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  +

Priestly 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  +

Priestly 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  +

Priestly 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 + 

Priestly 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  +  

Priestly 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+ 

Priestly 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+

Priestly Ponderings…
      The Season of Pentecost is in full swing and continues through November 20. This Season is known to many as “Ordinary Time” and yet, life at Holy Cross continues to be far from ordinary. It’s interesting to note that the Book of Common Prayer wisely maintains that this is the Season of Pentecost rather than describing it as ordinary time, and for good reason.

     “Ordinary Time” is understood in terms of living our Christian faith and the meaning of Christ’s resurrection in our ordinary, daily lives. This, in itself, offers a myriad of opportunities for personal reflection and growth. But, when we think of our ordinary lives within the context of Pentecost then the ordinary suddenly becomes extraordinary. “Pentecost”emphasizes that, as the united body of Christ, the Church is given life by the Holy Spirit in order to fulfill the Church’s mission. Both terms suggest commitment to faith and witness as individuals and as a community, but the living of our daily lives is enriched that much more when we understand that the Pentecost power of the Holy Spirit is among us and at work in us. This Season of Pentecost reflects the extraordinary abundance of God that permeates our otherwise ordinary lives. Truly, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. 

      It is with this sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence permeating our daily life in the resurrected Christ that we continue to move forward in mission as a community of faith and as individual Christians. In a recent sermon, I reflected on the uncanny number of parishioners and friends throughout our community who seem to be facing difficult times and circumstances.  We encourage people to ask themselves, “Where is God in this situation?” or “What is God saying to me?” and this is wise council because God is, indeed, present in every aspect of our daily lives. But, there is another question that begs to be asked here: What might God be saying to us as a community of faith? We might takes this a step further and ask, How can this Season of Pentecost, our ‘ordinary’ time, draw us to a deeper place of nurture and support to people in need? These are the questions that our Vestry, Steering Committee, and a host of parishioners and friends are praying about right now.

      Regardless of the answer(s) we may discern– and there may be many answers – we need to remember this important point: We are people of the resurrection; empowered by the Holy Spirit; and, in the midst of ordinary daily life, we encounter the extraordinary life-changing presence of God in the hearts and minds of God’s people. The difficult part for us is recognizing, hearing, and listening to and for that presence. 
 
      As summer vacations loom and we find opportunities for relaxation and recreation, I invite you to explore both as individuals and as part of the Holy Cross community, how we might live into the extraordinary ordinariness of this Pentecost Season.   
 
                                                                                                                Yours in service to the Gospel, 
                                                                                                                            Allan+

Priestly Ponderings…
      Our Epistle readings these past few weeks have challenged us to live more fully into “The Way” – the Christian Life –that very much mirrors our baptismal covenant vows. Specifically, our readings from The Acts of the Apostles have laid out for us clear direction on how the Church is to prepare for on-going mission: a mission that at one time changed the world. It can transform our communities once more. 

      Acts 2:42 tells us that following the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, members of the early Church devoted themselves “to the Apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” And what happened? “Awe came upon everyone … all who believed were together and had all things in common … and day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (Acts 2:43-47). Clearly, committing ourselves to worshipping, learning and fellowshipping together builds our faith and increases our sense of community and purpose. So much so that, with this foundation laid, we are prepared to look beyond ourselves and venture into the mission that God desires for us in our communities. The Book of Acts teaches us that while we might intend to envision new mission and activities, we cannot do so without a solid foundation upon which to build: a foundation of who we are in Christ. 

      Building a foundation is what I like to think we have been doing here these past two years. From cleaning our facilities in order to create a more inviting and healthier appearance, to teaching the basics of our Christian faith and Anglican tradition to both adults and children alike, to seeking ways that inspire participation in our liturgies and deeper commitment to Christ, all of this has prepared us to move into a new phase of life together. It is an exciting time for us at Holy Cross as each month, new families join our gatherings and our people feel a more urgent “nudging” of the Holy Spirit to dream and envision ways to include the greater community around us. 

      We tend to think about ministry to those outside the parish walls as outreach, but I’d like to suggest another perspective. Holy Cross is located at the heart of the community of West Memphis. In many ways, this City is already a part of our community just as we are a part of the City’s community. So, perhaps seeking ways of outreach might better be described as a form of in-reach: a reaching inward to the community of which we are, or should be, a vital part. Perhaps we might see the citizens of West Memphis as members of Holy Cross – family members who just haven’t come home in a long time. As we gather each week for prayer, fellowship, teaching and communion, let us remember our neighbors and seek ways to invite them to return home to Holy Cross. The exit of the ASU-ABC program offers us a myriad of opportunities for increasing our vital presence in the life of this community. I invite your prayers of discernment as we seek the Holy Spirit’s direction on how we might reach into our community and help, as our mission statement so boldly proclaims “restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ” (BCP p 855). 

      Have blessed and safe summer season. If we do not forget our commitment to teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers, we will, indeed, be amazed at all that God will do in our midst. 
                                                                                                              Yours in service to the Gospel,
                                                                                                                           Allan+

Priestly Ponderings…     
     My prayer in this Eastertide is that the good work of God begun in us and nourished through our observance of Lent, through Holy Week, and the glorious celebration of the resurrection of our Lord at Easter, will continue to speak to our hearts and minds in new and refreshing ways.

    As I write this column for The Spirit we are still in the midst of Holy Week and yet, I know in my heart that our Easter celebration will be looked upon as one of our most uplifting worship experiences at Holy Cross. I thank all who labored through this holy time and especially, those who offered their gifts of hospitality to all who entered our doors. The radical and gracious hospitality of the people of Holy Cross is one of our greatest gifts. It is a gift that continues to amaze me and warm my heart. Thank you.

      Spring is a season of change. We see new growth all around us: budding trees and shrubs; flowers popping up in glorious splendor (maybe even a few weeds!); all of these things remind us that life is never static: God’s creative power continues to move forward. 

      This month of May presents a number of changes for us as well. We bid Nathan Trahan farewell on Easter followed by welcoming our new organist, Dennis Wujcik, on May 1st. Just as we celebrated the life and ministry of Polly Brown as she moves to Benton, we welcome several new members to Holy Cross who are moving their letters to our Parish this month. Even our garden is showing signs of change and, weather permitting, we will see much activity there as it is expanded and recreated into a place of respite and prayer. (See the separate article about the garden in this issue.) Your Vestry continues to pray and discern ways in which we might, as a congregation, better live into our mission to serve Christ in this community. Change is around us: life is never static.

      May our gracious God continue to create in us clean hearts, open minds, and willing hands and feet to journey where the Spirit leads us in this glorious Eastertide and beyond. Thank you for being a part of this family.                                                                    
                                                                                                                                         Yours in service to the Gospel,
                                                                                                                                          Allan +