Cathy's Grace Notes

O Antiphons - December 18

O'Adonai, and Ruler of the house of Israel, Who didst appear unto Moses in the burning bush, and gavest him the law in Sinai, come to redeem us with an outstretched arm

O Antiphons - December 19

O Root of Jesse, which standest for an ensign of the people, at Whom the kings shall shut their mouths, Whom the Gentiles shall seek, come to deliver us, do not tarry.

O Antiphons - December 17

Indulge me please, as I post this video on the O Antiphons of Advent -

Mary Beth's post on the O Antiphons link got me to looking on Youtube to check out the resources there. She also shared a link on the O Antiphons - never had thought of a Stations of the O Antiphons. Have any of you experienced it?

O'Wisdom that comest out of the mouth of the Most High, that reachest from one end to another, and orderest all things mightily and sweetly, come to teach us the way of prudence!

The Episcopal Church Welcomes You - yes it does!

I received this as a comment from a posting I had on my Sunday Hymn. I did a little research and Ms.. McMillan seems to have made herself known around blogs commenting around Episcopal blogs. So she found  mine and left a comment on my blog. She seems to leave comments that encourage dialogue and a response to her comment.

Ms. McMillan comments:

I see that you have a photo of "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You" sign on your web site. Don't you feel that that is just a little bit fraudulent since special terms and conditions do apply and some are surly more welcome than others? Until every child of God is welcome in every Episcopal church then we are not really welcome in any of them. I hope you will speak to your vestry about putting up a sign which more accurately reflects the truth.

Yours sincerely,

Linda Diane McMillan

Dear Ms. McMillan,

Thank you for coming by to visit my blog. I hope you found the hymn video to your liking!

In response to your comment, yes, I do have a photo of me with the sign "The Episcopal Church Welcomes you". The photo was taken on a small island that I visited. You see, the Episcopal Church is a church family for me and wherever I go, it gives me a sense of home when I see that sign. It DOES welcome  you, too, and if you were to walk into our little church with the red doors, you would find a place for you there.

It's not a perfect church, and  our church is only a very small piece of the bigger pie. As one who struggles along with all seekers in the church, there are times I celebrate the beauty of the church, and grieve when the someone in the Church is hurting. The people in the church have loved me, and nurtured me, and yes, they have even hurt me. And I am sure there are times I have hurt someone,  but it's like a family and for that I continue to be a part, even when there have been times I wanted to leave. I knew that was not a solution. I was here to be a part of the family. And they love me, even when I am unlovable.

IN terms of speaking to the vestry about a sign that accurately reflects the truth. We can only pray we are a church that welcomes any and all that walk in the door. It's not an easy task, and one in which any Church struggles. But God calls us to welcome you, and even me, and anyone else who walks in the door.

If I were to choose, I could spend a lot of energy and time on the flaws of the bigger Church, but I don't think  that is what God has called me to do. I believe he has called me to love my neighbor, to love the people who are my church family, with all of our flaws. I see that the struggles and controversies of the church today are a reflection of our culture's struggles, but there are bigger fish to fry than those. There are the little children who are hurting and have no one to love them, there are hungry people all over the world, those dying of disease, and those that are homeless. And the powers that be, as well as the grassrooters can and are addressing issues in which you bring up on your blog and in the comments you leave on others' blog. 

It is my hope and prayer that you, Ms. McMillan, find peace along the way in your journey. If I had one wish with this dialogue, it would be that you would find a place of a welcoming church community where you could feel at home. Perhaps, little by little, healing can take place in your heart.  And, if you ever come to our little town, we welcome you at our church with the red doors.

Peace,

Cathy

Pew Sitting

I never thought it would happen to me.

Today I walked into church and lo and behold, someone was sitting on the row we typically sit. Our pews comfortably seat 3-4, so for three of us to sit there would be odd with the nave being pretty empty when we entered church.

So we sat in the third row, but in my head I was thinking, "he's sitting in my pew" -- now what was with that???? In my head my rational part was saying, "it's okay, it's not YOUR pew." However, there was a part of me that was wanting him to MOVE so I could sit there.

Ok, Cathy, he's new, he doesn't know it's MY pew.

Wait a minute --- it's not YOUR pew.

Yeah, but it's Sunday morning, I've been sitting there for MONTHS on Sunday morning.

Get over it - this is a good thing getting you out of your comfort zone.

Hey, wait a minute, there's a cute baby behind me --- it's Hollow Legs. Cuteness personified.

I remember the time someone asked me to move because I was sitting in someone's pew. LONG time ago -- and I got up and moved - didn't get mad. Just moved. Found it humorous that someone was that attached to a place.

Now it was me.

After the first hymn, I was ok - it didn't matter anymore, but for awhile......

Ok, I know you Rev folks haven't probably experienced this lately, but how about you folks who have a view from the pew??

What is Daughters of the King?

Gail, one of my recent commenters asked, "What is Daughters of the King?". Good question!!

I quote from the website:

The Daughters of the King is a lay Order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, or churches in communion with it, or churches who are in the Historic Episcopate. Members undertake a Rule of Life, incorporating the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. By reaffirmation of the promises made at Confirmation, a Daughter pledges herself to a life-long program of prayer, service and evangelism, dedicated to the spread of Christ's Kingdom and the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish.

You might recognize this cross, which is the cross of the order. Some of us wear it on a chain around our neck, while others wear it on the left side over their heart. The Latin "Magnanimiter Crucem Sustine" translates toWith heart, mind and spirit uphold and bear the cross."  At the base of the cross are the letters "FHS," initials that stand for the Motto of the Order:  "For His Sake..."

Each chapter focuses on some aspect of the program of prayer, service, and evangelism. Our particular chapter, St. Sophia, focuses on prayer for others in need. We also have sponsored quiet days for the parish.

There are also chapters in the Episcopal Church, Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Churches, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

The motto for the order is:

For His Sake . . .

I am but one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
What I can do, I ought to do.
What I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do. Lord, what will you have me do?

Mary Beth is also a Daughter of the King - anyone else? Thoughts?

Surround Sound

Heard in church today, - nine year old was reciting/whispering The Great Thanksgiving with the Celebrant.

Holy Eucharist in stereo surround sound.

Church Tubular Bells - Praise to the Lord Almighty

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly for aye we adore Him.

Traveling Ministry

Last night we had our monthly church supper. It's always interesting in our small little church to see the "balance" of what is brought -- and there are some people who bring the SAME thing every time that offers us stability - as the same salad with capers for over 30 years by one person, the fried chicken livers my mother has been bringing since she has been in our town (and people "snitch" before it's time to eat).  And then there are those of us that bring something different everytime. I sat by Hollow Legs last night and I can tell you the spaghetti and green peas were a BIG HIT with her and she was serious about her eating AGAIN.

However, sometimes we have a program at the end and tonight was one of those nights. One of our traveling couples brought their presentation of their trip to Ireland. It was especially unique in that they were visiting dear past members of our congregation who have moved to Ireland.

Perhaps it was merely a  coincidence, but there were more people than usual at the church supper in July. But I don't think so. I think people were drawn for more than just the food and fellowship. It was the opportunity for church family to gather and journey with each other - some were revisiting places, while others getting a glimpse through friends' eyes to places they may never get to see otherwise. Others had their appetites whetted to see these sites through their own eyes.

As you know in a previous post, Mom had a medical procedure in which she had to be given a light anesthetic. We weren't sure she would be up to going to the church supper. You know one of the things that got her there? It was the presentation these folks gave of their trip. And.... she was not disappointed as she talked of the presentation during the entire time we were going home.

The presentation was given by those who went to places off the beaten path of Ireland, determining their own journey through this beautiful country. They ferried to an island where puffins nest, they travelled to a well where St. Patrick drank. They hiked up to cairns, and to falls which inspired Yeats to write poetry.

And, what better way than to end your evening with this?

It once was lost, but now is found....

My little traveling prayer book Hour by Hour (which offers 7 days of prayer Morning, Noon, and Evening) was found in a box that was with me the entire time. It was on its side behind another grocery item that I never used. 

It's a trusty little book that I can easily place in my purse (why didn't I?) and can carry around easily, unlike my Prayerbook/Hymnal which is substantially bigger and heavier.

There were times I needed to say this prayer which is in the book:

We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.

Yes, Lord, there were moments I needed that prayer.