Escape to Estonia

Escape to Estonia is what many Finns might call it. There is this fascinating thing- Russians come to Finland for better groceries and Finns go to Estonia for cheap alcohol. I am not sure what people go to Russia for. Anyway, we managed to successfully navigate the trams to the Tallink terminal and were surprised just how many people were there for a Monday. Going over it was mainly senior citizens and some families. And lots of cars and trucks carrying various loads of people and merchandise. As soon as people hit the ferry the shopping and eating began along with some low level drinking and gambling albeit at 10:30 a.m. We found that the cushiest couch was in the pub by the door to the outside where the smokers went. The wind was however blowing away from us which made it a nice hangout. When we arrived a couple hours later, it had, disappointingly started to drizzle which reminded us we had all left umbrellas and jackets behind. First stop was for two light jackets and one discount umbrella- orange, brown and turquoise is apparently not a popular color combo- it  was cheap.
Once we found our way into the Old City, things were great. However, compared to Finland, Estonia is a bit of a mystery. Not only are there few signs, they are not at all travel friendly, with the exception of the large and very clearly marked bars, super alcohol stores, and my favorite combo- the alcohol, tobacco, exotic dancing and hookah lounge.
We eventually meandered in the right way, but there could have been more to guide us.
Our persistence paid off, however with the absolute historical treasure trove of the old city. I easily took over a hundred pictures and could have taken many more. The stores, churches, and concentration of buildings is quite impressive. It actually took some time for us to take it in, and to let the swarm of people headed for eating and drinking to get started. I am not criticizing these behaviors but there really was a swarm effect. And in some ways, there was a Ren Faire meets Epcot quality at times in the main square's activities.
There are however, many sidewalk cafes, and shops, as well as people dressed in period-ish costumes leading street games, and serving food. There were also some good shops with handicrafts in addition to the requisite souvenir shops.
Once we wandered around the main streets and side alleys, we were ready for a coffee and treat break. While there was one shop that heralded its mention in the New York Times, we found a less well traveled but delightful shop with caramel cake, Sacher torte, and tasty cappuccinos and macchiatos. And it was peaceful.
As our time went on, we found the Holy Spirit Church which was a must-see for me, and after talking with the docent, and explaining I was a Lutheran Pastor of a Holy Spirit Church, was given a chance to stand in the pulpit, and access the chancel normally roped off from tourists. The triptych at the altar originally contained additional folding panels which were closed during Lent, showing only Christ and Saint Elizabeth of Thüringen. The full panels then when opened depict the blood emanating from Christ becoming the sacrament and imagery of the work of the cross.
The central portion of the altarpiece depicts the miracle at Pentecost.
In addition to the altarpiece, the other interesting note was the pulpit which not only contained carved imagery of the evangelists, but as I stood in the pulpit and looked up, over head was the dove of the Holy Spirit, however, unlike other depictions, this one only shows the underside of the bird's belly and feet above the preaching spot.
As we were heading back to the port, school was letting out, and I wondered what it must be like the grow up in this town, surrounded by history but also large crowds of drunks. When we returned to the ferry the crowd on the ride home was significantly different. It was mainly men, who were returning from the day or longer. There were men pushing around shopping carts heaving with cases of beer and other alcohol. One whole end of the ferry was a collective alcohol metabolizing area so it seemed. And there were a few women coming and going. Given that it was Monday I wondered what the weekend must look like.
When we returned, and hopped the tram, I noticed a man who looked like an aging rocker from the 70's- Long reddish hair, black trench coat and T-shirt, and jeans with black and white two tone spiked shoes, and lots of rings. He was pushing a luggage cart with four cases of beer. As he tried to drag the cart onto the tram, the cases slid, and one tore, sending spurting and spinning beer cans on the tram, as the rest collapsed in a heap. He began muttering in Finnish and repeated efforts to shore up the beers failed. The beer began to trickle through the tram where we were seated. As he hoped someone would solve his beer problem he began scooping up cans and offering them around, and then switched to English saying this was the first time he ever bought beer from Tallinn. At each stop as the door opened a beer rolled out. When we left he was still trying to salvage the rest of his purchase. At least for him the escape to Estonia did not have the ending he hoped.

Mother's Day in Finland-who knew?

Another delightfully sunny day here in Helsinki. We checked the route planner site for the Number 4 tram so we could know when to be at the stop and when we'd arrive in relationship to when we wanted to be at the church where we were meeting Elise. True to American mentality, our daughters wondered why we were at the church about 25 minutes before the service would start- because that's when the tram runs. Some of us (me) spent the time walking around the park that surrounded Vanha Kirkko (The Old Church). Public spaces like this are popular gathering places for picnics by day and informal partying by night, as the left behind evidence of cigarette packs, beer boxes, a pizza box and other items strewn among the  grave stones suggested. Already there were two men clearing it all up before church.
When we came into the church, I was struck by that fact that it, like the National Cathedral was plainly designed, except for the organ, the altar and the pulpit which were gold leafed and ornate. I later learned that both the old and newer churches were designed by the same man. We were not greeted by the greeters but were given worship books with small worship folders. At the front of the church, all of the hymns and liturgical pieces were listed on four very large boards. The bulletins themselves are reused week to week. No printing of the entire service in the bulletin.
It being Mother's Day there was a special choir performing as well as the organist, and the music was outstanding. In Finland, all church musicians are provided extensive training in music and performance, there being no such thing as an itinerant musician. All are then employed by the Church.
The presiding pastor welcomed everyone explaining that we were having special Mother's Day music by the second best choir. Not sure what that was about but they were great! Elise sat next to me translating parts of the service so I could follow. I did manage to sing the hymns in Finnish though I could only pick out a few words- Hosanna, Jesus, Lord, amen. It was very different listening to a whole sermon in a language I do not understand and getting a synopsis. But apparently the opening story in the sermon had to do with a mother who used to be critical of her daughter and what she picked out to wear to school when she was a teen, and then someone pointed out to her that the last words her daughter heard every morning before school were negative. She didn't believe that it was a different time. She decided to change after this and her observation that one day when she picked her daughter up she saw that she was dressing like all the other girls her age- times had changed. The rest segued into the reading from John about the Holy Spirit and who we believe and how we respond. I think.
At one point in worship the parish announcements about children baptized and people who had died was provided. The custom is that baptisms occur in the home or after worship on a Saturday or Sunday. It is the law that all children be baptized or at least their names registered within three months of birth.
After worship, worshippers were invited to stay for coffee and Mothers Day cake and mothers were given roses. A large porch area as well as some indoors tables in the stairwell were set up. After cake and coffee, we met the preaching pastor, Pastor Arto. Arto, being Arthur in Finnish. He shared that this church, called now the Old Church, originally had no name. It was intended by the Tzar that the Lutheran church would be adopted and a cathedral built, and that it should be built on the highest point. That church now is the National Cathedral. But while it was being built, there still needed to be a church and so this church was built. And on maps for years it was identified only as "temporary church." Because it was only temporary. But then after the cathedral was built, this wooden framed church remains, and since the cathedral was the New Church, this other became the Vanha or Old Church. And the painting behind the altar of Jesus blessing children was originally intended for the New Church but the tzar thought it too juvenile, so it was placed here at the temporary church.
Pastor Arto noted that after worship they are having a "Sharing time" where they gather chairs in a circle in the nave and invite people to stay and have conversation and learn each others' names. About 100 or so people worship on Sunday mornings but they do not know each other well. And it seems that Finns are not big on asking each other first names. As a result, people keep to themselves and it hard to form community. Now they have a way to get beyond culture and relate.
Not all that different from people back home.
The Old Church is one of 5 churches in the Helsinki parish. They collectively publish a weekly newspaper of events in all of the churches and in the city, as well as individual flyers for individuals parishes.
After some hugs, we moved on to get changed and head to Suomenlinna, the island fortress by ferry. As we were waiting for our tram back to our flat, a specially painted silver tram with decorations pulled up, and the doors opened. There was a singing group on the tram and others handing out roses to all the women for Mother's Day. They stayed for about a verse of their song and then moved on, as spontaneously as they had arrived.
Every where you looked there were women with flowers and the shops were all closed this day.
When we took the full ferry out to the island, we assumed that it would not be very full and that the places to eat there would be open and available. Wrong.
Lots of people had some with friends and family for picnics. Still others had booked up all the restaurants that take bookings. And it turns out there are a fair number of people who live on the island in the historic housing.
But we did find one of a couple small cafes that offered light fare. We got the last of the bowls of tomato mozzarella soup, and some other light treats. It was all very tasty and arty, as we sat surrounded by glass and fabric art for sale in a small renovated outbuilding called Café Icecellar.
Suomenlinna began to be constructed in the 1700s when Finland was still a part of the Kingdom of Sweden and is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guns still face west as a reminder of later Russian rule in the 19th century. It is built on separate islands off of the coast of Helsinki and has served as a base in the war of Sweden and King Gustav II against Russia which later would surrender to the Russian army in 1808. It then served as a Russian garrison for 108 years. It was badly damaged in the Crimean War. In 1906 a rebellion was a part of the Russian revolutionary movement.
On December 6, 1917 Finland declared independence. During the Finnish Civil War a prison camp was set up and the fortress was then overtaken by the Finnish government in 1918 and renamed Suomenlinna.
Also located here is the Suomenlinna Church which was built as a Russian Orthodox church but later converted to an Evangelical Lutheran Church, and doubles as a lighthouse. It is ringed in upended cannons. One of the museums on island is the Military Museum showing weaponry an uniforms of Finnish defense over time.
As we walked around outside, one could see people flying kites, taking advantage of the breezy day, and children and families out for picnics and dinners.
After we returned home, we could see Dads and kids at our little play area, and I began to make dinner for us since, of course, we did not have a booking. But spaghetti and salad and artisanal bread are on offer. All of which I could start once I figured out the wall switch for the stove circuit. :)
And our roses are in the vase.

Finnish Adventure-Part 2

After breakfast, we met up with Elise, who I met when she and I were both studying at THE Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg. She has lived in Helsinki for over 20 years and graciously met us at our flat, bearing maps, and walking tour information, and assistance of all kinds, prepared to share her city with us.
We began by walking to Uspenski Cathedral, taking in its beauty and breathing in the scent of the many beeswax candles lit by visitors. I still think of the long version of the Exultet and thanking God for the bees that make the wax for the candle. But, I digress...It did offer a chance for me to show Alex Old Church Slavonic, an earlier form of the modern Russian she is studying. From the elevation of the cathedral, there was an expansive view of much of the city and harbor area.
From there, Elise showed us around the city, pointing out which ferry terminals go to Stockholm, and various landmarks, including the Diocese House, and buildings for the Lutheran Church in Finland. She took us through the market in the harbor where I learned that the "fish from Lapland!" are actually a specific and tasty fish. We journeyed past some of the oldest buildings, to Senate Square, where we saw the University of Helsinki, the Ministry of the Treasury, and the national Cathedral (Lutheran) where she became a part of the roster of the church. On the way into the cathedral we were interviewed as a part of the EU's money at work, a survey about tourism and spending behaviors. Our interviewer was a student at University from England who hopes to stay in Finland beyond graduation.
We stopped at a local market where I got a lesson in labels, so we can avoid future mixups, and we purchased some Karelian pies and blueberry pastries to have with coffee and tea at her office. The Karelian pies are rye flour pastry and rice concoction- we now mark that off our bucket list! They were tasty!
Over our treats, we talked about the Lutheran church in Finland and how in part its commitment to each parish having a pastor, and also youth workers and deacons, lift up the post World War II importance of helping young men find work to do, as well as caring for youth. It was fascinating to learn about pastors spending the day at places of employment and in schools, providing care, and the thousands of people who are employed by the Church- over 20,000!
We also saw that unlike in this country, the Church has developed faith formation resources that all parishes use, not only for indigenous language speakers, but also various immigrant- Russian, Chinese, Spanish-speaking, etc. And how these same resources are available online. Sparing people from having to create curriculum much less do it in a variety of languages. !! It is entitled "To be a Christian in Finland" and explains not only basics of Christian belief, but also the church in Finland particularly. She and her co-workers are helping provide the faith to youth in wonderful ways!

After our respite, we went on to purchase couple day passes for transit, a SIM card for a prepaid phone Elise is sharing with me, and tickets for the ferry to Estonia. We traveled on the very efficient Metro system where the trains really DO run on time. We also made a pilgrimage to the mecca- not just to Marimekko, but to their outlet! And then followed it up with lunch at a yummy Thai/sushi buffet.
Elise rode the tram with us that circled around the city, providing a good overview we could not get on foot , including the Olympic stadium and botanical gardens, the Russian embassy, and the new Music centre. And she took us to the Kammpi Chapel, a new interdenominational chapel that looks like the hull of an ark, and is intended for be a place of silence. When you enter the worship space, you are enveloped by the curving space of the hull of alderwood circling round, and it is totally silent. As we exited, we noticed that the doors are many inches thick, which literally shuts out noise from outside. Various churches are scheduled to be present and to lead worship on different days at set times, and there is a booklet of information that explains the symbolism and meanings of the church to those unchurched or unsure.
We also then visited the Church on the Rocks, literally hewn from rock, where frequently water runs down the side walls We caught part of a free piano concert before leaving. At then back of the church, In addition to information about the church, there were prayer cards in about 15 different languages- we picked up Russian and Spanish.

Tomorrow, we will be meeting her for worship at the Old Church, and going to their coffee time following, then it is on to Suomelinna by ferry. We also learned that on Mother's Day the groceries are closed and many restaurants are heavily booked. Good to know before hand! We then discovered, thanks to Elise, the location of the underground shopping mall beneath the railway station which is open until late at night. Important since all the others had closed by that time. We had the chance to shop more knowledgeably and then to catch the tram home- it conveniently stops right at our place!
Not feeling like venturing far for dinner, I Googled our island, and we found Wellamo, a very small but tasty place a few blocks from us. Grilled goat cheese on bruschetta and greens with fresh and sundried tomatoes in vinaigrette were perfect!
Then we came back and tested out our sauna- a great reward for a busy but delightful day! We simply cannot say enough how grateful we are to Elise for such a wonderful day, seeing and experiencing in a way we would not have otherwise been able to- it was a real treat! We have also been blessed by sunny days so far-and moderate temperatures in the low 60's. Each morning I can sit in our living room or on our porch and watch the birds tending their nest and give thanks for the beauty of the day.

We have purchased tickets for travel by Tallink to travel on Monday to Talinn, Estonia by ferry for the day.

Blessings for this Lord's Day to you all-give thanks for those who have raised you to be who you are this day!

The Finnish Adventure-Part 1

Thursday morning we began our adventure by being picked up by our van driver to take us to JFK for our flight. Reading, PA people-all I can say is thank God for DeSantis. The driver was amazing which is good because traffic and construction were a bear. Conveniently we are all veteran travelers, so getting through TSA was not too maddening. Finnair is a delightful airline whose flight attendants have uniforms designed by Finnish designers, though unfortunately we did not have the Marimekko plane. ;) Flying on Ascension Day must be the trick because the flight could not have been smoother. Alex and I watched international films and were laughing hysterically at a German film whose English title was "The Breakup Man." We highly recommend it.
When we arrived at Helsinki Vaanta, we caught the Finnair bus to the train station in the city center. Things I did not think about. Knew my cellphone was not international. Forgot that this would include my Wi-Fi hotspot. We had made a plan to meet the owner of our apartment at 11, but being extra cautious, I wanted to confirm by phone before we traveled on. Of course my gmail had that conversation too far down to retrieve without Wi-Fi. I decided to try the pay as you need internet, but Google kept insisting that I verify since I was out of country and all the instructions were in Finnish. Eventually, a couple euros poorer, I suggested we grab a cab.
Now, I really should point out that there is a story about fear and trust here. I had gone out on a limb and booked through AirBnB much to the grimacing of my Beloved who was convinced this would turn out badly. We found a cheery and well fitted out flat in a neighborhood just beyond city centre, about a 10 minute walk. On the map it looked farther away because it is on a separate island. More anxiety. What if we got out there and the owner was not there? I did not have a working cell. And could not check emails. Eventually, we just got the cab and went out. We got out and discovered we were on the sidewalk and the two men chatting out front were not who we were looking for, now about 10 minutes late.
We knew that we were meeting the owner's father. But then we also noticed that while we had an address of 2 Merikamasatu, there was a building 2B and 2C... so Michael walked up to the next building and there was Pauli, a gracious older gentleman, waiting and ready to show us our home. All that fretting for naught. The place is in fact even nicer than hoped, and within walking distance of two markets, the harbor, Uspenski Cathedral, the Market, and the Esplanade, and in short, it's perfect!
Our building and others share a common courtyard, and playground as well as recycling area, and the tram is just outside the door. And perhaps most importantly, we have our own sauna!
After powering down for a couple hours, and showering, we headed out to the market to buy some essentials for breakfast and a snack. And the adventures began. We wanted skim milk. I found milk that was 1% maito, which I assumed was 1% milk. But then how to know, of the other two options which was whole milk and which was not. Mystery solved by reading the nutritional box and figuring out fat content. We decided to get some rolls for breakfast and later discovered they were actually meat pies. But we found yummy yogurt and cheese and grapes, and stevia for my coffee, and what Michael thought was sugar for his.
This morning's discovery is that he really bought something like cream of wheat. If you are on FB you can see the humorous surprise photos.
Yesterday afternoon we walked through the harbor market, with its requisite souvenir sellers and food vendors including places serving up hot food mainly comprised of "Fish from Lapland!" which apparently is a big deal. We watched the cruise ships with tourists to and from Sweden and Russia. And grabbed cappuccino at Signora's, which is a tiny Italian coffeeshop, selling not only coffee but Italian culinary items, ranging from "real" pasta and sauces to a variety of jarred fruits and preserves and treats preserved in limoncello. We are a bit of an oddity, the American family on holiday in Helsinki in May. So we have great conversations about the Finnish economy, and the grousing about how, without the Russians plowing 3 million euro in touism and business, the Finns would be in the tank. And how Russian is replacing Swedish as the second language to Finnish and English. Which of course thrills our Russian student, Alex.
We were blessed with warmer and sunnier weather than anticipated. So we took advantage of the chance to saunter around. We made plans for a nice restaurant the first night and decided on Kareli which was celebrating Asparagus weeks, and also had a varied and interesting menu. We are here for the white asparagus time. I had some grilled as a starter but decided not to have the all asparagus prix fixe menu. Everyone is very helpful and proud to share suggestions about places to visit and how to get there.
Up today is a visit from Elise who I met in seminary. It makes me look so continental to my kids that I "know" someone in Finland.
Tomorrow we plan to attend church and then take the boat out to Suomelinna, and tour the island and fortress. Also on our list are  taking the bus out to Porvoo, and possibly the ferry to Tallinn, Estonia. But then again the circus is in town, and that sounds intriguing.
All in all, it has been 30 years since I have been here, but navigating is not as hard as I expected even for this old brain. More to follow!

Come-Be at Home Together

Grace and peace to you, my sisters and brothers in Christ, and I bring you greetings from Holy Spirit Lutheran, your fellow members of the Reading Lutheran Parish at 4^th and Windsor. My name is Pastor Carolyn and the first thing I want to share with you is that I am not “from here.” In fact we were joking before worship as someone asked me that exact question. It’s one of the ways we all start conversation with someone new. Are you “from here?” I am not. Most obviously because I am not your pastor here at Nativity. And in fact I have only been at Holy Spirit for 21 months. But I am also not from Reading, or even Berks County. And though I came here from Lancaster County, I learned that even though I lived there for 24 years that is not quite long enough to be from there either. In fact I have lived in three different states, and at about 15 addresses, and to be honest I am not sure where I would say I am from. All of our readings today lift up some aspect of the concept of “home.” For almost two years now, I can tell you that I consider Reading to be my home. We have been settling in to a new house, and a new neighborhood and settling in at the church, and as this has been happening in this part of our journey together, I am reminded of a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. He was speaking to a group of high school students over 50 years ago as they were about to embark on the next part of their journeys, and trying to figure out how they fit into a changing world, and he said, “ We may all have come here on different ships, but we are in the same boat now. “  We are in the same boat now.

I think that not only could be said about our journeys, but also about the part of the Book of Acts we are catching up with today which begins, ironically with a ship story and a journey. Paul and his companions have been traveling around the Mediterranean, and while they have some ideas where they want to go, sometimes God redirects them. Traveling into parts of the world where seaports draw together people from lots of different places, and a mixing of ideas as well as trade. Many people drawn to a particular place from a variety of backgrounds and on journeys. The journey of the earliest followers continuing almost as incredibly as it began, when Jesus said, “Come, follow me.” Now in this chapter, Paul has a dream of a man saying, “Come, help us.” And on the strength of that alone, and very little concrete stuff, they embark upon a several days’ journey. And led by the Spirit, they encounter Lydia and her household and they baptize them.

And in baptism, though they have come on different ships, they are in the same boat now. And so it is for us. We are in the same boat, together with Christ in the power and work of the cross and in our baptism. Even your architecture reminds you- if you look up at those exposed beams that curve like the upended shape of a ship. We are in the boat together. And we as the churches of the Reading Lutheran Parish have been partnering together for a very long time. Recently the leaders of the churches here in the city met to ask the question where God is sending us together now? How can we continue to provide a strong Lutheran witness now? What ministries for the sake of the gospel should we undertake? As a part of that discernment, we are now creating a separate nonprofit group called Reading Lutheran Parish which will allow us to more effectively work together in shared ministries in addition to the ministries we undertake as individual congregations. It is another step in the journey. And in some ways this is already what we do. In fact, Nativity already plays a vital role in a ministry of Holy Spirit. Some of you may know, but others may not. Holy Spirit runs an afterschool program called the Doves Nest, three days a week during the school year in which we provide a meal afterschool, as well as homework and literacy tutoring, and other activities. Most of our food comes from the Food Bank, but on occasion we suspend that food because a yummy meal is provided by some of you here at Nativity. We always look forward to it and it is a real blessing! I want to share my thanks for your hospitality and your gift to others for the sake of the gospel. Everyone knows a home-cooked meal is best!

And today we are sharing in this Pastor Exchange with a chance to worship and share together. And I thank you for your hospitality to me today- pretty much a stranger-graciously receiving me, and providing assistance, a drink of cool water, and directions to the bathroom. Simple but gracious hospitality.  We really are in the boat together.

But as easily as I can say that, and it sounds wonderful, the truth is that sometimes we don’t want to be in the boat together. If you have ever been on the “too long vacation” or had the guests that stayed too long, you know. We know who we are supposed to be, but by nature we want our own space. Even Paul feels that way- Lydia’s invitation was not welcomed at first. Paul and his companions were kind of like, “No, that’s OK.” But she insisted. Just as the Spirit at work in Paul drives him to these new places, at the same time the Spirit at work in Lydia brings this surge of hospitality as she invites them to Come- Come to my house. And finally they give in.

And here is where I think that the Book of Acts gives us some useful lessons for our journey. Lydia’s invitation is more than “come to my house.” She is speaking about relationship. She’s saying- Come be at home.  In baptism we are in a new relationship. She is living that belief. Once my family and I were on one of those “too long” vacations to Prince Edward Island. Partway through we stayed at a bed and breakfast in farm country. And the owner had offered to make us dinner, pointing out that places to eat were few and far between. We reluctantly decided to say yes, and expected a simple meal. But he went out of his way- going to the dock for a bushel of fresh mussels, and to the next farm over for fresh dug potatoes, and to another friend for fresh wild blueberries to make a blueberry crisp. It was overwhelming hospitality for the couple days. But by the time we left we had this sense of belonging. We were changed. It felt like home.

Lydia’s hospitality to basically total strangers is an invitation to be “at home” together. It is a deepening of relationship through the Spirit. In baptism they and we are on a journey, but at the same time we are invited and empowered by the Spirit to be “at home” together. In Christ and with each other. It is a deeper understanding of “home.”  We who believe that Christ is with us, are empowered to live into the notion that while we are on a journey, we are at home because “home” is wherever God calls us and wherever God finds us. *

As we continue on together as the Reading Lutheran Parish and in our congregations, I pray that God will continue to draw us deeper into the notion of being “at home” in Christ together. AMEN.

* Thanks to Dr Kristin Johnston Largen for her work on the concept of "home" and being at home in the world published in the Spring 2013 Seminary Ridge Review of Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary!

 

The Table is getting bigger

As we did last year, we again gathered this year during Lent for an evening meal fellowship on Wednesday nights. Not very creatively named “Table Church.” Simple and it’s what we do. We gather at 6 with the idea of “bring a munchie, bring a friend.” To gather for the meal, fellowship, discussion and prayer all shared around the table. Last year we had 6 people the first week but had 20 by the end of Lent. And we talked about continuing a mid-week evening gathering but for slot of reasons we never really got there. This year we again gathered during Lent and our focus was prayer.

We gather and use an opening litany that is in some ways informed by the practice of St Lydia’s in New York, but is clearly our version. Each week I move tables into the shape of a cross and put out simple fabric table covers. Some are things I have found in our church where nothing was ever thrown away. Some came from the fabric wholesaler where one of our participants works. And I also have some mirror tiles upon which we will place tealight candles. There is a cross in the center and bread on the table. As I am setting the space I pray for the gathering and those who have been coming, and those the Spirit may decide in her wisdom to send.

As people come, some of those present hand out candles, or copies of our one page worship guide. We gather to change our hearts and minds and to recognize God’s presence and we admit those times we’ve been too busy or self focused to be who God desires. Sometimes we sing. Sometimes we don’t. But then we bless our bread and share the body of Christ. And we have a wine steward and grape juice steward who serve after which we bless our drink as the blood of Christ for us. Then we eat! Some weeks we have way too much food. Some weeks we have just enough. And we have to remember that the really tasty thing we ate must wait until everyone else had a chance.

That can be hard. Because unlike last year when our table mates were pretty much our insiders, this year, our table mates are a lot of kids and new faces from the neighborhood. And some are here for a week, some for the long haul. And some are really hungry, others have a sense of food insecurity. And life insecurity. And some people are lonely and hungry for people time.

Over the weeks of Lent I focused our time around prayer having just read the book “Help, Thanks, Wow” by Anne Lamott. For an intergenerational gathering where people come from many levels of connection to faith, it seemed that demystifying what we call one of the Lenten disciplines could help all of us.

Each week I read a snippet from Anne’s book and offered a little reflection and then we broke into groups. Those who wanted to do an interactive thing, and those who wanted to chat. Our interactive time would be spent in an arty way. One week when we talked about how we ask God for help, I talked about how hard it can be to then let go of our worry and let God handle it. We made God boxes. Cigar boxes decorated with tissue paper, or decals, glitter, paint-whatever spoke to you. And we talked about putting our prayers in the box. The kids had a great time and a couple weeks later a couple told me they are really using them. J

The week we talked about thanks we then dipped fingers in water and made the sign of the cross on our neighbor telling him or her “ you are a child of God.”

The week we talked about “wow!” a couple people brought things to share that showed their “wow” and their art taught us.

The next week we made Busted Crosses. Hollowed out wooden cross forms that people could decorate with markers and then hot glue repurposed stain glass pieces and shattered CD pieces and make a sort of mosaic. We talked about how though we can feel broken, God makes us a new creation in the cross. And even though we may not think it is possible, beautiful things happen. In us.

During Holy Week we put together the items for personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief that the congregation gathered. Our goal had been 12 but we made 28 and have other supplies to share with those in need here. Including some of our own. And we thought about what it means to say Amen-may it be so-to our prayers.

All of our interactive things show that no matter how old our hands are, they can work and teach together.

The other part of each week was to close with prayer. First we wrote our prayers and I prayed them. Then we wrote our prayers and each person prayed their own. Then we tried just saying our prayers out loud around the table and letting the next person know it was their turn. I have begun gathering the written prayers if people allow and have turned a bulletin board by our tables into a prayer wall. Other people in the church are starting to notice it.

There is a chaotic-ness but also a grace. And at the end of Lent I was curious as to who was coming because it was Lent, and who came because it was Wednesday, and who wanted to keep coming. Of the 24 there, half said they wanted to go on. So we did. And I expected about 12 last nite. But I put out a new sign “Candy Gone? Christ is still risen-meal prayer 6:00” Then I watched.

The kids and young adults and our other neighbors came and we had 26! I actually worried about food but it worked out. I had decided we would talk about those early Christians and the challenge of making disciples. Of getting beyond fear. But really instead, while I ended up saying that, I talked about growing pains. People of all kinds having to find a way to get together and share and learn and build relationships.  As literally, people were elbow to elbow, and we had added an extra table, and one girl was getting hung up on the table cloth and every time she got up her friends were telling her to stop pulling their stuff away. And someone else discovered that all the meat stuff had pork and he doesn’t like pork, and someone took that deviled egg you wanted, and why are we out of juice and now there is only water? And I wanted to light the candles…and we could chuckle and see ourselves in the book of Acts or in those famous words in Corinthians.

And some of us worked at planting a tomato planter with one of our people who is a retired horticulturalist. And we talked about tending a small area where we hope to grow a little of our own food. Others played “Two truths and a lie” and shared what they learned about each other. And we prayed and got a sweet treat or leftover Easter candy for the road.

And in the end as people are making sure we have it next week, which makes my heart smile, I wonder. Just what is God up to? And I am not sure I need to know. I just need to keep praying and showing up. And whether it is here for a season or good, it is what God wants.

But next week, God, can you send some chicken? I know a few people are praying for that, at least inside.

 

Remember-Listening for Alleluia

Alleluia! Christ is risen! Remember.

Remembering is a complicated thing. For one man who’d been a colonel in the Air Force, his inability in later life to remember made him agitated and confused. Most days he believed he was flying planes again. It had nothing to do with reality. But as soon as it was time for communion and The Lord’s Prayer, he stopped, smiled and knew all the words. For a moment something changed. Somewhere buried deep inside was faith and joy in a moment with the risen Christ. Remember.

We all have things we remember. Especially when it comes to holidays and loved ones. As soon as someone says “Easter” you think of it- a certain candy, a meal, a particular decoration. It’s not Easter without it. For my mother in law, it’s those marshmallow Peeps. And Easter baskets. She’ll have a basket for each of the kids even though some are in their 20’s. And there are crocheted plastic egg covers that look like chickens. Made by her mother who is dead for quite some time. Even though there are no little ones looking for eggs as soon as we walk in someone will look up on the mantel to see them lined up. And for a moment I’ll remember Steffy. Until next Easter. It isn’t really the same without Steffy and the tradition is a little hollow.

The paper ran a question about what tradition people are looking forward to this Easter. Only one person mentioned Church. She said she looked forward to dinner after her son’s family came from church. But church is just a scheduled social event that happens. Easter is just a day. Our traditions, while we have them they don’t always change the things that leave us perplexed or confused in this world And we follow the traditions out of devotion even if they don’t have a lot of meaning for us. Or little to offer our reality. The women who went to the tomb knowing what to expect and going out of devotion to tradition. To do the expected even if they didn’t really want to. They went expecting to see something particular.

To be reminded what was dead and past. But then they arrive and are confronted by something altogether different. The tomb is open and there is no body. And they are greeted by the Messengers. They’re terrified, and fearful, and perplexed, perhaps expecting words of “I am so sorry” or “don’t worry.” Instead they are given a whole new perspective-remember. Not a word of lecture, but an invitation to step out of the tomb.

Remember what Jesus said. Buried inside you is what will allow you to respond in faith and give strength for living. Those words were not just something in the past. It’s not just a day, it is a different reality. This is the good news! Christ promised to conquer death and rise! And He has! This changes everything!

When our lives feel like cold dark places, or we feel trapped and wish someone would roll away the stone and free us, or we’ re afraid, or perplexed, or grieving, we look for something more than a memory or a cliché. We want something that changes everything. But just like those first believers we will need each other to see it. And to remember. That is the reason I handed out bells today. To ring when we hear “alleluia” because sometimes we need help to remember. To see glimpses of the risen Christ in our midst and to listen for the alleluia … there it goes.

Because when we see and hear and share it helps all of us remember there really is a new reality. It strengthens the faith we’ve been given. We cannot experience that alone. We all see it differently and even gradually. Notice today in the gospel for example, the women don’t see Jesus. They saw an empty tomb and heard an invitation into more. They left with words and a growing faith. Continuing to grow as together they walked, and saw and heard, remembering. Little by little they came to a new understanding. It dawned upon them as they remembered and then began to grasp that Christ is risen and a whole new possibility is before them! And no matter who they’ve been, Christ is risen and there is nothing that stops that reality.

We know our world’s reality happens every day. To rise above it we need our faith every day as well. Otherwise while Christ is risen and that changes everything, it is possible for us to miss out on the joy and the promise and never really leave all that other stuff behind. So remember. Step out of the tomb and be changed!

We are all here for a lot of reasons. But today I want to give an invitation-If coming here feels like paying a visit to the cemetery; if this is only a place that reminds you of history; If this is a just a day of social obligations or tradition, or just a moment that is the prelude to dinner and candy: I invite you- to step out of that tomb and remember Jesus’ words.

Because if we leave here without a sense of the living, our faith will wither as fast as these lilies. I doubt that’s what we came looking for. I know it is not what God desires. God wants to Easter us-change us. Bring new life. Restore us. Show us what real love looks like. Give us what we need for the roads we travel every day not just one hour this day. The real reason to be here and keep journeying together is …..we believe that the empty tomb reveals that the cross changes everything. That Christ victorious for us and with us is powerful and God’s love is real. But we need to keep coming, seeing, listening and sharing. Isn’t it there are so many here today?

Don’t put Jesus away with the plastic eggs until next year. Come again next week and share as we remember together the power of what Christ has begun. Take the journey with us as we leave the tomb behind, listen for alleluia, and celebrate the risen Christ.

It’s not a lecture. It’s an invitation to remember and believe.

Because everything really has changed. Alleluia!!