Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Vestry Retreat: May 5 and 6, 2006
Order of Prayer and Readings
Christ Church Vestry Retreat
Friday, May 5, 2006
6 PM to 9 PM
We will gather between 5:45 and 6:00 PM. We will be seated at three tables according to the seating chart below. Father Bob will open with an explanation of the process for the evening.
Table 1: Wally Beitzel
Andy Tomat EFM 10 AM
Dave Walbeck 8 AM
Dar Hoover 8 AM
Susan Mulledy-DeFrank 10 AM
Table 2: Norm Ishizaki
Jeanne Hogan EFM 8:00 AM
Vic Cooper 8:00 AM
Bob Dennison 10:00 AM
Jeanne Kipp 10:00 AM
Table 3: Bob Cornner
Bob Nelson EFM 10:00 AM
Blake LaMar 8:00 AM
Lynn Kious 10:00 AM
Suzanne Enriquez 8:00 AM
Rubrics for the evening include the following time line:
Step I (6:00 to 6:15 PM): Food needs to be set up prior to 6 PM so that all vestry members are seated and ready to eat by 6:15 PM. The menu of food available will be announced by Jeanne Hogan prior to people coming up to get food for their partner (see Step III below).
Step II (6:15 to 8:00 PM): Prayers and Readings
Step III (6:30 to 6:45 PM): Each member of the vestry will partner with another member at their respective tables so that each person will serve the other person their meal. Clergy will also serve one another. Norm gets for Wally. Wally gets for Bob. Bob gets for Norm. Each person will communicate quietly with the person getting their food from the counter. Cinco De Mayo Menu is available to check off what you would like to eat and drink.
Step IV (6:45 to 8:00 PM): Dining & Reflections
Each table will address the questions offered for the scripture reading assigned to their group. Please have some one take notes during this time of reflection to share with the whole vestry at the end of the evening.
Step V (8:00 to 8:40 PM): Sharing of the Groups
Step VI (8:40 to 9:00 PM): Clean up & House Keeping Issues
Prayers and Readings
Father Bob: Come to us this night, O God,
All: Come to us with light.
Here one person from each table approaches the Paschal candle and lights a taper to bring the light to their tables. Once all three persons have lit the candles on their tables, Father Bob will say
Let us pray.
O Lord God Almighty, as you have taught us to call the evening, the morning, and the noonday one day; and have made the sun to know its going down: Dispel the darkness of our hearts, that by your brightness we may know you to be the true God and eternal light, living and reigning for ever and ever. Amen.
Gong
Then a persons appointed from Father Bob’s table will read the following passage from Scripture first saying
A reading from the Ninth Chapter of the Gospel according to John beginning at the First verse.
1: As he passed by, Jesus saw a man blind from his birth. 2: And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3: Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. 4: We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. 5: As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6: As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, 7: saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Silo'am" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.
Gong
Father Norm: Speak to us this night, O God,
All: Speak to us your truth.
Here one persons from each table approaches the table near the Paschal Candle on which sit three Bibles, and each person takes a Bible back to their respective tables. Once all three persons have returned to their tables and placed the Bibles in front of the candles, Father Norm will say
Let us pray.
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Gong
Then a person appointed from Father Norm’s table will read the following passage from Scripture first saying
A reading from the Fourth Chapter of the Gospel according to Luke beginning at the Fourteenth verse.
14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
15He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.
17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."[e]
20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him,
21and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
22All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.
23Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.' "
24"I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown.
25I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land.
26Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.
27And there were many in Israel with leprosy[f] in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian."
28All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.
29They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.
30But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.
Gong
2:1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy,
2make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.
4Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.
5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,
7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form,
8he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.
9Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,
10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
13for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Tradition: What is the scriptural text saying?
This text is written by the Apostle Paul to one of the churches he started. Paul understood that communities of faith which do not have a clear understanding of the cross are destined to fall into conflict and division. He recommends a way of thinking that will lead to behavior that leads to humility of thought and actions.
In the first verse Paul talks about things that might unite us:
Encouragement in Christ
Consolation from love
Sharing in the Spirit
Compassion and sympathy
He then writes that his joy will be complete if the church members have the
Same mind
Same Love
Are in full of accord
Are of One mind
What attitudes does Paul offer as examples of how the church should function?
In describing Jesus’ death on the cross, Paul finally offers that God responded to Jesus’ death in a particular way. How would you describe God’s reaction?
Paul says that the church leaders and members should have the same mind as Christ Jesus. List the attitudes and actions of Jesus that demonstrate what Paul considered the best path for us to follow.
Where do I hear or see this message in other parts of our Episcopal/Christ Church tradition?
Is there any indication from the way the Episcopal Church governs itself that Paul’s words have been taken to heart and are part of the way missions and parishes; dioceses; and the national church does our work?
Have you ever seen a situation in the church where Paul’s advice was disregarded? What happened?
Let us pray.
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Christ Church Vestry Retreat
Friday, May 5, 2006
6 PM to 9 PM
We will gather between 5:45 and 6:00 PM. We will be seated at three tables according to the seating chart below. Father Bob will open with an explanation of the process for the evening.
Table 1: Wally Beitzel
Andy Tomat EFM 10 AM
Dave Walbeck 8 AM
Dar Hoover 8 AM
Susan Mulledy-DeFrank 10 AM
Table 2: Norm Ishizaki
Jeanne Hogan EFM 8:00 AM
Vic Cooper 8:00 AM
Bob Dennison 10:00 AM
Jeanne Kipp 10:00 AM
Table 3: Bob Cornner
Bob Nelson EFM 10:00 AM
Blake LaMar 8:00 AM
Lynn Kious 10:00 AM
Suzanne Enriquez 8:00 AM
Rubrics for the evening include the following time line:
Step I (6:00 to 6:15 PM): Food needs to be set up prior to 6 PM so that all vestry members are seated and ready to eat by 6:15 PM. The menu of food available will be announced by Jeanne Hogan prior to people coming up to get food for their partner (see Step III below).
Step II (6:15 to 8:00 PM): Prayers and Readings
Step III (6:30 to 6:45 PM): Each member of the vestry will partner with another member at their respective tables so that each person will serve the other person their meal. Clergy will also serve one another. Norm gets for Wally. Wally gets for Bob. Bob gets for Norm. Each person will communicate quietly with the person getting their food from the counter. Cinco De Mayo Menu is available to check off what you would like to eat and drink.
Step IV (6:45 to 8:00 PM): Dining & Reflections
Each table will address the questions offered for the scripture reading assigned to their group. Please have some one take notes during this time of reflection to share with the whole vestry at the end of the evening.
Step V (8:00 to 8:40 PM): Sharing of the Groups
Step VI (8:40 to 9:00 PM): Clean up & House Keeping Issues
Prayers and Readings
Father Bob: Come to us this night, O God,
All: Come to us with light.
Here one person from each table approaches the Paschal candle and lights a taper to bring the light to their tables. Once all three persons have lit the candles on their tables, Father Bob will say
Let us pray.
O Lord God Almighty, as you have taught us to call the evening, the morning, and the noonday one day; and have made the sun to know its going down: Dispel the darkness of our hearts, that by your brightness we may know you to be the true God and eternal light, living and reigning for ever and ever. Amen.
Gong
Then a persons appointed from Father Bob’s table will read the following passage from Scripture first saying
A reading from the Ninth Chapter of the Gospel according to John beginning at the First verse.
1: As he passed by, Jesus saw a man blind from his birth. 2: And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3: Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. 4: We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. 5: As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6: As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, 7: saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Silo'am" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.
Gong
Father Norm: Speak to us this night, O God,
All: Speak to us your truth.
Here one persons from each table approaches the table near the Paschal Candle on which sit three Bibles, and each person takes a Bible back to their respective tables. Once all three persons have returned to their tables and placed the Bibles in front of the candles, Father Norm will say
Let us pray.
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Gong
Then a person appointed from Father Norm’s table will read the following passage from Scripture first saying
A reading from the Fourth Chapter of the Gospel according to Luke beginning at the Fourteenth verse.
14Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
15He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.
17The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."[e]
20Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him,
21and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
22All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.
23Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.' "
24"I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown.
25I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land.
26Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.
27And there were many in Israel with leprosy[f] in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian."
28All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.
29They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.
30But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.
Gong
Father Wally: Dwell with us this night, O God,
All: Dwell with us in love.
Here two persons from each table approach the table near the Paschal Candle on which three crosses are laid, and each person takes a cross back to their respective tables. When each of the persons has returned to their tables and place their crosses on top of each of their Bibles, Father Wally will say
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.
Gong
Then a person appointed from Father Norm’s table will read the following passage from Scripture first saying
A reading from the second chapter of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians beginning at the first verse.
2 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy,
2make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.
4Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.
5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,
7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form,
8he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.
9Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,
10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
13for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Gong
Blessing of Our Meal
Bless, O Lord, those who have prepared the food we are about to eat. May we be nourished in body as we are nourished on your Word. Give us grateful hearts for all of the gifts we receive from the earth you have created and make us ever mindful of the needs of others. All this we ask through your Son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
We Serve One Another
Reflection Format Group I
Light of the World
John 9:1-7
1: As he passed by, Jesus saw a man blind from his birth. 2: And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3: Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. 4: We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. 5: As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6: As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, 7: saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Silo'am" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.
Tradition: What is the scriptural text saying?
What is the importance of the man being born blind?
Why do Jesus’ disciples ask about the sin of this man or his parents?
What do you make of Jesus’ answer to the disciples’ question?
Darkness and light are used to designate times when disciples can not work in the world and times when disciples can work in the world. What do you think Jesus meant?
Is Jesus saying that his presence in the world allows his disciples to work even in the darkest night?
How does the blind man represent all future disciples?
Does the method used by Jesus to restore the blind man’s sight remind you of anything you have experienced in your life?
What is the message of this passage?
Where do I hear or see this message in other parts of our Episcopal/Christ Church tradition?
Culture
What does culture say about it?
Personal Position
How do I personally respond to this passage emotionally and intellectually?
Action
What do I actually do? When do I do what I have said I value emotionally and intellectually?
Reflection Format Group II
“It is Written…”
Luke 4:14-30
14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
15 He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.
17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."[e]
20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him,
21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.
23 Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.' "
24 "I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown.
25 I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land.
26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.
27 And there were many in Israel with leprosy[f] in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian."
28 All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.
29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.
30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.
Tradition: What is the scriptural text saying?
This reading is about the use of Scripture in religious communities. How does the mood and feelings toward Jesus change during the course of his coming into his hometown; going to the synagogue of Nazareth; and being asked to read from Scripture and comment upon it?
What was the first thing in this passage that suggests that Jesus is going to be rejected?
Do you believe what Jesus said: “No prophet is accepted in his hometown?”
What experiences have led you to this belief or why do you reject this idea?
Why are prophets rejected by their hometowns?
Jesus cites the actions of earlier prophets who were held in great esteem by those to whom he was speaking.
Why do you think he used these examples?
How did the crowd react to Jesus mentioning these examples?
Why do you think people got angry at Jesus?
How many people in the synagogue got angry enough to seek Jesus’ death? What is the significance of this quantity?
What is the message of this passage?
Where do I hear or see this message in other parts of our Episcopal/Christ Church tradition?
Have there been examples of prophetic ministry within the Episcopal Church over the past two hundred years? What are examples of such a ministry?
Why would the church become prophetic and risk the anger of people within the church?
Is the Episcopal Church currently engaged in prophetic ministry?
Culture
What does culture say about it?
Personal Position
How do I personally respond to this passage emotionally and intellectually?
Action
What do I actually do? When do I do what I have said I value emotionally and intellectually?
Reflection Format Group III
The cross is the Medicine of the World
Philippians 2:1-13
All: Dwell with us in love.
Here two persons from each table approach the table near the Paschal Candle on which three crosses are laid, and each person takes a cross back to their respective tables. When each of the persons has returned to their tables and place their crosses on top of each of their Bibles, Father Wally will say
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.
Gong
Then a person appointed from Father Norm’s table will read the following passage from Scripture first saying
A reading from the second chapter of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians beginning at the first verse.
2 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy,
2make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.
4Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.
5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,
7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form,
8he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.
9Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,
10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
13for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Gong
Blessing of Our Meal
Bless, O Lord, those who have prepared the food we are about to eat. May we be nourished in body as we are nourished on your Word. Give us grateful hearts for all of the gifts we receive from the earth you have created and make us ever mindful of the needs of others. All this we ask through your Son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
We Serve One Another
Reflection Format Group I
Light of the World
John 9:1-7
1: As he passed by, Jesus saw a man blind from his birth. 2: And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3: Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be made manifest in him. 4: We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work. 5: As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6: As he said this, he spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, 7: saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Silo'am" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.
Tradition: What is the scriptural text saying?
What is the importance of the man being born blind?
Why do Jesus’ disciples ask about the sin of this man or his parents?
What do you make of Jesus’ answer to the disciples’ question?
Darkness and light are used to designate times when disciples can not work in the world and times when disciples can work in the world. What do you think Jesus meant?
Is Jesus saying that his presence in the world allows his disciples to work even in the darkest night?
How does the blind man represent all future disciples?
Does the method used by Jesus to restore the blind man’s sight remind you of anything you have experienced in your life?
What is the message of this passage?
Where do I hear or see this message in other parts of our Episcopal/Christ Church tradition?
Culture
What does culture say about it?
Personal Position
How do I personally respond to this passage emotionally and intellectually?
Action
What do I actually do? When do I do what I have said I value emotionally and intellectually?
Reflection Format Group II
“It is Written…”
Luke 4:14-30
14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.
15 He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read.
17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."[e]
20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him,
21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked.
23 Jesus said to them, "Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.' "
24 "I tell you the truth," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown.
25 I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land.
26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon.
27 And there were many in Israel with leprosy[f] in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian."
28 All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this.
29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.
30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.
Tradition: What is the scriptural text saying?
This reading is about the use of Scripture in religious communities. How does the mood and feelings toward Jesus change during the course of his coming into his hometown; going to the synagogue of Nazareth; and being asked to read from Scripture and comment upon it?
What was the first thing in this passage that suggests that Jesus is going to be rejected?
Do you believe what Jesus said: “No prophet is accepted in his hometown?”
What experiences have led you to this belief or why do you reject this idea?
Why are prophets rejected by their hometowns?
Jesus cites the actions of earlier prophets who were held in great esteem by those to whom he was speaking.
Why do you think he used these examples?
How did the crowd react to Jesus mentioning these examples?
Why do you think people got angry at Jesus?
How many people in the synagogue got angry enough to seek Jesus’ death? What is the significance of this quantity?
What is the message of this passage?
Where do I hear or see this message in other parts of our Episcopal/Christ Church tradition?
Have there been examples of prophetic ministry within the Episcopal Church over the past two hundred years? What are examples of such a ministry?
Why would the church become prophetic and risk the anger of people within the church?
Is the Episcopal Church currently engaged in prophetic ministry?
Culture
What does culture say about it?
Personal Position
How do I personally respond to this passage emotionally and intellectually?
Action
What do I actually do? When do I do what I have said I value emotionally and intellectually?
Reflection Format Group III
The cross is the Medicine of the World
Philippians 2:1-13
2:1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy,
2make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.
4Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.
5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
6who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,
7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form,
8he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.
9Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,
10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
13for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Tradition: What is the scriptural text saying?
This text is written by the Apostle Paul to one of the churches he started. Paul understood that communities of faith which do not have a clear understanding of the cross are destined to fall into conflict and division. He recommends a way of thinking that will lead to behavior that leads to humility of thought and actions.
In the first verse Paul talks about things that might unite us:
Encouragement in Christ
Consolation from love
Sharing in the Spirit
Compassion and sympathy
He then writes that his joy will be complete if the church members have the
Same mind
Same Love
Are in full of accord
Are of One mind
What attitudes does Paul offer as examples of how the church should function?
In describing Jesus’ death on the cross, Paul finally offers that God responded to Jesus’ death in a particular way. How would you describe God’s reaction?
Paul says that the church leaders and members should have the same mind as Christ Jesus. List the attitudes and actions of Jesus that demonstrate what Paul considered the best path for us to follow.
Where do I hear or see this message in other parts of our Episcopal/Christ Church tradition?
Is there any indication from the way the Episcopal Church governs itself that Paul’s words have been taken to heart and are part of the way missions and parishes; dioceses; and the national church does our work?
Have you ever seen a situation in the church where Paul’s advice was disregarded? What happened?
Do you think Christ Church seeks to follow Paul’s words?
Have you heard this passage read in church?
Culture
What does culture say about it?
Personal Position
How do I personally respond to this passage emotionally and intellectually?
Action
What do I actually do? When do I do what I have said I value emotionally and intellectually?
Vestry Retreat
Saturday, May 6, 2006
We gather together in the church at 8:15 AM. Prior to the service, we will maintain a silent time during which we refrain from talking. This silence will end with the beginning of the Holy Eucharist. The Church will be open at 7:45 AM for a time of silent reflection.
Immediately following the Eucharist, we will return to the parish hall and prepare for breakfast together.
Step I (8:00 to 8:15 AM)
Gather for breakfast and get your plates and cups
Step II (8:15 to 9:00 AM):
Breakfast: Conversation and A Reading
The last fifteen minutes of breakfast, I will read a short piece to help focus our time for the rest of the day. During the reading, we will observe silence. At the end of the reading, we clean our tables and prepare for the first meditation and Activity.
Step III (9:00 to 10:00 AM)
First Morning Meditation and Activity
The Episcopal Church: Who are We?
Corporate reading of pages 1-6 in Those Episcopols, by Dennis Maynard.
Bathroom Break: (10:00 to 10:10 AM)
Step IV (10:10 to 11:00 AM)
Second Morning Meditation Activity
Why are We Here?
What attracted you to the Episcopal Church?
What is your religious background?
How did your previous religious experience contribute to your faith?
What was missing that you hope to find in the Episcopal Church?
When did God become more than just a word for you?
Step V (11:00 to 11:45 AM)
Third Morning Meditation Activity
Time and Space at Christ Church: Spend the next 45 minutes silently exploring the many places in the church. It is important that you not speak to one another during this exploration. Focus your attention on going places that you have not visited before; places in which you feel great comfort and a sense of peace.
Step VI (11:45 to 12:15 PM)
Lunch and Reporting on Your Time and Space at Christ Church Experience
Step VII (12:30 to 1:00 PM)
Spiritual Dimensions of Leadership
What qualities of leadership would you like to follow as members of the Christ Church vestry that are in keeping with our diocesan and parish vision and mission statements and what you have learned through your meditations last night and today? Let’s make a list of these qualities.
What actions will signal us that we are either on track or off track?
How can we best structure our vestry meetings to best realize our hopes for our leadership in the church?
Closing Prayers
We return to our original tables and groups. Father Bob will the invite us to pray saying,
Let us pray.
O Lord God Almighty, as you have taught us to call the evening, the morning, and the noonday one day; and have made the sun to know its going down: Dispel the darkness of our hearts, that by your brightness we may know you to be the true God and eternal light, living and reigning for ever and ever. Amen.
Have you heard this passage read in church?
Culture
What does culture say about it?
Personal Position
How do I personally respond to this passage emotionally and intellectually?
Action
What do I actually do? When do I do what I have said I value emotionally and intellectually?
Vestry Retreat
Saturday, May 6, 2006
We gather together in the church at 8:15 AM. Prior to the service, we will maintain a silent time during which we refrain from talking. This silence will end with the beginning of the Holy Eucharist. The Church will be open at 7:45 AM for a time of silent reflection.
Immediately following the Eucharist, we will return to the parish hall and prepare for breakfast together.
Step I (8:00 to 8:15 AM)
Gather for breakfast and get your plates and cups
Step II (8:15 to 9:00 AM):
Breakfast: Conversation and A Reading
The last fifteen minutes of breakfast, I will read a short piece to help focus our time for the rest of the day. During the reading, we will observe silence. At the end of the reading, we clean our tables and prepare for the first meditation and Activity.
Step III (9:00 to 10:00 AM)
First Morning Meditation and Activity
The Episcopal Church: Who are We?
Corporate reading of pages 1-6 in Those Episcopols, by Dennis Maynard.
Bathroom Break: (10:00 to 10:10 AM)
Step IV (10:10 to 11:00 AM)
Second Morning Meditation Activity
Why are We Here?
What attracted you to the Episcopal Church?
What is your religious background?
How did your previous religious experience contribute to your faith?
What was missing that you hope to find in the Episcopal Church?
When did God become more than just a word for you?
Step V (11:00 to 11:45 AM)
Third Morning Meditation Activity
Time and Space at Christ Church: Spend the next 45 minutes silently exploring the many places in the church. It is important that you not speak to one another during this exploration. Focus your attention on going places that you have not visited before; places in which you feel great comfort and a sense of peace.
Step VI (11:45 to 12:15 PM)
Lunch and Reporting on Your Time and Space at Christ Church Experience
Step VII (12:30 to 1:00 PM)
Spiritual Dimensions of Leadership
What qualities of leadership would you like to follow as members of the Christ Church vestry that are in keeping with our diocesan and parish vision and mission statements and what you have learned through your meditations last night and today? Let’s make a list of these qualities.
What actions will signal us that we are either on track or off track?
How can we best structure our vestry meetings to best realize our hopes for our leadership in the church?
Closing Prayers
We return to our original tables and groups. Father Bob will the invite us to pray saying,
Let us pray.
O Lord God Almighty, as you have taught us to call the evening, the morning, and the noonday one day; and have made the sun to know its going down: Dispel the darkness of our hearts, that by your brightness we may know you to be the true God and eternal light, living and reigning for ever and ever. Amen.
A member from each of the original groups takes their respective candle to the center table and blows it out and then places it on the table. Once all three members have returned to their tables, Father Bob will say,
Let us pray.
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
A member from each of the original groups takes their respective Bible to the center table and places the Bible on the table. Once all three members have returned to their tables, Father Bob will say,
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.
Women: Let us go from this place in God’s Peace and Love.
Men: Thanks be to God. Amen.
Our Parish Vision and Mission
To bring people to Jesus Christ by nurturing a Christian community that inspires spiritual growth through our Episcopal faith.
We fulfill our mission by
v Respecting the dignity of every human being
v Praying and worshipping
v Maintaining a balance among Scripture, tradition, and reason
v Fostering an inclusive community
v Welcoming newcomers into our community
v Participating in individual and cooperative stewardship
v Providing a church that serves as a beacon of our faith
Scripture Passage for 2006
“Now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13
Vision of the Diocese of Los Angeles
To welcome one another as Christ.
To reflect the image of Christ.
To serve the world as Christ.
Mission of the Diocese of Los Angeles
The mission of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Los Angeles is to become a church growing both in spiritual depth and in numbers. In every place we gather, we intentionally welcome each seeker as Christ in our midst. Together we seek to understand what it means to be disciples of Christ. As one church, we avoid competition and foster cooperation, supporting the contributions of each congregation and institution so that we may build up the Body of Christ and help bring God’s reign in this time to this place.
Values of the Diocese of Los Angeles
Formation: We seek to build one another up as disciples in the one body of Christ by providing tools and programs to assist people in their growth and formation as mature Christians.
Abundance: We seek to share throughout the Diocese the spiritual and material gifts we have been individually and corporately given in order to build God’s reign in the world.
Competence: We seek to become competent in the work God gives us to do both in the church and in the world so that our service to one another is careful and of high quality, reflecting our reverence for one another as God’s beloved people.
Truth/Trust: We seek to enable persons and groups of varying perspectives and cultural backgrounds to speak in love their own view of truth and foster new levels of trust based on experience of being able to rely on one another.
Service: We seek to continue Christ’s work in the world through our service to one another in our local and larger communities and in the world.
Post-Retreat Reflections
Please take a moment to consider how you experienced this retreat. You may post them on this blog.
# posted by Father Bob+ @ 3:11 PM 
