Thoughts from Bishop Jake

Wednesday, December 19, 2012               

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

The tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, have left us all stunned and sorrowful. You can read my initial response from Friday by clicking this link. Later, I provided a theological reflection about this violence and the love of God in the sermon "Where Was God in That?" and you can read it by clicking this link.

Many have wondered how to celebrate Christmas when so many of our fellow citizens find themselves stricken with grief. The dissonance between our usual seasonal gladness and the horror of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School suggests to some that we should forgo joy and celebration this year out of respect for and solidarity with those who mourn.

This is an understandable but misguided impulse. In all things--especially in the face of sorrow, pain, and death--followers of Jesus help each other remember, and announce to the doubting world, that God's love conquers death and his light dissolves all darkness.

Our celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ reminds us that God enters even our darkest, most harrowing places. When we find ourselves in such a place--and Newtown brings us all to such a place--there is no more fitting time to remember Emmanuel. God with us.

We do not dishonor those who have died or turn an indifferent heart to those who grieve when we experience with joy the birth of the Son of God. Instead, we realize with greater depth and clarity why this birth was necessary for us and what an unspeakably wonderful gift we have received.

Nothing we say or do can make whole again what was shattered last Friday in Newtown. Lives and hearts and souls lie in pieces on the ground. And yet, what is beyond our capacity to repair God himself has begun to restore through the birth of Jesus. He makes himself vulnerable to our deepest sorrows and our most agonizing pain in order to bring us joy and healing that we cannot produce for ourselves.

And so I bid you to celebrate this Christmas with joy, because we are celebrating the healing power of the manger. Heaven has bent low to touch the earth. To turn death into eternal life. To exchange crushing sorrow for tender, undying jubilation. To redeem even and especially the tragedy of Newtown.

Joy and the whole Owensby family join me in wishing you every Christmas blessing. May the joy and peace of Jesus Christ be yours this day and forever more.
In Christ's Love,

+Jake
                  

Choose Joy

Here's the sermon I reached last Sunday at St. Alban's:                           

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us.

That’s the collect we prayed just a few minutes ago, the one we pray every third Sunday of Advent. It goes with the lighting of the third candle of the Advent wreath, the pink candle of joy.

And that makes perfect sense, because what could bring greater joy to the hearts and minds of God’s people than the expectation that God will once again be stirred by our plea and with great might come among us?

The early part of this week—after turning in my grades in the nick of time Monday—I spent many of my spare moments thinking about what I might say about that today.

I thought of the great joys of this season, the anticipation of children of all ages, the eagerness with which we look forward to not only gifts under a tree and a feast with our families, but the moments sharing familiar carols and kneeling at a manager gazing in wide-eyed wonder at God become flesh to dwell among us.

And then came Friday, and the cruel and senseless deaths of 20 mere babes and a number of adults in Connecticut.

How can we light the candle of joy when our hearts are broken?

How can we sing—at all, much less “Joy to the World”—when the worlds of so many have been dealt a blow that will color every remaining moment of their lives?

How can we pray and believe that God has and does and will always come among us with great might when we continue to be so sorely hindered by the evil and tragedy that is so a part of the human condition?

I have just two responses that make sense to me this sad morning.

The first is that joy is something we choose, even when we do not feel joyful.

In other words, we tend to think of joy as only an emotion, something we must feel. And we do feel joyful when things in our lives go well, when our children make good grades or graduate from college. When our work is appreciated. When sick people get well. When the love we feel toward another is returned in kind. When the world makes sense.

But when things do not go our way, when our love is rejected, when good people suffer… and most of all when those we love are snatched from us and this life in the most senseless ways, then frustration, sadness, and deep grief drive the joy from our lives. We are bereft. We cannot imagine ever feeling joyful again.

Yet even then, we can choose joy. Especially then, joy is a choice we make in faith. We go to the graves of our dreams and plans and exalted expectations, even to the graves of family and friends, and ultimately to our own grave, saying, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

The second response that makes sense to me this morning is to claim for our own what John the Baptizer offers to those who had gathered to hear him preach so long ago (Luke 3:7-18, NRSV). What should we do? they ask.

Now the context of today’s Gospel story is somewhat different from our own. John has been doing what John did so well, namely preaching hellfire and brimstone. Indeed, he has just called at least some of his listener’s a brood of vipers!

Those remarks were most likely directed at the religious leadership of the day, who did not take kindly to crudely dressed prophets drawing ordinary folks away from official religion, telling them the good news of salvation at hand and baptizing them in a river on the edge of the wilderness. John was clearly a threat to their power and influence.

But as is often the case, the ordinary folk, the ones with the least power and influence, are the ones who take John’s message most to heart. To them, calamity was at hand. And so they ask John, What should we do?

And John gives them simple, gentle instructions about how to live as those who have accepted God’s love and mercy, as those who have chosen joy in faith that God is with us.

Give your second coat to one who has none, says John. Share your food with those who are hungry. Don’t cheat. Don’t bully. Care for one another as God cares for you.

These are the same instructions Jesus the Christ gave us over and over: Welcome the stranger, visit the prisoner, love your enemy. And today, especially in light of Friday’s calamity, find someone who grieves and be with them in their grief.

We cannot all rush off to Connecticut, or to the many places worldwide where violence and suffering abound. But we can reach out in love and kindness to those who suffer in our very own community. It is how we express the joy we have chosen in faith, even when our hearts are heavy.

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us.

AMEN

  

Commencement Invocation

I thought you all might enjoy this photograph. It's me, your Canterbury chaplain, giving the invocation at Commencement last Saturday. The pastor scheduled to give the invocation decided at the last minute to go to New Orleans to a football game instead, and I was called upon to fill in. A friend who had come for my son's graduation took this photo.

Here's the prayer I wrote for last spring's commencement and used again. The last paragraph includes a Jewish blessing and an Islamic adoration.

God of mystery and splendor, from age to age your devotion to all creation never wavers. You constantly enfold us with extravagant care. At life’s every turn we are sustained by your ancient love that continually refreshes us.
                               

Blessed Creator and sustainer of life, we give thanks this day for this university and for the teaching and learning that happen hear. We give thanks for all who make it possible: for dedicated faculty and students, and for the support of staff and administrators. We give thanks for family and friends who sustain the educational endeavor in so many ways, from paying bills to offering words of encouragement when the going gets tough, and above all, for always believing in our ability to succeed.
                                   

This day we are especially thankful for this graduating class, for the failures from which they have learned and for the challenges they have faced and overcome. 
                              

We ask now that the skills and knowledge they have gained here be crowned with wisdom. May they go forth guided by the light of your love. As they move through their lives, may they continue to learn and grow. And may they always use their privilege as educated people to create a world of peace and justice in which all peoples of the world live and thrive.
                                          

Blessed are You, Creator God, Lord of the Universe, who is good and causes good. Praise and glory be to you, Gracious Mystery. We trust that you will rise to answer us when we call upon your Holy Name this day and always. AMEN.
                  

This Week?

White Christmas, Louisiana Style

This is a photo I took December 4, 2011. As you can see, campus was lit up as usual, but it was pouring rain. I shot this through the windshield of my car with my iPhone, and love how the giant raindrops hitting the glass caused some of the lights to appear to be exploding!

I share the photo today because I have just figured out that what was planned to be our last meeting of the semester--this Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.--conflicts with the annual "Christmas at ULM" celebration when the pres throws the switch that lights campus. This year's festivities are bigger and better than ever, featuring music in the circle and a procession led by the choir to Biedenharn for a concert.

So... what do we want to do? Here are our options:

1. Meet anyway, as usual.

2. Meet briefly at 5:30--just long enough to discuss next semester--then rejoin the festivities.

3. Not meet this week, but meet next week at our usual time. I had not planned to meet next week because of finals, but I am certainly available Tuesday at 5:30.

4. Not meet this week or next. Call it a semester and see each other in January.

Please let me know your preference. I had hoped to meet one more time this semester, but I'm cool whatever. Just let me know! (via e-mail)
                     
                    

Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist

St. Alban's will celebrate Holy Eucharist on Thanksgiving Day, November 22 at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome!

St. Alban's is located at 2816 Deborah Dr. in Monroe. That's up Deborah Dr. almost to the Monroe Athletic Club. If anyone would like a ride from campus or near campus, just let me know. Call or text my cell: 318-372-8117.

This Week!

Canterbury@ULM will meet!                

Tuesday, 5:30 - 6:30
Student Center 163

Have you ever been mad at God for not giving you what you want?

We'll find out what Rob Bell says about that--and related questions--in "Kickball."

Tomorrow!!!

So..., last Tuesday was election day. Somehow I was not surprised when no one showed up for Canterbury!

We will meet tomorrow:

Tuesday, 11/13
5:30 p.m.
Student Center 163

What do you believe about God's involvement in our daily lives?

When you think about God, when you hear the word "God," what images come to mind?

We'll explore these questions with the help of Rob Bell's "Rhythm."

And I still have a couple of additional reflections on our discussion of "Corner." See you Tuesday!
                   

Bishop Jake's Wednesday Message

Dear Friends in Christ,                  

My daughter Meredith plays the flute. As a music performance major, she spends hours practicing her scales and mastering music theory. Her repertoire grows year by year not only in size but in complexity and sophistication. As you might imagine, Meredith reliably hits the right notes as the ensemble moves through the score.

Plenty of accomplished musicians hit the right notes. That is not what distinguishes Meredith and the very best among her peers from others. Instead, the most admired musicians thrill our hearts and stir our minds because they achieve a pleasing tone. Lesser musicians can play precisely the same notes in the correct tempo and yet, nevertheless they lose our interest with a thin or shallow tone.

In both our nation and in our Church we are struggling with our tone. We seem unable to disagree without contempt, and we heap scorn upon compromise as if it were always born of the spirit of cowardice and surrender. Our proud insistence upon being right drowns out the humble impulse to submit ourselves to something greater than our own opinions and agendas. We need a new, more edifying tone.

By God’s tender grace we are finding a more compelling tone in the Episcopal Church. While we will always debate ideas, we are beginning to speak to each other on the basis of something more fundamental than our differences. The Holy Spirit is reminding us that we are one in the crucified and risen Christ. Our unity in Christ gives us a common mission. Jesus himself sends us to make disciples and to serve the poor in his name.

When we focus on what we have in common, our tone grows sonorous and resonates with others. The content of the Good News is too often lost because it is being conveyed by a shrill or grating voice. Keeping before us always our unity in Christ’s person and the mission he gives us, even the tone of our disagreements can draw followers to Jesus.
On this first day following President Obama’s reelection, some are rejoicing and others are lamenting. Oddly enough, we Episcopalians have a hard-won lesson to share with rest of the nation.

We have discovered through bitter internal turmoil that unity is a gift. It is a gift that we must nurture or risk losing. Who we are together is well worth working for. It is fine to disagree. However, when we do so in forgetfulness that our primary calling is to deepen and to reinforce our unity, then we chance forfeiting who we truly are.

So let’s be mindful of our tone. As Christians and as Americans. As followers of Jesus, we have an especially high calling. Jesus has sent us into this world to set a new tone.


In Christ's Love,

.

The Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby, Ph.D.
The Diocese of Western Louisiana
P. O. Box 2031, Alexandria, LA 71309-2031
bishopjake@diocesewla.org
http://pelicananglican.blogspot.com
http://sermon.net/bishopjake

Picnic this Saturday!

St. Alban's will have its Neighborhood Picnic this Saturday, November 10, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Canterbury students are invited!

Enjoy games, hot dogs, hoppers, face painting, crafts and more. St. Alban's even has a soccer field right next to the parking lot!

Pray for good weather and join us! No ticket required. Just show up.

St. Alban's is located at 2816 Deborah Dr. If anyone wants a ride from campus, just shoot me an e-mail. I'll pick you up.

This Week

Yes, we are meeting this week! And that's about all I have time to say today.

See you at 5:30 Tuesday, Student Center 163. 

I have some additional reflections on our most interesting discussion last week, and I'm thinking we'll watch another DVD in the Nooma series.

However, I would love to hear your reactions to the sermon posted below!

Who am I in this story?

A few weeks ago, I preached at Christ Church in St. Joseph. Today I finally blogged that sermon!

Here's an excerpt and link to the full sermon:

Who are you in this story?

 

I mean the one about Jesus and the Syrophenician woman, the one he calls a dog.

 

Of course, it would be easier to skip right over that and go to the much lovelier story of healing a deaf-mute and being very modest about it. We admire that. But… we’re not going there just yet. Jesus’ obnoxious behavior has something to teach us.

 

You see, I don’t think there’s any way to gloss over what Jesus does in this story. In fact, in the context of his time, what he said was even harsher than it would be today.

 

MORE

Corners & Mercy

Yesterday, James and Cole and I viewed Rob Bell's DVD "Corner," based on the instruction in Deuteronomy that we are to leave "corners" of our vineyards, wheat fields or whatever--corners of our bounty--for those who are poor or strangers in our midst. We followed that with a most interesting discussion of about "charity," "welfare," the working poor, people who abuse the system, and so forth.

Today I notice that Bishop Jake has posted his sermon from last Sunday on his sermon blog, and it strikes me as a relevant follow-up to our discussion. Here is an excerpt:

Hearing Bartimaeus 

sermon by Bishop Jake at Grace Church, Monroe, Sunday, 10/28/12

I love movies.  All sorts of movies.  I love babies.  All sorts of babies.  But my heart sinks when I see parents bringing a baby into a movie theater that I’ve settled into.  A crying infant will break the spell of the movie experience and focus all my attention on a baby in distress.

Even with booming special effects or a swelling musical score, the baby’s cry will force everything else into the background of my awareness.  It’s not that I get angry at the parents or resent the little one for being hungry or scared or messy.  I just can’t help responding to a sobbing papoose.

It’s difficult for anyone to ignore crying babies.  Our brains respond to wailing infants before we have a chance to think about it.  A recent study from Oxford University demonstrated just that.

Mary Cassatt's "Mother Jean Nursing Her Baby"

The study involved thirty childless adults who had no special experience in caring for children.  The researchers played recordings of babies and adults crying, as well as sounds of animals in distress.

Brain scans revealed that each of the participants responded to the sounds, but only the baby’s sobs produced activity in the brain’s emotional centers.  The response time, by the way, was 100 milliseconds.

Our emotions motivate us to act.  When babies cry, we feel an urge to do something about it.  They need help and they are powerless to help themselves.  We are hardwired to come to their rescue with milk or formula or a pacifier or a fresh diaper.

Of course I don’t do this in a movie theater because the parents are right there.  Usually one of them grabs a diaper bag or scurries out of the theater for a few minutes.  But my blood pressure goes up precisely because some primitive part of me is straining to make it all better for a helpless baby.

We are hardwired for compassion toward babies.  By contrast, we have learned to tune out cries for help from others.  Television, radio, the internet, and newspapers inundate us with stories of human suffering.  People are devastated by war and natural disaster, and famine pushes millions to starvation.  In our daily rounds we encounter the poor, the homeless, the illiterate, the mentally ill, and the addicted.

To borrow a phrase from William James, if we didn’t filter out these cries for help we would be lost in a buzzing, booming confusion of misery.  There are too many cries for help competing for our attention, and we have too little time and too few resources to deal with even a small percentage of these cries.  And so, to focus on what we need to do for ourselves and for the small circle of friends and family who depend upon us, we learn to filter out the cries.

And yet Jesus teaches us to be merciful: to hear with our hearts the cries for help around us and to respond with the same help that Jesus has already given us.  We have received mercy so that we can show mercy.  A vital congregation is known for its works of mercy.

Jesus’ healing of blind Bartimaeus teaches us some helpful things about being a merciful congregation.  That story invites us to explore three questions:

What is mercy?

What are the works of mercy?

What effect do works of mercy have on the believing community?

for the remainder of the sermon, click here

 

Third Time a Charm?

So.... last week I went off and left the Rob Bell DVD, "Corner" at home. So James and I had an interesting visit about orthodoxy, individualism and Christianity.

Tomorrow, we'll try again!

Canterbury@ULM
Tuesday, 5:30 - 6:30
Student Center 163

I think I'll bring a Johnny's pizza. Mid-term is over; no excuses for mssing! See you there.

Try again?!

I held down the fort by myself last week! So it goes.                                  

We'll try again this week, as usual:

Canterbury@ULM
Tuesday, 10/23, 5:30 p.m.
Student Center 163

We'll view another of the Rob Bell series, this one called "Corner." Some of the questions:

Is God fair?

Is success dangerous?


In addition, I have a community service opportunity for us.

See you Tuesday!

This Week!

Sunday at St. Thomas' we celebrated the gift of baptism with Rosine! It was a wonderful occasion. 

This week's Canterbury@ULM will be:

Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.
Student Center 163

Is God fair?

We'll screen Rob Bell's answer to this question in a video titled "Corner."

In addition, we'll spend a few minutes on constitution and by-laws, and I'll report briefly on the Interfaith meetings last week.

As usual, I'll bring food. I'm thinking a few hot dogs and a few chicken nuggets. Pick up a beverage in the SUB if you want one.

Be there!!

Holy Baptism

This Sunday is a very special occasion for one of our Canterbury@ULM members. Rosine Bowobda will be baptized at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church!                        

Rosine has not yet been able to attend Canterbury meetings. She is a graduate assistant and works in a lab until 6 p.m. Tuesdays, but she plans to arrange her schedule next semester so she can join us.

In the meantime, to have Canterbury@ULM members present would make her baptism extra special!

Come Sunday at 10 a.m. for the principal service at St. Thomas', 3706 Bon Aire Dr., just past the last of the ULM dorm/apartments. It's also "birthday Sunday" at St. Thomas', so we'll celebrate birthdays and Rosine's baptism with refreshments on the Sun Porch after the service.

Hope to see you there!

Interfaith this week!

Conversations about Ouachita Parish

The Rev. Dale Farley, Messiah Lutheran, & Minister Mary Ann Cooper, Bethel COGIC, lead a recent Interfaith assembly.

Tuesday, Oct. 9, 6:15 p.m.

New Light Baptist Church

1623 So. 4th St.

Canterbury@ULM will not meet this week because your chaplain is an Interfaith leader and co-chair of this week's meeting! A diverse group of people will gather Tuesday evening to share a potluck meal and their visions for Monroe and Ouachita Parish. 

Northern & Central Louisiana Interfaith is a coalition of primarily faith-based institutions that purposefully crosses lines that historically divide people, lines of religion, race, socio-economic status and geography. We cross these lines in order to work together to improve the quality of life in the community for everyone.

Canterbury members are invited and, indeed, urged to come. You will not see anything like this meeting anywhere else in the city or parish! If you need a ride, let me know and I'll pick you up on campus no later than 5:45 p.m.

To drive yourself, go south on Hwy 165 to Winnsboro Road (a.k.a. Hwy 15), turn right onto Winnsboro Rd., go to either 4th or 5th St., turn right again. In the first block, you'll see New Light Baptist Church, with a large parking lock and blonde brick buildings that extend from 5th to 4th St., just around the corner from Winnsboro Rd.

Hope to see you there!

 
 

Time to party!

SATURDAY

is the day!

5:30 - 7:30

3706 Bon Aire Drive

That's a 5-minute walk down Bon Aire past the dorms, or if you prefer to drive, we have plenty of parking. 

The patio and memorial walk where all the festivities will take place are behind the church.

Present your ticket that says "Canterbury" on the back.

Oh, and  bring a buck or two to enter into the cake walk!
 

HAVE FUN! 

This Week

Don't forget!                                    

Canterbury@ULM
Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.
Student Center 163

This week we have a bit of a mixed agenda, as follows:

Constitution & By-Laws - We'll take a look at the documents I prepared based on those from the Canterbury Chapter at Northwestern. In two weeks, we'll vote on them.

Events at St. Thomas' - The barbecue this Saturday and the baptism of a graduate student who can't participate in Canterbury this semester due to a schedule conflict but will next semester.

Interfaith "Conversations about Ouachita Parish" - More information about this event and why you might want to participate.

Discussion! - We'll continue the discussion started last week that was inspired by Bishop Jake's Wednesday message. Specifically, I'll share a bit of history about the Protestant Reformation and we'll talk about the long-term consequences and variations of what Martin Luther started. How about Bishop Jake's message that I posted a few days ago? Do you see a connection to the issues and philosophies we're discussing?

BTW, I'm meeting with Bishop Jake Thursday, so if you have any messages for him, I'll be happy to deliver them!

See you Tuesday!

Bishop Jake's Message, Sept. 26, 2012

Last week's message from Bishop Jake inspired a most interesting discussion about "relativism" and "subjectivity" at yesterday's Canterbury meeting! We have yet to discuss some of the other questions raised, and today's message from Bishop Jake strikes me as relevant to our ongoing discussion, so here it is:

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,                                         

This week I’m sharing a brief excerpt from Connecting the Dots. The following passage begins Chapter Seven, “Fear and Hope.” (pp. 97-98)

Followers of Jesus live hope-inspired lives. This is not to say that we have successfully developed the habit of positive thinking or that we are optimistic by nature. In fact, hope is not a human achievement at all. Hope is a gift that comes as the result of a relationship with Jesus. The clearest example I have is from John’s gospel. On the day of Jesus’ resurrection, he appeared to his disciples. He showed them his hands and feet so they would know that he was the crucified and risen Lord. Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). With the Father, Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit into each of his disciples.  He literally inspires us. The word “inspire” is derived from the Latin word inspirare, and it means “to breathe in.” “Spirit” and “breath” come from the same root in Latin (spirare), as well as in Greek (pneuma) and in Hebrew (ruach). Therefore, it is no surprise that the Bible leads us to connect the idea of the Spirit with the image of God’s breath. When we follow Jesus, we breathe in his spirit. The Holy Spirit changes our hearts, empowers us, and sustains us. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). When we follow Jesus, he abides in us. We draw strength, direction, and purpose from him. Jesus inspires us by giving us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee that he is already at work connecting the dots of our lives. As Paul said, “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it” (Ephesians 1:13–14).

Just as Jesus animates our individual lives through the Holy Spirit, so too does he breathe vitality into our congregations. Sometimes we slip into thinking that our church is just a place that individuals gather to pray. That may be true about the buildings we inhabit for worship, fellowship, and programs, but the Church is a living, breathing community of which each of us is a unique, irreplaceable part. Instead of saying, “I go to Church at St. Agnes of the Trees,” members of St. Agnes say, “We worship together at St. Agnes.” In a world marred by loneliness, finding a place where a person can genuinely say “we” is a priceless treasure.
Stayed tuned for more about congregational vitality at Diocesan Convention. Please set aside October 12th and 13th for a time of worship, study, and family business. While visitors to Convention do not have voice or vote, they will be able to participate fully in our community-building activities and hear about the future we envision. (There is also time set aside for a book signing. Connecting the Dots will be available as a premium for donations to outreach.) 

Turning to a slightly different topic, I invite you to visit our website (http://www.diocesewla.org) to view the first of a series of short videos that we are producing. In each clip I will briefly discuss a single topic such as faith, hope, grace, and forgiveness. Eventually, we will make these clips available in packages that can be used for small group ministry or Sunday programs. We are assembling a team to provide a leader’s guide with questions for discussion. Many thanks to Bob Harwell for coming up with this idea and for doing so much work to produce these videos.

I will close by reminding you to help me stay in touch with you. Friend me on Facebook (you’ll find me as Jake Owensby). Subscribe to Pelican Anglican via email or check it out manually every week (http://pelicananglican.blogspot.com). My Sunday sermons are always posted there, and occasionally I post additional essays. If you would like to listen to Sunday sermons, head to http://sermon.net/bishopjake. Links to both the blog and the audio sermon are located on the diocesan website.

What a gift you all are in my life! It is a joy to love you so dearly and to serve as your bishop. May the Lord bless you and keep you until we meet again.
Faithfully,
.

The Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby, Ph.D.
The Diocese of Western Louisiana
P. O. Box 2031, Alexandria, LA 71309-2031
bishopjake@diocesewla.org

Wow! It's been a hectic week. Sorry I haven't posted sooner!    

Bishop Jake's "Wednesday Message" stirred up some interesting responses and questions! Indeed, so much so that we're going to make it our topic of discussion this week. So if you didn't yet read it, please do. It'll be the post just down the que from this one.

And here as some questions to guide our thinking/discussion:

What is Bishop Jake saying about "subjectivism" and "relativism"? What is his critique of these concepts? And what does he offer as an alternative?

What does protestantism owe to subjective philosophy? What was Martin Luther's critique of the medieval church? Was what he nailed to the church door a stand on "individualism" as the guiding philosophy for protestantism?

What is the nature/meaning/implication of "individualism" as a social/political/religious philosophy? In particular, how does individualism relate to Christianity as a philosophy? A way of life? How does it square with the teachings of he whom we follow, Jesus the Christ?

Think that'll keep us busy for awhile? I do! And I love the questions!!

In fact, this week I will need to leave by 6:15 sharp. I'll tell you a bit more about why Tuesday because an event is coming up that you'll be invited to participate in.

See you at 5:30 Tuesday in Student Center 163.

Of Interest

The bishop of our Diocese, who prefers to be called "Bishop Jake," publishes a weekly message on Wednesdays. This one in particular struck me as relevant to the conversations we've been having at our Canterbury@ULM meetings.                              
Dear Friends in Christ,

Violent protests across the Muslim world have dominated the news in the past week. Responding to a video ridiculing Mohammed, Muslims in the Middle East and beyond have taken to the streets, threatened American embassies, hurled rocks and insults, and killed and wounded diplomatic personnel.

These are stark reminders to us that we live in a multicultural, religiously pluralistic world. Perhaps even more challenging, people of many cultures and a variety of religious traditions call the United States home.

One of the great strengths of our nation–and of our Anglican heritage–is our persistent commitment to religious tolerance. We insist on acknowledging and respecting religious beliefs different from our own. Even while we deplore the violence by mobs composed of Muslim individuals, we show due respect for individual Muslims and for their faith tradition.

But note that tolerance assumes difference. A common error in our attempts to exercise tolerance involves confusing tolerance with relativism and subjectivism.

Relativism says that all religions are equally true. They are all partial perspectives on the great whole that is God. Now the problem with relativism is twofold. First, consider the person who says that religious belief is relative. He or she must see the greater whole in order to say that religious believers are unwittingly seeing only slices of the whole. In other words, relativists make a claim to see a total picture and at the same time says no one else sees the total picture. This is at once condescending and contradictory. Second, to say that all religions are equally true is actually to say that none of them is true in any genuine sense.

Subjectivism is an extreme case of relativism. This point of view is summed up in the oft heard phrase, “It’s true for me.” In other words, a subjective approach to religion reduces every faith to the whims and fancies of each individual and surrenders any claim to describing a larger spiritual reality. Usually, subjectivists end up admitting that they live according to a comforting and comfortable fiction. They do not know God. They cling to a practical, reassuring fable.

Followers of Jesus do not claim a perfect knowledge of the mind of God. We claim friendship with Jesus because he has claimed us as friends. We are committed to following him, with the humble awareness that we will always do so imperfectly. Our commitment to Jesus does not make us morally superior and gives us no room for condescension toward or condemnation of anyone else.

Jesus followers are tolerant because we are humble. We do not relinquish the truth of Jesus’ saving love when we acknowledge that others have chosen to take a different path in life. Tolerance does not require that we agree with those who are different. That just makes us the same. In fact, tolerance calls us to continue to love those who are different. As spiritual challenges go, that seems essentially Christian. Our Friend and Lord has called us to love even our enemies.

And now for some news.

Last Sunday’s sermon is entitled “Speaking of God.” As usual, here’s where to find the text and the audio:

http://pelicananglican.blogspot.com

http://sermon.net/bishopjake

On Thursday we will celebrate the new era of ministry at Redeemer, Ruston, with the Institution of the Rev. Bill Easterling as Rector at 6:00 p.m. Our color is red.

This Wednesday I will be present for a book signing at St. Michael’s in Pineville at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is invited. Books will be available as a premium for donations to outreach. My next signing will be at Diocesan Convention. Just email me if you would like for me to come to your congregation for a brief talk and book signing. I would love to come!

For photos of my recent visits, check out my Facebook page. If you’re on Facebook, send me a friend request. I would love to keep up with you and help you to stay connected to our Diocesan family.

Remember how much Jesus loves you. It is such an honor and a joy to be your bishop! I love you with Christ’s own love.

In Christ’s Love,
.

The Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby, Ph.D.
The Diocese of Western Louisiana
P. O. Box 2031, Alexandria, LA 71309-2031
bishopjake@diocesewla.org

This Week

Canterbury@ULM
 

Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.

Student Center 163

The next of the NOOMA series we'll view is called "Noise." It features one of my favorite stories from the Hebrew Scriptures! And it raises some very timely questions.

At the beginning of our discussion last week, a question was asked about the structure of the Episcopal Church. I answered the question briefly, but this week we have a special opportunity to see that structure in action.

In late June of this year, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church met as it does every three years. Every diocese of the church is represented at the convention by their bishop and by delegations of clergy and lay people. All important decisions that affect the entire church are made at the Convention.

Tuesday evening at 6 p.m., St. Alban's Episcopal Church (2816 Deborah Dr.) is hosting a General Convention Follow-Up meeting. Bishop Jake Owensby and other delegates from our diocese will be present to report and respond to questions. Light refreshments will be served after the meeting.

I plan to head to St. Alban's as soon as our meeting ends. Anyone who wishes is welcome to go with me. If you are really interested in this, we can end our meeting a bit early. I'll bring you back to campus as soon as you have had time to partake of the goodies at St. Alban's.

Update

This week we welcomed Tom Ritter, who made it for the first time. We also made a couple of decisions regarding our constitution and by-laws. I acquired documents from the Canterbury chapter at Northwestern in Natchitoches and brought two items to the attention of the group.


First, although voting membership in Canterbury@ULM is restricted to enrolled students at ULM, we agree to have our meetings and activities open to faculty and staff. We will not make them open to the general public, as ULM policy requires us to hire security if we do.

Second, we decided to keep their provision that the chapter will do at least one 2-hour service project per semester, either on or off campus. One possibility is to help with a neighborhood clean-up in the vicinity of New Light Baptist Church on the south side, where Chaplain Dr. K. is involved in a neighborhood renewal project. Another would be to put in a few hours of work at the food bank.

We then had an interesting discussion of "Lump" from the NOOMA series. This episode is about a little boy whose misdeeds catch up with him and cause him shame and grief. At the same time, he learns a powerful lesson about love. The story ends with Rod Bell repeating, "There is nothing we can ever do to make God love us any less. Nothing." We talked about how hard that is to believe, but even more about how hard it is for us to hold that kind of love for others--especially that person or type of person we find least loveable. Excellent discussion!

Join us next week. I'm picking another from the NOOMA series. Suggestions for what kind of food you'd like to eat are welcome!

Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:30

Student Center 163

 

NOOMA Begins This Week

Jesus lived with the awareness that God is doing something, right here, right now, and anybody can be a part of it. He encouraged his listeners to search, to question, to wrestle with the implications of what he was saying and doing. He inspired, challenged, provoked, comforted, and invited people to be open to God’s work in this world. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Jesus started discussions about what matters most, because for Jesus, God is always inviting us to open our eyes and join in. NOOMA is a series of short films that explore our world from a perspective of Jesus. NOOMA is an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion.

 

Canterbury@ULM

Tuesday, September 11

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Student Center 163

Chick-fil-a nuggets and waffle fries will be served. Please e-mail me at <kauffman@ulm.edu> if you cannot attend.

                             

Becoming an RSO

Our Tuesday meeting this week was small. Only Garrett made it! And I didn't have the proper cable to connect my computer to the projector, so... we'll start our program next week. 

In the meantime, we need a constitution and by-laws to become a recognized student organization, and I acquired a copy from the chapter at Northwestern in Natchitoches. I see no reason for us to reinvent the wheel. I'll make an appointment with Laura Knotts in Student Life & Leadership for Alix, Garrett and I to meet with her and make it official.

Stay tuned!

Chaplain Dr. K.

This Week

This week's meeting of Canterbury@ULM will feature chicken tenders and waffle fries from Chick-fil-a.

Tuesday, 9/6

5:30 - 6:30

Student Center 163

But, hey, I know you're not coming for just the food! I've also learned that we do need to become a Recognized Student Organization at ULM, and more about what we have to do to get there. We'll talk about that and eat first. After that, I have a short program. More about that in another post.

Chaplain Dr. K.

P.S. Given that I have some of you in class, I realize it's a little odd figuring out what to call me in the Canterbury context, which is less formal than the classroom context. We can certainly talk about that, but "Chaplain Dr. K." is fine with me. Does that work for you?

Weekly Meeting

Hurricane Isaac arrives in northern Louisiana, 8/29/12.

Hurricane Isaac interrupted many things last week, including my train of thought! So it's catch-up time.

At our first meeting, Alix Powell agreed to serve as President of Canterbury@ULM and Garrett Boyte agreed to serve as Vice President.

We will continue to meet:

5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday

Student Center 163

I'll make another post later this weekend with more information.

Happy Labor Day!

We had a great first meeting of Canterbury@ULM. I'll post more about that soon. In the meantime, hope all are enjoying your extended Labor Day holiday!

The Collect for Labor Day:
Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  

Amen.

Final Reminder!

Don't forget to come to Student Center 163 at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow for the first meeting of Canterbury@ULM! Pizza will be served. Stop in the SUB and bring your own beverage. The Student Center is connected to the SUB through the double doors just past the faculty dining room.

Two people have notified me that they cannot come tomorrow, but that, in general, 5:30 Tuesday is a good time for them to meet. Anyone else who cannot come tomorrow but wants to stay in the loop, please let me know: kauffman@ulm.edu

Our agenda tomorrow is to talk about what we want to do this semester. I have in mind a study series and I'll tell you more about that. Last spring, at least one person was interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church, and we can consider a couple of sessions on that as well.

Student Life & Leadership tells me that to become a Recognized Student Organization, we need officers, at least a president and vice president. Please think about serving in that capacity. I do not expect these to be time consuming roles, but that also depends on the group and what you want to do.

See you Tuesday at 5:30!

BTW, I've been checking The Weather Channel, and it appears Isaac is not going to get to us until Wednesday or Thursday.

Monday's Hawkeye

Clip our ad in Monday's Hawkeye as a reminder to come to our start up meeting!

Let's get started!

Canterbury@ULM will kick off with pizza and conversation.

Tuesday, Aug. 28

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Student Center 163

Bring your own beverage, please.

We'll talk about everything from when we want to meet to what Canterbury is and what we want to do this year. 

Bring a friend! All faiths and denominations welcome. 

Watch for our ad in Monday's Hawkeye!