Trinity Enews Article June 20, 2019
Eight months ago, while sitting in St. George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem and singing a hymn, I wept. Being far from home, travel weary and soul-searching, the words of a John Bell hymn washed over me as a healing balm and I wept. Later I went back into the Cathedral to write down the words.
I’m glad I did for there’s no way I could have known then the personal challenges that would be facing me when I arrived back home. Somehow, I believe God was preparing me, in part, with John Bell’s words. So, for all who may be weary and heavy-laden or simply needing reassurance of God’s presence, I share these words today:
Today I awake and God is before me. At night, as I dreamt, God summoned the day; for God never sleeps, but patterns the morning with slithers of gold or glory in grey.
Today I arise and Christ is beside me, He walked through the dark to scatter new light. Yes, Christ is alive, and beckons God’s people to hope and to heal, resist and invite.
Today I affirm the Spirit within me at worship and work, to struggle and rest. The Spirit inspires all life which is changing from fearing to faith, from broken to blessed.
Today I enjoy the Trinity round me, above and beneath, before and behind; the Maker, the Son, the Spirit together—they called me to life and call me their friend.
Blessings, Jenny+
Eight months ago, while sitting in St. George’s Cathedral in Jerusalem and singing a hymn, I wept. Being far from home, travel weary and soul-searching, the words of a John Bell hymn washed over me as a healing balm and I wept. Later I went back into the Cathedral to write down the words.
I’m glad I did for there’s no way I could have known then the personal challenges that would be facing me when I arrived back home. Somehow, I believe God was preparing me, in part, with John Bell’s words. So, for all who may be weary and heavy-laden or simply needing reassurance of God’s presence, I share these words today:
Today I awake and God is before me. At night, as I dreamt, God summoned the day; for God never sleeps, but patterns the morning with slithers of gold or glory in grey.
Today I arise and Christ is beside me, He walked through the dark to scatter new light. Yes, Christ is alive, and beckons God’s people to hope and to heal, resist and invite.
Today I affirm the Spirit within me at worship and work, to struggle and rest. The Spirit inspires all life which is changing from fearing to faith, from broken to blessed.
Today I enjoy the Trinity round me, above and beneath, before and behind; the Maker, the Son, the Spirit together—they called me to life and call me their friend.
Blessings, Jenny+
Trinity Enews Article June 13, 2019
A trap I can easily fall into is believing the critical voice in my head that tells me I am failing as a Christian. I have a hunch where this comes from. As a child, I heard a great deal about sin. I also felt judged more than loved. And most of this came from my church. As a youth, I felt as though I was walking across an acrobatic tight rope. One slip, and down I would go; cast aside forever. It’s frightening to live in fear of damnation, and I believe it is counter to how God invites us to live as human beings. As imperfect and inadequate as we all are, a life lived in the fullness of God’s love is joyful. Deep peace abides when we believe that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Knowing we are unconditionally God’s beloved, is freeing and allows us to be more loving, kind and compassionate toward others and ourselves.
Which is something I am working on. This concept of self-compassion is new to me. I was introduced to it at the lowest point of my journey with Joe’s brain tumor. And I’ve come to believe there is something holy and sacred about this practice of being kind to ourselves. In her book Self Compassion, Kristen Neff encourages us to respond to our suffering and struggles in the same way we would typically respond to a close friend when he or she is suffering. She suggests writing down the words we say and the tone we use when talking to a friend who is hurting. Then she says, think about times when you feel bad about yourself or are hurting. Is there are difference in the words you say to yourself or the tone of voice you use on yourself?
Now imagine a friend who is unconditionally loving, accepting, kind and compassionate toward you. Imagine this friend seeing all your strengths and your weaknesses without judgment. Feel how loved and accepted you are, exactly as you are, with all your human imperfections. This friend, who is also most assuredly Jesus, recognizes the limits of human nature and is kind and forgiving towards you. “Love, connection and acceptance” writes Neff “are your birthright. To claim them, you need only look within yourself.” In Christ, Jenny+
A trap I can easily fall into is believing the critical voice in my head that tells me I am failing as a Christian. I have a hunch where this comes from. As a child, I heard a great deal about sin. I also felt judged more than loved. And most of this came from my church. As a youth, I felt as though I was walking across an acrobatic tight rope. One slip, and down I would go; cast aside forever. It’s frightening to live in fear of damnation, and I believe it is counter to how God invites us to live as human beings. As imperfect and inadequate as we all are, a life lived in the fullness of God’s love is joyful. Deep peace abides when we believe that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Knowing we are unconditionally God’s beloved, is freeing and allows us to be more loving, kind and compassionate toward others and ourselves.
Which is something I am working on. This concept of self-compassion is new to me. I was introduced to it at the lowest point of my journey with Joe’s brain tumor. And I’ve come to believe there is something holy and sacred about this practice of being kind to ourselves. In her book Self Compassion, Kristen Neff encourages us to respond to our suffering and struggles in the same way we would typically respond to a close friend when he or she is suffering. She suggests writing down the words we say and the tone we use when talking to a friend who is hurting. Then she says, think about times when you feel bad about yourself or are hurting. Is there are difference in the words you say to yourself or the tone of voice you use on yourself?
Now imagine a friend who is unconditionally loving, accepting, kind and compassionate toward you. Imagine this friend seeing all your strengths and your weaknesses without judgment. Feel how loved and accepted you are, exactly as you are, with all your human imperfections. This friend, who is also most assuredly Jesus, recognizes the limits of human nature and is kind and forgiving towards you. “Love, connection and acceptance” writes Neff “are your birthright. To claim them, you need only look within yourself.” In Christ, Jenny+
Memorial Weekend
Monday was a perfect stay-at-home Memorial Day. The weather was sunny, breezy and warm. We leisurely enjoyed breakfast out on the deck. Chores were easily done. I then treated myself to spending the afternoon on my grandmother’s swing reading a book. The book was written by a 37-year-old woman who recently died unexpectedly, leaving behind a husband and two young children. The impact of her death has far-reaching ripples throughout Christianity today. Her voice sorely needed. Often referred to as a “wandering evangelical” Rachel Held Evans gave many of us hope for the future of the Church. Her astute ability to wander unafraid into fierce theological and biblical battles is admirable. She was a breath of fresh air. With a God-given gift of seeing our 2,000-year-old religion through fresh eyes, she was not afraid to question her faith, God or the Bible.
We would do well to follow in her footsteps. Or maybe I should say, “I would do well to follow in her footsteps.” As one who was raised in similar ways to Rachel, I wonder how I might approach the Bible with new questions and a more fervent holy curiosity. How might I relax my beliefs about God, Jesus, the Bible, the Church? How might I be more open minded when reading scripture? A starting place for me is to continue reading Rachel’s book. She’s written several and this one is entitled Inspired. If anyone finds this an interesting read, I’d love to have a conversation later this summer. Another opportunity is with Bishop Laura’s book study on Friday, June 28th at Camp Washington from 11am-12:30pm, when she is discussing another of Rachel’s books entitled Searching for Sunday.
With summer approaching, and hopefully more time for leisure, I encourage you to read something that will challenge your beliefs about God, Jesus, the Bible or the Church. Make some notes. Let’s talk.
Grateful to be on this journey with you, Jenny+
Monday was a perfect stay-at-home Memorial Day. The weather was sunny, breezy and warm. We leisurely enjoyed breakfast out on the deck. Chores were easily done. I then treated myself to spending the afternoon on my grandmother’s swing reading a book. The book was written by a 37-year-old woman who recently died unexpectedly, leaving behind a husband and two young children. The impact of her death has far-reaching ripples throughout Christianity today. Her voice sorely needed. Often referred to as a “wandering evangelical” Rachel Held Evans gave many of us hope for the future of the Church. Her astute ability to wander unafraid into fierce theological and biblical battles is admirable. She was a breath of fresh air. With a God-given gift of seeing our 2,000-year-old religion through fresh eyes, she was not afraid to question her faith, God or the Bible.
We would do well to follow in her footsteps. Or maybe I should say, “I would do well to follow in her footsteps.” As one who was raised in similar ways to Rachel, I wonder how I might approach the Bible with new questions and a more fervent holy curiosity. How might I relax my beliefs about God, Jesus, the Bible, the Church? How might I be more open minded when reading scripture? A starting place for me is to continue reading Rachel’s book. She’s written several and this one is entitled Inspired. If anyone finds this an interesting read, I’d love to have a conversation later this summer. Another opportunity is with Bishop Laura’s book study on Friday, June 28th at Camp Washington from 11am-12:30pm, when she is discussing another of Rachel’s books entitled Searching for Sunday.
With summer approaching, and hopefully more time for leisure, I encourage you to read something that will challenge your beliefs about God, Jesus, the Bible or the Church. Make some notes. Let’s talk.
Grateful to be on this journey with you, Jenny+
Trinity Enews Article May 16, 2019
It is mandatory this year. Every deacon, priest and bishop, active or retired, who serves in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut must attend a day of professional development. I attended the one in Thomaston on Tuesday with Carrie and about 100 other clergy. Like taking your car in for inspection, having your annual physical or doing a financial audit, it wasn’t exactly fun, but needed. The information presented helps to ensure healthy parish-life and healthy clergy.
For example, we explored what emotional dynamics look like in parishes, especially chronic anxiety. We talked about our susceptability as clergy to burnout, as well as power and privilege and practical ideas to avoid difficult situations. We discussed the occupational hazard of compassion fatigue which can occur when we care for others without caring for ourselves. We talked a lot about clergy wellness and the importance of boundaries, prayer, time away and doing things that bring us joy.
Accountability and ecclesiastical discipline were discussed at length, including professional standards and the fact that clergy are mandatory reporters for suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of the young and old. We reviewed new policies every parish must have in place for the protection of Children and Youth as well as Vulnerable Adults. We discussed screening and training protocols that must be adhered to. We were reminded to follow the “Leaving Well” policy when taking a new call or retiring. This policy, among other things, requires clergy to avoid discussions about the parish with former parishioners and should this occur, we are to inform the current parish priest of the conversations. We are to disengage from all social media interactions with those affiliated with the parish and avoid commenting on activities of past, current or future clergy.
At the end of the day, my brain hurt. This is a lot to think about and to do. And yet, I’m very grateful to our bishops for making it mandatory. It helps to know that we are all in this together!
Jenny+
It is mandatory this year. Every deacon, priest and bishop, active or retired, who serves in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut must attend a day of professional development. I attended the one in Thomaston on Tuesday with Carrie and about 100 other clergy. Like taking your car in for inspection, having your annual physical or doing a financial audit, it wasn’t exactly fun, but needed. The information presented helps to ensure healthy parish-life and healthy clergy.
For example, we explored what emotional dynamics look like in parishes, especially chronic anxiety. We talked about our susceptability as clergy to burnout, as well as power and privilege and practical ideas to avoid difficult situations. We discussed the occupational hazard of compassion fatigue which can occur when we care for others without caring for ourselves. We talked a lot about clergy wellness and the importance of boundaries, prayer, time away and doing things that bring us joy.
Accountability and ecclesiastical discipline were discussed at length, including professional standards and the fact that clergy are mandatory reporters for suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of the young and old. We reviewed new policies every parish must have in place for the protection of Children and Youth as well as Vulnerable Adults. We discussed screening and training protocols that must be adhered to. We were reminded to follow the “Leaving Well” policy when taking a new call or retiring. This policy, among other things, requires clergy to avoid discussions about the parish with former parishioners and should this occur, we are to inform the current parish priest of the conversations. We are to disengage from all social media interactions with those affiliated with the parish and avoid commenting on activities of past, current or future clergy.
At the end of the day, my brain hurt. This is a lot to think about and to do. And yet, I’m very grateful to our bishops for making it mandatory. It helps to know that we are all in this together!
Jenny+