Random Reflections on Turkey - 3

Touring and Praying – June 2

I prayed in a mosque. I trust that’s not a blasphemous thing for a Christian.

We had visited several mosques on our travels: in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia – a Byzantine church converted to a mosque and now a museum – and the Blue Mosque; The Ulu Mosque in Bursa; a mesjid (prayer room) in a shopping mall in Afyon. Then in Konya, we visited the Mevlana Museum, the monastic complex and teaching center of the poet and Sufi mystic Rumi. This is the home of the “whirling dervishes.” Part of the complex is a mosque which we toured, then went shopping in the nearby bazaar.

As we gathered back in front of the mosque, our host took time for prayer. I went with him. The mosque was nearly empty; I found a space near the back and knelt. I don’t know the Muslim prayers. I do of course, know Christian prayers, but none that came to mind seemed suitable to me for that moment, so I spent the time in silent contemplation. After about 10 minutes I noticed Ferhat walking back toward me. I rose with a sense of deep peace, and together we went to join our group outside, two friends of different faiths who had prayed together, each in our own way.

Random Reflections on Turkey - 2

Sabbath on the Road – May 30-31

On Saturday I asked Wendy and David how they observed the Sabbath when traveling. They obviously weren’t at home of Friday evening for Shabbat meal, and they weren’t attending synagogue services. Did they say a special prayer on Sabbath? Do they do anything to mark the sacredness of the day?

They said no, and asked me the same about Sunday. We started talking about Sabbath and its meaning as a time set apart. It’s a recognition of the giftedness of life – that our life is given to us; that our work our busy-ness, our effort, though important, are not ultimate. All does not depend on us, and when we act as if it does, all those things will consume and destroy us.

We are partners with God - co-workers, co-creators. But even God rested on the seventh day, and it’s given as a gift to us – a reminder that there’s more to life than toil. To recognize this is to observe the Sabbath.

So with Sunday, I think. On the first day of the week Christians gather to worship, to tell the story of resurrection and the possibility of life. It’s part of who I am, and I miss the gathering of the community when I’m not there. But somehow on this particular Sunday it didn’t seem necessary to attend a church service. I said a prayer of blessing for the day, and when we sat to break bread together I paused silently to remember – remember the day, remember God’s blessings, and remember the people I was with.

As the folks back at church were at the Communion Table, I gave thanks, broke the bread and shared around the table I sat at with friends.

A (Lite) Lament on Being Busy

I truly love my work, my ministry. Truth be told, though, I'm bummed at being involved in many activities and having little energy at the end to reflect meaningfully on what I'm doing -- and even more, what I'm learning and how I'm growing. So this is a simple beginning -- state the problem and thus bring it to awareness. Then get on with writing the reflections.

Dancing a Delicate Dance

Check out a refelction I wrote about being a straight ally.

http://www.rmnblog.org/2009/06/a-delicate-dance.html

Random Reflections on Turkey - 1

Intro

I spent 10 days in May and June touring Turkey with an interfaith group. There were 11 of us on this trip devoted to building friendship and understanding across religious and cultural divides. We were Muslim, Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Muslim. The Niagara Foundation of Nebraska sponsored us – more about them in a later post. We toured the sights (and sites), visited several schools and universities, a hospital, newspaper and television station. And we met with a variety of people. Everywhere we went people received us warmly and gernerously.

Extraordinary Hospitality - May 28

At the end of our first full day were invited to the home of our guide’s in-laws for tea. There we were, fifteen of us seated on the six couches lining what we would call the living room, carpets in the center, with small, nested serving tables in front of us. On our plates were: cake; a pastry of fillo with cheese, chicken and parsley; and a generous piece of bread. Bear in mind that this was at the end of a very full day of eating; breakfast; tea at a university; lunch and tea) at a high school; coffee and cookies at a newspaper; tea and ice cream at a television station; dinner (and tea) at a hospital. Now our plates were full, and we had tea.

After a bit our host brought another pastry and more tea. Then cherry juice – a favorite in Turkey – and more tea. Then he brought each of us a gift. But he wasn’t finished. We had removed our shoes as we entered. When we went to leave, we discovered he had moved all the shoes inside the apartment, and rather than let us retrieve them ourselves, he insisted on placing them all outside again, lining them up perfectly in front of the door. Not only this, but we had arrived at 9:30; it was now 11:30 pm.

I was deeply moved at this family’s willingness to welcome the stranger – or at least 11 strangers. And not just receive us, but do it so extravagantly, serving us as honored guests.

I thought of Abraham and his guests at the oaks of Mamre (Genesis 18:1ff). And I was reminded of our call to welcome the stranger wherever we find her, whoever she is.

The Gay Bishop and The Grandmother Priest

I've recently had conversations with two fascinating people.  As it turns out they're both Episcopal priests.  

Gene Robinson is now bishop of New Hampshire, and I talked with him while in Washington DC attending the Human Rights Campaign Clergy Call for Justice and Freedom in early May.  He's both direct and gentle, courageous and caring.  He came to national attention as the first openly gay and partnered man to be elected bishop.  We talked about sexuality, marriage and morality, prayer, finding balance in life and more.  (see my review of his book in the May 11 post)

Margaret Guenther is a spiritual director, as well as being a mother and grandmother - an 80-year-old with a deep soul.  We visited while she was in Nebraska for a Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation in February.  We had the chance to talk again when I was in DC - what a gift that was!

You can hear my interviews with both of them this Saturday, May 30, 8-9 am Central, www.KZUM.org.

Gay Bishop Speaks on Faith

Listen to my interview with Gene Robinson on www.KZUM.org, Saturday, May 16,  8-9 am Central.  (also available on iPhone)

Gene Robinson, In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God

Gene Robinson came into the national – and indeed world-wide – spotlight when he was elected bishop by the Episcopal diocese of New Hampshire.  What made this action of a small, rural diocese noteworthy was the fact that Robinson is openly gay and partnered.  So he was caught up into the storm of controversy that was already howling in the global Anglican Communion. 

I read his book initially because of the media attention, because of the controversy.  I was surprised to find within its pages a witness of great depth.  Here is the faith testimony of a man who describes himself as “a simple country bishop and human being in training,” and who speand every Christmas Eve with the inmates of a women’s prison in New Hampshire.

Robinson begins by acknowledging “the elephant in the room,” addressing right off the question of homosexuality and the church.  He examines Biblical teachings about sexuality, understandings of marriage that have changed over the centuries and a theology of sexuality, marriage and morality thoroughly shaped by his life in the Episcopal Church.  Robinson challenges our society’s highly sexualized marketplace, and points to the Biblical teaching that sexuality is a good gift of God.  He upholds marriage as a sacred covenant, and demonstrates how that covenant can include faithful commitments of same-sex partners.

Robinson then turns to a summary of the Christian faith and life, outlining the Episcopal Church’s approach to evaluating faith and theology:  Scripture, tradition and reason.  If this sounds familiar to United Methodist readers, remember that both John and Charles Wesley were Anglican priests.

Along the way Robinson states his belief in the Resurrection and the power of Christ to overcome sin, death and fear.  He speaks powerfully of forgiveness, vocation, evangelism and trust.

Robinson writes to those outside the church to invite them in and to us within the church, challenging us to reach beyond our safe, comfortable religion to offer Christ to others.  He addresses politics, the AIDS epidemic, and internal discussions in his own Anglican Communion with compassion and grace, often relating poignat stories from his experience as a pastor. Indeed, as one might expect, his chapters often read like sermons arising from the soul of a pastor who speaks from his heart and cares deeply for his people.

After reading the book, I had the opportunity for an extended visit with Bishop Robinson.  The man I experienced in conversation, like the one I encountered on the page, was genuine and gracious, humble and eager to listen, even though I thought I was the one asking the questions.

I commend In the Eye of the Storm to readers, whatever their position on the issues he addresses, for I am convinced that by listening to each other’s stories we can hear Holy Spirit speaking to us today.

HRC Clergy Call - 6

May 5, 2009

We Lobbied.  HRC had scheduled appointment with our senators and representatives. They also thoughtfully assigned an HRC staffer for each state delegation to guide us around Capitol Hill. What a help that was!

Sen. Ben Nelson’s staff was very supportive.  Sen. Nelson has already signed on as a co-sponsor of the Hate Crimes Act.

Sen. Mike Johanns was very gracious.  He listened attentively and asked pertinent questions, though he didn’t commit to support either bill.

Rev. Jeff Fortenberry’s staff was cordial. The congressman voted against the Hate Crimes Bill. His assistants stated his position very well, and listened to me kindly.

I’ll tell you more later, and suggest what you can do if you’re inclined to voice your support.
for now you  can go the HRC online: www.hrc.org, and http://www.hrc.org/sites/hatecrimes/

HRC Clergy Call - 5

May 5, 2009

On Tuesday we got a briefing on two pieces of legislation.  The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act, which the House passed last week and Ted Kennedy has introduced in the Senate (S.909) and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which has not yet been introduced.
Then we walked a few blocks to the Capitol grounds for a press conference at which a number of people gave powerful statements supporting the two bills. Among them:

• Tony Campolo, noted evangelical speaker
  
• Rev. Jo Hudson, Senior Pastor of Cathedral of Hope, Dallas
  
• Rabbi Steven Jacobs, Temple Kol Tikvah, Los Angeles
  
• Rev. Cindi Love, Exec. Dir, Metropolitan Community Churches
  
• Rev. Drew Phoenix, Anchorage
  
• Rev. Dr. Traci West, Madison, NJ
  
• Bishop Tonyia Rawls, Unity Fellowship Church, Charlotte, NC
  
• Stephen Sprinkle, Brite Divinity School, Fort Worth
  
• and others

There's a picture at www.hrc.org, but I'm off the left edge of the photo.

HRC Clergy Call - 4

 May 4, 2009

Monday night we gathered for an Interfaith Celebration.  The theme:  “Spirituality from a Spirit of Abundance”

So often we bemoan our scarcity:  how little we have in the way of allies, of opportunities, of time, of energy.  But this night we claimed the abundance of God’s love, God’s grace to sustain the work we’re doing.

The celebration featured powerful testimonies from several prominent religious leaders.  Among them:
John Thomas, President and General Minister of UCC;
Bishop Yvette Flunder, City of Refuge, San Francisco;
and others from Metropolitan Community Church, and several synagogues.  

There was also some fabulous gospel and soul music, and an incredibly powerful poetry-based movement performance by a Jewish woman raised in a Sufi Muslim community.  A Jewish cantor taught us a beautiful little song from Psalm 126:5, “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.”  It’s still playing through my head days later.

HRC Clergy Call - 3

 May 4, 2009

Keynote Speaker: Bishop Gene Robinson (Episcopal, New Hampshire) is an amazing man – gentle, humble, deeply spiritual, firm in his faith and his conviction.  His book is In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God.  I recorded an interview that I’ll broadcast May 16, 8-9 a.m. Central, www.KZUM.org.

HRC Clergy Call - 2

May 4, 2009

General Impressions:

• Meeting up with old friends
  
• Meeting people I’ve heard of and wanted to know
  
• Making new acquaintances
  
• Hearing about the ministry of others,
  
• sharing ideas, and generating new ideas together.
  

Out of 300 clergy, there were only five United Methodists. Of the 5 of us, only two are serving in churches. And where are we from?  South Dakota and Nebraska. Figure that one!

Human Rights Campaign Clergy Call for Justice and Equality

I attended HRC’s second Clergy Call in Washington, DC this week. About 300 clergy from all kinds of religious groups met together to urge Congress to support gay rights, including the passage of an expanded hate crimes bill that would give gay victims of violence new federal protections.  Why would a United Methodist participate in an event like this?  The Discipline and Resolutions tell me to do this:

- All persons are of sacred worth. (¶4.  Constitution)

- We are in ministry to all persons. (¶4.  Constitution)

- Human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. (¶162.J)

- We support those rights and liberties for homosexual persons. (¶162.J)

- All persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are entitled to have their human and civil rights ensured.  (¶161.F)

- We oppose all forms of violence or discrimination based on gender, gender identity,sexual practice, or sexual orientation.  (Res 2043)

- We will advocate for civil rights and for legislation ensuring non-discrimination in employment and housing and providing stiffer penalties for hate crimes.  (Res. 2046)

References are to UM Book of Discipline 2008 (¶) and UM Book of Resolutions 2008 (Res)

 For more info you can go the HRC online: www.hrc.org, and http://www.hrc.org/sites/hatecrimes/

Welcome to Gathering Fragments

What's this about?

Here on "Gathering Fragments" my aim is to draw on my own reflections and the wisdom of others to invite conversation.  The title is suggested by the story of Jesus feeding the multitude, then instructing his disciples to gather up all the fragments left so none may be lost; there were basketsful!

All around I see people of wisdom, creativity and courage living extraordinary lives.  Too often churches and religious groups - and society itself - tosses them aside or pretends they don't exist.  My purpose is to cultivate creativity and courageous living wherever I find them.

Where I find the "fragments":

I'm a United Methodist minister in Lincoln, Nebraska, serving in the community on behalf of a large downtown church.  Along with general responsibilities, my ministry leads me into various communities of LGBT friends, theatre, community radio and coffee houses.  So my posts will include thoughts from within the church and about the church (I'll try to limit specific internal politics), reflections on what I'm learning outside the church, and how readers can be part of the action.  I'll also include links to blogs of friends, ideas and events of interest.

Welcome to the conversation!