May 17, 2006

The Vicar of Bray

Over the years, and as recently as this Eastertide, many folks worshipping at Beloved have shared their joy at finding in Church of the Beloved a "safe" spiritual home that is different from the impersonal, hostile or judgmental church experiences in their past.  These times of deeply personal and vulnerable sharing are particularly encouraging for me, for in them I see that the people of Beloved, though far from perfect, are succeeding in our mission to be a safe community for people who are on a spiritual search.  These moments are also sad for me, for they bring into clear focus how far the Church can stray from Jesus' vision of being salt and light for the world when she becomes consumed with her own institutional problems and agendas.

In sixteenth century England, the Church was riddled with conflict and scandal.  People passionately believed that they were right and every dissenting voice was to be silenced.  The monarchs of England, from King Henry VIII to Queen Elizabeth I, presided over a Church that offered little salt or light.  Under Henry, the Church remained Catholic with the innovations of Liturgy and Scripture translated into English.  Under his son Edward, sacraments and all things Catholic were thrown out and the Protestant perspective ruled the day.  When Edward died at a young age, Mary came to the throne with a plan to purge the institution of its "heresy" by burning at the stake all those responsible for the Protestant movement.  (To this day, a popular Brunch drink, the Bloody Mary, stands as a witness to her violent purge.)  At Mary's death, Elizabeth ended the tumult by declaring that not only would our Church be both Catholic and Protestant, it would no longer attempt to "pry open the window between God and (the human) soul." 

Over the tumultuous years of these monarchs, most of the clergy either lost their positions or were burned at the stake.  Yet one priest, the Vicar of St. Michael Church in the village of Bray, was noticed to have remained in his tiny parish church through the reigns of Henry, Edward, Mary and Elizabeth.  When asked, "How is it possible that you have remained here when all your brother clergy have either lost their positions or been executed?" he replied, "My first call was from the Lord.  For I always kept my principle, which is this, to live and die the Vicar of Bray."

I don't really have to tell you that the wider institution of the Church, no matter the Christian denomination, is filled with all sorts of problems, controversies and difficulties.  I don't have to tell you because our memories remind us, our newspapers and radios tell us, and our computer screens and televisions show us.  Next month's General Convention of the Episcopal Church will probably once again provide the media another opportunity to place in the spotlight, and perhaps even to celebrate, the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion's unique shortcomings and failings.  If and when that happens, I will remember the quiet witness of the Vicar of Bray, who, in the dark time of scandal and bloodshed, kept his eyes focused on Jesus.  And I will offer thanks to God for the precious gift the Holy Spirit that has nurtured among us and among many other communities of faith around the world...the gift of being places where people can safely take the risk of a spiritual journey and encounter-not an institution-but the transforming power of the Savior of the world.

J. Derek Harbin, priest

FaithQuest's Reconciliation Retreat for those participants in FaithQuest 1.5 (6-9 year olds) and FaithQuest 2.1/2.1x (9-15 year olds) is rescheduled for Sunday afternoon, June 4 from 3-7pm at Beloved Garden.  Parents are invited to participate at 6:30pm in a short worship service.  Fr. Derek will be present to share the preparation work and to hear the confessions of the participants as the group experiences the reconciling love and grace of a forgiving Savior...A Pilgrims Retreat is scheduled for Saturday morning, June 3 (9-Noon) for those adults who have previously made their adult profession of faith (by baptism, confirmation or adult profession) in a denomination other than the Episcopal Church who desire to become participating "official members of record" of Church of the Beloved.  For those that choose to join Beloved, they will be presented to a visiting retired bishop on Sunday, June 11 during regular morning worship.  If you are interested in exploring this option, please email the Development Office to reserve your spot in the group that gathers on June 3.  For those who made their adult profession of faith (by the sacrament of Confirmation) in the Episcopal Church and who desire to become a participating "official member of record" of Church of the Beloved, please contact Clifford at the Development Office and she'll handle the paperwork for you. 

Serving at God's Altar this Sunday...Angel Army Team 5 (Captain: Steve Todd; Administrator: Frank Reid; Pastor: Mary Reid; Convener: Toni Reif); Acolytes: Casey Anderson, Rebecca Berkeley, Kate Copeland, Jake Scheppegrell, JR West; Reader: Liz Wilson; Presenters: Susan Boylston, Forrest Boylston, Haley Boylston; Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Anna Moore, Kris Leinenkugel; Offertory Basket Passers: Joseph Duty, Hannah Friend, Benjamin Lamb, Jeremy Lamb; PowerPoint: Mitchell Harbin.

In our Prayers...a holy death for Evelyn, Kris Leinenkugel's paternal grandmother...for Blair, customer of Rick Jordan and Susan Jordan who is having heart problems...for Harriett, Kathy Raynor‘s mother who has cancer...for Richard, Ginger Leppert‘s father...for Jessie Powell and Janie Lownes who are recuperating from surgery or hospital stays...for those serving in Iraq, especially Scott, Dan Hood's brother...for Nancy and Tony Hodgson's granddaughter, Emily...for Marilyn Doyon and Jennifer Marsico who are expecting babies this summer...for Dorothy, Mary Reid's sister who is fighting lung cancer and has been hospitalized in intensive care for pneumonia...for Ruth, Shana Blake‘s cousin...for Ed and Jean, Dick Reif's parents who are in declining health in Oklahoma...for the mother of Chris, Elizabeth Wagner's friend; for Bill, Lee Frickhoeffer's uncle who has terminal cancer...for Charlie, Toni Reif‘s friend who has cancer...for Brian McCarthy as he continues medical testing...for Fr. Derek as he travels and attends National Camping School for six days to be re-certified as an Aquatics Director (swimming, lifesaving and boating sports) for the Boy Scouts of America.

Upcoming Calendar...click here