D-V's Desk

           The 81 st   General Convention’s theme was “Together in Love.”  This theme combines Presiding Bishop (PB) Curry’s call for us to follow “The Way of Love” and the President of the House of Deputies (PHoD) emphasis on togetherness.  The HoD considered a whopping 392 of 395 resolutions put before us.  And, for the most part, the discussions were civil and respectful.  Even when we disagreed or were tired. Resolution A160 changes the words of the catechism in the Prayer Book.  Under “What is Holy Matrimony?” the Answer will now read that Holy Matrimony is “a covenant between two persons.”  The updated wording reflects the current practice and laws that allow for same-sex marriages within the United States. Resolution A101 concerned health insurance parity.  Those in rural or indigenous areas pay more for health insurance.  Or they are left with the HIS, which is less than desirable.  A101 will help ensure that clergy and church serving laity will receive affordable health care c

           I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying, “Be careful what you wish for.”  That is very wise advice.  Sometimes what we hope and long for is not all we thought it might be.  Often there’s a difference between the dream and the reality.             Many years ago, there was a show, “Fantasy Island.”  You can still watch it.  Mr. Roarke and his assistant, Tattoo, welcomed new guests each week.   Each guest had a dream, a fantasy he or she wanted to live out.  Things never ended as hoped, however.             The same could be said for God’s people in our Hebrew Scripture lesson.  Samuel warns the people to be careful what they wish for.  Samuel bridges the period of the Judges to the early Monarchy.  Notice why the people desire a king: ·           They want someone who can go before them in war.  ·           The people want someone to tell them what to do.  ·           They want to be just like the other nations with a king.  ·           Also, Samuel’s sons are cor

This Sunday (19 May) the Western church celebrates the "birthday of the church."  The day when God's Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus' first followers.  From that moment on, they (and history) would never be the same.   Jesus' followers boldly go forth into the world to tell others about Jesus.  They share God's radical love and forgiveness.  They heal and restore life to the dead.  A small group grows and grows with the help of God's Holy Spirit to strengthen and sustain them. Pentecost has its roots in the Jewish tradition.  In the original context, the festival of weeks (as it is also called) is a harvest festival.   Fifty days after the Passover, by the Law of Moses, all Jewish persons were to be in Jerusalem to celebrate the feast  (Leviticus 23:12-22) . The first of the crops would be presented at the Temple.  Thanks would be given as these first fruits were dedicated to God.  Then prayers would be offered to God asking blessings upon the rest of the

            Prayer is a powerful thing.   We have experienced that this past week.   Our prayers and our love have been surrounding Deacon Dorothy and Andy.   Jesus Himself sets the example of taking time to connect with God in prayer.   This morning, we have an extended prayer of Jesus’. Scholars call this “The High Priestly” Prayer.   Here we see Jesus in His role as mediator and intercessor.   The great High Priest, as Hebrews phrases it (4:14-16).   Jesus is actively praying for His friends.   This prayer comes as part of Jesus’ teachings and prayers of Maundy Thursday.   Can you imagine that?   Jesus is just hours away from betrayal, suffering, and death.   Yet, Jesus is not thinking of Himself at this time.   No.   Rather, Jesus is thinking about His followers.   Jesus is thinking about those who will be in deep distress and in great pain after His death. In His great prayer, Jesus prays four things.   Jesus prays that His followers: 1)       May be one, just as Jesus is

  Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you.   Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me.   I am the vine, and you are the branches.   If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. John 15:4-5a (CEV)               Now, I am not much of a gardener.   I am just not good with plants or growing things.   My guess is that I lack the patience and time it takes to properly tend to and nurture plants.   So, I either forget to cut back dead blooms or I over water.   Neither is very good for the plant.   I do appreciate a beautiful daffodil or a tomato fresh off the vine, however.             Jesus uses the imagery of a vine to describe the life of His followers.   No doubt Jesus has a grape vine in mind as He speaks.   Grapes, just like these, are common in the Middle East.   That is true now just as it was then.   The ancient prophets also used the im

  “Snakes!   Why does it always have to be snakes?”             These words, of course, come from that daring adventurer, Dr. Indiana Jones.   Going through a booby-trapped cavern– no problem!   Taking a leap of faith across a giant chasm- piece of cake!   Nothing can stop Indy . . . except for snakes!   Indy speaks for many of us.   An estimated 36% of Americans are afraid of snakes.   I know I am!   Noah could have left them off the Ark.             So it is no wonder that a plague of poisonous snakes causes panic in the wilderness.   A pit of snakes causes sheer terror in the Israelites’ camp.   To put this scene in context a little bit, Israel is on their way to the Promised Land.   Moses has led them out of Egypt to freedom.   Then the whining begins: are we there yet?             No, that is not really what they say.   God’s people start to complain.   Where is the food?   What about water, we need water?   With miles and miles of wilderness ahead, things take on a differ