The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it (John 1:5).
The world settles into winter, at least in the northern hemisphere, and life to many seems increasingly bleak. Foreclosures, layoffs, government bailouts and financial failures, continuing war on two fronts, terrorist attacks, murders of some identified only by their faith -- this world is in abundant need of light. We know light that is not overcome by darkness, for God has come among us in human flesh.
Born in poverty to a homeless couple, to a people long under occupation, Jesus is human and divine evidence that God is with us in the midst of the world's darkness. Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, Divine Counselor is come among us to re-mind, re-member, and re-create. A new mind and heart is birthed in us as we turn to follow Jesus on the way.
The body of God's creation is re-membered and put back together in ways intended from the beginning. And a new creation becomes reality through Jesus' healing work. Christians tell the story again each Christmastide, and the telling and remembering invites us once again into being made whole. Our task in every year is to hear the story with new ears, and seeing light in the darkness of this season's woes, then to tell it abroad with gladsome hearts to those who wait in darkness. Where will you share the joyous tale of light in the darkness?
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop
The Episcopal Church
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_103508_ENG_HTM.htm
2 comments:
Jim
I found this in my local paper and wanted to share. This is Bill Ingenfritz' mother's obit.
http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/StoryObit/allobits121008
12/10/2008 Email this article • Print this article
Gladys P. Bell
Registered nurse
Gladys P. Bell 84, of Canonsburg, formerly of McKeesport, died Monday, December 8, 2008, in Donnell House, Washington.
She was born June 16, 1924, in McKeesport, the only child of Frank B. and Bertha J. Penzie.
Mrs. Bell was a 1942 graduate of McKeesport High School and a 1945 graduate of McKeesport Hospital School of Nursing. She practiced her profession in McKeesport Hospital and served as industrial nurse for Continental Can in West Mifflin and McGraw Edison in Canonsburg. Being a registered nurse was not something Mrs. Bell did, but rather who she was.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Charleroi. Mrs. Bell was a member of Anglican Church Women at St. Mary’s and served as an election poll worker for 25 years. She and her husband enjoyed camping for most of their married life, spending summers in Laurel Highlands Campground in Donegal.
Surviving, are her husband of 42 years, William J. Bell; three sons, the Rev. William H. Ilgenfritz and wife Lois of Donora, David R. Ilgenfritz and wife Linda of Washington and Duane F. Ilgenfritz of Donora; four grandchildren, Dana Kitting and husband Matthew of York, Timothy Ilgenfritz of Brownwood, Texas, Jamie Ilgenfritz of Kentucky and Jodie Ilgenfritz of Washington; and six great-grandchildren, Jacob and Sara Kitting of York, Lynnsey, Abigail, Morgan and Brooke Ilgenfritz of Brownwood, Texas.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Salandra Funeral Service Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, where a blessing service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 13, followed at 11 a.m. by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Anglican Church, corner of 6th Street and Lookout Avenue, Charleroi. Interment will be in Oak Spring Cemetery, Canonsburg
Many people at Trinity Washington have been told that the PB is a heretic and an apostate priest. Basically, I heard it said with my own ears, a non Christian.
How is it every time I've listened to her I hear a wonderful message which inspires me more to live each moment committed to a new world of hope, compassion and caring? I know she doesn't harp on sin and atonement theology. I beat myself up enough. I don't go to church to hear it's all hopeless.
This is a positive and just as relevant message as any found in some of those other "orthodox" parishes.
Thanks for posting.
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