Sat, 19 May 2012 08:19:44 -0600WeeblySun, 29 Apr 2012 13:19:23 -0600http://www.holycrosswestmemphis.org/1/post/2012/04/priestly-ponderings-for-may-2012.htmlPriestly Ponderings …

     Sunday April 29, 2012 was a bitter-sweet time as we bid our farewells and committed our continuing journeys to God’s careful embrace. Change always brings feelings of angst and wonderment about what the future holds. How we choose to respond to our feelings is very much left up to each one of us. I think it so appropriate, then, that our farewell service on April 29 was also “Good Shepherd Sunday” reminding us that we follow in the steps of a pretty incredible Lord who promises to make all things new; who promises to continue to call each of us by name; who promises to guide and protect us. 

      As you continue to serve and grow in faith at Holy Cross, my prayer is that you will recognize that the church demonstrates most succinctly the unconditional love of God within this neighborhood and especially, towards each other, when it takes time to listen to and then follow the voice and direction of her Good Shepherd.  

      To close this, my last Priestly Ponderings  column, it is with deep gratitude to so many that I share once more this paraphrase of I Thessalonians 5:14-18. 

                     Go now into the world in peace. Be strong and of good courage, 
                     hold fast to that which is good. Render no person evil for evil. Support the 
                     weak; encourage the faint-hearted, help the afflicted, and honor all persons, 
                     loving your neighbor as yourself. Rejoice in the power of the Holy Spirit at 
                     work in your life, and in the life of this congregation.

                                                                                        Yours in service to the Gospel
                                                                             
                                                                                                        Allan +  


]]>Sat, 31 Mar 2012 10:20:40 -0600http://www.holycrosswestmemphis.org/1/post/2012/03/priestly-ponderings-for-april-2012.htmlPriestly Ponderings …

      As I write this month’s column, the signs of an early spring are everywhere. From the budding of flowers to new leaves appearing on trees, the cycle of life and, especially new birth is affirmed once more. One of the many gifts of spring is that it reminds us that life is ever changing; that life will neither be static or stymied; it must always evolve and move forward. Otherwise, it becomes not life, but death. In many ways, encountering change is an everyday part of healthy living. How we respond to that change is ours alone to make.

      It is with ongoing and evolving change in mind that our Lenten journeys draw to a close this week and we are invited into the next chapter of the Christian year: A chapter that begins with Holy Week –a time when all appears lost – and yet, quickly moves forward into new life and abounding energy. We emerge from the wonderment (and anxiety) of Holy Week into the safety and security of the Season of Eastertide (the great fifty days that follow Easter). We emerge with the knowledge that we are, indeed, a people of the resurrection: a people who see change not as something to be feared, but rather, as an affirmation of God’s on-going presence among us; God’s presence that, like life itself, is never static - it forever calls us and urges us forward in our journeys as Christ’s own and as the bearers of Christ’s light to our communities. 

      As we contemplate our journeys through Holy Week it is my sincere hope that our hearts and minds will not only have been encouraged to continue the journey, but even more so, we will continue to welcome the fresh movement of the Holy Spirit and embrace our future as one united, changed, and, yes, resurrected  community of faith.

                                                                                 Yours in service to the Gospel
                                                                                            Allan + 


]]>Sun, 04 Mar 2012 18:33:45 -0600http://www.holycrosswestmemphis.org/1/post/2012/03/priestly-ponderings-for-march-2012.htmlPriestly Ponderings …
      The Season of Lent offers each of us the opportunity to rethink how we live as Christ’s body in our communities. Lent reminds us that we serve and know the God of second chances – a myriad of them– which means that God’s love for us is so great that God’s grace is always and forever reaching out to us, shaping and transforming all who are willing to embrace God’s offer of abundant life. 
 
      Lent is a season that is usually equated with giving something up. The idea behind this is to examine where we extend (or over extend) our energy, our resources, and our time, and consider how these things might distract us from living more fully into our baptismal covenant promises. But, I think that approaching Lent as a diet or period of denial may miss the point of this wonderful season. Lent is not about giving up chocolate for forty days although if such involves excessive spending, then, perhaps, it might be worth consideration. I tend to approach Lent as an opportunity to recapture something that has been lost in the daily hubbub of activity. Perhaps you find insufficient time for prayer but have an abundance of time for social networking or watching television. There’s an opportunity to recapture your relationship with God, or at least deepen that relationship. Whatever your plans this Lent, please know that I am available to you for guidance and confidential discussion. 

      Lent is also a season where we remember our own mortality. We heard the words on Ash Wednesday reminding us that “we are dust and to dust we shall return.” Thinking about mortality always reminds me of a scene from Gone with the Wind. The camera pans over a sundial inscribed with a quote from Benjamin Franklin:“Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of.” All too quickly life ends or forever changes. We think of recent deaths or we might think of those who have moved away recently. There is nothing we can do about those changes – change is the very essence of life and we will, no doubt experience more change in the year ahead. And yet, we can resolve to make the most of our lives; to not squander the precious gift of life. Not as in overloading our schedules doing as much as possible and, in the process, exhausting ourselves. But rather, finding a way to experience the incredible depth of life found in setting aside time for silent reflection, prayer, meditation, or just quiet rest. 

      Throughout the pages of this month’s newsletter are reports and announcements of activities and offerings underway at Holy Cross. Each is designed to help our mutual journeys of faith become that much more meaningful and transforming. However you choose to observe Lent as an individual, as a family, or as a community, I hope you will consider making/creating time – just a few minutes – to pray or read something that will nurture your soul and your relationship with God and this wonderful parish. Remember: do not squander time. It’s the stuff life is made of.  A blessed Lent to us all …
                                                                                                                 Yours in service to the Gospel
                                                                                                                                   Allan  + ]]>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:06:13 -0600http://www.holycrosswestmemphis.org/1/post/2012/01/priestly-ponderings-for-february-2012.html     A “Teaching Moment” shared during a recent Sunday worship service offered some insight on the Passing of the Peace.  As most realize, every  action in our worship together has thelogical meaning behind it and the particular placement or timing of each action within the liturgy is of equal importance.

      The Passing of the Peace  is immediately preceded by our Prayer of Confession and the receiving of Absolution. Through Confession, we admit (i.e. confess), with all humility, our shortfalls and sins - those “things done and left undone” – and seek God’s forgiveness. The Absolution follows whereby we are, indeed, absolved (forgiven) of our sins and assured of God’s mercy and grace. Now, having been forgiven and being at peace with God, we are ready to stand and offer that same grace to our neighbors. 

      Thus, when we say, “The peace of the Lord be always with you” we declare that not only are we in right relationship with God but also, that we desire to right any wrongs between us, to forgive each other, and, thereby, be at peace and right relationship with each other. Why is this important? Because we do not receive the Holy Communion simply as individuals, but rather, we receive it as a community: as the body of Christ. 

      Of equal importance, St. Paul says (I Cor. 11:17-29) that before we receive communion we must  have made peace with God and each other. In other words, in order to receive the true sacramental benefits of the Eucharist, we must have made every effort to resolve all differences between God and our neighbors and, perhaps, even our own selves. Then, having received (and offered) forgiveness, and being at peace with God and our neighbor, we can, as Hebrews 4:16 affirms, “come boldly unto the throne of grace.”    

      The Season of Lent will begin in a few short weeks and is the perfect time to examine our hearts and minds to see where we might be estranged from God, our neighbors, each other, and, perhaps, even from our own selves. Lent urges each of us to ponder and ask ourselves if there is anything within us, any conflict or concern with each other, or some barrier between us and another member or neighbor, between us and God, that might interfere with receiving communion and going forth to serve in this community. 

      As always, the Rite of Reconciliation (i.e. Confession) is always available to help clear the conscience, receive godly counsel, and with all confidence, enable you to turn and “pass the peace”with God and neighbor. 

      May the peace of the Lord be always  with you!                           
                                                                                           Yours in service to the Gospel                                                               
                                                                                                    Allan  + ]]>Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:43:20 -0600http://www.holycrosswestmemphis.org/1/post/2012/01/priestly-ponderings-for-january-2012.htmlPriestly Ponderings …
      As I write this column for our monthly Newsletter, Christians throughout the world continue to celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas.  This celebration will culminate on “twelfth night” which is the Eve of the Feast of the Epiphany  that commemorates the arrival of the Magi at Bethlehem and their offering of gifts to the Lord. Thus, the Season of the Epiphany with its revelation that the child at Bethlehem is none other than the Light of the World begins as our Christmas celebration draws to a close. Much like life itself, as one chapter or season closes another begins and each new beginning holds a myriad of promises and opportunities.

      In the midst of the feasts and seasons of Christmas and the Epiphany, each with its own distinct message about new beginnings, a new calendar year also begins on January 1st. This particular New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday and, therefore, brings whole new meaning to the term “Anno (year) Domini (Lord)” or “2012 A.D.” The 2012th Year of Our Lord - begins on a Sunday, our traditional day of worship and celebration of rebirth and resurrection in Christ Jesus. How fitting it is that with all the challenges facing God’s people at home and abroad, Christians throughout the world will greet this new calendar year gathered together in worship, prayer, and sharing in the Holy Communion. This uncanny timing of festivals and holidays might serve as a reminder that our continuing life in Christ, our years together, are very much shaped and formed by our weekly gatherings as a community of faith here at Holy Cross.

      I look ahead to this New Year at Holy Cross with much optimism: Our parish continues to grow in faith and love, just as we also are growing in number; and slowly, carefully, and intentionally, Holy Cross is emerging as a stable presence and witness in this community to the unconditional love of God.  

      I invite you to consider 2012 as “the” year of new beginnings, new opportunities, and new life for all who gather at this great and loving parish.                      
                                                                                                                 Yours in service to the Gospel
                                                                                                                                   Allan  + ]]>Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:02:54 -0600http://www.holycrosswestmemphis.org/1/post/2011/12/priestly-ponderings-for-december-2011.htmlPriestly Ponderings …

      There is something about those few days between Thanksgiving and the First Sunday of Advent that many find particularly relaxing. The post-turkey dinner snooze, the experience of having gathered to share a meal together, conversing with those whom we may not see all that often, and perhaps, some quiet time to think, together creates a sense of connection with those around us, as well as our surroundings. 
 
     Deepening connections is the gift of the Season of Advent. While Advent calls upon the Church to pause and reflect on our faithfulness to the gospel as we await our Lord’s return, the desire for connection and reconnection with God and neighbor permeates our readings and worship services. We think of Advent as a penitential season and, for some, their Advent practice may lead to an amendment of life. And yet, whether repentance, reconciliation, or deliberately taking time for quiet reflection, prayer and thanksgiving, whatever your experience in Advent, what we will hold in common is a deepening reconnection with God and with each other. Advent urges us to prepare for Bethlehem and for our Lord’s return. Thus, it is the perfect prelude to the celebration of Christmas – the life-changing miracle of “God with us.” If it is true that those who walk Holy Week together find a more joyous Easter, then, rest assured, those who observe Advent find the Christmas promise of reconciliation and redemption in Christ who came in all humility, all the more meaningful. 

      May your Advent journey be a time of reconnection with your families, friends and neighbors, but most importantly, may this be a time of reconnection with God revealed to us in the person of Jesus Christ our Lord. A blessed Advent to you all! 
                                                                    
                                                                              Yours in service to the Gospel                                                                            
   
                                                                                             Allan  + ]]>Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:35:42 -0600http://www.holycrosswestmemphis.org/1/post/2011/11/priestly-ponderings-for-november-2011.htmlPriestly Ponderings …
      In the Church Calendar, the month of November offers a unique blend of opportunities for reflection, prayer, family gatherings and worship. November begins with the observance of All  Saints’ Day  followed by the Feast of Christ the King  (the end of the Church Calendar year) and the beginning of a new year on the final Sunday of November known as the First Sunday of Advent.  And in the midst of these celebrations, we pause for Thanksgiving Day.  The more and more I think about each of these unique events, the more cognizant I am of their connection and message to us, especially as a family of faith. 
 
      All Saints’ Day reminds us that we are never alone in our journeys of faith. The Communion of Saints – both known and unknown – the scriptures tell us, continue their daily ministry of praying for God’s people throughout the world. In the midst and depths of lonely days, we often meet this company of witnesses who seem to exude the presence of God. They are right here at Holy Cross. A soft word, a simple touch, a gentle smile from the heart often reflects God’s presence within and reminds me, and us, of the communion we share right now with God, each other, and with all the saints. 

      The Feast of Christ the King recognizes a day that has yet to come. It is the day we hope and long for: the return of our Lord Jesus Christ in glory and judgment. The day when God will, indeed, wipe every tear from our eyes and the whole world will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord. It is the end of the Church Year and yet life goes on. We continue to live in anticipation of what will come and what will be. Thus, the First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of another year of our Lord and reminds us that we live in anticipation of God’s redeeming work being brought to its conclusion. It speaks of the first coming of Christ at Bethlehem and the promise of his return. It reminds us that we are called to live in and continue to seek the daily transforming presence of God in and around us. 
 
     In the midst of all these theological beliefs, we pause to gather with family and friends to give thanks to God for the bounty we share: the beauty of creation to which we have been called to serve as stewards; the communion we have with God, the saints, and each other; and above all else, God’s grace to us in Jesus Christ. 
 
     Pan and I offer our heartfelt thanks for all the Saints at Holy Cross and our communion together. A blessed Thanksgiving to you all! 

                                                                                                     Yours in service to the Gospel
                                                                                                                Allan +  ]]>Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:03:54 -0600http://www.holycrosswestmemphis.org/1/post/2011/09/priestly-ponderings-for-october-2011.htmlPriestly Ponderings …

      Recently, I have somehow developed a seemingly voracious appetite for fiction and non-fiction books. From the hilarity of Mark Schweizer’s nine book Liturgical Mysteries  (now there’s  an ACE study series in the making!) to Rob Bell’s fascinating theological viewpoint and discussion in Love Wins;  taking time to ingest written word has become a wonderful respite from the hectic activities all of us face each day. There is something intentional about turning off the television and finding some quiet time to read. It is almost a sacred moment of connection or reconnection to be cherished, sought after, and embraced.

       This appetite for reading has caused me to reflect on my own on-going journey of faith. Like many of you, I suppose, I, too, find myself longing for a more tangible sense of the sacred; a renewing sense of being in the presence of something holy and intriguing; a deeper expression of God with us and in us. In many ways this longing is for a true observance of Sabbath rest. Not simply in attending worship services as key as that is to Sabbath observance, but even more so, a Sabbath that engages a deepening of our relationship with God and each other.  
 
      Unfortunately, we now live in a 7-days per week society where a day off – commonly misconstrued as a Sabbath – is spent playing catch up on a growing list of “to do” projects and activities. I am reminded of the creation story where God rests on the 7th day, not because God was tired out, but rather, to revel in and appreciate that which was created. A doctor friend of mine commenting on our propensity for working 60-70-80 hour weeks said, “I’ve never had a patient on his deathbed say, ‘Gee. I wish I’d spent more time at work.’” Sobering words about the busyness of our lives. 

      Senator Joe Lieberman, in his book, The Gift of Rest: Rediscovering the Beauty of the Sabbath  (a book I highly recommend to you all), notes “our culture is time starved: we race through our hectic days, desperately wishing for more time with family, friends, and ourselves, as the hands of the clock whir around the hours at ever-increasing speed. But the truth is, our bodies and souls were created to rest – regularly – and when they do, we experience heightened productivity, improved health, and more meaningful relationships.” Lieberman continues, “The Sabbath … engages the senses – sight, sound, taste, smell and touch – with beautiful settings, soaring melodies, wonderful food and wine, and lots of love. It is a time to reconnect with family and friends – and, of course, with God, the Creator of everything we have time to ‘sense’ on the Sabbath. Sabbath observance is a gift …” 
 
      As the fall months begin to emerge with colorful leaves, parish opportunities for learning and sharing, and planning for the holiday season (Advent and Christmas will be here before we know it), I invite you to seek ways to recapture that sense of the holy and sacred found in the observance of a Sabbath here on Sunday mornings, in time alone, with family and with friends. And in that observance, may you find rest for your soul.

                                                                                                 Yours in service to the Gospel
                                                                                                     Allan  +  


]]>Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:55:57 -0600http://www.holycrosswestmemphis.org/1/post/2011/08/priestly-ponderings-for-september-2011.htmlPriestly ponderings …

 Loss, new beginnings, farewells, renewal, concerns, opportunities, blessing, bewilderment; reunions; all of these reflect the complexities of human life. These are the myriad of issues and feelings many of us have encountered throughout these summer months. From the sad farewells to our college-bound children, to happy reunions as people return from summer vacations, my sense is that we are always in some phase of transition in our lives. Change seems to be the order of the day. 
 
      Change usually brings some level of angst to our life and yet, our scripture readings these past few weeks (and continuing this fall) remind us that in the midst of change and transition, God is ever-present with and to us; God’s purposes are always moving forward. 
     
     This month’s newsletter is filled with information about opportunities for growth, renewal, challenge and yes, changes in how we live as a community of faith in West Memphis. But that’s the joy of Christian life: it is never boring! God is always offering us ways to enter into a deeper relationship with God and with each other, especially in the areas of hospitality, love, prayer, and support. 

      As you peruse our various fall programs and activities, I hope you will have a greater sense of God’s renewing work in our midst. Three years ago, we were hanging on for dear life struggling to keep our doors open. Now, our average Sunday attendance has stabilized and, while there is room (and  much need)  for continued growth in membership and support, let us celebrate the incredible journey we have been privileged to embark upon together and offer our thanks to God for our past, our present, and especially, our future, which we are confident is firmly etched in the palms of God’s hands.
                                                                                                    Yours in service to the Gospel, 
                                                                                                                    Allan+ 


]]>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:44:57 -0600http://www.holycrosswestmemphis.org/1/post/2011/08/priestly-ponderings-for-august-2011.htmlPriestly Ponderings…
      At a recent Steering Committee meeting, one of our participants made this astute observation:  “We won’t be able to figure out what we want to become until we know who we already are.”  That comment has stayed with me ever since. Perhaps, “haunted” is a better description. I continue to ask myself, “Who are we at Holy Cross?” And as you can imagine, there are a myriad of answers and thoughts generated by such a question.      

      My own sense is that Holy Cross is a growing community of Christians that continues to seek ways in which to deepen our love for God and all that God loves. We have a wonderful presence of hospitality that welcomes and includes, invites and affirms, and supports and nurtures all we meet. This is evident not only during our worship services on Sunday mornings, but also, in ministry groups like our Prayer Shawl Ministry, Water Ministry, Committee Meetings, our various group gatherings, and all of the work of our various guilds. But are we more than these? 
 
      Our Catechism and Baptismal Covenant teaches us that every Christian has a ministry and role in the Church. We are going to offer an opportunity for every member and friend of Holy Cross to discern their own ministries through a series of classes on “Discerning our Gifts” in September. Some have called this a “Spiritual Gifts Inventory” and it is wonderful place to begin to discover how each of us makes Holy Cross the special place that it is. We are hopeful that new ideas for outreach and inreach will come out of this program. 
 
      Nevertheless, if I could describe who we are at Holy Cross in one word, it would be to say that we are simply stewards. We are stewards of grace as demonstrated in our hospitality, but also, our weekly worship together and class studies demonstrates our commitment as stewards of our faith. Each gathering affirms our belief and witness to the redeeming and transforming power of the resurrection in our lives. Using our time and talents to restore and refurbish our facilities (as well as day-to-day care of our buildings and grounds) so that future generations have a place to worship and grow shows that we are stewards of our resources.  In the presentation of our weekly offerings –tithes, moneys, even in the offering of bread and wine, we acknowledge that we are stewards of all that we have received, especially that which has been received through the work of human hands. 
 
       It is in this Eucharistic offering that we find the great paradox of our  stewardship: the bread must be broken in order to be shared just as the grape must be squeezed (crushed) in order to be shared. So much of our giving is done in brokenness and yet, through that brokenness we are somehow, sacramentally, reunited with Christ and each other and made whole.  We become the body and presence of Christ in West Memphis. 
 
      As we continue to discern the shape of our growing life and commitment to Christ and each other, I invite you to offer the poem that follows this column and make it a part of your daily prayer time. As you ask, “Who are we at Holy Cross?” consider what the Church itself should look like in terms of our stewardship of grace, faith, resources, and all that we are and have.  
                                                                    
                                                                                                                     Yours in service to the Gospel, 
                                                                                                                                     Allan+ ]]>