Creation Time and Holy Ground

  Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness and came to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God.  There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight and see why the bush is not burned up.”  When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”  Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”

                                    Exodus 3:1-5

I was invited to be a guest anniversary preacher later this month and I asked if I could use a Creation Time theme, referring to the more recent mini-season of the Christian year which acknowledges our relationship with the Earth in both care and wonder. I was given the green light (nuck, nuck) and I decided that one of the texts I would use is the story of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus. Creation Time begins September 1st and concludes on October 4th, which is the Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of the environment.

Lo and behold, I've since discovered that this burning bush image in the theme for Creation Time, or the Season of Creation as it's termed in some Christian denominations. I chose this passage and the story of the baptism of Jesus. Both are reminders that God, the Creator, ushered in pivotal new eras for God's people in the midst of what we sometimes call the natural world, rather than in formal places of worship.

I was also mindful that as climate change is reshaping the planet both fire and water have become destructive forces, ravaging huge areas across the continents. No place is immune to the realities of this climate emergency.

My blog will go silent now for about two weeks because we're at the very edge of our country,on two small islands off the northeast coast of Newfoundland. This is raw, wild, beautiful place and we've returned often since I served in ministry in the area decades ago. I plan to observe Creation Time in my own way during these first days of the season, expressing gratitude and reverence for the gift of Creation. 

The Mosque and the Stanley Cup

 

                                                    Kadri Family & the Stanley Cup 

My eyebrows shot up to my non-existent hairline recently as I read about a baptism which took place five years ago using the Stanley Cup, symbol of NHL hockey supremacy, as the font. This seemed sketchy to me, but players on the championship team get to take the Cup to their communities and stories abound of questionable activities which end up requiring repairs to the trophy. 

There is a more recent religious connection involving the Stanley Cup. Nazem Kadri former Maple Leaf, now Calgary Flame, was part of the Colorado Avalanche when they won the championship earlier this year. Kadri is the first Muslim to be on a Cup-winning team and yesterday he took the trophy to the mosque in his hometown of London, Ontario. It's the first time the Cup will visit a mosque and this will undoubtedly be a boost to the Muslim community of a city in which a Muslim family was brutally killed last year in a cowardly hate crime. 

“We’re proud of Nazem, proud of his journey,” said Mo Haidar, Kadri’s brother in-law,“The younger generations, and the youth coming up, it just shows that not only Muslims, but any group of minorities that anything is achievable. If you really have passion and you really want to achieve something, Nazem is a great example of that, and on the 27th you’ll be able to see the proof of that.”

Sadly, there was likely tight security during the mosque visit, but we can hope this was a milestone celebration. I'm fairly confident that the Stanley Cup will never be used a communion chalice, but you never know...

The Bishop and the Stolen Bling

 

                                         Bishop Whitehead reenacts the Sunday morning robbery

 Jesus looked him hard in the eye—and loved him! He said, “There’s one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.” 

The man’s face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go.

Looking at his disciples, Jesus said, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who ‘have it all’ to enter God’s kingdom?” The disciples couldn’t believe what they were hearing, but Jesus kept on: “You can’t imagine how difficult. I’d say it’s easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for the rich to get into God’s kingdom.”

                                                Mark 10:21-25 The Message

Through the years I wondered more than once what would transpire if someone had entered the worship space during a service and was aggressive, or demanded money. In the States there are congregations which have armed security on Sunday mornings, which is such a sad commentary on a gun-crazed society. 

A few weeks ago a flashy Brooklyn New York pastor was robbed, mid-service by three armed gunmen: 

Bishop Lamor Miller-Whitehead was live-streaming his Sunday sermon at the Leaders of Tomorrow International Churches in Brooklyn when he asked his congregation: “How many of you have lost your faith because you saw somebody else die?” 

Moments later, three masked people armed with guns entered the church, according to police. “All right, all right, all right,” Miller-Whitehead said as he got down on the ground and lay on flat on his stomach, according to clips of the incident, which was captured on the live stream. One of the intruders stood over Miller-Whitehead, appeared to take objects from the pastor and walked off with them.

Okay, the dramatic theft is a big-time story, but the next part is the shocker. The thieves stole jewelry from the "bishop" and his wife valued at a million dollars, US. How is that for bizarre? I wear an old Seiko watch and a couple of rings, but that's it -- hardly a big haul. What pastor/priest and spouse are wearing a fortune in bling. 

It turns out that the bishop has a suspect history which includes a theft conviction and lawsuits for money owing on construction projects. Some have wondered whether the holy heist was staged for an insurance pay-out. His response is that the devil didn't want him in the pulpit so sent the robbers. Plausible? 

All I can say is that Jesus may love this dude but he may find it a challenge to get into God's kingdom, especially if he's behind bars. I do feel a Netflix series in the making.  

I Feel the Winds of God... & Newfoundland... Today

 

                                                  Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Prime Minister Trudeau

Regular readers of this blog will know our connection with outport Newfoundland. I began ministry on the Northeast coast of Notre Dame Bay with five congregations in 1980. Our son Isaac, who is now a United Church minister,  was born there, so we feel a strong sense of attachment and have gone back many times through the years. I hope that as you read this we are there, having flown out yesterday. We will spend time on Change Islands, two tiny islands adjacent to Fogo and accessible by ferry.

When we lived there it was some windy b'y, seemingly all the time. When we moved back to Ontario we were amazed that rain fell down, rather than sideways, creeping into every nook and cranny.

 If only that wind could be a money maker! Well, that is the plan. Earlier this week the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, was in Stephenville, NL, with Prime Minister Trudeau. The plan was to sign a green energy deal, focussed around a new wind turbine project. According to a City News report: 

A local company has plans to build a zero-emission plant that will use wind energy to produce hydrogen and ammonia for export.Hydrogen is seen as a critical component of Europe’s plan to reduce its reliance on Russian fossil fuels, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine and the recent reductions in the supply of Russian natural gas to Germany and other countries.Cabinet ministers and German business leaders will join Trudeau and Scholz at a hydrogen trade show in Stephenville this evening.

The town’s mayor, Tom Rose, said in an interview he believes the location and existing infrastructure make it an ideal location for such a venture, and the area is poised to be “the green energy hub of North America.”

I hope this comes to pass -- there have been so many touted Newfoundland projects which never got off the ground or have become money pits for the people of the province. Offshore oil was a boom for a time but has become something of a bust. Newfoundlanders deserve a success story. 

When we were on Change Islands three years ago the tail end of Hurricane Dorian nearly blew us to Ireland. We know firsthand that the wind is there. Now if it can be harnessed, for good. 

Ukraine Independence & Refugee Response

 Yesterday marked Independence Day for Ukraine and citizens of the country under seige by invading Russian forces were ordered to shelter in place rather than gather for patriotic celebrations. The concern was that the vile Russian military would use the opportunity to target civilians. 

We heard that there are upwards of 7 million Ukrainian displace people and refugees. Millions fled across adjoining borders as the conflict began six months ago, others have dispersed to various European countries. There are thousands who have made their way to North America, including here in Canada.

I am aware that the United Church congregation in Port Hope, Ontario, is part of a coalition in Northumberland to welcome 30 Ukrainian families -- more than 100 individuals -- with housing and funding. Out West where there is a strong Ukrainian diaspora there are signficant efforts to bring extended family members who are displaced in their homeland.

There is also concern that the initial compassionate response regarding refugees is waning as the war grinds on. Sadly, in the time in which we live our attention spans are short, including for tragedies such as conflict. Many of those who have arrived in Canada are frustrated that their skills can't be used for employment because of restrictive regulations. In Newfoundland there is a crisis when it comes to providing healthcare yet Ukrainian doctors and nurses don't get responses to inquiries about employment, let alone interviews. 

Ukrainian Independence Day and the six month anniversary of the war serve as reminders that we can respond in meaningful ways, including financial support. 

Here is the United Church link:

https://united-church.ca/social-action/act-now/ukraine-crisis

Faithful Witness and Persecution

 

                                                            La Sagrada Familia --  Kelly Latimore

May the Christ who walks on wounded feet walk with you on the road.

May the Christ who serves with wounded hands stretch out your hands to serve.

May the Christ who loves with a wounded heart open your hearts to love.

May you see the face of Christ in everyone you meet,

and may everyone you meet see the face of Christ in you.

A friend who is 40-ish has been in the unusual role of providing support to a Nicaraguan man, a refugee from the violent regime of Daniel Ortega. Ortega was once a freedom fighter but over the years since coming to power he has become a dictator. The refugee, whom our friend has never met, has been in Canada for several years and lives in a city far from her home, but she lived in Nicaragua for a time, developed other friendships there, and speaks Spanish. She is a compassionate person and a Christian so she continues in this odd but vital relationship.

Clerics of the Roman Catholic church in Nicaragua has been outspoken against the tyranny of the regime despite the resulting threats and imprisonment. Some have gone into exile and recently the bishop of Matagalpa, Monsignor Roland Alvares, was arrested and put in jail. Christians have gathered for vigils and commemorations even though they are banned from doing so and end up at risk as a result.

I'm often struck by the indifference of many Christians to their own faith while sisters and brothers in faith around the world bear faithful witness even when this may result in persecution. Our prayers and our actions are important, as well as our willingness to support those who flee oppression. 

Christian Nationalism isn't Christian or Canadian

 

                                      "Freedom Convoy" occupation of Parliament Hill in February 2022

Last week Canadian religious writer and Anglican priest, Michael Coren, wrote an article for the Toronto Star which resulted in a fair amount of anger directed his way. It had the excellent title Canadian Christian nationalism not Christian, it’s not Canadian, or patriotic either. This should be a bumper sticker, although vehicles sporting it would probably be vandalized. 

Coren was once an articulate spokesperson for the religious right, a Roman Catholic who was embraced by the evangelical world. For the most part he wasn't rabid about his views but he underwent a change of heart, a conversion of sort, which changed his outlook regardling LGBTQ2S+ persons, as one example. He almost immediately became Public Enemy No. 1 amongst those who had previously been big fans. We had him come as an anniversary speaker at Bridge St. Church and he was good. 

Here is a portion of that Star article. I agree with every word. 

There’s much about the rise of the new right in Canada that is deeply troubling and should be so to traditional conservatives as well as to liberals and progressives. This fairly recent phenomenon is a coalition of populists, racists, conspiracy theorists, anti-science zealots and Christian nationalists. 

It’s the last group in particular that so concerns me, because it’s a mingling of the irrational and religious with the hateful and extreme and that’s a recipe for disaster.

I don’t think that Tory leadership front-runner Pierre Poilievre is one of them, or even that he’s especially religious, but I do believe he gives these people oxygen, has their support, and does absolutely nothing to dissuade them. 

We see their signs at protests and rallies and saw them in abundance during the Ottawa occupation. Misplaced, sometimes misspelled, Bible quotes, calls for the “restoration of the kingdom of God,” pictures of rosaries wrapped around offensive right-wing statements and prayer meetings held by people who proceed to wish death on Justin Trudeau and use obscene language about their opponents. 

Apart from the obvious horror of it all, it’s such an imploding idea. Christian nationalism is an inherent contradiction, an oxymoron, in that Jesus stood in direct opposition to nationalism — both that of his own people, and as a wider concept. The essence of his teaching is that he came for all, irrespective of race or nation, and that one person could not have two masters. A Christian nationalist is merely a nationalist trying to disguise nastiness behind faith and religiosity. 

In that the Gospels preach love, tolerance, gentleness, forgiveness and equality, there is no connection between Christ and this latest aberration; or, if you like, this latest heresy. Jesus said you change the world by changing your heart, Christian nationalists say you change the world by shouting at and insulting people. 

But there’s more. Not only is Canadian Christian nationalism not Christian, it’s not Canadian, or patriotic either. The roots of this perverted idea are found in a specifically American notion of exceptionalism, the idea that the United States was and is chosen by God to be a light on a hill, distinct, special, and better. America, runs the ideology, has a God-given right and duty to shape and lead the world and anybody who opposes that isn’t truly American. Inevitably, that leads to a whole stew of repugnant beliefs. It may even lead to something resembling fascism. 

Pedalling for a Better World

 A couple of months ago my bicycle, a nice Masi which I've owned for several years, was stolen from our garage. Yes, it should have been locked, but we all have our slips in attention. I reported it to police and to the two bicycle shops downtown in Belleville I've dealt with through the years. I reconciled myself to the gloomy reality that it was gone and talked to both shops about a new one -- a pricey replacement. The same day I did so I got a call from one of the owners; "we've got your bike here." What?! I went down and sure enough, there was my bicycle, stripped of some it's higher end parts, but definitely mine. The owner was looking out his shop window and saw it go by. He popped out with another employee and saw the rider stop at another store. When they calmly approached him about ownership he simply walked away. Just so you're aware, this sort of recovery basically never happens. 

We aren't hardcore cyclists but we regularly cycle for exercise, for recreation, and for some errands. We often ride to the farmers market downtown on a Saturday morning to combine all three. I ride to the gym because why would I sit on a stationary bike in a windowless room?  

We were just in Algonquin Park for a week and took our bicycles and our kayaks. We had a couple of lovely paddles yet we saw moose twice while cycling the rail trail. We had to turn back on a section of the trail because a cow and calf were right in front of us and we agreed they had the right of way. 

The chart above is a reminder that cycling is one of the most efficient ways of getting around. Study after study shows that creating cycling infrastructure increases ridership even in colder climes. In places such as Toronto bike lanes are regularly strongly resisted, often with the argument they won't be used, only to have that premise proven wrong. Cities where cycling is the norm see businesses thrive -- a bicycle is a lot easier to park. 

As some of you know, I figure that communities must look at every option to encourage healthy living and address climate change. It must be a Christian imperative as well because "this is God's wondrous world" and we have been instructed to honour and tend the Earth. I'm keen to shift to an electric vehicle when I can afford one, but reducing the number of vehicles on the road regardless of power source is important. I like that there are more options such as e-bikes, which are power assisted, and cargo bikes. Yes, Canada is a big country compared to the Netherlands and Denmark where cycling is a way of life but we are increasingly urban people who don't need to get in a vehicle for every task. One of our neighbours (good guy) drives his big diesel pick-up a couple of kilometres to work each day. Why? 

Will we figure this out in time to benefit our super-heated planet? I'm reluctant to diss the efforts of our Belleville city council but there doesn't seem much rhyme or reason to our bicycle infrastructure, with lanes to nowhere and sections which are actually a hazard to ride. And don't get me started about the vehicles parked in lanes. 

Even though we are moving into geezer status we can pedal for a better world, the world God created and we can cherish. Oh yes, I was on two wheels along the Belleville waterfront this morning and managed to get home before the rain commenced. 

Feminine Hygiene as a Justice Issue?

                                                            

 When a woman has a discharge of blood that is a menstrual discharge from her body, she shall be in her impurity for seven days, and whoever touches her shall be unclean until the evening. Everything upon which she lies during her impurity shall be unclean; everything also upon which she sits shall be unclean.

Leviticus 15:19-20

I'm old enough to remember when commercials for feminine hygiene products began on television. What was once a taboo subject in nearly all settings was there for all to consider, whether they wanted to or not. The women who were the spokesperson cheerfully proclaimed the freedom which these products would provide, complete with demonstrations about absorbancy. As a husband with two daughters I was certainly aware of the realities of menstruation within our household. But the television ads seemed so...public.

Years later my discomfort seems rather silly, yet there is a long history of regarding menstruation as an impurity rather than a normal part of the life cycle of women at a certain stage of life. The verses from Leviticus are part of a longer passage on impurity which seems excessive, at least from my 21st century gentile perspective. Observant women in some Jewish traditions undergo a ritual cleansing in the days following their monthly period in a bath called a mikveh. Many consider it a positive, transformative experience.

                                                           Mikveh Scene from Sex in the City

Why, oh why, would this aging male be addressing this subject? Scotland just became the first country to provide free menstrual products for all. There are community initiatives in Canada which provide these products to those who are homeless or on the edges of poverty, sometimes offering them through food banks. They are expensive for women who can barely afford food. There are programs in schools and universities as well. Scotland's program will be comprehensive.

It's important for societies to overcome stigmas which further marginalize women and this seems like an important step. There is the gospel story of Jesus being touched by a woman who had experienced what was likely a vaginal flow of blood for years -- there have been medical journal articles written about this story. Rather than rejecting her, Jesus offered healing and acceptance.

Perhaps Canada will follow Scotland's lead. 

 Now there was a woman who had been suffering from a flow of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all she had on physicians,[a] no one could cure her. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak, and immediately her flow of blood stopped. Then Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds are hemming you in and pressing against you.” 

But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I noticed that power had gone out from me.” When the woman realized that she could not remain hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him and how she had been immediately healed. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

                               Luke 8:43-48

The Departure of Jews from Russia

                                                                                   Marc Chagall 
 

We know that in the past six months the Russian invasion of Ukraine has created havoc in that country. The nations of NATO, including Canada, have supported Ukrainian sovereignty and provided aid in many forms, including military ordnance. 

At the beginning of this illegal war, with the accompanying atrocities, thousands of Russians slipped out of their own country, seeing no future for themselves there.

A few days ago I read in the BBC that there has been a substantial exodus of Jews from Russai as well: 

Russia is facing the mass migration abroad of large numbers of its Jewish population, with at least one in eight leaving the country since its war with Ukraine began.

The Jewish Agency helps Jews around the world move to Israel. It says an astonishing 20,500 of Russia's estimated total of 165,000 Jews have gone since March. Thousands more have moved to other countries.

Undoubtedly the spectre of historical Jewish persecution has loomed large in the minds of many of those who are a part of this sudden mass migration and those still trying to get out of Russia.

In Moscow, there had been a huge effort to develop the Jewish community since the fall of Communism. Among those at the forefront was Pinchas Goldschmidt, the city's chief rabbi since 1993.

"We started from scratch with synagogues, schools, kindergartens, social services, teachers, rabbis and community members," he says of the vibrancy that was created. But just two weeks into the war this year, Rabbi Goldschmidt and his family left Russia, first to Hungary and then to Israel. He then stepped down from his position and spoke out against the war.

"I felt that I had to do something to show my total disassociation and disagreement with this invasion of Ukraine, but I would have endangered myself if I had done that staying in Moscow."

The Choral Synagogue of Moscow 

There is a long and terrible history of Jewish persecution in Russia with the term pogrom used to describe what transpired. This cloud of unwarranted violence rises in Fiddler on the Roof. The artist Marc Chagall portrayed the pogroms in a number of his paintings. During visits to Jerusalem more than 30 years ago I ws impressed by the remarkable street musicians. It turned out that some had been Jewish members of Russians orchestras but had emigrated to Israel because they felt unsafe in their homeland

The news of the departure of Jews from Russia is so discouraging. Will this persecution ever end? But so much about this war is tragic. 

Prayer or Medicine for a Sick Child?

Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. “If any of you cause one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,[a] it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. 

Matthew 18:4-6 NRSVue

For Health and Wellness  With a Child

Dear God, come and be with us.

N. is sick,and we are sad and afraid.

Help the doctors and nurses looking after her/him/they

Make her/him/they well again.

And, help us all to be brave and to feel your love.  Amen.

Celebrate God's Presence UCC

 During my years of ministry I prayed on many occasions for children with medical conditions which seriously compromised their health and were sometimes life-threatening. I can picture some of them vividly, often in the necessarily sterile environments of hospital neo-natal or pediatric units. 

On one occasion in Halifax I was called by a couple from Alaska visiting family with a newborn who suddenly experienced seizures. They wanted their child baptized because they'd been advised that he might not survive. I performed the baptism and prayed all for all of them. In my prayer I asked God for a miracle which I immediately regretted because I didn't want to create false hope for vulnerable parents. Within a few hours the specialist found a surgeon in Toronto who was one of only a few in the world who could offer a procedure which might make a difference. The family was whisked away in an air ambulance for the operationm which proved to successful. Was that God's answer to the miracle prayer, with the benefit of the best in medical science? 

Why is it that some Christians and others have such skepticism regarding medicine, including vaccines? I saw recently that several people had been charged after the death of a child: 

Twelve members of a religious group in Toowoomba have been arrested after the death of an eight-year-old girl, who Queensland police say was allegedly denied life-saving medication in the belief she would be healed by God. 

Elizabeth Rose Struhs had type 1 diabetes and died in her family’s Rangeville home, west of Brisbane, on 7 January. Police allege her parents, who have previously been charged with murder, began withholding insulin six days earlier. 

Police allege paramedics were not called to the scene until 5.30pm the next day, with the Courier Mail reporting members of the church group believed she would be resurrected.

Similar deaths have occurred in Canada and the United States. You may recall the tragic death of a toddler from Alberta who died of meningitis a decade ago even though they were warned by a nurse that he was gravely ill. That case is still working its way through the courts. Here in Belleville a prominent and beloved business person died of COVID because of anti-vax beliefs, but at least that was his choice as an adult. . 

I do feel that people should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law when they contribute to the death of anyone by neglect, no matter their convictions or misconstrual of scripture. 

We are enjoined to pray for those who are ill and I know from experience that those who are in compromised health have experienced solace and strength from the prayers of their faith communities. Some would be surprised to know that in the United Church worship resource Celebrate God's Presence there are specific prayers for children and parents dealing with compromised health. Still. it's never a substitute for effective medical support which is its own gift from God. 

With Parents 

God of health and life,

you already know we wait here anxiously

because N. (child’s name) is ill.

It frightens us to see someone so young,

and one we love so deeply,

in such pain and helplessness.

We long to see him/her/them well again.

Come and touch his/her/their weakened body, we pray.

In your love, heal N.

Be with the nurses and doctors

and all who care for her/him/them at this time,

that they may help restore her/him/them to health.

Grant that we may feel your loving presence deep within us,

and that we may go forward knowing you sustain us

and strengthen us.

In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Celebrate God's Presence

Frederick Buechner and Telling the Gospel Truth

 

Frederick Buechner has died at the age of 96. I'm assuming that the announcement of his demise is accurate because he was around so long as an influential Christian writer I was surprised through the years to discover he was still alive. I thought he might go on forever. 

A Presbyterian minister, Buechner wrote novels, essays, and a remarkable little book which was huge in meaning called Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale. Buechner imagines Jesus before Pilate as a tragic-comic figure with Pilate's "what is truth?" as a sort of tired, bemused shrug.  I quoted from that passage in the book a number of times through the years. Buechner offers:   

The Gospel is bad news before it is good news. It is the news that man is a sinner, to use the old word, that he is evil in the imagination of his heart, that when he looks in the mirror all in a lather what he sees is at least eight parts chicken, phony, slob. That is the tragedy. But it is also the news that he is loved anyway, cherished, forgiven, bleeding to be sure, but also bled for. That is the comedy. And yet, so what? So what if even in his sin the slob is loved and forgiven when the very mark and substance of his sin and of his slobbery is that he keeps turning down the love and forgiveness because he either doesn’t believe them or doesn’t want them or just doesn’t give a damn? In answer, the news of the Gospel is that extraordinary things happen to him just as in fairy tales extraordinary things happen.

This still makes profound and improbable sense to me, even though at a certain level the notion of God-with-us in the person of Jesus, the Christ is nonsensical by the world's standards. The apostle Paul calls it foolishness, yet God's wisdom.

I have no doubt that a great deal will be written about Frederick Buechner's brilliance but today I just need to say thank you. 

YIGBY: Yes in God's Backyard

 

                                                Wexford Heights United Church redevelopment plan

We know about the NIMBY, "not in my back yard" acronym and the connotation of keeping something or someone away from what we hope to guard or maintain. I thought this CBC headline from a month ago was clever

'Yes, In God's Backyard': Affordable housing proposed on site of Scarborough church

The article begins:

A new development company associated with the United Church of Canada is trying to breathe new life into a Scarborough church that officially closed in 2019 — by building affordable housing on the site while keeping some of its gathering spaces alive.

Kindred Works wants to build an 11-storey tower and two rows of townhouses —100 mixed-income rental units in all — while retaining the cemetery and community spaces on the former site of Wexford Heights United Church, located at  2102 Lawrence Ave. E.

"We need housing now," said Tim Blair, CEO of Kindred Works.The United Church believes that housing is a fundamental human right, Blair says "so this certainly fits into the overall mission of the church."

It's all part of a growing continent-wide movement to build affordable housing on re-purposed church lands that some call YIGBY, which means "Yes, In God's Backyard" — a not-so-subtle dig at NIMBY, which stands for "Not In My Backyard." 

We've seen some of the hundreds, if not thousands of Canadian places of worship which now serve other purposes, everything from conversions to homes or boutiquesin the country to fronts for condos in larger centres. One of the church structures of the five-point charge I served in outport Newfoundland became a vehicle repair shop for a time. 

I hope Kindred Works is very successful. There are so many congregations which sadly died of COVID during the pandemic. A purposeful resurrection of sorts for their buildings sure seems consistent with the gospel.  

                                                       Current Wexford Heights UC building 

Rivers and Streams and all God's Creatures

 

                                                                                    Lake Mead

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
    God will help it when the morning dawns.
6 The nations are in an uproar; the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice; the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.

                                          Psalm 46: 4-7 NRSVue

I've mentioned along the way that the United Church of Canada General Council was held in Frederiction New Brunswick in 1992 and I participated, in part because a key discussion was what we termed Same-Gender Unions at the time. I was a member of the working group which presented to the gathering of commissioners from across the country.

The theme for this GC was "there is a river", taken from Psalm 46 and we were a reasonable walk from the mighty St. John, one of Canada's many magnificant waterways. It struck me that while the theme was repeated every day we were together there was no planned event by the river, nor were we given information about what makes it unique. At the time I felt it was a mistake not to experience the river, even as we talked about it and the impression has never left me. I appreciate that more and more countries and jurisdictions are giving rivers status and protection as living entities. 

A couple of evenings ago I watched a repeat of the Sixty Minutes segment about the Colorado River, an almost mythical waterway which is more than 2,300 kilometres in length and passes through the Grand Canyon. It also supplies water to 40 million Americans and irrigates crops which feed the nation. The grim reality is that the Colorado is drying up because of a drought which began at the turn of the millenium and so are Lake Mead and Lake Powell, huge reservoirs which were created to ensure a reliable supply of water. Those reservoirs are now at about one quarter capacity, the lowest since their creation. Farmers are being informed that their water allotments will be considerably reduced. States, cities, and other communities are facing shortages which can't be addressed by conservation measures. Utah is considering a billion dollar pipeline to one of the reservoirs even though the water just isn't there. Isn't this the definition of a pipe dream? We're "circling the bowl" and just not getting it. 

                                                Thames River Great Britain source marker 

This isn't just a crisis in the American Southwest. The Thames in Britain, the Loire in France, the Rhine in Germany, and the Po in Italy are all greatly diminished or drying up. This affects drinking water, agricultural water, and even tourism -- you can't have a river cruise without a navigable river. The source of the Thames has now shifted eight kilometres downstream and the traditional marker for the source now looks ominously like a gravestone for a deceased entity which was once living.  

Water is life. Physically and spiritually we can't survive without it and it's far more valuable than any fossil fuel. Jesus, baptised in the Jordan, offered living water to the Samaritan woman at the well, fully understanding the double meaning. 

Every time we paddle on a river or stream, which we do often, we give thanks to the Creator for the gift of water. We can't take this blessing of abundant water for granted. 

                                                           Baptism of Christ -- Vladimir Zagitov 

The Dalits & Independence Day in India

 Today marks the 75th anniversary of India's independence from British rule. Most of us are aware of the non-violent civil disobedience movement led by Mohandes Gandhi which contributed to the end of 200 years of colonialism. 

In the midst of this celebration we can be mindful of the more than three million Dalits -- formerly known as Untouchables -- who are Christian and Muslim and have no official status in India. Through the centuries Dalits have been treated as the lowest of the low in a caste system with little opportunity to lift themselves above poverty and social stigma. 

Even in recent years there have been atrocities perpetrated against Dalits, including murder. According to an article published last year:

As per the statistics collected by the Centre for Dalit Studies, between the 26 years of 1994 and 2020, 17,835 Dalits were murdered, 44,506 Dalit women were raped by upper caste men and 85,219 people were victims of grievous injuries in attacks by people of upper castes. Many people were left disabled for life in these attacks. 

During a local United Church presentation a few years ago I learned that many Dalits have converted to Christianity because of the acceptance they find in congregations but because they are no longer Hindu they are not afforded certain rights, as limited as they might be. 

On this anniversary Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to raise millions out of poverty and turn India into a developed country in the next quarter-century. Yet during the eight years of his premiership there have been strong concerns that human rights and religious freedom have been undermined. 

Our prayer can be that all Dalits, including those who are Christians, will be accepted in Indian society and given the same opportunities for advancement. 

                                                      Dalit Christians during Holy Week

Thunderheads and a Puzzling Gospel Passage

                                                                      Thunderhead cloud

 "I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!

 I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed!

 Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!

 From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three;

 they will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."

 He also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, 'It is going to rain'; and so it happens.

And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, 'There will be scorching heat'; and it happens.

You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?     Luke 12: 49-56

We weren't in church this morning and were on the water instead. We had a beautiful paddle and there wasn't a threatening cloud in the sky. There, it's been said that confession is good for the soul. Sunday worship will resume for us soon enough. This meant we were away early and I didn't get to my blog entry, but here it is. 

There are congregations which use what is called the Common Lectionary, a table of scripture lessons which runs through three years with passages from the Older and Newer Testaments. I noticed that in the United States there was online discussion about how to preach the passage above, which is certainly not "gentle Jesus, meek and mild." These verses from Luke are  about as "smitey" as Jesus gets, and could be used or misused to thunder against the perceived enemy on right or left. 

Jesus does seems to be conceding that even though he preaches and teaches the Good News of a new reign of God which is not based on might and power, there are times when decision will lead to division, as one commentator has put it. 

In the States the divide between political camps has become a dark chasm with little common ground. Since the FBI raid on former President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in search of classified documents earlier in the week the rhetoric of division has become even more heated and there have been incidents where domestic terrorists have attacked government facilities, seemingly in angry response to what transpired. Some are suggesting that there are the thunderclouds of a form of civil war on the near horizon. Sadly, some expressions of Christianity are fanning the flames of discontent and violence. While we may feel safer on this side of the border we are witnessing increasing political polarization here in Canada, although not to the same extent. 

Is Jesus actually advocating divisiveness? What happened to "blessed are the peacemakers" and "those who live by the sword will die by the sword"? 

I'm grateful that I wasn't trying to address this from a pulpit today! Could it be that Jesus understood that even a gospel of peace and forgiveness may result in alienation? We are meant to read the signs of the times and choose the path which is faithful to the Crucified and Risen One, wherever that may lead us. Not only did Jesus die because of his radical message, so did many of his followers, including Peter and Paul. As the people of Christ we won't choose conflict but we won't hide from the truth either, wherever that leads us.

This is all too much for the Dog Days of Summer, don't you think? 

Hornets and Healthcare

 I never thought I would say this but I have something in common with Premier Doug Ford. You've probably seen the clip of Ford at a press conference where he suddenly looks startled. It turned out that he had swallowed a bee or, more likely, a hornet, and he could still feel it roaming the vast reaches of his interior: “I'm good, he's down here buzzing around right now. He has a lot of real estate,” he exclaimed. 

Well, only the day before we were eating our final outdoor breakfast in Algonquin Park when I was stung on the tongue by a hornet. I had been keeping a wary eye on the hovering critters while we ate but one managed to slip into my mouth on a piece of homemade bread and homemade strawberry jam -- a desecration of delicious food.

As you can imagine, this was an owey, but there wasn't any swelling, and we were grateful that it hadn't happened in my throat, which has actually killed people because of the restricted airway. 

                                                            The Bee -- Canadian artist Sarah Young

On our drive home we wondered where the nearest hospital would have been if I'd needed medical assistance and decided it was Huntsville. Then we speculated about whether the Emergency Room is functioning there (it is) given that many been closed or gone to restricted hours this Summer. We were part of successful demonstrations to keep the Critical Care Unit open at Bowmanville hospital when I was a pastor in the community but recently it was closed because of staffing issues, we hope temporarily.  

We can assume that Premier Ford would have received the best medical care if it was required but that isn't the case for many Ontarians due to the strangulation of healthcare budgets and the nonsensical restrictions on salary increases for healthcare workers who have responded to the crisis of the pandemic with such dedication. I still cannot fathom why voters in this province were not outraged about this during the election. Now we are wondering whether part of the bigger Conservative plan is privatizing aspects of medicine which would likely push some further to the margins of care. 

When I read my New Testament I discover that Jesus was a healer, often in miraculous fashion. I also know that the growth of the early Christian movement came about, in part, through the compassionate support of the frail and sick as an expression of Christ's love. 

Medical care is very different today than it was two thousand years ago, but aren't the principles similar? This is no joke, Premier Ford. "Building Ontario" must include healthcare.