NPR has this piece about how the changing way kids play is negatively affecting their development. Basically, old fashioned play (more make-believe and less out-of-the-box) does a better job of teaching kids self-regulation and other skills necessary for self-mastery.
-t
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Eastern Influences Part 2
Ok, as promised, here's a compilation of some of the responses I got on the APLM List-Serv when I asked about Eastern Influences on Anglican Liturgy. All the links are mine...
-t
Dear Fr. Moss, I have just returned from the most recent SCLM meeting in Memphis, and am not yet unpacked. However, I will give some thought to your very important question. Off the top of my head, several suggestions: Andrewes' "Preces Privatae," with notes by F.E. Brightman, gives some concrete illustrations of the Orthodox influences on a major Anglican Divine, another important area would be available commentaries on the study of the Scottish Non-Jurors. Finally, I would urge you to put the same question to my collegue [and former neighbor at seminary] the Rev. Prof. J. Robert Wright. His long experience as an advisor to Presiding Bishops on Orthodox relations, together with his command of Anglican Liturgical history make him the best possible source of information. Greg Howe
There is an article by Boone Porter on Mozarabic influences on the Book of Commmon Prayer, written about 1989-92 or so. And although the Mozarabic liturgy was of course Latin, its roots are probably in Byzantium and Syria, by way of North Africa. Boone's article may have appreared in The Living Church--I do not know, but a bibliographic search might render its whereabouts! Juan Oliver
The direct influence on the early Tudor Prayer Books is pretty minimal -- the most famous example is the Prayer of St. Chrysostom in the office. The influence in the new rites is overwhelming. In the eucharist the Greeting, the Prayers of the People and the ecumenical eucharistic prayer are based on Eastern models. Perhaps the greatest influence is the baptismal rite which is arguably the most beautiful and influential work in the new rites. The introduction in the Canadian Book of Alternative Services gives a very brief outline of the sources. Doug Cowling
You can also find more about this precise Byzantium influence on Boone’s personal contribution and on the BCP in the book written to honor him upon his retirement. I can’t remember the title, though I contributed an article about his general impact on the church. Joe Doss
Another influence comes with the provision for several pieces of service music in the 1982 Hymnal They are probably little used. S123 is a Mozarabic setting of the Sanctus, and S 272 of the Gloria. (The index wrongly lists the memorial acclamation at S 140 as Mozarabic; it is in the Ambrosian preface tone.) The Altar Book includes a florid Mozarabic setting of the eucharistic dialogue and preface for Prayer D. My former rector, Wayne Wright (now bishop of Delaware), loved to sing this during Easter.
What makes a liturgy Mozarabic or Ambrosian or Byzantine or anything else is not only words, those least of all. It is music and vestments and the whole way they do the liturgy. Ormonde Plater
-t
Prayer of the Week - Lent 5
Beloved Parishioners,
Among those who talk about Evangelism and church growth it is sometimes said that the Anglican Church in the U.K. is about ten years ahead of the Anglican Church in Canada, and that the Americans are ten years behind us! This is because the massive cultural shifts that have secularized society in Canada in the past few decades hit first in the UK and lag in the United States. For this reason, many of us in Canada are looking to the cutting edge evangelism movements in England for clues about what we should be doing, now, in Canada to grow our churches.
At a recent meeting of clergy and lay leaders here in the Diocese to talk about these movements we heard from Dr. John Bowen who told us that in order to do mission and ministry in the 21st Century we need to be more clear than ever about what we are about as church. Inherited cultural assumptions about the role of the church in civil life simply don't apply in a world where many people have never even read the Bible or learned the most basic facts about our religion. It is a post-Christian age. Dr. Bowen suggested that we should begin with one of the most ancient descriptions of the church, the one we find in the Nicene Creed: "We Believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church." These are the traditional four attributes of the church.
By saying the church is "One"--we mean that we experience a unity in the church unavailable in other relationships. Somehow, we know ourselves to be one body--Christ alive in the world. This manifests locally in our sense of community when we show regard and care for one another. Think of the Prayer Chain and coffee fellowship and these messages. Think also of our Christian education programs and our efforts to grow together to maturity in Christ-likeness. When we look inward at ourselves and each other, we manifest this characteristic of Church.
To say that the Church is "Holy" means that it has its origins in God, but it also means that it sustains that connection with the divine. In our context, we experience this most clearly in worship as we lift our voices in prayer and praise. We celebrate the Eucharist, a memorial feast that makes God specially present among us. The "holiness" of the church is the transcendent aspect of what we are about--our looking upward.
When we talk about the "Catholicity" of the Church, we mean the sense in which our local community of faith is tied to all other Christian communities through space and time. We are connected by common heritage and belief to Redeemer down the road and also to the worshipers in Medieval Cathedrals a thousand years ago. The Bible, faith in Jesus Christ, the prayers we've received, make this true. We invoke this when we speak of the "tradition." It means, in a sense, looking backward.
Finally, the fourth attribute of church--"Apostolic"--is when we experience ourselves as reaching out towards the world in mission. This is the aspect of church most closely associated with evangelistic zeal and love. It is the loving gesture we make towards the world that communicates the love of God--the Word that is Jesus Christ. It is an outward focus that directs our awareness to the world God created.
I'm laying all this out here because I'm beginning to see them as the framework for our renewal at COTM. It is not overambitious to think that as church we need to be developing in all these aspects at the same time. I am beginning to see how our efforts to create the "Christ Centered Character Curriculum" enhances our "oneness" as we form a new generation of faithful Christians. Similarly, the work that Matthew, the choir, and others have put into worship enhances the "holiness" we aspire to in liturgy. So does repainting the nave and replacing the chairs.
One area still under development is the Mission of COTM--the specifics about our witness to this community. I hope that the upcoming parish visioning event on April 13th will give a chance for the Spirit to speak to us about this. This will be the second of three workshops designed to allow our vision for ministry to emerge, and I hope to see as many of you there as possible! I also believe that the Missional Church movement, which both Andrew Sheldon and John McLaverty have spoken about at COTM, will play a role here.
The manner in which our "Catholicity" will flourish is also a bit unclear to me. No doubt our worship will continue to use the spiritual language of our inheritance: the prayer books and hymns of the church. But are there opportunities to make our links the Universal Church stronger? Maybe our outreach is part of this.
Brothers and sisters, we have taken up a project that we did not begin. We will harvest spiritual crops we did not plant! But we are being sent into the fields to do the Lord's work, and I'm incredibly excited to be a part of it! Please continue to join in the conversations we have about our future and God's will for us. These are great times to be part of the Church of The Messiah!
-t
Among those who talk about Evangelism and church growth it is sometimes said that the Anglican Church in the U.K. is about ten years ahead of the Anglican Church in Canada, and that the Americans are ten years behind us! This is because the massive cultural shifts that have secularized society in Canada in the past few decades hit first in the UK and lag in the United States. For this reason, many of us in Canada are looking to the cutting edge evangelism movements in England for clues about what we should be doing, now, in Canada to grow our churches.
At a recent meeting of clergy and lay leaders here in the Diocese to talk about these movements we heard from Dr. John Bowen who told us that in order to do mission and ministry in the 21st Century we need to be more clear than ever about what we are about as church. Inherited cultural assumptions about the role of the church in civil life simply don't apply in a world where many people have never even read the Bible or learned the most basic facts about our religion. It is a post-Christian age. Dr. Bowen suggested that we should begin with one of the most ancient descriptions of the church, the one we find in the Nicene Creed: "We Believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church." These are the traditional four attributes of the church.
By saying the church is "One"--we mean that we experience a unity in the church unavailable in other relationships. Somehow, we know ourselves to be one body--Christ alive in the world. This manifests locally in our sense of community when we show regard and care for one another. Think of the Prayer Chain and coffee fellowship and these messages. Think also of our Christian education programs and our efforts to grow together to maturity in Christ-likeness. When we look inward at ourselves and each other, we manifest this characteristic of Church.
To say that the Church is "Holy" means that it has its origins in God, but it also means that it sustains that connection with the divine. In our context, we experience this most clearly in worship as we lift our voices in prayer and praise. We celebrate the Eucharist, a memorial feast that makes God specially present among us. The "holiness" of the church is the transcendent aspect of what we are about--our looking upward.
When we talk about the "Catholicity" of the Church, we mean the sense in which our local community of faith is tied to all other Christian communities through space and time. We are connected by common heritage and belief to Redeemer down the road and also to the worshipers in Medieval Cathedrals a thousand years ago. The Bible, faith in Jesus Christ, the prayers we've received, make this true. We invoke this when we speak of the "tradition." It means, in a sense, looking backward.
Finally, the fourth attribute of church--"Apostolic"--is when we experience ourselves as reaching out towards the world in mission. This is the aspect of church most closely associated with evangelistic zeal and love. It is the loving gesture we make towards the world that communicates the love of God--the Word that is Jesus Christ. It is an outward focus that directs our awareness to the world God created.
I'm laying all this out here because I'm beginning to see them as the framework for our renewal at COTM. It is not overambitious to think that as church we need to be developing in all these aspects at the same time. I am beginning to see how our efforts to create the "Christ Centered Character Curriculum" enhances our "oneness" as we form a new generation of faithful Christians. Similarly, the work that Matthew, the choir, and others have put into worship enhances the "holiness" we aspire to in liturgy. So does repainting the nave and replacing the chairs.
One area still under development is the Mission of COTM--the specifics about our witness to this community. I hope that the upcoming parish visioning event on April 13th will give a chance for the Spirit to speak to us about this. This will be the second of three workshops designed to allow our vision for ministry to emerge, and I hope to see as many of you there as possible! I also believe that the Missional Church movement, which both Andrew Sheldon and John McLaverty have spoken about at COTM, will play a role here.
The manner in which our "Catholicity" will flourish is also a bit unclear to me. No doubt our worship will continue to use the spiritual language of our inheritance: the prayer books and hymns of the church. But are there opportunities to make our links the Universal Church stronger? Maybe our outreach is part of this.
Brothers and sisters, we have taken up a project that we did not begin. We will harvest spiritual crops we did not plant! But we are being sent into the fields to do the Lord's work, and I'm incredibly excited to be a part of it! Please continue to join in the conversations we have about our future and God's will for us. These are great times to be part of the Church of The Messiah!
Creator of all, you made the church to be the continuing presence of your Son in world, bless our efforts in your vineyard. Give us courage and wisdom as we seek to build your kingdom. Help us to have patience and diligence in our struggles, and keep us ever mindful of your providential purposes. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
-t
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Psalm 23
Here is a recording of the COTM choir performing Psalm 23 as set by Bobby McFerrin on Lent 4 (Mothering Sunday)....
-t
-t
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Slow News Day...
Another busy day--too busy to do that post about Eastern liturgies. But I did say two masses and plan most of the Holy Week services. One of those Masses was at Trinity Chapel. It's always a pleasure to celebrate with the students. Nice folks.
There is an article in the New York Times about American Immigrants to Israel having a hard time proving that they are sufficiently Jewish. This reveals much deeper identity problems within Jewish culture.
-t
There is an article in the New York Times about American Immigrants to Israel having a hard time proving that they are sufficiently Jewish. This reveals much deeper identity problems within Jewish culture.
More than any other issue, the question of Who is a Jew? has repeatedly roiled relations between Israel and American Jewry. Psychologically, it is an argument over who belongs to the family. In the past, the casus belli was conversion: Would the Law of Return, which grants automatic citizenship to any Jew coming to Israel, apply to those converted to Judaism by non-Orthodox rabbis? Now, as Sharon’s experience indicates, the status of Jews by birth is in question. Equally important, the dividing line is no longer between Orthodox and non-Orthodox. The rabbinate’s handling of the issue has placed it on one side of an ideological fissure within Orthodox Judaism itself, between those concerned with making sure no stranger enters the gates and those who fear leaving sisters and brothers outside. (source)
-t
Monday, March 3, 2008
Monday
Not much to report today--except that I broke a stovetop in dramatic fashion. I had been using it season a cast-iron pan (following directions for doing so) and had just finished when I turned the stove top off and went downstairs to change the laundry to the drier. When I came back up, an alarmed looking cat was staring at a pile of glass spread all over the floor. Apparently the glass part of the stove surface had shattered. I guess some parts of the stove top cooled at the different rate than others? Anyway, it broke and we'll have to get that fixed. Bummer.
-t
-t
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Lent 4 Sermon
This morning John McLaverty, a member of the parish and also a pastor-turned-Church-Consultant, preached. I appreciate his style very much--like me he likes to go without notes, looking people in the eye and developing a relationship as he goes. I would describe his exegetical style in this case as being somewhat experiential, not afraid to do a bit of Midrash to break open the word like so much bread. Good stuff. John is very smart about the Missional Church stuff being developed, and I'm looking forward to learning more about that from him.
-t
-t
"State of the Parish" Sermon 2008
This is the "State of the Parish" Sermon given to the congregation on the Sunday of our Annual Vestry Meeting (Lent 3 - February 24th). It is also the Charge to the Congregation, of course. Doing in the service rather than an the Vestry meeting is a good idea, begun by my predecessor, considering that only about half the congregation stays of the actual meeting! And yes, I do preach on the Propers for the day, as well.
-t
-t
Helping
Today I had an encounter with a person that I could help. I have known this person for some years, and today she needed my help. It happened that I was in a position, as her priest, to help her in several ways simultaneously, and that made me feel really good. This kinds of pastoral encounters are so precious--they keep you going. Interestingly, she spoke to me about the Kingdom of God--which is a theological concept I've been thinking a lot about lately. The Spirit, IMHO, at this time seems to telling the Church to build Kingdom communities and lead people to be disciples ready to imitate Christ. I know, that sounds like something the Spirit is always saying to the Church, but when I look at the emerging Christian movements as well as the successful mission initiatives of inherited-church traditions, I see a renewed emphasis on Kingdom and Christ-likeness.
Anyway, it's just neat to be able to exercise Pastoral Ministry in a way that you know helps people in big, big ways.
-t
Anyway, it's just neat to be able to exercise Pastoral Ministry in a way that you know helps people in big, big ways.
-t
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Baptismal Formula
The Vatican's doctrinal watch-dogs, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), has recently ruled that Baptism done "in the name of the Creator, and of the Redeemer, and of the Sanctifier," are not valid! It's a popular formula, but it does have it's problems. Essentially, it defines the Trinity in "economic" terms, rather than relational ones. You see, the work of creation, redemption, and sanctification are performed by the three persons, anyway. So they decided that it was just not a sufficient expression to be "valid" at baptism.
Of course, this Western emphasis on understanding sacraments in terms of their validity or unvalidity is problematic in itself. I mean, we can say much more about them and their efficacy than whether it was "done right."
I can't really talk about feminist theology and the naming of God without referencing Sr. Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ, and her awesome book She Who Is. She's a brilliant, brilliant scholar who knows how to argue persuasively from within the tradition. If her stuff is of interest, you might also check out this essay she wrote about the things that have influenced her.
(incidentally, no, I have not forgotten to post about the Easter Influences question, I've just been too busy to synthesize the responses I got into a post.)
-t
Of course, this Western emphasis on understanding sacraments in terms of their validity or unvalidity is problematic in itself. I mean, we can say much more about them and their efficacy than whether it was "done right."
I can't really talk about feminist theology and the naming of God without referencing Sr. Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ, and her awesome book She Who Is. She's a brilliant, brilliant scholar who knows how to argue persuasively from within the tradition. If her stuff is of interest, you might also check out this essay she wrote about the things that have influenced her.
(incidentally, no, I have not forgotten to post about the Easter Influences question, I've just been too busy to synthesize the responses I got into a post.)
-t
Geez Magazine
Do you all know Geez Magazine? It's sort of a Christian version of Ad Busters (which I also like very much). Their motto is "Holy mischief in an age of fast faith." They are having a contest to find the top 30 sermons you'd never hear in church. That sounds promising. They did one amusing piece in the last issue about whether communion bread (the little white disc kind) comes from an acceptable source, eco-justice wise. The verdict was not good.
-t
"Christ Centered Character Curriculum"
Today was long. It began with a meeting at St. John's, York Mills, with the working group developing this new curriculum I've been talking about. We met for about 3 hours and made tremendous progress in narrowing our focus. We even gave what we are doing a name--"Christ Centered Character Curriculum" (CCCC). We also decided on our "key" virtues to develop and several other aspects of what we are doing. We also drafted a logo! The group's enthusiasm is infectious, and I'm looking forward to our next meeting. It's nice to know we are on target with this developing work.
I didn't have long at Church before I had to go to my singing lesson with Hallie. Lately I've been working hard on the Exultet, which is a hymn the Deacon singing during the Easter Vigil liturgy. It's probably the most difficult piece in the standard Anglican priest repertoire. I say "standard" because Anglo-Catholic parishes can have other, more challenging pieces. But for most Canadian Anglican Priests, the setting of the Exultet in the musical appendix of the BAS Altar Book (aka The Missal) is about as hard as it gets.
I've been working hard on it, and I'm doing well. Hallie says my intervals and diction are excellent. She would like to hear better phrasing (I'm taking too many breaths). Also I can be a bit "pitchy" in the beginning section, which in my case is about settling into a home pitch rather than about knowing what intervals I'm trying to get. Good thing I have a few weeks to get it closer to perfect.
After my lesson I went on a grocery run and then got home and started cooking supper for some friends that were coming over. I made a relatively simple salmon dish. Here's the recipe...
I also sauteed some bok choi, roasted some asparagus, and prepared a nice salad. Our friends provided homemade cheesecake. It was a nice evening.
Now I'm ready for some sleep.
-t
I didn't have long at Church before I had to go to my singing lesson with Hallie. Lately I've been working hard on the Exultet, which is a hymn the Deacon singing during the Easter Vigil liturgy. It's probably the most difficult piece in the standard Anglican priest repertoire. I say "standard" because Anglo-Catholic parishes can have other, more challenging pieces. But for most Canadian Anglican Priests, the setting of the Exultet in the musical appendix of the BAS Altar Book (aka The Missal) is about as hard as it gets.
I've been working hard on it, and I'm doing well. Hallie says my intervals and diction are excellent. She would like to hear better phrasing (I'm taking too many breaths). Also I can be a bit "pitchy" in the beginning section, which in my case is about settling into a home pitch rather than about knowing what intervals I'm trying to get. Good thing I have a few weeks to get it closer to perfect.
After my lesson I went on a grocery run and then got home and started cooking supper for some friends that were coming over. I made a relatively simple salmon dish. Here's the recipe...
Salmon With Lemon-Pepper Sauce
1 cup plain yogurt
3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, divided
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel, divided
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons olive oil plus additional for brushing
2 tablespoons chopped shallot
6 6-ounce salmon fillets
1 1/2 cups (lightly packed) watercress leaves and small sprigs
Fleur de sel
6 lemon wedges
Whisk yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel in small bowl. Season with salt and generous amount of pepper.
Whisk honey, 1 tablespoon olive oil, shallot, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel in 11x7x2-inch glass baking dish. Add salmon fillets and turn to coat. Cover and chill at least 15 minutes and up to 1 hour, turning salmon fillets occasionally. Position rack in top third of oven and preheat to 400°F. Line large baking sheet with foil and brush with olive oil. Transfer salmon fillets, with some marinade still clinging, to rimmed baking sheet. Roast until salmon is just opaque in center, about 14 minutes.
Place 1 salmon fillet on each of 6 plates. Drizzle with lemon-pepper sauce and garnish with lemon wedges. Serve, passing additional sauce alongside. (modified from this recipe on Epicurious)
I also sauteed some bok choi, roasted some asparagus, and prepared a nice salad. Our friends provided homemade cheesecake. It was a nice evening.
Now I'm ready for some sleep.
-t
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)