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Rector's ramblings - NOVEMBER 2003
In an effort to caution a group of clergy from being too judgmental about the people in their congregations, Bp. Michael Marshall of England once asked "Is your church big enough to include Henry the Eighth? Would he be welcome in your parish today?
It would seem the Monarch under whom the Anglican Communion was established wou.ld have a hard time of it in some parts of the church community of our time.
We are living in very judgmental and divided times at home and abroad. We live in a society quick to condemn long before a case comes to the courtroom or the full facts come out in an issue. It almost seems on occasion that we are corporately sitting in the stands of the Coliseum waiting another batch of victims to be thrown to the lions for our entertainment.
I suppose we shouldn't be surprised when divisions arise in the church over juicy moral matters since we live in a country obsessed with such things. But as church people we are under a Master who spoke and lived a Gospel that put forgiveness over condemnation and established himself as the only Judge we should ultimately worry about. Jesus forgave the woman at the well, the woman about to be stoned for her sin, his disciples for failing him, almost everyone for not having enough faith in him and dramatically those who nailed him to the Cross. He willingly submitted to insults, scourging, crucifixion and death that the power of such things over us might be broken. He rose again from that death to bless us with his lasting presence, his Peace, his Joy and his Love.
When our society, our church, or our homes rise in "righteous judgment" against one another we would be wise to remember the One who is come to be our Judge and follow his example of compassion and forgiveness lest we break the heart of our beloved Lord once again.
Let's make sure there is room in our pew for that hearty, bearded old monarch with all the marital problems...
November begins with our celebration of all the Saints on Sunday, November 2nd and the next day a remembrance of our loved ones on All Souls Day Monday at 12:10 pm. This year Bishop Herzog will make his official Visitation on November 23rd at all the services. At the 10:00 am celebration he will Receive and Confirm those over the age of 16 desiring to receive the laying on of hands by a bishop. A form and information on this can be found in the November newsletter or in the back of the church. The Bishop has made a great deal out of church attendance over the years and Bethesda is in very good stead on this account, SO, I hope everyone makes every effort to be here on the 23rd to dramatically demonstrate to him our love for God and this church family of Bethesda.
During this month we will also need to hear from you on your intent to give back to God a portion of what His blessings have given you. The ancient Biblical tithe of ten per cent is still the best goal to set for ourselves. Church costs have risen just like yours so I can assure you there is a rather desperate need. Increased and special giving got us through the summer. Thanks be to God and you for responding. Now the heat is on, in fact in our buildings and in pressure to pay for it. If everyone increases by some percentage of their income toward the goal of a tithe, we should be able to meet our obligations for the coming year. I pray that by Thanksgiving Day at the end of the month the Vestry will know of your pledge and we can all rejoice in thanksgiving for God's many blessings upon us all.
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