Seeing the Invisible

Lately, I have preached sermons that spoke to our need to see the invisible among us -- a phrase I borrowed from Mary Hinkle from Luther Seminary in Minnesota.  This idea of seeing those among us that, because of systems, structures, powers and principalities are set aside, discarded -- ignored has been on my mind (again).  Being poor and marginalized is often a guarantee to be ignored -- forgotten, unseen (if you were ever seen at all).

On October 3, a small group of concerned people came to St. Paul's Episcopal Church in LaSalle, Illinois to watch an important movie about a timeless topic -- poverty.  The movie is called The Line; you can watch it at www.thelinemovie.com.  In its 43 minutes, you will be introduced to people who have been clobbered by the economic collapse in America; the violence of poverty that lives on our streets and the nature of poverty that comes with the exploitation of our neighbors and God's creation.

Here are some facts for you to know and consider:

• Today, 46 million people live in poverty in the United States; this is the 3rd highest poverty rate among industrialized nations -- just ahead of Turkey and Mexico.
• The U.S. Census Bureau defines the poverty line as a family of four earning less than $23,050.00.
• The average food stamp benefit in America is $21 per week.

After we watched the movie we talked about what we could do, in our community (in our neighborhood) that would matter; we talked about how our Christian identity is tied with the poor, the forgotten, the invisible.  That night we decided, that although we are small in number, we would allow our faith to a verb and do something (we didn't say we would eradicate poverty, we said we would do what we could to help others know that they are loved, respected and worthy of dignity).

Here is what we decided:

• we would pray for our neighbors in poverty and for strength and guidance for how to be effective in helping; humble in service and loving in action.
• we agreed that we could volunteer and give resources to the LaSalle Food Bank.  This important ministry is celebrating its 30th year of service.  In 2011, 10,927 families received donations.  
• we would be more intentionally "neighborly" in connecting and inviting the folks that live near St. Paul's into the life of our community.
• we would build relationship with Illinois Valley PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter).  PADS provides shelter, food and services to people in need.

St. Paul's is a small Episcopal Church.  We may not be able eradicate poverty, but the people that gathered Wednesday night know that they can do something.  I'm proud to be in ministry with them.  In the Diocese of Chicago, we say that we will:  grow the church, form the faithful and change the world. 

Wednesday night a small cadre of faithful believers (in a divine man that through our hands and feet still stands up for the poor and oppressed) took a step in the right direction to change the world, right here in our backyard.

the Line: Poverty in America and LaSalle, Illinois

In my sermon from Sunday, I took time (some in the congregation might have thought too much!) to build upon the idea, the reality, that faith should be a verb; something we do, something we explore, something that transforms us and gives us the ability to help transform the world. 

This is built on the belief that simple acts of faith, that so many are engaged in every day, are powerful -- the act of prayer; the act of being present for those in pain; the acts of faith it takes to care for a parent or children, to stay clean and sober, to get out of bed and battle the oppressive poverty and joblessness that plagues too many.

Where my family and I live, and where one of the churches I serve is located, like many places in America, is wracked by a cycle and culture of poverty that existed long before the economy crashed in 2008.  In LaSalle, Illinois: 

• 16% of the population lives below the poverty line; including 27% of children under the age of 18.
• Where, in the school district, up to 80% of students are low income compared to a state average of 45%.  With low income defined as students coming from families receiving public aid; living in institutions for neglected or delinquent children; students supported in foster homes with public funds; or are eligible to receive free or reduced-price lunches.
• Where kids, 22% of white, 60% of black and 52% of Hispanic fourth graders read below basic skill levels.
• Where the unemployment rate spiked at 16.4% in 2010 and remains stuck near 11.5% in 2012 -- this does not account for the hundreds, maybe thousands, of neighbors who have given up trying to find a job.
• Where I am told that homeless kids are sheltered at local motels.

In the gospel according to Matthew, Jesus in clear in teaching that the way we treat the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the homeless, the sick, the prisoner -- the way we serve the poor and vulnerable, all those left out and behind, is the way we treat him.  Sojourners says that, "how much we love him will be demonstrated in how we treat them."

So to demonstrate our faith as a verb, at 7:00 PM on October 3, 2012, St. Paul's Church, LaSalle, is hosting a screening of the movie the Line.  Doors to the parish hall will open by 6:30 PM and discussion regarding the movie, the realities of poverty in LaSalle County, Illinois and an informed response will take place after the movie. 

From the Emmy Award-winning producer Linda Midgett, the Line is a groundbreaking documentary chronicling the new face of poverty in America.  View the movie trailer at thelinemovie.com.

I hope you join us on October 3rd -- our faith is a verb.

Take, eat: this is my body given for you -- and them.

One of the wonderful aspects of the Episcopal tradition is our connection to the Church of England and the Anglican Communion's historical development as the via media between Roman Catholicism and the protestant reforms that swept (and continue to change) the church. 

In my sermon of August 19, 2012, preached at Christ Church, Ottawa, Illinois, I draw on the history of the Episcopal Church and wider Anglican Communion as I preach on chapter 6 of the gospel according to John.  Every three years, in Year B of our lectionary cycle, we spend five weeks reading this chapter.  This deliberately slow pace allows for us to dig deep into the text and see what it has meant for previous generations and what it says to us today.

Because my schedule of celebrating mass, at our four Episcopal Churches in LaSalle County, has me at different locations each Sunday, I took some liberty in pulling forward a main theme from next week's lectionary, as I drew on the context of the chapter that starts with Jesus feeding 5,000 unexpected guests and ends with many of his disciples walking away because his teachings are too hard.  In the middle there is a lot of talk about bread and life, eating body and drinking blood and arguing about what it all means.

Let me know what you think.

And -- thanks, Justin for serving as videographer today!  I appreciate you help.

Giving Bread: with no condition

Here is my sermon from this morning -- why give bread to people who did not earn it, buy it or bake it? 

After, give to your local food pantry -- no matter where we live the need is great.

Keep Playing (and Praying) My Friends!

This week I came across this story and it reminded me of our parish family in Wisconsin, St. Peter's, Ripon and St. Mary's Chapel, Wautoma.  I was reminded of days boating together on Green Lake; celebrating our patronal feast day by cooking out and hanging a piñata; agape meals after the Easter Vigil; dinner club; Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper; Costa Rica mission trips; Packer games; coffee on the rectory porch and so much more (including the Wisconsin / Episcopal tradition of Happy Hour!).

Below you will find some of these "favorite" memory photos and you can read the story at: 

http://www.ecfvp.org/posts/the-church-that-plays-together-3/

I'm looking forward to building these opportunities (and memories) with the people of our churches in LaSalle County, Illinois.

What are some of your favorite ways to "be" together?

Keep playing (and praying) my friends!



Was your trip to El Salvador fun? It was transformative!

On Sunday, July 15, Angela Smith gave a powerful presentation to more than 50 members of the LaSalle County Episcopal Ministry regarding her work and ongoing efforts in El Salvador.

You may know that Angie traveled to El Salvador in March as an international election observer -- while there, she did more than just watch an election. For more on her time in El Salvador check out her piece published by Waging Nonviolence at http://wagingnonviolence.org/2012/04/from-arms-to-occupation-in-el-salvador/.

In the months since returning, she has been working with Father Jesus Alvarenga and Bishop Martin Barahona to share the story of the church's work within the urban centers of El Salvador.

If you are interested in having Angie share this story with your church, civic club or social organization let us know.

 

Full Disclosure: Angie and I have been married "almost" 18 years. She inspires many with her devotion to peace and justice for the people of Latin America, where she has traveled and worked since 2005.

A change is gonna come...

This is the sermon I preached on Sunday, July 22 at Christ Church (Episcopal), Ottawa, Illinois.

Sometimes, even in northern Illinois, it gets so hot that we must leave the comfort of old stone sacred spaces to retreat to the comfort of the undercroft!   

The Episcopal Church is changing.  Some commentators claim it is dying.  I disagree.  Here I speak to the truth that the church is not to be liberal or conservative, but is to be about the work God gives us to do -- here and now. 

Let me know what you think.

Loving Our Neighbors

This sermon was preached at St. Paul's Church (LaSalle, Illinois) on July 8, 2012. While not perfect and a bit longer than intended, it does help frame the question of whether or not we really can, or want to, love our neighbors.

Why the Power and the Glory

When I was ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons, my dear friend the Rev. Ken Guy preached the sermon in which he asked that I read and reflect on two books -- one of which is The Power and Glory by Graham Greene. This is a story of a priest, a very human, fallable priest, in Mexico during the 1930's when the Mexican government was attempting to supress the Catholic Church. The novel's main character is a nameless "whiskey priest", who is the last priest remaining in his region. Hunted by the state and hounded by his own self-destructive behaviors, he endeavors to bring the love and light of Christ to communities; at times just steps ahead of those that will, by the novel's end, take his life.

I first read the Power and the Glory in college and have reread it a number of times -- including finishing it again days prior to the ordination. I encourage you to read it; it is a powerful story with images, characters and messages that compel and have lasting impact.

I am now a priest in the Episcopal tradition of the Church and I hope this blog will do honor to the expectations set forth by Father Guy.