Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Speaks Out About Attacks on Gaza

Yesterday afternoon in New York, outside the Episcopal Church Center, a demonstration took place in front of the Israeli consulate. The demonstrators included orthodox Jews. All were calling for an immediate end to the attacks in Gaza. I join my voice to theirs and those of many others around the world, challenging the Israeli government to call a halt to this wholly disproportionate escalation of violence. I challenge the Palestinian forces to end their rocket attacks on Israelis. I further urge the United States government to use its influence to get these parties back to the negotiating table and end this senseless killing. President-elect Obama needs to be part of this initiative, which demands his attention now and is likely to do so through his early months in office. I urge a comprehensive response to these attacks. Innocent lives are being lost throughout the land we all call Holy, and as Christians remember the coming of the Prince of Peace, we ache for the absence of peace in the land of his birth.

Immediate attention should focus on vital humanitarian assistance to the suffocating people of Gaza. In March of this year, I spent a day in Gaza visiting religious and community leaders and the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Since that visit, the situation, which was already devastating, has only worsened, with supplies of food, fuel, power, and medical supplies either cut off or indefinitely delayed. Our hospital must now try to treat the wounded under the most impossible circumstances.

I ask all people of faith to join with the Episcopalians in Jerusalem who this Sunday dispensed with their usual worship services and spent their time in prayer for those who are the objects of this violence. I pray for leaders who will seek a just peace for all in the Middle East, knowing that its achievement will only come when they have the courage to act boldly. But they must do so now, before the violence escalates further. It is only through a just and lasting peace that the hope of the ages can be fulfilled, that hope which we mark in the birth of a babe in Bethlehem.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop
The Episcopal Church

December 29, 2008

A Blessed Christmas

We celebrate the Nativity of Jesus Wednesday evening, 7pm, for the last time as St. Andrew's Chapel. Join us for singing carols at 7pm followed by a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Next year we become St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church moving forward in the name of Jesus to bring his good news to those who have yet to hear the message of peace, joy and love.

Blessings and peace to you and all you love this Christmastide.

Pastor Dan

Advent 4, Feast of the Nativity and the Bishop

This coming Sunday (4 Advent) following the service we will help to 'green' the church. Decorations will emerge and we can all share in making the place ready for Wednesday evening's celebration of the Nativity.

I'm looking forward to this event. Bridget Williams announced last Sunday that her husband, Bob, will again be making breakfast for all who stay to help decorate. Pancakes, bacon, sausage will be served (I think I missed another item) in the hall. This should be a wonderful time for all of us.

Later that day, Tara Philhower is organizing a neighborhood caroling expedition. I haven't heard what time so I'll be announcing that Sunday morning.

Wednesday evening at 7 we will gather to celebrate the Incarnation. We have picked out a few carols in our hymnal to sing together before we start the actual service. So invite your friends and neighbors to join us. This should be a glorious celebration.

And be sure to mark you calendars that Jan. 11 is the Bishop's Visitation. We will have Bishop Taylor with us to offer Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation to those who wish. Confirmation is for those who have been baptized and would now like to publicly state they embrace the Baptismal Covenant and wish to further grow in their relationship with God. Those who have spoken to me have been coming to the God Talk sessions or have discussed this with me privately.

Reception is for those who are baptized in another Christian tradition and wish to be officially received into the Episcopal Church.

Reaffirmation is for those who are already baptized and confirmed but now wish to publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows. We are ready to launch a new congregation together. St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church will become a reality in the new year. This may be a time for you to consider Reaffirmation.

I need to know the names of those interested. You may let me know via email or I will have a clipboard sign up sheet on the back shelf this Sunday and Christmas Eve. The Bishop has asked for the names as soon as possible so that he may begin including them in his daily prayers.

Advent blessings and holy peace to you all...Pastor Dan