Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of July 2, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Jesus and Beelzebul

"Then a blind and dumb demoniac was brought to Jesus,
and Jesus healed him, so that the dumb man spoke and
saw.  And all the people were amazed, and said, 'Can
this be the Son of David?'  But when the Pharisees
heard it they said, 'It is only by Be-el'zebul, the
prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.'
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, 'Every
kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and
no city or house divided against itself will stand;
and if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against
himself; how then will his kingdom stand?  And if I
cast out demons by Be-el'zebul, by whom do your sons
cast them out?  Therefore they shall be your judges.
But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out
demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.'"
Matthew 12:22-28

The crowds continued to be amazed by Jesus.  They
wondered if he was the one of whom the prophet
Isaiah spoke.  Jesus mystified and intrigued them.
Who was he?  The crowds wondered out loud if he
could possibly be the Messiah, the "Son of David."
But the Pharisees disagreed and conspired for his
death.  They accused Jesus of being the evil ruler
of demons before the marveling crowds.  Jesus knew
their thoughts and spoke with tremendous insight.
A kingdom divided against itself cannot survive.
Evil cannot cast out evil.  Only the Spirit of the
living God can cast out evil.  If Jesus is casting
out demons by God-power, then God is in our midst.

I have always wondered what the newly healed
formerly blind and mute man believed about Jesus.
Surely his first spoken words were of deep gratitude.
He probably would have been horrified to realize
religious authorities were planning to destroy his
compassionate healer.  His miracle was obviously
from God.

Could God be in our midst today?  Do we need new eyes
and new ears to experience the Spirit of God in our
lives?  Where are we in the story?  Perhaps we
identify with the blind and mute individual.
Perhaps we identify with the Pharisees and resist
God's voice when it extends beyond our religious
understandings.  The Pharisees were spiritually
blind and obtuse when it came to Jesus, the
compassionate Healer.

God, give us new eyes and ears of faith to experience
Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

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*************************
CHI RHO CONNECTION

The eNewsletter of Chi Rho Press,
Your LGBT Christian Publishing House
Vol. VII, No. 10
5 July 2006

*************************

Contents:

1.      Episcopal Church, like MCC, to be Headed
by a Woman!
2.      Children Retell Familiar Bible Stories
3.      May We Suggest Chi Rho Cards?
4.      Step Number 4:  "Face and Deal with your
Anger"
5.      "Christian with a Twist"
6.      Sanctoral Cycle
7.      Adam's Last Word

--------------------------------------------------

This issue's Quote:

In the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, in the service
used to ordain a bishop, has these prophetic words,
"Let the whole world see and know, that things which
were cast down are being raised up, and things which
had grown old are being made new."  Amen.

*****

Welcome once again to the Chi Rho Connection, the
electronic newsletter of Chi Rho Press.  Thank you
for passing this Chi Rho Connection on to others.

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mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

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Please visit our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com
to see our entire lines of books, handouts, videos,
tapes, tchochkas, and stained glass.

Direct all other e-mail to Adam@....

--------------------------------------------------

1.      Episcopal Church, like MCC, to be Headed
by a Woman!

Has the Metropolitan Community Church once again
spoken a Word of prophesy to the Church Universal
with the election of the Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
as Moderator of the largely LGBT denomination?  It
seems so, with the election of the Right Rev.
Katharine Jefferts Schori, bishop of Nevada, as
the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in
the United States.

Congratulations to the new "PB," as American
Episcopalians like to call the head of their
denomination, as well as to the Episcopal Church
which continues to reject the theology of exclusion
and "purity" that its more conservative members
keep trying to foist on the American branch of the
Anglican Communion.  That notion of purity includes
opposition to the ordination of Gay and Lesbian
people; their elevation to the episcopacy (becoming
a bishop), like the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson; but also
includes notions of biblical inerrancy, opposition
to interfaith worship, women priests and bishops,
and remarriage after divorce.  In other words, these
conservatives totally embrace the logic of all purity
movements, which is to exclude people who are different.

The delicious irony, of course, is that these
disgruntled conservatives turn to none other than
the notorious homophobe, misogynist, and crypto-
fascist Peter Akinola, the Primate of Nigeria.
Archbishop Peter fancies himself the true Archbishop
of Canterbury, which he has mistakenly places
somewhere in Nigeria, and is eager to serve as
bishop over the disgruntled (and wealthy) American,
Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, and even English
Anglican Churches who hate the idea of Gays, Lesbians,
Women, and God only knows who else becoming priests
and bishops.

Never mind the suspect theology of the Nigerian branch
of the Anglican Communion on such issues as polygamy,
not to mention the role of women in ministry and the
savage oppression of Gay and Lesbian people.  Never
mind the traditional proscription in the world-wide
Anglican Communion of Bishops meddling in the affairs
of other dioceses.  Never mind the fact that Jesus
always sided with the oppressed and marginalized and
outcast.  Archbishop Peter has his eyes on the prize
and the prize is control of the world-wide Anglican
Church and the imposition of his repressive, un-
Christian, and hateful theology on everyone else.
Never mind.

Bishop Jack Iker, of the Fort Worth, Texas diocese
has already appealed to the Archbishop of Canterbury
to take his diocese out of the American church and
under the Episcopal oversight of another, more
acceptable (meaning male) Bishop.  Other conservative
dioceses and churches will likely follow.

It looks as if the majority of delegates at the
Episcopal Church's General Convention in Columbus,
Ohio, have voted to remain pure and true to the
teachings of Jesus Christ, not the likes of Bishop
Iker and Archbishop Akinola.  Jesus taught about
inclusion, not exclusion, about tolerance, not
discrimination, about love, not hate.  And we
have a right to celebrate with our brothers and
sisters in the Episcopal Church in the US not only
over their overwhelming vote to be led by Bishop
Jefferts Schori, but over their willingness to stand
up for a Gospel of Inclusion and Acceptance.

As the Book of Common Prayer says in the service of
consecration of a bishop, "Let the whole world see
and know, that things which were cast down are being
raised up, and things which had grown old are being
made new."  Amen and Amen.

--------------------------------------------------

2.      Children Retell Familiar Bible Stories

Gleaned from the Internet, with no attribution.
These may have been floating around the ether for
a while and we apologize if you have read them
before, but we found them amusing.

STORY OF ELIJAH.  The Sunday school teacher was
carefully explaining the story of Elijah the Prophet
and the false prophets of Baal.  She explained how
Elijah built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the
steer in pieces, and laid it upon the altar.  And
then, Elijah commanded the people of God to fill
four barrels of water and pour it over the altar.
He had them do this four times "Now, said the
teacher, "can anyone in the class tell me why the
Lord would have Elijah pour water over the steer
on the altar?"  A little girl in the back of the
room started waving her hand, "I know! I know!"
she said. "To make the gravy!"

LOT'S WIFE.  The Sunday School teacher was describing
how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of
salt, when little Jason interrupted, "My Mummy looked
back once, while she was driving," he announced
triumphantly, "and she turned into a telephone pole!"

GOOD SAMARITAN.  A Sunday school teacher was telling
her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which
a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead.  She
described the situation in vivid detail so her
students would catch the drama.  Then, she asked
the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside,
all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?"  A
thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence,
"I think I'd throw up."

DID NOAH FISH?  A Sunday school teacher asked, "Do
you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on
the Ark?"  "No," replied David. "How could he, with
just two worms?"

HIGHER POWER.  A Sunday school teacher said to her
children, "We have been learning how powerful kings
and queens were in Bible times.  But, there is a
higher power.  Can anybody tell me what it is?"
One child blurted out, "Aces!"

MOSES & THE RED SEA.  Nine-year-old Joey was asked
by his mother what he had learned in Sunday school.
"Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses
behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the
Israelites out of Egypt.  When he got to the Red Sea,
he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the
people walked across safely.  Then, he radioed
headquarters for reinforcements.  They sent bombers
to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were
saved."  "Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher
taught you?" his mother asked.  "Well, no, Mom.  But,
if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never
believe it!"

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD.  A Sunday School teacher
decided to have her young class memorize one of the
most quoted passages in the Bible; Psalm 23.  She
gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse.
Little Rick was excited about the task, but, he
just couldn't remember the Psalm.  After much practice,
he could barely get past the first line.  On the day
that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in
front of the congregation, Rick was so nervous.  When
it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and
said proudly, "The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's
all I need to know."

LITERAL TRANSLATION.  Sunday after church, a Mom asked
her very young daughter what the lesson was about.
The daughter answered, "Don't be scared, you'll get
your quilt."  Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed.
Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and
the Mom asked him what that morning's Sunday school
lesson was about.  He said, "Be not afraid, thy
comforter is coming."

--------------------------------------------------

3.      May We Suggest Chi Rho Cards?

Chi Rho Cards: A line of Gay and Lesbian greeting
cards from Chi Rho Press.

We are bringing back our line of greeting cards,
originally made available in 1993.  With original
artwork by talented New York artist Timothy Leetch,
Chi Rho Cards are designed by and for the Lesbian
and Gay community.  Chi Rho Cards are printed on
100% recycled paper and are affordably priced,
selling single cards (for $1.49 each), in packs
of five of one design (for $6.95), packs of ten
of one design (for $12.95), and in a sample pack
of two of each of the eight cards (for $16.95).

Women's Relationship Card.  A religiously-themed card
for a Lesbian couple, suitable for Holy Unions,
Anniversaries, legal marriages, or just to celebrate
their relationship.  On the cover, a dove of peace
holding entwined female symbols is superimposed over
the cross.  Inside: "God's Blessings on Your
Relationship."

Men's Relationship Card.  A religiously-themed card for
your favorite Gay male couple, suitable for Holy Unions,
Anniversaries, legal marriages, or just to celebrate their
relationship.  On the cover, two men stand hand in hand in
a grand cathedral.  Inside: "God's Blessings on Your
Relationship."

Lesbians' Anniversary Card.  Two women, very much in love,
silhouetted on a seashore, make this a striking card for a
Lesbian couple's anniversary.  Inside: "Happy Anniversary!"

Gay Men's Anniversary Card.  An intimate scene of a Gay male
couple's bathroom decorates our card to celebrate your
favorite Gay couple's anniversary.  "His and His" towels
are next to a steamed up mirror on which is written, "I
luv U" in a heart.  Inside: "Happy Anniversary!"

All Purpose Anniversary Card.  Our all purpose anniversary
card is ideal to celebrate anniversaries of relationships,
employment, sobriety, or any other special occasion.  On
the cover, festive cards pinned to spell out "Happy
Anniversary."  Inside: blank so you may write your own
specific message.

Get Well Card.  Send our little bear to cheer up a friend
who is ill, and speed their recovery.  On the cover, little
Aloysius the Teddy Bear in his sick bed.  Inside: "I Can't
Bear That You Are Ill.  Get Well Soon."

Sympathy Card.  An empty chair poignantly calls to mind the
loss of a loved one, through death or divorce.  Inside:
"Grieving With You at Your Loss.  You are in my Prayers."

Thank You Card.  Our leaping figure celebrates all that we
have to be thankful for.  Express your gratitude with this
joyous card.  Inside: blank, write your own specific message.

All Chi Rho Cards measure 4-1/4" wide by 5-1/2" high and
come with plain white envelopes.  Our packaging isn't fancy,
to save you money.

Order your selection of Chi Rho Cards now!  Single cards are
$1.49 each, packs of five of one design are $6.95, packs of
ten of one design are $12.95, and a sample pack of two of
each of the eight cards is $16.95; plus shipping and handling.

Find them and see pictures of each card at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/cards.html

--------------------------------------------------

4.      Step Number 4:  "Face and Deal with your
Anger"

Step Number 4 in the "Steps to Recovery from Bible
Abuse," but the Rev. Dr. Rembert Truluck, is to "Face
and Deal with your Anger."

Here is the introductory material from chapter 9 of
"Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse," in which Dr.
Truluck outlines the fourth step needed to recover
from Bible abuse.

The Fourth Step: Face and Deal With Your Anger

Anger toward people and toward God or yourself can
delay your recovery.  Resist seeing yourself as a
victim.

Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow
to anger; for human anger does not achieve the
righteousness of God.
James 1:19-20

How Jesus faced and dealt with his own anger is
demonstrated in Mark 3:1-7, which is the basis for
the first lesson in the Fourth Step.  Jesus began
dealing with anger by recognizing that he was angry
and by taking appropriate steps to deal with it.
The emotions of Jesus are given special attention
in the Gospel of Mark.  Read through Mark again and
notice how often the human feelings of Jesus, such
as compassion, grief, amazement, etc., are brought
out.  How Jesus handled his own feelings can be very
instructive to us in equipping us to recover and heal
from the abuses of sick, oppressive religion.

Anger is a prevailing feature of the current gay
lifestyle.  Oppressed, abused people are usually
frustrated, and anger is the natural outgrowth of
frustration.  The second lesson in the Fourth Step
will explore the origins and dynamics of anger and
suggest practical help in handling your anger.

The words "mad" and "anger" are used to mean the
same thing, because anger makes us at least "a
little bit crazy" and sometimes makes us into raving
maniacs.  We cannot over emphasize the importance of
gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people
learning to recognize and control their anger.
Anger is a very natural and healthy emotion, but
when it develops into a lifestyle or an expression
of obsessive/compulsive behavior, anger kills.

Additional Resources

See a very helpful (and entertaining, with lots of
cartoons) recent bestseller by Redford Williams, M.D.
and Virginia Williams, Ph.D., "Anger Kills:" Harper,
1994.

Buy the complete book, "Steps to Recovery from Bible
Abuse," on the Chi Rho Press Web site, at this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevStepsToRecovery.html

--------------------------------------------------

5.      "Christian with a Twist"

Here is a selection from our second major book of
reflections, "Christian with a Twist: Reflections
on Scripture that are a bit more inclusive, a bit
more relevant, and with a bit of a bite," by the
late William Gaston.

"Christian with a Twist" is available for $19.95 each,
$14.95 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and
handling.  You can read more about it and order it at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.h\
tm

As the subtitle suggests, Bill's writing has a bit
of a bite, and we believe you will enjoy his sharp,
but loving take on Scripture, life, and faith.

Here is a selection entitled "Who Turned Out the Lights?"
from the Pentecost and Ordinary Time section of "Christian
with a Twist."

Please read Genesis 1:1-4, Matthew 28:16-20, and 2
Corinthians 13:11-13.

Enough already!  God created the earth and called it very
good.  God sent Jesus to teach the simple and honest truth
of God's love.  Paul established the church.  It has a few
warts and weaknesses, but still truth and beauty can
certainly be found within it.

God's kingdom is at hand, but still mostly we do not see
the light.  We look around waiting for someone to show us
the way out of some darkness that we must be creating for
ourselves.

People who have had near death experiences report seeing
a blinding, beautiful light.  I expect to be tired and
wanting to close my eyes and rest when I die.  I want to
see God's light now while I am alive and awake.

Jesus said I could and by the grace of God I shall.
Anything that blocks my view will just have to get out
of the way.  The light was turned on a long time ago,
and God did not give anyone the power to switch it off.

http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.h\
tm

--------------------------------------------------

6.      Sanctoral Cycle

As a regular feature in the Chi Rho Connection, we
are offering up traditional saints listed in the 2006
Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary from today until
our next scheduled electronic newsletter.

*****

Thurs., June 29, St. Peter (Patron saint: fishers).
The successors of Peter:  St. Peter lives on in his
successors and guides and feeds the flock committed
to him.  The reality of our devotion to him is the
surest test of the purity of faith.  "Where Peter
is, there is the Church," St. Ambrose.  "I will give
you the keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 16:19).

Fri., June 30, St. Paul.  Whole conversions:  St. Paul
complains in his letter to the Christians at the church
of Philippi that all seek the things that are their
own, and not the things that are of Christ.  See if
these words apply to you, and resolve to give yourself
to God without reserve.  "Wake up, O sleeper, rise
from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Ephesians
5:14).

Sat., July 1, St. Isidore of Madrid.  Simple faith:
St. Isidore became a saint because he preferred prayer
with God to conversation with other people, and because
he trusted the divine power and goodness rather than
any human aid.  "Commit your way to the Lord; trust
in God and God will do this; God will make your
righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of
your cause like the noonday sun" (Psalm 37:5).

Sun., July 2, Bd. Peter of Luxemburg.  Self-denial:
Bd. Peter teaches us how, by self-denial, rank, riches,
the highest dignities, and all this world can give may
serve to make a saint, and that in extreme youth.  "And
Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after
me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow
me'" (Matthew 16:24).

Mon., July 3, St. Thomas (Patron saint: architects).  The
triumph of faith: Discard all notions, doubts, and
uncertainties and learn to overcome old weaknesses as
did St. Thomas, who "by his ignorance instructed the
ignorant, and by his incredulity served the faith of
all ages."  "By his confession and touching of the wounds
he taught us what we ought to believe.  He saw one thing
and believed another.  His eyes beheld Christ alone, but
by his faith he confessed God," St. Augustine.

Tues., July 4, St. Elizabeth of Portugal (Patron saint:
jealousy).  Daily attendance at church:  In the Eucharist,
St. Elizabeth daily found strength to bear suspicion and
cruelty patiently; and by that same holy sacrifice her
innocence was proved.  By neglecting opportunities of
daily communion and church fellowship we lose opportunities
for gaining strength.

Wed., July 5, St. Antony Zaccaria.  Fulfilling 'apostleship:'
By his following of St. Paul's example in going out to all
people, and by the use he made of the Apostle's letters,
St. Antony Zaccaria gives us an example in turn.  We must
always be ready to help our fellow persons in every way
that we can; and we should constantly re-read and ponder
Paul's expositions of the Christian faith and life.

Thurs., July 6, St. Maria Goretti.  Triumph over sin:
Maria Goretti had led a very ordinary life.  But in spite
of her simplicity, her great faith and love for God made
her truly extraordinary.  This was the triumph of the
little girl who loved God and hated sin.

Fri., July 7, St. Arsenius.  Silence:  Let us learn from
the example of St. Arsenius that it is not enough to
punish our bodies; we must also keep a careful watch
over our hearts.  Those who attend to the exterior alone
are like statues that shine on the outside with gold and
polish, but inside are full of dirt and rubbish.  "God
knows how much I love the brethren, but I cannot be with
God and people at the same time; so I will not leave God
to be with them," St. Arsenius.

Sat., July 8, St. Odo of Canterbury.  Brotherly corrections:
In correcting we should use all possible gentleness and
meekness, always remembering that, if similarly tempted,
we should ourselves have fallen yet more gravely.

Sun., July 9, St. Veronica Giuliani.  Devotion to the
passion:  "Blessed be God!  Everything seems little that
is suffered for God's love.  Blessed be the simple Cross!
Blessed be pure suffering!" St. Veronica Giulani.  St.
Veronica teaches us that it is honorable and just to
deny our own natural inclinations by being lovers of
the Cross.

Mon., July 10, St. Alban (Patron saint: refugees).
Selflessness:  When a persecution of the Christians in
England broke out a certain cleric flying for his life
took refuge in Alban's house.  Alban sheltered him, and
after some days, moved by his example, he received
baptism.  Later on, when the governor's emissaries
came to search the house, Alban disguised himself in
the cloak of his guest and gave himself up in his place.
He was dragged before the judge, scourged, and, when he
would not deny his faith, condemned to death.

Tues., July 11, St. Benedict (Patron saint: kidney
disease sufferers).  Power of prayer:  In all of the
saints' lives, one thing is common to all of them:
they never feared to do any work, no matter how
menial or tiring, because they distrusted "self"
and relied wholly on the power of prayer for support
and assistance.  "Whatever good work you begin to do,
first ask God earnestly to bring it to a good conclusion,"
St. Benedict.

Wed., July 12, St. John of Gualbert.  Forgiving your
enemies:  St. John of Gualbert's defining moment of
heroism came when he forgave his enemies.  We learn
from him to never resolve our issues of anger or ill
treatment by attempting to revenge ourselves in deed,
in word, or in thought.  "I cannot refuse what you ask
in Christ's name.  I grant you your life and I give you
my friendship.  Pray that God may forgive me my sins,"
St. John of Gualbert.

Thurs., July 13, St. Brigid of Kildare (Patron saint:
healers).  Mary as our role model:  We all have to seek
to resemble the mother of Jesus in purity of heart.
This grace St. Brigid's prayers have obtained in a
wonderful degree for the daughters of her native land
(Ireland) and she will never fail to ask it of God for
all those who turn to her.  "If you love Mary and wish
to please her, make her your model," St. Bernard.

Fri., July 14, St. Camillus de Lellis (Patron saint:
hospitals).  Prayers for the sick:  St. Camillus saw
the sick as living images of Christ, and by ministering
to them in this spirit atoned for the sins of his youth,
led a life precious in merit, and from a troublesome
soldier became a gentle, loving spirit.  "Charity does
not seek its own convenience.  We must give the spur to
this jade of a body of ours, to make it trot on and get
forward.  The good servant of the sick dies in the
hospital," St. Camillus.

Sat., July 15, St. Henry the Emperor.  Offerings:  St.
Henry gave up and deprived himself of many things that
his offerings could enrich the house of God.  We spend
money on ourselves and leave Jesus in poverty and neglect.
"For here in the church all our wealth is treasured; here
lies all our hope,"  St. John Chrysostom.

*****

Order the 2005-2006 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary,
complete with the entire year's Sanctoral Cycle, at
this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa05_06.htm\
l

--------------------------------------------------

7.      Adam's Last Word

I had a wonderful birthday celebration the weekend of
June 23 through 25.  I turned 59, as I mentioned in the
last edition of the Chi Rho Connection, or 15 Celsius.
Of course in Queer Years, 59 is 35.  I think every age
over 35 is, well, 35.  But I could be wrong.

I took the actual day of my birthday off work from my
secular job (Friday) and checked into a wonderful bed
and breakfast just a few miles from my home.  Check out
the Gaithersburg Inn in Old Town Gaithersburg at
http://www.gaithersburginn.com.  The owners are a
delightful semi-retired straight couple who are very
welcoming and accepting of LGBT folks.  The B&B is in
an 1892 Victorian house, fully and lovingly restored
by Chris and Terry Kirtz.

When I arrived Friday afternoon, Chris and Terry had
tea laid for the three of us, and then I rested in my
lovely upstairs room.  My dear friend Barbara stopped
by with a bottle of wine, which we shared with our
hosts in the gazebo in their very large back garden.
Then Barb and I walked a block and a half to a great
little Thai restaurant in Old Town for a late dinner.

Saturday featured a fabulous breakfast of waffles,
sausage, and fresh fruit, and I spent the morning and
early afternoon finishing up entering edits in Candace
Chellew's excellent manuscript which we are getting
ready for publication.  Then my 12 guests started to
arrive at the Inn for an old fashioned English tea,
which was my birthday party.  Terry and Chris continued
to be gracious hosts and the tea was a great success.

My son Patrick arrived Saturday evening and spent the
night in the Inn, then after another excellent breakfast
he went to church with me at Open Door MCC in Boyds,
Maryland, my home congregation, followed by lunch with
friends.  In all it was a splendid birthday weekend!

*****

I really encourage you all to become Guardian Angels
of Chi Rho Press.  This will help us a lot as we
prepare our next books for publication.  Just $150
for a year will make you an important participant in
this ministry.

Thank you!

*****

Gracia y paz,

R. Adam DeBaugh, Director, Adam@....

******************************************

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order. Please always include your e-mail address,
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For all e-mail correspondence, please write
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Our snail mail address is:

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P.O. Box 7864
Gaithersburg, MD 20898

Our telephone and fax number is 301/926-1208.

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friends can order using credit cards on our Web page.
Some of our books are also available through our Canadian
distributor, MAP Enterprises, Mary Ann Pearson, at her
Web page, http://www.christiangays.com.

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of July 9, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Blessed are your eyes

"But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your
ears, for they hear.  Truly I tell you, many prophets
and righteous people longed to see what you see, but
did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did
not hear it."
Matthew 13:16-17

God's deepest blessing is ours when we hear, see,
and respond with spiritual alertness and willingness.
Many faithful saints across the centuries have longed
to see and hear what we have been given through the
Bible.  We have the teachings of Jesus to help us
along our path of spiritual empowerment.  These
wonderful words of life are our blessing from God.

Do you want to be blessed with spiritual sight and
hearing?  Do you want to understand and live what
the ancients longed for but did not have?  Are you
ready for your blessing?  Then begin lingering in
the Gospels as a resource for inner strength and
joy.  Woodrow Wilson is credited with saying, "I am
sorry for those who do not read the Bible every day.
I wonder why they deprive themselves of the strength
and pleasure."

Perhaps fatigue, stress-filled events, or illness
limits or detracts from your reading abilities.
Consider lingering in the Gospels or the Psalms.
Perhaps a word, a phrase, or a verse will bless
you with strength for your day.  Focus on getting
through one day at a time, even when the day feels
overwhelming.  And you will be blessed with what
many people of faith yearned to see and hear through
your Bible reading.

God, bless us with spiritual strength, clarity, and
responsiveness!  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each
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m

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*************************
CHI RHO CONNECTION

The eNewsletter of Chi Rho Press,
Your LGBT Christian Publishing House
Vol. VII, No. 11
15 July 2006

*************************

Contents:

1.      Link of the Month:  www.climatecrisis.net
2.      Ten Things You Can Do to Help Stop Global
Warming
3.      May We Suggest Music?
4.      Step Number 5:  "Avoid Negative People and
Churches"
5.      "Christian with a Twist"
6.      Sanctoral Cycle
7.      Adam's Last Word

--------------------------------------------------

This issue's Quote:

"Service is the rent you pay for room on this planet."
-- Shirley Chisholm

*****

Welcome once again to the Chi Rho Connection, the
electronic newsletter of Chi Rho Press.  Thank you
for passing this Chi Rho Connection on to others.

To join our list, send an e-mail message to
mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

To remove yourself from this list send an e-mail to
mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Please visit our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com
to see our entire lines of books, handouts, videos,
tapes, tchochkas, and stained glass.

Direct all other e-mail to Adam@....

--------------------------------------------------

1.      Link of the Month:  www.climatecrisis.net

My friend Kevin Fries and I went to see Al Gore's
movie, "An Inconvenient Truth" last Saturday.  It
was a real horror movie.  Lots of Gore, Al Gore that
is.  (Sorry for the bad pun.)

Seriously, it was an amazing movie and very powerfully
done.  We recommend it to all of you.  In it Al Gore
outlines the science behind the reality of global
warming and its implications on all of us in coming
years.

Our link of the month is the link to the Web site
former Vice President Gore has set up to both promote
the movie and the environmental movement to reduce
global warming.  Please go to http://www.climatecrisis.net
and read about this important issue.

--------------------------------------------------

2.      Ten Things You Can Do to Help Stop Global
Warming

(Taken from the Web site, www.climatecrisis.net )

Want do to something to help stop global warming?
Here are 10 simple things you can do.

Change a light.  Replacing one regular light bulb with
a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150 pounds
of carbon dioxide a year.

Drive less.  Walk, bike, carpool, or take mass transit
more often.  You'll save one pound of carbon dioxide for
every mile you don't drive.

Recycle more.  You can save 2,400 pounds of carbon
dioxide per year by recycling just half of your
household waste.

Check your tires.  Keeping your tires inflated properly
can improve gas mileage by more than 3%.  Every gallon
of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out
of the atmosphere!

Use less hot water.  It takes a lot of energy to heat
water.  Use less hot water by installing a low flow
showerhead (350 pounds of carbon dioxide saved per
year) and washing your clothes in cold or warm water
(500 pounds saved per year).

Avoid products with a lot of packaging.  You can save
1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide if you cut down your
garbage by 10%.

Adjust your thermostat.  Moving your thermostat down
just two degrees in winter and up two degrees in summer.
You could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a
year with this simple adjustment.

Plant a tree.  A single tree will absorb one ton of
carbon dioxide over its lifetime.

Turn off electronic devices.  Simply turning off your
elevision, DVD player, stereo, and computer when you
are not using them will save you thousands of pounds
of carbon dioxide a year.

Spread the word!  Encourage your friends to see An
Inconvenient Truth.

--------------------------------------------------

3.      May We Suggest Music?

There are wonderful music offerings on the Chi Rho
Press Web site:

"I am Not Ashamed," by David North and the Gospel
Celebration.  CD for $15.00 each, cassette tape for
$10.00 each, plus shipping and handling.

All songs on this excellent album were written by the
Rev. David K. North, now pastor of Holy Redeemer
Metropolitan Community Church, College Park, Maryland,
USA, except "I am Not Ashamed," which was written by
Virgil Night and David North.

Gospel Celebration includes David North, piano and lead
vocals; Janina Sajka, keyboard; Jeanie Broderick, drums
and percussion; Virgil Night, bass guitar and vocals;
Scott Breivold, tenor; Shirley L. Clay, alto; Freida
Rink-Walton, soprano; and Myriam Valle, soprano.
Additional instrumental soloists for selected songs
include Myriam Valle on acoustic guitar, Dave Hanbury
on lead guitar, Al Williams on saxophone, and Dennis
Thompson on bagpipes.

Songs on this album include "Whosoever Will," "A Little
Bit of Faith," "Beloved," "He Was Wounded," "Be Encouraged,"
"No, I'll Never Turn Back," "Power of Prayer," "Justified,"
"I'm Covered," "My Prayer," and "I'm Not Ashamed."

David North and the Gospel Celebration use this as their
mission statement:

"We are committed to extending the celebration of joy in
God's Word and the inclusive healing power of God's Love
to all communities through our music.

"It is our hope that whoever may share in this outpouring
of praise will take something away that will uplift and
enrich their life.

"We ask your prayers for our steadfastness to this goal;
that nothing keep us from the course of this ministry."

Read about and order this album on the Chi Rho Press Web
site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/AudioRevNotAshamed.htm

Also on the Web site is "Jesus is Lord of All," by Witness.
Cassette tape, Special low price of $5.00.

Witness was a vibrant LGBT Christian music group that
had it's roots in the Metropolitan Community Church of
Washington, DC.  Included on this tape are David Carlin
King, guitar; Tom Hall, piano and vocals; Dale Jarrett,
bass and vocals; Jeanie Broderick, percussion.

The Tape includes "I Need Jesus," "Jesus is Lord of All,"
"Cling to the Cross," "I'm One of the King's Kids,"
"Trinity," "Ida's Song," "What Will You Have Me Do," "Right
Now," "I Am Willing," and "Ten Thousand Years."  All of the
selections are original songs by Dale Jarrett and Virgil Night,
except "Ten Thousand Years," a hymn standard.

Read about and order this album on the Chi Rho Press Web
site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/AudioRevLordOfAll.htm

--------------------------------------------------

4.      Step Number 5:  "Avoid Negative People and
Churches"

Step Number 5 in the "Steps to Recovery from Bible
Abuse," by the Rev. Dr. Rembert Truluck, is to "Avoid
Negative People and Churches."

Here is the introductory material from chapter 10 of
"Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse," in which Dr.
Truluck outlines the fifth step needed to recover
from Bible abuse.

The Fifth Step:  Avoid Negative People and Churches

Listening to legalistic and abusive religious leaders
can undercut and delay your recovery.

Preparatory Bible Reading:  Mark 7:1-23 and Colossians
2:20-23

Paul said in all his letters "some things hard to
understand, which the untaught [ignorant] and
unstable distort [twist and torture] as they do also
the rest of scriptures, to their own destruction.
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand,
be on your guard lest, being carried away by the
errors of unprincipled people, you fall away from
your own steadfastness" (2 Peter 3:16-17).

Many people are startled to learn that this warning
about ignorant and unprincipled people who distort
and twist scripture is contained in the New Testament
itself.  For a person who has been abused and oppressed
by legalistic and judgmental religion to continue to
go to an abusive church or tune in to abusive religious
broadcasts is like an alcoholic going to bars.  Family
pressures, long term religious conditioning from
childhood, and a desire to "fit in" can lead you into
unhealthy religious situations.  A friend recently
told me that she grew up in a loving and healthy
church where the pastor's first words to every
baptismal class were, "Beware of any church that
tries to tell you how to think."

Use your brain.  Think for yourself.  Jesus did not
say, "Follow the rules, follow Paul, follow the
traditions, follow the priest or preacher, follow
the church, or follow the Law."  Jesus gave only
one invitation to all people equally, "Follow me."

Resist the spiritual virus of legalism.  Legalism is
alien to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Legalism is spiritual antimatter that dissolves the
love, patience, and acceptance that God intends you
to have towards other people.  Exposing yourself to
legalistic religion is like exposing yourself to a
deadly virus.  It is a chance you do not want to take!

Buy the complete book, "Steps to Recovery from Bible
Abuse," on the Chi Rho Press Web site, at this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevStepsToRecovery.html

--------------------------------------------------

5.      "Christian with a Twist"

Here is a selection from our second major book of
reflections, "Christian with a Twist: Reflections
on Scripture that are a bit more inclusive, a bit
more relevant, and with a bit of a bite," by the
late William Gaston.

"Christian with a Twist" is available for $19.95 each,
$14.95 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and
handling.  You can read more about it and order it at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.h\
tm

As the subtitle suggests, Bill's writing has a bit
of a bite, and we believe you will enjoy his sharp,
but loving take on Scripture, life, and faith.

Here is a selection entitled "Magikal" from the
Pentecost and Ordinary Time section of "Christian
with a Twist."

Please read Isaiah 6:1-8

If I had turned to this passage six months or a year
ago I would have probably passed it by more quickly
than you could say, "cherubim and seraphim."  I mean,
what the heck is a seraph anyway?  I like my God to
be natural.  Six winged creatures and purification by
fire seem like the stuff of pagan religions, not mine.

But then what is natural?  I have learned a bit about
pagan beliefs of late, and while they are way too
complicated for me, Jesus told me not to judge.
Christianity can be made very complicated, too.  To
some it is unbelievable.  Jesus did not say anything
about seraphs, but he did know the book of Isaiah
and I am sure his reflections were a lot better than
mine.  Maybe I should be looking for the truth rather
than a way to justify my unbelief.

Whether they came from the mind of Isaiah or holy
intervention, the seraphs said something that is
very real to me.  efore the communion table we recite:

"Holy, holy, holy Lord God of power and might!
Heaven and earth are full of your glory!"

I feel the presence of Jesus as we come forward to
the table.  For me the bread and the cup are symbols
of that reality.  For others perhaps they are
physically transformed.  God meets us where we are;
physically, mentally, and spiritually.  I guess we
could also add; imaginatively.

The image of a six-winged creature purifying the
mouth of Isaiah with a live coal is not one I want
engraved on my mind.  But then, I have cheerfully
ridden a gurney on the way to surgery several times.
Some would rather face a seraph with a hot coal.
The lessons of Jesus we can take anywhere.  Jesus
taught that God can provide whatever is needed for
us to measure up to the tasks God lays before us.

I affirm that when I serve communion.  If somebody
needs a mystical creature to convince them that
their voice can be used by God, then I am sure God
can come up with such a creature.  After all, God
came up with me.

http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.h\
tm

--------------------------------------------------

6.      Sanctoral Cycle

As a regular feature in the Chi Rho Connection, we
are offering up traditional saints listed in the 2006
Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary from today until
our next scheduled electronic newsletter.

*****

Sat., July 15, St. Henry the Emperor.  Offerings:  St.
Henry gave up and deprived himself of many things that
his offerings could enrich the house of God.  We spend
money on ourselves and leave Jesus in poverty and neglect.
"For here in the church all our wealth is treasured; here
lies all our hope,"  St. John Chrysostom.

Sun., July 16, Blessed Virgin Mary.  Mary our mother:
The church teaches us to strengthen our own prayers by
seeking those of the saints and blessed in heaven, who
can hear and intercede for us.  And above them all, she
who can speak most powerfully for us is Mary, Mother of
God.  "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it done
unto me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).

Mon., July 17, St. Alexis.  Affections:  We must always
be ready to sacrifice our dearest and best natural
affections in obedience to the call of our heavenly
parent.  Our Lord has taught us this not by words only,
but by his own example and by that of the saints.  "O
God, who made blessed Alexis, thy confessor, wonderful
in his contempt for the world; grant we beseech thee,
that by the help of his intercession thy faithful people
may reject earthly things and ever seek those that are
heavenly.  Amen."  "The Roman Breviary."

Tues., July 18, St. Bonaventure.  Self-effacing:  "The
fear of God forbids one to give the heart to transitory
things, which are the true seed of sin," St. Bonaventure.
"Pride makes a person almost insane, for it teaches one
to despise what is most precious, grace and glory, and
to make esteem what is most contemptible, vanity and
ambition," St. Bonaventure.

Wed., July 19, St. Alexius of Rome (Patron saint: nurses,
beggars, travelers).  For the love of God:  Alexius wanted
to devote himself to God, but his parents arranged a
marriage for him.  He left his bride on their wedding
day and became a beggar at his own family's house, where
he was not recognized.  His family found a note on his
body which told them who he was and how he had lived his
life of penance from the day of his wedding until then,
for the love of God.

Thurs., July 20, St. Margaret of Antioch.  Steadfastness
of belief:  St. Margaret teaches us to be steadfast in our
belief in Christ.  She chose to be true to her faith over
the comforts of life and was rewarded by being beheaded
instead of sacrificing to pagan gods.  We must learn to
not compromise our beliefs for comforts nor expediency.
Boldly proclaim your faith and trust in Christ at all
opportunities you are given to witness.

Fri., July 21, St. Cyril of Caesarea.  Home:  Souls on
fire with longing for heaven look forward to death and
cannot understand the sorrow of those who would hold
them back.  Ask Jesus to fill you with a constant desire
for heaven.  This desire will make you fervent and
detached, and bring you even here a foretaste of that
eternal joy and peace to which you have ransomed.  "Now
we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed,
we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven,
not built by human hands" (2 Corinthians 5:1).

Sat., July 22, St. Mary Magdalen.  Loving repentance:
"True sorrow for sin is a good infinitely to be desired,
and an unspeakable gladness to the heart.  It is
healing to the soul, it is forgiveness of sins, it
brings the Holy Spirit back again into the humble and
loving heart," St. Bernard.

Sun., July 23, St. Laurence of Brindisi.  Respect:  St.
Laurence was always a simple monk, his habit and crucifix
were the secret of his success.  Let our faith also be
proved in word and work, and the world which we fear,
will be under our feet.  "I am not ashamed of the gospel,
because it is the power of God for the salvation of
everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16).

Mon., July 24, Bd. Ippolito Galantini.  Teaching:  St.
Ippolito worked to remove that ignorance which is the
cause of sin and he never lost an opportunity to teach
anyone.  He was known to spend up to sixteen hours
instructing an obstinate sinner.  God has given us
more of this world's goods; what are we doing for the
instruction of those souls for whom Jesus died?  "Let
us try to teach our children virtue and fear of God,
and let all other things take second place,"  St. John
Chyrsostom.

Tues., July 25, St. James the Greater.  The cross as
the way to glory:  We must all desire a place in the
realm of our Creator, but can we drink the chalice
that Christ holds out to each of us?  We can, but
only in the strength of Jesus, who has drunk it first
for us!

Diversity Date: Constitution Day,  Puerto Rico

Wed., July 26, St. Pius V.  Respect for the crucifix:
St. Pius used to always kiss the feet of the crucifix
on entering and leaving his room.  He learned that
energetic perseverance and heroic constancy which
enabled him to do so much for the Christian world.
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter
of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured
the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right
hand of the throne of God"
(Hebrews 12:2).

Thurs., July 27, St. Hyacintha Mariscotti.  New
beginnings:  St. Hyacintha teaches us that the only
way to repair any fault great or small, is humbly to
renew our purpose and begin again.  Hyacintha began
her new life by handing over all her property to the
abbess, keeping only a crucifix.  "Forget all that
is past, and imagine each day that you do but begin,"
St. Augustine.

Fri., July 28, St. Swithin.  Concern for the poor:
The hurt of poverty is soothed even more by a word of
true sympathy than by the alms we give.  Alms coldly
and casually given irritate rather than soothe.  Even
when we cannot give, words of kindness do their healing
work; and when we can give, they are the salt and
seasoning of our alms.

Sat., July 29, St. Martha (Patron saint: cooks).
Active service:  "If you seek Jesus truly in all
things, you will find Jesus.  And if you seek yourself
you will find yourself,"  "Imitation of Christ," St.
Thomas a Kempis.

Sun., July 30, St. Guthlac.  Obedience to grace:
Every good thought is the whisper of grace in our
hearts.  Listen and obey instantly, or you may grieve
and extinguish the holy spirit of God.  "If you are
willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the
land, but if you resist and rebel, you will be
devoured by the sword" (Isaiah 1:19).

Mon., July 31, St. Ignatius of Loyola (Patron saint:
retreats).  Zeal for God's Glory:  When you have gone
so far that tribulation becomes routine and acceptable
to you for the love of Christ, then know that it is
well with you, for you have found a paradise on earth.
"I have brought you glory on earth by completing the
work you gave me to do" (John 17:4).

Tues., Aug. 1, St. Alphonsus Liguorri.  Excellent use
of time:  "Look on every occasion of self-denial as a
gift which God bestows on you so that you may be able
to receive greater glory in another life; and remember
that what can be done today cannot be done tomorrow,
for time past never returns," St. Alphonsus.

Wed., Aug. 2, Bd. John Colombini.  Love of God:  "Let
us, dearly beloved, mourn and weep and strictly mortify
ourselves.  For we are guilty of ingratitude, or
ignoring and almost refusing God, who, whether we
will or no, gives  God's-self to us; we, proud
ungrateful wretches that we are, without faith and
love, receive this immeasurable gift with irreverence
and coldness and without care.  For this we ought to
seek to die for God a thousand times if that were
possible," Bd. John Colombini.

Thurs., Aug. 3, St. Germanus of Auxerre.  Study of
the faith:  In order for us to keep our faith pure,
we must study it.  We cannot detect lies and untruth
until we know and love the truth and for us as
Christians, the truth is not an abstraction, but a
person, Jesus Christ, God and human. "What you have
heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching,
with faith and love in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 1:13).

Thurs., Aug. 3, St. Germanus of Auxerre.  Study of the
faith:  In order for us to keep our faith pure, we must
study it.  We cannot detect lies and untruth until we
know and love the truth and for us as Christians, the
truth is not an abstraction, but a person, Jesus Christ,
God and human. "What you have heard from me, keep as
the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in
Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 1:13).

Fri., Aug. 4, St. John Vianney (Patron saint:  priests).
The miracle of grace:  Many miracles were reported of
St. John Vianney but the most difficult and
extraordinary work that he did was his own life.
Every Christian has to seek God's aid that God may
do a like miracle.  "May I never boast except in the
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the
world has been crucified to me and I to the world"
(Galatians 6:14).

*****

Order the 2005-2006 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary,
complete with the entire year's Sanctoral Cycle, at
this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa05_06.htm\
l

--------------------------------------------------

7.      Adam's Last Word

I was deeply moved by Al Gore's movie, An Inconvenient
Truth (please see articles 1 and 2 in this issue) and
encourage you to see it.  Despite being more or less a
documentary and a film of the former Vice President's
PowerPoint presentation on global warming, I found the
movie to be compelling and fascinating.  Please go see
it if you can.

*****

July has been a busy month.  So much so that we have
not found a weekend in which to hold our Chi Rho Press
board meeting!  My friends Kevin and Jeff had their
holy union at Open Door MCC in Boyds, MD (our home
church) on Saturday, July 1.  Then two other good
friends from Open Door had their holy union the next
Saturday on July 8.

And this Saturday we have the funeral of a dear
non-gay woman who died last Friday, leaving her
husband, daughter, and daughter-in-law, and many
friends at church.  The whole Van Arnum family has
been a vital part of our church community and Linda
will be missed greatly.  Please keep the family and
our church in your prayers.

*****

I really encourage you all to become Guardian Angels
of Chi Rho Press.  This will help us a lot as we
prepare our next books for publication.  Just $150
for a year will make you an important participant in
this ministry.

Thank you!

*****

Gracia y paz,

R. Adam DeBaugh, Director, Adam@....

******************************************

We are glad you are partners in ministry with us here at
Chi Rho Press.  We are eager for your comments, your
suggestions, your assistance with selling our books,
and your own purchases!  And of course, we covet your
prayers for this ministry.

If you've received the Chi Rho Connection as a result of
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Please visit http://www.ChiRhoPress.com. You may
pay by credit card on our web page or we will ship
your order after receiving your check or money
order. Please always include your e-mail address,
mailing address, and telephone number.

For all e-mail correspondence, please write
Adam@....

Our snail mail address is:

Chi Rho Press, Inc.
P.O. Box 7864
Gaithersburg, MD 20898

Our telephone and fax number is 301/926-1208.

Customers outside the U.S. and especially our Canadian
friends can order using credit cards on our Web page.
Some of our books are also available through our Canadian
distributor, MAP Enterprises, Mary Ann Pearson, at her
Web page, http://www.christiangays.com.

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of July 16, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Hidden treasure

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a
field, which a man found and covered up; then in his
joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that
field."
Matthew 13:44

The kingdom of heaven is hidden treasure worth
everything we have.  It is worth all our money,
our relationships, our material things, and personal
hopes, dreams, and ambition.  It is for those who
seek God.  God delights in being found and loved.
Some time ago, an e-mail came to me with a saying
that I believe summarizes what Jesus is teaching us
with this parable, "To seek God is the greatest of
all adventures; to find God is the greatest of all
achievements; to fall in love with God is the
greatest of all romances."

God is wonderful to be with.  God is easily found.
All we have to do is open the eyes of our heart.
Let God surprise you with joy today.  Seek, find,
and fall in love with God.  This is worth everything!
Your life will be changed forever.

God, bless us with the joy of knowing you personally.
Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each
plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are
$15.75 each plus shipping and handing. You can find
this book on our Web site at
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m

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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of July 23, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Compassion and abundance

"As he went ashore he saw a great throng; and he had
compassion on them, and healed their sick.  When it
was evening, the disciples came to him and said,
'This is a lonely place, and the day is now over;
send the crowds away to go into the villages and
buy food for themselves.'  Jesus said, 'They need
not go away; you give them something to eat.'  They
said to him, 'We have only five loaves here and two
fish.'  And he said, 'Bring them here to me.'  Then
he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and
taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up
to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves
to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the
crowds.  And they all ate and were satisfied.  And
they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces
left over.  And those who ate were about five thousand
men, besides women and children."
Matthew 14:14-21

It was quite a large crowd.  They pushed and shoved
to get closer to Jesus.  They probably did not realize
Jesus was deep in grief.  The sick clamored for his
touch.  Even in his sorrow, Jesus compassionately
healed them all.  It must have been a long and arduous
day.  Evening approached and the practical disciples
remind Jesus they were in a remote place.  The crowds
needed to go away and find food.  And we see yet
another example of the compassion of God in action.
Jesus refuses to send them away hungry.  He challenges
his inner circle of disciples to feed them.  All they
had were a couple of fish and some loaves of bread.

The miracle of loaves and fishes never ceases to amaze
me.  The people sat down as directed.  Jesus took the
bits of food and gave thanks to God.  The astonished
disciples distributed the food.  All who ate were
satisfied.  Basketfuls of broken pieces of food were
left over.  Thousands had been fed.  Critics will say
the massive crowd unselfishly shared their food among
themselves, inspired by the giving of Jesus and the
disciples.  But I personally believe God is fully
capable of multiplying our smallest gifts into
abundance.  And this generous God delights in
healing broken, fragmented, hurting humanity.

Jesus has been called many things in Matthew's Gospel.
He is teacher, healer, miracle worker, prophet, friend,
son, spiritual leader, and much more.  John's Gospel
gives us another name for this amazing one.  Jesus is
the bread of life.  All who hunger and thirst for God
will be satisfied in his company.

God, satisfy the hunger in our souls with the words
of Jesus Christ in the Gospels.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each
plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are
$15.75 each plus shipping and handing. You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free
monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho
Reflection, the weekly meditation, by sending blank
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of July 30, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

So dull

"But Peter said to him, 'Explain the parable to us.'
And Jesus said, 'Are you also still without
understanding?'"
Matthew 15:15-16

I love Peter.  I love his faith, courage,
impulsiveness, and even his dullness.  I can
relate to him in many ways.  He is so very human.
As a teacher, I recognize his request for yet
another explanation.  Sometimes we ask repetitive
questions even though we know the answers.  The
deeper knowledge and truth becomes a mixed blessing.
If we truly learn a new lesson, then we might be
required to change our ways.  Change is something
many people often fear, fight, resist, avoid, and
delay.  Peter speaks for all seekers who cautiously
explore a fuller understanding of deeper commitment
and the ensuing consequences of following and serving
Jesus.

Knowledge can empower.  Knowledge can also threaten
our security.  Fuller understanding might cause
change and totally disrupt our comfort zone.  We
may need to leave the comfort and security of our
birth and cultural religions in order to follow
Jesus with more alertness.  It is easier to remain
spiritually dull with the status quo.

In my kitchen is a dull knife.  It is practically
useless.  I need to sharpen it so it can be useful.
At the moment, it only takes up space and can barely
slice through soft butter.  It is dull from my neglect
and probably from overuse.  Our spiritual lives can
also become dull through unconscious neglect and
fatigue resulting from overuse.  We can also become
dull through exhaustion, stress, and abusive religious
practices that can stifle God's creative spirit in us.

Jesus wants us to be sharp, that is, alert and
attentive to his teachings.  We are to be
intentionally open to God.  And guess what?  We
might be surprised with God.  Our lives could be
transformed.  We could find ourselves being used
by God for great things.  Are you ready?

Show us where we are spiritually dull, God.
Help us become alert and sharp-witted in our
understanding of your words.  Sharpen us.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each
plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are
$15.75 each plus shipping and handing. You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

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Reflection, the weekly meditation, by sending blank
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of August 6, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Stumbling blocks

"From that time Jesus began to show his disciples
that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things
from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and
be killed, and on the third day be raised.  And Peter
took him and began to rebuke him, saying, 'God forbid,
Lord!  This shall never happen to you.'  But Jesus
turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan!
You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the
side of God, but of people.'"
Matthew 16:21-23

What has happened?  In the preceding verses, Peter
has made a great statement of faith, and Jesus
promises to build his church with Peter.  Now,
just minutes later, Jesus confuses Peter and the
other disciples.  To their dismay, he begins
teaching them that he must suffer and be killed
by their religious leaders.  Impulsively Peter
takes Jesus aside and rebukes him for saying such
negative and frightening things.

Jesus instantly turns to Peter and tells him to back
off.  He calls Peter a "stumbling block" and "Satan."
He chastises Peter for having in mind the things of
people instead of the things of God.  How confusing
this must have been for poor Peter.  Elevated by
profound spiritual insight one moment and severely
rebuked by Jesus with the next breath.

Are we experiencing a spiritual stumbling block like
Peter?  What is keeping us from having God's point
of view and perspective?  What is Jesus saying to
us through this story?

God, how are we like Peter?  What are the spiritual
stumbling blocks in our lives?  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each
plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are
$15.75 each plus shipping and handing. You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free
monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho
Reflection, the weekly meditation, by sending blank
e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of August 13, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Angels watching over us

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones;
for I tell you that in heaven their angels always
behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.  What
do you think?  If a person has a hundred sheep, and
one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the
ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the
one that went astray?  And if he finds it, truly, I
say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the
ninety-nine that never went astray.  So it is not
the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of
these little ones should perish."
Matthew 18:10-14

"Where can I find God?"  This question has been echoed
throughout history.  It is fundamental for our well
being.  We may have different names for our Deity of
choice, but we are spiritual people and need loving,
holy Presence in our lives.  Jesus is teaching people
not to hinder others from experiencing God.  Woe to
those who do!

Have you ever been despised?  I have.  Throughout my
life, various groups and individuals have despised
me because of my sexual orientation, skin color,
gender, and spiritual convictions.  Intolerance
and hate is taught and caught.

Yet Jesus is teaching us that respect is a holy word.
We should not despise those different from us.  Our
bias and prejudice actually prevent people from
experiencing God's loving care and empowerment.

Do you believe in angels?  Jesus obviously does.
Scripture tells us guardian angels exist (Psalms
34:7, Psalms 91:11, Hebrews 1:14).  God's angels
are watching over us even now.  And we are not to
despise those over whom the angels watch.

Jesus is the good shepherd ever on the search to
find people, bringing them into loving spiritual
community.  God is delighted and the angels rejoice
when one person is found and returned to God.

We are missionaries with good news to share with
those wandering in search of a spiritual home.
Jesus has come for the despised, the rejected,
the ridiculed, the marginalized, and the outcast.
Angels are watching over all of us.

So where are we in this message?  Is there someone
we despise?  Are we hindering them from experiencing
God's loving kindness through our personal bias?
Whom are we hindering from experiencing the Gospel?
Or are we wandering in search of a spiritual home?
Do we seek God?  Take courage.  God is as near as
our breathing, closer than our hands and feet.
Let God embrace you today and seek affirming
spiritual community through Jesus Christ.  God is
in the search and rescue business.  Come home to God.

God, thank you for the angels watching over us.
Bless each reader with a sense of your loving
Presence through a personal relationship through
Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each
plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are
$15.75 each plus shipping and handing. You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free
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Reflection, the weekly meditation, by sending blank
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of August 20, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Who can be saved?

"When the disciples heard this, they were greatly
astounded and said, 'Then who can be saved?'  But
Jesus looked at them and said, 'For mortals it is
impossible, but for God all things are possible.'"
Matthew 19:25-26

The disciples listened with great interest as Jesus
continued his teaching after the wealthy man
sorrowfully left.  The affluent young man had
everything money could buy, except eternal life
with God.  That could not be bought for all the
silver or gold in the world.  The prosperous seeker
was spiritually impoverished, blinded by material
possessions and his laudable external good deeds
performed to the letter of his religious laws.  He
failed to realize his true state of inner poverty
and need for complete dependence upon God's amazing
grace for salvation.  These faithful disciples were
not rich people.  They worked hard and lived simply.
The disciples were "greatly astonished" to learn
that wealth and possessions and commendable
charitable deeds and religiously oriented actions
can actually hinder our life with God.  Money and
possessions and praiseworthy activities cannot save
us.  In amazement the disciples ask Jesus what we
all ask, "Who then can be saved?"

And Jesus replied, "Humanly speaking, no one.  But
with God, everything is possible" (Matthew 19:26 TLB).
Only God can save us.  Our very best efforts are
futile attempts to buy, barter, earn, or bribe our
way into heaven.  We are saved by faith.  It is a
free gift from God.  Will you humbly ask for your
gift of eternal life?  And then come, follow Jesus,
and experience an adventure with God that will
transform your life!

God, give us this eternal life.  And bless us as
we follow Jesus.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card!  http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each plus shipping and handing.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of August 27, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Let the little ones lead us

"Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all
who were selling and buying in the temple, and he
overturned the tables of the money-changers and
the seats of those who sold doves.  He said to
them, 'It is written, "My house shall be called
a house of prayer;" but you are making it a den
of robbers.'  The blind and the lame came to him
in the temple, and he cured them.  But when the
chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing
things that he did, and heard the children crying
out in the temple, 'Hosanna to the Son of David,'
they became angry and said to him, 'Do you hear
what these are saying?'  Jesus said to them,
'Yes; have you never read, "Out of the mouths
of infants and nursing babies you have prepared
praise for yourself?"'  He left them, went out
of the city to Bethany, and spent the night
there."
Matthew 21:12-17

The children were shouting and dancing.  Children
led the praise chants.  "Hosanna to the Son of
David!"  The blind and the lame eagerly came to
him in the holy place.  Jesus healed them all.
Those in need were blessed beyond words.  The
religious authorities were indignant at the
healing, the upset businesses, the noisy children,
and Jesus.  How dare he upset the status quo?
How dare he let people infer he was King and
Divine?  How dare he act with such divine
authority?

Jesus answered their irate questions with a
quotation from Hebrew scripture, "From the
lips of infants and children, you have ordained
praise" (Psalm 8:2)!  The little ones intuitively
knew Jesus was someone very special and wonderful.

God's house is to be a house of prayer for all
people.  Jesus was not known for his diplomacy,
but for his holy boldness.  When he saw the
temple full of shops, moneychangers, and
profiteers he overturned their tables and
benches.  This act did not endear him to the
local businesses that were taking financial
advantage of the worshippers, but Jesus publicly
called them a "den of robbers."

Jesus prudently left the area to stay overnight
in a safer place several miles away from Jerusalem.
He knew he had made many dangerous enemies in the
temple with his actions and words.

Where are we in this story?  Where are we in God's
house of prayer?  Are we among the lame, the blind,
and the children?  Perhaps we are protecting the
status quo of our religions.  Are our businesses
robbing people?  Are we interfering with God's
house of prayer?

O God, thank you for children.  Let the little
ones lead us in praise today.  We wish to see
Jesus with childlike delight.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card!  http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each plus shipping and handing.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free
monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho
Reflection, the weekly meditation, by sending blank
e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

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*************************
CHI RHO CONNECTION

The eNewsletter of Chi Rho Press,
Your LGBT Christian Publishing House
Vol. VII, No. 12
27 August 2006

*************************

Contents:

1.      "The Journey is Our Home:" Sharing Our Faith
Journeys.  On Silence, by the Rev. Jeremy
2.      Become a Guardian Angel of Chi Rho Press
3.      May We Suggest "Come Home"?
4.      Step Number 6:  "Confront the Scripture Used
Against You"
5.      "Christian with a Twist"
6.      Sanctoral Cycle
7.      Adam's Last Word

--------------------------------------------------

This issue's Quote:

"Gray hair is a crown of glory: it is the reward for
virtuous living!"
Proverbs 16:31"

*****

Welcome once again to the Chi Rho Connection, the
electronic newsletter of Chi Rho Press.  Thank you
for passing this Chi Rho Connection on to others.

To join our list, send an e-mail message to
mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

To remove yourself from this list send an e-mail to
mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Please visit our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com
to see our entire lines of books, handouts, videos,
tapes, tchochkas, and stained glass.

Direct all other e-mail to Adam@....

--------------------------------------------------

1.      "The Journey is Our Home:" Sharing Our Faith
Journeys.  On Silence, by the Rev. Jeremy.

Back in September 2002 we started soliciting our
readers and authors to contribute essays for a series
in the Chi Rho Connection in which people tell part
of the story of their faith journeys.  The title of
this column, "The Journey is Our Home," comes from a
wonderful contemporary hymn by Ruth Duck, called
"Lead on, O Cloud of Yahweh."  The whole second
verse reads,

Lead on, O fiery pillar,
We follow yet with fears,
But we shall come rejoicing
Though joy be born of tears.
We are not lost, though wandering,
For by your light we come,
And we are still God's people,
The journey is our home.

We would like to resume this series, publishing a
new faith story in each issue of the Chi Rho
Connection.  Our writers will be well known and
not famous at all, clergy and lay people, LGBT
people and non-gay people, people from all walks
of life, and even Christians and non-Christians.

If you would like to contribute the story of your
faith journey for inclusion in 'The Journey is Our
Home,' please try to limit your story to 500 words.
Write us at Connection@... with your
submission.

Here's a bit of the faith journey of my good friend,
Father Jeremy, a retired Roman Catholic priest who
lives in the "tundra," as he likes to call it, of
New England.  Fr. Jeremy offers us a reflection on
silence today.

I've been sitting here in "the great silence alone"
reflecting on just that, with the nearing and
distancing purr of the lawn mower.

I read this today, "Each soul must meet the morning
sun, the new, sweet earth, and the great silence
alone."
-- Charles Alexander Eastman.

For me, reading these words recreates a period of my
life when there was a goodly amount of silence in my
daily life, oftentimes silence in community.

Interspersed throughout the day were the communal
prayer times of chanting psalms, listening to
readings and then sitting in silence, communally
alone.

During the day starting with Vigils in early pre-dawn,
at noontime, and again at Vespers/evening prayer we
observed a half hour for this silent prayer, where
we just sat in silence together, often without even
the rustle of garments.

At the daily Eucharist, after all of us had been fed
with the Body and Blood of the Lord, an action binding
brothers and sisters more closely, we then sat in
communal silence for about 20 minutes, allowing the
Presence to penetrate, nourish, and draw into Unity
our separate hearts and souls.  We ended this with
the final prayers of the Mass.

The entire day was blessed with this silence.  Then
after the final prayer-time (Compline) we entered
into what was known as "the grand silence" which
ended the next day after breakfast, during which
time we didn't communicate, except if absolutely
necessary.

To further aid this inner silence, there was the
custom called "custody of the eyes" where we just
didn't gawk around watching others and their comings
and goings with nosey curiosity.  The bodily
outwardness enabled an inner openness of the heart,
to God, to myself, to the whole world.

By our world's business, one would think such silence
might engender anti-social or isolationist attitudes.
It may have in some, I don't know.  But I do know my
experience brought me into a deep, deep relationship
with my brothers and sisters, a bond so different
from noisy nervous chatter and surface interaction.
I was always surprised by the knowledge of one another
we had, due to "the silent life."

And now in semi-retirement I live alone, with Chazz
(Fr. Jeremy's beloved dog) of course, who is a good
contemplative as he sits and observes the world about
him.  My life is blessed by this "great silence alone."

--------------------------------------------------

2.      Become a Guardian Angel of Chi Rho Press

As you may already know, all contributions to Chi Rho
Press are fully tax deductible. If you are able to make
a financial gift to this ministry, we would welcome your
support. Gifts and contributions of any size are welcome
and appreciated!

We are committed to reviving our Guardian Angel program.
Our Guardian Angel Individual Sponsors program starts
with a minimum gift of $150 a year and our Guardian
Angels receive discounts on Press publications, free
gifts during the year, and special other perks.

You may contribute on line, paying with your credit
card at http://www.chirhopress.com/sponsor.html or
send your check or money order to Chi Rho Press, P.O.
Box 7864, Gaithersburg, MD 20898.

Thanks for your support!

--------------------------------------------------

3.      May We Suggest "Come Home"?

A loyal reader, Gary, writes, "I just finished reading
the book this weekend.  The book is very well written.
Chris Glaser has many profound insights.  I strongly
recommend reading the book."

"Come Home! Reclaiming Spirituality and Community as
Gay Men and Lesbians," second edition, by Chris Glaser.
First published in 1990 by HarperCollins, the second
edition was published in 1998 by Chi Rho Press with
the addition of five new chapters to the original 20.

"Come Home!" is perhaps Chris Glaser's best book.  It
is divided into five sections, each with five chapters.
The five sections are entitled, "Welcoming God's
Acceptance," "Receiving Our Inheritance," "Discerning
Our Call," "Making Our Witness," and "Declaring Our
Vision."

Bishop John Shelby Spong called "Come Home!" "powerful,
sensitive, and provocative. . . . Glaser stands inside
his own humanity as a gay male and hears the word of
God through the Bible.  Christians, gay and straight,
need this book if we are to be the body of Christ."

This is a brilliant and important book by perhaps the
best-known Gay Christian writer in the U.S. today.

The Rev. Carter Heyward called "Come Home!" "an
enthusiastic compelling testimony to the power of
faith in the lives of many gay and lesbian Christians."

Virginia Ramey Mollenkott said, "If courage, honesty,
and insight are beautiful, then this is one beautiful
book. . . . I rejoice that in this book all the gay
men and lesbian women who have been robbed of their
spirituality are issued an urgent invitation: Come
home!"

"Come Home!" by Chris Glaser offers a vision of faith,
hope, and affirmation inviting gay men and lesbians to
come home to their spirituality through Christian faith
and community.  Order your copy today!

"Come Home!" is available for $19.95 each, $14.95 each
for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling.
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevComeHome.html

--------------------------------------------------

4.      Step Number 6:  "Confront the Scripture Used
Against You"

Step Number 6 in the "Steps to Recovery from Bible
Abuse," by the Rev. Dr. Rembert Truluck, is to
"Confront the Scripture Used Against You."

Here is the introductory material from chapter 11 of
"Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse," in which Dr.
Truluck outlines the sixth step needed to recover
from Bible abuse.

The Sixth Step:  Confront the Scripture Used Against
You.

Learn the facts about homosexuality and the Bible.

The truth will set you free.

Jesus said, "You search the Scriptures, because you
think that in them you have eternal life; but it is
these that bear witness of me. . . .  You will know
the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 5:39;
8:32).

Jesus frequently showed how the Bible had been used
incorrectly to hurt people.  In Matthew 5:17-48,
Jesus said that he had come to fulfill the Law, not
that he had come to force you to keep the Law!  In
this passage Jesus corrected several mistakes in the
Old Testament by saying repeatedly, "you have heard
it said, but I say unto you."  Things that Jesus
corrected were based on quotations from the Bible.
Jesus corrected mistakes in the Bible.

Jesus spent most of his time dealing with abusive
and oppressive religion and showing how he had come
to replace law with love.  He taught his disciples
to think objectively and logically about their
relationships with God and with other people.

The burden of proof concerning Bible condemnation
and rejection of gay people is upon those who use
incorrectly translated and out-of-context passages
to hurt people who were not intended in the original
texts.  Frequently I have been asked to prove that
the Bible does not condemn homosexuals.  That
question is backwards.

No word for "homosexual" exists in biblical languages.
No reference to sexual orientation exists in the Bible.
Of the six Bible passages used against gays, three of
them, Genesis 19:5; 1 Corinthians 6:9; and 1 Timothy
1:10 are translated incorrectly, and three, Leviticus
18:22; Leviticus 20:13; and Romans 1:26-27 are taken
out of their correct context of condemning idolatrous
religious practices and applied incorrectly to people
of the same sex who love each other.  The Bible nowhere
condemns love, affection, or sex between people who
love each other.  In fact, no word for "sex" exists
in the Bible.

When the verses that are used to condemn people for
their sexual orientation are examined carefully in
their context and with the accepted methods of
academic research and logic, there is no evidence
that the Bible says that gay people are evil and
hated and rejected by God.  No evidence exists in
the Bible to prove God's rejection of gay men and
women.  The case against gays and lesbians is
dismissed for a lack of evidence.

Jesus never mentioned homosexuals or any issue
related to sexual orientation.  If you follow
Jesus, you accept everyone equally.  Jesus is
proof that God loves and accepts all people,
including you.

Author's note:  This material on the Sixth Step w
as the most difficult part of the book to write.
When the Rev. Chuck Larsen first invited me to begin
research, writing, and teaching Bible studies for
gays and lesbians at First Metropolitan Community
Church (MCC) Atlanta in 1988, he suggested that we
look at the positive use of the Bible to help
encourage and strengthen the spiritual life of
our people and call the studies, "The Bible as
the Friend of Lesbians and Gays," which was the
first title of the material in this book.

Most of this book is about the positive use of the
Bible as a guide to Jesus and the good news of God's
love for all of us.  Dealing with the abusive misuse
of the Bible against gay people is necessary, however,
because much of the oppression of gay men and lesbians
springs from the errors and mistakes that have been
read into the Bible in six obscure and questionable
passages, and none of it comes from the life and
message of Jesus.  The basic problem in answering
the verses that are used against us is that it is
a negative task.  We have to show what the passages
do not say, partly because the six verses used
against us do not make any reference to sexual
orientation and partly because the verses all are
relatively obscure and are usually used only as a
weapon to attack gays.

Jesus said nothing against gay people, though
homophobic legalists have looked long and hard
trying to find something.  The bottom line is that
if Jesus is our true and only reliable guide to
understanding the Bible, there is no evidence at
all in the Bible to condemn us for our sexual
orientation.  Praise God!

Buy the complete book, "Steps to Recovery from Bible
Abuse," on the Chi Rho Press Web site, at this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevStepsToRecovery.html

--------------------------------------------------

5.      "Christian with a Twist"

Here is a selection from our second major book of
reflections, "Christian with a Twist: Reflections
on Scripture that are a bit more inclusive, a bit
more relevant, and with a bit of a bite," by the
late William Gaston.

"Christian with a Twist" is available for $19.95 each,
$14.95 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and
handling.  You can read more about it and order it at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.h\
tm

As the subtitle suggests, Bill's writing has a bit
of a bite, and we believe you will enjoy his sharp,
but loving take on Scripture, life, and faith.

Here is a selection entitled "The Gifts of Wisdom"
from the Pentecost and Ordinary Time section of
"Christian with a Twist."

Please read Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31

I love today's passage.  It gives me a chance to vent
about one of my pet peeves.  Oh no, not again, you may
be thinking.  But seriously, I think that wisdom and
understanding are too much ignored and even sometimes
discouraged in our religious lives.  Many people seem
to park their brains outside the church door, and I
wonder sometimes if they remember to pick them up on
their way out.

That is harsh and negative, I know, but so much talk
of religion these days is negative.  Our religious
institutions have to accept some of the responsibility
for that.  I do not understand the conflict between
science and religion.  What better way is there to
honor God's Creation than to study the intricacies of
it?  And does not each new thing that we discover
lead to even more awe and wonder about the complexity
of what God has done?

Today's passage says that God created wisdom at the
very beginning of Creation, that wisdom was there
when each and every thing came into being.  Of
course we can never understand it all, but it is
all real and all of it is knowable, if only to God.
There is a bit of God in each of us and we are each
a part of all that is.

We consist of body, mind, and spirit.  We have
hospitals and health clubs to maintain our bodies.
We have schools and libraries to enrich our minds.
We have churches and scripture to support our spirits.
We would not think of accepting the level of health
care or education of Jesus' time, but somehow we
think that the level of spiritual development that
was good enough then should be good enough now.

Another of today's suggested readings is John 16:12-15
in which Jesus promises to send to us the Spirit of
Truth that will teach us what he could not in his time
and place.  I think that the Spirit of Truth that Jesus
promised is not unrelated to the Wisdom spoken of in
Proverbs.  I think that God desires that all of
Creation be alive and growing, certainly our part of
it which God created in God's own image.

http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.h\
tm

--------------------------------------------------

6.      Sanctoral Cycle

As a regular feature in the Chi Rho Connection, we
are offering up traditional saints listed in the 2006
Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary from today until
our next scheduled electronic newsletter.

*****

Sat., Aug. 26, St. Genesius of Arles (Patron saint:
actors).  Love of the church:  All of the martyrs
loved the church even to death and when persecution
did its worst they were certain of their final victory.
They teach us by their example that by love and
confidence in the church's teachings, we are truly
redeemed and have a place in heaven.

Diversity Date: Women's Equality Day

Sun., Aug. 27, St. Monica.  Perseverance in prayer:
It is impossible to say what persevering prayer can
do because it can do everything!  It gives us a share
in the divine omnipotence.  St. Augustine's soul was
bound in the chains of false philosophy and an
unhallowed love, both of which by long habit had
grown inveterate.  His mother's prayers broke both.
"We should always pray and not give up" (Luke 18:1).

Mon., Aug. 28, St. Augustine of Hippo (Patron saint:
brewers, theologians).  The lives of saints:  By
reading about the lives of the saints you are
gradually creating a society about you that in some
measure will force you to raise the standard of your
own daily life.  "Ancient examples of faith, which
both witness to God's grace and give strength, were
set out in writing so that by the reading and
remembering of them, God might be glorified and we
strengthened."  Passion of St. Perpetua and St.
Felicity.

Tues., Aug. 29, Bd. Juvenal Ancina.  Brotherly love:
Bd. Juvenal was a living example of his master St.
Philip's principle to think nothing of life or
reputation when it was a question of converting a
sinner or drawing a soul to Christ.  Juvenal knew
who his murderer was and every circumstance necessary
to convict him, yet he forbade his name be mentioned.
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down
his life for his friends" (John 15:13).

Wed., Aug. 30, St. Philip Benizi.  Last things:  Act
like you would wish to have acted when you stand
before Christ on your judgment day.  This is the rule
of the saints and the only safe rule for all.  "My
God, the nearer I come to you the greater need have
I to humble myself in the dust," St. Philip Benizi.

Thurs., Aug. 31, St. Aidan.  Gentleness:  It is the
meek, the gentle, and the humble who spiritually
conquer the world.  The less we give way to
impatience in our dealings with others, the more
the spirit of God works in us and for us.  We have
to overcome inward feelings of pride and irritation
as well as their outward expressions.  "But the
meek shall inherit the land and enjoy great peace"
(Psalm 37:11).

Fri., Sept. 1, St. Giles (Patron saint: homeless,
disabled).  The riches of poverty:  The finest of
chains can hold a small bird captive and prevent
it from flying away.  We cannot fully enjoy the
blessings nor love that God has for us as long as
one tiny single tie binds our hearts to sin.
"Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor yet making
many rich; having nothing and yet possessing
everything" (2 Corinthians 6:10).

Diversity Dates: Hispanic Heritage Month
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Sat., Sept. 2, St. Stephen of Hungary.  With God
all plans come to fruition:  Saint Stephen was a
man with a mission.  This mission he managed to
accomplish in the course of his life and the
reforms he instituted lasted for centuries to
come.  His most important contribution, though,
was to bring Hungary to the status of a nation.
Though small, this country would come to effect
Europe in some very important ways in future
centuries.

Sun., Sept. 3, St. Pius X.  Simplicity of living:
Simplicity of life and spirit, humbleness and
gentleness, carried St. Pius X to all of the world's
hearts and thus God glorified him to the world.  "I
was born poor, I have lived poor, and I wish to die
poor," St. Pius X.

Mon., Sept. 4, St. Rose of Viterbo.  Use of today:
Rose died when she was seventeen but she died a
saint.  Many of us have lived much longer, yet
with what result?  Every minute of every day there
is something we can do for God.  Let us learn from
St. Rose's example to be up and doing every single
day.  "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in
the day of salvation I helped you" (2 Corinthians
6:2).

Tues., Sept. 5, St. Laurence Giustiniani.  Seeking
divine wisdom:  "Why do you go about trying to
satisfy your mind first with one thing and then
another?  Rest is to be found only in the boundless
treasures of divine wisdom," St. Laurence Giustiniani.

Wed., Sept. 6, St. Symphorosa.  Suffering:  History
shows that Hadrian threatened to burn St. Symphorosa
alive as a sacrifice to his gods.  She told him this
was beyond his power, if she was burnt, she would be
offered up, not to demons, but to Christ the Son of
God, and the fire that consumed her body would add
light to her crown.  Her trial is an example to us
that no matter what comes our way, it is a means of
consecrating ourselves anew to Christ.

Thurs., Sept. 7, St. Tarbula.  Guarding chastity:
Whatever your state of life may be, you too are
dedicated to Christ and bound to follow him in
purity of body and soul.  "But among you there
must be not even a hint of sexual impurity, or
of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because
these are improper for God's holy people"
(Ephesians 5:3).

Fri., Sept. 8, St. Poemen.  Kind judgments:  We
can never arrive at true purity of heart until we
believe ourselves to be more worthless than anybody
else.  This is not difficult, for even if we were
to see a murderer we could say, "He has only killed
one person, while I have put my soul to death many
times by my sins."  "If we pass over people's faults
in silence, God also will hide ours, but if we
divulge them, God will make known our own," St.
Poemen.

Sat., Sept. 9, St. Peter Claver (Patron saint:
African Americans).  Our neighbor's needs:  When
we see someone in need, either for body or for
soul, do not ask why someone else did not help,
but be thankful for the opportunity to do it
yourself.  "Who is weak, and I do not feel weak?
Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?"
(2 Corinthians 11:29).

Sun., Sept. 10, St. Nicholas of Tolentino.  A good
death:  Would you die the death of the just? There
is only one way of making sure of doing so. Live
the life of the just.  For it is impossible that
one who has been faithful to God in life should
make a bad or unhappy end.  "I love life only
because it leads quickly to death,"  St. Nicholas
of Tolentino.

Mon., Sept. 11, Bd. Charles Spinola.  Death for
Christ:  So deeply was Bd. Charles steeped in the
wisdom of the cross that he not only welcomed
suffering in every way and bore it when most
crushing, but even in the prison of Omura, more
terrible as he said, than death by fire, he imposed
mortifications on himself.  "For to me, to live is
Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

Tues., Sept. 12, St. Guy.  Reverence for the house
of God:  Jesus was nine months in Mary's womb,
three hours on the cross, and three days in the
grave, but sacramentally, he is in the tabernacle
always.  Does our reverence before him bear witness
to this blessed truth?  "Zeal for your house will
consume me!"
(John 2:17).

Wed., Sept. 13, St. Francis di Girolamo.  Attending
to sermons:  In spite of the wisdom and power with
which St. Francis preached, his sermons were of no
use to those who listened with hardened hearts.  If
we would hear preachers aright, we must examine our
own conscience instead of criticizing what is being
said.  "They who hear the divine warning unmoved are
not worthy to be healed," St. Augustine.

Thurs., Sept. 14, St. Speratus.  Perseverance:  Beg
God for the gift of perseverance.  Do not hesitate,
do not look back, do not listen to suggestions
against faith nor virtue.  Go forward day by day
along the road  which you have chosen, to God who
is your lover forever. "But they that stand firm
to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13).

Fri., Sept. 15, St. Catherine of Genoa.  Purgatory:
St. Catherine said that the bitterness of the
suffering of Purgatory could not be expressed or
understood.  Frequent reflection on Purgatory will
help us to escape it, by avoiding the least
imperfection that hinders our approach to God.
"Yet God was merciful; and forgave their iniquities
and did not destroy them" (Psalm 78:38).

Sat., Sept. 16, St. Cornelius.  Compassion:  The
surest way of keeping our souls in God's grace is
to have a humble compassion for those who have
fallen, remembering our own sinfulness.  "I tell
you that in the same way there will be more
rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents
than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do
not need to repent" (Luke 15:7).

*****

Order the 2005-2006 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary,
complete with the entire year's Sanctoral Cycle, at
this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa05_06.htm\
l

--------------------------------------------------

7.      Adam's Last Word

Summer wanders to it's close.  I have been awash
with social events, which has kept me very happy!
July had two weddings and a funeral, two occasions
for joy, and one for great sadness.  August has
featured barbeques, dinners, and lots of time with
good friends.  I hope that your summer (if you are
one of our friends and readers here in the Northern
Hemisphere, that is) has been filled with delight.
I pray that the high temperatures over the last
couple of months have not burdened you over much,
and that the exorbitant price of gasoline has not
caused too much financial suffering.  It sure has
beaten me soundly about the head and shoulders!

But most of all, I hope that summer has been a
blessed time for you all.  And for our friends
in the Southern Hemisphere, well, winter is
surprisingly near for us.  It will come sooner
than we think, or like!  And you will bask in
the summer heat soon.

*****

Financial strain is a difficult thing to deal with
and I have had my share this year.  As you may
recall, I was out of work full time for a few
weeks in November and part time for most of
December, as a result of a badly injured lower
back.  Workman's compensation, after first telling
me they would pay for the hours I was unable to
work after I went back to work part time at
doctor's orders, later reneged and refused to
pay me.  I would have been better off not working
at all!

As a result, I have fallen woefully behind on some
credit card debts.  The Press has had a slow year
as well, so we are struggling on both fronts.  I
have talked to my excellent financial advisor, Ms.
Renee Green at Ameriprise Financial Services, and
she has helped me immensely.  If you are in need
of a financial advisor, may I recommend Renee to
you?  She is an out Lesbian and her company used
to be American Express Financial Services.  She
has been doing this for a long time and she is
excellent.  Call her at 1-800/573-1759, no matter
where you are in the US, or write her at
Renee.L.Green@....  I strongly recommend her!
And tell Renee that Adam sent you please!

Part of Renee's help has been to hook me up with
Clearpoint Financial, who I am working with to
have them take over my outstanding credit card
debt, renegotiate interest rates, and make
payments.  Of course, I won't be able to use
those credit cards any more, which will probably
be a very good thing for me!  But financial
reverses being what they are, any contributions
you may feel moved to make will be gratefully
received.  You may make financial gifts to me
through Chi Rho Press on line at our Sponsors
site at http://www.chirhopress.com/sponsor.html
and note that the gift is for me!  That way,
anything you care to give to help out will be
tax deductible.

Of course, the Press also needs your gifts, and
more importantly your purchases!

*****

I really encourage you all to become Guardian Angels
of Chi Rho Press.  This will help us a lot as we
prepare our next books for publication.  Just $150
for a year will make you an important participant in
this ministry.

Thank you!

*****

Gracia y paz,

R. Adam DeBaugh, Director, Adam@....

******************************************

We are glad you are partners in ministry with us here at
Chi Rho Press.  We are eager for your comments, your
suggestions, your assistance with selling our books,
and your own purchases!  And of course, we covet your
prayers for this ministry.

If you've received the Chi Rho Connection as a result of
someone passing it along to you and would like to receive
it directly from us, please follow these directions:

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Please visit http://www.ChiRhoPress.com. You may
pay by credit card on our web page or we will ship
your order after receiving your check or money
order. Please always include your e-mail address,
mailing address, and telephone number.

For all e-mail correspondence, please write
Adam@....

Our snail mail address is:

Chi Rho Press, Inc.
P.O. Box 7864
Gaithersburg, MD 20898

Our telephone and fax number is 301/926-1208.

Customers outside the U.S. and especially our Canadian
friends can order using credit cards on our Web page.
Some of our books are also available through our Canadian
distributor, MAP Enterprises, Mary Ann Pearson, at her
Web page, http://www.christiangays.com.

Copyright 2006, Chi Rho Press, Inc.

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of September 3, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Heaven and marriage

"The same day some Sadducees came to him, saying
there is no resurrection; and they asked him a
question, saying, 'Teacher, Moses said, "If a man
dies childless, his brother shall marry the widow,
and raise up children for his brother."  Now there
were seven brothers among us; the first married,
and died childless, leaving the widow to his brother.
The second did the same, so also the third, down to
the seventh.  Last of all, the woman herself died.
In the resurrection, then, whose wife of the seven
will she be?  For all of them had married her.'
Jesus answered them, 'You are wrong, because you
know neither the scriptures nor the power of God.
For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are
given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.
And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you
not read what was said to you by God, "I am the
God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of
Jacob?"  He is God not of the dead, but of the
living.'  And when the crowd heard it, they were
astounded at his teaching."
Matthew 22:23-33

The Sadducees challenge Jesus by telling a
hypothetical story of a bereaved woman who
survived seven husbands.  They wanted to know
if there was a resurrection of the dead, like
Jesus taught, whose wife would the woman be who
had been passed on to so many brothers?  As odd
as their custom might seem to us, they did not
have a social security system to assist widows
and provide bereavement benefits.  When husbands
died, widows were handed down to the next
surviving brother of the deceased in marriage.
The brother was mandated by the law of Moses
to marry his brother's widow and procreate
children if the widow was childless.  The
purpose of this law was to continue the family
line and protect the vulnerable widow in a
patriarchal society.  If the widows were not
protected in this way, they would either starve
or be forced to survive through prostitution.
As the children grew, they would be able to
care for their aged mother.

However, Jesus understood the Sadducees had a
hidden agenda in their questioning.  This was
a test.  With a few words, Jesus thoughtfully
reinterpreted Levitical law (Deuteronomy 25:5-6)
and offered a revolutionary new understanding of
life after death.  Traditional marriage was for
this world only.

Marriage and traditional family values are often
in public debate these days as growing numbers of
same-sex couples around the world seek public
recognition and legal protections equivalent to
those of heterosexual couples.  But back in the
time of Jesus, there was no such public dialogue
about what makes a family.  Whatever our sexual
orientation and however we define marriage, we
would do well to remember that in the next world,
the institution of marriage will not exist as we
know it.  According to Jesus, we will be like
angels in heaven.  There is life after death.

The ancient crowd was astonished by his answer.
Even today, this is impossible to fully understand.
But what I understand is this  there is hope of a
resurrection for all of us.  It is a living hope
through a living God.  The grave is not the end
but the beginning of something beyond our human
comprehension.  Someday we will find ourselves
singing with the angels.  So as death approaches,
have no fear.  We will dwell in the presence of
God forever and it will be glorious.

God, this teaching of Jesus is difficult to
understand.  Bless our comprehension and comfort
those who live in hope of resurrection.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card!   http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each plus shipping and handing.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free
monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho
Reflection, the weekly meditation, by sending blank
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To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of September 10, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Blind guides

"Jesus said, 'Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees,
hypocrites!  For you tithe mint, dill, and cummin,
and have neglected the weightier matters of the
law: justice and mercy and faith.  It is these
you ought to have practiced without neglecting
the others.  You blind guides!  You strain out
a gnat but swallow a camel!'"
Matthew 23:23-24

Jesus did not endear himself to the religious
leaders of his day listening to these comments.
His brutally honest words continue to instruct
people from all walks of life and every religious
tradition.  Every human being has great potential
to be a hypocrite.  Our external, public behavior
can look marvelous.  We can be applauded for our
personal piety as we meticulously tithe our
resources to the penny, promoting religious
activities through our various churches, synagogues,
temples, and multifaith and ecumenical institutions.
We can excel in obeying the letter of the law while
neglecting mercy, justice, and faithfulness.

When we err in these ways, Jesus bluntly reminds
us that we have become blind guides and hypocrites.
We can be so diligent and devoted to honoring the
minutia of our laws that we become overzealous in
our judgments and condemning of those who do not
meet our strict standards of behavior.

It is good to remember that we are all sinners
saved by grace.  Yes, it is important and
spiritually pleasing to God when we tithe of
our resources.  But God is not pleased when we
neglect the most important matters of justice,
compassion, and faithfulness.  The Gospel is
quite practical.  If we chose to follow the
Christ, God expects us to bring a little heaven
on earth to others less fortunate than ourselves.

How then should we live?  By doing justice,
offering mercy, and walking humbly with God.
When in doubt, err on the side of justice with
mercy and mercy with justice, while seeking divine
wisdom every step of the way.  Be accountable to
others who have the courage to confront us when
we become legalistic and inconsistent.  When we
find ourselves straining out gnats, ask God for
forgiveness and humbly learn from those mistakes.

God, protect me from harsh legalism, from any lack
in justice or mercy in secular, religious, and
spiritual settings.  Help me walk humbly with you
as I strive to be faithful in word, thought, and
deed to the teachings of Jesus.  Give me courage
to confront my own inner blindness.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card!   http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each plus shipping and handing.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice
monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of September 17, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Global mourning

"'Immediately after the suffering of those days the
sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its
light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers
of heaven will be shaken.  Then the sign of the Son of
Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of
the earth will mourn, and they will see "the Son of
Man coming on the clouds of heaven" with power and
great glory.  And he will send out his angels with
a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect
from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the
other.  'From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon
as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves,
you know that summer is near.  So also, when you see
all these things, you know that he is near, at the
very gates.  Truly I tell you, this generation will
not pass away until all these things have taken place.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not
pass away.'"
Matthew 24:29-35

World history as we know it will come to an end someday,
according to Jesus' teaching.  Theologians debate and
disagree vigorously on details, timing, and various
theologies of divine judgment and reward.  Generally
speaking though, since the earliest days of the Church
the majority of Christians have expected Jesus to return
to earth in heavenly glory and power.

Those first generations of excited and expectant
believers fervently and impatiently awaited for Jesus
to return after he arose from the grave.  Some people
were so convinced of the immediate return of their
beloved Jesus that they were reluctant to work and
waste time on activities that would keep them focused
on earthly concerns.  Their bags were packed for heaven.

During the first century, spiritual leaders such as
the apostle Paul became concerned about the fiscal
irresponsibility of these heavenly dreamers.  Although
their faith was commendable, it was becoming obvious
that Jesus was taking his time in returning.  Bills
needed paying, crops had to be harvested.  Paul wrote
letters to circulate among various churches urging
believers to live in eager expectation while diligently
working to bring heaven on earth as they served their
employers, paid their earthly bills, and honored their
personal, family, and business responsibilities.

As generations lived and died, it became obvious to the
church at large that Christ would return in God's time.
The church gradually developed a liturgical calendar to
assist the faithful in remembering the teachings of Jesus.
(Chi Rho Press publishes an annual "Liturgical Calendar
and Lectionary," based on the "Revised Common Lectionary."
Find the latest edition at http://www.ChiRhoPress.com.)
As time went on, the church developed seasons of worship
and remembrance through selected scripture readings and
particular prayers and songs.  Advent, Christmas, Epiphany,
Lent, Easter, and Pentecost offer reminders of the entire
Jesus story from his first Advent, coming as a baby in a
manger, to his second Advent, when he will return as
Savior of the world.  Although today's scripture reading
is sometimes reserved for Advent, it is helpful to look
at these difficult passages throughout the year so we do
not become complacent in our faith.

Christ's return will generate two major responses.
Those who believe in him will rejoice, while the
unbelieving world will mourn.  Heaven and earth will
pass away.  In the great Mystery of God, there will
be a new heaven and new earth.  The things of this
current world will pass away and be no more.
Christians of all sexual orientations are urged to
work and wait, pray and live in expectation of this day.

These Bible verses in Matthew's gospel remind me of a
great woman of faith, my beloved grandmother, Inga
Gunderson, who used to croon a prayer whenever life
circumstances were overwhelming, summarizing her belief
that this world would someday come to an end, but Jesus
would eventually make things better upon his return.
She would often pray, "One day at a time, dear Lord,
one day at a time.  Jesus is coming again.  Perhaps
even today."  While that prayer might bring a
skeptical smile to many lips, my grandmother had
wisely conceptualized and summarized this very
difficult teaching of Jesus in her memorable prayer.
She understood Jesus could come any hour of the day
or night.  God alone knows the hour.

So live, work, play, pray, worship, and conduct your
life with alertness and expectation of Jesus' return.
When that day occurs, the faithful will celebrate and
the faithless will mourn.  Here lies the tension of
the Gospel.  If Jesus were to return today, would you
celebrate or mourn?  The choice is yours.

Oh God, help me live as your beloved follower one day
at a time.  Remind me to keep looking up in eager hope
and expectation of the second return of Christ.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card!   http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

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$15.75 each, plus shipping and handing.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
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m

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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of September 24, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Anonymous greatness

"Now while Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon
the leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar
of very costly ointment, and she poured it on his head
as he sat at the table.  But when the disciples saw it,
they were angry and said, 'Why this waste?  For this
ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the
money given to the poor.'  But Jesus, aware of this,
said to them, 'Why do you trouble the woman?  She has
performed a good service for me.  For you always have
the poor with you, but you will not always have me.
By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared
me for burial.  Truly I tell you, wherever this good
news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has
done will be told in remembrance of her.'"
Matthew 26:6-13

This anonymous woman demonstrates great spiritual
leadership and insight.  While the male disciples
were dismayed and avoiding the topic of the crucifixion,
this brave woman took it upon herself to lovingly anoint
Jesus.  She anointed him with the best perfume money
could buy to prepare him for his burial.  She understood
and accepted what Jesus had told them time and time
again.  He must die.  If so, she would spare no expense
to tenderly offer this beautiful service of love to Jesus.
She could do no less than give her best in his moments of
need.  She affirmed his mission and accepted her own
calling to humbly demonstrate anonymous spiritual
leadership with her profound insight and actions.

This woman received instant and indignant criticism.
The male disciples vociferously called her loving act
wasteful.  They piously insisted the lovely perfume
should have been sold and the money given to the poor.
Jesus told them to stop bothering the woman.  The poor
will always be with us.  Her gift was beautiful and
honored him.  She indeed prepared his body for burial.
Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world,
what she has done "will also be told in memory of her."

Spiritual greatness is often anonymous.  Spiritual
greatness is lived humbly and in loving adoration of
God.  Spiritual greatness is often not the popular or
easy thing to do.  Spiritual greatness comes at great
personal cost without expecting a reward.  Spiritual
greatness can generate criticism from our own people.

Do you want to be spiritually great?  Then be like
this anonymous woman.

Study the life of Jesus and follow his teachings in
the spirit of love and sacrificial service.  Be willing
to anonymously serve in obscurity.

God, help me listen to this story and teach me about
spiritual greatness.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card!   http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handing.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of October 1, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Christ suffered in silence

"Now the chief priests and the whole council were
looking for false testimony against Jesus so that
they might put him to death, but they found none,
though many false witnesses came forward.  At last
two came forward and said, 'This fellow said, "I am
able to destroy the temple of God and to build it
in three days."'  The high priest stood up and said,
'Have you no answer? What is it that they testify
against you?'  But Jesus was silent.  Then the high
priest said to him, 'I put you under oath before the
living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son
of God.'  Jesus said to him, 'You have said so.  But
I tell you, From now on you will see the Son of Man
seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the
clouds of heaven.'  Then the high priest tore his
clothes and said, 'He has blasphemed!  Why do we
still need witnesses?  You have now heard his
blasphemy.  What is your verdict?'  They answered,
'He deserves death.'  Then they spat in his face
and struck him; and some slapped him, saying,
'Prophesy to us, you Messiah!  Who is it that
struck you?'"
Matthew 26:59-68

Jesus chose to be silent while many came forward
and lied about him.  Finally two came forward and
intentionally distorted his words.  Their testimony
gave the high priest what he so ardently sought.  A
blasphemy charge would put Jesus to death according
to their religious traditions and laws.  I find it
utterly incomprehensible that these religious leaders
were so hateful and intent on destroying Jesus.  Yet
world history reveals horrific brutality and terrible
suffering has been inflicted on millions through
centuries of well-intentioned and zealous (un)holy
wars, inquisitions, and religious crusades.

Jesus remained silent throughout this travesty of
justice.  Chaos erupted as the chief priest and the
assembly of spiritual leaders unanimously issued
their verdict of blasphemy.  They began to physically
attack and brutalize the Silent One.  They spit in
his face, slapped him, and beat him with their fists.
The horrible ordeal was just beginning.

Years later, Peter would recall the prophetic ancient
words spoken centuries earlier as he wrote these
encouraging words to suffering fellow believers
about his beloved Jesus, "To this you were called,
because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an
example, that you should follow in his steps.  'He
committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his
mouth' [Isaiah 53:9 NIV].  When they hurled their
insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he
suffered, he made no threats.  Instead, he entrusted
himself to God who judges justly.  He himself bore
our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might
die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds
you have been healed.  For you were like sheep going
astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and
Overseer of your souls" (1 Peter 2:21-25 NIV).

Our souls need this Shepherd.  His courage and
dignity in the face of hatred and violence can be
ours.  Let us follow in his steps, and likewise
entrust our souls to God who is just.

God, bless me with the spiritual empowerment that
comes from Christ alone.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card!   http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handing.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice
monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho
Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of October 8, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Easily persuaded

"Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the
crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed.
The governor again said to them, 'Which of the two
do you want me to release for you?'  And they said,
'Barabbas.'  Pilate said to them, 'Then what should
I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?'  All of
them said, 'Let him be crucified!'"
Matthew 27:20-22

Despite the urgent message received from his wife,
Pilate hesitated too long.  The influential chief
priests and elders easily persuaded the crowd to
choose the life of Barabbas, a convicted felon,
over the life of Jesus.  The hostile authorities
smelled blood and seized their opportunity without
hesitation.  They would never again have Jesus so
vulnerable and within their malicious reach.

Humans sometimes have a herd mentality and are
easily persuaded.  Every crowd has a personality
that can be influenced and swayed by skilled and
determined ringleaders.  These ringleaders were
leading citizens and leaders in the religious
community.  It is hard, if not impossible, to
stop the momentum when the masses collect and
begin to shout.  The most law-abiding citizens
can get swept up with the rioting crowds.
Violence erupts and can quickly escalate out
of control.

Pilate was faced with a potential riot on his
hands, and he lost his courage in the face of
the frenzied shouts to crucify Jesus.  He was
dumbfounded by the intensity of the entire
situation.  Whatever resolve Pilate had to
rectify this grievous situation was lost in
the chaos of the tragic and regrettable
situation.  Barabbas was a hardened criminal.
Jesus had done nothing wrong, but he was
clearly a victim of religious hate.  A riot
was brewing and Pilate had to make a decision
within seconds or lose complete control of the
crowd and situation.  Crucifixion is a horrible
way to die, and it was usually reserved for
the worst offenders.  What would he do?

Again pause and learn from the crowd and Pilate
through our holy musings.  Can you imagine being
as easily swayed by corrupt religious leaders
and their rhetoric of hate?  Has there ever
been a contemporary situation where an innocent
person was condemned through public opinion,
swayed by influential leaders with a special
interest agenda?  Where are you in this riled
crowd?  What would you do if you were Pilate?

God, give me courage and strength to learn the
hard lessons in today's scripture reading.  As
this holy story continues, transform me with
understanding and insight as I ponder this
horrific situation.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card!   http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handing.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of October 15, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

The Jesus way to die

"When some of the bystanders heard it, they said,
'This man is calling for Elijah.'  At once one of
them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine,
put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink.
But the others said, 'Wait, let us see whether
Elijah will come to save him.'  Then Jesus cried
again with a loud voice and breathed his last."
Matthew 27:47-50

The moment of death is sacred.  We both fear and
respect it.  I have been at many hospital and
hospice bedsides as people breathed their last
breath.  I have seen the light in their eyes
dim and become extinguished.  It is a holy moment
when we are reminded of our own mortality.

We each have a time to be born and a time to die.
Dying is part of life.  Despite the poet Dylan
Thomas' adjuration, "Do not go gentle into that
good night, / Old age should burn and rave at
close of day; / Rage, rage against the dying of
the light," sometimes death is actually a blessing
after great physical suffering from lingering or
debilitating illnesses.  (The quote is from "The
Poems of Dylan Thomas," published by New Directions.
Copyright 1952, 1953 Dylan Thomas.  Copyright 1937,
1945, 1955, 1962, 1966, 1967 the Trustees for the
Copyrights of Dylan Thomas.  Copyright 1938, 1939,
1943, 1946, 1971 New Directions Publishing Corp.)

North American culture does not often let people
either die or mourn gracefully.  Many people
completely avoid the topic and will not even use
the word "death."  People say the departed ones
"passed on."  Another phrase I have often heard
is, "God took them home."  Others quietly will
say, "They've gone to be with the Lord."  Society
continues to frantically search for the fountain
of youth, but death will eventually happen to all
of us.

There is a Jesus way to die that offers us courage,
hope, and dignity.  It is the way of faith and it
is available to all of us.  We see this enormous
faith through the final prayer of Christ as he
breathed his last.  "It is finished" (John 19:30)
and "Father (translated from the Greek word, Pater),
into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46 NIV).
Then he died.  Jesus knew his time was up.  His
lifework was finished.  For Jesus, God was his
beloved, tender, compassionate heavenly Pater.
Christ's prayer life helped him live with greatness
and die with dignity and courage in his deepest
moments of need.  He confidently placed himself
into the loving hands of his dear heavenly Parent
whom he loved and served.  God ushered him into
eternity.

Even in death, Jesus reminds us that God is as
near as our breathing, closer than our hands and
feet.  Whatever our cherished sacred names for
God may be, we can be assured our Divine Companion
and Guide will usher us into eternity when it is
time.  There is no need to be afraid of death.
Commit yourself to God and remember that God is
faithful.  We will never be forsaken or abandoned
in our final breaths.  We are in divine loving
hands as we are ushered into Paradise.

Hold me close to your heart, God.  Be nearer than
my breathing and closer than my hands and feet
even in death.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card!   http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handing.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of October 22, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Women apostles!

"So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great
joy, and ran to tell his disciples.  Suddenly Jesus
met them and said, 'Greetings!'  And they came to
him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him.
Then Jesus said to them, 'Do not be afraid; go and
tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will
see me.'"
Matthew 28:8-10

Have you ever been afraid and joyful at the same
time?  As these women rushed to tell the disciples,
guess who met them?  Jesus himself!  Can you imagine
what the women were feeling?  As Jesus greeted them,
they came and fell on their knees, holding his feet
while worshipping him.  Jesus blessed them and said,
"Do not be afraid."  They were both fearful and
joyful.  Who would not be after seeing someone
raised from the dead?

Women were the first to see the risen Christ.  Now
they were to go and tell the male disciples to meet
with Jesus in Galilee.  They were entrusted with the
first commands uttered by the risen Christ.  Jesus
was using women as apostolic messengers.  Jesus was
breaking traditional patterns of male spiritual
leadership.

Even today, certain Christian churches do not allow
women to preach, publicly read scripture aloud during
the church service, or serve communion.  Some leaders
insist women cannot teach little boys older than the
age of six.  Women are to be seen but not heard in
some traditions, sometimes even in those that say
otherwise.

In my own childhood, it never crossed my mind that
women could be pastors, preachers, seminary
professors, and spiritual directors.  My role
models taught that women's work was limited to
the church nursery and kitchen, and they were
always given permission to dust and clean the
sanctuary.

Imagine my astonishment while in an evangelical
seminary, I received a call to ministry.  One day,
when in deep prayer, I offered myself to God in any
capacity, to any country, for any people.  While
praying, the telephone rang and it was a Navy
chaplain recruiter.  He was looking for ordained
clergywomen.  Would I be interested?  Yes, but I
felt both fearful and joyful.

In my joy, I could hardly wait to meet with my
pastor and share this amazing answer to prayer!
My beloved church actually disowned me when I
eagerly shared this wonderful moment.  My male
pastor said, "Yes, you are called.  But you must
leave.  You see, God doesn't call our women to
this kind of work.  You have to go to another
denomination.  You cannot stay with us."  What
would his response have been if I had been male?

Thus began several years of spiritual turmoil
while searching for a church home that would
allow me to follow God's gracious calling.
Through it all, I learned God is big.  God is
bigger than the fallible people in the church.
I found there are Christian denominations that
ordain women and place them in positions of
leadership.  There are Christian denominations
that have fought against slavery and for human
rights.  There are even Christian denominations
that offer affirmation, blessing, marriage rites,
and ordination for gay and lesbian people.

My ministry has changed throughout the years, but
God has not.  Jesus Christ remains the same
yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  The risen Christ
uses people among all walks of life in extraordinary
ways.  Who am I to limit God's calling in another
person's life?

God, bless us with joyous worship as we contemplate
the risen Christ in our lives.  Thank you for
calling us by name.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card!   http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handing.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice
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Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of October 29, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

God's Promise

Jesus said, "And remember, I am with you always, to
the end of the age."
Matthew 28:20b

I have begun jogging on a regular basis for health
and fitness reasons.  A local high school has an
outdoor track that is available to the general
public.  I feel safe while running and walking
laps.  Sometimes the repetition of doing laps is
boring, but it is off the road and away from heavy
traffic.  It is usually very quiet and I enjoy
seeing and hearing the numerous birds in the area.
In the distance I can see an inlet.  On clear days
I can even see one of the nearby mountain peaks.

It was deeply disturbing for me when I saw bloody
feathers yesterday while walking laps.  The poor
bird!  Those feathers told a grim story.  Something
had attacked it and the bird had put up quite a
struggle.  The trail of feathers extended into the
woods.  For the bird, death was violent and unexpected.
It was nature's way.  In the Koran we are told the
facts of life, "There will nothing befall us but
what God hath written down for us."  This includes
all God's creatures, great and small.

As we conclude our experience of reading Matthew's
Gospel, it is important to remember that Jesus
promises us strength for the day and hope for
tomorrow.  Whatever our situation and circumstances,
we have this promise from the risen Christ.  He is
with us always.  He will never leave or forsake us.
He will always provide strength for the day.  It
is impossible to be separated from his loving,
caring presence.  He is closer than our breathing,
nearer than our hands and feet (Wuellner, Flora
Slosson.  "Prayer and Our Bodies," p. 36.).
Nothing can separate us from Jesus' loving
presence.  We can claim these words written by
the apostle Paul, "For I am convinced that neither
death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither
the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither
height nor depth nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God
that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39
NIV).

Many years ago, my beloved Grandmother gave me a
bookmark with a poem.  The poem is titled "God's
Promise" and the author is unknown.  The bookmark
is tattered and the words of the poem are faded,

God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Day without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

Thank you, God, that there is nothing able to
separate me from your love that is in Christ
Jesus.  Thank you for your promises.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card!   http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handing.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice
monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho
Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank
e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Dear friends,

So the 2006-2007 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary Year C
is now on the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You may view it and
order it at this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa06_07.htm\
l

You may now order the 2007 Calendar using the new link.
The 2006-2007 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary sells
for $11.95 each, $9.50 each for six or more copies, plus
shipping and handling.

The Lectionary in the Liturgical Calendar is from the
Revised Common Lectionary, widely used as the ecumenical
consensus on readings for each Sunday and holy day in the
three-year cycle.  Our Liturgical Calendar is packed with
useful information for planning worship and preaching in
the local church for each Sunday and Holy Day of the Church
Year.  It is intended for use by pastors, musicians, altar
guilds, teachers, theological students, and anyone using
the Church Year as a basis for worship or education.  The
Liturgical Calendar is spiral bound so it can lie flat for
easy use, in the popular 8 ½" x 11" format.

Featured in this new Liturgical Calendar are these sections:
A Heading that identifies the day in the church year (for
example, the first Sunday of Advent, or Proper 20) with
alternative descriptions where appropriate.  The Revised
Common Lectionary readings, including a brief summary of
each reading.  (These are intended as only a very brief
overview to identify general themes as an aid to worship
planning.  We do not represent them as anything approaching
a thorough exegesis.)  The First Reading is usually from
the Hebrew Testament, but there are exceptions, such as
the use of readings from Acts during the Easter season.
These are sometimes selected thematically to fit the
Liturgical Calendar, but often are simply being read
through key passages over a series of weeks.  This is
followed by a Response, usually a Psalm.  The Epistle
Reading is next, like the Hebrew Testament Reading
typically a series of key passages from the same book
being read over a number of weeks.  Finally the Gospel
Reading follows the story of Jesus through the Christmas
and Easter cycles, plus the teachings of Jesus the rest
of the year.

Next is a section on Worship Planning, including the
liturgical Color of the day, Symbols and decorations
that can be used to enhance the worship experience, and
Special Events for the week which the congregation may
want to remember and commemorate on Sunday.

Rev. Witt has added lots of Notes in the Worship Planning
section, which serve to explain in more detail information
about the time of the church year, provide resources for
further study and information, and develop liturgical
themes to make your worship experience more rich and
meaningful.

The last section for each Sunday is called Following
God’s Footprints and is the unique contribution of
Raye-Anne Dorn, a former Roman Catholic priest (before
her transition).  For every day of the year, Raye-Anne
gives us a traditional saint, with a brief overview of
an important theme for which the saint is remembered
and what that particular saint can teach us.  Some
Diversity Dates are also included, special occasions
for celebrations of diversity, such as special celebration
days for specific cultures (e.g., Cinco de Mayo) and
special days for the GLBT community (e.g., a day of
remembrance for Matthew Shepard).

As a special added section, we have included alternative
readings for the four Sundays of Pride-Tide (June) prepared
by the Rev. Gordon McCoy.  The four sets of readings for
Pride-Tide may be used at any time in the year that the
faith community celebrates LGBT Pride.  The standard
Revised Common Lectionary readings are included for the
four Sundays in June as well.

The 2005-2006 Liturgical Calendar will be a helpful aid
for anyone involved in planning worship, as well as a
useful resource for all who want to know more about the
Church year and the rich liturgical life of the Church
Universal.  We think you will like this new Liturgical
Calendar.

Order the 2007 Calendar at this new link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa06_07.htm\
l

The 2007 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary sells for
$11.95 each, $9.50 each for six or more copies, plus
shipping and handling.

Grace and peace,

Adam

R. Adam DeBaugh, OSL
Chi Rho Press, Your LGBT Christian Publishing House
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Subscribe to Chi Rho Connection, our free electronic newsletter
mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Website.
http://www.ChiRhoPress.com
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of November 12, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Priceless!

"Blessed be the God and Parent of our Lord Jesus Christ!
By God's great mercy we have been given a new birth into
a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ
from the dead, and into an inheritance that is
imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven
for you, who are being protected by the power of God
through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in
the last time.  In this you rejoice, even if now for
a little while you have had to suffer various trials,
so that the genuineness of your faith, being more
precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested
by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory
and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.  Although
you have not seen Christ, you love him; and even though
you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice
with an indescribable and glorious joy."
1 Peter 1:3-8

Our faith is priceless.  Our yearning for God takes
many expressions in the world.  Yet I am distinctly
Christian and my most nourishing forms of food for my
soul come through the Gospels and other New Testament
writings.  I marvel at the wonderful words of Jesus.
For me, he is the light of the world, the bread of
life, the truth, and the best way to God.  I have
never seen him yet I love him.  I have found my faith
in Christ sweeter than honey, more precious than gold
and silver.  It is priceless!

Our spiritual yearnings can be satisfied with Christ's
words.  Chew, savor, enjoy, and linger with them through
the banquet table of the Gospels.  Reheat them, serve
them in different ways.  Meditate, reflect, imagine
yourselves in the stories, and share them with your
friends.  There is something for everyone.

Yet through the study and exposure of other religions
and cultures, we quickly learn how similar we are in
our yearning for sacred faith.

Although I am distinctly Christian, I love participating
in interfaith worship services and events.  For years I
have actively learned a great deal from the major world
religions.  They enhance my own spiritual expression and
growth.  When in the Orient, I respectfully visited many
Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.  While in the
Persian Gulf, I brought groups of sailors to several
Moslem mosques.  In other countries I have visited
Hindu temples, Chinese roadside shrines, and many
different Christian churches.

One year I was invited to participate in an interfaith
Pride service.  For the service, I helped develop a
creative call to worship with a group who used Tibetan
singing bowls.  Those wonderful bowls helped us pray
and worship as Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists,
Wiccans, and Catholics of all sexual orientations in
unity and peace.

Soul food comes in many different forms and shapes.
I am deeply enriched by other faith traditions.  They
have much to offer me and help my inner growth.
Likewise, they are enriched by my precious faith!
We are on a spiritual journey together.  We have
different paths, but we all search for meaning and
dignity in our lives.  Respect is a holy word.  We
can live together in peace and unity.  Cherish your
faith.  It will sustain you in times of need and
bless others.

Oh God, people from all walks of life search for you.
We yearn for precious faith that offers us a living
hope.  As we celebrate our Christian faith, help us
always respect other traditions.  Teach us how to
live together in peace.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handing. You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice
monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho
Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank
e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

*************************
CHI RHO CONNECTION

The eNewsletter of Chi Rho Press,
Your LGBT Christian Publishing House
Vol. VII, No. 15
18 November 2006

*************************

Contents:

1.      2007 Liturgical Calendar
2.      Stained Glass for Christmas!
3.      Step Number 7:  "Find Positive Supportive
Scripture"
4.      May We Suggest Easy Christmas Shopping?
5.      The Order of Saint Luke
6.      Adam's Last Word

--------------------------------------------------

This issue's Quote:

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because
those who mind don't matter and those who matter
don't mind."
Dr. Seuss

*****

Welcome once again to the Chi Rho Connection, the
electronic newsletter of Chi Rho Press.  Thank you
for passing this Chi Rho Connection on to others.

To join our list, send an e-mail message to
mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

To remove yourself from this list send an e-mail to
mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Please visit our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com
to see our entire lines of books, handouts, videos,
tapes, tchochkas, and stained glass.

Direct all other e-mail to Adam@....

--------------------------------------------------

1.      2007 Liturgical Calendar

The 2006-2007 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary Year C
is now on the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You may view it and
order it at this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa06_07.htm\
l

The 2006-2007 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary sells
for $11.95 each, $9.50 each for six or more copies, plus
shipping and handling.

The Lectionary in the Liturgical Calendar is from the
Revised Common Lectionary, widely used as the ecumenical
consensus on readings for each Sunday and holy day in the
three-year cycle.  Our Liturgical Calendar is packed with
useful information for planning worship and preaching in
the local church for each Sunday and Holy Day of the Church
Year.  It is intended for use by pastors, musicians, altar
guilds, teachers, theological students, and anyone using
the Church Year as a basis for worship or education.  The
Liturgical Calendar is spiral bound so it can lie flat for
easy use, in the popular 8 ½" x 11" format.

Featured in this new Liturgical Calendar are these sections:
A Heading that identifies the day in the church year (for
example, the first Sunday of Advent, or Proper 20) with
alternative descriptions where appropriate.  The Revised
Common Lectionary readings, including a brief summary of
each reading.  (These are intended as only a very brief
overview to identify general themes as an aid to worship
planning.  We do not represent them as anything approaching
a thorough exegesis.)  The First Reading is usually from
the Hebrew Testament, but there are exceptions, such as
the use of readings from Acts during the Easter season.
These are sometimes selected thematically to fit the
Liturgical Calendar, but often are simply being read
through key passages over a series of weeks.  This is
followed by a Response, usually a Psalm.  The Epistle
Reading is next, like the Hebrew Testament Reading
typically a series of key passages from the same book
being read over a number of weeks.  Finally the Gospel
Reading follows the story of Jesus through the Christmas
and Easter cycles, plus the teachings of Jesus the rest
of the year.

Next is a section on Worship Planning, including the
liturgical Color of the day, Symbols and decorations
that can be used to enhance the worship experience, and
Special Events for the week which the congregation may
want to remember and commemorate on Sunday.

Rev. Witt has added lots of Notes in the Worship Planning
section, which serve to explain in more detail information
about the time of the church year, provide resources for
further study and information, and develop liturgical
themes to make your worship experience more rich and
meaningful.

The last section for each Sunday is called Following
God's Footprints and is the unique contribution of
Raye-Anne Dorn, a former Roman Catholic priest (before
her transition).  For every day of the year, Raye-Anne
gives us a traditional saint, with a brief overview of
an important theme for which the saint is remembered
and what that particular saint can teach us.  Some
Diversity Dates are also included, special occasions
for celebrations of diversity, such as special celebration
days for specific cultures (e.g., Cinco de Mayo) and
special days for the GLBT community (e.g., a day of
remembrance for Matthew Shepard).

As a special added section, we have included alternative
readings for the four Sundays of Pride-Tide (June) prepared
by the Rev. Gordon McCoy.  The four sets of readings for
Pride-Tide may be used at any time in the year that the
faith community celebrates LGBT Pride.  The standard
Revised Common Lectionary readings are included for the
four Sundays in June as well.

The 2006-2007 Liturgical Calendar will be a helpful aid
for anyone involved in planning worship, as well as a
useful resource for all who want to know more about the
Church year and the rich liturgical life of the Church
Universal.  We think you will like this new Liturgical
Calendar.

Order the 2007 Calendar at this new link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa06_07.htm\
l

The 2007 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary sells for
$11.95 each, $9.50 each for six or more copies, plus
shipping and handling.

--------------------------------------------------

2.      Stained Glass for Christmas!

Like books, stained glass makes wonderful holiday gifts.
The stained glass elf has been busy in the Chi Rho
Press workshop (or should that be stained glass bear?).

Check out the stained glass section of our Web page at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/stainedglass.html.
There are pictures of all five stained glass pieces:

The clear cross (usually with a red center) for $12.00;

The LGBT rainbow flag for $18.00;

The red AIDS ribbon for $7.50;

The rainbow cross for $18.00;

And the rainbow Star of David for $18.00, all plus
shipping and handling.

Use our handy shopping cart and pay with your credit card!
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/stainedglass.html

Put the stained glass bear to work!

--------------------------------------------------

3.      Step Number 7  "Find Positive Supportive Scripture"

Step Number 7 in the "Steps to Recovery from Bible
Abuse," by the Rev. Dr. Rembert Truluck, is to "Find
Positive Supportive Scripture."

Here is the introductory material from chapter 12 of
"Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse," in which Dr.
Truluck outlines the seventh step needed to recover
from Bible abuse.

The Seventh Step:  Find Positive Supportive Scripture.

Make a list of the Bible passages that especially speak
to you and give you hope and encouragement.

John 3:16-17 is a good beginning, "God so loved the
world [YOU] that God gave God's only begotten child,
Jesus, that whosoever [YOU] believes in Jesus should
not perish [throw away your life], but have eternal
life.  For God did not send Jesus into the world to
condemn the world but that the world through Jesus
should be set free [saved]."

See also Psalm 100; the Book of Ruth; the story of
David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 18:1 through 20:42 and
2 Samuel 1:1-27; John 14 through 17; Matthew 28:1-20;
Galatians 3 through 6; 1 Peter 3 through 5; Romans
5:1-11; 8:1-4, 14-39; 15:1-7; and all of Romans 5
through 8.

Many other Bible passages are helpful and encouraging
to people who are abused, misunderstood, outcasts, and
oppressed.  Discuss the Bible in your group and
encourage people to suggest Bible passages that have
helped them.

Buy the complete book, "Steps to Recovery from Bible
Abuse," on the Chi Rho Press Web site, at this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevStepsToRecovery.html

--------------------------------------------------

4.      May We Suggest East Christmas Shopping?

What if we could point you to a store that is open
24 hours a day, seven days a week; where you can shop
in your pajamas if you want; where you can buy books,
stained glass, music, and even stocking stuffers; and where
shipping within the United States is free for orders
over $100!  Of course, we are talking about our own
Web site, http://www.ChiRhoPress.com.

Books make great gifts!  Titles such as Steps to
Recovery from Bible Abuse, Living as the Beloved,
Christian with a Twist, The Bible and Homosexuality,
two different Lenten studies, Come Home!, Called OUT!,
Positively Gay, My Memory Book, the new 2007 Liturgical
Calendar and Lectionary, The Road to Emmaus, and
Together in Love are all available and ready to ship.
Plus we have audio and video tapes, CDs, five different
stained glass designs, rainbow key chains and
bracelets, and more!

*****

We have designed gift certificates that can be made out
for any amount you care to give.

These are not yet available on our Web site, so send your
check with a note indicating that you are buying a Gift
Certificate and we will make up an attractive Gift
Certificate for the amount of your check for you to give
along with a copy of our catalog.

Chi Rho Press Gift Certificates make excellent gifts!
Order some today at Chi Rho Press, P.O. Box 7864,
Gaithersburg, MD 20898.

*****

Come shop at Chi Rho Press!

--------------------------------------------------

5.      The Order of Saint Luke

In October I was privileged to attend the Annual Retreat
of the Order of Saint Luke near Pittsburgh, PA.  There I
professed by vows as a Brother in the Order before the
Brother Abbott Mark Stamm.  (Brother Abbott Stamm is a
liturgy professor at Perkins School of Theology in
Texas.)

The Order of Saint Luke is dedicated to sacramental
and liturgical scholarship, teaching, and practice.
As a religious order, we are a dispersed community in
diaspora, made up of women and men, lay and clergy,
from many different denominations, who are seeking to
live a sacramental life.  The Order is Wesleyan and
Lukan in its spirituality, Methodist in its origins,
sacramental in its practice, and ecumenical in its
outlook.  Please explore our Web site at
http://www.saint-luke.org.

This year we celebrate our 60th anniversary, having
begun in 1946.  There are over 750 members of the
Order scattered in 43 of the US states and in a number
of other countries.  Sixty-nine brothers and sisters
gathered for the Annual Retreat this weekend, beginning
on the Feast of St. Luke on October 18th.  I was one of
three people professing vows for the first time.  My
pastor, the Rev. Dr. Rob Taylor, was with me this
weekend as I professed my initial vows.  He is a long
time member of OSL.

The Rule of the Order of Saint Luke is simple, yet
profound.

We affirm the apostolic hope;
We live for the Church of Jesus Christ;
We seek the sacramental life;
We promote the corporate worship of the Church;
We magnify the sacraments;
We accept the call to service.

I am very pleased to have joined this ecumenical Order
and invite you to review the Web site, and to celebrate
with me on this important step in my spiritual path.
For those of you who are more sacramental in your
liturgical preferences, I strongly encourage you to
join the Order, which you can do by e-mail.  Please
let me know if you are interested in doing this, so I
can assist you to become a member.  Write me at
Adam@....

--------------------------------------------------

6.      Adam's Last Word

We have been remiss in getting out new issues of the
Chi Rho Connection for the past little while, for
which I apologize.  There is a lot going on and I
am eager to get fully back in the saddle at Chi Rho
Press.

*****

We have a couple of needs, and perhaps some of our
readers will be able to help.

Our exemplary volunteer Web minister, the Rev. Clay
Witt, is really and truly retiring and wants to lay
down those duties by the end of the year.  So we are
looking for a new volunteer Web minister.  If you have
those skills and gifts and would like to take on this
role, please contact me at Adam@....

If you are in the Washington DC area, we also would
benefit by a couple of volunteer office workers to
help get things better organized here in my home
office.  Since I work a full-time secular job, I am
looking for volunteers in the evening and on weekends.
Write me at Adam@... if you are interested.

*****

I have recently been elected one of the two lay
delegates at my home congregation, Open Door MCC,
Boyds, MD (Website: http://www.opendoormcc.com).
This is a great honor for me and I look forward to
representing my congregation at international and
regional conferences of MCC over the next two years.
I also serve on the altar guild, one of the worship
teams, head the HIV Support Group, and am chair of
the Outreach Committee.

*****

Shipping and Handling Tip:  When you are ordering
from the Chi Rho Press Web site, be sure to tell us
your preferred shipping method.  The way the shopping
cart is set up, the shipping method defaults to United
Parcel Service.  This is NOT the most economical way
to ship for orders under seven pounds.  If you want
the most inexpensive shipping (within the United
States) it is usually best to pick USPS (United
States Postal Service Domestic Parcel Post) for
packages weighing under seven pounds.  UPS (United
Parcel Service) Ground is more economical for packages
heavier than seven pounds.  The shopping cart will
tell you how much your order weighs in the box right
next to your order amount and price.  There is a link
there to change your shipping method as well.

When I order one copy of the Liturgical Calendar and
allow the default UPS Ground shipping method, the
shipping cost is almost as much as the book, $10.11!
But if I change the shipping method to USPS Parcel
Post shipping is only $6.28, and it is $6.46 for USPS
Priority Mail.

Also do not forget that shipping from Chi Rho Press
is FREE for orders over $100.  Sometimes all you need
do is add another book or two to get free shipping,
saving even more money.

Be smart shoppers and choose your shipping options
carefully to avoid paying too much!

*****

I am very happy to be a brother in the Order of Saint
Luke and I encourage you to explore joining the Order
as well.  Check out the Web site at http://www.saint-luke.org.

*****

I really encourage you all to become Guardian Angels
of Chi Rho Press.  This will help us a lot as we
prepare our next books for publication.  Just $150
for a year will make you an important participant in
this ministry.

Thank you!

*****

Finally, as the holidays approach, please know that I
wish you a very blessed holiday season.  Thanksgiving
(here in the US), Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, and
New Years all bring with them great opportunities for
joy, but also much sadness for many people in the LGBT
community.

Suicides and suicide attempts increase during the holiday
season, especially for many LGBT people whose families
have deserted them or who are single and alone.  Please
remember those who are alone this holiday season and try
to include them in your festivities.  Even a card, a
small gift (from Chi Rho Press, of course!), or an
invitation to dinner or a party, can mean so much to
someone for whom the holidays are not always filled
with blessings and joy.

And please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers
as we move through the stately dance of thanksgiving to
the birth of our Savior and the coming new year.  May
you be filled with every good thing now and always.

*****

Gracia y paz,

Brother R. Adam DeBaugh, OSL
Director, Adam@....

******************************************

We are glad you are partners in ministry with us here at
Chi Rho Press.  We are eager for your comments, your
suggestions, your assistance with selling our books,
and your own purchases!  And of course, we covet your
prayers for this ministry.

If you've received the Chi Rho Connection as a result of
someone passing it along to you and would like to receive
it directly from us, please follow these directions:

To SUBSCRIBE send blank e-mail to:
ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To UNSUBSCRIBE send blank e-mail to:
ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Please visit http://www.ChiRhoPress.com.  You may
pay by credit card on our web page or we will ship
your order after receiving your check or money
order. Please always include your e-mail address,
mailing address, and telephone number.

For all e-mail correspondence, please write
Adam@....

Our snail mail address is:

Chi Rho Press, Inc.
P.O. Box 7864
Gaithersburg, MD 20898

Our telephone and fax number is 301/926-1208.

Customers outside the U.S. and especially our Canadian
friends can order using credit cards on our Web page.
Some of our books are also available through our Canadian
distributor, MAP Enterprises, Mary Ann Pearson, at her
Web page, http://www.christiangays.com.

Copyright 2006, Chi Rho Press, Inc.

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of November 19, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

God knows us

"O Lord, you have searched me and known me."
Psalm 139:1

I have often reflected with amazement that God knows
ME.  God knows you.  God KNOWS everything about us.
God knows when we sit or stand.  God knows what we
are going to say even before we know.  God actually
knows us better than we know ourselves.  God hears
our prayers and cares deeply for us.  God knows if
we are closeted or out.  God has searched us before
our birth and has known us before our conception
and birth.

Our caring God loves us and invites us into prayers
with our feelings that at times may be too deep for
words.  We can be assured that God cares.  God sees.
God stops, looks, and listens to our cries.  It is
wonderful to be with God.  We can never hide from
our loving God.  Planet earth is too small.  We can
be comforted with the few words in today's meditation.
God knows and loves us deeply.  The God who knows us
is enough for all our concerns.  We can approach this
knowing, loving God with all our cares.  Truly this
knowledge is too wonderful for words!  We often forget
that we are a gift to God.

We also frequently forget or find difficult to believe
that God wants to be known by us.  It is a wonderful
two-way relationship that can be personal and intimate.
I know many people who believe in God but are afraid.
Perhaps they have experienced abusive religion or
religious persons who have told them they are
unforgivable or abominable sinners.  Their fear factor
is high.  It is extremely difficult in my own life to
deeply love someone who has hurt me.

People, not God, are the abusers.  God will never
refuse, reject, denigrate, or ridicule us.  God wants
to be known by us.  Take courage and leave past and
damaging stereotypes of God.  Take a risk with God
and begin spending some leisure time together.  A
Jewish prophet revealed the heart of God for us
through these words, "I don't want your sacrifices,
I want your love; I don't want your offerings, I
want you to know me" (Hosea 6:6 TLB).

Continue to search us, O God.  Know us and help us
know and love you.  Lead us in love one day at a
time.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line
using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handing.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice
monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho
Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank
e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of November 26, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Just believe

"While he was still speaking, there came from the
ruler's house some who said, 'Your daughter is dead.
Why trouble the Teacher any further?'  But ignoring
what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the
synagogue, 'Do not fear, only believe.'"
Mark 5:35-36

It is every parent's worse nightmare, to lose a
child through death.  Parents should not outlive
their children, parents should not bury them.
Jairus had experienced such high hopes when Jesus
had earlier agreed to accompany him to his home.
The synagogue ruler had hoped against hope that
they would arrive in time for a miracle.  Now it
was too late.  Crushed in spirit and teary eyed,
he listened to his advisors who suggested he not
bother Jesus any longer.

Jesus seemed to read Jairus' chaotic and grief
stricken thoughts.  He quietly ignored the advice
of Jairus' servants and spoke with holy boldness,
"Do not be afraid, Jairus, just believe."

Jairus was heartbroken.  How could this be
happening?  Jairus was one of the few religious
Jewish leaders open to the teachings of Jesus.
What was Jairus, or anybody, for that matter,
supposed to believe?  Was he to believe that
Jesus would perform his greatest miracle yet
and bring his cherished daughter back from the
dead?  This was humanly impossible.

Or was it divinely possible?  In the midst of
this grieving father's broken heart, a faint
glimmer of hope refused to be extinguished.
All he had to do was just believe without
fear, that Jesus would do something remarkable
and supernatural.  Jairus had just seen with
his own eyes how Jesus had miraculously healed
a chronically ill woman.  He comforted himself
with the memory of Jesus' earlier promise to
come to his house and heal his beloved daughter.
Obviously, Jesus was a wonder worker with
amazing powers to cure the sick.  But could
this remarkable healer overcome death itself?

It seemed too much to believe yet hope grew with
every step towards his home.  This concerned father
did not know what Jesus was going to do, but he
obeyed the best he could while trying to control
his fear.  Jairus placed his trust and confidence
in the remarkable Healer, while fervently praying
for a miracle.  He knew Jesus possessed remarkable
powers that could only come from God.

Faith does not occur in a vacuum.  Although we know
very little about Jairus, we do know he was a ruler
in a synagogue.  He was well acquainted with theology
and the Jewish hope for a future coming Messiah.
Could Jesus be the long awaited Messiah?  Being
steeped in the Jewish scriptures since birth, Jairus
was familiar with the encouraging words from the
psalmists and prophets from so long ago.  During
the long walk back to his home, it is possible that
he was even comforting himself by reciting sacred
words he had memorized from childhood.  "Even though
I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I
will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and
your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4).  "The
Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all
faces; [God] will remove the disgrace of [God's]
people from all the earth.  The LORD has spoken"
(Isaiah 25:8).

By using our holy imaginations, we become part of
these sacred stories.  If you were Jairus, what
would you be hoping and praying for?  Would you
be afraid or could you place your full confidence
and trust in this remarkable Healer, named Jesus?
In your own life faith journey, has faith in Jesus
empowered you to overcome fear in the face of
overwhelming troubles?  Can you, with Jairus,
just believe?

Oh God, help our unbelief.  Give us faith and
courage to overcome the fears we face in our
lives.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on
line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handing. You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice
monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho
Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank
e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of December 3, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Solved by Walking

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their
strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31

Walking is good for our souls.  Many walk for love
and wisdom.  A local hospice program owns a large
portable labyrinth and calls their ministry, "walking
the trail of wisdom."  By facilitating a number of my
own labyrinth walks and retreats, I have learned
walking helps us break old patterns of thinking,
doing, and being.  Walking helps us honor body and
spirit.  Everything instructs as we slow down and
see, listen, taste, feel, pause, and grow.

Walking helps release hurtful and negative feelings.
Walking is known as the perfect total-body exercise.
Here are four great reasons to walk: it brightens
your mood; it strengthens your body; it energizes
your mind; it burns calories (Fenton, Mark and the
Editors.  "Walking: The New Walker's Logbook," p.
67).  Oprah Winfrey has often said, "I've been
through every diet under the sun, and I can tell
you that getting up, getting out, and walking is
always the first goal."

Age-old wisdom reveals that aging people who remain
active maintain the vigor and strength of someone
ten to fifteen years younger.  I looked at a walking
journal the other day, and it specifically mentioned
that we use more of our body's 650 muscles and 208
bones when we walk, than when we run.  Walking also
helps prevent osteoporosis (age-related bone loss).

Step by step, we can breathe peace with every step.
By breathing a little slower and deeper, we enjoy
placing one step in front of the other.  People
walk for all kinds of reasons.  We walk for peace,
justice, civil rights, health and wellness, and
many other social causes.  We walk and talk, walk
and meditate.  We walk for our physical health,
so why not walk for our spiritual health?

The venerable Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us that
"everything depends on our steps.  We struggle
in our mind and body, and don't touch the peace
and joy that are available right now  the blue
sky, the green leaves, the eyes of our beloved"
(Hanh, Thich Nhat.  "The Long Road Turns to Joy,"
p. 5).  He calls us to be deeply mindful and in
touch with the present moment.  Our understanding
of what is going on will deepen, and we can begin
to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace, and love.
Thich Nhat Hanh encourages everyone to begin to
practice walking meditation.  Because it might
be new, we may feel unbalanced, like a baby
learning to walk.  He says this, "Follow your
breathing, dwell mindfully on your steps, and
soon you will find your balance.  Visualize a
tiger walking slowly, and you will find that
your steps become as majestic as his" (Ibid., p.
49).

Walk and find strength with God.

God, help us build our strength by walking,
walking with You.  Amen.

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on
line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handing.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice
monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho
Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank
e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of December 10, 2006

**********

As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho
Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a
Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.

Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's
meditation. We hope you will be blessed.

Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.

Soul Water

"Do you not know that in a race the runners all
compete, but only one receives the prize?  Run
in such a way that you may win it.  Athletes
exercise self-control in all things; they do it
to receive a perishable garland, but we an
imperishable one.  So I do not run aimlessly,
nor do I box as though beating the air; but I
punish my body and enslave it, so that after
proclaiming to others I myself should not be
disqualified."
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NRSV)

Years ago, I had the crazy idea of running a
marathon in honor of my fortieth birthday.  My
neighbor, Joe, had successfully run five marathons
and offered many valuable insights and suggestions
that I followed carefully during the rigorous
training schedule.

"Joe," I asked on our way to the starting line,
"what do I have to do to finish the race?  What
is the one most important thing?"

"Well . . . hmm . . . there is only one thing,"
he said.  "If you do this, you will finish the
marathon.  If not, you won't.  Drink water.  Stop
at every water station and drink deep.  Drink
whether you feel like it or not.  If you do,
you'll be OK."

Joe was well in the lead when I lost sight of him.
I ran with thousands of runners and stopped at
every water station, drinking glasses of water
whether I was thirsty or not.  At mile 23, I was
hurting and wanted to quit.  I found myself singing
the doxology.  I refused to quit and determined to
crawl to the finish line if necessary.  And I
finished the race!  Receiving a medal, hugs, and
congratulations was a joyful experience.

After coming home and showering, I called my friend
Joe.  His worried wife answered the phone.  She had
not seen him finish the race and had hoped he was
with me.  Hours later, she found Joe in a nearby
hospital.  He was seriously dehydrated.  You see,
he had not followed his own advice.  He had decided
during the thrill of the race to run for speed and
neglected to drink water at the numerous water
stations along the course.  He collapsed at mile
23 and needed emergency intravenous fluids.  He
was unable to complete the race.

The church is our water station.  If we are to
thrive and serve God, we need water stations with
other people of faith to encourage and cheer us
on.  And we will encourage and cheer them.  It
goes both ways.  God calls us to run as a community
of faith.  We need regular worship as part of our
race training, whether we feel like it or not.  We
need to slow down weekly, and drink deeply from the
word of God, praying and caring for others, before
returning to our busy lives.

As Christmas draws near, consider going to church
for a long drink of water.  Search for a church
that welcomes people of all sexual orientations.
Help each other run the marathon of life.  Enjoy
remembering the reason for the season.  And praise
God when the going gets difficult.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Christ, all creatures here below;
Praise Holy Spirit, Comforter;
One God, Triune, whom we adore.  Amen.

(Doxology prayer attributed to Thomas Ken, 1674.
Thomas Ken was an Anglican priest, author, chaplain,
bishop, poet, and hymn writer who lived from 1637-
1711.  Some of his works can be enjoyed at
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/k/e/ken_t.htm)

Grace and peace,

Chi Rho Press

Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site.  You can order
using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on
line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each,
plus shipping and handling.  Six or more copies are
$15.75 each, plus shipping and handing.  You can find
this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.ht\
m

Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice
monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho
Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank
e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

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To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

CHI RHO CONNECTION

The eNewsletter of Chi Rho Press,
Your LGBT Christian Publishing House
Vol. VII, No. 16
10 December 2006

*************************

Contents:

1.      2007 Liturgical Calendar
2.      Stained Glass for Christmas!
3.      Step Number 8: "Read and Study the Gospels"
4.      Christmas Shopping Made Easy
5.      Obituary:  The Rev. Joseph Gilbert
6.      Adam's Last Word

--------------------------------------------------

This issue's Quote:

"Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it,
we can never do anything wise in this world."
-- Helen Keller

*****

Welcome once again to the Chi Rho Connection, the
electronic newsletter of Chi Rho Press.  Thank you
for passing this Chi Rho Connection on to others.

To join our list, send an e-mail message to
mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

To remove yourself from this list send an e-mail to
mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Please visit our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com
to see our entire lines of books, handouts, videos,
tapes, tchochkas, and stained glass.

Direct all other e-mail to Adam@....

--------------------------------------------------

1.      2007 Liturgical Calendar

The new liturgical year has begun.  There is still time
to purchase your copy of the new Liturgical Calendar and
Lectionary, Year C, December 2006 through November 2007,
compiled by Raye-Anne Dorn and the Rev. Clay Witt.
$11.95 each, six or more copies, $9.50 each, plus
shipping and handling.
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa06_07.htm\
l

The Liturgical Calendar is spiral bound so it can lie
flat for easy use, in the popular 8 ½" x 11" format.

The 2006-2007 Liturgical Calendar will be a helpful
aid for anyone involved in planning worship, as well
as a useful resource for all who want to know more
about the Church year and the rich liturgical life
of the Church Universal.

You may now order the 2006-2007 Liturgical Calendar
and Lectionary on the Chi Rho Press Web site at this
link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa06_07.htm\
l

The Liturgical Calendar is $11.95 each, six or more
copies are $9.50 each, plus shipping and handling.

--------------------------------------------------

2.      Stained Glass for Christmas!

Like books, stained glass makes wonderful holiday gifts.
The stained glass elf has been busy in the Chi Rho
Press workshop (or should that be stained glass bear?).

Check out the stained glass section of our Web page at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/stainedglass.html.
There are pictures of all five stained glass pieces:

The clear cross (usually with a red center) for $12.00;

The LGBT rainbow flag for $18.00;

The red AIDS ribbon for $7.50;

The rainbow cross for $18.00;

And the rainbow Star of David for $18.00, all plus
shipping and handling.

Use our handy shopping cart and pay with your credit card!
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/stainedglass.html

Put the stained glass bear to work!

--------------------------------------------------

3.      Step Number 8  "Read and Study the Gospels"

Step Number 8 in the "Steps to Recovery from Bible
Abuse," by the Rev. Dr. Rembert Truluck, is to "Read
and Study the Gospels."

Here is the introductory material from chapter 13 of
"Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse," in which Dr.
Truluck outlines the eighth step needed to recover
from Bible abuse.

The Eighth Step:  Read and Study the Gospels

Preparatory Bible Reading:  Read the four Gospels.

Learn the content of the Gospels, especially Luke
and John.  Saturate your mind with the life of Jesus.
Become your own expert on what it means to follow
Jesus.  Many people have found that they gain a
better picture of Jesus by reading through the
Gospel of Mark (it is only 16 chapters) in one
sitting.  Use a good modern language translation
for this exercise.  You will notice things about
Jesus that you did not realize before.

My friend Paul, who was director of an HIV/AIDS
support ministry in San Francisco, was going through
a lot of stress about his work.  He agreed to read
through the Gospel of Mark and let me know what he
learned.  When we met a couple of days later, Paul
said he read Mark and did not like what he learned!
I asked, "Why?"

Paul answered, "Jesus also had volunteers who did not
show up!"  The last time I read all the way through
Mark, I was struck by the attitude of urgency in the
mission of Jesus.  It made me aware that I needed to
become more urgent about getting this book written so
that you might have it today.  Please read through
Mark and see what you learn about Jesus that speaks
directly to you.

These have been written that you may believe
[continuously believe] that Jesus is the Christ, the
child of God: and that believing [following] you may
have life in Jesus’ name.
(John 20:30)

Studying and learning the story of Jesus in the Gospels
is necessary if you really want to follow Jesus in your
spiritual recovery and growth.  Learning the content of
Luke and John will take time and discipline.  Learning
these inclusive and Jesus-centered documents can be made
easier by sharing your study with at least one other
person.

Buy the complete book, "Steps to Recovery from Bible
Abuse," on the Chi Rho Press Web site, at this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevStepsToRecovery.html

--------------------------------------------------

4.      Christmas Shopping Made Easy

What if we could point you to a store that is open
24 hours a day, seven days a week; where you can shop
in your pajamas if you want; where you can buy books,
stained glass, music, and even stocking stuffers; and
where shipping within the United States is free for
orders over $100!  Of course, we are talking about
our own Web site, http://www.ChiRhoPress.com.

Books make great gifts!  Titles such as Steps to
Recovery from Bible Abuse, Living as the Beloved,
Christian with a Twist, The Bible and Homosexuality,
two different Lenten studies, Come Home!, Called OUT!,
Positively Gay, My Memory Book, the new 2007 Liturgical
Calendar and Lectionary, The Road to Emmaus, and
Together in Love are all available and ready to ship.
Plus we have audio and video tapes, CDs, five different
stained glass designs, rainbow key chains and
bracelets, and more!

*****

Our book of daily devotions, "Living as the Beloved:
One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra L. Bochonok.
"Living As The Beloved" has a Scripture reading,
meditation, and prayer for every day of the year.
Dr. Bochonok's meditations are poignant, wise, and
amazingly pastoral.  Her many years of ministry as
a military chaplain and pastor, and now as an Internet
pastor shine through her every word.  Her meditations
are simple, basic Christian teaching, yet glow with
power, grace, and beauty.  These are devotions that
will light your days for many years to come.

$20.95 each, six or more copies for $15.75 each, plus
shipping and handling.

*****

"Christian with a Twist: Reflections on Scripture
that are a bit more inclusive, a bit more relevant,
and with a bit of a bite," by William Gaston.  These
reflections are a remarkable collection, borne out
of the life experience and deep faith of a remarkable
man.  Bill Gaston has been writing these reflections
weekly, based on the Sunday lectionary readings.  They
have been published in the Sunday bulletin newsletter at
the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C.
for over three years now.  As such, they have edified,
challenged, startled, enlightened, and sometimes annoyed
the hundreds of people who come through the doors of that
amazing church.  Very often Bill's reflections have caused
members, friends, and visitors to MCC DC to think more
deeply, reflect more honestly, and stretch more boldly in
their faith journey.

$19.95 each, six or more copies for $14.95 each, plus
shipping and handling.

*****

"Positively Gay" for an LBGT person just coming out,
and even for someone who has been out for a while!
This is an important book and the updated new edition,
in the bright red cover, is an important addition to
every LGBT library.

"I wish we had published that!" says Adam DeBaugh.  "But
I am proud to have been a part of Positively Gay since
the publication of the first edition in 1979.  This
book has been a classic for 25 years, a must read for
all LGBT people and their allies!"

"Positively Gay has been widely and consistently praised
for its practical treatment of the variety of topics
affecting the lives of gays and lesbians.  In this revised,
third edition, Dr. Betty Berzon has brought together an
impressive list of contributors from diverse backgrounds,
disciplines, and approaches to spotlight significant but
frequently overlooked issues that often take center stage
in a gay or lesbian person's life."  (From the book jacket.)

Only $14.95, plus shipping and handling (six or more for
$11.25 each).

*****

"Called OUT: The Voices and Gifts of LGBT Presbyterians,"
compiled by Jane Adams Spahr, Kathryn Poethig, Selisse
Berry, and Melinda McLain.  Wonderful essays from a large
number of LGBT Presbyterian faithful.

Second printing, $17.95 each, six or more copies for $15.25
each, plus shipping and handling.

*****

"An Alien in a Foreign Land," by the late Rev. Jimmy Brock.
Eleven sermons first preached at Joy MCC, Orlando, FL,
where the Rev. Brock pastored, which are excellent for
personal or corporate devotions, the basis for Christian
education classes, Bible studies, discussion groups, a
guide in private meditation, or for membership classes.

$9.95 each, six or more copies for $7.50 each, plus
shipping and handling.

*****

A great gift for mom and dad!  Chi Rho Press author
Roberta Kreider is featured in a video produced by
John Davis.  The video, "Family Stories: Journeys of
Spirit in Mixed Orientation Families," featuring
Roberta Kreider (compiler of 'From Wounded Hearts')
and Mary Lou Wallner, with an introduction by the
Rev. Peter J. Gomes.

VHS format, color, 35 minutes, $29.95, shipping and
handling included.

*****

"The Bible and Homosexuality," Fifth Edition, by the Rev.
Michael E. England.  (ISBN: 1-888493-13-5)  The fifth
edition of our best selling book!  Many thousands of this
book are in circulation.  The Fifth Edition updates this
excellent study.  Now in perfect binding, with color cover.
Included are chapters on our understanding of "inspiration;"
critical interpretation; textual, historical, source, and
form criticism; detailed discussions about scripture
verses used to condemn homosexuality; the "contra naturam"
(against nature) argument; heterosexual marriages as the
"only Biblical model;" adultery and fornication; and a
bibliography.

$10.95 each, six or more copies for $8.95 each, plus shipping
and handling.

*****

"Families Re-Membered: Pastoral Support for Friends and
Families Living with HIV/AIDS," by the Rev. Louis F. Kavar,
Ph.D.  (ISBN: 1-888493-03-8)  HIV/AIDS causes families to
be re-structured, enlarged and changed, or "re-membered."
This book explores the dynamics of family systems and the
realities of extended families of choice in the context of
HIV/AIDS and any terminal illness.

$10.95 each, six or more copies for $8.25 each, plus shipping
and handling.

*****

"I'm Still Dancing! A Gay Man's Health Experience," by the
Rev. A. Stephen Pieters.  (ISBN: 1-888493-04-6)  A powerful
book by a long-term survivor of AIDS: articles, sermons and
journal entries chronicle life with AIDS.  Sick since 1982
and diagnosed with AIDS in 1984, Steve's cancers have gone
into complete remission and he remains well to this day.
He served for many years as Field Director of the UFMCC's
AIDS Ministry.

$8.95 each, six or more copies for $6.75 each, plus shipping
and handling.

*****

Rainbow Key Chains and Rainbow Bracelets make great
stocking stuffers.  Only $2.00 each (plus shipping and
handling), you may see a picture of these items and order
them on our Web site at

*****

"The Road to Emmaus" an inclusive daily devotional by and
for LGBT people of faith.

$9.95 each, six or more copies for $7.50 each, plus shipping
and handling.

*****

"What a Fellowship," by Jean Gralley.  The UFMCC's first
cartoon book by a talented graphic artist.  A wonderful,
light-hearted gift.

$8.95, six or more for $6.75 each, plus shipping and handling.

*****

"Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse," by Dr. Rembert
Truluck.  A wonderful set of 52 Bible studies, one for
every week, divided into Dr. Truluck's famous 13 Steps to
Recovery from Bible Abuse, plus lots of additional
material.

$24.95 each, six or more copies for $18.75 each, plus
shipping and handling.

*****

"Come Home! Reclaiming Spirituality and Community as Gay
Men and Lesbians," second edition, by Chris Glaser.  One
of the best books from this popular Gay Christian author.
"I rejoice that in this book all the gay men and lesbian
women who have been robbed of their spirituality are issued
an urgent invitation: Come Home!" says Virginia Ramey
Mollenkott.

$19.95 each, six or more for $14.95 each, plus shipping and
handling.

*****

Come shop at Chi Rho Press!  http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

*****

We have designed gift certificates that can be made out
for any amount you care to give.

These are not available on our Web site, so send your
check with a note indicating that you are buying a Gift
Certificate and we will make up an attractive Gift
Certificate for the amount of your check for you to give
along with a copy of our catalog.

Chi Rho Press Gift Certificates make excellent gifts!
Order some today at Chi Rho Press, P.O. Box 7864,
Gaithersburg, MD 20898.

*****

Come shop at Chi Rho Press!

--------------------------------------------------

5.      Obituary:  The Rev. Joseph Gilbert

We are sad to report the passing of a pioneer in LGBT
spirituality and one of Chi Rho Press’ distinguished
authors.  The Rev. Joseph Gilbert, an early leader in
the international movement of Metropolitan Community
Churches, died on Thursday, November 23, 2006.

Joseph pastored many MCC churches, including MCC
Philadelphia.  He was the compiler of the Liturgical
Calendar for Chi Rho Press for many years.

Here is a memorial tribute written by MCC Moderator
the Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson.

I first met Rev. Joseph Gilbert in February 1973, in
a little chapel at Arlington St. Unitarian Church in
Boston, where I was the assistant pastor (as yet
uncredentialed) of a new, five month old congregation
of Metropolitan Community Churches.  I was 22 years
old, and my recollection is that Joseph seemed well
into middle age.

Joseph had taken a cross-county bus from the West
Coast to be there.  It was during that same weekend
that I met Troy Perry for the first time, along with
several other early MCC leaders who came for the
celebration.

Joseph preached one of the nights, with his file box.
That box contained letters from gay prisoners seeking
spiritual and emotional support, and help with the
criminal justice system.  This was his congregation,
he said, and he proceeded to tell one heart-rending
story after another.  That included his own story of
being imprisoned in the days when the US government
spied on its citizens through the postal mail.  At
that time, you could serve prison time for having an
erotic, private, correspondence.

He also told of the moment of grace for him.  When he
came into MCC, though he had been in prison and was
open about it, no one asked him why.  He was just
accepted.  That moment of grace and unqualified
acceptance let him know he had found his spiritual home.

Joseph's prison ministry led to a lawsuit against the
state of California, a lawsuit that MCC won in 1974
and which allowed us to bring MCC ministry and chaplains
into the prisons of that state.

Joseph went on to pastor many MCC churches, and was my
neighbor for several years when I was in Worcester,
Massachusetts and he was in Providence, Rhode Island.
Joseph and a small group from Providence joined about
80 of us in the very first pride parade in Worcester,
Massachusetts in 1974 or 1975.  Three thousand people
lined the streets to watch 80 people walk down Main
Street.  We were heckled, had things thrown at us.
When a few of our own marchers wanted to throw things
back, we had to tell them to leave the parade.  Joseph
was totally amused when a police officer stopped a
couple of youths with bricks in their hands, saying
"Don't you know it ain't OK to beat up queers anymore?"
(In the days when "queer" was only an insult, and not
a label of defiance or pride).

We were close colleagues and friends throughout the
years of his active ministry.  Joseph was a good
pastor, shepherd.  He lived simply, modestly, and
gave sacrificially.  He had little, materially, and
what he did have he would share or give away at the
drop of a hat.

He had strong viewpoints, was always a powerful public
witness for MCC.  He was a "character," and he used his
public relations background and his eye for graphic
design to the benefit of MCC.

While pastoring All Saints MCC in Los Angeles, he was
also an active ecumenical and interfaith leader.  His
was a powerful voice for justice, and he possessed a
sharp sense of ethics.  He was well-read and had an
unmistakable pastoral voice.  He was Darlene Garners
pastor and mentor.

Rev. Joseph Gilbert also shared with us his mother,
Lovedy, who along with Edith Perry and Lillian Hubbs,
was part of a divine trio of accepting pre-PFLAG Moms.

Joseph also had an outrageous edge.  At one early MCC
General Conference, when we were "majoring in the minors"
and people wanted to talk about how many stripes were on
what collars, and dress codes, he made fun of us all by
wearing an outlandish Afro wig all during the business
meetings, at which he was a frequent speaker.  Every
time he would go to the mike, for a serious matter,
everyone dissolved in laughter.

He often saw himself as the fly in the ointment, the
"loyal opposition," a voice in the wilderness.  He
loved God and MCC with fierce passion, always wanting
us to be the best we could be in the name of Jesus.
For that he gave us the best years of his life.

May he rest in peace, and may perpetual life shine upon
him.

--------------------------------------------------

6.      Adam's Last Word

*****

New Blog!  We have started a blog for Chi Rho Press!
Please check out our new blog at
http://chirhopress.blogspot.com.

*****

We have a couple of needs, and perhaps some of our
readers will be able to help.

Our exemplary volunteer Web minister, the Rev. Clay
Witt, is really and truly retiring and wants to lay
down those duties by the end of the year.  So we are
looking for a new volunteer Web minister.  If you have
those skills and gifts and would like to take on this
role, please contact me at Adam@....

If you are in the Washington DC area, we also would
benefit by a couple of volunteer office workers to
help get things better organized here in my home
office.  Since I work a full-time secular job, I am
looking for volunteers in the evening and on weekends.
Write me at Adam@... if you are interested.

*****

Shipping and Handling Tip:  When you are ordering
from the Chi Rho Press Web site, be sure to tell us
your preferred shipping method.  The way the shopping
cart is set up, the shipping method defaults to United
Parcel Service.  This is NOT the most economical way
to ship for orders under seven pounds.  If you want
the most inexpensive shipping (within the United
States) it is usually best to pick USPS (United
States Postal Service Domestic Parcel Post) for
packages weighing under seven pounds.  UPS (United
Parcel Service) Ground is more economical for packages
heavier than seven pounds.  The shopping cart will
tell you how much your order weighs in the box right
next to your order amount and price.  There is a link
there to change your shipping method as well.

When I order one copy of the Liturgical Calendar and
allow the default UPS Ground shipping method, the
shipping cost is almost as much as the book, $10.11!
But if I change the shipping method to USPS Parcel
Post shipping is only $6.28, and it is $6.46 for USPS
Priority Mail.

Also do not forget that shipping from Chi Rho Press
is FREE for orders over $100.  Sometimes all you need
do is add another book or two to get free shipping,
saving even more money.

Be smart shoppers and choose your shipping options
carefully to avoid paying too much!

*****

I really encourage you all to become Guardian Angels
of Chi Rho Press.  This will help us a lot as we
prepare our next books for publication.  Just $150
for a year will make you an important participant in
this ministry.

Thank you!

*****

Gracia y paz,

Brother R. Adam DeBaugh, OSL
Director, Adam@....

******************************************

We are glad you are partners in ministry with us here at
Chi Rho Press.  We are eager for your comments, your
suggestions, your assistance with selling our books,
and your own purchases!  And of course, we covet your
prayers for this ministry.

If you've received the Chi Rho Connection as a result of
someone passing it along to you and would like to receive
it directly from us, please follow these directions:

To SUBSCRIBE send blank e-mail to:
ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To UNSUBSCRIBE send blank e-mail to:
ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Please visit http://www.ChiRhoPress.com.  You may
pay by credit card on our web page or we will ship
your order after receiving your check or money
order. Please always include your e-mail address,
mailing address, and telephone number.

For all e-mail correspondence, please write
Adam@....

Our snail mail address is:

Chi Rho Press, Inc.
P.O. Box 7864
Gaithersburg, MD 20898

Our telephone and fax number is 301/926-1208.

Customers outside the U.S. and especially our Canadian
friends can order using credit cards on our Web page.
Some of our books are also available through our Canadian
distributor, MAP Enterprises, Mary Ann Pearson, at her
Web page, http://www.christiangays.com.

Copyright 2006, Chi Rho Press, Inc.



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

CHI RHO CONNECTION

The eNewsletter of Chi Rho Press,
Your LGBT Christian Publishing House
Vol. VII, No. 17
16 December 2006

*************************

Contents:

1.      2007 Liturgical Calendar
2.      Christmas Shopping Made Easy
3.      Adam's Last Word

--------------------------------------------------

Welcome once again to the Chi Rho Connection, the
electronic newsletter of Chi Rho Press.  Thank you
for passing this Chi Rho Connection on to others.

To join our list, send an e-mail message to
mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

To remove yourself from this list send an e-mail to
mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Please visit our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com
to see our entire lines of books, handouts, videos,
tapes, tchochkas, and stained glass.

Direct all other e-mail to Adam@....

--------------------------------------------------

1.      2007 Liturgical Calendar

It’s not too late to order your Liturgical Calendar and
Lectionary, Year C, December 2006 through November 2007,
compiled by Raye-Anne Dorn and the Rev. Clay Witt.
$11.95 each, six or more copies, $9.50 each, plus
shipping and handling.
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa06_07.htm\
l

The Liturgical Calendar is spiral bound so it can lie
flat for easy use, in the popular 8 ½" x 11" format.

The 2006-2007 Liturgical Calendar will be a helpful
aid for anyone involved in planning worship, as well
as a useful resource for all who want to know more
about the Church year and the rich liturgical life
of the Church Universal.

You may now order the 2006-2007 Liturgical Calendar
and Lectionary on the Chi Rho Press Web site at this
link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa06_07.htm\
l

The Liturgical Calendar is $11.95 each, six or more
copies are $9.50 each, plus shipping and handling.

--------------------------------------------------

2.      Christmas Shopping Made Easy

What if we could point you to a store that is open
24 hours a day, seven days a week; where you can shop
in your pajamas if you want; where you can buy books,
stained glass, music, and even stocking stuffers; and
where shipping within the United States is free for
orders over $100!  Of course, we are talking about
our own Web site, http://www.ChiRhoPress.com.

Books make great gifts!  Titles such as Steps to
Recovery from Bible Abuse, Living as the Beloved,
Christian with a Twist, The Bible and Homosexuality,
two different Lenten studies, Come Home!, Called OUT!,
Positively Gay, My Memory Book, the new 2007 Liturgical
Calendar and Lectionary, The Road to Emmaus, and
Together in Love are all available and ready to ship.
Plus we have audio and video tapes, CDs, five different
stained glass designs, rainbow key chains and
bracelets, and more!

*****

Our book of daily devotions, "Living as the Beloved:
One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra L. Bochonok.
"Living As The Beloved" has a Scripture reading,
meditation, and prayer for every day of the year.
Dr. Bochonok's meditations are poignant, wise, and
amazingly pastoral.  Her many years of ministry as
a military chaplain and pastor, and now as an Internet
pastor shine through her every word.  Her meditations
are simple, basic Christian teaching, yet glow with
power, grace, and beauty.  These are devotions that
will light your days for many years to come.

$20.95 each, six or more copies for $15.75 each, plus
shipping and handling.

*****

"Christian with a Twist: Reflections on Scripture
that are a bit more inclusive, a bit more relevant,
and with a bit of a bite," by William Gaston.  These
reflections are a remarkable collection, borne out
of the life experience and deep faith of a remarkable
man.  Bill Gaston has been writing these reflections
weekly, based on the Sunday lectionary readings.  They
have been published in the Sunday bulletin newsletter at
the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C.
for over three years now.  As such, they have edified,
challenged, startled, enlightened, and sometimes annoyed
the hundreds of people who come through the doors of that
amazing church.  Very often Bill's reflections have caused
members, friends, and visitors to MCC DC to think more
deeply, reflect more honestly, and stretch more boldly in
their faith journey.

$19.95 each, six or more copies for $14.95 each, plus
shipping and handling.

*****

"Positively Gay" for an LBGT person just coming out,
and even for someone who has been out for a while!
This is an important book and the updated new edition,
in the bright red cover, is an important addition to
every LGBT library.

"I wish we had published that!" says Adam DeBaugh.  "But
I am proud to have been a part of Positively Gay since
the publication of the first edition in 1979.  This
book has been a classic for 25 years, a must read for
all LGBT people and their allies!"

"Positively Gay has been widely and consistently praised
for its practical treatment of the variety of topics
affecting the lives of gays and lesbians.  In this revised,
third edition, Dr. Betty Berzon has brought together an
impressive list of contributors from diverse backgrounds,
disciplines, and approaches to spotlight significant but
frequently overlooked issues that often take center stage
in a gay or lesbian person's life."  (From the book jacket.)

Only $14.95, plus shipping and handling (six or more for
$11.25 each).

*****

"Called OUT: The Voices and Gifts of LGBT Presbyterians,"
compiled by Jane Adams Spahr, Kathryn Poethig, Selisse
Berry, and Melinda McLain.  Wonderful essays from a large
number of LGBT Presbyterian faithful.

Second printing, $17.95 each, six or more copies for $15.25
each, plus shipping and handling.

*****

"An Alien in a Foreign Land," by the late Rev. Jimmy Brock.
Eleven sermons first preached at Joy MCC, Orlando, FL,
where the Rev. Brock pastored, which are excellent for
personal or corporate devotions, the basis for Christian
education classes, Bible studies, discussion groups, a
guide in private meditation, or for membership classes.

$9.95 each, six or more copies for $7.50 each, plus
shipping and handling.

*****

A great gift for mom and dad!  Chi Rho Press author
Roberta Kreider is featured in a video produced by
John Davis.  The video, "Family Stories: Journeys of
Spirit in Mixed Orientation Families," featuring
Roberta Kreider (compiler of 'From Wounded Hearts')
and Mary Lou Wallner, with an introduction by the
Rev. Peter J. Gomes.

VHS format, color, 35 minutes, $29.95, shipping and
handling included.

*****

"The Bible and Homosexuality," Fifth Edition, by the Rev.
Michael E. England.  (ISBN: 1-888493-13-5)  The fifth
edition of our best selling book!  Many thousands of this
book are in circulation.  The Fifth Edition updates this
excellent study.  Now in perfect binding, with color cover.
Included are chapters on our understanding of "inspiration;"
critical interpretation; textual, historical, source, and
form criticism; detailed discussions about scripture
verses used to condemn homosexuality; the "contra naturam"
(against nature) argument; heterosexual marriages as the
"only Biblical model;" adultery and fornication; and a
bibliography.

$10.95 each, six or more copies for $8.95 each, plus shipping
and handling.

*****

"Families Re-Membered: Pastoral Support for Friends and
Families Living with HIV/AIDS," by the Rev. Louis F. Kavar,
Ph.D.  (ISBN: 1-888493-03-8)  HIV/AIDS causes families to
be re-structured, enlarged and changed, or "re-membered."
This book explores the dynamics of family systems and the
realities of extended families of choice in the context of
HIV/AIDS and any terminal illness.

$10.95 each, six or more copies for $8.25 each, plus shipping
and handling.

*****

"I'm Still Dancing! A Gay Man's Health Experience," by the
Rev. A. Stephen Pieters.  (ISBN: 1-888493-04-6)  A powerful
book by a long-term survivor of AIDS: articles, sermons and
journal entries chronicle life with AIDS.  Sick since 1982
and diagnosed with AIDS in 1984, Steve's cancers have gone
into complete remission and he remains well to this day.
He served for many years as Field Director of the UFMCC's
AIDS Ministry.

$8.95 each, six or more copies for $6.75 each, plus shipping
and handling.

*****

Rainbow Key Chains and Rainbow Bracelets make great
stocking stuffers.  Only $2.00 each (plus shipping and
handling), you may see a picture of these items and order
them on our Web site at

*****

"The Road to Emmaus" an inclusive daily devotional by and
for LGBT people of faith.

$9.95 each, six or more copies for $7.50 each, plus shipping
and handling.

*****

"What a Fellowship," by Jean Gralley.  The UFMCC's first
cartoon book by a talented graphic artist.  A wonderful,
light-hearted gift.

$8.95, six or more for $6.75 each, plus shipping and handling.

*****

"Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse," by Dr. Rembert
Truluck.  A wonderful set of 52 Bible studies, one for
every week, divided into Dr. Truluck's famous 13 Steps to
Recovery from Bible Abuse, plus lots of additional
material.

$24.95 each, six or more copies for $18.75 each, plus
shipping and handling.

*****

"Come Home! Reclaiming Spirituality and Community as Gay
Men and Lesbians," second edition, by Chris Glaser.  One
of the best books from this popular Gay Christian author.
"I rejoice that in this book all the gay men and lesbian
women who have been robbed of their spirituality are issued
an urgent invitation: Come Home!" says Virginia Ramey
Mollenkott.

$19.95 each, six or more for $14.95 each, plus shipping and
handling.

*****

Come shop at Chi Rho Press!  http://www.ChiRhoPress.com

*****

We have designed gift certificates that can be made out
for any amount you care to give.

These are not available on our Web site, so send your
check with a note indicating that you are buying a Gift
Certificate and we will make up an attractive Gift
Certificate for the amount of your check for you to give
along with a copy of our catalog.

Chi Rho Press Gift Certificates make excellent gifts!
Order some today at Chi Rho Press, P.O. Box 7864,
Gaithersburg, MD 20898.

*****

Come shop at Chi Rho Press!

--------------------------------------------------

3.      Adam's Last Word

*****

It's just a little over a week until Christmas and
there is still time for you to order you last minute
Christmas gifts.  Please shop at www.ChiRhoPress.com
this year.

*****

We want to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and the
very best of New Years.  We hope the Nativity of our
Savior Jesus will be a time of great joy for you all.
God bless you and Happy Christmas!

*****

New Blog!  We have started a blog for Chi Rho Press!
Some people reported that the link did not work in
the lsat edition of the Chi Rho Connection.

Please check out our new blog at
http://chirhopress.blogspot.com

*****

Shipping and Handling Tip:  When you are ordering
from the Chi Rho Press Web site, be sure to tell us
your preferred shipping method.  The way the shopping
cart is set up, the shipping method defaults to United
Parcel Service.  This is NOT the most economical way
to ship for orders under seven pounds.  If you want
the most inexpensive shipping (within the United
States) it is usually best to pick USPS (United
States Postal Service Domestic Parcel Post) for
packages weighing under seven pounds.  UPS (United
Parcel Service) Ground is more economical for packages
heavier than seven pounds.  The shopping cart will
tell you how much your order weighs in the box right
next to your order amount and price.  There is a link
there to change your shipping method as well.

When I order one copy of the Liturgical Calendar and
allow the default UPS Ground shipping method, the
shipping cost is almost as much as the book, $10.11!
But if I change the shipping method to USPS Parcel
Post shipping is only $6.28, and it is $6.46 for USPS
Priority Mail.

Also do not forget that shipping from Chi Rho Press
is FREE for orders over $100.  Sometimes all you need
do is add another book or two to get free shipping,
saving even more money.

Be smart shoppers and choose your shipping options
carefully to avoid paying too much!

*****

Gracia y paz,

Brother R. Adam DeBaugh, OSL
Director, Adam@....

******************************************

We are glad you are partners in ministry with us here at
Chi Rho Press.  We are eager for your comments, your
suggestions, your assistance with selling our books,
and your own purchases!  And of course, we covet your
prayers for this ministry.

If you've received the Chi Rho Connection as a result of
someone passing it along to you and would like to receive
it directly from us, please follow these directions:

To SUBSCRIBE send blank e-mail to:
ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To UNSUBSCRIBE send blank e-mail to:
ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Please visit http://www.ChiRhoPress.com.  You may
pay by credit card on our web page or we will ship
your order after receiving your check or money
order. Please always include your e-mail address,
mailing address, and telephone number.

For all e-mail correspondence, please write
Adam@....

Our snail mail address is:

Chi Rho Press, Inc.
P.O. Box 7864
Gaithersburg, MD 20898

Our telephone and fax number is 301/926-1208.

Customers outside the U.S. and especially our Canadian
friends can order using credit cards on our Web page.
Some of our books are also available through our Canadian
distributor, MAP Enterprises, Mary Ann Pearson, at her
Web page, http://www.christiangays.com.

Copyright 2006, Chi Rho Press, Inc.