"Listening and Communicating"

This is my last weekend before I come home. I've had fantastic experiences for which I feel very blessed.

Last night I saw THE KING'S SPEECH. It was phenomenal. Some of you know that I didn't talk until I was three years old. And then when I did, I had speech impediments. When I went to grade school I was referred to speech therapy. So, for several years my mother Levera took me to the sessions.
It's hard not to watch the play and think about my own experiences as well as those of everyone who have struggled to find a voice and express themselves in language. It's all part of the comedy of the gospel that I spend a good deal of my  time listening, communicating and speaking.

In many ways THE KING'S SPEECH is a a wonderful example of what I've been working on during the sabbatical. It's been about listening and watching various entities in our modern world communicating about God, hospitality, love and inclusiveness. I am most grateful to the good people of St. Martin-in-the-Fields for providing a "home base" during this time. When I return back to Denver I'll begin assembling my thoughts and feelings about what I have seen and done.

I just saw that the Anglican Covenant was rejected. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17500144
It's a pretty complex issue, but it is also another example of what many faith communities are working through as attendance in the pews decreases while there is an apparent increase in "spirituality."
Once again a key issue is how we listen to each other. How is it that we walk and talk with one another. The Archbishop of Canterbury had promoted this Covenant. http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/ Earlier this month he announced that he will be resigning at the end of 2012.

Twist + Shout!

You all know that I love pretzels. During my quick trip to Berlin I was able to sample some fabulous

pretzels. My good friend Gus http://www.guspretzels.com/ still makes the very best pretzels that I've ever tasted. He also embodies friendship and hospitality. You can learn a great deal by visiting a pretzel shop like Gus' Pretzels.

Of course, you can't talk about pretzels without talking about Martin Luther. I saw this statute in Berlin and it made my heart sing. Luther had the genius to be able to communicate across various mediums and constituencies. His insights still greatly influence the world today.

At another church I saw this tribute to Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer was executed

by the Nazis on April 9, 1945 (just 23 days before the Nazi surrender). This year that date is EASTER MONDAY. His witness is deeply profound and continues to resound throughout the world.

While in Berlin I visited five museums with one of my favorites being the Pergamon.
 http://www.smb.museum/smb/standorte/index.php?lang=de&p=2&objID=27&n=15

Way back in 1975 I had my 21st birthday in Berlin. So, it was fantastic to be able to retrace some of my steps.  As we get ready for Holy Week beginning on April 1, I am mindful of the saying about the month of March, "In like a Lion out like a Lamb." This accurately expresses the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem followed by his Sacrifice as the perfect Passover Lamb.

Today we remember +Oscar Romero+ priest, bishop, martyr

Blessings,
rtg

Back to Church 030512

Vicar Richard James beneath Luther Quote

I met today with Vicar Richard James of Christ Church, Cockfosters http://www.cockfosters.org.uk/

to talk about BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY http://www.backtochurch.co.uk/. We had a delightful time of conversation and prayer. As he showed me around the church building I noticed the lovely quote by Martin Luther. We had a good time talking, listening and discerning God's plan. 

It is so grand to meet fellow ministers who have a passion for the people of God and God's church.

I suggested to him that perhaps Bethany and Christ Church should become prayer partners regarding Back to Church Sunday. As the prayer for ALL SAINTS DAY states, "we are knit together."

Blessed be the "tie that binds"

rtg

"Come to Me"

"Come to me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest."

I'm on the Lenten retreat with some 20 plus others from St. Martin-in-the-Fields. The theme of this "silent" retreat is "Space to Explore, Space to Grow." It is led by the Rt.Revd Peter Hullah and the Revd Clare Herbert. We arrived on Friday evening and will head back to London following eucharist and lunch today. It's been a blessing for me to participate and accompany these sisters and brothers in the Lenten journey.

Sub topics have been:

"Gathered in Christ"

"Finding Christ"

"Learning Christ" 

"Living Christ"
and this morning our sending session/Eucharist  will be  "Sent out With Christ."

In addition to lots of time for silence, self-reflection and prayer we also had a poetry reading session last night. People brought their favorite poems and read them. It was an amazing time of inspiration, community and grace. For you know when you read a poem that you really love, you're being somewhat vulnerable and intimate. I am most grateful for this time, this space to "explore and grow."

On Friday it was my privilege to spend several hours with Siku, artist, conceptualist, art director, theologian and creator of THE MANGA BIBLE. http://theartofsiku.com/

He has an exhibit at St. Martin's featuring his Stations of the Cross. I first saw these on Wednesday and have been thinking about them ever since. You can see all of the stations by checking out

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.395443213806455.111813.100000223394424&type=1&l=b48377378c

I am beginning the process to see how I might bring these stations to Denver and other cities
in the USA for Lent 2013. If you are interested in assisting me on this quest, drop me a note.

RTG + Siku

Part of the experience on Friday was watching Siku and photographer Ian Dingle work out some shots for publicity. You can see  three of these shots on Ian's website, http://idphotography.viewbook.com/

Ian and Siku talk about the photos

I am personally very moved and inspired by Siku's work. It is bold, fresh and inviting. I encourage you to utilize it in your Lenten devotions and discipline. 

Sue Ann and I are reading together "LENT FOR EVERYONE" This is all part of the #BIGREAD12.

Once a week we SKYPE to talk about our insights. There are amazing resources out there for folks who want to "explore and grow."

On Thursday evening I attended a lecture at the portrait gallery by Allain De Botton, author of very hot selling book, "RELIGION FOR ATHEISTS." http://www.religionforatheists.com/

Let me say, right away,  I disagree with him and his views regarding God. However,  the very important point he is making is that it's time to move beyond the "existence" debate between believers and folks who don't believe and go to something more helpful.  He is very articulate and insightful when it comes to talking about what church has done right and continues to do well in terms of education, community and the arts. Having experienced a myriad of discussions about "what's wrong with the church" (primarily by people professionally employed within the church) his appreciation for communities of faith is refreshing.
 He argues that religions can teach atheists a thing or two. Conversely, I would argue that atheists/secularists can be instructive for people of faith, as well.  We live in exciting times.

This morning's session, "LIVING CHRIST" is about to begin. We will focus our hearts, souls and minds on Mark 14:3-9, The Anointing of Jesus.  Of course, this story happens at Bethany. And so today like I do everyday, I remember the good people, members, staff and friends of Bethany Lutheran Church.

May you "come to the ONE" who promises rest.
May you find a way to give thanks and celebrate the HOLY ONE in your midst.
May you find "anointing for service" and life.
May the stations of the cross inspire you with energy to love and believe.
Blessings,
rtg

Fashion Week, Ash Wednesday & Stations of the Egg

It is Fashion Week here in London and things are buzzing because of all the related activities.
You an learn more about it by checking out
 http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/
But check out these facts and figures from their website:
•   " Over 5,000 visitors are expected: buyers, TV & radio crews, journalists and photographers
•    Media coverage equals or exceeds most major news and international sporting events
•    UK media coverage each season exceeds £100m and media coverage from the International Guest Programme exceeds £61m (source: Precise)
•    It is estimated that orders of over £100m are placed during LFW each season; the International Guest Programme alone generates over £74m of orders 
•    The direct value of the UK fashion industry to the UK economy  is £21 billion (source: BFC Value of Fashion Report 2010)
•    Fashion’s wider contribution to the economy in influencing spending in other industries is estimated to stand at over £37 billion (source: BFC Value of Fashion Report 2010)
•    The UK fashion industry is estimated to support 816,000 jobs and is the largest employer of all the creative industries. The sector also provides opportunities to minority groups to a greater extent than most other creative industries (source: BFC Value of Fashion Report 2010)
•    The UK Fashion industry is similar in size to the food/beverages services and telecommunications industries and bigger than the wholesale and retail of automotives, sports activities, chemical manufacture and advertising/video sectors (source: BFC Value of Fashion Report 2010)
•    Major export markets are USA, Japan, Russia, France, Italy, Middle East, Hong Kong, China
•    The UK is renowned for having the best fashion colleges in the world"

ashes on the altar at St. Martin in the Fields

With all this emphasis on beauty and glamour the church begins the Season of Lent today by boldly declaring, "you are dust and to dust you shall return." I think the contrast and the connection between Fashion Week and Ash Wednesday is just marvelous. One has a great deal of hype, the other has a focus on holiness. Models put on "make-up." We have ashes applied to our foreheads and are called to "make-up" to seek reconciliation.
 And finally both events encourage people to "dress up." St. Paul wrote these words about put on our finest,
"As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Col. 3
We practice, pray and get in shape during these 4o days so that we can fully rejoice in the glorious righteousness of Easter clothes.

http://bigbible.org.uk/big-read/bigread12/#.T0U8EyNuG1s


Sue Ann has been here for three weeks. She leave on Thursday the 23rd. We have committed to reading Lent for Everyone, MARK, all part of the BIGREAD12. There are lots of resources online to assist in this discipline. Sue Ann and I plan to SKYPE once or twice a week as we discuss this book by
Tom Wright. I encourage you to figure out a way to make a similar journey.

just two of the eggs, 198 to go

Fabrege has placed 200 eggs all over London. http://www.thebigegghunt.co.uk/

I figure these "eggs" are an amazing opportunity for people of faith to make "stations" with in some kind of worshipful, mindful and joyful celebration. It would be an "egg-salent" way to mark
new life and hope.
Blessings on your journey,
rtg

Bon Appetite'

RTGMTG update  Paris

Saturday the 11^th we headed off to Paris. Our destination was the American Church in Paris which is served by Senior Pastor Scott Herr. Scott  and the congregation proved to be very gracious hosts. http://www.acparis.org/

On Sunday morning we worshipped at the early 9am Communion Service. Throughout the worship our eyes were drawn to an amazing painting along the side of one of the walls. Following the service we met the artists, Lionel and Moncia (husband and wife).  

Lionel, one of the artists

We chatted with them and the wheels began to turn in my mind. What if, just “what if” we could get this painting sent to Bethany just in time for Lent 2013?  What if we could have some kind of exchange (via Skype or even in person?) I have found over the years that it is dreams like this that can and do become reality.

We then went to a great little café for brunch before heading off to a day at the Orsay.
http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/home.html

Sainte- Chapelle

Time is on Sue Ann's side!

Then we made quick trips to the Sainte Chappelle, http://sainte-chapelle.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/  Delacroix Museum and St. Sulpice (a few scenes from the Da Vinici Code were shot here) But, what drew us here the most is two wonderful expressions of art:  (1) the organ http://bit.ly/zcd5f2

where Widor was appointed “provisional organist” for 63 years and (2) Delacroix has three large murals here.

Jacob wrestles with the Angel

On Monday, we did the Musee de l'Orangerie where there are fantastic water lilies by Monet in the round. Monet liked to call them “nymphs.”

St. Valentine’s Day found us with a quick trip to the Rodin Museum http://www.musee-rodin.fr/

and then to cooking class at La Cusine. We actually took two classes, one on cooking a traditional French meal and then everyone’s favorite, MACAROONS. http://lacuisineparis.com/

I definitely recommend that if you are coming to Paris that you sign-up for a class.

It’s fantastic. Bon Appetite’

Big Pants & Botox

On Monday, Sue Ann and I were on our way back to the flat having visited the Courtauld Gallery.
We stopped to look at the advert regarding Big Pants & Botox in front of a theatre.
 A gentleman came by and said to me, "you should go to that play, it's really good!" I said, "are you in it?" He said, "I'm the director and here's the writer, Louise Roche."
So, of course being the shy person I am, I then asked, "can I take your picture?"

Writer, Louise Roche and Director, Mark Randle

 Mark also told me about a great website on which to purchase tickets for the show (which we did immediately). We'll be in the front row on Friday night at 8pm.

Ms. Roche is also the author of the successful play, GIRLS NIGHT
http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/articles/2006/04/06/girls_night_louise_roche_feature.shtml

You can learn more about her at http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsR/roche-louise.html

Sue Ann & Louise Roche

We'll update you after the show.
Blessings,
rtg

A "Dickens" of a Time!

We just returned home from early worship at St. Martin in the Fields. Today there was a service that was being broadcast live on BBC Radio 4 to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. It was a very interesting service which weaved together the changes over the past 60 years during the Queen's reign as the UK has moved from "empire" to a multi-cultural society. Rev. Richard Carter did an amazing job of writing the text for this moving service.

The script for the service (and perhaps a re-broadcast of the service) can be found at http://t.co/LkkoAD9P . The Bishop of London http://www.london.anglican.org/BishopOfLondon

The Rt. Revd Richard Chartres was the guest preacher. 

The congregation was asked to come a little early before the service to "rehearse" with the choir, readers and participants.. Here you can see the "producer" and the Bishop.

I was quite lovely to be in the congregation for this service. Sue Ann and I both talked about the sense of continuity that the Queen has brought to a country and world which has experienced many significant changes during the past six decades.

Tuesday, February 7th is the 200th Birthday of Charles Dickens. http://www.dickens2012.org/

We plan on joining in on some of the birthday celebrations. The other day at the British Library we saw 

a grand exhibit featuring Dickens, his life, his work and his legacy.

Listen to an interview with Claire Tomalin, author a new biography of Dickens.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/audio/2011/dec/17/dickens-christmas-carol-book-club-podcast

As we left worship this morning there was snow on the streets, sidewalks and stair steps leading up to church. Outside St. Martin in the Fields is a fascinating sculpture  depicting the first few verses of
John 1- The Word becoming flesh

It's a striking image of the Child of God-cold in the snow

Yet, many children of God are cold in the snow. St. Martin in the Fields and lots of congregations and organizations work very intentionally and diligently with the resources given to them to be places of warmth, hospitality and hope.

I was thinking Isaiah 61 which Jesus understood as his "job description." A calling which would make a visionary charter for a congregation or any organization

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
   because the Lord has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
   to bind up the broken-hearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
   and release to the prisoners;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour,
   and the day of vengeance of our God;
   to comfort all who mourn;
to provide for those who mourn in Zion—
   to give them a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
   the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.
They shall build up the ancient ruins,
   they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
   the devastations of many generations. 

Blessings,

rtg