c8Pentecost 5 ~ July 1, 2007
A homily notes for Sunday following the Ordination of Laura Ahrens as Bishop Suffragan of Connecticut
I am so proud to be an Episcopalian
diversity
energy
community
faithfulness
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori
dignified & understated
beautiful vestments as example
PB preached about “Ministry that’s both rooted and trembling”
PB spoke with clergy on Friday
Vision is for mission
feeding the hungry
teaching
care for the earth
baptism
diversity/multi-culturalism
PB says,
“I live in a place of hope.”
Authority is gift of God recognized in community
Challenge for clergy is learning to be vulnerable in public.
What God says to Jesus (“You are my beloved w/ whom I am well pleased”), God says to each of us, too.
Tells us: “Be healthy so you can be helpful in your own place through deed & word. Show what the good news looks like. (St. Francis: Preach the gospel; use words if you must.)
PB re threats to Episcopal Church:
Polarization deals w/ tension by dividing; reconciliation deals w/ tension by joining. Windsor Report sought structural solutions, not transformational ones.
Scriptural tests re homosexuality selective (David & Jonathan; centurion & slave; MM not prostiture)
Start w/ what is common; build trust; practice faith
45/7300 (0.006 or 6/10ths of 1%) disaffected congregations
Always stay in conversation
Open communion (commensality), let’s talk about that – Let’s talk about feeding the hungry (FOOD)
Amen.
Copyright © 2007. Erl G. Purnell
All rights reserved.
