December 2008 / January 2009 Newsletter

In this issue:

• "He will come again...": John Newton, Rector
• Vestry Summary: Ann Schwarz, Administrator
• Worship and Music: Jeff Kidder, Music Minister
• Reflections: Lori Goetz, Senior Warden
• For Families: Dave Langille, Priest Associate
• 4th Monday Prayer
• Youth Calendar
• Library News

"He will come again..."

John Newton, Rector

Can it be Advent already? One of the great benefits of having to walk through the liturgical year is that it forces us to deal with biblical themes and elements of Christian faith that might otherwise easily be neglected. Advent, the first season of the church year, is a prime case in point. Aside from reminding us of the centuries over which the people of Israel waited for the Messiah, Advent also takes up the theme of God's judgment upon sin and the promise that Jesus will come again.

We hear the fiery preaching of John the Baptist, who warns that the ax is already at the root of the tree, and to flee from the coming wrath. We also hear Jesus' promise that people will see "the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory".

Of course there are churches and denominations where Jesus' second coming is a source of endless discussion and study. For them it is a matter of great importance as to whether you are a "premillennialist", a "postmillennialist", or an "amillennialist". Someone has joked that, although Jesus warned that no one could ever know the day or the hour of his coming, that hasn't stopped some people from trying to figure out the year and the month.

However, that is not our problem in the Episcopal Church. The tragedy in our tradition is that there is too little teaching on Jesus' second coming. For many it has even become a source of embarrassment. In my experience this has led to three different reactions to the doctrine of Christ's return: We spiritualize it. We ignore it. Or we deny it.

Yet for Jesus and his earliest followers this was one of the major themes of the gospel. Think of how many of Jesus' parables have to do with a king who returns to his realm or a master who comes back to his domain. Think of his promise to his disciples at the last supper: "I go to prepare a place for you ... and ... I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also." Or think of the message that came to the disciples at the time of his ascension: "This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."

It should come as no surprise, then, that Jesus' second coming was also a major theme in the proclamation of the early church. The apostle Paul told his Christian friends in Corinth of the day when the final trumpet would sound and the dead be raised imperishable, when death would be swallowed up in victory and sin forever defeated. Peter assured those who wondered about Jesus' promised return that God's word is certain and that, while it may not be according to our timing, the day of the Lord will come. And right to the end of his life the aged John looked with eagerness to the day when Christ is revealed, when "we will be like him, for we will see him as he is".

A brief article such as this does not permit us to give the careful study that this important component of our Christian faith requires. And even if we were to give it that study, there would still be much that remains shrouded in mystery. Yet let that not prevent us from affirming with full conviction, as we say the creed together, "He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end."

Vestry Summary

Ann Schwarz, Administrator

At its November meeting Messiah's Vestry reviewed its October 20th meeting with Bishop James Jelinek of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota. Rector John Newton noted the Bishop's current stated unwillingness to participate in the consecration of a partnered gay or lesbian bishop, a change from his former position. He also noted how good it was to end the meeting with a time of informal prayer for the Bishop. The Vestry discussed at length what a next step might be in relationship to the current Bishop with no clear consensus on direction. Any move towards Designated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight has been tabled for now.

John Newton reported on the recent meetings of focus groups. (That report is available elsewhere in the newsletter.) He also reported on his recent trip to Houston to meet with fellow Communion Partners, a tri-partite fellowship of Primates, Bishops, and rectors committed to the Windsor Report, the proposed Anglican Convenant, and the renewing and reforming of the Episcopal Church. Questions were addressed at the Houston meeting about whether individual dioceses and even parishes might be able to sign on to an Anglican Covenant. Complete monthly meeting minutes and financial statements are available in the work room next to the reception area and may be obtained by email from a.schwarz@messiahepiscopal.org. Parishioners are welcome to attend Vestry meetings as observers and at other times are encouraged to bring questions and concerns to the Rector, Wardens, and Vestry members.

Worship and Music

Jeff Kidder, Music Minister

Advent & Christmas Schedule (including special service features)

Music and worship will be the topic at Adult Education class in December

Jeff Kidder will be speaking on the topic of worship and music at the December 14th Adult Education class, specifically focusing on his philosophy of music and worship and some background and history on both Messiah's and the Anglican worship tradition (see separate newsletter piece, which includes some of the material he will be presenting).

Ongoing opportunities

Worship Band: Instrumentalists & Vocalists accompany/lead music at the Sunday 9 & 11 worship services. Rehearsals are on Thursdays, 4:30-6:00. Please contact Jeff Kidder if you're interested in joining this ministry.

Festival Choir: Wednesday rehearsals continue through Dec. 17th at 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Choir Loft. Please contact Jeff Kidder if you're interested in joining this ministry.

Reflections

Lori Goetz, Senior Warden

"Though the fig tree does not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines..."

The fig tree of Habakkuk continues barren. Globally, wars rage, epidemics threaten, natural disasters destroy. For many in the United States, recent economic decline has so shifted our equilibrium that we feel at turns less financially secure and more financially encumbered. This economic unease underscores a more fundamental insecurity permeating our experience. The profound hardship of lost jobs throws all worldly losses into sharp relief: impermanence leaves in its wake suffering inflicted by illness, physical incapacitation, and the death of loved ones. All of us, pondering our material good-health, bread, and life itself-dread its demise. As we face multiple external layers of "things gone wrong," the picture Habakkuk paints at the end of his oracle looks starkly familiar: the fig tree does not blossom, the produce of the olive fails, the fields yield no food, the flock is cut off from the fold, no herd can be found in the barn. Outward conditions for human flourishing do not look promising.

And if this external landscape pains and frightens us, what of our internal landscape? Both Habakkuk and the arrangers of the daily office, who pair the prophetic book with readings from the New Testament epistle of James, suggest that the internal often mirrors the external. In Habakkuk, idolatry and pride create inner barrenness- the self forsaking God and faith. In James, the tongue creates internal barrenness by diminishing the self's capacity to function as God's image-bearer. The tongue is an "unrighteous world" which "no human being can tame... a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God." Sin in a variety of guises strips us of our dignity as creatures made to love God and neighbor.

Is there then no hope for human flourishing? If external factors like impermanence besiege us and internal conditions like pride or a malicious tongue effectively control us, how are we to live the abundant life to which we are called, loving God and neighbor? The biblical record and our own experience tell us that we are indeed vulnerable creatures. We are sheep without a shepherd, wanderers in the wilderness, pilgrims without a home-subject to being acted upon by brokenness from without. But we are also actors ourselves, manifesting brokenness and sin deliberately or through negligence. If we face these realities unsentimentally, I believe we will fall to our knees: our hope for salvation and sanctification rests in God alone.

This is the perspective finally conveyed in Habakkuk and James. The fig tree does not blossom, but "I'm counting on God's Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength" (Habakkuk 3:18-19, from The Message). This is not a naïve accounting of reality, contingent upon sweeping aside candid objections to suffering and pain. Rather, this perspective emerges from Habakkuk's candor and prayer:

[Habakkuk] dared to voice his feelings that God didn't know his own God business . Not a day has passed since then that one of us hasn't picked up and repeated Habakkuk's bafflement: 'God, you don't seem to make sense!'

But this prophet...waits and listens. It is in his waiting and listening-which then turns into praying-that he found himself inhabiting the large world of God's sovereignty. Only there did he eventually realize that the believing-in-God life, the steady trusting-in-God life, is full life, the only real life.
Eugene Peterson, The Message

Similarly, in James, where we see with candor the effect of our own sinfulness, the message is ultimately one of hope in God's saving help. The writer of the epistle implores us to adopt the posture of Habakkuk: "Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet:"

It's common knowledge that 'God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.' So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out...Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Maker...
James 4:5-10, from The Message

As individuals and a church we need to hear with fresh ears this injunction to live in humble dependence on God. Blessedly, we may help each other to pursue such living. Today, my fellow-parishioners will gather at Messiah to worship God, my women's prayer group will encourage me to pray, my husband will say, "Be well." They and others remind me that the believing-in-God life is the only full and abundant life. May we experience that reality more richly as we trust in God who saves.

Report on Rector's Meetings - October 2008

John Newton, Rector

In all, five meetings took place: three evening events, on Wednesdays, October 15, 22, and 29, one noon event on Wednesday, October 22, and a Sunday morning Rector's Forum on October 26. Attendance ranges from 8 to 29, with a total of 71 parishioners taking part.

The idea behind the meetings was to offer a setting where parishioners could share their sense of how and where the Holy Spirit is leading us as a community.
Over the course of the five get-togethers, parishioners shared a long list of things they appreciate about Messiah: the involvement of children, youth and young families; the Karen; thoughtful liturgy and music centering in the Eucharist; an open welcoming environment; the encouragement given to lay people to make use of their God-given gifts; the "coherent diversity" of the congregation around the centrality of Christ and Scripture; the emphasis given to prayer; the importance of Christian education; the challenge to meet Jesus as a real person; the permission given to be real and know that you are accepted as you are.

There were also a number of points of interest and/or concern that arose, most which can be groups under three headings:

Staff cutbacks. Parishioners see the staff and dedicated and hard working. There was concern that the cutbacks could undermine staff morale and thereby compromise the effectiveness of the various ministries for which they bear responsibility.

Sunday morning schedule change. There was general agreement, and in some cases enthusiasm, that this change could lead to some good results. There were concerns about the continuation of coffee hour and the 7:45 am service, and the staffing of the infant and toddler nurseries, and Children's Chapel.

Our relationship with the Episcopal Church. As might be expected, there was a wide variety of opinions on this topic, but for almost everyone there was a sense of unease with the posture and actions of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota and of the Episcopal Church itself. This ranged from "sorrow, anger, and frustration" over what this has done to Messiah, to a conviction that we are in "an unholy alliance" and must leave. Someone asked if it is possible for us to be successful as a congregation in a diocese that is so different from us.

In one group someone spoke about the "unfortunate level of anxiety" that this has caused, which led to a discussion of how we can minimize that anxiety. In another session someone referred to people's various comfort vis-à-vis the ambiguities we face in our relationship with the Episcopal Church. This led another person to ask whether is might be possible to use these ambiguities for our benefit.

There were also questions about applying to Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight (DEPO), realignment with a new ecclesiastical province, a reassessment of our relationship with the Anglican Communion Network (CAN), the inevitability of a major split within the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, and the redirection of funds so as not to be used by the diocese or national church.

Amid all of this, however, I think it is fair to say that there was general agreement that we wish to remain Anglican in the fullest sense of the word; and that we must make every effort to hold together (and to Christ) in the midst of being buffeted by controversy, and need enormous wisdom as we chart the course for the future.

Other comments that could be placed in the category of "miscellaneous" included an appreciation of recent social events, which, it was hoped, would lead to a greater sense of fellowship; and the suggestion that the current economic crisis could easily lead to new opportunities for service in the community.

For Families

Dave Langille, Priest Associate

An Advent Devotion

Through the tender mercies of our God
the day-spring from on high hath visited us.
Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
Creator of the light,
and Enlightener of the world,
of the visible light,
The Sun's ray, a flame of fire
day and night,
evening and morning,
of the light invisible--
the revelation of God,
writings of the Law,
oracles of the Prophets,
music of the Psalms,
instruction of Proverbs,
experience of Histories,
glorious Gospel of Christ,
--light which never sets.
God is the Lord who hath shewed us the Light!

Lancelot Andrewes

As I wrote here some years ago:

The old liturgical calendar is rolling to an end. Each year, as we get closer to Advent, I'm reminded that I have another chance to get it right, to prepare my heart for Jesus birthday and to better integrate my faith, my work and my family. For Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and even the New Year celebration are times when we have clear permission to be with our kids, our extended and our church families.

One of the blessings of this past year at Messiah, along with my ordination to the priesthood, is our growing ministry to families. While Youth Ministry is still a priority for me, I increasingly see my role as minister to families. As a husband and dad I am all too aware of the season now approaching. That wonderful, fun, crazy and hyper-extended season known as the Holidays is now upon us all.

As we move into the Holy-Holiday season we want to be sensitive and supportive of our families need for time together, all the while providing ministry that prepares our children and young people for Christmas.

For youth look for: the Christmas-Advent-ure Party on Dec. 5th at the Wiley's; our annual Advent Play "A Messiah's Youth Advent" on Dec. 7th; our Messiah's Youth Christmas Service Project making Cards & Cookies for Messiah Shut-ins on Dec. 10th and Caroling on the 17th. Parents and Youth, check your in-box for e-mail updates.

The whole congregation, including children and youth, is invited to the Hanging of the Greens on Dec. 21st, with a potluck at 1pm. It's a wonderful way to serve, as we beautify the church for Christmastide, as well as enjoy fellowship. We'll also have a practical craft for the younger ones.

For families of elementary age children, there'll be a rehearsal for our Christmas Pageant at 3pm on the 21st. This pantomimed pageant, "An Interactive Nativity", has become a tradition at our 4:00 service, with the older elementary age children taking the lead roles (Narrator, Mary, Joseph, Innkeeper, Archangels). Younger children get to be either shepherds or angels. Look for more details in your Sunday School Classes.

And, because this is a combined Dec./Jan. newsletter, let me give a heads up about January events. Children's and Youth leaders we will be attending "Recharge: A Conference for teams ministering to children and youth" on Jan. 10th at Colonial Church, Edina. And the big Messiah's Youth event is, drum-roll please, the Monster Lock-In!, on Jan. 16th.

4th Monday Prayer

All are invited to prayer at Messiah the 4th Monday of every month at 7:00p.m. These times of worship and prayer will concentrate on listening to God, asking him what we should pray for and seeking to receive from him the things we need. No prior experience necessary! Join us on December 22nd.

Youth Calendar

Youthnite: Word for the Hungry

Wed, Dec. 3rd, 6:30, youth rooms, $2 donation for Pizza!

Annual Christmas-Advent-ure Party!

Friday, Dec. 5th, 7:00-10:00 pm @ the Wileys (2195 St. Croix St., Roseville, MN, 55113) Cost: $2, and a wrapped "White Elephant Gift". It's annual, so you know the drill. Come to the Wileys for a night of food, fun, and fellowship. And don't forget the "White Elephant Gift" exchange. (Anything, and we mean anything that's in good taste, $4 and under that you can wrap. Better yet-make that gift!)

"A Messiah's Youth Advent"

Sunday, Dec. 7th, 9:00 and 11:00am services.

Christmas Card & Cookie Service Project

Wednesday, Dec. 10th, 6:30, in the Gathering Space. We're making cards and baking cookies for Messiah's seniors and shut-ins. Parents are welcome (we can use all the help we can get!

Caroling, Card & Cookie Delivery

Wednesday, Dec. 17th, 6:30, in the Undercroft. We'll spend the evening with Christmas Carol singing deliveries.

Hanging of the Greens, Potluck & Pageant Rehearsal

Sunday, Dec. 21st, Sanctuary, 1-4pm

Christmas Services

Christmas Eve Family Service, 4:00pm

Candlelight Service, 11pm

Christmas Day service, 10am

Lessons and Carols, December 28, 10 am

Summer Mission to Rosebud

First Deposit Jan 1st. Mission dates July 5th-10th.

This year we are joining Youthworks missions and going to the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. The total cost for the mission will be $245, but to reserve our twenty spaces we need all participants to pay a non refundable deposit of $40 by Jan. 1st. There will be one other deposit March with final payment in May. Questions: talk to Dave.

Youthteam Monster Lock-In Planning

Wednesday, Jan. 7th, 7:00-8:30pm, with Minneapolis Believers in Christ Church in North Minneapolis.

Recharge: A Conference for Teams working with Children and Youth

Saturday, Jan. 11th, 8:15am-3:15pm, Colonial Church Edina.

Cost & Deadline: TBA. Our Children's and Youth teams are invited to Recharge! Featured speakers include Effrem Smith, and others from a diversity of settings (Roman Catholic, Assemblies of God, UCC and Covenant.)

Youth & Family Potluck

Wednesday, Jan. 14th, 6:30-8:00pm, the Undercoft

We'll worship, welcome new students & families, meet our youth leaders & hear the vision for Messiah's Youth 2009. (A-H bring main course; I-Q bring salads, fruit & veg; R-Z bring breads & dessert).

Monster Lock-In!

Friday, Jan. 16th-17th, 7pm-8am.

Deadline Sunday, Jan. 14th, Cost: $25 per person, $20 for you and any friends you invite. Imagine you with 100 of your friends spending the night snow tubing, watching movies, snacking, playing Ultimate Ball, or Wii, or PS3. And did we mention the spa! As in the past, the student who invites the most friends wins a limo ride for you and your friends. An event of this size also needs much help. Look for sign-ups for chaperones, security, snacks and a breakfast/clean-up crew.

Youthnite: Catacomb Worship

Wed, Jan. 21st, 6:30pm, the Loft

Youthnite: Youth Alpha

Wed, Jan. 28th, 6:30pm, the Loft

Acquire the Fire 2009

Feb. 13-14th. Mucho info to come.

Library News

Linda Eggleston

Yes, we do have a church library! For those of you who haven't found it yet, you can find the church library from the "Gathering Space" (the large entry area where coffee and treats are served between services) by walking west towards Janice's or Ann's offices and turning right (north) towards John and Dave's offices or the chapel area. The library is next to Ann's office. Thank you to those who have donated items to our church library. We appreciate your willingness to share materials with us! We are also grateful for the gifts of books, videos, a rotating rack, and book cart from the library at Faith Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids, MN. We also have some newly ordered or acquired books in our library.

Come visit the library and see what's new, including: For adults and older youth - A Model for Marriage: Covenant, Grace, Empowerment and Intimacy by Jack O. Balswick and Judith K. Balswick, New Rules for Marriage by Terrance Real, Starting from Scratch When You're Single Again by Sharon Knudson and Mary Fran Heitzman, For men only: a straightforward guide to the inner lives of women and For women only: what you need to know about the inner lives of men - both by Shaunti Christine Feldhahn, Understanding the Windsor Report: Two Leaders in the American Church Speak Across the Divide by Ian T. Douglas, The Second Fifty Years - the Diocese of Minnesota and the Diocese of Duluth from 1907 to 1957 by The Rev. E.L. Sheppard Historiographer of the Diocese, The History of Region VII - Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota - Wading through the current of time, we travel "Back to the River" for the 141st Annual Convention of the Diocese of Minnesota by the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota, Love & Respect, The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs by Emerson Eggerichs, For parents only: getting inside the head of your kid by Shaunti Christine Feldhahn, The Shack by William P. Young, Grace and Necessity: Reflections on Art and Love by Rowan Williams, God of All Comfort by Judy Gann, The Love Dare by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick, Gratitude: Inspirations by Melody Beattie, Anger: Handling a Powerful Emotion in a Healthy Way by Gary D. Chapman, and 40-Day Journey with Julian of Norwich by Lisa E. Dahill. For children: Many "Arch Books" with Bible stories were donated from the Faith Lutheran Church library. Also, see the new book: Jesus Must Be Really Special by Jennie Bishop. Donated videotapes: Molder of Dreams - Featuring Guy Doud by Focus on the Family, Reducing the RISK - Making Your Church Safe From Child Sexual Abuse by Church Law & Tax Report, and LIFEPAK CR Plus Defribrillator Orientation Video by Medtronic. A couple of "Christmas books" we have in our library collection include: Before and After Christmas: Activities and Ideas for Advent and Ephiphany by Debbie Trafton O'Neal and The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado.

You can see our library catalog in two ways: (1) online at: http://www.librarything.com/ catalog/MessiahEpiscopal in which you may search just like when you use a public library catalog, or (2) our printed catalog in the notebook in the library which is sorted by title, author, "first tag", shelf list, and with some particular "subject headings" including family, healing, marriage, prayer, and theology. A Reminder and a Request: Library items may be checked out for 3 weeks. Please return them or renew them once, using the check-out notebook in the library. A few items have "walked away" without being checked out or have been checked out for a very long time. Please check to see if you have items from the library that need to be returned. Thank you very much for using our church library and for keeping the materials available for others, as well! If you have questions, comments, suggestions, or would like to help out in the church library or write a book review, please contact: Linda Eggleston or e-mail: library@messiahepiscopal.org.

Thank you!

Christmas Service Times