In mid October, while in Yonkers, New York, I toured a beautiful Episcopal Church called St. John's Yonkers. The congregation was founded in 1693. Their sanctuary seats 600. Unfortunately, their average Sunday attendance has dropped to around 50. Brace yourself; their property insurance is $80,000 a year! 
While I was talking with their Rector, Bishop Deon called. He told me the 6300 Minnesota property has significant repair issues and substantial insurance premiums. He clarified that purchasing the property would be catastrophic for our community.  It was God's perfect timing to receive that call in a church that anticipates closing in a few years due to a similar problem.
In this discernment process, two things have come to the fore that hadn't been visible before (at least to me). 
1. Parking is a critical issue for us. We need more of it if we are to continue to be vital.
2. We could plant churches in South County as we continue to grow.
These are essential and exciting considerations. I suspect you could name others.
So, now, we move into a new phase of discernment. The Bishop's realtor will look around Carondelet to see if other properties might better meet our needs. 
It's a stretch to keep ourselves open to that, but God has a plan, and it's so good for us to surrender to new ideas, even when they don't lead to anything. Surrender is a spiritual practice of the highest order! 
I join you in continuing to pray for our community. May we see our property with fresh eyes, open to new possibilities wherever God calls us.
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                                -- Pastor Rebecca

Does it startle you to see the busts of three women sitting on top of the altar?

The three women were martyrs whose skulls were encased in wooden representations. The whole scene is displayed in a room at The Cloisters, a part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. 

When I saw this, I was captivated by the power, serenity, and presence the three busts added to the altar. They seemed right at home above the coat of arms, and the stories behind them depicting the life of a saint. For me, the three women dominated the space and left me with a question: Is this okay?

 Is it okay for these busts of women to be on the altar? What’s allowed? For that matter, who is allowed? I could easily imagine disgruntled museum patrons complaining that “The only things that should be placed on an altar are the sacraments and all such utensils as support the celebration of the Eucharist.” 

Were these busts profaning that? These women had literally given their lives for their faith. They had laid themselves on the altar. And now their bones rest on one.

For half of my life, I believed women shouldn't be ordained. It took a spiritual transformation, literally a vision, for me to begin to change. I learned that it was the inward leanings of my heart and personality that enabled me to fulfill this vocation.  My gender is both an asset and a liability; like most of our particulars! 

Jesus used a little child to teach us who was most important. He took a little child, stood him by his side and said, 'Whoever welcomes this child in my name, welcomes me. For whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.' Luke 9:46 – 48.

This phrase, the least will be greatest, subverts the privileging of gender, class, race, or merit and makes us all equal before God. We are all called to be servants of one another. Not greater or lesser.  Mutual love, and honor mark us as Christ’s own.

I wonder how long it will take before Christians of all ddenominations move past the patriarchy and realize that the Christ-like qualities of any leader are what matters.  In the meantime, I'm so glad to be able to fulfill my call as your Rector.

Is it joyful to see your female clergy at the altar? God has emphatically said yes. Yes to our life together. Yes to our ministry in this place. Thanks be to God, that we are all included. No exceptions. That's A-OK! 

-- Pastor Rebecca

I am writing this for accountability and to ensure that everyone has all of the information on the hiring process and the connection between Metal, our Communications Specialist and Pastor Rebecca's family. 
The hiring committee included Deacon Barbi, Derek O'Chui, Tom Schroeder and myself, we expanded the committee after the unsuccessful first hiring process.
We had three candidates apply for the position. During the review process of the candidates for the communications position, Pastor Rebecca made Tom and me aware of the potential for her son's partner (Metal) to apply for the position.  I encouraged her to have Metal apply, as we would treat her as any other candidate for the job. To keep the process fair and not influence the other members only two of the four committee members knew about the connection. 
During the review process Metal was one of two candidates moved forward for an interview and this was agreed upon unanimously by all members with Pastor Rebecca abstaining from voting. After interviewing both candidates we felt that both candidates were capable of doing the job but Metal brought a level of enthusiasm and engagement that we all felt would be an asset to our St. Paul's family. The committee agreed unanimously that she was the best person for the position. After the selection, Pastor Rebecca made the other two members aware of the connection between Metal and Wes.
​Again, all the members still agreed that she was the best person for the position but we agreed to hire Metal for a probationary period to ensure she was the best fit and there would not be any relationship conflicts after working in the position.  
The church's reaction to Metal's introduction video (that she took the initiative to complete) confirms that we made the right choice. 

Peace,
James Ammon
Sr. Warden St. Pauls Carondelet 
2020-2022

So, when was the last time you drove past an intersection and saw a person holding a sign? Yesterday? Today? If you have a car and drive, you almost can’t leave your neighborhood without that experience. 

Jesus was right when he said, “The poor are always with you.” Sometimes they are just more visible. As people who are called to walk in love, it’s sometimes challenging to know what to do. As a fellow pilgrim, not an expert, I offer you the advice of Scripture and experience in approaching these beloved children of God. Especially if you are walking past, it’s essential to have a plan. 

• See the person, not the problem. Jesus was consistent in his approach to “problem people.” He saw the person first (Mark 10:21). 
• Pray for them. That’s easy and important - and we forget to do it! We don’t know the situation, but God does. The Bible teaches that our earnest prayers are effective (James 5:16)
• Go inward before you go outward. Jesus instructed his followers before they went out and served (Luke 9:1-6). We need to be guided too. Practicing inward listening teaches us to sense the Spirit's nudge and avoid the mistakes that come from acting impulsively (Galatians 5:25). Otherwise, we are prone to let our dysfunction lead us into trouble. I often tell myself, “You are not the Savior!” If I think it’s all up to me, I’m fixing to make a big mistake.
• Give something other than money. In the first church, a massive part of their growth was their generosity to the poor. Everyone shared food and resources. But they did it in a relationship. Giving money is much less effective than providing a survival bag with an invitation to join you at a supportive event. Remember what Peter said to the beggar "I have no silver or gold to give you, what I have is this..." (Acts 3:6) 

As winter approaches, we’ll have many opportunities to serve those who are food and shelter insecure. The tiniest gestures that recognize someone’s need and humanity mean so much. Thank you for magnifying the magnificent love of God at the off-ramps and intersections. Together, love is shining through.
​
--Pastor Rebecca

​If you have been to our building lately, you may have noticed something new. For the last five weeks or so, we have had a group of people sitting in the shade on the lot adjacent to Heigham House. Some of these folks are familiar, and some are strangers. Many are in the bondage of addiction. 

When I came to St. Paul’s, I knew virtually nothing about heroin, meth, or fentanyl. Here are a few things I learned:

• Heroin and other street drugs seldom create violent or aggressive behavior while high
• Because of synthetic drugs, street drugs are so prevalent that accessing them requires little effort and money. An addict desperate for a fix will easily find one without resorting to violent crime.

I tell you these two things because addiction is scary. Knowing more will help you feel more aware and secure while coming to the building. It may encourage you to join the Harm Reduction team.
These people, sitting in the shade adjacent to our yard, are absolutely precious to their Creator. God longs for their deliverance and restoration. I confess, that I have not joined God in that desire. 
I’ve been so irritated by the trash, their sleepy presence, and my own ambivalence about them, that I have basically wished they’d just disappear. I repent of that.
In a few Sundays, we’ll be hearing the story of Lazarus (Luke 19:16-31). He was a poor man who sat outside the rich man’s door, suffering. We have a Lazarus outside our door. The sores may be from drug injections, and the hunger may be for the next hit, but the suffering is real, and we are called by Jesus to respond.
On September 21, 2022 we’ll launch our Harm Reduction team. This is the embodiment of help and healing. It’s a method for offering prevention of transmissible diseases (HIV and Hep C), preventing overdose (Narcan), and creating a supportive community through food and relationship that just might empower someone to take the next step toward healing.
If you are interested in participating in this doorstep ministry, click HERE to begin.
  
-- Pastor Rebecca

  

This Sunday, we will hear the parable of the Good Samaritan.  Jesus told this story in answer to a question: “Who is my neighbor?”  In it,  he provides a muti-faceted way of answering the question.  I want to warn you that one way of interpreting that story that is risky and wrong. 

That interpretation says: Every person on the side of the road is YOUR problem. Every person in need is entitled to your attention, time, and resources.  This is simply not the case.

Even Jesus didn’t’ roll that way. He used discernment and the Holy Spirit within him to decide who HE was called to engage with at any particular time.

Imagine if the story went like this: The person lying injured on the side of the road a donkey drunk driver. He had a long history of drunk donkey driving. People had been hurt by it, but he still continued to do it.  He was in the ditch because of his addiction. What does it mean to be a neighbor to that man?  Maybe, just maybe, that ditch is where he needs to be until he realizes the truth: his addiction brought him there.

We have people in our midst who have problems that you and I can’t solve.  In an effort to get their needs met, they may ask us to play “Good Samaritan” to them. But doing so may not be in their interest. Doing so may just enable them to avoid the truth of their situation that much longer. To their peril, or that of others.

How will we know what to do?

You don’t know the other person’s situation, but you know yours.  Be ready in advance with clarity about what you and are not comfortable doing for someone else.  Ask yourself why you are helping, really? And let your answer be guided by truth.

Sometimes saying no, and NOT playing Good Samaritan is what is best.  But it will make you feel “unchristian”.

The person seeking help may say something like that to you. I cant tell you how many times I've been told, "You're no Christian!"

Even Jesus was called Satan. You can take it. Walk on by.  This is not, I repeat, NOT, an invitation to not care for people. It is a challenge to all of us to care more effectively.

You are not the Savior.  I am not the Savior.   As Candace Plattor, a clinical counselor at an addiction center, puts it: You cannot control or “fix” another person. So stop trying.  She goes on to say:
“The only person you have any control over is yourself. You do not have control over anything the addicted person does. Many people choose not to believe this, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Once you can really grasp the reality of this concept and live by it, your life will become much easier.”
  
I join you in praying that we will always respond with love and concern to those in crisis or in need.  It is NEVER wrong to give someone food, water, or help provide for their basic needs. But love may call us to a tougher action than meeting the need. Love might call us to walk away.  

St. Paul’s has been in existence in Carondelet for over 150 years. That’s a long time to be in continuous community!  The church was founded by four prominent local families who were tired of riding in their carriages all the way to Christ Church Cathedral on Sunday mornings, in snow, heat or rain.  They saw the Carondelet neighborhood growing, and they longed for an Episcopal church here.  From that humble beginning, into a small wooden church, to the current building, our congregation has cycled between seasons of growth, retraction, adaptation, and growth again. There were a few decades, not so long ago, when the Rector, Liew Heigham, begged the bishop to keep the doors open.  Thanks be to God, the doors stayed open, and consistent growth is happening!

Today, we are facing almost unprecedented change. Being a Christian is a minority identity; one which many of us prefer to phrase in other ways (Jesus followers is our Presiding Bishop’s favorite). No longer does anyone attend church to “be seen”, or to network, or to fulfill some societal or family obligation.  Personally, I’m delighted that’s the case. Now, we are doing what Margaret Wheatley is naming: effectively gathering to act on what we care about; actions based on our values and faith. 

Here are examples of our values and faith in action:

• Welcoming others into our common life with joy, openness, and  flexibility
• Sharing food and resources with generosity
• Adapting to change with openness and humor
• Giving time, money and resources for collective effectiveness
• Celebrating the creativity and gifts of each without judgement

On June 18, three of the five members of your Requiem and Renaissance team began our journey as liaisons between the Diocese and St. Paul's. Through this program, we’ll be leading St Paul’s as we continue in revitalization. This will look a lot like “discovering what we care about”. The above bullet points are mile markers in the journey so far. 

In the coming months, you'll be invited to engage in questions and conversation that help us gain momentum and clarity on next steps and new steps.  Don’t let the name, Requiem or Renaissance make you nervous! This process is not about closing the church! It’s about lovingly saying goodbye to the old ways that no longer apply and walking into new life in community.  I’m so excited to be on this journey with you!

--Pastor Rebecca

​This Summer, I will have the opportunity to fire a gun for the first time.  Our family is going to a “Dude Ranch” for my mom and dad’s 80th birthday party.  I’m imagining myself putting a rifle to my shoulder – and possibly changing my mind!  Oh the loud bang! 
The idea of learning to target shoot is fun! Skeet shooting, hunting, target shooting, collecting antique guns… these reasons to own or use a gun seem completely acceptable and even important rights. Yet, we Americans are paying a tremendous price in lives lost because of the availability, abuse and right to use guns.

The Bible:
Guns + Bible = Sword
Since the gun did not exist during Biblical times, the best equivalent is the sword. Interestingly, the sword makes its appearance most often in three ways:
1. Jesus’ arrest (Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-50, Luke 22:47-53, and John 18:11)
2. As a metaphor for faith in Jesus and its divisive power (Matthew 10:28-39, Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 6:17)
3. Literal use (Romans 8:35, Revelation 13:10)
I understand these scriptures to mean: weapons and acts of violence are always with us, but they are not a part of the Christian life. Jesus never condoned the taking of a life – not even for criminals (ie. woman caught in adultery). Read these texts and consider them for yourself.
The Tradition:
Christians in the first three hundred years after Jesus, were persecuted in large part because they were pacifists. They refused to join the military, they refused to pick up a weapon even to defend themselves against an attacker.  They died in large numbers in the Roman Coliseum because they wouldn’t fight the gladiators. Instead, they were fed to the lions instead.  Their relinquishment and faith in the face of a violent death in front of literally thousands of witnesses did more to evangelize the Roman Empire than almost anything else.  Hence, eventually, Emperor Constantine in 312 CE decided, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. 
Christians only became militant as Christianity became a part of the empire.  Scripture is replete with reminders that those who live by the sword, die by the sword.  A country that lives by the gun, dies by it. Over and over. This is not a simple issue. People feel deeply about it. I, personally, do not.  So, from my place, it looks obvious that gun control should take precedence over access. But you may feel differently.
Reason:
I think we all know that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. We all agree in theory that giving a depressed person a gun is a horrible idea. But what if that person is your brother? You know him, he’s complicated, and he wants a gun for his birthday. What if your friends is a hunter and has guns?  When she starts getting paranoid and ranting about a government conspiracy to take her guns, what is your obligation?  It all gets murky really fast.

As your pastor, I beg you, bring your passion and ideas about gun ownership and legislation to God.  Ask your higher power, Jesus Christ, what God’s will is for you in this area?  Prayerfully place your position about guns before God. Ask that trivial but incredibly deep question, “what would Jesus do?” and listen for the answer.  Then, go and do likewise.

  --- Pastor Rebecca