Now that the Power is back!

This evening the electricity returned to our home in Rhode Island following the big snow blizzard of Feb 8 & 9. Life is getting back to normal already.  The lights are on in the other room, the humm of the refrigerator, and the internet is live again.

Pastor Jeff Stalley wrote some reflections after the last storm.  He wonders about power and power.  Read it here.

I learned today that our town manager was without power through today as well.  He was grateful.  Why?  Because he feared that if he had power before others in town, he'd be viewed as having special connections and taking advantage of his position.

The power is back on, but the real question is, now that the power is back on, those of us with a responsibility to look after the least of these are charged to ponder and act.  What about those who never get power?  What about those who are cold or hungry all the time?  What about the power of God can be turned on, so that those without power, can be returned to power?

Clearly it's been too many sleepless nights, and a head cold that is coming on.  So my poor attempts at poetic prose are failing.  Perhaps I'd have been better off steering you to read this lesson.  

Grace!

I am in Rhode Island at an internet cafe, because I am without power following the Blizzard.

It has come to my attendtion that President Harrison of the LCMS has issued a statement apologizing for the firestorm surrounding last weeks controversy.  You can view it here. 

I believe it is genuine and that we should recipricate with grace, forgiveness and communicate that to him.  

Responding to the LCMS Reprimand

On Thursday, at the conclusion of our closing worship service at the Bishop’s convocation, a colleague informed me of  a headline appearing on one of the national cable news networks.  He told me it read, “Lutheran pastor apologizes for Newtown, CT worship participation.” 

My heart sank immediately.  Why?  Because many of us have been concerned that the leadership of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod might act in such a way.  But, more importantly, I knew this would be just one more straw on the camel's back to those in this country who have no religious affiliation.  My heart sank, because I knew a few more people became “Nones,” this week. 

A little background.  The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod or LC-MS is not the denomination, of which I am affiliated.  They are a separate religious denomination.  They are often described as a conservative denomination by various sources such as Gallup Polling or the Religious News Service. I am a Bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or ELCA.  The name of the geographic region where I serve is called the New England Synod.  In the ELCA, there are 65 synods.  These are geographic regions throughout the United States.  I am trying to clarify this, because I think it is easy to confuse Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod with Lutheran Church, New England Synod.  They are not the same, nor related.

While the ELCA and LCMS are separate ecclesiastical bodies, we are linked historically by the ecumenical creeds and the Lutheran Confessions of the 16th century.  However, where we differ is that, generally, we in the ELCA do not permit anxiety over syncretism to trump our witness to and empathy for fellow human beings in the midst of unbearable tragedy and loss.

The President of LC-MS issued a statement this week, which described his decision to reprimand an LC-MS pastor from Newtown, CT for participating in the ecumenical and interfaith event which included President Obama last December.  The pastor subsequently issued an apology.  I have had several communications from people in our congregations inquiring about this event.  One email summarizes it best, “I don’t understand.  Why wouldn’t it be ok for a pastor to participate in that worship service?  I read that his church had children in the congregation die just four days earlier, and he did their funerals.  This makes no sense to me.”

The LC-MS is a denomination that is experiencing some internal struggles.  The current President, Matthew Harrison, was elected in 2010 when he defeated the more moderate and incumbent President Jerry Kieshnick.  Rather than my commenting on the differences, I’ll simply refer you to past-president Kieshnick’s response to President Harrison’s reprimand, which he sent out this week.  You can read it here. 

My concern in this whole situation is as follows:

1.     I want to clarify that neither I, nor the New England Synod of the ELCA are in any way associated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  We share a theological heritage through the Lutheran Confessions, but in the legal sense, we are not connected.

2.     My greatest concern is that an event like this may be adding insult to injury.  The people of Newtown do not need this kind of controversy piled onto their pain.

3.     I deeply regret that this will be viewed by those outside of the church as justification for a “who needs that nonsense” kind of attitude.

+ 

Our response in the ELCA to the tragedy of Newtown is broad, humble and embracing. Next Thursday, February 14, on the day after Ash Wednesday, together with Bishop Ian Douglas of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut, I will be in Hartford for an ecumenical prayer service.  This will be a time for any and all Lutheran and Episcopal clergy, deacons and rostered leaders to gather.  The intent is to reflect on the challenges of doing ministry in a culture of violence. 

"In times of violence we need the church to witness to our unity in Christ,” said the Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, Episcopal Bishop of Connecticut.  “Coming together in an ecumenical prayer service is exactly what we most need right now.”

“If we are divided we cannot effectively challenge the violence endemic in our culture.  Standing united we can best witness to the peace of Christ that passes all understanding.”

This gathering will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Hartford, CT.  The choice of this location is intentional, because the structure was built with funds from the old Colt Armory.  Yes, the same Colt that manufactured hand guns.  We in the church are complicit in our accomodation to a culture of violence.  Coming to Good Shepherd reminds us of our own need to confess the ways in which we have not been prophetic in our own time.  Confession can often be the beginning point for what is the ultimate meaning of repentance - metanoia - turning around, turning to a new way of being.

I hope all pastors, AIM's, diaconal ministers and deaconesses will consider joining me on Feb 14 at 9:30 a.m., and then everyone (all Lutherans, Episcopalians, Methodists, Baptists, Buddhists, Hindus and Nones) will join me outside of Good Shepherd at 11:00 a.m. for prayer and a chance to march for change.

Following the prayer service, those who wish to participate, are welcome to join in a public March for Change.  The purpose of this march is to advocate for sane public policy and legislation in response to the shootings in Newtown.

I lift up this event as an opportunity to both counteract the not so subtle effort to marginalize the Christian witness as well as send a clear statement that we in the New England Synod embrace opportunities to partner with our brothers and sisters all across the religious spectrum.  

 -

After composing the above, I lost internet service at my home.  Therefore, I had to go to a local wifi location.  In the course of posting this, several young college age students were talking at the next table.  "Did you hear about that Lutheran guy, who said he was sorry for going to the interfaith worship in Newtown?"   

"No" responded his friend.

"Yeah, can you believe this %&*#?  Man those people are hurting and then this priest goes and rubs their face in it."

My greatest fear is manifesting itself.  Yes, I chimed in on their conversation, told them who I was, and clarified what had happened, who we are and what we are all about.  I pray it helped.  I fear that similar conversations are going on around the country, and only hope there can be more voices to counteract the prevailing wind.

What I'm Learning

On Sunday I made my 67th church visit since Sept 1. Christ Lutheran Church in Natick, MA
By the time Ash Wednesday rolls around, I'm guessing I'll have been in 75 of the 185 congregations of the New England Synod. Not bad for the five month mark.

So, what am I learning through all these visits?

1. We have some great ministry happening here in New England, and part of our challenge is to tell those stories of good news.

2. Congregations are where the gospel hits the road. Yes, it happens elsewhere, but this is the heart of activity in our synod.

3. The changing culture has created some serious stressors on our churches and our pastors. We need to find ways to understand what's happening and explore new ways to move forward.

4. I sense a deep hunger in people to try new ways without abandoning the old. Can we be an Ancient-Future faith simultaneously?

There is more, but it's late and I need my beauty rest.

More to come.

Richard Rohr on Prayer

Good stuff in this video on prayer

If you can't see it here, click on this link here

A Better Mood

Churchgoers are often in a better mood, especially following worship services.

As I make my way around the New England Synod, I've now visited over 60 different congregations, I'm intrgued with some of the questions I get asked by people in our congregations.  One question that was a little unusual, went this way:  "I think christianity needs to hire a Madison Avenue advertising firm.  We've got the best product in human history.  Our problem is that we don't market it very well.  What do you think, Mr. Bishop."

While I am reluctant to reduce the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to an advertsing campaign, I must say that when I saw the research sited above, I thought to myself, "Well, that's a nice tangible biproduct of being a christian."  

What about you?  Are you in a better mood after sunday worship?

Mission and Ecumenism

This week, between the festivals of St. Peter and St. Paul, the church observes as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  The concept began in 1908, when a former Anglican priest, who had converted to Roman Catholicism, initiated the movement.  While the spirit and intent of the week is noble, the selection of the date reflected a distinctively northern hemispheric dominance.  Today in the southern hemisphere, I am told, the week is moved closer to Pentecost to reflect both a liturgical and practical accommodation.  (In the southern hemisphere, many people are on vacation during January)

While not a very frequent question in my travels around the synod, I am occasionally asked about my perspective on ecumenical relations.  What follows is a first attempt to articulate my views on this matter.

Since September 1, I’ve engaged all of our ecumenical partners in multiple platforms, including my participation in the consecration of two new Episcopal bishops, namely, Douglas Fisher in Western Massachusetts, and W. Nick Knisely in Rhode Island.  I also regularly interact with the seven Episcopal bishops in strategizing for mission related projects in North Hampton, MA, an upcoming Lenten series addressing violence in Connecticut, and our joint endeavor along with the United Methodists in Vermont focusing on immigration ministry.  I’ve been invited by the Rev. Jim Antal of the United Church of Christ to be a participant in an April 27^th Care of Creation event to highlight the impact of global warming.  The Rev. Laura Everitt, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches and I consult on a number of projects where shared resources could benefit numerous partners. We are also engaged in mission together with the United Methodists, in Vermont and in Massachusetts, and together attending a church planting conference with all of our mission developers.  And that is a partial list of such involvements.

I would also like to lift up my relationship with the Rev. Timothy Yeadon, President of the New England District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. We have a warm relationship, that is yielding a bridge in the midst of a larger national struggle.  This was especially true during the days following the tragedy in Newtown, CT. 

It is my firm conviction that ecumenical partnerships can be one of the ways forward in our changing context.  My chief interest lies in making things happen rather than in ceremony.  Ecumenical partnerships are worth pursuing when:

1.              We are able to engage in concrete mission-oriented endeavors.

2.              Our efforts are focused on the needs of the poor and disenfranchised.

3.              The effort is clearly of mutual interest.

All of this is intended to communicate my firm commitment to ecumenical partnerships for the sake of the gospel.  My personal mission commitment is based on the conviction that my own discipleship includes being a disciple as I engage others as disciples of Jesus Christ in authentic community for the good of the world. This focus is helping me discern where to put my energy going forward.

Regarding your own Spirit-given energy, be assured of my prayers as you bear witness in and through our Lutheran community of faith for the good of the world.  I encourage you to make appropriate connections with our ecumenical partners in your local context.  We all know that is where the gospel hits the road.  I would love to hear what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Sincerely,

James E. Hazelwood

Bishop

New England Synod

Health and Wholeness

Why is it that 'selfish' is considered a negative?  I think it simply means paying attention to ones self.  Is that bad?  I know, I know.  I hear the chorus rising.  The chimes of 'we live in such a narcistic time.'  But, I'd like to make the case for focusing on one's health as a valued selfish activity.

The ELCA has a plan for helping its clergy and rostered leaders to improve their health.  It begins with an online self-assessment.  After completing the survey, you are given a summary along with suggestions on how to improve your health.  This simple survey yields some real benefits:

1.  First, everyone who takes the surveys gets $150.  Who doesn't want cash?  (I feel like Jimmy Falon in those Capital One commercials)

2.  If 65% of our leaders in new England take the survey, then every congregation receives 2% discount off their insurance premium.  

3.  You get results like this, here is a snap shot of mine.

It points to my overall state of health, not bad.  More importantly, it's targeting some specific areas of improvement.  For me that's centering around more exercise and more fruits and vegetables - ok, and then there is that stress thing.

The truth of the matter is that God wants healthy leaders.  God wants healthy disciples, and all christians have a responsibility to be a little selfish in this area.  Yes, indeed.  Taking time to take care of yourself is a good and blessed activity.

I encourage people to consider it part of their job description.  Most of our pastors are working more hours than they should.  Why should we ask them to add on to those hours more time for self health care?  

No.  You go to the gym, you do aerobics or yogo or prepare health meals or visit a spiritual director as a part of your ministry.  That's not an order, but it is a pretty strong request.

The School of Lay Ministry

Some things are hot, some thing's are not.  The school of lay ministry is hot.  Founded in 2006 as a learning opportunity for adults in New England who are interested in expanding their understanding of the Lutheran faith.  The school now boasts 90 graduates and a current enrollment of 58 students.  The two year curriculum centers on a year of study of both the Hebrew bible and the New Testament, followed by a year of study of our Lutheran understanding of the Christian faith.

Why is the school hot?  The answer lies in the motivation of the participants to deepen their faith in Jesus way of being in the world.  The first ever alumni event was held this month at Emanuel Lutheran Church in West Warwick, RI. We spent the day preparing to author Hollywood type scripts.  The subject of these narratives?  The grand unfolding drama of God's story and our individual subplots within that grand drama.

 

Using the resource, Storyline 2.0, written by author and screenwriter Donald Miller, we prayed, laughed, meditated, discussed, and wrote our way through the day.  The goal?  Create a five minute narrative of your life as a subplot of God's story, and find a way to live that story as a disciple of Jesus.

The school of lay ministry is hot because around the world, we are seeing a return to a book of Acts way of being church.  People are gathering in living rooms, bars and coffee houses to explore the big questions of life.  What is God like? Does life have meaning?  Why is there suffering?  At the forefront of this movement are lay people.  What would New England look like if there was a trained cadre of lay people to embrace their Christian faith and take it with them to work, to school, to the store?  Not armed with cliches and pamphlets, but embraced by the Holy Spirit, trained theologically and encouraged to love and serve the people they come into contact everyday,

Every September a new class is formed.  That class begins with a retreat at Camp Calumet.  You form a group that is geographically close to you to study, pray and support one another as you journey together as disciples.  We have begun conversations about starting a Spanish language version of the school of lay ministry.  This will be an exciting next step in this very to ministry within the New England Synod.

For more information contact. Stevendumas@cox.net

Charitable Contributions

If you're age 70½ or older in 2013, this may have a positive impact on your individual income tax situation as well as on your local congregation. During 2012, many donors planned to use the IRA charitable rollover to make a gift to their church or other organizations.  They were unable to do so because Congress had not yet extended the rollover.   As a result, these donors took their required minimum distribution knowing that they would have to pay tax on the distribution.   The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 has extended the IRA Charitable Rollover for 2013, with special provisions that allow donors to make gifts that are retroactive for the 2012 tax year if they act before February 1, 2013.   There are two ways donors can take advantage of the recent changes for their 2012 taxes: 1.       Under a special rule included by Congress in the recent law, donors who received a distribution from their IRA between December 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 canconvert this taxable distribution into a charitable distribution by making a cash gift to charity before February 1, 2013.  The IRS will treat the amount of the cash gift as if the donor had made a direct rollover to charity in 2012 and the donor will avoid tax on the amount of the gift. 2.       Donors can make a qualified charitable distribution from their IRA before February 1, 2013 and choose to have that distribution treated as though it occurred in 2012. For those donors who made a charitable distribution from their IRA in 2012 in hopes that Congress would extend the IRA Charitable Rollover, you made the right call! Distributions made from IRAs directly to qualified organizations can be considered qualified charitable distributions. Be sure to consult your legal and financial advisor if you are considering a gift under this law.

Manchester

"Manchester England England, across the Atlantic sea.  I'm a genius genius, and I believe in God, and I believe that God believes in Claude - that's me."

OK, twenty points to anyone who can name the production.

It wasn't in England, but this weekend, I was in Manchester, Connecticut.  Two days of connecting and worshipping and praying with people from the greater Hartford Conference.   I began on Sunday morning with worship at Emanuel Lutheran Church celebrating the Baptism of our Lord.

(I love this photo and the young boy carrying the bowl squinting. Poor kid, I probably got more water on him than anyone.)

In addition to preaching, I also had the opportunity to lead a children's word where we all got wet around the baptismal font.

In the afternoon, I was at Concordia for a Q & A session with about 50 people from around the conference area of Hartford.  After a stop at the Vernon Diner to watch the first half of the Patriots playoff game, I headed over to Trinity Lutheran for "Pizza with the Bish."  Roughly 60 youth and adults from various congregations came by for some lovely Hawaiian Pizza, my favorite.  During the Q & A I was asked if I beleived in Aliens and if I would baptize one.  On Monday, I learned about some of the wonderful minsitries in Manchester, including MACC a food, shelter, clothing and advocacy program.  Then I traveled to see the Creative Learning Center of Connecticut.  

Cindy Hall and Virgil along with other people at Emanuel have been working on a vision of a meaningful residential center for adults with Autism.  It's a grand vision and one of the steps along the way is this green house, where adults with Autism come and work in the greenhouse.  Apparently they find this environment to be soothing and enjoyable.  In the photo below, Chris, the chief gardener, is picking some herbs for me to bring home to Lisa - one of the perks of the job.

In the evening I met more people at The Studio in Hartford, CT.  We had a conversation about the future of the church in America.  It was a fascinating discussion that lead me to think about opportunities we might consider, as we experiment with new forms of being the church.  The evening closed out with Young Adults in Hartford, just enjoying each others company.  Apparently I was allowed to be a part of a Young Adult group because of my title, not my age.  Hmmm, it was just yesterday - I was young and cool and hip.  Actually, I was never hip, but I'm working on it now.  If I try hard, what are the chances?

Oh, one final thing.  I visited First in Ellington with Pr. Jeff Stalley, and found this practice he has engaged with the congregation.  Each week they write down a response to the question, "Where have I seen God at work in the world, in my life."  After they write down a response on a long sheet of paper, it's included in the prayers and then added to a chain that begins at the cross and makes its way along the sanctuary walls, heading out the door and into the world...  I love these road trips where I discover what wonderful ministry we are engaged.

What I learned in Puerto Rico

Every year the Conference of Bishop's holds an event that serves as its major focus of continuing education called the Bishop's Academy.  Typically, the event meets in one of the 65 synods, and includes guest speakers, and the opportunity for bishops to engage in mutual learning.  The latter is perhaps the most helpful, especially for one who is new to this office.  This year, and for the first time ever, the event was held in heart of the Caribean Synod, which consists of ELCA congregations in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  This synod actually contains some of the oldest Lutheran congregations in the western hemisphere dating back to the 1600's.  While it will be easy for some to critique a visit like this as simply bishops wanting to get some sun, infact there were two essential and more significant elements to this particular academy.  (Next year I'm told we'll be in fishing huts on a frozen lake in Minnesota)

First, this was a strong affirmation of the most multi-cultural synod of the ELCA.  Nowhere else in our denomination do we have such a large population of non-whites.  Why is this significant?  Because the Lutheran church is a denomination of some 97% white people.  Yet, we live in a nation that is rapidly becoming 50% people of color by the year 2050.  Affirming the value and importance of the people in the caribean synod cannot be underestimated.

Second, and perhaps more importantly, this event gave me clear direction in one of our major efforts going forward here in New England.  We need to be very proactive and intentional about broadening the complexion of our church.  We must become a more colorful church.  Starting new congregations, ministries and programs in, with and through the latino community is essential, and I believe should become one of our top priorities.  

While in Puerto Rico, I benefited from three important presentations by Dr. Daisey Machado.  She is the Dean at Union Theological Seminary, and professor of Church History.  Her lectures covered immigration issues, understanding of latino experience in America, and the rise and dangers of the prosperity gospel movement.  Her presentations were not simply academic papers, rather they were pastoral and practical, as well as scholarly.  She helped me understand the importance of the role of faith in the latino community.

Attending worship on sunday, during the festivities surround the "tres reyes" or "three kings" day was a highlight.  Perhaps even more significant than Christmas worship for Puerto Ricans, the day includes family gatherings and gift giving. Children are encouraged to put a small box of straw at the foot of their beds to feed the camels.  In the night, the camels will come bearing the three kings (aka the three wise men) who will then leave gifts for the children. The Puerto Rican equivalent of leaving cookies out on the living room table for Santa.

Lisa and I worshipped at the Lutheran Church of the Reconciliation.  Dynamic music and a gifted preacher have made this congregation an exciting ministry.  Good Jesus stuff is happening here.  Afterwards during a meal, we learned that their Pastor is fond of extreme sports and invited us to return in order to experience some sky diving or para-sailing.  This is my kinda guy, I thought.  

What I learned in Puerto Rico is that our church is birthing new kinds of ministries in new places, and we have an opportunity to learn from these cultures and embrace them.

A Good Prayer for a New Year

Merry Christmas 2012

A photo from our August 2012 motorcycle camping trip in Montana, Glacier National Park.  

Along the top, a couple of photos from my installation, with good friends, Erik Bell, Kurt Christenson and Mark Hagen.  The next is of our two black labs, we did say good bye to Lucy this summer after 13 years.  The Hazelwood-Stoen clan, and two good lookin' people on a bike outside Yellowstone in August.

This past weekend I visited  my 51st and 52nd congregation since starting on September 1 as Bishop.  St. Mark in Norwich, CT and Iglesia Luterana in Providence.  I'm now settling in to a bit of a break for this week, and then a week at the Conference of Bishops.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year.  I'm taking some time off from the blog until after the new year. Unless something really sparks my attention.  I'll resuming blogging on January 8, 2013.

Christmas 2012 Video Message

What we bring to tragedy.

On Sunday, I was preaching at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Bristol, CT.  Last summer, the congregation extended an invitation for me to come and preach.  Suddenly, the events of last friday in Newtown, Connecticut forced me to abandon my initial plans for the sermon.  In place of the joy of the season of Advent, we were looking deeply into the face of grief, horror and questions.

I chose to explore the range of emotions, the reality of our place inbetween Good Friday and Easter.  But, when the children came to the altar with their parents for Holy Communion, I found myself laying a hand on them and blessing them.  "May Jesus love and care for you."  It was at that moment, that everything came to the forefront of my soul.  It was the most emotional part of the day for me.

In the congregation's fellowship hall following worship, we gathered for a meal and discussion.  A member of the church council had eagerly invited the local press to send a reporter.  Due to a scheduling conflict, she arrived at the conclusion of the meal.  But, I did sit down for an interview with reporter Erica Schmidt, on the left in the photo below. She is pictured with the paper's photographer, whose name I did not catch.

After a few basic questions, she thoughtfully asked me, "What's your response to people when they say, 'How could God cause," she then caught herself and rephrased, "How could God allow this to happen."  

I could tell she was a thoughtful person, and actually quite interested in the question herself.  In other words, she was not simply a reporter doing a job, she was also a human being - a person with a curiosity, a desire to explore significant questions about the nature of God, evil, faith.  

What followed was a conversation, she was taking notes, thinking, responding.  We were engaged in an exploration of some of the most difficult questions we face as people of God.  The results of our conversation became a focus of her article in the Monday edition of the The Bristol Press.  You can read it here.

The article is a reflection of what we as Lutheran christians can bring to the public square, the public conversation about faith and life and death and good and evil.  While some extremist can capture the airwaves with absurd statements and trivializations of profound questions, we can bring an engaged conversation.  "I think God's heart is broken" is a more realistic and honest statement.  Many people understand that phrase in the aftermath of Newtown.  They also want to discuss it more thoroughly and thoughtfully.  This is good.  We lutherans live in the muddled middle, we live in the tension, we live in paradox.  Increasingly, this is the place where most people live.

This is especially true for younger people, but it is not exclusively the purview of a new generation.  We are all living in a world that no longer responds to easy answers, because we know that even the questions are challenging.  Why would we expect the answers to be simple.

I was heartened by Erica, both as a reporter and as a person wondering about significant questions in a challenging time.

P.S.  I'm told that the article in print form had many photographs from the morning at St. Andrew in Bristol. Therefore, maybe Erica's reporting of the theology of the cross got more exposure than a simple page 39 footnote.

My Letter following the Newtown tragedy

"O God, your beloved Son took children into his arms and blessed them.  Give us grace, we pray, that we may entrust these little ones along with their teachers to your never failing care and love, and bring us all in your heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen."

"And now my soul is poured out within me;

days of affliction have taken hold of me.

The night racks my bones,

and the pain that gnaws me takes no rest."   Job 30:16

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from helping me, 

   from the words of my groaning?

O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;

  and by night, but find no rest."                   Psalm 22:1

"Jesus began to weep."    John 11:35

There are no words available to me to adequately express the loss and sorrow I feel over this tragedy in Connecticut.  It may be the season of Advent, but it feels like the morning after Good Friday, before anyone realized the word "Good" could be added.

Our hearts are broken for the parents, siblings, family, coworkers, first responders, ministers and residents surrounding the Newtown, Connecticut community.  We pray, indeed.  But, this morning my prayer is more deep sigh, than eloquent words. 

From across the country, and from our partners around the world, we are receiving offers of assistance, promises of prayer, expressions of a desire to help and be with us.  One congregation from Colorado, who lived through the Columbine shootings of 1999, called us to offer financial support, many of my colleagues in the Conference of Bishops as well as clergy from their synods have sent prayers, and offers to help.

Although, no family (to my knowledge) from any of our congregations lost anyone in this tragedy, there are still many in the area who know someone or simply by virtue of living in the area are impacted.  We have at least two members from area congregations who had either a child or grandchild who attended the school, but were unharmed.

If any of you wish to communicate with the congregations closest to Newtown, CT you my write them, if you wish. 

Prince of Peace Lutheran

PO Box 5184

119 Junction Road

Brookfield, CT  06804

Pastors Mark Nordskog & Amanda Warner

St. James Lutheran Church

111 Peter Road

Southbury, CT  06488

Pastor Scott Nessel

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
466 Elm Street
Monroe, CT  06468

In addition, these congregations have a connection to this incident through family or friends in their congregation or daycare/preschool programs

Grace Lutheran 

150 Chapel St

Stratford, CT  06614

Pastor Cathy Rohrs

Salem Lutheran

3160 Park Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06604

Pastor Marjo Anderson

Immanuel Lutheran

25 Great Hill Road

Oxford, CT  08478

Pastor Bruce Steinway

There is a time for compassion, and a time for outrage. I'm experiencing both simultaneously. Suddenly, the day of the holy innocents has been brought to life, sadly, in our time once again.

Bishop Jim Hazelwood

Advent Hope & Christmas Joy from all of us

L-R -  Jane, Lyn, AliceKerr, Tim, Cathy, Barbara, Jim & Ted

Something’s happening

They are starting to arrive...

Wrapped in plain brown paper, mostly grocery store shopping bags

inverted and converted

into protective covering for delivery.

Some arrive bound and sealed with enough tape to create suspicion. 

“What’s going on here?”

On the outside, plain and uninviting,

yet, on the inside, a gift, a surprise, an unexpected something.

Reminds me of something, no, someone, long ago, yet not so long ago.

Someone who with family and friends ducked under the border fences of His day,

snuck into the places He wasn’t supposed to be -

temples, palaces, hearts and minds of men and women –

and still does today.

I am the Path - An Advent video

Bishop in Residence - New Hampshire & Maine

Well, I'm not so sure about "in residence."  It felt more like an ecclesiastical version of Bob Dylan and the Rolling Thunder Revue.  In 1975, Dylan and his band of ecclectic performers booked concerts in small and mid-size venues throughout New England.  It was captured in the movie 'Renaldo and Clara', which was a really strange film.  But, I loved it.  Why?  Because it was Dylan, Allen Ginsburg, Joan Baez, Scarlett O'Hara on the road during the Blood on the Tracks and Desire time period.  Hey, I was in High School and dreaming of being on the road with the band.

I set out last week for my own version.

The goal of this first year as bishop is to visit all of the congregations of the New England Synod.  That's 185 congregations in 365 days.  It seems like a monumental task, but our visits are in the mid forties after about three months - so we are on track.

The northern tier trip last week took me from my home in Rhode Island to Springfield, MA for the Consecration of Rev. Doug Fisher, the new bishop of the Episcopal diocese in Western Mass.  Next I was off to Holy Trinity Lutheran in Newington, NH for the installation of Pr. Richard Rhodes, as well as the Indonesian Lutheran congregation, followed by a jaunt up the coast to First Lutheran in Portland, Maine. I overnighted at Camp Calumet.  The next day was a loop to South Paris, Maine, where they are in discussions to share the ministry with the Episcopal church in town.  After lunch in Bethel, I was off to St. Paul in Berlin, followed by Nativty in North Conway before returning to Calumet.  The next day, Prince of Peace in Claremont, NH, Community Lutheran in Enfield, and Our Savior in Hanover, NH.  In the mddle of all that I visited Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where we have an ELCA chaplain and CPE supervisor, Rev Frank Macht.  The next day I was in Nashua at Christ the King and Triumphant Cross in Salem, NH.  I dropped down I-93 to First Lutheran in Malden, MA for Advent worship.

Exhausting and exhilirating.  Kind of a simul ustes et pecator experience.  

both/and

hearing the frustrations, and the hopes

the living in the past and longing for the future

the gospel brewing inside people and places, yearning to be born.

A perfect way to start the season of Advent.

More to come