Sunday, October 30, 2005

How Rosa Parks saved us

In honor of the life and work of Rosa Parks, at Faith Episcopal this morning, we heard the words of Harriet Tubman and the story of a snapping turtle. If you wonder how that goes together, read the whole sermon here.

Here's today's reading from Harriet Tubman, courtesy of Marcia Riggs Anthology Can I Get A Witness?.

“I knew of a man, who was sent to the State Prison for twenty-five years. All these years he was always thinking of his home, and counting by years, months, and days, the time till he should be free, and see his family and friends once more. The years roll on, the time of imprisonment is over, the man is free. He leaves the prison gates, he makes his way to his old home, but his old home is not there. The house in which he had dwelt in his childhood had been torn down, and a new one had been put up in its place; his family were gone, their very name was forgotten, there was no one to take him by the hand to welcome him back to life.”

“So it was wid me, I had crossed de line of which I had so long been dreaming. I was free; but dere was no one to welcome me to de land of freedom, I was a stranger in a strange land, and my home after all was down in de old cabin quarter, wid de olde folks, and my brudders and sisters. But to dis solemn resolution I came; I was free, and dey should be free also; I would make a home for dem in the North, and de Lord helping me, I would bring dem all dere. Oh, how I prayed den, lying all alone on de cold, damp ground; ‘Oh, dear Lord,’ I said, ‘I haint got no friend but you. Come to my help, Lord, for I’m in trouble!’ ”

Preach it Sister Tubman!

Sunday, October 23, 2005

Some things never change

Jesus was frequently challenged by the religious and political voices of his day - sounds familiar! The French are fond of saying Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose which means "the more things change, the more they stay the same" Here's today's sermon that ponders this idea.

To read today's lessons, visit the Lectionary Page.

Saturday, October 22, 2005

Wow!


Isn't this the most beautiful thing? Kind of makes you believe in a divine artist at work. I love the Stumble Upon feature on the Firefox web browser - this is the kind of thing that turns up. Visit Astronomy Picture of the Day and see more of these extraordinary cosmic beauties. Posted by Picasa

Sunday, October 16, 2005

Faith - a work in progress


Our first Sunday back in our "not quite finished" space. Lots of excitement, not to mention twice as many people this week! Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

All dressed up...

Computer gremlins struck Faith so this sermon is a little late. Here we try on Jesus' parable of the wedding banquet and the guy who dared to show up underdressed. Here's a sermon all about finding the right clothes.

To read Sunday's lessons from Isaiah, Philippians and Matthew, visit The Lectionary Page.

A blessing for Max


Heaven knows that he needs it! The question is "will it hold him until next St. Francis Day?" Posted by Picasa

Sunday, October 02, 2005

Greetings from the balmy midwest



Hello, Faith-ites and blog readers! The picture above is of Indiana University's famous Sample Gates. The Sample Gates are the gateway from downtown Bloomington to campus and they are stunning in all seasons. I tried to find a picture with fall foliage, but as the steamy midwestern summer is stretching into October, the tulips will do nicely. If you ever have a chance to visit Bloomington you should definitely take it, because IU's is truly the most beautiful campus anywhere.

Of course, I may be biased.

For those of you who have been asking the Vicar for news about her daughter, here it is - straight from the horse's mouth. After four weeks of classes, I think I can safely say that I'm enjoying grad school and I think I'm going to make at least a moderate success of it. I'm taking lots of classes, I have a job in the library and I've made some wonderful friends. I'm also a bit stressed and fairly sleep-deprived, so I'll save all the details for my Christmas visit to California.

I will be eagerly following the news of the renovation and looking forward to seeing all of you. Take care and keep in touch!

Melanie

Velvet Elvis

Few things will bring out my tendancy toward a drawl like preaching about Elvis. The wonderful little book Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell inspired this sermon. I thank him and his ministry at Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.