At
one time the Episcopal Church was rich in financial, political and
cultural status. But long about the late 70's we did some deep soul
searching as a Church and began a major change that has threatened our
status. Several faithful and deeply committed people believed that a
Christian church that was like an exclusive country club was
antithetical to the gospel of Christ. Provoked by the Holy Spirit the
Episcopal Church risked her very existence for those on the fringes of
society. Civil rights, including women in all different ministries, the
homeless, homosexual, the divorced, the unwed and the abused. We not
only welcomed them but embraced them as brother and sister. What
happened is that the wealthy fled for fear their money would go to
causes instead of brick and mortar. Those who believed they were being
morally corrupted by the inclusion of the "invasion" of others less pure
and obviously unaware of the moral guidelines fled our ranks and took
with them their money, influence and numbers. The once grand and
magnificent church was left with aging buildings, lower (or non existing
budgets) and a membership that looked a lot more like the kingdom of
God rather than the country club of former years. We have risked much
because we believed God had called us all to the feast. And many of
those who came were poor, spiritually and financially.
So
now we are a smaller, leaner and more inclusive church than before. Do
we accept everyone? No, but we accept more than most. There is still the
mysterious and holy liturgy in which we are all transported to the
gates of the kingdom. Musicians still choose our space to offer their
gifts of creativity and artists give their talent to a church that
once paid them handsomely for their craft.
The
Episcopal Church has never been very big in terms of major
denominations. Yet, we are one of the churches dedicated to the
teachings of Jesus as he really taught them! Do not join us if you want
to look good at the office, the country club or amongst your social
group. We often get comments like: 'you're that church with all the
homosexuals, right?' To which I say, 'no, we are the church with all the
children of God.' Only join the Episcopal Church if you’re willing to
ask this question: Where might God be leading us and we might be
unwilling to go? We have little money, aging buildings, no status in
society-- we are a rag tag group of people who have been willing to risk
it all for the sake of the Gospel to which we are called. Some will say
that we actually began to read the gospels rather than carry the book
around.
We are smaller but we are closer to the people that God has called from the highways and byways to the feast of the lamb.
Every
once in a while, when I have the church budget in front of me and the
needs of the broken pressing at my door, I remember fondly the church of
my youth. Full churches, interesting programs and grand choirs. But, I
am one of those for which the church was willing to pay the cost. I am a
woman in ordained ministry -- and I thank God every day for a smaller
but more faithful church.
It
is my pleasure to share today a Facebook posting by my good friend and
colleague, the Rev. LaRae Rutenbar, a priest of the Diocese of Western
Michigan, and the former Dean in the Interim of Christ Church Cathedral,
Lexington, where her ministry at a crucial time is something for which
I’m forever grateful.
Peace,+Stacy
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