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The Fledgling--Week of June 2, 2023
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When we were in the Holy Land, our driver's name was Omar. Omar has driven us for every pilgrimage, and is affectionately termed "Omar the Magnificent" after one of the better leaders of the Ottoman Empire who did extensive building in the Holy Land, and removed the Crusaders once and for all.
Omar is slightly self-conscious about his English, though he is fairly fluent, and is fluent in Arabic and Hebrew, which is no mean feat. Omar is also an observant Muslim, and so frequently provides additional commentary on Islamic history. (Omar also helpfully teaches me things in Arabic to yell at bad drivers.)
One day, Em Sibley (who has a PhD in Arabic Literature) and I were discussing the common Arabic phrase "inshallah" while riding on the bus. "Inshallah" gets used in Arabic conversation all the time--it literally means "as God wills" and it is used to modify anything you might do in the future. Will you go to the pool? Inshallah. Will your kids graduate? Inshallah. Will Congress get their act together? Inshallah.
Em and I were discussing that, in common usage, "inshallah" seems to have two basic meanings, sort of like "we'll see" in English--one as a hopeful expression, and one when you don't want that thing to happen, but you also don't want to say no outright. (Do you want to help me move on Monday? Who can say? inshallah!) Omar overheard us, and piped right up. No, he said--Inshallah must only be used for good, positive things, and in a positive way. Because God loves us, and wants for us only good things. We should not invoke God for what is wrong or harmful.
I think we both sat there for a moment, silent. I was bowled over by this incredibly simple and beautiful theology. Of course--God loves us, and wills only our good. How profound then, to integrate that into our daily life in such a way, to consciously ponder each time--is this a good thing that God wills for me, or no? To place God as a loving provider who wills only and exclusively your good, and humanity's good, rather than some inscrutable being that punishes and withholds at random.
So, this week, I offer you the wisdom of Omar the Magnificent, and inshallah. As you go about your day, and look towards what is coming towards you in the future, remember that we have a God that only wills your good.
If you have an announcement for the Fledgling, send it to the office by Thursday morning for inclusion on Friday. Bulletin announcements should be into the office by Wednesday morning.
- If you know of someone who would like to receive the Fledgling, please send their email to the office.
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Prayer for the week
Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Readings
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Have you had coffee/tea/hot cider with Mtr Megan? Send me an email and we'll set up Skype/Facetime and chat! It's fun (I promise) and we can still meet while we're staying safe right now.
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Schedule this week:
Note the change in times
Sunday, June 4: 8am: Rite 1 Eucharist
9:00am: Adult Education
10:00am: Rite 2 Eucharist
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Christian Education
Adult Education has now moved to a new (God wiling, less upsetting) book! We are now reading On Repentence and Repair by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg. Join us in person or via Zoom with Chapter 2 on June 4th
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Please note: starting this week, choir members will be able to remove their masks during the singing of the offertory anthem if they wish. (If they don't wish, they don't have to!) This decision was reached after much discussion among the choir members, the Music Director, the Vestry and the Rector.
Other COVID mitigation factors will remain in place during the entire service, including: air purifiers, open windows, and spacing in the pews, and choir members will put masks back on after the anthem.
We recognize, on the one hand, that we are not where we were 3 years ago, and yet, covid remains a real threat to many in our community and our congregation. And so, I continue to ask that we be guided by love and care for one another, even as we begin to relax. Christ's call to us does not change, even as it may lead us to different actions--and even in those differences, we are bound to love one another.
--Mtr. Megan
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As the rector shared earlier this week, Judy Lutes has passed away. Her funeral will be held on June 17th at 11am at the church. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
May her soul and the souls of all the departed through the mercies of God rest in peace
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