tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26408057994368351952024-02-07T22:28:52.564-08:00All Saints Church (Pasadena) BlogNews by and about All Saints Church, Pasadena CAUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger362125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-60735999936913327182013-09-16T17:41:00.001-07:002013-09-16T17:41:31.501-07:00New Blog Launched: ASC IdeasAll Saints Church
entered a new "blog era" with the launch of <strong>ASC Ideas</strong> in September 2013 ... an interactive blog site designed to help us in the work of making God's love tangible 24/7. <br />
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<a href="http://ascideas.org/" target="_blank">Come check it out!</a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-55643094235819395832013-09-05T16:59:00.000-07:002013-09-05T16:59:00.105-07:00The "NALT Christians Project" comes to @ASCpasIt's the brainchild of Dan Savage of "It Gets Better" fame -- a series of videos launched on a platform designed to give voice to Christians who keep explaining that we're "not all like that" in response to the rabid rhetoric of the religious right ... the Pat Robertsons, Michele Bachmanns and Jerry Falwells. And Susan Russell jumped on the bandwagon this afternoon with this short video.
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Check out the project <a href="http://notalllikethat.org/" target="_blank">here</a> ... and consider loading up your OWN witness to God's inclusive love. Seriously. We did this one in five minutes with one take. You've got your stories to tell ... and Dan Savage is giving us a platform to tell them. Ready. Set. GO!
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/oEvOpPwYTls" width="640"></iframe><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-18706882258474003242013-08-28T13:09:00.002-07:002013-08-28T14:35:11.784-07:00LET FREEDOM RING! All Saints Marks 50th Anniversary of "I Have A Dream"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAgnIHeBaOVX-MqOz496BX1ww8AvENl1-esNyoHXPJTBHstS_MeaUKr818qOxBrEih5VpzZ5B2bolw09TD6q9OgJoMEQ4VqGXGFiXtirmIPBjvSliBcqAK1ZzGFUmO6Qbm45IFV7wnhE/s1600/let+freedom+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkAgnIHeBaOVX-MqOz496BX1ww8AvENl1-esNyoHXPJTBHstS_MeaUKr818qOxBrEih5VpzZ5B2bolw09TD6q9OgJoMEQ4VqGXGFiXtirmIPBjvSliBcqAK1ZzGFUmO6Qbm45IFV7wnhE/s320/let+freedom+ring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
At 12 noon
on August 28, 2013 All Saints Church in Pasadena joined with those across the nation ringing bells to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic "I Have A Dream" speech. <br />
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Thanks to all who stepped up on a moment's notice and made freedom ring!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7vRd5jk-sY1t5pI6r8UVBqEjHdKr3v4BYKxa2RUld3l62kHI2HT1FLxmEdpEWBqGYPJzjE1v35L8lDc29skTxPctWMl0oghx57fqDbcsKxXSgcbSajkzbvEJlj8aH0fvUH1TaaOv6WM/s1600/zelda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7vRd5jk-sY1t5pI6r8UVBqEjHdKr3v4BYKxa2RUld3l62kHI2HT1FLxmEdpEWBqGYPJzjE1v35L8lDc29skTxPctWMl0oghx57fqDbcsKxXSgcbSajkzbvEJlj8aH0fvUH1TaaOv6WM/s320/zelda.JPG" width="240" /></a>Zelda Kennedy ... closing the bell ringing with prayer ... and let the people say: AMEN!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-26071594398269206182013-08-26T15:53:00.002-07:002013-08-26T15:53:38.360-07:00ASC September Preaching Line Up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjtTrso7FgOpCby2f7GDVs_Ta37V2cCXqlJZSahu_73vIjFXcNi3ShOhKVAkigAfkWh9mw3QudMK_t65-dFZcdz1wKd6HMO8lX78sI3jm04LFXYmCE38SwOFkG6g8WRhWv1TnVihA4tgT/s1600/september+preachers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjtTrso7FgOpCby2f7GDVs_Ta37V2cCXqlJZSahu_73vIjFXcNi3ShOhKVAkigAfkWh9mw3QudMK_t65-dFZcdz1wKd6HMO8lX78sI3jm04LFXYmCE38SwOFkG6g8WRhWv1TnVihA4tgT/s640/september+preachers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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September 1 | Janine Schenone -- "Entertaining Angels"</h4>
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September 8 | Jon Dephouse - "Temple Run"</h4>
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September 15 | Ed Bacon -- Homecoming Sunday</h4>
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September 22 | Gene Robinson -- Celebration of Ministries Sunday</h4>
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September 29 | Ed Bacon -- Blessing of the Animals</h4>
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For more information <a href="http://www.allsaints-pas.org/" target="_blank">visit the All Saints website</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-31106503470135603902013-08-20T14:48:00.003-07:002013-08-20T14:48:27.755-07:00Hannah's Blanket: A Theology of Transitional Objects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are delighted to welcome Timothy Safford -- Rector of Christ Church, Philadelphia and former All Saints staff member – back to Pasadena for a very special Summer Sunday Forum presentation: Sunday, August 25 during the education hour. (10:15-11:00 a.m.)
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Tim will explore the “theology of transitional objects” by sharing the spiritual journey of a baby blanket given to his daughter Hannah by the All Saints’ community – a baby blanket crocheted by parishioner Virginia Classick 16 years ago. Come prepared to be both informed and inspired by the always inspiring Tim Safford. Forum.
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For directions/visitor info <a href="http://www.allsaints-pas.org/about/visit/" target="_blank">visit our website</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-15602257863306209962013-07-16T13:06:00.000-07:002013-07-16T13:26:10.447-07:00Reza Aslan Makes All Saints Preaching Debut: Sunday, July 21st<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are delighted to welcome our long time friend and interfaith ally Reza Aslan to the All Saints' pulpit. Here's what NPR's "Fresh Air" had to say about Reza Aslan and his new book: <em>Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth</em>:</span> <br />
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Writer and scholar Reza Aslan was 15 years old when he found Jesus. His secular Muslim family had fled to the U.S. from Iran, and Aslan's conversion was, in a sense, an adolescent's attempt to fit into American life and culture. "My parents were certainly surprised," Aslan tells <em>Fresh Air</em>'s Terry Gross.
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As Aslan got older, he began his studies in the history of Christianity, and he started to lose faith. He came to the realization that Jesus of Nazareth was quite different from the Messiah he'd been introduced to at church. "I became very angry," he says. "I became resentful. I turned away from Christianity. I began to really reject the concept of Christ."<br />
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But Aslan continued his Christian scholarship, and he found that he was increasingly interested in Jesus as a historical figure. The result is his new book, <em>Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth — </em>a historical look at Jesus in the context of his time and Jewish religion, and against the backdrop of the Roman Empire.</blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reza Aslan will preach on Sunday, July 21 at 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He will also speak about his book during the Adult Ed Hour (10:15 -11:00) in the Forum. <br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Books will be available for sale
and for signing in the Forum and on the lawn after the 11:15 service.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can’t join us in person? Watch the video </span><a href="http://www.allsaints-pas.org/worship/streaming/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">streaming live here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> from the 11:15 service</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Reza Aslan in the news...</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-- NPR, July 15, <i><a href="http://www.npr.org/2013/07/15/198040928/christ-in-context-zealot-explores-the-life-of-jesus" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Interview: Christ in Context: 'Zealot' Explores the Life of Jesus</span></a></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-- Washington Post, July 15, <i><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/wp/2013/07/15/what-can-we-know-about-jesus/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Excerpt: WhatCan We Know About Jesus</span></a></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Publishers Weekly Picks, <i><a href="http://lareviewofbooks.org/article.php?id=1843" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">July 15, Booksfor week of July 15</span></a></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-91588395115843605402013-07-09T20:49:00.001-07:002013-07-09T20:49:44.137-07:00"God Loves Uganda" @Outfest | July 16All Saints Church, Pasadena is proud to announce their partnership with 2013 Outfest Los Angeles this year to screen "God Loves Uganda" on July 16th at 7:00 PM in DGA 1. To purchase a ticket to the screening, please <a href="http://www.outfest.org/fest2013" target="_blank">visit the Outfest website</a> or call 213-480-7065. If you mention you are part of All Saints Church, Pasadena, you get $1 off your ticket purchase.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0v_Qx4y7nwU_qwnlH5GUNnmmCNBfDINcB4mOPk3V3LYnvHSGgSwKowmZvc2GPBiuZpvn0tzUAfhGy8Wd75aump4XYlREq6f0UqHvNjO0Ckk9dPwRrxSOYYF69u2rhwEkPlvEvAItBkYA/s1600/Uganda_FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0v_Qx4y7nwU_qwnlH5GUNnmmCNBfDINcB4mOPk3V3LYnvHSGgSwKowmZvc2GPBiuZpvn0tzUAfhGy8Wd75aump4XYlREq6f0UqHvNjO0Ckk9dPwRrxSOYYF69u2rhwEkPlvEvAItBkYA/s640/Uganda_FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-42742529708752718392013-06-29T20:37:00.005-07:002013-06-29T20:37:59.525-07:00Marriage and Weddings @ All Saints Church<br />
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<span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-default-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-greek-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-latin-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"<em>The truth is that when gay people share in the freedom to marry, it makes families stronger, which makes communities, states and our nation stronger. I am confident that here at All Saints Church in Pasadena it has made our church stronger</em></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-default-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-greek-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-latin-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Times New Roman";">." </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-default-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-greek-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-latin-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Times New Roman";">— Ed Bacon</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-armenian-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-cyrillic-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-default-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-greek-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-latin-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-latinext-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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On June 26, 2013 the Supreme Court issued rulings that upheld the repeal of California’s Proposition 8 and ended federal discrimination against same-sex marriages. Two days later the 9th U.S. Circuit Court lifted its ban on same-sex marriages, returning marriage equality to California. Rejoicing in these decisions, All Saints Church is delighted to provide the following information on our policies on marriage and weddings.
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<strong>What is the policy on marriage at All Saints Church?</strong>
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At All Saints Church we understand Holy Matrimony to be a physical and spiritual union, entered into within the community of faith, by mutual consent of heart, mind and will, and with intent that it be life-long. We are committed to treating equally all couples presenting themselves for the rite of
marriage. Our commitment to the sacrament of marriage being celebrated within the community of faith informs our policy of offering weddings for members of the parish.
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<strong>Does the Supreme Court decision overturning Proposition 8 mean that All Saints will go back to signing
marriage certificates?</strong>
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Yes. In June 2009 the Vestry of All Saints Church unanimously passed a marriage resolution stating that All Saints clergy will not sign civil marriage certificates for any couples until the right to civil
marriage is available to all couples. Now that the ban has been lifted we will return to blessing and protecting all marriages equally.
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<strong>If we want to get married at All Saints where do we start?</strong>
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Typically, preparation for weddings at All Saints takes from 4 to 6 months, allowing time for
scheduling and planning as well as for pre-marital counseling for couples with a member of our clergy staff. For more information, to receive a wedding packet, or to begin planning your wedding, contact Stasia Dahlstrom at 626.796.1172 or <a href="mailto:sdahlstrom@allsaints-pas.org">sdahlstrom@allsaints-pas.org</a>.
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<strong>What if we already went through the pre-marital part when we had our blessing and now want to “make it legal” here at All Saints Church?</strong>
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Given the dramatic events bringing marriage equality back to California and ending federal
discrimination against same-sex couples there will be exceptions to our “typical” timeline. These
exceptions will be made on a case by case basis in consultation with a member of our clergy staff. The place to start is still Stasia Dahlstrom, who will refer you to one of our clergy staff for
consultation.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-87246049439794007102013-06-26T08:47:00.000-07:002013-06-26T08:47:45.703-07:00All Saints Church Statement on Supreme Court Marriage Equality Rulings<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At All Saints Church we rejoice that today the Supreme Court
Justices ruled on the just side of history in affirming the dignity of LGBT
families and affirming the reality that Prop 8 served no purpose other than to
discriminate against gay couples -- thereby violating our Constitution’s
guarantee of equal protection under the law.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And by striking down Section 3 of DOMA, we celebrate the
fact that thousands of married lesbian and gay couples – including the
forty-six couples married<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at All Saints
in 2008 -- will be better able to protect one another and their children
because they will no longer face legal federal discrimination and obstruction
in their care for one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Today’s victory is a result of years of hard work by
same-sex couples, their families, allies, and advocates to create the climate
for the Court’s ruling,” said All Saints rector Ed Bacon. “All Saints Church
has been privileged to be a partner in this struggle for justice and equality
for over twenty years.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The truth is that when gay people share in the freedom to
marry, it makes families stronger, which makes communities, states, and our
nation stronger. I am confident that here at All Saints Church in Pasadena we
know it has made our church stronger.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Proposition 8 passed in 2008, the vestry of All Saints
Church unanimously adopted the following resolution:</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">WHEREAS, our active participation
in the discriminatory system of civil marriage is</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">inconsistent with Jesus’ call to
strive for justice and peace among all people and respect</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">the dignity of every human being;
and<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">WHEREAS, All Saints Church is
called to make the sacrament of marriage equally</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">available to all couples, regardless
of their sexual orientation;<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that
the Rector, Wardens and Vestry do declare</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">that the sacramental right of
marriage is available to all couples, but that the clergy of All</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saints Church will not sign civil
marriage certificates so long as the right to marry is</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">denied to same-sex couples.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Soon same-sex couples will be able to marry legally in 13
states and Washington, DC. More than 93 million Americans – nearly a third of
the population – live in a jurisdiction with the freedom to marry.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today we celebrate with those who now have the freedom to
marry and we look forward to being able to offer both equal blessing and equal
protection to the couples coming to us for marriage at All Saints Church. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yet we know that the struggle for equality is far from over.
We know that there are millions of others across the country who will still be
treated as second-class citizens. And we know that today’s two steps forward on
marriage equality come on the heels of yesterday’s one step back on voting
rights. Therefore, we will continue to work with partners across the country
until equality is a reality for every American as we live out God’s values of
love, justice and compassion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">====================</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At 12:10pm on Wednesday, June 26 Ed Bacon will address the
Supreme Court rulings in his sermon at the Noon Eucharist. All are welcome. Due
to construction in the church building, the service will take place in the
FORUM ... downstairs in Regas House. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">132 North Euclid Avenue | Pasadena CA 91001</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-49934834973801581642013-06-25T12:40:00.001-07:002013-06-25T12:40:25.328-07:00All Saints Church joins in outrage at Court ruling on Voting Rights Act
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All Saints Church joins with all those outraged by today’s
Supreme Court action striking down a central part of the Voting Rights Act. The
sharply divided decision will significantly reduce the federal government’s
role in overseeing voting laws in areas with a history of discrimination
against African-Americans and turns back the clock on the fight to end
discrimination in our nation. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What this ruling means is that states and localities
previously covered by Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act will now be able to
implement changes first and victims will have to prove discrimination after the
fact,” said All Saints’ rector Ed Bacon. “The sad truth is that as a nation we
still have roadblocks designed to obstruct citizens of color from voting with
ease and so we still need the checks and balances the Supreme Court removed
this morning."</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The court has done America a grave disservice in casting
aside voting rights protections – which have long served our nation’s
commitment to equality and justice. It is a self-evident reality that racial
protections are still needed in voting in this country. As recently as last
year’s elections, political partisans resorted to voter suppression laws and
tactics aimed at reducing the votes of people of color.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the days and weeks ahead we will work with our justice
allies to stand up, to speak out and to redouble our commitment to equality by
calling on Congress to act to undo the damage inflicted by this regressive
ruling.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-45083999457664975472013-06-24T09:09:00.000-07:002013-06-24T09:09:58.434-07:00No sorrow is as strong as love remembered<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aJnpELLRMkzrSPtrQZ9bUonw6ow5Nb86Nokb3GwjlkvP17anKjgxkNPhZ-CD8kHD9xqmWUu9aLDKO6K_vJkTlyS7EBgp51Np7XZIFPGWPN_EI3JJ-dzLN69s6WIMbWY6YCWW7uQazIA/s1600/jazz+vespers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0aJnpELLRMkzrSPtrQZ9bUonw6ow5Nb86Nokb3GwjlkvP17anKjgxkNPhZ-CD8kHD9xqmWUu9aLDKO6K_vJkTlyS7EBgp51Np7XZIFPGWPN_EI3JJ-dzLN69s6WIMbWY6YCWW7uQazIA/s640/jazz+vespers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></b> </div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><a href="http://www.allsaints-pas.org/worship/jazz-vespers/" target="_blank">Click here for more info</a> on Jazz Vespers at All Saints Church</em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em></em></span></span><br />
<strong>"No sorrow is as strong as love remembered" </strong><br />
<strong>A Meditation for Jazz Vespers | Sunday, June 23, 2013 | All Saints Church, Pasadena | by Susan Russell</strong></div>
<br />
It is an awesome privilege to be called to offer what is essentially the spoken “set” in this evening of amazing musicianship and holy inspiration. <br />
<br />
I knew I wanted to talk about the intersection between story and song and struggle. I knew I wanted to weave in some threads of healing and hope. And I knew I didn’t want to talk very long so we could all get back to the music.<br />
<br />
Not sure where to start, I turned where I turn again and again for inspiration – to the writings of the always inspirational author, poet and bishop Steven Charleston … and there I found the piece Hilda just read.<br />
<br />
And I knew I’d found what I needed to hear when I read:<br />
<br />
<em>No sorrow is as strong </em><br />
<em>
as love remembered, </em><br />
<em>
no fear as powerful
</em><br />
<em>as hope reclaimed.</em> <br />
<br />
These are words that resonate deep down in the marrow of my lived experience of simultaneously holding the pain of deep sorrow and the joy of new hope.<br />
<br />
They call out in my ears the music of Rosanne Cash singing that “God is in the roses and in the thorns.” And they tap not only into the personal loss of love remembered but the institutional challenge of hearing hope’s whisper over the culture’s shout of “Be afraid. Be very afraid.”<br />
<br />
Listen. Can you hope’s whisper in the words of Bishop Charleston?<br />
<br />
<em>You are not weak
before what confronts you, </em><br />
<em>
but surrounded by a deep reserve of strength,
</em><br />
<em>drawn up from every small moment
</em><br />
<em>when goodness shaped your life, </em><br />
<em>
when the presence of God
</em><br />
<em>was as real as the touch of a comforting hand,
</em><br />
<em>when life made sense </em><br />
<em>because it sang you to sleep </em><br />
<em>
in the peace of an unassailable innocence.</em><br />
<br />
This what Ed Bacon talks about when he calls us to “reverse our amnesia” – to see beyond the challenges of the moment to the hope of the future – to call upon the deep reserve of strength to challenge anything that tells us we are less than who we were created to be – beloved of God beyond our wildest imaginings and called to love all God’s beloved equally in return.<br />
<br />
Steven Charleston’s words remind me of other words – words of Marianne Williamson – words so powerful they were quoted by Nelson Mandela in his Inauguration speech in 1994:<br />
<blockquote>
<em>Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves,
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened
about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission
to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.</em> </blockquote>
And therein, as they say, lies the rub. In order to liberate others we must be liberated from our own fear. And Steven Charleston, it turns out, “has an app for that” in these words:<br />
<br />
<em>The happiness you have known
</em><br />
<em>is the host of angels on whom you now can call.
</em><br />
<em>Ignore the night
</em><br />
<em>and see instead
the countless stars
</em><br />
<em>that have guided you safe this far.</em><br />
<br />
Ignore the night. See the stars. Follow the light. Be the change you want to see.<br />
<br />
Tonight I knew I wanted to talk about the intersection between story and song and struggle. I knew I wanted to weave in some threads of healing and hope. And I knew I didn’t want to talk very long so we could all get back to the music.<br />
<br />
And so I want to close with a reading from the Gospel – The Gospel According to Christina Honchell:<br />
<blockquote>
<em>Jazz is God’s chosen music, because God is the greatest of all improvisers. Consider the Genesis creation story: God had an idea, a theme, a place to start and maybe a place to end, but the “getting there” is improvised.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>God is tinkering with creation throughout the scriptures and through the Holy Spirit to this day and beyond.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Our God is a God who frustrates the designs of the nations, defeats the plans of the peoples –
creation is still being improvised.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Like creation, the best jazz is often unfinished, open to co-creation, shot with contest and dialogue.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>We need to learn to improvise. I am not interested in a religious practice or experience that is the same every time – I want to be surprised, to not know where a spiritual path may lead, to have spiritual discipline and also to be open to what happens when two or more “players” go off on an improvisational journey to God knows where.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>That’s where the “aha” moments in religion come from – not from a faith that is predictable, rigid, static and steeped in fear.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Like jazz, healthy religion is not for control freaks – it unleashes sensibilities that cut against the grain of hierarchies and elites. It is about joy and energy and liberation.</em></blockquote>
[Here endeth the reading from the Gospel]<br />
<br />
It IS about joy and energy and liberation And liberated from our fears our presence automatically liberates others.<br />
<br />
May this evening of God’s chosen music liberate us to go out into a world in desperate need of liberation to be beacons of God’s love and justice and compassion.<br />
<br />
And may we be given the grace to claim the promise that<br />
<br />
<em>No sorrow is as strong as love remembered,
</em><br />
<em>and no fear as powerful as hope reclaimed.</em>
<br />
<br />
Amen.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-16464127979878271462013-06-13T17:08:00.000-07:002013-06-19T17:07:33.904-07:00From Despair to Hope: Connecting the Dots Between Gangs & Violent Extremism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GEqbMR7Cyd7DjctvWPKEt50H0K_ApyHx2Bn3U3qyadl2te2PC4ALNTrPYxzlNn4DD6_iT7Y8vRheKpmzWCRreQep2wMlLOyL_9vdQSlwcyEW0sO8b5E8euDPFAD6h389OMaiXdQI2gt4/s1600/speaker+panel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GEqbMR7Cyd7DjctvWPKEt50H0K_ApyHx2Bn3U3qyadl2te2PC4ALNTrPYxzlNn4DD6_iT7Y8vRheKpmzWCRreQep2wMlLOyL_9vdQSlwcyEW0sO8b5E8euDPFAD6h389OMaiXdQI2gt4/s640/speaker+panel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This timely event will feature a diverse panel of
experts, including Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, and Dr.
Maher Hathout, MPAC’s Senior Adviser, in a conversation about the commonalities
and solutions of keeping youth from joining violent gangs and from turning to
violent extremism<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Father Greg Boyle, Founder of Homeboy Industries</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. Maher Hathout, MPAC’s Senior Adviser</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Edina Lekovic, MPAC’s Director of Policy and Programming</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mikala Rahn, Ph.D., Founder of Learning Works Charter
School</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. Eric Walsh, Pasadena Director of Public Health<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WHEN: Sunday, June 30, from 6-8 p.m.<br />
WHERE: All Saints Church | 132 N. Euclid Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Maiandra GD","sans-serif";">“Child
care will be provided. Please reserve a space for your child by calling
626-583-2781.”</span></i><span style="color: #1f497d;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yes ... we do plan to live stream the event -- if you
can't be here in person, <a href="http://www.allsaints-pas.org/" target="_blank">visit the All Saints website</a> for the live stream link.
</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information call 626.796.1172 or email
info@allsaints-pas.org<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-34622454162045914162013-06-03T10:06:00.000-07:002013-06-11T21:26:12.976-07:00Youth Sunday 2013 @ All Saints ChurchIt was a truly amazing Youth Sunday yesterday as we celebrated our youth choirs, prayed over our graduating seniors and listened to youth preachers at all our services. <br />
<br />
Ed Bacon's charge to the preachers was to: "Grapple with the scripture texts appointed for today as well as to engage with one or more contemporary issues that the texts and their lives raised up in them for consideration."<br />
<br />
And grapple they did. These gifted kids engaged with the stories of Ezekiel and Ahab and of Jesus healing the Centurion's servant and how they raised up for them issues of LGBT equality, the death penalty and immigration reform. <br />
<br />
Olivia Mejia preached at the 7:30 a.m. service. "You all inspire me to achieve my full potential, challenge the norm, ask important questions, and help me find and strengthen my voice in following the example of Christ."<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CXaJM4kt9fI" width="480"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
At 9:00am we heard Tori Dutcher-Brown: <span class="userContent">"When we allow ourselves to be set against each other, we are participating in our own destruction ... failing to achieve the love, change and compassion we so desire." </span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6t4V2FFklbc" width="480"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">At 11:15am we heard Katy King: <span class="userContent">"Ever hear that 'the truth will set you free?' That's what real justice looks like -- having the humility to hear the truth and to let it set us free."</span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"></span></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eIQdwNSCC7w" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">And at 1:00pm we heard Connor Smith: <span class="userContent">"As I've learned at All Saints, if we don't reject the evil of prejudice then we bear some responsiblity for how it manifests itself in ourselves and in our world."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aCRNg-9vEA0" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
Watch. Learn. Be inspired. And bookmark the links to these extraordinary kids to watch the next time you despair over the future. It's actually in pretty fabulous hands!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-1448659970832307752013-05-20T09:14:00.000-07:002013-05-20T09:14:00.193-07:00"The IRS Goes to Church" | November 2005<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Zx7rX6byxko" width="640"></iframe><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-46987302042011979442013-05-19T21:10:00.002-07:002013-05-19T21:10:35.907-07:00Pentecost 2013<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F111222727071210976806%2Falbumid%2F5879906662848384609%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="400" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600"></embed><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-40453952225434727542013-05-14T10:59:00.001-07:002013-05-14T10:59:22.239-07:00PENTECOST PREACHER: Bishop Michael Curry!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXYqelJZUMx9b9Udh1TV8MioOgnEkSvpbU3S-htraBsNhVFp6boiaX79h10bW8jmXNtgdlj4p1km7zu0RCRqnw48y3QNAWBE3kWB02I96eyfxTx1xgpBHHDmh87LeTf8U3DhAlg6VQZzz/s1600/curry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXYqelJZUMx9b9Udh1TV8MioOgnEkSvpbU3S-htraBsNhVFp6boiaX79h10bW8jmXNtgdlj4p1km7zu0RCRqnw48y3QNAWBE3kWB02I96eyfxTx1xgpBHHDmh87LeTf8U3DhAlg6VQZzz/s1600/curry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXYqelJZUMx9b9Udh1TV8MioOgnEkSvpbU3S-htraBsNhVFp6boiaX79h10bW8jmXNtgdlj4p1km7zu0RCRqnw48y3QNAWBE3kWB02I96eyfxTx1xgpBHHDmh87LeTf8U3DhAlg6VQZzz/s200/curry.jpg" width="160" /></a>We are delighted to welcome the Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, Bishop of North Carolina to the All Saints Church pulpit as our very special Guest Pentecost Preacher -- Sunday, May 19, at the 9:00 & 11:15 a.m. services. <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Can't join us in person? Watch the video <a href="http://www.allsaints-pas.org/worship/streaming/" target="_blank">streaming live from the 11:15 a.m. service here</a>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-65471291937546868472013-05-14T09:49:00.001-07:002013-05-14T09:49:54.818-07:00The IRS Goes to Church | Ed Bacon, November 2005<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKdYw3QlI4topLMlA1Wev_tFTWBtVNbFw3B20ogDErQu85ZIhIQvAKfLoYxtJMA_GQHIJDX14HhF-slntU4Dw15BNo9Txm86t6sX8giky1Nt7mjyDMbe5x1k5c5DxsKm1lhQM5TW-qFG5/s1600/ed+preaching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKdYw3QlI4topLMlA1Wev_tFTWBtVNbFw3B20ogDErQu85ZIhIQvAKfLoYxtJMA_GQHIJDX14HhF-slntU4Dw15BNo9Txm86t6sX8giky1Nt7mjyDMbe5x1k5c5DxsKm1lhQM5TW-qFG5/s320/ed+preaching.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I enjoyed
the hymn we just sang. Speaking of hymns I received an e-mail from someone in
the UK who suggested that All Saints might like to learn the song, “When IRS
eyes are smiling.” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Internal Revenue Service has come to church. It has come to church here at All
Saints. The IRS has focused on the sermon preached by Rector Emeritus, George
Regas, from this pulpit the Sunday before the last Presidential election. The
IRS claims that the sermon violated IRS regulations against campaign
intervention despite the fact that George Regas explicitly stated that he was
not advising anyone to vote for either presidential candidate. In fact he
acknowledged that good people of deep faith would be voting for President Bush
and good people of deep faith would be voting for Senator Kerry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Since
last June All Saints has been in conversation with the IRS about this matter.
Our attorneys in a Washington, D.C. tax firm have been speaking on our behalf.
The IRS offered to drop the inquiry if we would admit that we had violated the
tax regulations and promised never to do so again. We refused on the grounds
that All Saints has done nothing wrong. Furthermore, over the years we have
consistently worked within the IRS regulations – regulations we consider to be
healthy for our democracy and which we believe protect the precious principles
of freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The case has now been taken from
the level of the field office in Des Moines, Iowa to a regional investigator.
We are awaiting their finding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Long ago,
God called All Saints Church to teach and preach Jesus’ core values of
inclusion, of compassion, healing, environmental justice, peacemaking, and
economic justice. This church invites everyone to embody those values in the
political arena of life. This includes sometimes critiquing policies which
violate those core values. We must always conduct our social action from a
non-partisan perspective. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">That is why we have criticized the policies of both
President Bush and Senator Kerry. That is why we critique both the executive
and the legislative branches of government for perpetuating this unjust,
immoral war by their refusal to develop an exit strategy that brings an end to
the killing of both Iraqi and American lives and the increase of terrorism in
the Middle East and throughout the world at the price tag of more than 1
billion dollars a week. That is why we endorse the efforts of both Democratic
Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey and Republican Congressman Walter Jones who have
jointly called for the development of an exit strategy from Iraq. That is why
we endorse the efforts of Senator John McCain to put an end to U.S. sponsored
torture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Our
non-partisanship is a holy space from which we can without obligation or
allegiance to any party or person bring the core values of our faith to bear on
the institutions and culture around us remembering that faith without works is
dead and that we are called to be doers of the Word not hearers only. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Faith in action is
called politics. Spirituality without action is fruitless and social action
without spirituality is heartless. We are boldly political without being
partisan. Having a partisan-free place to stand liberates the religious patriot
to see clearly, speak courageously, and act daringly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">All Saints is
energetically resisting the IRS’s interpretation of the IRS regulations. The
IRS is arguing that they can investigate a church based on a field officers' subjective
determination that a preacher's sermon implicitly opposes or endorses
candidates, regardless of the explicit statements of the preacher. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This means that any
sermon which states a church's core values, when proclaimed during an election
season, can be subjectively deemed to be campaign intervention. If this IRS
interpretation stands, that means that a preacher cannot speak boldly about the
core values of his or her faith community without fear of governmental
recrimination. And in our case, that means that a preacher cannot without fear
of governmental recrimination speak boldly about the value of promoting peace
if the nation happens to be at war during an election season. But the Bible
tells us to preach the Word in season and out of season and the last time I
checked the original Greek text there was no exception for the election season.
(2 Thessalonians 4: 2) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There is no season
when a believer should refrain from calling the government to develop an exit
strategy from an immoral war which has now taken the lives of over 2,000 U.S.
soldiers and tens of thousands of Iraqis, and which rewards corporations no-bid
contracts without any accountability, takes away civil liberties, sets up ghost
torture centers, sets Christian against Muslim<b>, </b>and, paired with tax
cuts for the super wealthy, steals food from the poor and steals schools and
health-care from children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">No wonder we at All
Saints have this week received a surprising outpouring of solidarity and
support from a host of other believers across the dividing lines of the culture
wars, support from Jews and Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus, from First Amendment
lawyers and scholars, and from heads of secular non-profit and non-governmental
organizations. An evangelical Christian radio show host told me during an
interview Friday, “Pastor if they are coming for you today, they will be coming
for us tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We are all
remembering those dark days in history when religious people thought it was not
spiritual to get involved in social action and politics and so remained quiet.
A Christian Pastor, Martin Niemoeller, after he was released from Dachau, ended
all of his sermons the following way, “First they came for the communists and I
was not a communist and I didn’t speak up, then they came for the labor
organizers and I was not a labor organizer and I didn’t speak up, and then they
came for the Jews and I was not a Jew so I didn’t speak up, and then they came
for me but there was no one left to speak up.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; page-break-before: always;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
many ways I am grateful that the IRS has come to Church at All Saints because
both people of faith and people who do not profess a belief are coming together
to hold up something essential in a democracy – the separation of Church and
State. There is something bigger at stake here than All Saints.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What is at stake is
that precious, holy freedom from intimidation when religious leaders enter that
sacred place called a pulpit. The only voice a preacher needs to be heeding
when she or he is in the pulpit is the voice of God’s Spirit speaking to the
human conscience and heart. In order for that mystical transaction to take
place freely there must be no fear of incrimination that a value-filled sermon
will be subjectively deemed to be a partisan-filled endorsement. I am grateful
that the IRS has come to Church at All Saints so that we can express before the
world without fear the principles of freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
The IRS agents are welcome in our pews. They are not welcome in our pulpit. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus told a great
parable so applicable to this situation (Matthew 25: 14-29). It is a parable
about the paralyzing effects of fear. It is a parable calling for love-based
risk-taking rather than fear-based playing-it-safe. In Jesus’ story three
people are given great sums of money to manage while a rich man is away on a
journey. Two stewards took that with which they were entrusted and invested it
so that they doubled the value of the sums they were given. The third dug a
hole and buried the money in the ground which of course resulted in nothing
gained. When the landowner returned he praised the first two and called the
third worthless and lazy. The third played it safe with his gifts because he
was afraid. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We have been given
many gifts. We must not bury them, be quiet about them, or play it safe with
them. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We have been given
the gift of knowing God to be a loving God rather than a wrathful, punitive God.
There is no need for fear in life because we know God to be a loving,
forgiving, nurturing, and inclusive God rather than a condemning God. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There are two
competing attitudes for the face of Christianity today. There is the attitude
of inclusiveness, compassion, forgiveness, justice and peace rooted in the
house of love rather than the house of fear. People who know this God are
largely free, imaginative, courageous, risk-taking, and visionary. There is the
competing attitude of punishment, condemnation, terrorism, and wrath. <br />
<br />
People who fabricate a God like this are often adaptive and resentful who out
of anxiety want a risk-free theology, a risk-free Church, and a risk-free
society that will always guarantee their safety and security. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus was familiar
with these competing attitudes about God. In the first century, in the face of
a punitive condemning Roman Empire and its occupation of Jesus’ homeland and in
the face of religious leaders who had become the empire’s catechists,
evangelists, and acolytes, always interested in drawing lines of division
between rich and poor, sinner and righteous, gentile and Jew, male and female,
slave and free, Jesus drew a circle of unconditional love that encircled them
all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus called people
into community as we do here at All Saints and was constantly feeding them from
the table of community, always bringing children into the center of the circle.
That is why going to church is so important for us – to gather in the community
that is based in love, not fear. Jesus was never afraid, never afraid to break
down the dividing walls that oppressed the victims of imperialism in his day.
No wonder people flocked to him, for in that force field there was joy, there
was healing of old wounds, there was unconditional acceptance. There was a
sense of whoever someone was and wherever they were on their journey, they were
welcome. And Jesus was never afraid, never afraid to stand up to the religious
and political elites. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We cannot bury this
gift in the ground because of fear. We must risk this precious gift God has
given us in our faith community. People of faith all over this country must
risk this precious gift of God’s love so that all Americans can be free to
express their conscience whether it agrees with our government or not. It is
only in freedom that we can find the truth. And the truth is always a power
that sets us free. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A second gift we have
been given is what Jesus called neighbor-love. He said, “Love God with all your
being and your neighbor as yourself.” And then he told another story
illustrating that God’s definition of neighbor is not someone who lives in your
zip code. Your neighbor is anyone who has been beaten and is lying in the ditch
of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Your neighbor is
anyone who needs you to be neighbor to them. Your neighbor is a child in
America underserved by our society. Your neighbor is a prisoner in Guantanamo
Bay without due process. Your neighbor is someone in what is now known as
"black sites" in Eastern Europe, where ghost detainees are subject to
unknown interrogation methods. Your neighbor is a civilian in Falluja who is
suffering from illegally dropped white phosphorous incendiary bombs. Your
neighbor is someone in Darfur who is living in a refugee camp fearful of no
food, fearful of being raped tonight, or fearful of helicopters swirling above.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jesus went so far as
to say that when you are neighbor to the least of these in the human family,
you have done that act of mercy or justice or peace-making to Jesus himself –
you have done it to God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What a gift! We
cannot bury that gift in the ground of fear just because the IRS has come to
church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The last gift I am
going to mention is the gift the prophets gave us almost 3,000 years ago. It is
the gift of speaking truth to power. The prophet Nathan said to the powerful
King David, “You are the man.” Jeremiah and Isaiah and Amos and Hosea said to
their rulers and the false prophets who were the chaplains for those rulers,
“You must stop the injustice and violence and oppression in our land.” In <u>our
</u>time in the 21st century you and I have been entrusted with this same gift
of speaking truth to power. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What a gift! We
cannot bury that gift in the ground just because the IRS has come to church. We
must raise our voices without fear and with fierce tenacity until this war
stops, until this torturing stops, until this genocide in Darfur stops. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We are happy that the
IRS goes to church. We are happy to have the IRS go to church at All Saints
Church. When the IRS comes to this church we want them to know that our mission
is not so much to work to get to heaven, but to work to get heaven to earth.
What we will resist with all our might are all infringements on freedom of
speech and freedom of religion and any suggestion that we temper the
proclamation of God as the God of love rather than the God of fear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We will resist with
all our might any efforts trying to prevent us from proclaiming the love of
neighbor in season and out of season. And we will protest and resist any
efforts of the government coming into the pulpits of our land with a call to
reverse a 3,000-year-old prophetic vocation to speak truth to power. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In the words of Rabbi
Abraham Joshua Heschel, today is a time for moral grandeur and spiritual
audacity. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-88679283985314480122013-05-01T11:01:00.000-07:002013-05-01T11:01:26.336-07:00American Muslim leaders outline an alternative to extremism<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGvLDFedBlB2vshtViEOGAeKkky8qdxyQG3-dUEhojfWHKP4R7N2SmRdeslYAdngv2w93EBM36ozfou7uk-0Z7FTqzJ4mRNANKRrz7fKzoYvlgaRmeRdJjYz_5wzlYeoz-Hcs6g_pMFR7/s1600/salam+and+maher.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGvLDFedBlB2vshtViEOGAeKkky8qdxyQG3-dUEhojfWHKP4R7N2SmRdeslYAdngv2w93EBM36ozfou7uk-0Z7FTqzJ4mRNANKRrz7fKzoYvlgaRmeRdJjYz_5wzlYeoz-Hcs6g_pMFR7/s320/salam+and+maher.png" /></a>
<b>Creating a United Front Against Terrorism:<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b>American Muslim leaders outline an alternative to
extremism<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<i>with Dr. Maher Hathout and Salam Al-Marayati<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Dr. Maher Hathout and Salam Al-Marayati are two of our
nation’s most influential Muslim opinion leaders and long-time allies of All
Saints Church in the work of justice and compassion. On Sunday, May 5<sup>th</sup>
they will bring their wisdom to the Rector’s Forum as we explore together the
challenges and opportunities facing American Muslims – and how we can partner
with them in the work of countering religious extremism and radicalization. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“An unfortunate consequence of the Boston Marathon bombings
has been that the sick words and deeds of a tiny, demented fringe of
extremists—no more than .1% of Muslims overall—command vast public attention,”
said Al-Marayati in a recent op-ed.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
“It is time for us as American Muslims to provide an
alternative to Muslim extremism; otherwise, we’ll be defined by it. And that
alternative is the moderate voice, the voice for reform, for the theology of
life that Islam stands for as opposed to the cult of death that extremists
promote through their distortions of Islam in their ideology.<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span>As American Muslims, we can work in a united
front with other Americans in leading our country out of the abyss of
terrorism.” </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
How do we counter extremism by empowering the moderate
mainstream voice of Muslims? And with so much discussion about radicalization
of young Muslims, how we do we approach them with compassion and work with them
for justice and mercy? Don’t miss this important and timely Rector’s
Forum. </div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sunday, May 5, 2013 | 10:15 a.m. in the Forum | 132 North Euclid, Pasadena CA 91101 </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-5233788682566682092013-04-29T08:51:00.002-07:002013-04-29T08:51:29.705-07:00Jim Wallis @ASC | Monday, April 29<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMt67BmGp38qj9Au8UQNQu9qYZJ-WWtgatz3t9Bhu4bxCVrP_p7c_DwpM46NtGTzgV8-ofGiBIfMZZ5eLUtNk6DKBL0zgl0vc5kp-p-IOz-ELqPseK_a442AOTy4udjwoqMUPTiaQtB2x/s1600/JimWallis-MoralBudget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMt67BmGp38qj9Au8UQNQu9qYZJ-WWtgatz3t9Bhu4bxCVrP_p7c_DwpM46NtGTzgV8-ofGiBIfMZZ5eLUtNk6DKBL0zgl0vc5kp-p-IOz-ELqPseK_a442AOTy4udjwoqMUPTiaQtB2x/s400/JimWallis-MoralBudget.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="event_item_description">
Jim Wallis, CEO of Sojourners, is a bestselling author, public theologian, speaker, and international commentator on ethics and public life. Jim will be reading from his latest book, <em>On God's Side: What Religion Forgets and Politics Hasn't Learned about Serving the Common Good</em>. Books available for purchase and signing.</div>
<div class="event_plugin_desc">
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Location:</strong> Forum<br />
<strong>Contact:</strong> Christina Honchell, (626) 583-2742 or <a href="mailto:chonchell@allsaints-pas.org">chonchell@allsaints-pas.org</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-78851453321871157772013-04-23T12:00:00.001-07:002013-04-24T14:10:58.964-07:00Ched Myers at All Saints Church | Saturday, April 27<div style="text-align: left;">
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<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">On the Road to Emmaus:
<br />Hearing the Prophetic Imperative to Transform Our Lives</span></strong>
<br />
<strong>with Ched Myers -- Biblical Scholar and Animator</strong>
<br />
<br />
Saturday, April 27 | 9am--1pm | in the Forum at All Saints Church
<br />
132 North Euclid Ave, Pasadena
<br />
<br />
In the continuing tradition of our previous Sabbath Economic studies, we'll explore the remarkable politics and theology within Luke 24:10-48. Two of Jesus’disciples—running scared and discouraged from Jerusalem after the death of their leader—encounter a stranger on the road to Emmaus. In their anxiety, we will encounter our own fear and trepidation at the nature of a world enslaved in violence, addictions and deadened conscience. <br />
<br />
In their "hearts burning" we will be empowered by the revelation of God's liberating, non-violent, loving message found within the prophetic tradition.
Join us as we move deeply within scripture to recover what our faith means in a world economically antithetical to God's Kingdom.
<br />
<br />
The day will include:
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• Ched Myer's presentation sessions
<br />
• Small group sharing
<br />
• Books and study guides
<br />
• Follow up opportunities for action and reflection
<br />
• Community loaves and fishes lunch
<br />
• Sustainable World dessert
<br />
<br />
Please bring your lunch, Bible, and a $5 donation.
<br />
<em>The Biblical Vision of Sabbath Economics</em> by Ched Myers and <em>Sabbath Economics: Household Practices </em>by Matthew Colwell available for sale.
<br />
<br />
Please reserve in advance with Marty Coleman at 626-792-4941 or <a href="mailto:martycoleman@pacbell.net">martycoleman@pacbell.net</a>
<br />
<br />
<em>Sponsored by:</em> <br />
Sustainable World, an economic justice ministry at All Saints Church, in partnership with:
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• All Saints Church Peace & Justice Ministries, Francisco Garcia, Director
<br />
• All Saints Church Economic Justice Working Group
<br />
• Pasadena Mennonite Church
<br />
• Knox Presbyterian Church
<br />
• <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Urban Village of
Pasadena</span>
<br />
• Progressive Christians Uniting, Reverend Peter Laarman, Executive Director
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-25785311503892084432013-04-15T15:47:00.002-07:002013-04-15T15:47:18.549-07:00"On God's Side" with Jim Wallis at All Saints ChurchJim Wallis visits All Saints Church on Monday, April 29th with his newest book: "On God's Side."<br />
<br />
"Blurbed" by Cornel West, Richard Rohr and Anne Lamott (among others) the book is a challenge to the nation to find "common ground" and build bridges across differences. Aligned with All Saints' core values of love, justice and compassion, Wallis is always a compelling speaker. Join us in the Forum on Monday evening, April 29th at 7:00 p.m. for an evening of information and inspiration.
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"
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U9pdXzJB1l0" width="640"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-53034257903327620012013-04-11T11:13:00.001-07:002013-06-03T10:11:13.887-07:00Thursdays with Ed: Conversations in Community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This spring the rector’s schedule includes:<br />
<br />
A time of spiritual retreat on the island of Iona in April;<br />
An invitation in May from Sandy Hook Promise to be part of the Newtown, CT commitment “to truly honor the lives lost by turning tragedy into a moment of transformation” by ending gun violence;<br />
The opportunity to be part of “The Contemplative Alliance” -- an emerging coalition committed to creating a strategic ‘Sacred Earth’ message that can be shared among the American public -- in June. <br />
<br />
Plan now to be part of this series of conversations in community with Ed as he brings back to our parish family what he has learned and been inspired by in these experiences with our wider human family.
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<br />
<strong>Thursday, April 18:</strong> The Power of Contemplation<br />
<strong>Thursday, May 16</strong>: Nonviolent Responses to Gun Violence<br />
<strong>Thursday, June 27</strong>: A New Narrative for Economic Justce & Sustainability<br />
<br />
<strong>Sweetland Hall | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. |</strong> Register at the Small Groups Table on the lawn on Sunday <a href="https://public.serviceu.com/RegistrationForm/6600127-251721837?OrgKey=23a8a2e4-1fe6-4e54-a11c-5939faab0307" target="_blank">or on the All Saints website</a> | For more information conact Ana Camacho <a href="mailto:acamacho@allsaints-pas.org" target="_blank">by email</a> or call 626-583-2737 Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-77314160533283496392013-04-08T13:11:00.003-07:002013-04-08T13:11:34.790-07:00ACKNOWLEDGING THE HABIT OF GENEROSITY<br />
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</a><em>by Stuart Horwitz</em><br />
<br />
Most writers dream of the day they get to write their “Acknowledgments.” The Acknowledgments are that section in the back of the book that tells uninitiated readers just who helped a writer along the way. Part of the excitement in writing an Acknowledgments section is that it means the book has gone on to bigger things, that it actually will be in the hands of an uninitiated reader. Aside from that bit of ego, the exercise seems relatively harmless.<br />
<br />
I sat down to write my Acknowledgments at an island cafe one afternoon anticipating a joyful experience. I also thought I might be finished in time for dinner. Several days and several drafts later I realized that acknowledging and appreciating others—practicing the Habit of Generosity as Rev. Ed Bacon terms it—is no easy task.<br />
<br />
First, there are the people you have to put in versus the people you want to put in. It’s kind of like a holiday in that way. The people who deserve credit for their contributions to our lives and the people it is fun to give thanks for do not necessarily belong to the same subset of individuals. Yet it turned out to be critical to acknowledge both groups.<br />
<br />
Next there are the gradations to consider, like “Who goes first?” “Who gets all caps?” Or, “How many exclamation points?” As an independent editor I end up in a lot of Acknowledgments sections. I have been guilty of flipping immediately to the back of a new book to see if my name is in there, and if it is, then in what relative position it is located or how many words surround it. This line of thinking sucks the joy out of receiving a finished product that took another individual years to complete. Such analysis also relativizes everyone’s offering, operating from a scarcity mentality that somehow there is not enough greatness to go around.<br />
<br />
The Habit of Generosity, as I came to understand it from working with Ed, is the opposite of scarcity. Who came up with what line or idea is irrelevant—what matters is the relationship between people that provides the inspiration necessary to continue on with what can be challenging work. When I started focusing on the relationships that were generative for my writing, I began to play in an area of the Beloved that caused my pen to flow faster and faster, and I almost made it to the end.<br />
<br />
What stopped me? Well, life, which as we know, is not “all good.” The names of individuals with whom I had recent conflict surfaced. What about giving credit where credit was due to an individual that I no longer worked with? How could I adequately describe her profound impact on my work given that we were barely on speaking terms? <br />
<br />
Again the Habit of Generosity came to my rescue. It whispered that on my present plane such complications were real, while on the plane of the Beloved my former colleague’s contributions had been recorded in their most bright and shining incarnation. It was only for me to enter there; the door, as I think Jesus says somewhere, opened from my side.<br />
<br />
During the writing of 8 Habits of Love, Ed would say to me, “The Beloved always ends in a party.” Well, since the Acknowledgments were the last section, I wanted my book to end in a party, too. Keeping the Habit of Generosity in mind, I ended up feeling like the host of a large gathering where you want to keep moving just to make sure that everyone feels comfortable.<br />
<br />
======<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em>Stuart Horwitz is <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">the
author of 'Blueprint Your Bestseller' (Penguin, 2013) and a</span> noted
expert on literary revision <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">who</span> assisted
Ed Bacon in creating a sound structure for his book, "8 Habits of Love." Stu is coming to
All Saints to share his process on Wednesday, April 17th -- he is most excited
about part two of his presentation that night when he gets to share the stage
with Ed to discuss the ins and outs of editors and authors working together.</em></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-26453075978497539872013-04-04T16:16:00.000-07:002013-04-04T16:16:04.051-07:00"Good News to Share" from Ed Bacon<br />
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<br />
I wanted to share with you the good news that our friend and inspiration Archbishop Desmond Tutu (pictured here during his February 2011 visit to Pasadena) has been awarded the $1.7 million 2013 <a href="http://www.templetonprize.org/" target="_blank">Templeton Prize</a> for "helping inspire people around the world by promoting forgiveness and justice." <br />
<br />
I also want to share this email exchange I had with him in response to the prize announcement and invite you to join with me in giving thanks for the prophetic ministry of Archbishop Tutu and the privilege of partnering with him in the work of making God’s love tangible 24/7 here at All Saints Church!<br />
<blockquote>
<em>My dear brother, father, and friend,</em><br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>Congratulations on receiving the Templeton Prize. It is so richly deserved and will no doubt send ripples of grace, justice, and nonviolence into the world again from your prayerful heart, soul, and mind. Let us at All Saints know if you need anything for your ministry.</em><br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>Blessings and love always,</em><br />
<em>Ed</em></blockquote>
And I received in return this note from "the Arch:" <br />
<blockquote>
<em>Kosher Bacon,</em><br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>Thank you and all at All Saints. This belongs to us all. I stand out only because you all carry me on your shoulders. Thank you for partnering with us over these many years and giving us so much refreshment.</em><br />
<em><br /></em>
<em>Much love …</em><br />
<em>Arch.</em></blockquote>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640805799436835195.post-60266390121790435332013-04-04T11:31:00.002-07:002013-04-04T11:31:35.639-07:00Prop 8, DOMA, and the Arc of Justice: A Progressive Christian look at the Marriage Equality Cases<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Justice Scalia referred to the fact that nine states have now approved same-sex marriage as a “sea change.” By this summer we will see if the Supreme Court is moving with the arc of the universe as it bends toward justice. The Court will decide whether or not the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) violates the US constitution in prohibiting federal government recognition of same-sex marriages that are sanctioned by states. It will also decide if California’s Proposition 8 violates the US constitution because it discriminates against lesbians and gays by prohibiting same-sex marriage.<br />
<br />
In the meantime come to the Rector’s Forum this Sunday for insights and analysis from Albert Giang and Linda Burrow, attorneys at the law firm of Caldwell, Leslie & Proctor, which has been heavily involved in marriage equality litigation, including filing numerous briefs in the Prop 8 case. Don’t miss this discussion of Proposition 8 and DOMA—how we got to the point and where it might be going next.<br />
<br />
Susan Russell will preach at the 7:30, 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. services on <em>Without a Doubt</em>. Francisco Garcia preaches at the 1:00 p.m. Spanish/English service.<br />
<br />
If you can't be with us in person, join in via <a href="http://www.allsaints-pas.org/worship/streaming/" target="_blank">live stream from the All Saints website</a>.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0