Fast Away The Old Year Passes

Today is the day that we stop, take a quick look back over our shoulder, and leap off the precipice of the past into the future. Tonight at midnight when the Waterford crystal sphere drops in Times Square, thousands will cheer. But will anything change? Will our lives be different in some significant way? Will we be wiser? Will we treat others in ways that we would like to be treated? We can do this, through the grace of God.

At Morning Prayer on this day, the second reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Church at Corinth. St. Paul holds out hope for us:

"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:17-21, NRSV)

What the world needs now is reconciliation - locally and internationally. It really is possible. Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Founding Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com

A Huge Thank-You To Our Mother Church

I am almost packed to leave Moultrie, and few things remain to be done. Tomorrow is my last Sunday to preside at Holy Eucharist at St. Margaret's. On Monday, January 1, we will have a service of Holy Eucharist at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate "Holy Name Day." But that's it for my conducting worship services at St. Margaret's. The moving van will be here January 16, but I will be on a prayer retreat January 7-14 in order to shift my spiritual gears, rest and get ready for this next phase of my life.

Of the few things that remain to be done here in Moultrie, chief among them is the writing of thank-you notes. I hope to get to that today just to know I did it before the end of the year. In the New Year there will be so much more for which to be thankful, and I don't want to start it out by being behind in my thankfulness.

As I close out this year, I am especially grateful to Fr. Frank Logue and the Mission Council of King of Peace Episcopal Church in Kingsland, Georgia for being the "Mother Church" to The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek. Through their mentoring and other support, they are the booster rocket that will help launch this new church. They have given generously of their time, talent, and financial resources. Their example of planting King of Peace in 2000 is the benchmark by which I measure church planting. So, thank you, Fr. Frank, and bless you, Mother Church. May your tribe increase.


Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com

"It Matters That We Played The Game"

On Tuesday of this week I went to see the new film "We Are Marshall." I had an emotional investment in this true story because some of my family members graduated from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. I also lived in that general vicinity for many years. I remember that the football team preferred to be called "The Thundering Herd" but their record of wins versus losses was such that some of us called them "The Blundering Herd."

"We Are Marshall" is a story of tragedy turned triumph. It recounts how that on November 15, 1971, seventy-five people died in a fiery crash when their plane failed to properly land at the Cabell-Huntington Airport. Those 75 included almost the entire Marshall football team, their coaches, some parents, and many boosters and community supporters. I will never forget that the newscasters on WSAZ Television in Huntington wept openly as they reported the incident.

Every good movie has at least one memorable line. The line for me in this movie came as the new coaches were discussing whether to give up trying to play freshmen against seasoned upper classmen from other NCAA schools. One of them reasoned, "It matters that we played the game." It mattered that they stuck it out week after week and kept the program going. This turned out to be true as the team was eventually rebuilt and had some winning seasons a few years later.

Being Christians is something like that. It matters that we are in the game for the long haul. It matters that we say our prayers, treat other persons as if they were Christ, and show up for communion every Sunday. Sure, we will make blunders. That is where repentance and forgiveness come in. God is God of the second chance. As they say in monasteries, "We fall down. We get up." When all is said and done, it matters that we played the game.

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Founding Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com

Remembering The Holy Innocents

In the Episcopal calendar, December 28 is the day we remember the innocent children who were slaughtered by King Herod in his attempt to destroy the baby Jesus. This day is hard to remember for two reasons: first, it is difficult for us to get our minds around the fact that someone would feel threatened by innocent babies under the age of two and would kill them, so we bury that cruel side of human nature deep within our consciousness; second, this day is tucked between Christmas and New Year's and often slips by unnoticed just because of its place on the calendar.

Today, let's take a few minutes to remember all little children and other innocents who are affected by circumstances beyond their control -- the children who are starving in Darfur and in the Sudan; the children who are forced to bear arms at an early age; the little girls who are not educated because they are girls -- we could go on.

"We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by the order of King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen." [The Book of Common Prayer, 238]

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Founding Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com

Looking For Signs

For the last week or so I have been working with a sign maker to design signs that will point to The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek. The signs will contain the entire logo of the new church, along with the familiar Episcopal Shield and our website address. The phone number will be temporarily covered with the words "Coming Soon."

Signs by their very nature point to something beyond themselves. If they are well done, signs offer a quick way to head in the right direction, or to spare us from heading in the wrong direction. Just think of the many times you have been driving along I-95 looking for the right exit. When you see the sign you might breathe a quick sigh of relief. "Whew. I'm on the right road."

When you see the signs pointing to The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek, they will be pointing you to the building and grounds. But they will be pointing to something beyond that. These signs will be pointing to the fact that "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You" and that this particular manifestation of the Episcopal Church happens to be gathering at Honey Creek. The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek will point you to God as revealed in Our Savior Jesus Christ.

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Founding Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com

Getting Back To Work

For millions of Americans, today is the day to get back to our regular routine of life. This means getting back to the office, hospital or other workplace. There is a year-end push to finish those projects and get everything done before the New Year. These last few days of 2006 are the ones in which we will turn that corner between the past and the future.

The warm glow of Christmas is still on our faces as we go back out into the cold cruel world. Perhaps this year we have cycled deeper into the Christmas Story and have gotten a better understanding of how our story fits into Jesus' story. Maybe we caught a glimpse of how the forces of evil will fight God's love tooth and nail, and maybe we are more prepared to resist those forces.

As we go back to work today, I hope we can remember how the shepherds came and saw Jesus in the manger and went back to work forever changed. Maybe this year after our trip to the manger we can be changed in some significant way.

Maybe we can keep the candle of Chistmas lit in our hearts a little longer than we did last year. How will Christmas change us this year? It might take us until next Christmas to figure that out.

"Almighty God you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one Go, now and for ever. Amen." [The Book of Common Prayer, 213]

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Founding Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Merry Christmas

What can I give him,
poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd,

I would bring a lamb;

if I were a wise man,

I would do my part;

yet what I can I give him --

give my heart.

---Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Founding Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Stand And Stare

Today in the Episcopal Church we experience a phenomenon that occurs once every seven years. Today we get to have a mood swing about which no one complains.

This morning we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and after 4:00 p.m. today we can begin to celebrate The Nativity of Our Lord. All around the country there will be children's Christmas pageants at 4:00 and other services of Holy Eucharist throughout the evening -- all the way to the classical "Midnight Mass." Then again tomorrow, on Christmas Day, we get to celebrate again with another service of Holy Eucharist.

At this annual celebration of the birth of our Savior we get a fresh start. Our spiritual clocks get reset as we are drawn once again into awe and wonder. We squint our eyes at the burst of light Jesus' birth brought about. We have to keep going back and looking at it year after year. We can only stand and stare.

Alleluias seem to come naturally as a response to this burst of light. As we keep going back for more, the light begins to reflect off our faces into the wider world. And this year, the world needs this light more than ever before.

So, go to the manger. Look at the Christ Child and his blessed mother. See Joseph protecting them. Stand and stare. It's good for your soul.

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Making Room For Jesus

It's almost Christmas, which means that we are almost at the end of Advent. This means that soon Sweet Baby Jesus will be placed in the manger in creches all around the world. We have been waiting for this. The empty manger is awkward. And where are the Wise Men? They are nowhere in sight just yet.

Families and individuals are clearing out that corner of the living room or den to make room for the Christmas tree and all the packages that will go under it. It is amazing what we will move around in our homes to make room for Christmas. I hope that simultaneously we are moving things around in our lives to make room for Jesus -- for his love that we cannot help sharing with those around us.

Mary made room for Jesus to the point that she was willing to carry him around in her own body for nine months before he burst onto the scene amidst angelic singing. Mary was the first Christian, and this Sunday morning we will hear about Mary in our Gospel reading from Luke. A sometimes overlooked verse of that text is: "And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."

Mary believed, and look what happened. Mary waited. Mary made room for Jesus.

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Founding Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Foyer Groups -- Relationships and Hospitality

Forming community in small groups is for me a high priority at The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek. This is a way to live out the value of "Relationships and Hospitality." Right away I would like us to begin forming "Foyer Groups" to meet once a month either at a restaurant or in each others' homes for a light meal and a time of conversation and prayer. We cannot work together effectively unless we know each other. Getting to know each other is the best way to learn to respect each other. When we respect each other we learn to celebrate the ways in which we are alike and the ways in which we are different. If there are major differences, reconciliation is in order.

In thinking about the need for reconciliation in our world, I know that it really has to begin in churches. This reminded me of an organization called "Community of the Cross of Nails" which was founded in 1967 by the Very Reverend H.C.N. Williams at Saint Michael's Cathedral in Coventry, England. Here's an excerpt from this entry in An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church by Don Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum (New York: Church Publishing Incorporated, 2000) p. 113:

"Provost Williams had been inspired to create a ministry of reconciliation after the medieval Saint Michael's Cathedral in Coventry was destroyed by German Bombers in 1940. A priest going through the ruins put together three nails in the form of a cross; this cross was to become the unifying symbol of the Community of the Cross of Nails. CCN centers have been established in cathedrals, churches, hospitals, and religious communities throughout the world. They display a silver cross of nails, work on projects of reconciliation, meet in foyer groups, and pray according to a Common Discipline . . ."

You get the picture -- "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Founding Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Is It Too Late For Peace?

Do you ever wish that some morning you would wake up to the headline, "Peace Breaks Out In The Middle East" or "Family Settles Estate In Peace"? We long for peace, and at this time of year the contrast between peace and war comes into sharp relief. It's on our minds. It's in that worried look on our faces. Some of us even want "to buy the world a Coke and live in harmony." Globalization and instant images of events around the world make us more aware that we are not living in peaceful times.

There was a time when we only heard distant rumbles of war in other places. It seemed those governments were able, as Conrad Hilton is quoted as saying, "to keep the shower curtain inside the bathtub." But now, we can all know what is really going on. We see the suffering and the tension. We hear the gunfire. When we see that there are wars in distant places, we are haunted by unease in our own peaceful places. We run to the beach, the mountains, or the Okefenokee Swamp just to get some peace.

In a few days Christians will celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. In anticipation of that celebration, I offer this prayer:

"O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." [The Book of Common Prayer, page 815]

It's not too late for peace.


Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.org

Why Do We Climb Mountains?

Experienced mountain climbers would answer, "because they are there." I think they downplay their excitement so the rest of us won't envy their sheer exhiliaration of seeing the world from a whole new perspective. We hear from time to time that persons with physical handicaps climb mountains. I am totally impressed with their courage and resolve. They deserve to breathe that rarified air.

From my limited experience with climbing Kennesaw Mountain or Stone Mountain in Georgia, I would say I climbed because I like the view from up there. Also, there is usually a good little breeze that is pretty refreshing in the summertime. A few years ago my sister and I climbed as far as we were allowed to go up the side of Mount Ranier in Washington State. I like to remember our snowball fight on the Fourth of July.

Those who climb mountains such as Mount Hood in Oregon might get a chuckle that I would call my Georgia or Washington climbing experiences "mountain climbing." The search parties who found the dead climber in Oregon said, "The climbers began ascending the 11,235-foot (3,423-meter) Mount Hood on December 7. Their last known position was about 1,000 feet below the summit, based on a signal from a cell phone picked up early on Tuesday morning." God bless them. We pray that the others may be found. They all accepted the challenge of the mountain.

So far I have not seen any mountains to climb in Camden County, but we don't have to go to Patagonia or the Northwestern United States for an exciting challenge. We have the challenge of planting of The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek. We can all climb that mountain together, enjoy the view, and breathe the rarified air. Why will we do that? Because it's there.

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Founding Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com

Rejoice In The Lord Always

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent, sometime known as "Rose Sunday" or "Gaudete Sunday." Our reading from Paul's letter to the Philippians says, "Rejoice (Gaudete) in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." Today we rejoice in the anticipation of celebrating Christmas, which is only a week away. Today we get to lighten up a bit and light a pink candle in the Advent wreath. Today behind the altar where I will celebrate Holy Eucharist, there are beautiful roses out of someone's yard.

Here is the full text of the reading from Philippians 4:4-9:

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you."

On this "Rose Sunday," that scripture is too good not to repeat.

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Founding Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com

Packing is Such Sweet Sorrow

As a part of winding down my time of serving St. Margaret of Scotland Episcopal Church in Moultrie, Georgia, I sent out a newsletter this week listing our remaining service times and activities together. I ended the newsletter by quoting Shakespeare: "Parting is such sweet sorrow." Then I went home and started packing books and trinkets that I have not been able to give up from one move to the next.

As I packed I ran across William J. Bennett's "The Book of Virtues." I must confess that my copy is yellow with age and dusty with neglect. Somehow when I think of "virtues" my mind goes straight to the four "cardinal virtues" which are prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice. These are compared with "theological virtues" which are faith, hope, and charity. Maybe that's why I rarely touch "The Book of Virtues" unless I am packing.

In skimming this book once more, I ran across a poem by Edgar Guest, The Things That Haven't Been done Before. Intrigued, I read on. Here is the first verse:

The things that haven't been done before,

Those are the things to try;

Columbus dreamed of an unknown shore

At the rim of the far-flung sky,

And his heart was bold and his faith was strong

As he ventured in dangers new,

And he paid no heed to the jeering throng

Or the fears of the doubting crew.

That's all I had time for. It's too bad I couldn't linger and read the whole book. Packing is such sweet sorrow.

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Founding Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

In August 2004 I had the privilege of taking a class called "The Palestine of Jesus" at St. George's College in Jerusalem. Our group of nine toured most of Israel in a three-week period. We carried our Bibles, Prayer Books, and water bottles out to places such as Bethlehem, Cana, Mt. Tabor, Capernaum, and Caesarea Philippi. We would open our Bibles and our professor would teach about what had happened in each place. We also spent several days in Nazareth and surrounding areas. One trip to the Holy Land is not enough for me. I want very much to go back and revisit what I saw and explore what I missed.

Because of the unrest between warring factions, there is never a really good time to go to the Holy Land. August 2004 wasn't a good time. There were travel advisories in effect. When I saw that was my big opportunity to go, I rationalized that it has not been "safe" to go there for several thousand years. It wasn't safe for Jesus to go there, either, but he chose to be born in Bethlehem. This is where Jesus "first revealed his sacred face" and it's holy ground. Sadly, fewer and fewer pilgrims choose to make the journey, and who really could blame them.

Today I offer this prayer for the peace of the Holy Land, and for all nations of the earth:

"Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen." [The Book of Common Prayer, 815]

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Founding Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com

Songs of the Season

Everywhere I go these days I hear Christmas music playing overhead. It's in the malls and grocery stores. I love the fact that the celebration of the birth of Christ has become so familiar to us that it is background noise. Some of us know those songs without even knowing where we heard them.

I also feel as though I am living in two time zones. At Church on Sundays, we are still in the mood of anticipation. We are still in the Season of Advent until Christmas. So, to bridge the gap, I have written a song for the Season of Advent. With all due respect to the composer and every recording artist who has covered the tune, you may sing these words to "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas."

It’s beginning to look a lot like Advent --
John in camel’s hair.
He’s been living with snakes so long
that vipers he’s begun
with publicans and sinners to compare.

Some people thought John could be Messiah --
No – he was aware
of the One who was to come --
and Jesus was his name --
to gather people in from everywhere.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Advent --
Jesus Christ will come.
We have only to await
and he’ll decide our fate.
He’s the holy One.
He’s the powerful One.

Food for thought with only eleven shopping days left before Christmas.

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com

A Prayer As We Rush Along

Here is a prayer that brings us face to face with reality. I received it from a friend who might be feeling pressed for time in this busy season.

“Heavenly Father, Help us to remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares .

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.”

You might wish to share this prayer with someone you know. ’Tis the season to feel compassion for others.

Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

A Family Tradition

I admit that I am not the world's most innovative shopper. In fact, I can be relied on with boring regularity to buy the same gift for each of my family members year after year. The feedback I get is that they love it. They long for it each year. If it doesn't show up, they protest. Yes, protest. One year I switched off from my traditional gift and sent candy from a little shop on River Street in Savannah. This did not go over.

What, you may ask, could possibly be a one-size-fits-all gift that my family loves so much? It's a Christmas wreath, but not just any Christmas wreath. These are ordered from Maine and delivered up fresh. They tingle the nose with that pine scent reminiscent of the best Christmas tree you ever cut down. But best of all for me, I do not have to go to Maine to get them. They are shipped directly to my loved ones. One whiff of these wreaths kick-starts my family members into getting a tree and decorating for Christmas.

These wreaths are a fund-raiser for the children's choirs of my old church in Atlanta -- The Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip. When I order these wreaths each year, I get a Christmas present in return. I get the satisfaction of knowing I helped children go to music camp, or maybe even to England to sing in some ancient cathedral.

For me, buying these wreaths is sort of like buying Girl Scout Cookies in the spring. Everyone wins. The cookies are tasty and the Girl Scouts raise needed funds. Since I have been buying these wreaths every year (except for that fateful candy year) for almost ten years, they have become a McCloud family tradition. Is there a tradition you can start by helping some worthy cause at Christmas?

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Founding Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Advent Lessons and Carols

I love all the seasons of the Church Year, but there is something intriguing about Advent. I think that is because the cast of characters is so outstanding. It is as if they have very little time to make a major impact on their world, so they get right to it. John the Baptist thunders in the wilderness and calls us to repentance. It's easy to see why John had a short life. Who in his day could get away with saying, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance." Who in our day could get away with it? Perhaps only in America.

Mary is the star on the Advent stage. At a very young age she had the grace to say "yes" to God and to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem to give birth to our Savior Jesus Christ. Considering Mary's delicate condition, that was quite a distance for her to ride on a donkey. Mary surely understood the true meaning of the Latin word "adventus" which means "coming." She cooperated with God in bringing about the first coming of our Lord. This was the whole focus of her life.

During Advent as we are reminded to await the second coming of Jesus Christ, we remember the events that led up to his first coming. Each year we need this period of Advent to get ready for the Christmas surprise: Jesus comes as a tiny fragile infant, dependent upon human parents for warmth and nurture. But when Jesus comes again, he will come with power and great glory, bringing with him all the saints and angels. Advent takes these two themes and weaves them together into a present moment in which nostalgia sets in and hope explodes.

On December 10 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Margaret of Scotland, the church I now serve in Moultrie, Georgia, we will have our second annual Advent Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. This is an ancient form of remembering the events leading up to the birth of Christ. The Scripture lessons begin in Genesis with the Garden of Eden and move on through the prophets to the Gospels. Our choir will be the Colquitt County High School Serenaders, the premiere choral group in the county. Our readers come from St. Margaret's and from the surrounding community.

If you cannot attend St. Margaret's Lessons and Carols service, may I recommend that you check your local TV or radio listings for the Westminster Abbey Service of Lessons and Carols. Theirs is scheduled for Sunday, December 24 at 4:00 p.m. London time in that ancient church which has been the site of every British coronation since 1066.

For those who participate in Advent and slow down to wait for the coming of the Messiah, Christmas is all the more glorious. Watch and wait with us. Savor every moment.

Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Pray First

Nine out of ten fitness experts agree that exercising daily is a good idea. If we are physically able, it is advised that we get out and go for a run or for a walk. If we don't do that, someday we might wish we were able to get out and go for a walk.

Ten out of ten prayer experts agree -- praying daily is the best idea. If we have a consistent prayer life, this will save us from having to develop a sudden relationship with God when we are in trouble. For some people, times of illness and heartache are the hardest times to pray. However, if we have developed a tender heart for God, tough times will be the times we have a reservoir of prayer in our soul. We can use it to pray without words, and still feel that we are being heard. This is very much like walking or running every day and releasing those endorphins that raise our threshold of pain. If we exercise on a regular basis, we are much less likely to suffer falls, sprains or other such injuries. We are already limbered up.

Limbering up with daily prayer will cause us to come boldly to God, even if we just sit in his presence and not ask for anything at that time. Then when we are in need we will not be shy about approaching God.

God is not Santa Claus. The true purpose of prayer is not to get all the things checked off our wish list. The purpose of prayer is to get to know God and to rest in the peace and love of God. God created us for relationship with him. God invites us into his presence through prayer and worship. If we pray first, then when we are in trouble prayer will not be a last resort. If we walk with God every day, we are much less likely to fall.

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Experience the Bible

There's a hot new audio product on the market entitled "The Bible Experience." It is a dramatic reading of the New Testament and part of the Old Testament, starring the voices of nearly 200 pop culture people such as Denzel Washington. I downloaded the advertisement and listened. It is truly an amazing work, with appropriate music in the background. I have never actually heard an angel speak, but Angela Bassett sounds convincing as the angel who appears to Joseph in a dream and tells him it's OK to marry Mary.

I hope that many people will buy "The Bible Experience" and enjoy letting the Bible sink into their souls. I wish that everyone knew more about the Bible.

In the Episcopal Church, we read aloud four portions of Scripture at every service of Holy Communion. That is, we read an Old Testament lesson, a Psalm or portion of a Psalm, an Epistle lesson, and a portion of one of the Gospels. I like to think that in the Episcopal Church, we experience the Bible. If you come to services at an Episcopal Church you will hear the Bible read through in a systematic and sensible way.

When I took my priestly vows, I stated: "I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary to salvation . . ." I am all for anyone getting a megadose of the Holy Bible.

"Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen." [The Book of Common Prayer, p. 236]

If we do as this prayer suggests, we will experience the Bible.

Pastor Linda

The Rev. Linda McCloud

Pastor

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Rendering Unto Caesar

“The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek” is a mouthful, and by the time I finish saying the title, the person to whom I am speaking might have forgotten the first part. So, I have been referring to the new church as “Our Savior Honey Creek.” Sometimes I simply say “Our Savior” when differentiating between this and other churches.

Some of what I am doing as a church planter turns out to be humorous. For example, this week we were setting up bank accounts for the church. The banker asked us for a Federal Tax Identification Number. I had no idea Our Savior even needed one. Someone in the know showed me how to apply for one over the internet, and a few hours later “Our Savior” had its own Tax ID Number. This was also helpful in setting up a new phone line.

It’s amazing what a Tax ID Number can do for a church. Since we applied for the Tax ID Number as a non-profit organization, we can receive financial gifts which the donor can claim as an income tax deduction. If taxes are an annoyance to you, remember that even our Savior Jesus Christ paid taxes. He is the one who said, “Render to Caesar that which is Caesar’s, and to God that which is God’s.” Our Savior did not need a Tax ID Number then, but he has one now.

This is the time of year that many people begin to assess their tax burden and make gifts to charitable causes. If you are interested in becoming a part of this exciting new venture, we welcome your donations. Giving to Our Savior could even diminish that which you will have to render to the U. S. Government come April 15, 2007.

Please make checks payable to:

The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
P. O. Box 326
Waverly, GA 31565

Just remember - “Our Savior” has a Tax ID Number.

Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Road Kill Cabbage

In Colquitt County, Georgia where I now live and serve as Pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Episcopal Church, there is a certain type of road kill that everyone waits for with eager anticipation. I first ate some of this road kill at a church dinner. It was lovingly prepared by Betty Vaughn, a vegetarian High School English Teacher. Betty was new to our church family at the time.

"Yum, yum," said Pastor Linda. "This is the freshest cole slaw I ever ate."

"It's road kill cabbage." Said Schoolteacher Betty. "The cabbages roll off the trucks on their way to market and wind up in the ditch in front of my house. Whatever rolls off is fair game."

Betty lives on a rural road near a cabbage field that goes on for miles. It's a sea of what Crayola Crayon Company used to call "medium green." I'm going to miss the road kill cabage slaw.

I have not run across any road kill peanuts that have fallen off open trucks on their way to market, but I have seen lots of road kill cotton. The little bolls of cotton are scattered beside all the highways after harvest. It falls off the trucks on the way to the gins. No one bothers to gather it because we have not found a good use for it.

This week I am in Camden County preparing for my move. I have seen road kill here, but it wasn't cabbage or cotton. It was four-footed creatures who didn't look twice before crossing a busy highway. Please help me watch out for these little creatures, because they look so much better alive.

"O heavenly Father, you have filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." (from the Book of Common Prayer)

Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

The Nativity Story

Perhaps you have read The Book. Now it’s time to see the movie. The plot includes several heroes, a strong determined heroine, adventurers, risk takers, a treacherous king, and a quick getaway. Oh, and did I say shepherds and angels and a couple of really cute newborn babies?

Is this sounding familiar? Of course I am talking about The Nativity Story that was released yesterday. This film gathers up every image you ever saw depicting the birth of Jesus Christ and brings the characters to life. Their lines and actions follow the texts of the Gospels according to Matthew and Luke. It is so familiar that you can just sink into the story and let it swallow you. My favorite lines in the film are taken from Luke 1:46-55. This is the Magnificat -- The Song of Mary:

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed;
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel,
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.

Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

One of A Thousand Places

Some time ago I treated myself to a delicious 974-page book – 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, A Traveler’s Life List by Patricia Schultz (New York: Workman Publishing, 2003).

As it turns out, Ms. Schultz has excellent taste. That is to say, I had actually been to some of those same places and I also thought they were not to be missed. To my delight, our beloved State of Georgia gets four of the one thousand entries, three of which are in Savannah.

The fourth Georgia entry is (a little drum roll, please) “The Golden Islands.” In this entry Ms. Schultz devotes almost two pages to the history and wonders of Cumberland Island, Jekyll Island, St. Simons, and Little St. Simons, dropping a few names in the process. She suggests that we visit the Lodge on Little St. Simons because “The food is fresh, simple, delicious, and evocative of the Southern childhood you never had.” (p.612)

As I read this book I felt a little sad for Ms. Schultz, because she did not mention The Georgia Episcopal Conference Center at Honey Creek. Evidently she has never visited there, or else her book would be called 1,001 Places To See Before You Die.

Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Heedless of the Wind and Weather

On this first day of December in southwest Georgia the weather is getting rainy but the air is still warm. In Kentucky where my mother lives , they are having severe storms and tornado watches. The National Weather Service says that the rains will come down at the rate of one inch per hour. They advise: "IF YOU ARE IN THE PATH OF THESE SHOWERS...SEEK SHELTER INDOORS AND STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS AS STRONG WINDS WILL PERSIST." There will be no driving for my mother today.

As our sisters and brothers in the Philippines recover from their fourth typhoon in four months, we wonder how anyone can continue to survive in such a climate. Scientists now say that 65 million years ago, Dinosaurs were wiped out by a cosmic event such a meteor hitting the earth and causing catastrophic weather conditions. Because of this, such things as typhoons, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions give me cause for pause.

In Coastal Georgia we have to find ways to beat the heat in summertime, but the winters are a lot milder than those in the midwest or northeast. This is a major attraction of people to the coast. This is one reason why so many of us are flocking to Camden County.

When we can enjoy the outdoors with just a light jacket, let's be sure to keep in mind those who are suffering the effects of severe weather -- especially those who have no homes or who have substandard housing. The children suffer most in such situations. As you go for a stroll on a nearby beach, remember to count your blessings and pray for those who are less fortunate.

Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Red Letter Day

If you go to Honey Creek, get on a boat and follow the waterway out to sea, you will find yourself on St. Andrews Sound. Several building projects and developments in northeast Camden County bear the name of St. Andrew in some way. Since St. Andrew was a fisherman it is most appropriate that a body of water be named after him. Many people cherish the thoughts of St. Andrew, and he is regarded as the "patron saint" of Scotland, Greece and Russia. Surely there must be lots of good fishing in those countries too.

The Episcopal Church also loves St. Andrew. He was an Apostle of Jesus Christ who according to tradition gave his life for the cause of Christ, so Andrew gets a "red letter day" on our church calendar.

If we take a quick glance at Andrew's life as portrayed in the Gospels, we might think that Andrew didn't do very much. He is seldom mentioned except in the lists of the Apostles, but when he is mentioned, he is blessing others with his thoughtfulness.

When I picture St. Andrew I think of his faithfulness. He was simply always around when Jesus needed something. Andrew's great claim to fame is that he was the brother of St. Peter, who is regarded as chief of the Apostles of Jesus Christ. The irony here is that Andrew met Jesus first and then brought Peter to Jesus. He was gracious to step into Peter's shadow when Peter became the leader of the Church.

Andrew is also known for a very famous incident having to do with fish. When Jesus was going to feed the five thousand people at once, it was Andrew who found the lad with the five loaves and two fishes and asked Jesus, "What is that among so many?" Andrew was the sort of person who would swing open the door so that others could walk right into the Kingdom of God.

So today, we remember St. Andrew as we pray this prayer:

"Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by your holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen." (from the Book of Common Prayer)


Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Bless the Beasts and the Children

Do you like word association games? If you say "critters" to Georgia Episcopalians, chances are they will say "Honey Creek Camp and Conference Center." That is where many of us go to spend time with God, and as a bonus we might spot a family of raccoons, or four baby armadillos, or a painted bunting. We love regrouping and telling what we saw. Once on a bicycle ride at about dusk I saw a small fawn, which at first I took to be a large dog.

If you say "critters" or "animals" to any other Christians, you might hear "St. Francis of Assisi." That is because artistic portrayals of Francis show him with a bird on his shoulder and a large wolf at his side. By the way, that wolf is "Gubio." I'll save his story for another time.

Regarding critters, Francis is known for this verse:
"All creatures of our God and King
lift up your voices, let us sing: Alleluia, alleluia!"

For all you purists who wonder why I would mention St. Francis on a day other than October 4, here is what triggered my word association: St. Francis was also known for his attempts to make peace in a war-torn world. We live in a war-torn world. Our national and religious leaders are doing a lot of continent-hopping in hopes of making peace. I remind us of this familiar prayer attributed to St. Francis as a starting-place for peace:

"Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen."

Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Getting Our Ducks In A Row

Transition is never easy. There is an emotional component to which we must pay attention. Moving from one location to another means more than just packing up our worldly possessions. For a time we live in both places, which means that we are not really resident in either. This is happening to me right now. St. Margaret of Scotland Episcopal Church in Moultrie, Georgia, which I now serve, is preparing for my transition to be Pastor of The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek in Waverly. I am phasing out here, but I am working hard to make sure I leave everything just right so that the work can carry on smoothly. I have a big "to do" list of projects which I am working on.

At the same time, I am working on urgent and important matters at Waverly, by e-mail or phone if possible and in person if necessary. I have a big "to do" list for that as well. And then there is my "Moving Right Along" list that will assure I have notified the local utility companies when I no longer need their services.

As I take care of business, the most important thing about this move is that I say a proper good-bye to the people in Moultrie who have become my community. This is the "soul work" that will allow me to say hello and make a whole new beginning with a new community in Camden County. This is the toughest part of the transition, but it comes at a perfect time of year. As the year comes to an end, I will close out my stay in Moultrie. As the New Year begins, I will begin a new work in a new place. I will meet new people and life will be a new adventure. I am getting my ducks in a row now so I will be all set to go and totally settle in to my new home.

Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Seasonal Soul Food

A couple of days after the Thanksgiving feast was over, I ran across a statistic that jolted me back to reality: A typical Thanksgiving meal can consist of as many as 5,000 calories! That’s about three days’ worth of nourishment and all our vitamins and minerals with a few antioxidants thrown in for good measure – all at one sitting. It is no wonder that turkey torpor sets in before we get the kitchen cleaned up.

Thanksgiving is only the beginning of the season in which rich foods are so readily available. It could make your arteries gurgle just thinking about it. One sure antidote is physical exercise, so I think it’s worth a couple of more miles of walking or running for a big piece of Grandmother’s pumpkin pie.

Allow me to recommend some food during this holiday season that won’t cost you another belt notch. It’s food for your soul. I’m speaking of such wonderful events as Handel’s Messiah. Is it coming to your neighborhood soon? Is it within walking distance of your home? If you can participate in the singing of Messiah, that is all the better because you have to rehearse. Not only will that burn off calories, but the music becomes a part of your thought processes. But if you couldn’t get signed up to sing, please take in the performance. The sheer exhilaration of the Hallelujah Chorus is worth a trip from anywhere.

Another plus is that if you have not had time to read the Bible very much lately, Handel’s Messiah will catch you up on everything from the Old Testament Prophets to the New Testament Book of Revelation. There’s a performance of Handel’s Messiah in my town tonight. My friends and neighbors are singing in it. I can’t wait to go and get my soul fed.

Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Three Little Words

Yesterday I went grocery shopping, driven by fear of mutinous behavior on the part of my kitten if I let her food supply run low. I don't know why I had put it off. I actually like to go grocery shopping. Or at least I like to be in the marketplace where I can say hi to some neighbors and friends in a neutral environment.

Did you ever notice how much you can learn about your friends and neighbors if you run into them at the grocery store? This is where you see people in their ratty old college sweatshirts, or in t-shirts emblazoned with the logo of their favorite sports team. Oh, the knowledge we gain about each other in such places! You might even find out if they like brussels sprouts or cilantro. It's really a good place to build relationships a little at a time.

Before I could leave the store I simply had to visit the candy aisle for a bag of my favorite little squares of chocolate -- the kind that contain so much cocoa that one piece is a whole dessert. When I arrived at that aisle it was blocked by two women who were obviously glad to see each other, and had important business to discuss. I did not mean to eavesdrop, but they were blocking my chocolates so I hung around until they moved their shopping carts. It seems that these two ladies attend the same church and were discussing some special event they were working on together. As they parted company, one said to the other those three little words that are music to the ears of every priest and pastor: "See you Sunday."

I can't wait for the day when I will be at a grocery store or post office and hear someone from The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek say to me, "See you Sunday."

Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
Linda McCloud+

The Rush Is On

It is early morning when I am writing this new blog, and maybe you have already been standing in line for hours at your favorite mega-store to buy those rare toys that are so in demand this year. So, maybe I'm talking to thin air here, and maybe it will be tomorrow before you read this, or maybe it will be January. Today is the annual gold rush day in America, when every store tries to make its sales goals for the year. The advertising in yesterday's newspapers was frantic. Was your paper as thick as a Sunday paper? A lot of trees gave their lives to the cause.

This is only the beginning of the "holiday season" as it is now known, and the whirlwind of activity will spin on for more than a month, leaving us wilted. It might even leave us with a let-down feeling. This is the time of year we hear two major streams of thought competing for our attention. On the one hand, we hear the advertisers wanting to empty their shelves in exchange for our empty wallets. On the other hand, we hear those who would calm us and advise us to pace ourselves.

How can we enjoy all the festivities and keep a balance in our lives? We can do this by taking time to pray. If we begin each new day with intentional time with God, we might be amazed at how much better our days will go. Rather than just rushing off to do the urgent things, we will have taken time for the important thing. Jesus had a lot of urgent pulls and tugs on each of his days, but he always began his days with the important thing - prayer.

"O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 99)

Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek

Happy Thanksgiving Day

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. This morning I offer A General Thanksgiving from The Book of Common Prayer, page 836:

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love.

We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.

We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us.

We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.

Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.

Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

Linda McCloud+
Church Planter
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
linda@oursaviorhoneycreek.org

Are you new here?

So am I. Perhaps we could begin to get acquainted. Over the years I have lived in four States -- Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Georgia. At various times I have found myself moving in and out of those four places. I have had two driver's licenses each in the first three States, and I now hold my third driver's license in Georgia. Soon I will be moving to beautiful Camden County for keeps. In the summer of 2003, I spent seven weeks in the area and learned to love it. Now I plan never to live anywhere else. Maybe you are just now moving in and beginning to find your place in your new community, or maybe you have lived here all your life so far and find your community changing. Please consider getting in on the ground floor of a really good thing -- a new Episcopal Church.

As an Episcopal Priest, the most exciting part of my move to Camden County is that I get to be the founding pastor of The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek. I will be called a "church planter." I will get to see the sunrise on the marsh on a regular basis. I am coming to Camden County not only to plant a church, but to plant my life with the other newcomers among the long-time residents.

Pastor Linda
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org