May 20 marks the first day of voting at 631 N. Tejon Street to determine if you, as an individual, would like to join the secessionist group in their move to join CANA, already a fact in law for the vestry and clergy who have broken away.
There have been a number of common questions concerning this activity, like:
"Shouldn't Episcopalians make a point of demonstrating their opposition?"
or
"Shouldn't we vote to show how we really feel?"
or
"How can we let them get away with this?"
or
"It's my church, too...I can't stand by and do nothing!"
All are reasonable questions with a heartfelt sentiment that is difficult to deny.
Nonetheless...
Perhaps it is time to rejoice in our Episcopal congregation, independent of its location, for it is a truly remarkable group of people who come together every week to celebrate being Christian in spite of other adversity.
Perhaps it is time to show confidence in our bishop, our vestry and the great legal mind we have on our side and understand that a great effort is underway to return us to our proper venue...all in good time (and not requiring any "vote").
Perhaps it is time to enjoy the nature of the sermons and the announcements we are hearing every week, free of the judgment of one man on other people, and, instead, full of hope and joy concerning our possibilities.
It occurred to me that most of us with the Episcopal Church have been members of Grace Church for a long time, so, in light of the fact that we have been enjoying life without certain former participants, why did we not leave sooner instead of having to be forced out by the secessionist vestry action?
The answer is that we went to church at 631 N. Tejon to see each other, week after week, knowing that it was this common participation where we found Christ, where we rejoiced in each other, and where the real church existed for us.
Is it no wonder, then, that we can all simply "walk through the door", as Bishop O'Neill characterized it (albeit at a different address) and continue to put on a familiar service with the splendid liturgy, music and other production without missing any elements?...that our children continue to receive the finest of attention in "Godly play" and music?...that our acolytes, ushers, lectors, chalice-bearers, transport-providers, altar guide, hospitality group and program makers, ever mindful that they are on borrowed ground, continue to help us understand what being a Christian is all about?...that pastoral care continues and Youth Group is rising, and other programs are coming, limited only by our tactical cleverness?
I was reminded earlier this week that our responsibility is, as "Fr. David in Security said it, living up to Grace Episcopal Church's name". For this reason, and because Grace Episcopal Church deserves better, I urge you not to participate in the May 20 vote. Instead, let us join in our own service and activities on May 20 at First Christian Church. I guarantee you will go home feeling better about your church and about yourself.
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4 comments:
So well said. Thank you for putting this so eloquently.
See you on Sunday. Come early to find a place to sit.
I understand that many people have been invited to join us this Sunday instead of voting. I hope they all come. Be assured that while we will run out of bulletins, we will not run out of bread and wine. Yes, do come early.
I urge all members of both Grace parishes to vote - you owe it to yourselves to be heard! Fr. Armstrong has said that if the majority does not vote to join him and the 11 vestry members in CANA, he will leave the building. He and Fr. Zolner have, in fact, already been scouting alternative locations if this need should arise. This country is based on a democracy - and the will of the majority. I have always told friends and family that if they don't vote in an election, they can't criticize the elected official. Come vote and let your voice be heard!
The question here is what are you voting for and what does it mean in any case...nothing on both counts.
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