July 31, 2011
Good morning. It with great sorrow and with great gratitude that I stand before you this morning. Sorrow for the loss of Kate Cudlipp, a vibrant and loving part of our community, whose life was so tragically cut short. Gratitude for Kate’s life, which has graced my life and the life of this community. For her light that shone on this Earth. For the love she gave and freely shared. For the community that gathered around and prayed in 24 hour vigil. For the community that will continue to support her partner, Carole, as she struggles with this sudden and tragic loss.
As we enter into this time of The Teaching, let us observe a moment of silence to hold the sorrow of losing Kate and to hold her home community of Seekers Church and her partner Carole in the light.
Silence
I’m experiencing sorrow for another reason this morning as well. Sorrow for preparing to leave this community. Sorrow that after next week I will not be worshiping here every Sunday, that I cannot sit for hours in the Festival Center talking with Carol Bullard-Bates when I’m having a hard week, cannot shoot hoops with Gail as we talk about life, cannot go for an afternoon walk with David, chat over our shared compost bin with Marja, or be here when Florence A is God-willingly granted asylum. Cannot share a meal in the dining hall of the retirement home with John and Harriett, fix bikes with Dave MacMillian, hear Gerald’s music live, or have talks with Maria that leave me energized about life. I cannot be here for Ann’s book release, play kickball with Dottie at the next retreat, get a hug from Tom Brown, or hear Barbara delight when she “soaks her sore little footsies” in Epsom salt. I will not be here to see Mike Smith move into his new home, to delight in watching the children grow up and so actively participate in the service, eagerly reading lines of the Lamentation, or to sing with all of you the version of The Lord’s Prayer that Connie put to such beautiful music. I will not be here to enjoy workouts and talks of revolution with Ali, to chat on the backporch over watermelon with John Coates, to see Brother Francis light up and tell me “You are God’s Delight.” I will not be here to lean on you when I’m struggling, or to have you lean on me. To share in joys in times of celebration, and to mourn together in times of loss.
As I am filled with sorrow for these losses, I am filled with gratitude.
Gratitude for being immersed in this community of love. For having been a part of this amazing and unique group of people. For being nurtured, supported, challenged, embraced. For having experienced such beauty and joy that I have a something worth mourning.
As many of you know, next week will be my last week here in DC before moving to Arizona. The Church of the Saviour community--both at 8th Day and Spiritual Support Group--has been a huge part of my life over the last few years. It is the first Christian Community of which I have been a member and has changed my way of thinking about what it means to be a Christian.
For the first time in a Christian community, I have felt a place where I could fit ideologically. A place where people are supporting and challenging one another to live their faith more deeply, where people are open about their struggles and humbly walking with others on the journey. A place where people are willing to open their homes, to share their lives, to share their money, to take care of one another, and to show their faults. A place that does not pretend to be perfect or have it all figured out, but where people love anyway and know one another and truly let themselves be known.
Next week after the service I’ll begin my move to Arizona. Accompanied by my good friend Andre Faulkner, who is currently discerning membership at 8th Day, and equipped with a suitcase of Gordon’s sermons, we’ll drive to Tucson where I will be committing to a community called The Restoration Project,an ecumenical, intentional community with a mission to “Nourished and empowered by the Spirit, live in right relationship with one another, the community, and the earth through hospitality, simple and sustainable living, playful spirituality, and peaceful prophetic action.” The community has a special focus on being with those in immigration detention and organizing around the system of detaining immigrants.
I have felt a tremendous amount of support here at 8th Day as I follow this call and hope for a long lasting relationship between our communities. There is always a place for you at The Restoration Project and I would like to extend the invitation for you all to come as a group to stay in the house and share in community life and visit the detention centers, perhaps next winter when folks here might be longing for an escape from the DC cold.
I ache as I feel myself being pulled apart as I prepare to physically leave this community here. As I feel the sorrow of leaving this group of people I love so much, I am seeking today to share with you in the connecting experience of Baptism. Baptism is a one-time event in a person’s life. An event that symbolizes being joined as part of the Body of Christ. In Paul’s day, if one heard we are “Members” of the Body of Christ, they would most likely picture themselves as the arms, legs, and nose of Jesus. Each different, each necessary, and only function wholly when united.
While I may be physically leaving DC next week, I am forever joined with you in this body, which transcends physical distance.
Before we move into the baptism service, I would like to invite people in the community to share what baptism means to you. I’ve asked a few people if they would share first, after which I invite anyone who would like to share.
[sharing]
Pre-Baptism Prayer
God, help me to enter through the narrow gate, to walk the narrow path that leads to life. To resist the broad road paved of worldly affirmations--wealth, stable salaries, praise for all the “good work” I’m doing, feeling understood and accepted. Strengthen me to live a life of love, even if that means I am reviled and rejected. Help me to live a life of love that is radical enough to threaten this Empire of Injustice, and give me the strength to stay strong when I feel crazy or alone.
Spirit of Life, I come to you, weary and heavy-laden. Give me your yoke and teach me, you who are gentle and humble in heart. Help me find rest for my soul. Help me to freely give as I have freely received.
Give me the strength and faith to not store up treasure for myself or to worry about my life and how I will pay for rent or health care. I know intellectually that worrying cannot add even a single hour to my life, and in fact may take away from living freely and abundantly. Help me to be open to abundant life in you rather than seeking my reward through earthly things. Help me to not be like the rich young ruler, to not hold back and lose out on abundant life. Help me to be a better servant leader, with the emphasis on servant. I know that I struggle with obedience. Help me to maintain my strength of self yet be more obedient to your will.
Help me to feel the connection I have with this community here and with all of creation, united in one connected body. Thank you for the gift 8th Day and the broader Church of the Saviour community have played in my life. At this time of dismemberment, use your healing water to mend the brokenness and forever connect us in the Body of Christ.