Thursday, July 18, 2013

Our Man in Havana


Christ Church, Exeter
July 18, 2013

Our Man in Havana

The phrase 'Our Man in Havana' conjures up for me images of the Cold War, Latin heat, and intrigue. Published in 1958, and later turned into a movie, Graham Greene's thriller evokes nostalgia as it offers a satirical way of looking at the world that never seems to get old.

Back in 1986 I was that imaginary man. I spent a year, mostly based out of Havana, working for the Episcopal Diocese of Cuba and attending classes at the seminary two hours away. The Episcopal Church's presence in Cuba goes back to the late 1800's when Americans began taking more of a commercial and political interest with the islands in the Caribbean. Before Fidel Castro took power, the Cuban Episcopal Church was a church of the middle class, with schools having been planted throughout the countryside by American missionaries. Though the government confiscated its schools, no churches were closed by the Revolution. Today the diocese is led by the Rt. Rev. Griselda Delgado Del Carpio, a native of Bolivia but who has lived in Cuba for over three decades.  

My son Will leaves for Cuba on Monday as a Young Adult Service Corps volunteer of the Episcopal Church. Though obviously new to Christ Church since April, you all are his official sending parish. Donations have been arriving from his supporters around the country into our parish office (thank you Lucia!) and then sent on to the Episcopal Church offices to fund his year.  

YASC is inspired in many ways by the Peace Corps.  YASCers are meant live simply, be hosted by local Episcopal dioceses, and use what skills and gifts they possess to further the work of the church.  Will will be assisting in the hosting of various groups visiting from other countries, as well as coordinating the communication of several development and building projects around the diocese.  The plan is for him to live with a clergy family (my former classmate from 1986) about two hours east of Havana, while traveling to the capital often.

This Sunday we will commission Will for his year away in the service of the church at the 9:30 service. As his father, I ask for your prayers for him - for his safety and for the possibilities of what the year can bring. You are invited to follow his journey at his website < http://pendletonyasc.blogspot.com/>  which is named, of course, 'Our YASC Man in Havana.'

I am planning a trip to Cuba in January. If you would like to join us, please do let me know.  

The Rev. Mark B. Pendleton
Rector

Thursday, July 4, 2013

The Feast of Independence Day


Christ Church, Exeter

Did you know that Independence Day is considered a Major Feast day in the Episcopal Church? Many of those who had a hand in founding our nation were also one-time members of the Church of England and soon-to-be communicants of the newly named Episcopal Church.  

This is the collect for July 4.

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Enjoy the day and may God continue to bless, protect, and inspire our nation.  


Mark
  
The Rev. Mark B. Pendleton
Rector

Monday, July 1, 2013

Make God Real


Christ Church, Exeter
June 27, 2013
Make God Real

"It could be worse!" I announced at the beginning of last night's Celebration of New Ministry.  Though warm, humid and sticky, the afternoon rain cooled down Pine Street just enough to ensure that folks would not topple over from heat stroke by sermon time.

By all accounts, it was a night to celebrate the ministry we share.  Bishop Rob gave a thoughtful, personal and inspiring message that called on all of us to make God real in this world and to love everyone... "love them all" he echoed throughout his sermon.

The musical group Surcari from Connecticut was warmly welcomed and we hope to have them back some time in the future for a Sunday morning. (For those who were asking, I do have a few of their c.d.'s in my office that can be purchased for $12.) Many thanks to the choir for reassembling for the occasion.  

I was surprised and delighted by the Latin-themed food at the reception and thank all of those who made it possible.  

So I believe last night was the last official event in your Search process. Amen. Now: forward.  

I leave you with the text of a quote that Bishop Rob mentioned last night. He framed the quote as a gift to me which I will display in my office.  

Archbishop of Canterbury (1961-1974) Michael Ramsey wrote this to a priest to be ordained:

Through the years people will thank God for you. Let your reason for their thankfulness be not just that you were a person whom they liked or loved, but because you made God real to them. Put yourself into God's hands in joy and thankfulness, and in the words of St. Peter, 'Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that God may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon God, for God cares for you.'

Blessings,

Mark
   
The Rev. Mark B. Pendleton
Rector