June 22, 2011 at 12:30 p.m.
Pentagon Chapel – Episcopal Community
The Commemoration of St. Alban
First Martyr of Britain
1 John 3:13-16
Psalm 34:1-8
Matthew 10:34-42
Psalm 34.8
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; *
happy are they who trust in him!”
As a boy growing up in Western North Carolina I would occasionally hear my elders talk about a person or persons who perhaps consumed a bit too much alcohol. About those persons it would be said: “For some people, once they get a taste of it, that’s all it takes. It’ll never let you go, and you’ll never let it go.”
Apparently, when it came to Jesus, that is all it took for Alban, thought to be the first recorded martyr of Britain. Alban lived in Britain during the 2nd and 3rd century Roman persecution in that land. He first appears in the annals of history as a soldier, something Alban has in common with many of you. It is written that Alban the soldier befriended a fleeing Christian priest in his home. After a time of conversation with this priest, we don’t know how long, Alban decided to take the Christian faith as his own and be a follower of Jesus. But alas, Alban was only able to live out his newfound Christian vocation for a short time because before long Roman authorities came knocking at his door in search of the priest. As a way of protecting the priest, Alban dressed himself in the garments of the priest. It is not too difficult to imagine the rest of the story. However, there was a memorable twist to this story. According to the Venerable Bede, ecclesiastical historian, at the trial there was quite a conversation between the judge and Alban:
Judge: “What is your family and your race?”
Alban: “How does my family concern you? If you wish to know the truth about my religion, know that I am a Christian and am ready to do a Christian’s duty. I worship and adore the living and true God, who created all things.”
The end of the story is predictable. Alban was tortured and executed in place of priest.
The story of Alban is a story about cost-counting: what does it cost you today to be a Christ-follower?
In the book of I John, from which we have a reading today, there is found a pointed directive, if you will, a commandment to us: “Believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another (3.23).” In that same book and chapter we also read about what pleases God: “(that we will engage in)… laying down our lives for one another (3.16).”
That’s what it means to be Christian. No more, no less.
Our world is in desperate need of Christians who put love into action and make it real. Like customers looking for a good slice of apple pie or a simple, solid, small car, there are people all around us who are searching desperately for a community of people who actually practice what they preach.
Over 100 years ago, the Danish Christian philosopher Søren Kierkegaard made the point that Jesus was looking for followers, not admirers — he wanted people who would walk with him, do his work, and serve in his name – even to the point of personal sacrifice!
One of Kierkegaard’s own parables told of a man who was walking down a city street when he saw a big sign in a window that said, “Pants pressed here.” Delighted to see the sign, he went home and gathered up all of his wrinkled laundry. He carried it into the shop and put it on the counter.
“What are you doing?” the shopkeeper demanded.
“I brought my clothes here to be pressed,” said the man, “just like your sign said.”
“Oh, you’ve got it all wrong,” the owner said. “We’re in the business of making signs, and that is a sample of our work. We don’t actually do that here.” We don’t do these things, he was saying. We just talk about them.
And that, said Søren Kierkegaard, is often the problem with people of faith. We affirm to others that we want to show Christ’s love and do Christ’s work. But often when people come to us looking for real love and real Christian action, they don’t see it. “Oh, no, we don’t love people... We just talk about loving people here.”
Being Christian, taking that name upon ourselves and living out our baptismal vows, is to do what Jesus wants us to do and to do it incredibly well. This means helping a sister or brother in need, and loving one another in truth and in action. Being Christian is to be focused upon actions that really show the love of God to people who might be feeling quite unloved and unlovable. Just as business leaders today need to get back in touch with the true value that they offer their customers, Christ-followers need to reconnect with the valuable gifts that we can offer the world around us.
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; *
happy are they who trust in him!” (Psalm 34.8)
For some people, once they get a taste of it, that’s all it takes. It’ll never let you go, and you’ll never let it go. AMEN.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Major Daniel J. Knaup receives the Bronze Star Medal
Major Knaup received the Bronze Star for service from July 10, 2010 to June 1, 2011, “for exceptionally meritorious service while serving as the 643rd Regional Support Group and the Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Base Chaplain in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His dedication to duty and selfless service enhanced operational support and ensured mission accomplishment during the unit’s support of combat operations in Afghanistan. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Joint Sustainment Command – Afghanistan and the United States Army.”
Major Knaup was also awarded the Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for service with NATO in relation to the ISAF Operation, and the Combat Action Badge for being “personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy.”
Major Knaup was also awarded the Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for service with NATO in relation to the ISAF Operation, and the Combat Action Badge for being “personally present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy.”
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Summer Guest Period Accommodations at Kanuga Conferences in North Carolina
Through the gracious generosity of the Kanuga Conferences Director and Board of Directors the chaplains and families of this episcopacy have been offered no-cost accommodations during the Summer Guest Week periods (http://www.kanuga.org/guestperiods/index.asp). Kanuga Conferences is an Episcopal conference and camp center in the mountains of Western North Carolina just outside of Hendersonville, NC. Currently there are accommodations available for the weeks of August 13-20 and August 20-26. The accommodations will include lodging and meals for families or individuals. Though preference will be given to chaplains who have returned from overseas deployments within the last 12 months, the remainder of the bookings will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. If you need assistance with transportation to and from Kanuga, please let me know so that provisions can be made. I hope that many of you are able to take advantage of this marvelous offering from Kanuga.
Please email mmount@episcopalchurch.org or call the office at 202-459-9998 if you are interested.
Bishop Jay
Please email mmount@episcopalchurch.org or call the office at 202-459-9998 if you are interested.
Bishop Jay
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Pastoral Guidance from the Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Services and Federal Ministries
DADT Implementation Guidance for Clergy of The Episcopal Church Serving as Chaplains Within the Armed Services and Federal Ministries Episcopacy
May 9, 2011
From the perspective of our ministry to the men and women of the Armed Services, I recognize that as the military components of the Department of Defense commence the repeal of existing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, there will be questions that relate to my expectations for the clergy of this episcopacy. I believe that some of these questions will have application to the other federal entities you serve: the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Therefore, I offer the following guidance in hope that it will assist you as you exercise the cure of souls within the context of your understanding of the Christian Gospel and of your ordination vows.
1. It is my expectation that all service members and their entitled family members will be treated with respect and dignity, and will be given excellent pastoral care by the clergy of this episcopacy. In any instance when for some reason a chaplain of this episcopacy cannot provide pastoral care for a service member and/or entitled members of the service member’s family, that chaplain is strongly encouraged to identify another chaplain or other appropriate resource to meet their needs.
2. At this time The Episcopal Church does not endorse or provide liturgical resources for marriage between persons of the same gender. However, should a chaplain of this episcopacy choose to bless the union of same gender persons, that liturgical action will be a matter of conscience for the chaplain. I neither expect our chaplains to bless nor refuse to bless a same gender union. Once again, that is a matter of the chaplain’s conscience. In those cases when out of conscience a chaplain of this episcopacy should choose not to offer such a blessing, I expect that chaplain will exercise reasonable effort to find a suitable alternative for the service member and/or entitled members of the service member’s family.
4. If a chaplain of this episcopacy at any time feels pressured to either perform or refuse to perform personal services for gay or lesbian service members and/or entitled members of the service member’s family, the chaplain should get in touch with me as soon as possible for pastoral advice.
I am committed to support and maintain your acts of conscience as you care for the men and women for whom you are responsible. My daily prayer for you is that the living Lord whom we worship will sustain you as we make this crucial transition to repeal DADT policy. Furthermore, I am assured that the contributions of your excellent spiritual leadership will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of the people you serve.
+ The Rt. Rev. James B. Magness, D.Min.
Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Services and Federal Ministries
May 9, 2011
From the perspective of our ministry to the men and women of the Armed Services, I recognize that as the military components of the Department of Defense commence the repeal of existing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, there will be questions that relate to my expectations for the clergy of this episcopacy. I believe that some of these questions will have application to the other federal entities you serve: the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Therefore, I offer the following guidance in hope that it will assist you as you exercise the cure of souls within the context of your understanding of the Christian Gospel and of your ordination vows.
1. It is my expectation that all service members and their entitled family members will be treated with respect and dignity, and will be given excellent pastoral care by the clergy of this episcopacy. In any instance when for some reason a chaplain of this episcopacy cannot provide pastoral care for a service member and/or entitled members of the service member’s family, that chaplain is strongly encouraged to identify another chaplain or other appropriate resource to meet their needs.
2. At this time The Episcopal Church does not endorse or provide liturgical resources for marriage between persons of the same gender. However, should a chaplain of this episcopacy choose to bless the union of same gender persons, that liturgical action will be a matter of conscience for the chaplain. I neither expect our chaplains to bless nor refuse to bless a same gender union. Once again, that is a matter of the chaplain’s conscience. In those cases when out of conscience a chaplain of this episcopacy should choose not to offer such a blessing, I expect that chaplain will exercise reasonable effort to find a suitable alternative for the service member and/or entitled members of the service member’s family.
4. If a chaplain of this episcopacy at any time feels pressured to either perform or refuse to perform personal services for gay or lesbian service members and/or entitled members of the service member’s family, the chaplain should get in touch with me as soon as possible for pastoral advice.
I am committed to support and maintain your acts of conscience as you care for the men and women for whom you are responsible. My daily prayer for you is that the living Lord whom we worship will sustain you as we make this crucial transition to repeal DADT policy. Furthermore, I am assured that the contributions of your excellent spiritual leadership will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of the people you serve.
+ The Rt. Rev. James B. Magness, D.Min.
Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Services and Federal Ministries
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
A Good Friday Pastoral Meditation
To the Federal Ministries Episcopacy of
The Episcopal Church
April 22, 2011
The Rt. Rev. James B. Magness
As we hear the old story of our Lord’s death upon a cross, we are challenged to enter into the journey with Jesus that will enable us to experience the richness of a background story of contrasts, both in the 1st Century and in the 21st Century.
Good Friday is set in the middle of the Triduum Sacrum between Maundy Thursday and Easter. Good Friday is the anchor that gives substance to our faith. There is a seamless transition from the barrenness and impending sadness of Maundy Thursday to the desolation and depression of Good Friday. According to the late Richard John Neuhaus, Good Friday “…is the drama of love by which our every day is sustained by the events of the first century.”
Good Friday, in earlier times known as God’s Friday or as Good bye Friday, is the short season of a journey onto which we are all bid to go. The faithful journeyers are challenged to say good-bye to their Lord and enter into the mysteries of God’s gift for us in the cross. Yet, our human temptation is to either hang back in the subdued glories of Maundy Thursday or to race ahead to the festival glories of Easter. Tarry, pause and linger with the events and experiences of this second day.
Good Friday may best be understood as a pilgrim’s journey into which we allow ourselves to be drawn. In the journey the pilgrim has all the possibilities of coming face-to-face with the mystery and wonder of our Lord Jesus’ sacrifice.
A primary component of the journey is that of loss. What do Jesus’ death and the story of Good Friday have to do with me? How do these events relate to, if at all, our own struggle with life and death? The old and often forgotten proverb, “You never know what you have until you risk losing it,” is nowhere more true than with Jesus and his church on Good Friday. Not too many days ago my heart was intentionally stopped for nearly an hour during open heart surgery. Of course I was under the effects of general anesthesia and did know when or how this heart stoppage occurred. Yet, during my recovery my thoughts frequently have gone back to the thought that had my heart not been successfully re-started, my life, as I had known it for over 60 years, could have come to an end. On Good Friday we are challenged to know what the implications are for the loss of what we have in life.
In company with the idea of loss, the 1st Century Good Friday story is beset with contrasts: contrasts between those who had political power, money, and influence with those who did not. The contrasts of Good Friday are between those who have religious power and those who have authentic spiritual depth. The religious leaders, chief priests, scribes, and elders, are determined that their religious power will not be undermined. After a not-so-kosher Jewish trial under the cover of darkness that flouted Jewish law, through an execution fit for the most despicable persons of society, Jesus’ life, as he had known it, was brought to a violent end. Yet even then, many began to realize that something was different about this Jesus; that he was not just another revolutionary religious leader. Jesus, speaking out of the spiritual depth that grew out of His deep ties and connections with his heavenly father, merely exclaimed, “‘…Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’”
Jesus bears witness to a different measure of a person’s life. Jesus measures greatness not by power or influence, but by service and sacrifice. Jesus, you will remember, is the one who identified with the weakness of a child and with a poor woman who gives him a cold cup of water. These people are not, in our way of thinking powerful. As a matter of fact, they are vulnerable.
So, in the end who will win: the rich or the poor? the powerful or weak? the Christian, Jew, Muslim or Hindu? The Good Friday message calls the pilgrim on a journey to start with a new answer to the question. None of these actually can win. The striking irony of Good Friday is that through God’s willingness to sacrifice his Son for us, God’s love has won. Today LOVE WINS!
The Episcopal Church
April 22, 2011
The Rt. Rev. James B. Magness
As we hear the old story of our Lord’s death upon a cross, we are challenged to enter into the journey with Jesus that will enable us to experience the richness of a background story of contrasts, both in the 1st Century and in the 21st Century.
Good Friday is set in the middle of the Triduum Sacrum between Maundy Thursday and Easter. Good Friday is the anchor that gives substance to our faith. There is a seamless transition from the barrenness and impending sadness of Maundy Thursday to the desolation and depression of Good Friday. According to the late Richard John Neuhaus, Good Friday “…is the drama of love by which our every day is sustained by the events of the first century.”
Good Friday, in earlier times known as God’s Friday or as Good bye Friday, is the short season of a journey onto which we are all bid to go. The faithful journeyers are challenged to say good-bye to their Lord and enter into the mysteries of God’s gift for us in the cross. Yet, our human temptation is to either hang back in the subdued glories of Maundy Thursday or to race ahead to the festival glories of Easter. Tarry, pause and linger with the events and experiences of this second day.
Good Friday may best be understood as a pilgrim’s journey into which we allow ourselves to be drawn. In the journey the pilgrim has all the possibilities of coming face-to-face with the mystery and wonder of our Lord Jesus’ sacrifice.
A primary component of the journey is that of loss. What do Jesus’ death and the story of Good Friday have to do with me? How do these events relate to, if at all, our own struggle with life and death? The old and often forgotten proverb, “You never know what you have until you risk losing it,” is nowhere more true than with Jesus and his church on Good Friday. Not too many days ago my heart was intentionally stopped for nearly an hour during open heart surgery. Of course I was under the effects of general anesthesia and did know when or how this heart stoppage occurred. Yet, during my recovery my thoughts frequently have gone back to the thought that had my heart not been successfully re-started, my life, as I had known it for over 60 years, could have come to an end. On Good Friday we are challenged to know what the implications are for the loss of what we have in life.
In company with the idea of loss, the 1st Century Good Friday story is beset with contrasts: contrasts between those who had political power, money, and influence with those who did not. The contrasts of Good Friday are between those who have religious power and those who have authentic spiritual depth. The religious leaders, chief priests, scribes, and elders, are determined that their religious power will not be undermined. After a not-so-kosher Jewish trial under the cover of darkness that flouted Jewish law, through an execution fit for the most despicable persons of society, Jesus’ life, as he had known it, was brought to a violent end. Yet even then, many began to realize that something was different about this Jesus; that he was not just another revolutionary religious leader. Jesus, speaking out of the spiritual depth that grew out of His deep ties and connections with his heavenly father, merely exclaimed, “‘…Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’”
Jesus bears witness to a different measure of a person’s life. Jesus measures greatness not by power or influence, but by service and sacrifice. Jesus, you will remember, is the one who identified with the weakness of a child and with a poor woman who gives him a cold cup of water. These people are not, in our way of thinking powerful. As a matter of fact, they are vulnerable.
So, in the end who will win: the rich or the poor? the powerful or weak? the Christian, Jew, Muslim or Hindu? The Good Friday message calls the pilgrim on a journey to start with a new answer to the question. None of these actually can win. The striking irony of Good Friday is that through God’s willingness to sacrifice his Son for us, God’s love has won. Today LOVE WINS!
Friday, April 15, 2011
DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR CHAPLAINS CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
If you haven't yet registered for the Chaplains' Conference May 2-6 at the Roslyn Center in Richmond VA, there is one more week to do so. Please visit our webpage at www.episcopalchurch.org/federalministries or go to https://www.signup4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=FEDE26E. Please call the office if you have any questions or need assistance.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Military Family Appreciation Week: Serving Those Who Stand And Wait
Posted: 04/13/11 06:50 PM ET
The English poet, John Milton, in a poem entitled, "On His Blindness," says, "They also serve who only stand and wait." It is no stretch to think of the families of military service personnel standing, waiting, and serving. The service of military family members, their sacrifices and service on behalf of the nation however, is seldom seen and little acknowledged.
Having served a full military career as a U.S. Navy Chaplain, I have seen, served and cared for those who stand and wait for loved ones. I have seen spouses, children, parents, grand-parents, siblings and other family members standing on cold piers in the early morning hours to bid farewell to Sailors and Marines departing for a protracted deployment, and my own family has been among those waving teary-eyed goodbyes as our ship left port. The families of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen have all stood and waited while their service members did the hard work of defending the nation and protecting the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
The stress and strain of the current operational tempo of our military service members has exacted a high cost from our military families. Multiple deployments into harm's way; regular cycles of changes in duty stations; and lack of outside employment opportunities have pushed military families to, and in some instances beyond, the breaking point.
The United States Army has created specific programs to deal with these stresses. Family Life Chaplains are given two years of study and 500 hours of counseling with families to train and equip them to help families deal constructively with the pressures of today's military life. Parenting skills, marriage enrichment and healthy family lifestyles are just some of the areas of emphasis provided under a $160 million program entitled, "Strong Bonds Program" sponsored by the Army Chief of Chaplains.
A current active duty military chaplain told me in a recent conversation, "There is nothing mysterious about caring for military families. All you have to do is love them." Another chaplain said, "Pastoral Care is not rocket science, but it is intentional." Military families are well cared for by military chaplains working side-by-side with health care professionals, social service experts, command sponsored Family Readiness Support Assistants and others.
The recently announced White House initiative, "Joining Forces," to honor military families and to provide much needed support in the areas of education, health, employment and business is a welcome expression of caring for military families and is being well received by them.
We would all do well to remember Milton's words as we think of our military families, "They also serve who only stand and wait."
This story is part of Military Families Week, an effort by HuffPost and AOL to put a spotlight on issues affecting America's families who serve. Find more at jobs.aol.com/militaryfamilies and aol.com.
The English poet, John Milton, in a poem entitled, "On His Blindness," says, "They also serve who only stand and wait." It is no stretch to think of the families of military service personnel standing, waiting, and serving. The service of military family members, their sacrifices and service on behalf of the nation however, is seldom seen and little acknowledged.
Having served a full military career as a U.S. Navy Chaplain, I have seen, served and cared for those who stand and wait for loved ones. I have seen spouses, children, parents, grand-parents, siblings and other family members standing on cold piers in the early morning hours to bid farewell to Sailors and Marines departing for a protracted deployment, and my own family has been among those waving teary-eyed goodbyes as our ship left port. The families of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen have all stood and waited while their service members did the hard work of defending the nation and protecting the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
The stress and strain of the current operational tempo of our military service members has exacted a high cost from our military families. Multiple deployments into harm's way; regular cycles of changes in duty stations; and lack of outside employment opportunities have pushed military families to, and in some instances beyond, the breaking point.
The United States Army has created specific programs to deal with these stresses. Family Life Chaplains are given two years of study and 500 hours of counseling with families to train and equip them to help families deal constructively with the pressures of today's military life. Parenting skills, marriage enrichment and healthy family lifestyles are just some of the areas of emphasis provided under a $160 million program entitled, "Strong Bonds Program" sponsored by the Army Chief of Chaplains.
A current active duty military chaplain told me in a recent conversation, "There is nothing mysterious about caring for military families. All you have to do is love them." Another chaplain said, "Pastoral Care is not rocket science, but it is intentional." Military families are well cared for by military chaplains working side-by-side with health care professionals, social service experts, command sponsored Family Readiness Support Assistants and others.
The recently announced White House initiative, "Joining Forces," to honor military families and to provide much needed support in the areas of education, health, employment and business is a welcome expression of caring for military families and is being well received by them.
We would all do well to remember Milton's words as we think of our military families, "They also serve who only stand and wait."
This story is part of Military Families Week, an effort by HuffPost and AOL to put a spotlight on issues affecting America's families who serve. Find more at jobs.aol.com/militaryfamilies and aol.com.
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