This article from the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina offers hope for the Church!
Diocese of South Carolina Leadership Forum
We need more leaders who think like this!
Blog
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Don’t Push Send!
Carrie Newcomer entertained us at the Interim Ministry Network Annual Conference last night. I enjoyed all of her songs, but one that hit home with everyone was about electronic mail. We've all had at least one of those email moments! I hope you'll click Don't Push Send! and enjoy it yourself!
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Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's
womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm
139:13-14)I'm in Pittsburgh attending the Interim Ministry Network Annual Conference. Our worship this morning was an interfaith service led by Christians and Jews. One of the readings was the account of the creation of human beings from Genesis 1:24-31.
That reading was followed by a reading from the teachings of the rabbis. Sanhedrin four, Mishnah five begins with a description of the warning that the judges would give to the witnesses in a capital case. The mishnah then continues with a discussion of the uniqueness of every human being and the consequential extreme severity of capital punishment.
Therefore but a single person was created in the world, to teach that if any man has caused a single life to perish from Israel, he is deemed by Scripture as if he had caused a whole world to perish; and anyone who saves a single soul from Israel, he is deemed by Scripture as if he had saved a whole world. Again [but a single person was created] for the sake of peace among humankind, that one should not say to another, “My father was greater than your father”. Again, [but a single person was created] against the heretics so they should not say, “There are many ruling powers in heaven”. Again [but a single person was created] to proclaim the greatness of the Holy Blessed One; for humans stamp many coins with one seal and they are all like one another; but the King of kings, the Holy Blessed One, has stamped every human with the seal of the first man, yet not one of them are like another. Therefore everyone must say, “For my sake was the world created.”This mishnah reminds me of the words of one of the collects we often read in Morning Prayer, "O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth…" It admonishes me to embrace the diversity God has designed into our human family. And, it inspires me to not think less highly of myself than I ought to think, because God has gone to great lengths to create a universe in which I have the privilege of living.
We are related. We are different. We are individuals. All of us and each of us matters. And all of this is because of God's design. Maybe this gets at the meaning of Jesus' teaching, "You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself."
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About Our Historic Galveston Home (1999-2012)
The 1896 Smith-Rowley House
3017 Avenue O ~ Galveston, TexasFrom August 1999 until October 2012, we owned this amazing Queen Ann Victorian house in Galveston, Texas. Here is the story. Be sure to visit the photo album.
In 1894, R. Waverly Smith purchased land on Avenue O from Robert I. Cohen. The present owners are in possession of the original title policy issued in that sale and signed by Maco Stewart, founder of Stewart Title Company. R.W. Smith was a well-regarded young lawyer who became City Attorney and eventually became president of the First National Bank of Galveston. He played an important role in the development of the commission form of government for Galveston following the disastrous hurricane of 1900. In September 1896, he married Jennie Sealy, the daughter of John Sealy.
During that same year, construction was begun on this wood frame Queen Ann style house. The house was designed and built by Galveston architect George B. Stowe. During the construction, the Smiths lived with the bride’s mother, Rebecca Sealy, on the corner of Tremont and Sealy. When Rebecca Sealy died in 1897, the Smiths remained in the Sealy home, sharing it with the bride’s brother, John Sealy II, and rented the home on Avenue O.
The house survived the 1900 Storm and in 1903, R. Waverly Smith sold it to Henry K. and Minerva Rowley. As part of the grade raising after the 1900 Storm, the house was elevated an additional three and one-half feet and the carriage house was raised four and one-half feet. Mr. Rowley was an employee of thee Union Pacific Railway. Members of the Rowley family lived in the house for the next 51 years. Mr. and Mrs. Rowley and their only son, William, died during the influenza epidemic of 1917-1918, leaving the home to their two daughters, Frances Rowley, a physician and specialist in diseases of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat, and Medora Rowley, an artist.
Upon the death of Medora Rowley in 1954, the house was left to trusted friends, Mrs. Robert Townsend and Mrs. E.P. Russell. Mr. and Mrs. Townsend then purchased Mrs. Russell’s interest in the property and made it their home. Renovations by the Townsends included a new roof, closing in of the first and second story back porches to provide additional rooms, and the construction of a new three-car garage to replace the decrepit carriage house.
After several other owners, the house was purchased in 1979 by Dr. and Mrs. Edgar Ben Smith. Dr. Smith was head of the Department of Determatology at U.T.M.B. In 1999, at the time of his call to be rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, The Reverend and Mrs. Ronald D. Pogue purchased the house from the Smiths, who moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Entry
Many of the original interior fixtures of the house have been maintained through the years. Of particular interest are the carved mantles and the original brass light fixtures. The paneling in the entry and the wainscoting throughout the house are made of longleaf pine and contribute s faint but distinct scent to the rooms. Note that the ceiling fixtures in the front parlor and dining room are gasoliers and were originally capable of providing light with either electricity or illuminating gas.
Upstairs
At the top of the front stairway are bedrooms. Note the unusual configuration of the rooms due to the bows in both bedrooms and the additional bay window in the west bedroom. The original bathtub, mirror, and marble vanity can be seen in the upstairs bathroom, which opens into the central hallway. As you proceed toward the back of the house, the master bedroom opens off the hallway on the left. The former upstairs back porch has been converted into a roomy bathroom with two lavatories, shower, and whirlpool tub. The fourth bedroom is used today as a guestroom and has a staircase leading up to the attic, which is floored.
Downstairs
After descending the back staircase, you will enter the kitchen, which was modernized in the early 1970’s. Pass through the kitchen to the one-time back porch, which is not the den. As you pass through the hallway toward the front of the house, you will note on the left the utility room (formerly the pantry and storeroom) and the small downstairs bathroom resulting from the conversion of an area that was originally a closet or staircase. On the right are the dining room and the front parlor, each with its own coal burning fireplaces. There are functional jib windows leading from these two rooms onto the verandah where fresh Gulf breezes are felt. The house originally had nine jib windows, seven of them opening onto upstairs balconies. The above ground basement is enclosed and has a concrete floor.
Recent History
A photograph of the Pogue’s Christmas Tree was featured in the December 2000 issue of Victorian Homes magazine. In 2004, the Pogue’s engaged Dale Thwing and Signature Design Group of Houston to assist them in restorations to the interior design of the house. The pine floors were refinished and the downstairs woodwork was restored to its original natural finish. Upstairs woodwork was painted with white enamel. Window coverings and upholstery for most of the interior were created by Thwing. These restoration and interior design improvements were completed in time for the 2005 Galveston Historic Homes Tour. When Hurricane Ike struck Galveston in September of 2008, even though there was two feet of water in the yard surrounding the house, the living area sustained no damage and by the spring of 2009 the grass was green, the two live oak trees were putting out new leaves, and the gardens were in full bloom.
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A Rogationtide Epiphany
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Ascension Day are the traditional Rogation Days in our Church. In ancient times, these days were observed by fasting in preparation to celebrate the Ascension and farmers often had their crops blessed by a priest. Those who live in urban areas today are at a distance from the places where their food is grown and our connection to the cycles of seedtime and harvest has changed. So, Rogation Days take on a different and perhaps greater meaning. Not only do we ask for a blessing on the fields and those who tend them to produce the food that we will eventually eat, we also ask for a blessing on all creation and those of us who understand ourselves to be stewards of it. It is a time when God can speak to us in new ways about our lives and the life we share with other living things.
Last September 13, Hurricane Ike covered the lawn and gardens of our Galveston home with twenty-four inches of water. We were not sure if any of our trees, grass, or plants would survive. Our concerns were heightened as we watched to see if the beautiful live oak trees on Broadway from 6th to 59th Streets were going to make it. The jury is still out on those trees and many like them along Galveston streets and avenues.
Happily, Gay and I are witnessing the rebirth of our lawn and garden. We are amazed at the resiliency of these growing things. I've posted a new photo album showing some examples. You'll find the link in the column to the right.
Some say that the reason our trees and plants are coming back is that we kept them watered before and after the storm, in contrast to the Broadway live oaks, which were not watered last summer and were experiencing drought-like conditions before Ike. Their root system was so thirsty that it soaked up the first water that came along, salt and all.
Likewise, when our spiritual and emotional thirsts are not satisfied for long periods of time, we become vulnerable. We drink in whatever looks like refreshment even if it is polluted. On the other hand, when our thirst for God and wholesome human companionship is regularly satisfied, we are less likely to drink in that which is harmful to us.
The fruitfulness of our Galveston garden is an epiphany for me, reminding me to refresh myself daily from the springs of living water offered in abundance by Jesus Christ and to stay connected to true friends. When I do, I will be less vulnerable when I am offered a substitute for the real thing.
Rogationtide 2009 -
My Vocational Status
Several friends have asked for an update on my vocational status:
* I AM NOT RETIRED! That's another dozen years in the future.
* However, my ministry at Galveston's Trinity Episcopal Church concluded April 30, after a great sabbatical and a wonderful farewell event.
* I am seeking a position as a full time intentional interim rector and am in conversation with four very interesting churches in various parts of the country.
* Our Galveston house is on the market.
* Gay will continue to teach 9th grade English at Texas City High School, at least until the house is sold.
* Our bishops and friends are incredibly supportive as we move through this transition.
* As soon as we know what God has in store for us, I will let you all know.
* Please remember us if you hear of a church in need of an interim and keep us in your prayers.
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What I Like Most About the Episcopal Church
I was recently asked what aspects of the Episcopal Church I value and find life-giving and what about it calls me deeper into my relationship with God. I'd like to share my answer with you.
The Episcopal Church fosters communities of followers of Jesus Christ where “all sorts and conditions of people” are welcome and no one is an outcast. Those communities encourage each person to be transformed by openness to the wonder and mystery of God’s hand at work in the universe in which we live. Our corporate worship and sacramental life give us sustenance for the spiritual journey and for service to the world. By promoting the dynamic relationship of scripture, tradition, and reason, the Episcopal Church provides a broad “middle way” that allows diversity, resists dogmatic certainty, and encourages thoughtful conversation about what God is calling us to be and do. Our oneness and our mission are not grounded in uniformity of belief, but in gathering for a feast at the invitation of the One who is the Way, Truth, and Life we seek.
Because of our roots in The Church of England, The Episcopal Church is also an Anglican Church. As Anglicans, our descent from the Early Church is as direct as that of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. At the same time, we share a common heritage with Reformed churches. There are many desirable aspects of this “middle way” and three of them are especially important in my own journey to find and be found by God.
The Book of Common Prayer – The Book of Common Prayer is unique to our Anglican heritage and central to our structure and practice. The Book of Common Prayer provides a framework for our common life by providing central instructions in the Christian faith, requirements for our liturgical and sacramental life, and guidance for living as Anglican Christians. Certainly, we have canons that govern many aspects of our corporate life. But our unity is grounded not in polity but in common prayer. The Church forms and shapes us individually as Christians and the prayer book provides the necessary cohesiveness that preserves corporate faith and order.
Our approach to reading and interpreting the Holy Bible – Avoiding biblical literalism and affirming the necessity of looking at scripture through the lenses of reason and tradition are hallmarks of our Anglican heritage. We read and interpret the Bible for ourselves, but within the context of a gracious and redemptive community where our interpretations are tested and refined using this approach. This helps us avoid not only error but also the narrow judgmentalism and pharisaism that has driven many away from life in Christ. Our approach to scripture helps us explore both ancient truth and God’s unfolding self disclosure in our own place and time.
The possibility of following a spiritual path within an organized church – I find myself in company with many souls in this emerging era who are seeking to be a part of a diverse, inclusive, authentic community of believers with whom they can approach spiritual concerns, wrestle with doubt, live with mystery, and cope with ambiguity. People are not looking so much for answers as for others with whom they can explore their own stories at the intersection with the story of humanity and with the ancient story of faith in God. The openness of the Episcopal Church to questions, fresh revelations, and ancient teachings is inviting to me and will be inviting to the emerging generation of people on their spiritual journeys.
It's not a perfect church. But it has a lot to commend it for anyone seeking an open minded, inclusive, non dogmatic approach to being a Christian.
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Earth Day and Hope for Galveston Recycles
Today is Earth Day. The Galveston County Daily News carried an article this morning offering new hope that we may have an opportunity to see curbside recycling in this community. The City Council will have to amend its existing ordinance to allow an entrepreneur to develop curbside recycling and convert the materials into useful products. The present ordinance requires that any recycled materials that are picked up must be delivered to the city's recycling center. Since the city doesn't pick up recyclables because it considers it too expensive, why would it care what someone else does with them? Let's hope Council will change the ordinance and give someone a shot at it. It will be exciting to see somebody willing to take a risk get something done that will help the environment and perhaps help Galveston set an example for the people who visit our island home.
Here is a prayer from The Book of Common Prayer that is especially appropriate for Earth Day:
O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer, p.259 -
About Fr. Ron Pogue
The Very Reverend Ronald D. Pogue is a retired intentional interim minister in The Episcopal Church. Prior to retirement, he was Interim Rector at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Keller, Texas, Interim Dean at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Jackson, Mississippi, Interim Dean at Saint John’s Cathedral in Denver, Colorado. He also served as Interim Rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Jackson, Wyoming, Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Calvary Episcopal Church in Ashland, Kentucky, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Lexington, Kentucky, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence, Kansas. Before entering interim ministry, he was Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Galveston, Texas, and Canon Missioner at Houston’s Christ Church Cathedral. For twenty-five years Ron was a United Methodist Pastor.
A native of Houston, Ron holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Houston Graduate School of Theology. His doctoral project, “Equipping and Empowering Christian Leaders in the Congregation” reflects his conviction that in Baptism all Christians receive the same blessing and are called to the same ministry. He has been a credentialed mediator and has been trained and certified in transitional ministry as a Professional Transitional Specialist by the Interim Ministry Network. His emphasis in ministry has been in the areas of stewardship, Christian formation, and evangelism. He has been a leader in the Church’s response to social concerns and advocacy for marginalized people in our society, including refugees, homeless persons, the unemployed, the mentally ill and handicapped, and persons with HIV/AIDS.
Ron is the creator and moderator of Unapologetically Episcopalian, a Facebook page devoted to celebrating the many positive ways the Episcopal Church is spreading the gospel. He has been Dean of his convocation, a member of the Executive Board, chair of the Diocesan AIDS Commission, and Diocesan Ecumenical Officer. He has served two terms on the board of the Texas Conference of Churches. Representing the Church in service to the community, Ron has chaired the boards of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, the Mental Health Association of Houston and Harris County, Houston Graduate School of Theology, and the Galveston Chapter of the American Heart Association. His community leadership has been recognized by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Boy Scouts of America, and the National Association of Social Workers.
Details about his places of ministry are available in his resume HERE
In describing his personal mission and values, Ron stated, “I am called to foster hope, lead change, inspire action, and glorify God in the service of the Gospel of Christ, for the building up of the Church, and for the sake of the world. The promises I made at my ordination provide a rule of life: listen to others, study and teach, work collaboratively, become who and what I am, remain in intimate relationship with God.”
Ron and his wife, Gay, have been married for fifty-two years. Gay retired in 2010 after teaching ninth grade English for twenty-eight years and is a writer, artist, and iconographer. They are the parents of two grown sons.
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About e-piphanies
e-piphanies: Glimpses into God at Work in our LivesIn the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church, we have many prayers that express our conviction that God still speaks and is made manifest throughout all creation.One prayer, for example, asks, “Open our eyes to see your hand at work in the world about us.” In another, we pray, “ . . .give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days . . . .”e-piphanies is an interactive electronic journal. In e-piphanies, I will share answers to my prayers for God to open my eyes to God’s hand at work and to heighten my awareness of God’s mercies. Because e-piphanies is interactive, I hope you will respond to the stories I post and send me some of your own, as God is made manifest to you wherever you may be. In this way, I pray, the network of those humbly attempting to live under God’s reign will grow and that other seekers will find a place within it. Whether atop a mountain, within a verdant valley, beside a stream, on a city sidewalk, in a soup kitchen, on a beach, or in the center aisle of a church, there are epiphanies of God’s participation in the ongoing process of all life.Jesus went about pointing to signs and wonders of God’s presence and power. He called his followers to make extensive use of the eyes of faith so that we will not miss out on the dimension of life he called “the Kingdom of God.” The abundant life he came to offer is a life that is fully conscious and keenly aware of God working out the divine purpose in us and in creation itself. e-piphanies will help us be companions in the journey of faith, conversing about our divine discoveries as we go.May e-piphanies be a blessing to you, and may you be a blessing to others.Faithfully yours,Ron+Glory to God, whose power at work in us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever.” – Ephesians 3:20, 21