Transcript
Staying Awake Through the Revolution Lord, we ain't what we oughta be; We ain't what we wanna be; We ain't what we're gonna be; But thank God we ain't what we was! " ~ Martin Luther King, Jr. “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution” (quoting a slave preacher)
ordination of LGBTQ people was quickly swept aside, as people recognized that the church of Jesus Christ has to be open to all. That was fairly huge.
The church is changing! Okay, that may be too optimistic. But it’s true to Praying with Lea say that huge things are happening right now in the United Methodist Church. World-changing, life-changing things. Revolutionary things.
But the New England Conference, which met after New York, went further, declaring itself to be in non-compliance with discriminatory aspects of our Book of Discipline. New England was followed by others: Pacific Northwest, Desert Southwest, CaliforniaPacific, and California Nevada conferences.
Just in case you’ve missed NY’s Queer Clergy some of these things, here’s a quick More than that, at least three recap: prominent, out gay clergy are now Right before the quadrennial General Conference last May, a set of 125 queer clergy (including SPSA’s Siobhan Sargent and Lea Matthews) came out. This was a particular risk for Lea and some of the others, who were up for commissioning or ordination as pastors.
serious candidates for bishop. Two are long-time friends of SPSA: Rev. Frank Wulf, a chaplain at UCLA and former member of our congregation, who has lovingly taken the time to visit our former church manager Andre in prison; and Rev. Karen Oliveto, pastor of Glide Memorial UMC in San Francisco and former director of Camp Quinipet. We will know this month whether the UMC will have a gay bishop.
Many things happened at General Conference, but the main thing, in my mind, is that LGBTQ people and their allies stood up and said, whatever the God moves in wondrous ways! church as a whole may do, we will not and cannot discriminate against people “Lord, we ain’t what we oughta be, we solely on the basis of sexual orientation. aint what we wanna be; we ain’t what we’re gonna be. But thank God we ain’t At our own New York Annual Conference, an attempt to challenge the what we was!” Amen. SP&SA Update
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MISSION, CHURCH & SOCIETY
Give Them Shelter By Jim Melchiorre Over the (now) many years we’ve lived in New York City, I’ve often shared with family and friends in other places how seriously New Yorkers take summer. You can see it in lower attendance on Fridays at offices, to the huge increase in picnics and barbecues in our uptown parks, to those two or three weeks in mid-August where it feels like a quarter of the people are gone. I’m sure there’s a lesson about the value of Sabbath here, but that’s not where I’m going! Amidst all the healthy adjustments we make to our schedules during this season, certain other realities remain. In partnership with B’nai Jeshurun, we still provide shelter to ten temporarily homeless women five nights a week and serve them an evening meal. In summer, when some members of our amazing team of food donors take a much-deserved break, we need a little extra help. Here are the nineteen dates this summer (all of them Sundays, Wednesdays or Thursdays) when we need an evening meal at SPSA for our shelter guests: July 3, 17, 24, 31; August 7, 21, 28; September 4 (Sundays) July 20; August 3, 10, 24, 31 (Wednesdays) July 7, 14, 28; August 4, 11; September 1 (Thursdays) Please consider providing a meal! You should plan enough food for about twelve people, you can cook at home, cook at the church, or buy take-out. Maybe you can find somebody to join with you and share the expense. Regarding that summer theme, we always like to offer our guests something light and healthy, but they also enjoy seasonal traditions: potato salad, hot dogs, hamburgers, or fresh summer fruit. If you have time, you’re welcome and encouraged to join with our guests and volunteers to share the meal. If you can help us out this summer, please call my mobile or shoot me an email so we can get your name on the schedule. If providing a meal is not possible, perhaps you can write a check to SPSA for “shelter meals.” Thanks so much for remembering our shelter guests this summer, and enjoy the season! Jim Melchiorre 646 872 7945
The Russian Arts Theater and Studio Presents CRIME AND PUNISHMENT Based on the novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky Directed by Aleksey Burago Adapted by Di Zhu West End Theater July 19th to August 28th, 2016 Tuesday's to Sunday's at 8PM This summer, acclaimed theater director Aleksey Burago and The Russian Arts Theater and Studio continues its 2015-2016 season with Fyodor Dostoevsky’s magnum opus Crime and Punishment, in a new stage adaptation by Di Zhu. In the hot slums of St. Petersburg lives Raskolnikov, a former student struggling with debt and disillusionment. Believing himself to be a superior man, he soon executes a plan to kill and rob an old pawnbroker, arguing that her money can be used for good deeds, while ridding the world of a worthless parasite. However, as the growing voice of his conscience sets in, Raskolnikov soon finds the noose of his own guilt tightening around his neck. This summer, embark upon a journey into the mind of a killer and his search for redemption as The Russian Arts Theater and Studio brings to life one of the greatest novels of all time. ~ Jon Mikel Zeigler
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SP&SA Update
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN:
Summer Resources
By Christie House While United Methodist Women takes a little break from meetings in the summer, we know that working for justice can never take a break. So while the UMW group will not be meeting in July or August, opportunities abound. A couple of our members will be going to Mission u, the New York Annual Conference school of mission. If you can’t take the time to go, but still want to get the study materials, we have an extra Climate Justice study book to lend out this summer. A couple of books from the UMW reading program are also available. New this summer: Not Worth Saving: How a Severely Handicapped Boy Transformed Lives, by Ann L. Joyner, is available. This book is a good follow-up to the Church and Disabilities programs UMW hosted in May and June.
available until early July, because I’ve loaned it to myself to read on vacation. But after July 5 it’s free to circulate. This book starts with: “The hour has come to speak of troubled times. Though the bodies have long ago returned to dust, too many ghosts still linger in the graveyards. You are old enough. You need to know. It is time we spoke of Skullyville.” It’s a Choctaw story about what happened to a whole village, and the ability and faith of people to overcome hate. I’ll let you know how it reads.
Also new for reading: House of Purple Cedar by Tim Tingle. I confess, this book won’t be
Wedding Bells for SPSA Kids!
By K Karpen
Okay, so they’re not kids anymore. I was super-happy and honored to participate in the wedding ceremonies of Chris Duffy, who married his college love Mollie West on the shores of Schroon Lake, NH; and Jennie Goldstein, who married Nick Leranges up the block at Broadway UCC, with a reception at SPSA. Jennie and Nick met in nursery school, though it took a bit longer for romance to develop. Broadway UCC & SPSA may soon get married themselves, as BUCC moves in.
Mollie & Chris
Jennie & Nick SP&SA Update
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Lea Matthews was commissioned a deacon by Bishop Middleton at the NY Annual Conference, one of the first group of out LGBTQ clergy.
A Prayer Vigil for Orlando with Church of the Village led to a march through the streets with our Bishop and a gathering at Stonewall Inn. Pride Worship and Parade
PRiDE 2016
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SP&SA Update
Children & Families:
Children’s Sunday Our wonderful children’s ministry led us in worship on June 19. This was followed by a Pancake Breakfast to raise funds for this year’s Vacation Bible School, on August 15-19.
Congratulations, Homework
Help Graduates!
Many of our tutoring kids graduated from middle school and high school this past month, and are headed for amazing things! Charles Flickinger got to be part of the festivities at Computer School with his student Aliou. Gina Boonshoft was there to support Stefanie at her high school graduation as well.
SP&SA Update
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SUMMER FRIDAYS with the New York Jazz Academy. The NY Jazz Academy, which practices at SPSA, is giving free concerts in the sanctuary SPSA’s 2016 Summer Activities this summer! What better way to spend a lazy summer afternoon than listening Still in Formation to the Academy’s faculty and students. Worship at SPSA Every Sunday at 11:00 They played for us during Make Music NY and got rave reviews. Pilates Dates: every Friday, 3:15-5 pm, from Tuesdays, July 5, 12, 26 July 15 through Friday, Sept. 2 (No & August 2, 9, 23, 6:30-7:30 pm concert Aug. 19.) Led by Nancy Meyers (all welcome)
Hot Town!
Summer in the City
Wave Hill Wednesday Wednesday, July 6, 6 pm Join Lea Matthews for an outdoor evening of music on the beautiful grounds of Wave Hill in Riverdale. Featuring the Lumiere String Quartet.
Take the #1 train to the last stop (242nd Street), then the Wave Hill shuttle van. It’s easy! Bring along a blanket and something to picnic with.
[email protected] Lunchtime Lectionary Bible Study Tuesday, July 12th 12:00–1:00 pm Bryant Park, 6th Ave & 41st St. This summer SPSA Bible study, led by the pastors, will meet in Bryant Park, in the heart of Midtown. The discussions will focus on the lectionary readings for the week.
Race and History Thursday, July 14, 7 pm Join us for a film screening on this important and controversial topic.
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Favorite Poem Night Wednesday, July 19th 7pm Led by Julia Reidhead Julia, the editor of the famed Norton Anthologies, invites you to bring your favorite poem (for extra kudos, memorize it!) and a oneminute statement about why it matters to you. Whether you come to perform or listen, you're sure to be inspired by an evening with SPSA poetry lovers.
Full Moon Bicycle Ride Thursday, July 21st, 8:00 to 12 pm Meet at SPSA for a nighttime ride through the streets and along the Hudson River. Ages 15 and up. For more information, contact
[email protected].
Brooklyn Brewery Trip Saturday, July 23, 11am Meet at SPSA to travel together to Williamsburg. Led by SPSA’s own brewmaster, Barb Rhodes. RSVP:
[email protected]
Cooking for GEMS Tuesday, July 26, 5-9 pm Join us as we put together eight delicious meals for the Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS), to help young girls trying to exit the commercial sex industry. No prior cooking experience is necessary! For more information please contact Jo Goodson Tiedeman.
Lunchtime Lectionary Bible Study Wednesday, July 27th 12:00–1:00 pm Bryant Park, 6th Ave & 41st St. Meet in the heart of Midtown to focus on the lectionary readings for the week.
Morning River Walk Thursday, August 4, 7 am Meet at SPSA at 7 am to go for a fun walk along the Hudson River to get things flowing for a great day. Led by Nancy Meyers.
SP&SA Update
Annual Hymnsing Cookout Sunday, August 7 6:00 pm (eat) 7:00 pm (sing) In the courtyard (we’ll provide the main course; you bring side dishes, desserts and drinks). Come feed your body and your soul and sing your heart out. Led by Frank Glass and Chris Madden.
Lunchtime Lectionary Bible Study Tuesday, August 9th 12:00–1:00 pm Bryant Park, 6th Ave & 41st St. Meet in Bryant Park, in the heart of Midtown. The discussion will focus on the lectionary readings for the week.
For The Birds Wednesday, August 10 7:00 am Meet at 77th Street and Central Park West for a ramble through the Ramble, the thicklythicketed part of the park beloved by so many species of birds. Led by Elizabeth Jensen.
that inspire and move the soul. The words are on the themes of peace, gratitude, beauty, oneness and other inspirational qualities. Part of their repertoire includes songs devoted to Christ. The men have performed at churches in Ireland, Iceland, Finland, Scotland, the Missions of California and temples in Myanmar.
Vacation Bible School August 15th– 19st 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. This year’s theme is Egypt and overcoming obstacles with God’s power. Campers will be split up into crews. Kids will learn about biblical figures, and how they were empowered by God's power to provide, comfort, heal, forgive, and love in difficult situations. Grades Pre-K through 5th. For more information or to volunteer contact: Lea Matthews at
[email protected]
th
Comedy Tonight! Thursday, August 18, 7 pm Led by Chris Duffy Join Chris and friends for Meditation Class and Concert a worship on comedy. Sunday, August 14, 6:30 pm Chris is the host of Public A short meditation class, led by bj Radio’s You’re the Karpen, followed by a concert by Expert, but you don’t Oneness-Dream. The 14 members of this a cappella group are from countries have to be an expert to be funny! around the world including Australia, Scotland, Colombia, England, France, Chinatown Tour the US and several others. They perform the music of Sri Chinmoy, a Wednesday, August 24, 6 pm peace-lover who wrote devotional songs Led by Ken Guest Meet Ken on the NE corner of Canal Street and Mott Street for a fascinating tour of this vibrant NYC neighborhood. Afterwards, plan to stay for an amazing dinner.
SP&SA Update
Take a Hike Saturday, August 27th Led by Katharina Feil and Lynn Overmeyer. This year’s hike is on the (fairly level) Old Aqueduct Trail running through southern Westchester County. A rich blend of exercise and history!
2016 Schedule July 5, 6:30 pm July 6, 6pm July 8, 7 am July 12, noon July 12, 6:30 pm July 14, 7 pm July 15, 3:30 July 19, 7 pm July 21, 8 pm July 22, 3:30 July 23, 11 am July 26, 5 pm July 26, 6:30 pm July 27, noon July 29, 3:30
Pilates Wave Hill concert & picnic Morning Prayers Lunchtime Bible Study Pilates Film Night on Race in NYC Summer Fridays Jazz Favorite Poetry Night Full Moon Bicycle Ride Summer Fridays Jazz Brooklyn Brewery Trip Cooking for GEMS Pilates Lunchtime Bible Study Summer Fridays Jazz
Aug 2, 6:30 pm Aug 4, 7 am Aug 7, 6 pm Aug 9, noon Aug 9, 6:30 pm Aug 10, 7 am Aug 14, 6:30 pm Aug 15-19 Aug 18, 7 pm Aug 23, 6:30 pm Aug 24, 6 pm Aug 27 9 am
Pilates Morning River Walk Cookout and Hymnsing Lunchtime Bible Study Pilates Bird Watching, Central Park Meditation Class & Concert Vacation Bible School Comedy Evening Pilates Chinatown Tour Take a Hike, Old Aqueduct
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my senior year, my teachers have had to struggle to keep our focus. My engRemembering My Faith lish teacher developed a project along By Jessie Floyd the lines of show and tell. We were supposed to present something dear to our The thing that always bothers me about hearts. One kid presented on basketball, sermons is, after a while, humorous one on his water bottles, one on her stories aside, they all blend together. flute. But the presentation that resonated with me the most was that of one Love, Forgive, Don’t of my closest friends, Maya. She prejudge, Be kind, Be sented on being one of Jehovah's Witfaithful, Love, Fornesses. give…
YOUTH SUNDAY
Throughout high school, people have And so when I set out teased her about her undying devotion to write this one, I to something many feel is obsolete. I spent most of my time have to admit, I’ve raised my eyebrows wracking my brain about how I could as she took a plane to our rowing race write something with an interesting and rather than sleep in a church or bleeped captivating spin. out the word “Christmas” in songs or conversation. I didn’t end up with much. We decided as a group that this passage is about During her presentation, I was expectjudgement and redemption. We are the ing her to explain when she goes to sersinner, we judge the sinner, we should vices, what she’s done with her relignot have judged the sinner, the sinner is ion, and how it has impacted her life. I forgiven by Jesus. Forgive those who did not expect her words to get caught make mistakes and prove they are sorry in her throat or tears to flow freely. She about them. Forgive those who have mumbled how she was sorry and how faith. every time she talked about her religion, it moved her. But nobody needed With the exception of an interesting bit an explanation. She had done what no about some sin being more equal than other person in the class was willing to others, this passage serves pretty much do, admit to believing wholeheartedly the same purpose as any other sunday in the love of Jesus. morning section.
feel a guilty pang in my chest. I realised that for all my talk of being religious, I didn’t think to do what Maya did. I spend so much time avoiding pronouncing myself as a believer. It requires a bravery that does not come easily even with my time in church and my Gryffindor nature. With her faith, Maya reminded me of mine. Maya and the woman in this story both show me, what I realize I need to hear again and again. Every Sunday, if it comes down to it. Believing in the power of Jesus and, with it, the power of love, forgiveness, and being kind are things I need reminders of. The faithful woman is not looked at for her sins. Jesus welcomes all to come to him. Think about it, anyone. The woman that society looks at as a sinner is the one who truly knows the message of Jesus. By watching that woman at Jesus’s feet, I can see that I too can devote myself to our savior. If I were given the chance to present again in my english class, I would eagerly construct a powerpoint on my religion. I want to proclaim that I do have faith.
I believe in the power of love that yesterday persuaded our annual conferSo why do we still work through these ence to ordain without discrimination. I themes? One would think that, having believe in the forgiveness I am granted. spent so much time with the Christian I believe in Jesus, the man who does message, we would have gotten it by not judge us for our sin, but welcomes now. all. I believe in this church, from which my first memory is marching through I’ll speak for me perBut what the Pharisee, and I, fail to un- Washington with my fingers in a peace sonally. Having grown derstand is the faith of this woman. She sign and the words “Jesus said BE up in this church, I’ve KIND” draped over my Hello Kitty has poured her soul out to Jesus. She been to more services backpack. has admitted undying love. She has than I could ever stood in front of a classroom of raised count. I’ve done more Thanks to the eyebrows events, I’ve gone to Pharisee, thanks to and cried. more dinners. Yet, I the woman at his still identify more with feet, and thanks to As Maya the skeptical Pharisee Maya: I will rewalked than the faithful member that I have back to her woman. faith, week, after seat, I was week, after week. surprised to As this is the end of The Pharisee in this story questions Jesus. How can this man be a prophet if he so willingly accepts this woman who is known for her sins? Did Jesus make a mistake? Am I not the better of the two?
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SP&SA Update
YOUTH SUNDAY
Paying Off the Debt By Cameron Neiblum
I think we rack up the debts that we do not wish to or cannot pay, and would like to pretend they simply do not exist. Paying Jessie back for all those lunches, Dalia for the chai, LJ for the coffee, little things I promised I’d pay back, but just haven’t. And they haven’t asked so it doesn’t matter right? Not quite. Think about something less trivial than money. Say for example… life. When I do something that puts a big smile on their faces, I consider that something paid. No owing necessary, just, a sort of tip or thank you. On the other hand, comes the debt. I don’t know about you, but whenever I feel in debt to someone, ie: they’ve listened to too many of my problems or told me they love me more often then I’ve told them, I feel relatively sick. My head starts thinking of what I should do next and my stomach quivers thinking all I have not done or forgotten to do in the past.
Apology proves we care. Sorry means I acknowledge what I’ve done and I wish I hadn’t done it or I wish it didn’t hurt you. Tears? Tears mean I would do anything to make you forgive me. The loudest plea to win back love and if tears were money, one tear of apology would put Trump’s bank account to shame.
Little debts. Little mistakes. One huge overflow of “oohhh Maybe we fear tears as a sign of weakness, but I see them as strength. shoot!” So I think of the fastest remedy and send back a quick, “Oh yeah, thank you! Well I looovee your shoes” or, worse case scenario, I push them away. Easy, no person, no debt. But it’s not quite that simple. Take for example this past Wednesday. A friend of mine and I got into an argument where we both thought we were right and neither side would relent. Digging our own friendship’s grave we kept up the silence and complained to our mutual friends. Silly. The woman in the story had the right idea with Jesus. She didn’t go around complaining about her problems, she went straight to Jesus and cleaned him with her tears. The tears of repent, and pure, unrestricted apology. The truest form that anyone would take as solid payment.
SP&SA Update
That Wednesday night we fell into each other’s arms, washing one another’s hair with out tears. “I’m sorry” – all debts paid. We were both wrong. We both just felt so distant, so desperately in need for a God to come and rid us of our debts, and he came in a wet, salty leak from our eyes. It doesn’t matter how many times you say I love you or how many coffees you buy someone. It is all about intention. You can’t fall behind on loans if you speak your mind and release all the love in your heart into the world. But when debts do arise, as surely they always do there must be something in the water that makes all the hurt wash away.
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YOUTH:
Youth Sunday This year’s youth Sunday brought a great ‘parent’s message from Tim, messages from Cameron and Jessie (see previous page) bubbles, thank yous for Pat Schlegel and for the youth mentors, and goodbyes for our graduating seniors, Aurora, Jessie & Cameron. Also another chance for the youth and their families to bid a fond farewell to Siobhan before she leaves for Memorial UMC in White Plains, NY.
SUMMER FRIDAYS (+ ONE SATURDAY) WITH THE NEW YORK JAZZ ACADEMY Spread the word: The New York Jazz Academy, which practices at SPSA, is giving free concerts in the sanctuary this summer! What better way to spend a lazy summer afternoon than listening to the academy’s faculty and students. They played for us during Make Music NY and got rave reviews. Dates: Saturday, July 9, 3:15 - 5 pm, and then every Friday, 3:15 - 5 pm, from July 15 through Friday, Sept. 2 (No concert on Aug. 19.) Join us! Page 10
SP&SA
July-August 2016 Sunday June 26
PRIDE!
Monday
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10 Choir 11 Worship K preaching 3 Pride March (E. 38th St) 3 COMMUNION 10 Choir 11 Worship Vicki preaching 12:45 Young Adult Brunch 10 10 Choir 11 Worship Lea preaching
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Shelter: Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00; AA Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00; Food Pantry, Monday 8:00 to 6:30, Wednesday to Friday 8:00 to 3:00. GEMS Deliveries: Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 am.
Cook for GEMS Broadway on West End Avenue? Tuesday, July 26 5 pm on Social Hall Come help us prepare a month’s worth of food for the brave girls of GEMS as they work to transition out of the commercial sex SP&SA Update
The SPSA Trustees are close to working out an arrangement to bring the wonderful people of Broadway United Church of Christ here. Many of you met BUCC folks during Holy Week, when they joined us. They worship on Sunday evenings at 5 pm, but may join us for certain holiday services. Page 11
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SP&SA
Nearly 50 SPSAers took to the streets for the Heritage of LGBTQ Pride March June 26th.
Pride! The Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew United Methodist
263 West 86th Street New York, NY 10024 (212) 362-3179 www.stpaulandstandrew.org
Cookout & Hymnsing Sunday, August 7
6 pm in the courtyard
