A FRESH VOICE - FR. ALONZO PRUITT
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NOT HOW OR WHY, BUT WHAT?
Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
still all my song shall be,
nearer, my God, to thee;
nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
-
1841 English hymn text by Sara Flower Adams
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Dear People of Ascension,
If the Christian “secret” is that every experience of crucifixion contains within the seeds of resurrection, one of those seeds for me is “not how or why, but what?” Admitting to consciousness the consideration of whether the pandemic began in an open air market or instead resulted from accidental or intentional laboratory release does little to help me manage my responses. Similarly, being preoccupied with when the shutdown will end is of little spiritual value. Assailing real and or imagined governmental incompetence feeds the part of me that grazes on the poison of blame, but again, makes me no nearer our God.
The question then is what am I doing to manifest gratitude? And I say gratitude because there is always something for which to be thankful. For all the blessings I once so blithely took for granted; for the fact that stores near me have food I can afford to purchase, and that I have a roof and not a viaduct or a refrigerator box over my head (situations confronting many who are no less loved by God.)
And what a gift to not be so busy (read self-absorbed) that I can now connect with people or projects for whom or which I once thought I didn’t have time. My prayer life rarely seems barren, but now, I have so many more things to talk with God about, and so much more reason to listen.
A confessor once told me that “
there are some questions that will not be answered until we see God face to face
.”
What I am doing in response to the latest but assuredly not the last tumult is critical. What disciplines of prayer, service, rest, reading, eating, and exercise suggest to whom I belong or whose voice I most hear?
And since I can’t do all things well, is there one thing I can focus on today or this week.
Yes, what?
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Alonzo
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The Rev. Canon Alonzo Pruitt, Assisting Priest
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Regarding the “New” “Regular” “Interim” Schedule
shown above and below ...
It’s “new”
because of added or amended features.
It’s “regular”
because it seems we may be sheltering in place longer than we first thought. Some week-to-week predictability may be helpful to many of us.
It’s an “interim” schedule
because, the interest in predictability notwithstanding, we may revise it in coming weeks in response to evolving needs and resources,
and
we all hope our virtual-only connections are 'interim' and won’t become permanent.
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Sundays
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A live-streamed mass at 9:00 a.m
. that may be viewed
at our Facebook page
will be the norm for at least the next few weeks. Some have asked about live-streaming on YouTube instead. We can’t do so unless/until we have 1000 subscribers—something to aim for!
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The Scripture reflection/discussion opportunity
at 10:25 a.m.
will be via Zoom. I’m facilitating this for now; my wife Brooke is also contributing. I sense that most or all of the dozen souls who took part this past Sunday found it meaningful. In case you’re curious: it’s OK to simply join us, observe and listen without actively taking part.
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The Virtual Coffee Hour at 11:00 a.m
. could be described as an Online Wheeler Hall. Just as we have differing motives for going to coffee hour at the church, and just as we may mostly observe or actively participate there, so it has been with our virtual coffee hour the past two weeks. It’s a free-for-all, but I do moderate and do my best to give everyone who shows up a chance to speak if they wish.
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Mondays-Thursdays
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Evening Prayer at 6:10 p.m. via Zoom.
My thanks to those who have climbed the learning curve to keep alive and share this ministry.
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Mondays
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My day off
isn’t included in the formal schedule shown, but during this time I aim to make Mondays a regular day off. I hope this may also become regular later on.
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Thursdays
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Conversations that Matter
is a trial balloon. I’ll choose a few topics that may be of interest and that have a plausible faith connection and welcome you to take part via Zoom at Noon. (Thanks, by the way, to my colleague Fr. Kevin Caruso, at Trinity, Wheaton, for the title.)
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Topic for Thursday, April 23:
“
Experiencing and wondering about loneliness and solitude
?”
This week we’ll explore and wonder about the distinctions, if any, between loneliness and solitude. The Henri Nouwen quote in today’s Last Word provides a good starting point, and at the end of today’s Last Word I’ll also share a few additional links for further exploration.
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We’ll keep this going if there’s adequate interest and positive responses.
I’ll also welcome other hosts and
your thoughts about topics
.
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"Zooming"
And if you'd like to 'Zoom' but don't know how
, or if you're having trouble with other social media connections-to-Ascension (including YouTube, Facebook or Instagram), Kelly Colomberti has offered to help! You'll need to know, however, how to send an email and be able to do so.
You may reach Kelly by email if you click here.
Mary Beth Hwang is presently navigating changes in Zoom protocols (twice this week) and may be another good resource.
TO RECAP ...
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Up Next Online
TODAY, April 22, 2020
Wednesday in Easter 2
Evening Prayer 6:10 p.m.
Low Mass 6:30 p.m.
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Sunday, April 26, 2020
The 3rd Sunday of Easter
per the schedule above
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O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Sharing Lunch, Sharing Blessings to meet via ZOOM
Welcome to the new format for our Wednesday meetings! Lunch---whatever seems tasty to you---is of your own devising. Make it ahead of time and join us for some casual conversation via Zoom. Sandwiches will be easiest to manage.
This new connection will begin on
Wednesday, April 29th at 12:15 p.m.
ALL ARE WELCOME to join this experiment and get reacquainted or newly acquainted!! We will converse until about 1:00.
I ask that everyone bring ONE item to the meeting for a type of "show and tell" sharing. This item should represent something new or something rediscovered that has given you a sense of personal/spiritual growth and awareness during this time. Books, of course, are a great choice (we will compile a list for future reference), but try to find something that is a little bit more unique, more you--and let us know why in 2-3 sentences.
Look for an announcement next Tuesday on the Ascension website (
www.ascensionchicago.org
) for a connecting link. I will also send email to our usual participants about getting set-up with Zoom.
With hopeful blessings,
Cheryl Peterson
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Please give generously as you are able.
Treasurer Susan Schlough has asked me to remind you of Ascension's ongoing expenses at this time. To the extent that you are able, payment on your pledges or the offering of Holy Day or other special gifts will be greatly appreciated. You may still write a check and mail it to the church, or online payment is possible through the buttons at various places on our website. Thank you!
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Please remember these people in your daily prayers
Charley Taylor, August 'Augie' Alonzo, Ted Long, Jim Berger, Ethel Martin, Yuka Asai, Dean Pineda, Carnola Malone, Charlene MacDougal, Jack Johnston, Patricia Johnston, Stewart Marks, Char Yurema, Canon Edgar Wells, Nicholas Carl, Joshua, Ellie, Carmen Castro, Mary Drell, Jim Lo Bello, Judy Cook, Steve Waltz, Lillian Alexander, Mary Lou Devens, Marty Stenson, Donna Neglia, David Jones, Helen Wilson
April Birthdays
Jay Peterson, 4/1; Victor Lofgreen, 4/4; Grace Raymond, 4/7; John Smolinski, 4/8; Caroline Feuer, 4/12; Shellayne Hedley, 4/17; DiAnne Walsh, 4/20; Joshua Heath, 4/20; David White, 4/21; Gary Alexander, 4/23; Jim Felton, 4/23; Gordon John Stanley BSG, 4/24; George Panice, 4/24; Charley Taylor, 4/25; Amber Zelazny, 4/26
During this time of transition
, the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Chicago asks for prayers for the church, our diocese, our clergy and lay leaders, our retiring bishop, and those who may be discerning a call to become the Thirteenth Bishop of Chicago.
P
rayers for the departed
All who have died due to complications of COVID-19; Terra (cousin of James Robinson)
Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord: and let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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Forward Day by Day
The May-June-July 2020 edition of Forward Day by Day has been delivered to the church. If you'd like to receive a copy at home, please send an email to
Br. Nathanael Rahm
(working remotely from his home) and we will figure out how to get it to you.
Next week: An update on recent church repairs
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All human beings are alone. No other person will completely feel like we do, think like we do, act like we do. Each of us is unique, and our aloneness is the other side of our uniqueness. The question is whether we let our aloneness become loneliness or whether we allow it to lead us into solitude. Loneliness is painful; solitude is peaceful. Loneliness makes us cling to others in desperation; solitude allows us to respect others in their uniqueness and create community.
Letting our aloneness grow into solitude and not into loneliness is a lifelong struggle. It requires conscious choices about whom to be with, what to study, how to pray, and when to ask for counsel. But wise choices will help us to find the solitude where our hearts can grow in love.
Henri Nouwen
If you wish to take part in tomorrow's 'Conversations That Matter' (see above), or if you are otherwise curious, here are some other writings on solitude and/or loneliness, some secular, some religious ...
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The Very Rev. Patrick Raymond,
Rector
Susan Schlough,
Treasurer
Br. Nathanael Deward Rahm BSG,
Parish Office
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