All Souls Weekly                 
Volume 2, Number 15, March 8, 2009

LENT: A SEASON FOR BEING LESS CHRISTIAN

Earlier this week I attended the annual meeting of the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes. Among the many workshops, presentations, and conversations, one story remains very much on my mind. On the first day of the conference, Greg Garrett told a story that led to his renewal of faith, to his conversion, of sorts. Garrett is a professor at Baylor University and is also a writer who tries to engage deeply with contemporary culture. He explained that he had been raised in a conservative church background that permitted little room for question or doubt. As a result, Garrett left the church. For years, he had little to do with organized religion.   

One day, however, the poet and writer Maya Angelou spoke at Baylor, where Garrett was teaching English. After her presentation, he approached her and told her how much he looked up to her and how much he admired all that she had done with her life, in spite of, (he said) the fact that she was a Christian. Garrett says that Ms. Angelou looked at him for a minute. Finally, she said, “Oh, honey.” There was another pause and then she continued, “Oh, honey. I’m not a Christian. I’m still trying to be a Christian.”

“Trying to be a Christian” is a wonderful expression that allows for humility and openness.  If we thought of ourselves more as “trying,” as growing, and learning, and developing, perhaps the church would be more attractive and relevant to those who might be attracted to the life of Jesus Christ, but find “religion” to be burdensome or overwhelming. It was the simplicity and honesty of Maya Angelou’s words (her statement of faith-in-the-making) that helped Greg Garrett give the church another chance, eventually finding an Episcopal Church where he continues to be very active. 

Later that first day of the conference, someone saw my name tag and asked, “Oh, are you the rector of All Souls?” I smiled and said, “No, but I’m trying to be the Rector,” in much the same way that I’m still trying to be a Christian. This Lent, I wonder if we all might become more faithful followers of Jesus Christ by being less religious. Perhaps by being less overtly “Christian” we might be free to follow Christ more naturally, more simply, and more lovingly.  John Beddingfield        

Your prayers are asked for . . . Elizabeth McKee, Freddie Cameron, Robert Long, Richard Aherne, Frank Karel, Jimmy Hobbs, Mark, Jane Titterson, Barb Chaffee, Jim Capen, Harriet Martin, Chris Cobb, Landis Vance, Vickie Drell, Stephanie Russell, Ruth & Fred Huber, Jim St. George, Martha Holdgate, Chip Meyers, Mary Backus, Anne Marie Morotte, Ron Biggs, Steve Coon, Dorothy, Cindy Harvey, Jerome & Mary Ann Gariff, Walter Jason, Arthur Andrew Warren, Robert Osborne, Mary Beth McCutcheon, Bryan Powell, Regina Dading, Julia Gutierrez, Ted Field and for the repose of the soul of Madelin Lang Biddle . . . Pray also for the members of our Armed Forces on active duty, especially Jack Severson, David Jones, and Timothy Zlatich . . . If you wish to participate in our ongoing Internet Prayer Circle please contact Vicki Lowe at lowevg1@verizon.net.

Daylight Saving Time . . . began this morning at 2 a.m. Eastern Standard time, when clocks were set ahead to 3 a.m.

Around the Parish . . . Join us for the Adult Forum this Sunday morning as we continue to explore ethical questions around life, death and in-between. The discussion is coordinated by Dan Davis and meets at 10 a.m. in the Undercroft . . . Attendance Sunday, March 1 at the 8:30 a.m. Mass, 31; at the 11 a.m. Mass, 127 . . . Total pledge offerings this week were $7,530.00. The plate offering was $741.00.       

Liturgical Notes . . . During Lent the 8:30 a.m. Mass begins with the Penitential Order. The altar frontal and the priest’s vestments used during the season of Lent are of an unbleached linen and known as “lenten array.” Their simplicity is meant to call to mind the sackcloth and ashes of the biblical penitent. Lenten array, rather than purple, is an ancient custom associated with the Sarum use (from Salisbury Cathedral) since at least the eleventh century . . . Stations of the Cross is offered each Friday evening in Lent at 7:00 p.m. Join us for this forty-five minute devotion as we move through the church with prayers, silence and song . . . Except for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, flowers are not used at the High Altar until Easter . . . The Sanctuary Candle burns to the glory of God and in memory of Scott Staubs, given by Gary Gregg.

Wednesday Evenings in Lent . . . For two Wednesday evenings in Lent we will explore Christian missions through a particularly Anglican lens. On Wednesday, March 11 we will discuss the church in Myanmar and on Wednesday, March 18, we will discuss the church in the Sudan.  Join us at 7 p.m. in the Undercroft for a light dinner, which is followed by a video and discussion. 

YOGA WORSHOP AT ALL SOULS: Saturday, March 28 at 11 a.m. . . . Modern Yoga has its roots in a 2000+ year-old philosophical tradition that teaches stillness of the mind and meditative contemplation as one way to get closer to the Divine. And what better way to observe Lent than to still the mind and engage in some meditative contemplation? Join All Souls parishioner Richard McKewen, RYT, as he leads a two-hour workshop on yoga theory and practice. The workshop is open to everyone, from beginners to experienced yogis. Part of learning to still the mind is learning to still the body through various physical poses. So be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing (gym clothes are ideal) and bring a beach towel. If you have a yoga mat (or one to spare), bring it along, too. And try not to eat for at least an hour beforehand. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Richard at stoligimlet@hotmail.com or 202-309-3566.

VOLUNTEER FOR THE DIOCESE OF WASHINGTON . . . The Episcopal Church House, located next to the National Cathedral, is looking for volunteers to be their receptionist. Barry Huber is the coordinator and will develop this activity. Please see him if you are willing to give 4 to 6 hours a day, once a week, for this service.

HELP ALL SOULS "GO GREEN" . . . by joining a new committee forming to help the parish save energy, combat climate change, and improve our overall environmental stewardship. Send an email to Jeff Wells at jeff.wells@starpower.net.

PROBLEMS WITH THE PREMISES? . . . Look for a new Problems? form at the Undercroft kiosk. This will work as a kind of maintenance request form for the church staff. If you see something that needs repair, cleaning, replacement, or adjustment, just fill out the form and return it to the envelope on the kiosk, slide it under the Parish Administrator’s door, or place it in the Inbox of the Junior Warden (in the office where the photocopier is located.)

All Souls Memorial Episcopal Church

The Reverend John Beddingfield, rector; The Reverend Christopher Worthley, adjunct clergy;

Mr. Isaac Borocz, parish administrator; Mr. Philip Cave, director of music and organist;
Mr. Oscar Prado, sexton

2300 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008-1505

Voice: 202-232-4244, Fax: 202-232-8593

Email: allsouls1@aol.com

www.allsoulsdc.org

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