During this time of reflection, as we approach the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the devastation it wrought on the city of New Orleans and the lives of all who call this place home, I have concluded that I will not participate in anything that seems morbid to me, like reminding people of their deepest pain. Instead, I believe it is important to explore the question of who we are at this place in our transition as God's church.
Linda Lea Snyder in an article titled "Discovering a New Identity," argues that "to begin the task of discovering a new identity, [we need to] think back to an occasion of Jesus praying alone. His disciples draw near and Jesus asks them, ‘who do the crowds say that I am?' The disciples set forth an array of answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, an ancient prophet from the past.." Jesus continues this line of questioning by asking them, "but who do you say that I am?" Snyder continues by pointing out that "in so many ways the world is asking the church today, who do you say that you are?"
While St. Matthew and Central continue to develop their relationship with each other, perhaps it is time that we take an honest look in the mirror of perception and ask the question: Who are we in 2007 and who do we hope to become? In a conversation with a friend, we shared our anxieties with each other about what it means to have children and grandchildren spread out in various cities throughout the United States, especially as we begin to grow in maturity. What we realize is that we want to maintain our independence while enjoying the relationship of our children and grandchildren. In order to begin our new identities, we also realize that we must make some hard decisions concerning changes we will need to make. Where will we live, how will we make new friends, learn to live in a new environment and all the other things that go with change?
In addition to reflecting on our current perception of who we are, we need to ask the question about resistance. Why do we resist the creation of a new identity? Snyder suggests that "most of us-thank you-are comfortable with our tried and true old identity. For better or worse, how I describe and think of myself are just fine the way they are." But it is for certain that we will eventually have to move out of the old identity of who we are comfortable with, by acknowledging and naming one new reality that can set in motion a whole series of new revelations, some of which can be downright scary to think about. As for me and my friend, I am convinced that one of those realities is that if we want to develop relationships with our grandchildren, we will need to take the initiative, accepting that our children are career-oriented and living in an identity we once shared with our contemporaries, that is, raising their children and preparing for eventual retirement.
So who are we, and how do we go about "discovering a new identity" beyond the second anniversary of Katrina? Perhaps one of the first steps to this discovery is to uncover the gifts God has given us in this community of faith. According to Snyder; "[we] need to know what these are and be able to describe them to anyone who might ask." It is also important to know that "the task of discovering a new identity can be one of the most exciting components of going through transition." Knowing ourselves will also help us become good leaders in this community of faith called Central/St. Matthew and beyond.
Blessings of peace and joy,
Pastor Wil
SO WHAT'S UP?
It was for me a very quiet summer. I spent my month off in July with my daughter, Rachel, and of course, Julie, my wife. My son, Jesse, spent his summer at boot camp. Rachel, Julie and I were able to spend good, relaxing, quality time going to movies and bicycling on the levee and on the North Shore. I don't know that I've ever had a lazier month off, but I do know it was fun simply just to sleep in without any agendas or meetings or sermons to preach. I've discovered that sometimes the best vacations happen without travel.
It seems hard to believe that September is just around the corner. The fall season is upon us and with it comes a host of new programs. Our kickoff Sunday this year is on September 9. It will be a special Sunday with four ministers speaking about a common theme as we have done in previous years. This year each of us is going to spend a few minutes talking about the meaning of mercy in the Christian life. Following the worship service there will be a potluck where we will show a new video on 50 years in the United Church of Christ. I saw the video at General Synod, and I'm sure that you'll enjoy seeing all that the United Church of Christ has done over the last 50 years.
During the service on September 16, those of us who went to General Synod will talk about what it was like to be there with 10,000 other UCC er's. It was for me a very powerful expression of faith in community. General Synod truly showed how democratic we are as a Christian community.
On September 23, the Reverend Darrin Harris will be preaching at St. Matthew/Central. His church, which is called Freedom Fellowship, wants to become a new UCC church in our community. It is currently located at Covenant House in New Orleans. As a part of becoming a UCC church, they need to find a sponsoring church. So Rev. Darrin approached me. I said I would bring it up first before the Church Council, see that it was presented to the Central Governance Committee as well, and then to our joint congregation. Our council and Central's Governance Committee were enthusiastic and approved covenanting with Freedom Fellowship in their journey towards becoming a new United Church of Christ church. Please see the article in this newsletter for details.
In Christ,
Rev. Fred Meade
BAPTISM
On Sunday, June 24, we welcomed into our Church family Matthew Loreto Montagnino, son of Kelly and Mario Montagnino. The sponsors are Lina Leonovicz and Pietro Montagnino. Our guest minister and former pastor, Rev. Allan Eickelman, performed the baptismal service.
NOTES FROM YOUR SEMINARIAN
The following is the latest update, in her own words, from our own Maggie Snyder, who is studying to become an ordained UCC minister:
With all the comings and goings to seminary and back, I have greatly missed my St. Matthew/Central Family. Even when I am not there physically, you all are in my prayers and thoughts. It is wonderful being with everyone again.
This summer has been like a glass overflowing with water. Yes, my cup runneth over, but it is the kind of living water that can only nourish and replenish my spirit. In June, I took a course on the history of the United Church of Christ at Hartford Seminary in Hartford, CT, in conjunction with General Synod 26. My days were packed with intense learning and studying, but I felt like a child in a candy shop. I simply couldn't get enough. The experience of Synod was one that I will never forget. Worshipping, listening to presenters, and observing the governance of the UCC was sensational and educating.
With a one-day-turn-around, just enough time to wash clothes, I headed to Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, MS where I took another intensive course, this time on the New Testament. The professor was both enlightening and transformative for me in my continued studies. The week of August 20th I will return to Wesley Seminary where I will focus on studying the Old Testament, the history of Christianity, and systematic theology relating to God, revelation, humanity, and sin.
Presently, I am also working on my ordination paper to be presented sometime this fall.
I ask for your prayers. I have never known such warmth, support, and love that I have experienced in my spiritual home with all of you. I want you to know that each of you lives close to my heart. You have filled me beyond measure!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
The 2007 Vacation Bible School was held on August 6-10 with an enrollment of twenty students. The theme for this year was "2007 Ark Avenue - God's Great Get-Together". The theme explored the story of Noah's Ark through the story of its animals – the dove, the donkey, the sheep, the lion, and the fish. Bible stories, songs, crafts, and games were all part of our Bible School experience. The students shared their songs and stories with the St. Matthew/Central congregation at the Sunday worship service on August 12.
Thanks to everyone who helped make Vacation Bible School a fun-filled and meaningful experience for our children.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Many thanks to all who contributed school supplies for the August 18 event sponsored by United Teachers of New Orleans. Thanks also to Ellen Bentz for getting these supplies organized and packed into school bags. Wil, Hulen, Andrea, and Fred passed out forty-eight bags stuffed with supplies to very happy children and grateful parents.
MARANATHA BAND
It was a joyful night on August 15th when members of Central/St. Matthew, the recovery group from Greensboro, NC, staff from the UCC Disaster Recovery Office, and friends in the city celebrated the music of the Maranatha Band from the Dominican Republic. With their acoustical equipment, their love of music, and their absolute joy of being in New Orleans, they gave a spirited performance that involved the audience in singing, dancing, and a Latin version of second lining. Fellowship Hall rocked! Hopefully there will be pictures to share on our bulletin board.
The story of the Maranatha Band and the medical mission they represent is nothing short of amazing. The words of Rev. Alan Coe, UCC Disaster Recovery Minister, describe it best.
"In 1995, I participated in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic to work with the Haitian Missionary Baptist Church in the city of LaRomana. The main project was, and continues to be, building the Good Samaritan General Hospital for Haitians and Dominicans who are unable to access health care anywhere else. Over the years I became more involved in this mission, traveling there every year to work, sometimes staying 2-3 weeks at a time. The hospital officially opened in
1997. Since that time it has grown tremendously. The hospital now sees over 50,000 people a year, has operating rooms, overnight stay rooms, a pediatric ward, 24- hour emergency care and a kidney dialysis clinic.
"Since 1995, I and those committed to this mission (over 2000 people from across the country) have watched people grow up, get married, start families and in some instances be called home to God. The pastor of this church, Jean Luc Phanord, died in a plane crash after visiting the United States in 2003. It was his vision and ambition that compelled thousands of people to work and commit themselves to the building of the Good Samaritan Hospital.
"The work and mission continues. Moises Sifren is one of those people I was able to watch grow up. Upon Jean Luc's death, Moises was thrust into a leadership position and became Administrator of the hospital. Moises, as well as a majority of the hospital staff, are members of the church. Moises is an accomplished musician as well. He and several others began a band in the church called Maranatha. Over the years they have produced several CD's of Haitian Christian music."
If you would like to know more about this mission, log on to www.laromana.org or just give me a call. I have plenty of photos and DVDs of past mission trips!
FALL SUNDAY SCHOOL
Our regular church school fall program will begin on Sunday, September 16 at 9:30 a.m. There will be a class for four and five-year old students and a class for students over six-years-old. The classes will be held upstairs in the Education Building. We look forward to continuing the Christian education experience of our children.
FILMS THAT SPEAK - A Documentary Film Series Designed To Make You Think.
Over the last few months we have shown six films on various social justice issues including the environment, racism, the media, and immigration. Overall the series has been exceptionally well received. We averaged 50 - 60 people from the New Orleans community, and after each film we had a "town hall"-type discussion dealing with the themes from the films.
We will continue the series in the fall starting the third week in September (September 17, 2007) with the film:
Two Towns of Jasper By Whitney Dow and Marco Williams
Whitney Dow and Marco Williams are old friends. Growing up, they didn't talk much about race. Then came one of the most appalling crimes in recent American history — the brutal murder of African-American James Byrd, Jr., who was chained to a pick-up truck and dragged to his death by three white supremacists in Jasper, Texas. Like many others, Dow, who is white, and Williams, who is black, were shocked. Unlike others, they decided to do something — they made a film. "Two Towns of Jasper," the documentary that resulted from their efforts, will have its broadcast premiere as part of the P.O.V. 15th Anniversary season.
Sharing the concerns of so many Americans, Dow and Williams wondered how and why this had
happened. "Two Towns of Jasper" is not so much about the murder of James Byrd, Jr., as it is about two perspectives on the murder," adds Dow. "The facts, after all, weren't in doubt. It's a question of how you explain those facts. Listening to the black and white communities of Jasper talk about the crime turned out to be a pretty startling revelation of the depth of the division that exists between black and white Americans." Revelatory and sobering, the film ultimately invites intense and often provocative discussions about race in America: its history, its future and most importantly, how the question of race plays out in our daily lives.
All films in this film series are free and open to the public.
Please Join Us
St. Matthew/Central UCC
1333 S. Carrollton Ave,
New Orleans, LA
More information may be found on our website, www.stmatthew-nola.org
TO THE MEMBERS OF ST. MATTHEW AND CENTRAL U.C.C.
I wanted to take this opportunity to say a great big "THANK YOU" to each and every one of you who have donated food from your own pantry or bought groceries to give to Belle Reve. It is such a joy to see your giving to others in need. Belle Reve and its residents greatly appreciate your generous gifts and so do I!
I would also like to take this opportunity to let each of you know a little more about the Belle Reve mission, and what we actually do. We are a non-profit assisted-living facility that provides housing, three meals a day, medication monitoring, case management, transportation, substance abuse counseling, individual and group mental health therapy, and assistance with activities of daily living to individuals and families living with AIDS or HIV-related infections.
Since opening our doors in March 1993, our mission has been to provide transitional and permanent housing and full support services to individuals and families living with AIDS or HIV-related infections. Concern for quality of life and equal availability of services are the founding principles of the agency. Therefore, the rendering of services is not influenced by race, gender, religion, age or sexual orientation.
In September 1992, the agency was incorporated as Shelter Resources, Inc., and the three buildings on our property were given the names Belle Reve, Belle Esprit, and Belle Grace. Since Hurricane Katrina, however, only the eight-bed Belle Reve house has been open and operating. The Belle Grace house, previously a huge warehouse garage, is presently under renovation. When completed, we will be able to provide housing for eight additional individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The Belle Esprit house, also under renovation, will eventually provide four apartments for families with children. The entire renovation should be completed by the end of October 2007.
When we open the doors to the two newly renovated homes, our agency will move from serving eight individuals to serving sixteen individuals and four families. We are very excited about this new beginning and will host a Grand-Opening when it is completed. All members of St. Matthew and Central will be invited, and I hope you will come and see the organization where you have been donating your food.
Thank you, once again, for your support, donations and prayers.
Sincerely,
Vicki Weeks
Executive Director
Shelter Resources, Inc.
d.b.a. Belle Reve New Orleans
MISSIONS
by Hulen Brown, Global Missions Interpreter
Carol Etter, Karen Wulff and I have partnered together as advocates for missions in the country of India. We have been educating our congregation by speaking during the new "Mission Moments"
on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. We have focused our attention on those projects that involve women and girls, healthcare and the elderly. Our prayer is that members of the congregation will become interested and help us identify which project(s) we can support. Our Conference Minister and our Pastors have encouraged us to go forth. The Church Council and the Governance Committee are cheering us on also. Ellen has provided space for us to place a map of India on the bulletin board, where we will pin-point specific projects. Our goal by next year is to provide tangible support and/or a mission trip.
Dr. Anvil Henry is our only current Global Ministries missionary assigned to India. He is a physician who is supported by our contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing. Dr. Henry serves at Mungeli Christian Hospital and is presently in the United States speaking to various churches about his work and the needs of India. We were unable to get on his speaking schedule, because he was fully booked by the time we made our contact.
The United Church of Christ is engaged in a wide range of missions and projects throughout India. The following reflects just a few of them:
The Church of South India in Colachel sponsors a school for children who are visually impaired. The children are provided with a quality education and prepared to be actively engaged in the wider world as adults. Students are given many opportunities to discover what they can do. The Church of South India also intends to start one residential education center in each of their 20 Dioceses. These centers will house and provide for 50 selected girls.
The Church of North India is creating safe space for children. Girls are victims of infanticide and those who survive childhood are often not allowed to complete an education, but are married off early and live lives of labor at home. They are often victims of sexual abuse. Child labor is an integral part of the bonded labor system. The objectives of this project are to educate about and advocate for protecting child rights and promoting ecumenism, development opportunities and cultural understanding for children. Marathi Missions of North India include medical facilities, economic development projects for women, hostels and schools for children, health/wellness and empowerment projects for women and children.
Perhaps St Matthew/Central will join Global Ministries to revive an almost closed hospital in Maharashtra, India. The following projects need support and attention:
Equipment:
A computerized Hematocrit machine for hematology work
An exercise bicycle and hand rotator for the traction unit in physiotherapy
Ventilator, cardiac monitors and pulse oxcimeter and piping for the Intensive Care Unit
Furniture for the nursing school hostel
Staffing:
Trained hematologist to run the lab.
Training for the current physiotherapist.
Reinforcement of low-paid staff
CENTRAL WOMEN'S CALENDAR
The Women's Fellowship of Central invites everyone to participate in our annual project to commemorate and honor our families and friends by placing their names in our yearly calendar. Please complete the forms available after church on the information table.
ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW
Please mark your calendars for Sunday, November 11 when we are planning our second annual Arts and Crafts Silent Auction. Last year's event was a great success, and it showcased the amazing artistic talents of our members. Now is the time to start working on your hand-crafted art or craft item for donation!
The auction will take place following Sunday service along with a potluck lunch.
FREEDOM FELLOWSHIP - A Potential New UCC Church Start in New Orleans -
Shortly after Katrina hit, Pastor Darrin Harris decided to bring some people together to start a new church. For over a year they have been worshipping at Covenant House in New Orleans with an average worship attendance of 30-40 people. When Pastor Darrin found out about the United Church of Christ, he felt like he had come home. After several discussions with South Central Conference and New Orleans Association leaders of the United Church of Christ, Pastor Darrin and his flock decided to join our denomination.
In case you don't know, it takes about two to three years for a new church start to become an official UCC Church. There are three steps in the process. The first step is to go before the Church and Ministry Committee of the Association, the second step is to be in Covenant with a local UCC Church, and the third step is to request standing in the local New Orleans Association. "Standing" then is voted upon at a regularly scheduled New Orleans Association meeting.
Both the Governance Board of Central Congregational Church and the Church Council of St. Matthew United Church of Christ have voted upon and agreed that we should covenant with Freedom Fellowship. The next step is to have both congregations vote on this at a congregational meeting.
Over the next few weeks John Etter and John Pecoul will be available after church to talk about what this means in terms of our joint commitment to Freedom Fellowship. Pastor Darrin will be preaching at St. Matthew/Central on Sunday Sept. 23, 2007 so that we can get to know him, his congregation, and his vision for ministry in the greater New Orleans arena.
I personally am very excited about Pastor Darrin's call to ministry. My hope is that we will commit ourselves to supporting this new church start.
Rev. Fred Meade
UPCOMING CONFERENCE
Working together with brothers and sisters in Christ before a crisis strikes? Opportunity awaits! Actually, it is almost at hand! The Louisiana Interchurch Conference is hosting a special Conference on Ecumenism: "Breaking Down Walls" on Sunday evening and Monday morning, September 16th - 17th, 2007 in New Orleans, LA at Notre Dame Seminary -- 2901 S. Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA. Some of the areas to be explored at this event include a brief History of the Ecumenical Movement; opportunities to Deepen Understanding of Ecumenism; ways to Identify Scriptural Basis for Ecumenism; practical thoughts on how to Create Opportunities for Cooperative Ventures in Social Justice; and a chance for participants to acquire Practical Suggestions for Working Together. ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Costs: Basic registration fee of $25.00. Lodging is additional. Information is on the registration form as well as on the web-site. Checks should be made out to the Louisiana Interchurch Conference. Limited scholarship assistance is available. Please check with your Pastor to see if s/he has copies of the registration form, or call the LIC Office at (225) 344-0134; Fax: (225) 344-0142 or registration can be completed on-line at http://www.lainterchurch.org/EcumenicalConference.htm. Registration deadline has been extended to September 7th. "For He is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall." Ephesians 2:14
ST. MATTHEW UCC
P. O. Box 850527
New Orleans, LA 70185-0527
