In-person worship at the Cathedral will resume and Memorial Hall will reopen to the public. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Monday to Friday.
Pandemic precautions outlined in the latest revision of the Cathedral Pandemic Operational Plan (20 January 2021) will be followed. These include:
Worship gatherings are limited to 50 individuals
Meetings are limited to 25 individuals
2 metres of physical distance between bubbles is required
Face masks are mandatoryindoors and out at all times (with an exception for “performers or officiants whose activities require vocalization” while maintaining 4 metres of physical distance between bubbles)
Please note that during the Orange Level, we are strongly encouraged to limit contact outside of single household bubbles, especially in confined spaces. Please continue to pray for those who are at risk and those providing care and helping to keep us safe.
Worship reservations
With current limits of individuals, worship reservations are required. Reserve online by visiting Cathedral Signups by 8:00 p.m. on the previous day. Telephone reservations are needed in real time (not by voicemail). If reserving by telephone, please contact the Cathedral Office (506) 450-8500 during office hours, 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon, Monday to Friday.
Bishop and Chapter met 18 January 2021 by video conference with 11 of 14 members present. The Dean provided in advance an article “When the Mission Changes” (Dan Hotchkiss). Discussion included the value and necessity of our congregation understanding our true mission as God's church and challenges in involving broad-based engagement. Minutes of 14 December 2020 were adopted.
From the Dean
• continuing in the Orange alert level of pandemic recovery
• no hospital or home visits by telephone contacts when possible
• no care facility Communions (Farraline/Windsor Court) in current alert level. Communion at Farraline Place 22 December
• various meetings with Chapter committees and other groups
• worship attendance - Blue Christmas (21 December) - 11; Christmas Eve - 175; Christmas Day - 34
• CBC Information Morning interview 18 January
• annual discussion with accountant re Review Engagement
• Synod office(s) settling in at Memorial Hall
Arising
Cathedral Video equipment - required equipment not in stock. Work will proceed to acquire what’s possible and begin pre-installation
Chapter By-Law - possibility for adding past lay chair position on hold for the moment as recommended by Chapter Executive
Decision
Parish Nurse - K. Snow resignation as of 31 January 2021 noted. Unanimous recognition of the difficulty/impossibility to replace Kathleen Snow. Chapter directed the Health and Pastoral Care Committee to proceed to create a search committee, Sally Dibblee chair.
2021 Budget - current draft discussed, received and recommended
Discussion
Annual Meeting - scheduled for Sunday, 21 February 2021. Streamlined, time economical agenda. Immediately following worship in the Cathedral. Virtual options to be explored if necessary.
Nominations - one member Bishop and Chapter still required. Chapter’s assistance requested
Reports
Treasurer - December 2020 financials were provided and briefly discussed. 2020 giving was down, expenses also reduced. Note extraordinary elements including Wage Subsidy allowing revenue to slightly exceed expenses. 2020 review engagement in process
Property - continuing work with Heritage Standing to determine short and long-term property goals. Bishop’s graves to the east, choir steps and stained glass window ventilation are current first priorities. Large basswood at west door removed by the City on 07 January - wood shared with indigenous carvers
Christian Formation - Taizé and Godly play continue virtually. Youth Group suffers from online gathering. Lenten programming considered
Communications - meeting reviewed current web content and Facebook maintenance. February 2020 survey results will be studied
Health and Pastoral Care - main emphasis is parish nurse vacancy Hospital visits are not possible during current pandemic alert level
Welcome and Hospitality - no specific actions during pandemic restrictions
Mission and Outreach - St. Hilda’s Belize end of year $1000 support transferred. Monday outreach continuing as best as possible on the last Monday of the month
Finance and Administration - no meeting since December. Presentation of narrative budget may not be possible with modified meeting format
Upcoming
• Annual Reports due 31 January
Next Meeting
16 February 2021, Annual Congregational Meeting - 21 February 2021
For many of us one of the significant losses during necessary safety restrictions during the current pandemic is singing.
At the Cathedral, we're fortunate that we've been able to strike a safe balance so as to have music continue to be a part of worship even though we've not been singing as congregations since last March. The size of our worship space and a less than mainstream direction from New Brunswick Public Health about a safe exception for leaders and performers means that even if we can't all sing, we can listen. We can follow the sung texts at least in our minds, maybe even hum along a bit and remain within safe practice.
Find here some reflections offered several weeks ago by Cheryl Jacobs about how "being asked not to sing" might be an opportunity to expand our outlook and our attitudes.
Yes, in these odd and tragic times, we in the congregation at corporate worship have been asked not to sing. This is a disappointment for many of us. Perhaps, however, it is an opportunity to consider and expand how we worship during a hymn or song.
Here are some thoughts:
Say the words, perhaps working on doing so from memory. Memorizing scriptural words and truths through song is good for our minds and our spirit as we hide God's word within us (Psalm 119.11).
Pray the words - in praise or for yourself, our church, or someone who comes to your mind.
Meditate on a phrase or verse. Those who are singing on our behalf can worry about all the words and we can focus on a particular aspect of God's love and grace, or our response to that.
Worship with your hearing, pondering the words of James that we should always be quick to listen and slow to speak (1.19).
Worship with other parts of your body: tap your feet (Jeremiah 31.13), or extend or raise your hands (Psalm 134.2). Give thanks that there will again be a "time to dance."
Cheryl Jacobs
I'll bring you more than a song For a song in itself is not what you have required You search much deeper within; you're looking into my heart. "When the Music Fades" (The Heart of Worship) Matt Redman
Basswood on Cathedral grounds gains new life with carvers
When a 2020 summer storm struck and felled a large basswood on the east end of the Cathedral Green, Christ Church Cathedral congregation member and former forester Eric Hadley volunteered to step in and help with cleanup.
Unlike many large trees felled by wind storms, Eric saw that the roots of this tree had remained firmly planted while the tree trunk itself had snapped.
Closer examination revealed considerable rot within the tree. This outwardly strong-looking basswood was a bit of a disaster waiting to happen. And along came Mother Nature and her winds providing just that disaster!
Since there are other Tília Americana (basswood) trees on the Cathedral property, it seemed like a good idea to check for any signs of visible rot and potential for damage to the Cathedral building itself.
Sure enough, just outside the west end (main) door and directly in line with the stained glass window over that door, stood another big old basswood showing what Eric believed to be signs of rot.
a legacy for future generations
When Eric brought in Mike Glynn, assistant manager of Parks and Trees and city forester for the City of Fredericton, he confirmed the diagnosis and advised that this old beauty posed considerable risk to the building. He recommended it be removed.
Enter Calvin Thompson, manager of First Nations relations, City of Fredericton. Calvin contacted Cathedral officials to see if there would be an interest in offering the wood to the St. Mary’s First Nation community.
The answer was a resounding yes! Renowned indigenous woodcarver Percy Sacobie was delighted to accept the offer. Basswood has long been the wood of choice for indigenous carvers, coveted for its featureless, fine-grained, white wood that doesn’t splinter or chip easily.
Percy Sacobie, woodcarver, Mike O’Brien, Mayor, Eric Hadley
In addition, Bob Clowater of the Fredericton Woodcarvers group was interested in obtaining some of the wood for their 17 members who meet twice a week at the Johnson Street Seniors Workshop.
And thus, this venerable old tree, Tília Americana, will leave a legacy for future generations. It may no longer stand guarding those ancient Cathedral walls, but it will not be relegated to the wood chipper or the furnace!
Its God-given artistic form will be transformed into man-made artistic forms by New Brunswick woodcarvers and enjoyed for years to come.
As referenced in the Dean's Pastoral Letter for Christmas 2020, the true cost of the current pandemic is yet to be calculated. The issue of many in our society attempting to navigate the economic realities should be important to us all. Please pray for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 18 December the Dean of Fredericton signed the letter below addressed to New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs and Minister Wilson.
Re: Support New Brunswick’s Tenants During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dear Premier Higgs and Minister Wilson,
We, the under-signed non-profit organizations and grassroots advocacy groups working in the areas of
housing, poverty, employment, and human rights, are writing to request government action to offer
support for tenants in New Brunswick during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a group of organizations with
expertise in housing and closely related issues, we are providing the following:
1) a summary of the challenges facing tenants in New Brunswick,
2) a list of pandemic-related recommendations for your consideration, and
3) a discussion of some of the benefits for New Brunswickers that these measures can produce. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, other provinces have offered similar support for tenants and we request that the government of New Brunswick consider doing the same.
The Challenges
As the COVID-19 crisis continues, greater support for tenants in New Brunswick is urgently needed.
Even before the pandemic, tenants in New Brunswick were facing significant challenges. The Canadian
Rental Housing Index 1 shows that 36% of renter households in the province are living in unaffordable
housing, with 14% living in situations of severe unaffordability. At the same time, the New Brunswick
government has reported that across the province vacancy rates dropped while tenant shelter costs
rose 14% between the last two censuses 2. In this same timeframe, the median tenant income increased
by only 11% ($29,769 to $33,226). Homeowners in the province, however, experienced the inverse,
with median income growing by 13.8% ($62,602 to $71,259) and shelter costs by only 9.9%. 3 Simply
put, tenants in the province, as a group, have less of a financial reserve to draw on during periods of
hardship. This hardship is experienced disproportionately by lone female parents, people with
disabilities, and Black and Indigenous people and People of Colour. The pandemic will only continue to
exacerbate these challenges.
In addition to the concerning trends represented by these statistics, anecdotal evidence of a rental
housing crisis is in the news and on social media, with tenants reporting monthly increases in rents of
upwards of 50% at a time, amounting to hundreds of dollars per month. Faced with these new and
unanticipated costs, it is foreseeable that many tenants will be forced to seek lower-priced
accommodations at a time when there is an extreme shortage of affordable rental stock. There is also
the risk that tenant relocation due to dramatic rent increases will require tenants to move out of their
neighbourhoods and further away from their places of employment, thereby disrupting access to their
support networks and necessities such as public transportation and childcare.
While we recognize that average rent and utility costs in New Brunswick may be lower than the national
average in absolute numbers, so too is the average income of New Brunswick tenants. When
compared to the national average, tenants in New Brunswick are spending approximately the same
percentage of their income on rent and utilities and face similar rates of unaffordable housing. 4 Tenants
in New Brunswick, therefore, need support similar to that provided in other jurisdictions.
Our Recommendations
We are calling on the provincial government to immediately implement the following support for
tenants:
1. Introduce a 2% cap on rental increases for existing tenants until a vaccine has been
successfully rolled out and the entire province of New Brunswick has been moved into the
Green Phase.
This will ensure that tenants remain housed at a time of income uncertainty. It will also allow
tenants to budget effectively at a time when New Brunswickers are often forced to miss work
due to symptoms of or risk of exposure to COVID-19.
2. Make this 2% rent cap retroactive to September 1, 2020, and allow tenants to apply any
ensuing rent credits to arrears and/or future rental costs.
3. Re-establish a moratorium on evictions until the entire province returns to the Green Phase.
Since June 1st, 2020, New Brunswickers have been without any kind of eviction protection
despite the economic hardships brought on by COVID-19 and the now well-established
relationship between homelessness and vulnerability to COVID-19. As the second wave of the
virus continues to hit Canada hard as winter begins, it is essential that New Brunswick tenants
have a secure place to live where they can limit contacts, self-isolate if necessary, and maintain
their health and well-being as we weather this crisis together. A renewed moratorium on
evictions would support public health efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.
4. Fund a rent bank that provides tenants in financial need with non-repayable grants or interest-
free loans to cover their rent OR implement a rental subsidy program similar to that put in
place by the government of Prince Edward Island at the beginning of the pandemic.
A rent bank will limit rental arrears and forestall evictions for unpaid rent during the pandemic
following the end of any moratorium on evictions. More broadly, a rent bank will support the
provincial government’s stated commitment to “timely access to affordable, safe and adequate
housing options that meet individual needs and promote healthy and inclusive communities.” 5
One model is the BC Rent Bank, with funding provided by the provincial government. 6
We also request that in the new year, before March 31st, 2021, the government take the following
actions:
1. Roll-out the Canada–New Brunswick Housing Benefit that is part of the Canada–New
Brunswick bilateral agreement under the National Housing Strategy.
As part of the National Housing Strategy, “the federal government committed to introducing a
new $4 billion dollar Canada Housing Benefit that would provide affordability support directly to
families and individuals in housing need.” 7 While other provinces have taken the opportunity to
implement housing benefits for low-income renters (e.g. Nova Scotia, Ontario), New Brunswick
has not yet done so. However, there are provisions for the implementation of this benefit for the
2020–2021 fiscal year in the bilateral agreement (see Schedule B). 8
2. Establish a New Brunswick Affordable Housing Commission
The commission will support the implementation of the provincial housing strategy and will
identify and contribute to the establishment of promising practices for the purpose of addressing
housing challenges in the immediate post-COVID-19 context.
The Benefits of Taking Action
Improving support for tenants during the pandemic will serve as both a response to the numerous
financial hardships brought on or exacerbated by the pandemic and will support the continued efforts of
public health to stop the spread of COVID-19 in New Brunswick. Offering tenants greater support will
also safeguard the pre-pandemic work done by government and non-governmental stakeholders alike
on affordable housing, community development, and homelessness 9 from the economic hardships
COVID-19 has caused. Similar measures have been taken by the governments of other small
provinces, such as Nova Scotia, and larger provinces, like Ontario and British Columbia. We therefore
hope that the government of New Brunswick will implement our recommendations as part of its ongoing
commitment to maintaining New Brunswick’s position as a leader in the fight against COVID-19.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Those signing on behalf of community organizations
Bishop and Chapter met 14 December 2020 by video conference with 11 of 14 members present. The Dean lead some reflection on “How to Shine Your Light for Christ - So how exactly do you shine?” – practical tips. Members added additional insights. Minutes of 16 November 2020 were adopted.
From the Dean
• Cathedral Pandemic Operational Plan was revised 01 December 2020 to accommodate the NB Orange Level of Recovery
• in-person staff meetings continue. Sexton Ashley Swim 30 November
• consultation with the Diocesan synod regarding temporary facility sharing
• work completed on a proposal to equip the cathedral with video equipment for better live streaming in the future (December project)
• Cathedral committee meetings as possible
• diocesan meetings including Diocesan Council, Finance Committee, Creation Matters, and Fredericton deaneries’ clericus
• brief report on Christmas worship schedule
Decision
• Stipend and Salaries - In 2021: Cathedral staff 2% cost of living;. Dean’s Stipend $59,708 ($15,786 above minimum stipend scale)
• Cathedral Video Equipment Project - acceptance of a proposal to purchase ($12,000 by the end of this calendar year) and install equipment for improved video live streaming and recording. Contributions to the Project (labelled “audio/visual”) are invited
Discussion
• 2021 Budget - draft discussed. Challenges will include some reduction in offerings during the pandemic and no future government subsidies ($52,000 in 2020)
Reports
Treasurer - In November operations income exceeded expenses by $11,711. Diocesan Shared ministry contribution not owing in November due to reduced diocesan expenses year to date. Cathedral Shared Ministry reduced by $1000 per month in 2021. No further federal grants (Canadian Wage Subsidy) expected in December or in into 2021
Property - An initial meeting of the Restoration Committee was held C. Ferris chair). Several repair items: Bishop’s graves, choir room steps, window ventilation. Security camera system under review and awaiting proposal. New sexton 30 November. Heritage Standing to update 2016 report at a cost of up to $4000.
Communications - Coordination of advertising for Christmas. A next Cathedral Connections in the new year.
Health and Pastoral Care - meeting of Health Ministry before Christmas is expected. Health Ministry budget received
Worship - no recent meeting. Presentation of the Video Project proposal
Welcome and Hospitality - no events and little committee activity during the pandemic
Mission and Outreach - $1000 funding for St. Hilda’s School (Belize Missions) will be transferred in the next couple of weeks. Monday morning programme (Outreach) continues on the last Monday of the month in a modified format. Missions Committee needing members
Finance and Administration - hiring of sexton complete. Follow up with Treasurer on 2020 review engagement management letter recommendations. Stewardship Team: “narrative budget” for 2021
Nominating Committee - interim report. Good progress being experienced on acquiring nominations for positions opening in 2021. Further nominations welcome
Upcoming
• Blue Christmas - 21 December, 7:00 p.m.
• Christmas Eve - 4:00, 8:00, 11:00 p.m. Christmas Day - 10:00 a.m.
• New Years Day - 11:00 a.m.
Next Meetings
18 January 2021, 16 February 2021
21 February 2021 Annual Congregational Meeting
Since March 2020 the Cathedral has provided a combination of video recording and live streaming Sunday worship. Live streaming Sunday and special worship events are well ‘attended’ with the number of views this fall ranging between 50 and 75 per service. The November worship during Covid orange had 117 views and the fall ordination had 146. Comments and feedback indicate that the streaming is very much appreciated by those who do not attend every week (allowing others a chance to attend with the 50 or 80 maximum) and those who do not feel comfortable worshiping in person. The live streams keep Cathedral people engaged, nourished, and feeling a part of the church community.
This is an investment in the wider Cathedral community and an outreach tool
We believe that video streaming should be part of the Sunday routine in the future, recommend that and request the funding for purchase and installation. This is an investment in the wider Cathedral community and an outreach tool that will appeal to those not currently part of a church family. To date, we have used a web camera and computer belonging to Peter Jacobs. Video editing, when it has occurred, again has used personal computers. There has been a steep learning curve regarding pricing and determining the specifics, but it has been successful, and we have used what we have learned to create this proposal. We want to proceed quickly in order to provide a higher quality solution which will be simpler to provide as soon as possible. To date Peter Jacobs and Kirsten McKnight have been operating the live stream, but we would add to those numbers and create a sign-up category to ensure each event is covered.
This has without doubt been one of the more unique years in recent memory. We’ve all sat perched on edge wondering what the current pandemic will mean next. We’ve attempted to respond with wisdom and care while remaining unshaken by unnecessary fear. The fact remains we are not enriched or improved by being overly concerned with our earthly bodies – we are far more than just flesh and blood machines that need to keep physically healthy at all cost. We’re also thinking beings, spiritual beings.
It will be some time before we know the real impact COVID-19 will have on our world: economically, physically and spiritually. In a modern age where many need little, if any excuse not to engage in disciplines that nurture the spirit – attending public worship, studying scripture or acting visibly and materially in support of the relevance of the local church, some are saying that for the church COVID-19 is just another push down an already slippery hill.
Through history it has always been in the midst of the darkness – in the midst of what threatens – that faith speaks. A pealing note sounds as it has for two millennia. The expected one, the one longed for is born in a forsaken little town in a feeding trough because there was no room in the inn. It’s ironic that although not unexpected, the Lord’s coming is total surprise. “Today in the city of David a Saviour has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord!”
We’ll miss corporate singing of carols this year but they can sound loud in our hearts just the same. Join us for worship in person or online, mindful that at the moment, reservations are important as we try to manage pandemic protocols and remain within our allowed capacity. Visiting Cathedral Signups from our website is preferred. If space is available you’ll know right away. Or you may wish to telephone the Cathedral Office 9-12 Monday-Friday.
7:00 p.m. Monday 21 December 2020 Blue Christmas: prayers on the longest night
10:00 a.m. Wednesday 23 December 2020 Holy Eucharist (BCP)
4:00 p.m. Thursday 24 December 2020 Holy Eucharist (contemporary)
8:00 p.m. Thursday 24 December 2020 Come Worship Eucharist
11:00 p.m. Thursday 24 December 2020 Holy Eucharist (traditional)
10:00 a.m. Friday 25 December 2020 Holy Eucharist (traditional)
8:00 a.m. Sunday 27 December 2020 Holy Eucharist (BCP)
10:30 a.m. Sunday 27 December 2020 Come Worship Eucharist
10:00 a.m. Wednesday 30 December 2020 Holy Eucharist (BCP)
11:00 a.m. Friday 01 January 2021 Holy Eucharist with the Bishop (BAS)
May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ Child. God’s blessing be with you and yours.
Join us at Christ Church Cathedral on Monday, 21 December, at 7:00 p.m. for a Blue Christmas.
Visit the Cathedral Signup or contact the Cathedral office Monday to Friday, 9:00 - 12 Noon, to reserve your spot.
The idea of a “Blue Christmas” may be new to you. Behind it is the intention to provide a quiet, contemplative time of worship as an alternative to the more traditional gatherings at this time of year as a way to care for those who are sad or struggling while all around us are getting caught up in Christmas celebration.
In the northern hemisphere, these worship opportunities are also known as prayers on “the Longest Night.” Both tend to be held around 21–22 December -- the winter solstice when the earth tips farthest away from the sun and evening creeps in as early as it ever does.
We acknowledge many during this season who are struggling with different kinds of pain and loss at the moment. Whether this year you’re feeling the loss of a loved one, separation from family due to pandemic restrictions or other reasons, the holidays in any number of ways are going to be especially challenging this year, or if you would like to be part of an effort to prayerfully support those who are feeling this way, the Blue Christmas is for you. Many in our local community are saying they are just ‘not feeling very Christmassy’ this year.
Behind it is the intention to provide a quiet, contemplative time of worship
On the evening of December 21st, we’ll quietly recognize the coming of the baby in the manger, a fact of history. The incarnate One can easily be dismissed as irrelevant especially when our hearts are heavy. But most especially we’ll consider the way the God of love comes too in the midst of the mess and pain we know in our everyday lives and the lives of those around us.
The World Council of Churches’ Conference on World Mission and Evangelism met in Arusha, Tanzania, in March 2018. From this meeting, the more than 1,000 participants, who were all regularly engaged in mission and evangelism, issued the Arusha Call to Discipleship.
We are called to discern the word of God in a world that communicates many contradictory, false, and confusing messages.
It perhaps goes without saying that the gospel (the “proclamation” of the Church) is but one in a plethora of other messages in the world. That has probably always been so. But with the advent of ever more efficient communication, the possibilities for contradiction, falsification and confusion has been kicked into overdrive. With a finger swipe on a mobile phone, a click on an email send button or posting on social media or a website, the entire world can now hear what I have say in an instant (not that the world is necessarily listening, of course). How do we make sense of the barrage of messages? How do we “discern” what is the word or “a” word from God?
Our own Anglican denomination through the centuries has leaned heavily on a belief in the sufficiency of Holy Scripture and how the word of God informs our living. “Everything necessary to salvation” is contained therein, says Article VI of the Articles of Religion. But what is that word? How do we “discern” it from all the other words, especially in times where personal freedom and human rights seem to be at the top of political and social agendas? Can the Church stay on point? And what is that point anyway?
The series of gospel passages we’ve been reading from the Gospel of Matthew through the latter part of this year have taken us on a wild and challenging ride through the conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities of his day just before Jesus’ passion. Through parable and story Jesus confronts with questions. The Scribes and Pharisees have questions of their own, most designed to entrap or publically discredit him. The religious leaders were not bad people. But soaked in tradition and focused so intently on what living faithfully according to the word (law) of God meant in their opinion, they had lost sight of the goal – relationship with God.
As Christians, at least one of our dilemmas is being faced with the need to be good citizens of the world but also citizens of the Kingdom of God.
As Christians, at least one of our dilemmas is being faced with the need to be good citizens of the world but also citizens of the Kingdom of God. One does not necessarily bring about the other. In ‘The Theology of Hope” German Theologian Jürgen Moltmann offers some analysis of what it means to be Church in society. He identifies three roles: personal, communal and institutional.
Faith in our time is too often considered to be only an individual matter - personal. Being internalized and privatized, faith has become mostly about our feelings, recognized less and less as having any sway in the criticism of social behaviour. Western moral values which have their roots firmly in the Christian tradition have been silenced, deemed to have little worthwhile to say any more. Faith and morality subject to only personal critique is in danger of running off the rails. We’re seeing both. Discernment requires collaboration.
In the communal role the community of the faithful becomes what Moltmann refers to as a “non-worldly phenomenon.” Together we find a way to be human that deters loneliness and isolation and re-establishes what is so often lacking in society – community. The Church provides warmth, belonging and authenticity. Together, seeking the Kingdom of God even in our midst makes the Church a counterbalance in a necessary conversation with society.
The Church is also institution, a word more often than not these days carrying negative connotations. Institutions serve as anchors. One definition is “a stable, valued, recurring pattern of behavior.” When the winds blow, it’s the institutions of society that provide the foundations upon which we can find a firm place to stand – even survive.
Discerning the word of God may have to do with first deciding what we mean by “salvation” since that is at least one purpose of religion. From what do we need to be saved? If in answering we come up empty, we have entirely missed the natural human need for spirituality; the added dimensions of life faith brings; the meaning and value of discipleship and; being part of something bigger than our little selves. God’s word, in the spirit of his Son Jesus, is all around when we have eyes to see. For the Christian, Scripture has been our guide through the ages, “the lamp unto our feet.”
The church is not the word. Pop culture is not the word. The assumptions by which we live and all that we too easily take for granted are not the word. The word is a person named Jesus revealed in “the word.” His invitation is to follow.
He said, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:21
