A Word to the Church: Holy Week 2016
Episcopal Bishops Issue A Word to the Church
“We reject the idolatrous notion that we can ensure the safety of some by sacrificing the hopes of others.”
A Word to the Church, Holy Week 2016
“We reject the idolatrous notion that we can ensure the safety of some by sacrificing the hopes of others.”
On Good Friday the ruling political forces of the day tortured and executed an innocent man. They sacrificed the weak and the blameless to protect their own status and power. On the third day Jesus was raised from the dead, revealing not only their injustice but also unmasking the lie that might makes right.
In a country still living under the shadow of the lynching tree, we are troubled by the violent forces being released by this season’s political rhetoric. Americans are turning against their neighbors, particularly those on the margins of society. They seek to secure their own safety and security at the expense of others. There is legitimate reason to fear where this rhetoric and the actions arising from it might take us.
In this moment, we resemble God’s children wandering in the wilderness. We, like they, are struggling to find our way. They turned from following God and worshiped a golden calf constructed from their own wealth. The current rhetoric is leading us to construct a modern false idol out of power and privilege. We reject the idolatrous notion that we can ensure the safety of some by sacrificing the hopes of others. No matter where we fall on the political spectrum, we must respect the dignity of every human being and we must seek the common good above all else.
We call for prayer for our country that a spirit of reconciliation will prevail and we will not betray our true selves.
Kids Helping Kids
Note from a Neighbor
I just wanted to let you know that I was so happy to see the steeple back up. We had missed it so much. It’s like a beacon seen throughout the neighborhood. It gives me such a calming feeling when I see it from our balcony. A sense of gratefulness washes over me. Your new addition looks very nice as well and am sure your parishioners are very thankful for that.
The Steeple Returns
During the next nine months, Stephen led efforts to straighten, repair, and structurally-reinforce the bell tower so the steeple would no longer sway. He also aided with getting a proper place to store the steeple during the repairs. Aspen Group, our construction partner during the City of God expansion project, provided critical assistance to replace the bell tower roof and drill mounts into the wall foundations for cables to help secure the steeple once it was restored to its original location. Stephen worked with a structural engineer to create a new design for the bell tower to secure the steeple in place and installed cross-braces between the wall framing. He also coordinated the removal and reinstallation of the steeple with help from Mark Keys, City of God project liaison. Dan Chillemi, Holy Family Junior Warden, assisted in a variety of ways during this project.
On February 26, 2016, the steeple was returned to its proper place atop the bell tower. Several financial gifts were donated to the steeple repair and contributed greatly. A donation from ProCLAD, Inc. helped ease the financial burden of equipment expenses. This steeple repair was a true team effort from our holy family. Thanks to all who contributed to the success of this project.
Meals for the PourHouse
