George
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
SEville Allen
Dear Abbey Members and friends,
I just saw a notice that a long time St. Georgian and one of our founding Abbey members, Seville Allen, passed away this afternoon. I will miss her. Penny & I met Seville when we first came to St. George's. She always impressed me with her fierce independence, her love of life, her compassion, and her spirituality. seville was a very private person..and only let a very few into her intimate circles. We served together as Stephen Leaders for a number of years when St. George's had an active Stephen Ministry program. Seville took on the task of assigning Stephen Ministers when someone in need called. Seville had a wonderful insight into people and helped match he most appropriate Stephen Minister to the person in need. Seville was active in our Abbey, though mostly behind the scenes. She was one of the motive forces in the Abbey's Intercessory Prayer Group (IPG) and served as the focal point for those needing prayer. I had the pleasure of being in an Abbey Listening Group with Seville and experienced first hand her rich spiritual insights and reaffirming words and presence.
I saw a poem from Weavings this evening that sums up some of my feelings and thought I'd share it with you:
Winter Sunset by Jennifer Lynn Woodruff
The Sky is blue and rose tonight
the clouds paint trails across the sun
the dark comes swiftly down the road
and all the day is left undone.
These are the colors that I claimed
the blue for darkness, pain, and loss
the rose for joys as yet unborn
and blossoming at countless cost.
These are the choices we make
here in the shadow of the night
to know our ambiguity
and yet live into the light.
Not knowing when the light will come
nor what will blossom from the pain
of roads that cannot be gone down
and days that will not come again.
Shalom, Seville, one of God's saints called home.
George DeFilippi
I just saw a notice that a long time St. Georgian and one of our founding Abbey members, Seville Allen, passed away this afternoon. I will miss her. Penny & I met Seville when we first came to St. George's. She always impressed me with her fierce independence, her love of life, her compassion, and her spirituality. seville was a very private person..and only let a very few into her intimate circles. We served together as Stephen Leaders for a number of years when St. George's had an active Stephen Ministry program. Seville took on the task of assigning Stephen Ministers when someone in need called. Seville had a wonderful insight into people and helped match he most appropriate Stephen Minister to the person in need. Seville was active in our Abbey, though mostly behind the scenes. She was one of the motive forces in the Abbey's Intercessory Prayer Group (IPG) and served as the focal point for those needing prayer. I had the pleasure of being in an Abbey Listening Group with Seville and experienced first hand her rich spiritual insights and reaffirming words and presence.
I saw a poem from Weavings this evening that sums up some of my feelings and thought I'd share it with you:
Winter Sunset by Jennifer Lynn Woodruff
The Sky is blue and rose tonight
the clouds paint trails across the sun
the dark comes swiftly down the road
and all the day is left undone.
These are the colors that I claimed
the blue for darkness, pain, and loss
the rose for joys as yet unborn
and blossoming at countless cost.
These are the choices we make
here in the shadow of the night
to know our ambiguity
and yet live into the light.
Not knowing when the light will come
nor what will blossom from the pain
of roads that cannot be gone down
and days that will not come again.
Shalom, Seville, one of God's saints called home.
George DeFilippi
Urban Abbey Quilt Retreat by Angela Churchill
Dear Urban Abbey members and friends,
I wish you all could have joined us for an amazing Lenten Retreat exploring the artwork "Quilt". On Saturday, Feb 20, Karen Rowe expertly led 9 members of St. George's (6 members and 3 non- members) in an amazing journey of Quilt. We learned first of Kate Rasanoff's inspiration for Quilt which is an icon of St. Michael who's symbols are both the scales of justice and pole with the devil on the end. In exploring this icon Kate really begin to question what this could possible mean and as she sat with these hard questions of how these two aspects are in our world simultaneously the first piece of Quilt was born. Quilt now consists of six or seven panels each exploring an injustice such as violence against women, the relationship between rich and poor or the rapid loss of people, languages and diversity in the world. And at the same time she sews, glues, embroiders hope love and justice into each piece. Having the entire morning to explore and respond to Quilt barely gave us time to embrace two or three of the "books" as Kate calls each panel. We spent the last hour together expressing our response to quilt by creating our own piece using a wide variety of materials such as yarn, felt, paper, lace, materials, and ribbons. To conclude the morning we each offered our own piece of quilt to God for a specific person, need or injustice to the world. We placed our piece prayerfully on the alter. After seeing the beautiful piece created and the issues that were offered to God in prayer, our simple response was "Let it be. Amen. Let it be."
It was a very powerful and meaningful experience for me personally. If you have not done so already I highly recommend you stop by St. George's church any day of the lenten season and experience Quilt for yourself. It is probably best absorbed when there are not hundreds of people around. Keep in mind Lent is a time where we reflect on the sins and challenges in our lives as we cleanse our hearts in preparation for the great gift of Easter. We are more likely to value the gift of Easter when we have spent time exploring our own internal pockets of resistance to union with God. Quilt is a corporate expression of many evils in the world that separate us from God but every loving stitch is also an expression hope and love that God provides to heal us as individuals and as a people. Please take advantage of having this piece in our midst. I look forward to spending time with the piece on many occasions during this season. Karen Rowe will be sharing more about Quilt on March 7th at the Adult Forum (10 am at St. George's). Please mark your calendar. Knowing and understanding Quilt makes it all the more powerful.
Blessings on your Lenten journey, Angela
I wish you all could have joined us for an amazing Lenten Retreat exploring the artwork "Quilt". On Saturday, Feb 20, Karen Rowe expertly led 9 members of St. George's (6 members and 3 non- members) in an amazing journey of Quilt. We learned first of Kate Rasanoff's inspiration for Quilt which is an icon of St. Michael who's symbols are both the scales of justice and pole with the devil on the end. In exploring this icon Kate really begin to question what this could possible mean and as she sat with these hard questions of how these two aspects are in our world simultaneously the first piece of Quilt was born. Quilt now consists of six or seven panels each exploring an injustice such as violence against women, the relationship between rich and poor or the rapid loss of people, languages and diversity in the world. And at the same time she sews, glues, embroiders hope love and justice into each piece. Having the entire morning to explore and respond to Quilt barely gave us time to embrace two or three of the "books" as Kate calls each panel. We spent the last hour together expressing our response to quilt by creating our own piece using a wide variety of materials such as yarn, felt, paper, lace, materials, and ribbons. To conclude the morning we each offered our own piece of quilt to God for a specific person, need or injustice to the world. We placed our piece prayerfully on the alter. After seeing the beautiful piece created and the issues that were offered to God in prayer, our simple response was "Let it be. Amen. Let it be."
It was a very powerful and meaningful experience for me personally. If you have not done so already I highly recommend you stop by St. George's church any day of the lenten season and experience Quilt for yourself. It is probably best absorbed when there are not hundreds of people around. Keep in mind Lent is a time where we reflect on the sins and challenges in our lives as we cleanse our hearts in preparation for the great gift of Easter. We are more likely to value the gift of Easter when we have spent time exploring our own internal pockets of resistance to union with God. Quilt is a corporate expression of many evils in the world that separate us from God but every loving stitch is also an expression hope and love that God provides to heal us as individuals and as a people. Please take advantage of having this piece in our midst. I look forward to spending time with the piece on many occasions during this season. Karen Rowe will be sharing more about Quilt on March 7th at the Adult Forum (10 am at St. George's). Please mark your calendar. Knowing and understanding Quilt makes it all the more powerful.
Blessings on your Lenten journey, Angela
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