St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church Annandale, Virginia

Monday, March 5

2012-03-05T01:00:00.000-08:00

1 Corinthians 4: 14-20: I appeal to you then, be imitators of
me… For the kingdom of God depends not on talk but on
power… Am I to come to you with a stick, or with love in a
spirit of gentleness?

I had the honor of attending a conference led by Bishop
Gene Robinson. His focus during the conference was on
getting in gospel trouble like Jesus did! He said, if we think
about it, we are really admirers of Christ, not prophets. We
give money generously in support of Outreach but we rarely
“get our hands dirty.” He gave as an example a friend of his
who is Rector of Church of the Epiphany in Washington,
DC. It is in an area with a huge homeless population. As
they strolled the streets together, his friend greeted each
homeless person by name! Each Sunday, the doors of this
Church open and the homeless pour in to get warm and to
sleep for a few hours. Most attend the 8:00 am service and
then are fed breakfast. Bishop Robinson was the Celebrant
one Sunday and as he greeted the congregation at the Peace,
he was overtaken by the odor. Suddenly, he realized that this
is what Jesus smelled! To really make a difference in the
lives of others, we have to get a little dirty. We have to give
of ourselves. Bishop Robinson charged us each with finding
just one thing to do that really makes a difference. Looking
at his gentle face, surely I saw the face of Jesus!

Psalm 56, 57; Genesis 41:46-57; 1 Corinthians 4:8-20(21);
Mark 3:7-19a

These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.

March 4—2nd Sunday of Lent

2012-03-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

John 5:24: Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears my word,
and believes him who sent me, has eternal life; he does not
come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

To pass from death to life is surely at the center of our faith.
It means to me that the “Powers of Death” —greed, fear,
cruelty without, and the darkness within—do not have the
last word.

Jesus says that when we believe, we have passed from death
to life. We are either alive or dead. How then am I to
understand what I experience in myself, joy and awareness
of belonging to God, at one time, followed by darkness and
fear? I know that the light will win out over darkness, but
how am I to navigate these times, beset with my own
ignorance and weakness from within, and dangers and
calamities from without?

From the Word come words addressed to us, to be
understood by us, digested, and acted upon. As we accept
this word as truth, we can recognize other “words” that
come to us from another source and let go of their negative
pull on us.

St. Barnabas’ is the body of Christ. It is the place where I
can hear and be nourished by the words of Jesus that come
to me from scripture and sacraments, and from my sisters
and brothers gathered there.

Psalm 24, 29; Genesis 41:14-45; Romans 6:3-14;
John 5:19-24

These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.

Saturday, March 3

2012-03-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

After suffering a nearly fatal stroke more than seven years
ago, I have been living with death as a close companion
every day and every night since the gracious extension of
my new lease on life began. Therefore, I find it personally
most meaningful that the psalmist lists death, that last and
greatest enemy of humankind, among the enemies who are
oppressing him: “The terrors of death have fallen upon me,
fear and trembling come upon me and horror overwhelms
me.” At verse 16, however, the psalmist completely reverses
his course: “But I call upon God, and the Lord will save
me… Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain
you.”

So after moaning and complaining to God, the psalmist falls
back upon his trust in the Lord, and reaffirms his belief that
God will cast all of his enemies, including death, into the
lowest pit. Certainly the psalmist is here foreshadowing the
message of a happy Easter morning, which always so
triumphantly follows a good Lent, when we reflect upon and
humbly confess our sins. So as faithful Christians we all
believe and affirm that in Christ’s mighty resurrection from
the dead, He has conquered death once and for all. As
Christ’s devoted followers, we also believe that we who
share in His new life are thus enabled to cry out with the
Apostle Paul: “Oh death, where is thy victory? Oh grave,
where is thy sting?”

Psalm 55; Genesis 41:1-13; 1 Corinthians 4:1-7;
Mark 2:23-3:6

These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.

Friday, March 2

2012-03-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

Mark 2:17: Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who
need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the
righteous, but sinners… Those who are well have no need of
a physician. I have come not for the righteous, but for the
sinner.”

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus compares sinners in need of
his healing to those who are physically ill and in need of
medical care. I have often heard our Church described as a
“hospital for sinners.” The idea of going to the hospital
makes me uncomfortable. We only go there when we
recognize that something is really wrong and we need
serious medical attention. Hospital stays can be humbling
experiences. Patients must submit to the care of strangers,
cooperate with the medical team, and have a desire to be
well. Sometimes the results are not favorable and we have to
learn to accept our limitations. I have been thinking about
what all this means in the context of my journey with Jesus.
Sometimes I forget that being a Christian requires humility,
and that following Jesus is not supposed to be a comfortable
experience. Can I accept my sin-sickness and surrender to
Jesus’ offer of healing? Am I willing to be examined and
tested, no matter what the results?

Prayer for today: Gentle Jesus, I pray for the wisdom to
recognize my brokenness and the courage to take your hand
and be healed. Amen.

Psalm 40, 54; Genesis 40:1-23; 1 Corinthians 3:16-23;
Mark 2:13-22

These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.

Thursday, March 1

2012-03-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Psalm 51:15: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will
deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Cindy, Cricket’s mother, was slipping away, sleeping,
waking, and her breathing was weak and much labored. I
silently asked, “How can I help?” In my mind God spoke,
“Be there for Cindy and Cricket.”

In my mind I replied, “I am here. What must I do to help?”
Softly, but firmly I heard, “Listen.”

I grasped Cindy’s hand. She looked up at me and speaking
softly she said, “Hi Charge,” my nickname. I replied, “Hi
Cindy,” and in my heart I spoke to the Lord. “Thank you,
Thank you.”

Psalm 50; Genesis 39:1-23; 1 Corinthians 2:14-3:15;
Mark 2:1-12

These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.

Wednesday, February 29

2012-02-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

Psalm 119:57: You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised
to obey your words.

With joy, the poet claims God as his portion and his
inheritance. David had often seen prey hunted and divided
up. This passage could be the voice of David, rejoicing as
one who has seized his part, his “portion” of the treasure.
Jesus said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words.” In
dedicating himself to the word of God instead of worldly
things, David resolves to keep and store up God’s words, a
heritage that outlasts all others.

As I walk through my spiritual journey, I often address God,
Jesus and the Holy Spirit. When I was adopting my
daughter, praying helped me to cope while I waited for the
bureaucracy to grind towards a resolution. I prayed for
strength, for my child’s health and safety, and for the Spirit
to move the hearts and minds of those with the power to
complete the adoption process. I was so overjoyed the day I
met my daughter and held her for the first time. Just as we
treasure the ones we love and claim them as our own, we
can claim God as our portion, promise to keep his words,
and continue to search for understanding and grace.

Psalm 119:49-72; Genesis 37:25-36; 1 Corinthians 2:1-13; Mark 1:29-45

These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.

Tuesday, February 28

2012-02-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

In our life journey there are many paths. Some lead us in
wrong directions, saying, “Try us, we are fun, we are easy.”
On the other hand, the path of faith is often difficult. Joseph
probably wondered where God was when he was thrown
into the deep pit by his jealous brothers. Jesus asks
fishermen to follow him on a journey that will lead to
hardship, fear and death. Jesus doesn’t ask Peter, Andrew,
James and John if they believe or have faith. He just says,
“Follow Me.”

Paul writes that we should not follow the wisdom of men
but the power of God. God’s power was with Joseph in that
deep pit and with the disciples on their perilous journey. His
power is with us on our path. He knows sometimes we don’t
believe or have faith. He knows we will stumble and fall. He
is right beside us to raise us up.

Our journey with Jesus begins with acknowledging we have
no power on our own. I knew I could not live after my long
illness without the help of Jesus. It just was not possible. It
came to me that Jesus had gone through far more pain and
suffering than I and so could relate what I was going
through. I just asked Him to help me remember that He was
there beside me. I was not alone. Not one of us is alone with
the power of God beside us.

Psalm 45; Genesis 37:12-24; 1 Corinthians 1:20-31; Mark 1:14-28

These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.

Monday, February 27

2012-02-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

Mark 1: 12-13: The Spirit immediately drove him out into
the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted
by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels
waited on him.

How appropriate for the Lenten season! After Jesus is
baptized by John, after the Spirit descends on Jesus like a
dove, and after a voice came from heaven declaring, “You
are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased,” then,
the Spirit immediately drove Jesus out into the wilderness.

It is somewhat shocking how fast the scene changes from
the glory of Jesus’ baptism to forty days of deprivation and
temptation in the wilderness. Sometimes I feel like there
should be a more gradual shift into Lent, too. To go from
parties and King cake to ashes at 6:30 am is also shocking. I
am not prepared for it. But maybe that’s the point.

Jesus emerged from his forty days in the wilderness to begin
his ministry and road to the cross. The glory of baptism did
not prepare him for ministry and obedience unto death.
Forty days in the wilderness did that. Lord, may these forty
days of Lent prepare us to better love and serve you in our
ministries and in obedience to your will.

Psalm 41, 52; Genesis 37:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-19; Mark 1:1-13

These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.

February 26—1st Sunday of Lent

2012-02-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

John 12:46: I have come as light into the world, so that
everyone who believes in me should not remain in the
darkness.

In our journey with Christ, we have many opportunities both
within and without St. Barnabas to serve as His light in the
world. We serve as light in the world when we have
fellowship with each other and with everyone we meet. We
serve as light in the world through the Altar Guild, senior
and junior choirs, and numerous projects and committees to
care for the church. We serve Christ as His light in the world
when we participate in St. Barnabas’ outreach groups such
as the Annandale Safe Youth Project, Women of St.
Barnabas, Facets, and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.

St. Barnabas sheds Christ’s light in our lives in the weekly
communion services, the sermons we receive, Adult Forum,
Sunday School, the parish website, and in the Great Vigil of
Easter when we carry the Paschal candle and the cantor
says, “The Light of Christ,” and we answer “Thanks be to
God.”

Psalm 63:1-8(9-11), 98; Daniel 9:3-10; Hebrews 2:10-18; John 12:44-50

These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.

Saturday, February 25

2012-02-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

I can do all things through God who strengthens me.
In whatever state I am may I learn to be content!

Having crashed on the hearth of depression, on bended knee,
I have fallen up into God’s Grace.
Tumbling down slopes of fear, I am lifted into peace, which
passes understanding.
Plummeting the depths of confusion, I am carried in the
arms of God.
Into the blackest of days an altar flower shines.
Through loneliness rings the voice of a friend.

Lose control to find peace.
Walk with the strength of Barnabas.
Let go and find Jesus.
Confess, repent, meet me in Galilee,
With reconciliation, the unending light of Resurrection!

Oh Lord, my God may I give thanks to Thee forever!

Psalm 30, 32; Ezekiel 39:21-29; Philippians 4:10-20; John 17:20-26

These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.

Friday, February 24

2012-02-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

They were simple men. Husbands, fathers, brothers and sons
that would be changed forever. They were chosen to walk
not behind, but alongside Jesus. I wonder how they were
able to just stop and go. Did they really know this was the
Messiah? Did they simply illustrate the biggest act of faith
that a simple man could do? They left their families, their
businesses, their comfort level, their familiar, their routine,
to walk with Jesus, a man that they did not fully know.

To be compelled by the Spirit is an awesome act. To be able
to receive God’s calling loud and clear in a world with so
much noise and distraction does not take a special skill,
talent, or training.

The apostles’ reward for acting on faith was becoming heirs
to the heavenly Kingdom of God. By receiving Jesus as my
Lord and Savior, and living a life under God’s
commandments, I, as a simple man, a husband, father, a son,
can also be an heir to God’s Heavenly Kingdom. Stay open
to the call, be willing to receive the invitation, and let Jesus
immerse himself in you, as you immerse yourself in Him.

Psalm 31; Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25:32; Philippians 4:1-9; John 17:9-19

These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.

Thursday, February 23

2012-02-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

In Philippians 3, Paul speaks of reaching out and working
towards the goal. What is the goal we set before us? Do you
have a goal – maybe a five-year goal? For years one of my
goals was to drive an 18-wheeler, not for a living but maybe
just around a parking lot, pulling that horn so all could hear!
What excitement. During Lent we are called upon to look
within ourselves as we await the Resurrection. I have also
set another goal for myself – having a closer relationship
with God. God has shown us the way through Jesus to show
compassion to others, to help the needy, and to feed the
poor. God sent Jesus so that we may know God better.

In The Message version of the Bible, Paul speaks of
“keeping track of those you see running this same course,
headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking
other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go
along with them…all they want is easy street.” How do we
have a better relationship with God? Love those we meet—
have an open heart in all circumstances and imitate God’s
compassion toward us. Let go of self-destructive conduct
and go back to love.

So what is your goal – to drive an 18-wheeler or to keep
company with God?

Psalm 37:1-18; Habakkuk 3:1-10(11-15)16-18;
Philippians 3:12-21; John 17:1-8

These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.

Wednesday, February 22—Ash Wednesday

2012-02-22T01:00:00.000-08:00

In most ways, we make our lives the center of our universe.
It’s not unnatural. We are focused on our needs; we
experience the world through the lens of our emotions; and
we consider how the actions of others will affect us.

On Ash Wednesday, we receive the imposition of ashes and
with it the reminder of our mortality. And all too often, this
becomes yet another way in which we make things about us.
We use Ash Wednesday to remember that we are mortal, that
we too will die, and we use that to motivate ourselves to live
more wisely—perhaps even to try to live more faithfully.

But the imposition of ashes is not about us. It is about God.
We are reminded with the ashes that we are not God, and
that we are wholly dependent upon God. We are not at the
center of the universe—God is at the center of all things.

As we enter this season of Lent, may we make it our
discipline to always remember that God is at the center, and
to look for Him and to trust Him, even as Jesus himself did.

Psalm 32, 143; Amos 5:6-15; Hebrews 12:1-14; Luke 18:9-14

These Lenten meditations were written by the people
of St. Barnabas' for the people of St. Barnabas' as part
of our recognition of the 50th anniversary of the founding
of this church. We hope that you will find them helpful
in your own Lenten devotions.

Honduras Mission: Update

2009-08-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Brothers and Sisters,

I am soooo glad we came. I spoke to Eleana, our liason here in the Diocese of Honduras yesterday. I asked here what persent of mission groups had cancelled. She told me that of 8 groups scheduled for July and August, only one came. Our only inconvenience from Zelaya´s craziness was today when a street was blocked by a demonstration, so I made a U-turn and took Rev. Han directly to the airport rather than to meet a Korean pastor on the far side of San Pedro Sula. I didn´t get close enough to see what side was demonstrating nor for Charles to get a picture. The other symptom has been local merchants (souvenier vendors) dying to do business with us. They give discounts without being asked. Ask the price on two items, they will quote a discounted price on each. Tell them that you will take both, and they knock something off the total even though you´ve already committed.

I´m already seeing some signs of isolation. The people are very fearful of losing our (U.S.) friendship, but feel that 1)They are a sovereign nation and we shouldn´t tell them how to run their country (¿remember when a banana republic was not a store?) 2) We should be glad that they´ve found a way to put a stop to the Chavez freight train.

Regardless of the politics, they´re a friendly people, and it`s a great place to be. The level of need is tremendous. Already the poorest country in Latin America, now theyve had`bad sprindgstorms, an earthquake, and their foreign aid cut off.

On a pleasant note, we went on a road trip. The furthest that I´ve gone from Tela. Very different country in the interior. We went to Santa Barbara and picked up parts for 20 Ecostoves. Most cooking in this country is done with in wood stoves. These ecostoves use much less fuel. Calculated reduction in carbon emissions is 2 tons per year per stove. This means severs reduction in asthma and other lung diseases, less cutting of trees, which means less erosion, etc. There is the possibility of selling carbon credits, but I understand that the red tape involved is tremendous for a small, third world, non-profit. There are already some towns here with ecostoves in every home. The parts that we picked up will be used to build the first ones in Tela.

Maria Adda`s graduation is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26. Leo Ko has helped her through normal school (high school for teacher candidates). She wants to go on to the "Pedagogica", the national teachers college. The school is free except for a two hundred dollar registration fee. However, she would need $150 per month for transportation to San Pedro Sula, an hour and a quarter ride away. The kids from Tela take that ride (or to La Ceiba) and back five days a week for four years to get a college degree. We figure that it will take about $2,000 dollars per year for all expenses. Some of you will be hearing from us about this.

We leave tomorrow. It will be nice to have air conditioning and the comforts of an American home, but I hate to leave this place. There is so much to do.

Peace, Len

Closing Thoughts from General Convention

2009-07-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Mission and evangelism are the primary areas of concern that I will take away from General Convention 2009. We have met in small groups where we have shared stories of ministry and our passions for mission. There has been information shared in the exhibits and presentations which sends me away better equipped and inspired for mission. Presiding Bishop Katherine Jeffort Schori's first sermon said that the heart beat of the church is mission. Ched Myers spoke powerfully about the mission work that can be done by the church through community development loans. In his sermon, Bishop Steven Charleston charged us to save the world in a service devoted to an environmental theme.

As we moved toward a budget, it was clear that the convention is strongly committed to mission. There was pain that the current economic situation requires a cut of over $23 million in the budget for 2010 through 2012. Even though there were cuts in most areas, there were increases to address domestic poverty and a new initiative of $250,000 for Latino ministry (even though the strategy called for much more in this the second largest Spanish speaking country in the world). Millennial Development Goals were re-instated after being cut in an earlier draft.

Our chaplain, the Rev. Frank Wade, challenged us all when he spoke of evangelism. He said that as much as we desire a higher budget for mission and evangelism, if we are not sharing the story of the movement of the living God in our lives, the budget is actually all too large. As much as it is necessary to devote funds to maintain an institution, our emphasis must be on the vital tasks of mission and evangelism.

I find myself re-energized for the mission of St. Barnabas.' I am proud of our ongoing work in Honduras, the work of our youth in the Towel Ministry of Western North Carolina, our ministry to children at risk for gang involvement through our after school program, and our outreach to the poor. The President of the House of Deputies sent us forth with a mandate to go home and do mission--start something or strengthen something. I left eager for us to get on with mission here in Northern Virginia and beyond, confident that the spirit of Barnabas is in this place.

In Christ,
Linda+

More from General Convention

2009-07-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

The collect for the week of General Convention as found in the Book of Common Prayer was a most fitting prayer: "O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them...." There has been much work in many areas of our ministry, but much attention has been given to Resolution D025 (Anglican Communion: Commitment and Witness to Anglican Communion). It was the fruit of careful work by the World Mission Committee and a process of sharing and listening. In addition to the hearings of the committee, the House of Deputies addressed the resolution as a committee of the whole and even had a session of one-on-one conversations for everyone present.

In all the deliberations I was impressed with the spirit of respect and forbearance. People of many viewpoints desired that we find a way to express our commitment to the Anglican Communion as we desire to communicate the reality of the presence of homosexual persons in the life of our church and the reality that God has called and may call such persons into ordained ministry. We were also quite clear that we are not of one mind.

Both the resolution and the conduct of the assembly reflected the spirit of the prayer that asked God for the grace to bring together both truth and love. There was not a contentious spirit but rather a graceful spirit of respect for those who disagree.

I had fully expected the House of Bishops not to concur with the resolution (which would have prevented the resolution from going forward). However, they amended it to include a fuller expression of the mystery of the Holy Spirit involved in the calling of individuals to ordained ministry. To my surprise, the resolution was passed. There was a spirit of prayer and deep reflection throughout the process. It was an experience of grace to be present as this body of the church sought to discern its calling of faithfulness as the people of God.

Later we passed Resolution B056 which was a substitute developed by a group of 26 bishops who deeply listened to one another and sought to find the broadest agreement possible among them. Our Bishop Suffragan, David Jones, presented it on behalf of the group. It commissioned the collection and development of liturgical resources for same-sex blessings in consultation with as many as possible including the rest of the Anglican Communion. There was no authorization. The measure sought to address the pastoral need in states where same-sex marriage is legal while being fully aware that this is only a portion of our church.

IO observed the bishops as they conferred in table groups and then brought forth amendments that reflected what they heard from one another. Clearly they were not assuming action in 2012 but seeking to find out more about pastoral possibilities. Both Bishops Johnston and Jones voted Yes while Bishop Lee voted No. The House of Deputies concurred.

Both these resolutions acknowledge the reality of where the Episcopal Church is and the context in which we minister in parts of our church. I do not see the actions of General Convention 2009 overturning B033, the action at the end of the last convention which called for restraint in consecrating any bishop whose manner of life might raise a problem for others in the Anglican Communion--although some see it that way. I did not experience General Convention casting out those who disagree. In fact, I was impressed with the compassion expressed and the concern to listen to all and move slowly and prayerfully. There were no demonstrations or gleefulness from those who "won" in the voting.

I came away confident that the Spirit of God was indeed in our midst, guiding us to deal with difficult issues as best we can as people with differences seeking to be faithful. I heard people on all sides of the issues eager to end the focus on who is included in our church and to move on to a focus on mission and evangelism in a broken world.

Linda+

Honduras Mission: Greetings

2009-07-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

I´m really glad we came. Visits from misson groups and tourists are way down. I can tell that the people here are starting to feel the lack of visitors. Not only economically, but the feel stress from the uncertainty and the fear of loss of foreign aid. I don´t bring up the subject, but several people have told me how Zelaya has ruined the country. No one has told me that he was right. Our projects are going well. The quilting class is a big hit. We had 5 kids from the school helping us paint the outside of the church and got a lot more done than I expected. Tomorrow we visit Don Marcello, a local craftsman, and parisioners in El Sauce, where we will distribute rice and beans. The keyboards here are set up for Spanish-English-French-etc. so typing is a challenge. That´s all for now.

Len

Honduras Mission: Arrived Safely

2009-07-25T17:21:00.001-07:00

Greetings from Tela Honduras,

We all arrived safely early this afternoon. Francisco Lone (the priest from Tela) took the bus to San Pedro Sula to ride back with us in case we encountered any road blocks. The only difficulty was crossing a bridge (only one of two spans survived the recent earth quake). Tomorrow, we go out to buy four new sewing machines.

Peace,

Eileen

News from General Convention

2009-07-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

On Sunday morning as we chatted after services, I was told by a member of our mission team to say hello to Bishop Frade (formerly of the Diocese of Honduras). I thought to myself, "Sure--in the midst of those thousands of people at General Convention." T o my surprise, I greeted him shortly after my arrival in Anaheim and in a few more hours he was initiating a conversation of some length about Honduras, grieving for the current hardship in that beleaguered country and remembering the mission teams of both Annandale and Baltimore. Then there was my former colleague reporting that he regularly hears news from Annandale by way of Mareea Wilson in the Anti-Racism Committee. It is a small church after all.

Here is just a taste of the family reunion aspect of the General Convention. Repeatedly I have reconnected with people with whome I have shared ministry through the years. It has been gratifying to see a young generation of church leaders finding their place in the councils of our church. The Rev. Michael Pipkin, Priest-in-Charge of the continuing congregation of The Falls Church in our region, was a speaker on the opening day as the director of the public narrative process we are using in our work about mission. A number of recent graduates of the Virginia Theological Seminary keep appearing.

In these first days, my role has been that of listening--observing hearings and legislative sessions, worshiping with our brothers and sisters, engaging in dialogue with many. I was honored to distribute communion on the second day and, as first alternate deputy for Virginia, will sit on the floor of convention for the first time on Sunday afternoon. Stay tuned in the days ahead as I reflect on the ongoing life of General Convention.

Pray for us as we pray for you.

Yours in Christ,

Linda Wofford Hawkins

Welcome!

2008-07-15T12:40:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the blog of St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church, in Annandale, Virginia. We plan to post news of the church here, and hope you will find it useful. Let us know!