I did not intend to write a column this month because I am spending so much of June at General Convention. By the time you read this, I will have been home for a week or so, but I am writing at a coffee stand in the Columbus, Ohio, Convention Center during a break in the proceedings.

I had to write. In light of Jon Marc’s sudden death, I cannot not write something to the parish family I love when we have suffered such a tragic loss. Every death in the parish is painful and calls us to lean on our faith and to care for one another, but this one is especially hard and affects so many of us. Jon Marc worked with the choir, with our children, with me, the rest of our staff, and, in a very important way, with every single person who came to St. John’s and experienced his astounding musical talents offered to the glory of God.

Nothing I can say can begin to take away the shock, hurt and emptiness we feel. My heart breaks for Dock, for our children, and for all those who were so affected by Jon Marc’s life and therefore his death. All I can tell you is this: I know. I know this evokes painful memories for many of you who have suffered other losses. I know our children are sad. (Parents, let them be sad, but let them also know that Jon Marc is well and whole and with God.)

I know Dock will need support from his community of faith, and I know you will give it. I know many of you can’t understand this tragedy. And I know it hurts.

When people who care for each other are hurting, often the most comforting thing they can receive is for someone to say, “I know.” We need to say it to each other.

As I said at Jon Marc’s funeral, we need to lean into each other, hug, cry, and, finally, sing. But it is so hard. I know. And I know we will support one another and Dock, and we’ll make Jon Marc proud. And I know God is with us, and Jon Marc is with God.

And it still hurts.

I know.

And, more importantly, God knows.

Please return this form with $40 check attached to the church office or mail to 3480 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337.

8:00 a.m.—Sunday

10:30 a.m.—Thursday

Christian Education

9:15 a.m.—Sunday

Holy Eucharist Rite II

10:30 a.m.—Sunday

Morning Prayer (Parlor)

9:15 a.m. Tuesday & Thursday

Evening Service

7 p.m.—Wednesday

Robbin Iddins Outreach/Civic Duty, Youth Sr. Warden

Debbie Reeves Finance Jr. Warden

Jason Barringer Youth, Finance

Jackie Berlin Outreach, Inreach

Al Dixon Finance, Buildings & Grounds

Carl Franzman Parish Life, Inreach

Sarah Clark Parish Growth/Development, Parish Life

David McLeod Worship, Parish Life

Carolyn Pierce Parish Life

Dan Seipel Parish Life, Outreach/Civic Duty

Martha Spring Parish Growth/Development, Inreach, Youth

Our Birth is our Opening Balance

Our Death is our Closing Balance

Our Prejudiced Views are our Liabilities

Our Creative Ideas are our Assets

Heart is our Current Asset

Soul is our Fixed Asset

Brain is our Fixed Deposit

Thinking is our Current Account

Achievements are our Capital

Character & Morals, our Stock-in-Trade

Friends are our General Reserves

Values & Behaviors are our Goodwill

Patience is our Interest Earned

Love is our Dividend

Children are our Bonus Issues

Education is Brands / Patents

Knowledge is our Investment

Experience is our Premium Account

The Aim is to Tally the Balance Sheet Accurately

The Goal is to get the Best Presented Accounts Award

The Outreach Commission provides paper sacks for you to fill with non-perishable food items, and delivers them to Family Life Ministries weekly. Make sure to pick up a new bag this Sunday, and support this vital mission!

E-mail submissions to

parishadmin@stjohnscollegepark.com;

mail to 3480 Main Street,

College Park, GA 30337;

deliver to the office door mailbox;

or fax to 404-761-8403.

Taizé is a meditative and contemplative service, originally begun as a response to the tragedy of war and as a means of healing and reconciliation. The focus of the service is on light, silence, prayer, and music. There was a fantastic response from the attendees of St. John’s first Taizé service earlier in the year. We hope you also will find the service a new and beautiful way to add to your worship experience.

25 boxes came from St. John’s. Good job, everyone! Special thanks go out to Al Dixon and Carl Franzman for delivering our boxes to St. Paul’s for the big send-off.

Approximately 30 teens and adults were on hand there to tape, stack, and load the boxes onto trucks bound for the distribution center—quite a considerable task! The Reverend Stewart Tabb and youth from St. Julian’s led us in prayer, blessing both the food and the people who will receive it. Everyone enjoyed a celebratory picnic afterwards.

With the food and supplies we collected, we will be able to help hundreds of distressed Gulf Coast families in need.

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - gross-crude and mouthy comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent (His wife recently died...) A wonderful Message by George Carlin: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. If you don't send this to at least 8 people....who cares? George Carlin

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION CONTINUES

Hardbound Edition Book, $24.95

(plus $7.50 shipping)

Please note:All presale prices in effect till 8/15/06. To preorder, please visit www.episcopalatlanta.com or call the Cathedral Bookstore.

If you’re not running in the Peachtree Road Race, plan to bring your family and friends to St. Philip’s Cathedral, a chair or blanket, and share orange juice, coffee, and muffins beginning at 6:30 a.m. We will cheer on the race and then celebrate Eucharist together on the lawn.

A list of all Peachtree Road Race runners with a connection to the Cathedral will be published in the Times and posted in the Atrium. If you or a family member is running, contact Ivory Wade, 404-365-1037 or iwade@stphilipscathedral.org with the name(s).

You are invited to a series of four organ concerts on Atlanta’s finest pipe organs followed by a coffee and dessert reception. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation: $10. Questions? Call Brent Runnels, 404-365-1052

July 5

Peachtree Road United Methodist Church; Diane Bish, organ

Cathedral of St. Philip; Alan Morrison organ

Trinity Presbyterian Church; Norman Mackenzie,

organ and Festival Brass

Cathedral of Christ the King; Jennifer Pascual, organ

Holy Trinity Parish in Decatur is offering a training conference Aug. 18-20 to prepare presenters and facilitators for DOCC, Disciples of Christ in Community. Jim Pritchett will be the presenter. The event will draw participants from throughout Province 4, the southeastern region of the Episcopal Church. Cost is $100 (speak with the rector if you need a scholarship).

DOCC is a means for congregation members to discover, renew and strengthen their faith and to revitalize the church at large as people claim and live out their baptismal call to ministry.

Developed from a need to communicate the gospel effectively, DOCC uses small- group ministry and didactic presentation to create an atmosphere of learning that engages the mind and spirit. For more information, contact the Rev. Anne Maxwell at maxwell@htparish.com or Jim Pritchett at the church.

Come enjoy a round of golf, fellowship with friends, and great prizes from fabulous sponsors. You will be supporting Camp Mikell and helping improve the experience for countless numbers of children. Fore!

The tournament will be held at the Providence Club, Monroe GA. $100 per golfer, sponsorship levels available at levels from $100-$1,000. To register or to learn more about the event, contact Kim Smith, Diocesan Youth Coordinator, 2744 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30305; 404-601-5354 or ksmith@episcopalatlanta.com for more information.

Come root on your favorite team at the 3rd annual Episcopal Charity Softball Tournament & Family Fun Day, August 26 at Heritage Park in McDonough! This is an exciting event, so please make plans to play, attend, and support the diocese. Bishop Alexander played on the diocesan team last year, and we hope to see him play again and present the Bishop's Trophy in person.

In addition, there will be a Traveling Ministry Fair to enjoy. Any and all ministries are welcome to join us. A Prayer Shawl Ministry and a Wood Working Ministry booth will be featured, for example.

Two charities that will split the proceeds: The Grant Park Family Health Center, Inc., and The Alleluia Fund for Mission.

Registration is still open to coed teams from our diocese, so apply now. Contact Judy at softball2005@bellsouth.net or call 770-833-7464 to find out about team requirements and fees, to set up a ministry booth, or to volunteer. There is much to do and all help is appreciated!

Heritage Park is located at 101 Lake Dow Road, McDonough, GA 30253. You can learn more about this park or get directions by going to http://www.co.henry.ga.us/ParksRecreation/Parks/ParksHeritage.htm.

During the party we will have a discussion of the fall children's programs. Supervision at the pool will be provided the meeting takes place, but be sure to bring your bathing suit for after the meeting.

One of the new ideas we will be discussing for Sunday School will be the introduction of a curriculum called Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for the 3 to 6 year old class.  The basic principal of the approach is to "follow the child" in a manner similar to the Montessori style of teaching.  A weekend training workshop for teachers be scheduled in the near future.

We will also be discussing changing the time of Sunday School.  A number of the families who attend the 10:30 service have found it difficult to attend the 9:15 Sunday School class.  As such we are going to explore moving the children's class to 10:15 and have class continue until the "Peace" break.  The children could then be with their family in church or move over to the nursery.  We will also discuss rotating teachers so that they do not miss too much time from worship.

A number of other ideas will be discussed so please plan to join us on the 13th!

Reuben Bostic

Joyce Charles

Ryan Lee

Karla Kosar

Andy Burns

Joseph Crea

Don Standen

Jim Pritchett

Jane Foster

Evelyn Collins

Chika Okonya

Sandra Gardner

Mandy Gray

Donn Blosser

Shannon Housel

Mark Robertson

Jonathan Reed

Gary Sussey

20 Ernie Radaker

Jeanette Fox

Jerry Burns

29 Barbarine Thorpe

Mandy Conaway

Glenn Cassell

Please be sure to e-mail prayer list and birthday additions/changes to parishadmin@stjohnscollegepark.com

Dock Anderson

Barbarine Thorpe

Dorothy Scribner

Glen Cassell, Jr.

Trudy Ullman

Patricia Hollister

Carolyn Davis

Jim & Carol Kadidlo

Howard Wise

Sheri, Gwen & Calvin Fields

Monica Volz

Tracy Trussell

Martha McLeod

Mandy Gray

Jackie Berlin

Thomas Hughes

Dan Seipel

The Begin Again parents, children,

foster parents, and volunteers

Odyssey Family Counseling Center

Adolescent Recovery Program and Women’s Program

Bethlehem Ministries, Pere Bruno and the people of Haiti

Family Life Ministries

Episcopal Charities Foundation

St. John’s Vestry

St. John’s Bargain Shop and Volunteers

St. John’s Chapter of The Daughters of the King

St. John’s Chapter of ECW

St. John’s Centennial Committee

George, our President

Sonny, our Governor

For our blessings unnumbered and unknown

Elizabeth Williamson’s friend, Beth

Polly Hopkins’ father, Joe, and friend, Christy

Capt. Michael Peterson, who is serving in Iraq

Joy Lopez’s sister, Marcia

Georgie White’s mother, Ruth

Julia Paris’ sister, Frances, and nephew, Scott

Jackie Berlin’s friend, Shirley

Jane Escalera’s mother, Joanne, and friend, Jill

Ray Townsend’s cousin, Sue

Marian Tillman’s daughter, Tracey

Johnny Eckles and family

Cleo Hudson’s friends

Jeanne Mull’s aunt, Marian, and friend, Jane

Jim and Charlotte Pritchett's nephew, Trey

The Springs’ friends, Katy, David, and Sarah

Robbin Iddins’ mother, Virginia

Mark Barnes

Sue Johnson’s friends, Pat and Rob Thomas

Calvin Field’s sister, Beverly

The McLeod’s friend, Merry

Paul Brady’s friends, Deena and Janet

Phil Sewell’s sister and brother-in-law, Hamilton & Carol Boykin, their daughter, Tara Harmon, and her two sons, Tyler and Jonah

Linda Vinal’s friends, Sue, Kelli, Art, Ruth, & Alex

Those who died in war this past week

Frank, our Presiding Bishop

Katharine, our Presiding Bishop-elect

Neil, our Bishop

Frank, our Assisting Bishop

Jim, our Rector

Ruth, our Priest Associate

Anyone with a special need (or any need!), please meet in the chapel after the 10:30 service. Lord, in your Mercy, Hear our prayer.

College Park is Georgia’s fourth largest urban National Register of Historic Places district.

Jane Randolph will be conducting bus tours of our fascinating city with behind-the-scenes fun facts and well-hidden local celebrities right here in our own backyard!

Tickets are $5 each and include refreshments at the church. Meet in the St. John’s Horseshoe Parking Lot at 11:00 a.m.

When it’s Midnight in

the Garden of Good and Evil...

There will be a youth rock climbing event at John and Karla Kosar’s house immediately following the 2nd Sunday brunch.

The Kosars have a rock climbing wall that they have generously agreed to let us use for this event only restrictions are that they cannot have anyone heavier than 180 lbs. on the wall (that is the weight limit on the holds bolted into the wall.)

We will carpool from the church following lunch (approx. 1p.m.) and will try to be back at the church around 3:30 pm.  Please sign up on the sheet posted in Bott Hall. A signed permission slip will be required for participation.

Come join us!

In our parish family recently, we have experienced much loss, hurt, and grief. Faith, prayer, and sharing are incredibly helpful tools when dealing with grief. We would love to gather together to explore ways to deal with grief. However, we are considering various meeting times and need your input. Currently, we plan to meet on one Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. If requested, we can also schedule an evening meeting. Please let us know what day and time you prefer! If you have questions or comments, or if you are interested in joining us, please call Ruth at the church (404-761-8402) on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

543 North Central Avenue, Hapeville
(P) 404.768.8708 (F) 404.762.1353

They gladly came to our rescue after some last-minute printing difficulties here at the church. Martino-White’s state-of-the-art printing facility provides a one-stop source for all printing requirements at a reasonable price, while meeting even the shortest of deadlines.

Katharine Jefferts Schori, 52, bishop of Nevada, was elected from a slate of seven nominees, on the fifth ballot June 18, as the 26th Presiding Bishop. She is the first woman to hold the top post in the church's nearly 400-year history. Her nine-year term officially begins November 1; she will be invested and seated November 4 during a liturgy at Washington National Cathedral.

Jefferts Schori breaks tradition in other ways. The airplane pilot and former oceanographer addressed deputies and visitors who gathered in the Columbus Convention Center in both Spanish and English. She thanked the other nominees and reassured the church of her passion for mission. She also offered a vision of reconciliation and actualization of the reign of God.

The other nominees were bishops J. Neil Alexander of Atlanta; Edwin F. Gulick Jr., of Kentucky; Henry N. Parsley, Jr., of Alabama; Stacy F. Sauls of Lexington; Charles E. Jenkins III, of Louisiana, and Francisco Duque-Gomez of Colombia.

"I give deep and abiding thanks for the ministry of the current Presiding Bishop," she said after an introduction by Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold. She added that she hoped his "gifts continue to be shared within the church and the world in years to come because he has very much to give us all."

Griswold, in a statement issued later, said, "The decision today is the fruit of the witness and ministry of women bishops, priest, and deacons in the life of our church."

Enthusiastic applause, cheers and shouts of joy erupted in the House of Deputies as President George Werner read Special Order E017, the resolution asking the Deputies to approve Jefferts Schori's election. A two-thirds majority of both clergy and lay deputies then confirmed her election.

***

Jefferts Schori said, in a pre-Convention interview, the priorities for the next Presiding Bishop include bridge-building and boundary-crossing as well as "moving our sanctuaries into the streets to encounter and transform the bad news of this world." She added that implementing the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of embracing and celebrating diversity, eradicating poverty and hunger, and creating an environmentally sustainable world are also priorities.

As the 26th Presiding Bishop, she will also face such challenges as boosting declining membership and reconciling the church nationally and globally over issues of human sexuality and mission.

***

Jefferts Schori was consecrated the ninth Bishop of Nevada on February 24, 2001. She serves a diocese of some 6,000 members in 35 congregations. In the House of Deputies she spoke of needing time to "leave Nevada well," and thanked her diocese for the wonderful ministries in which they engaged.

***

Jefferts Schori was born March 26, 1954, in Pensacola, Florida. She has been married to Richard Miles Schori, a retired theoretical mathematician (topologist), since 1979. They have one child, Katharine Johanna, 24, who is a second lieutenant and pilot in the U.S. Air Force. She received a B.S. in biology from Stanford University, 1974; an M.S. in Oceanography from Oregon State University, 1977; a Ph.D. from Oregon State University, 1983; an M. Div. from Church Divinity School of the Pacific, 1994; and a D.D. from Church Divinity School of the Pacific, 2001.

***

Bishop Duncan Gray, III, of Mississippi and a committee member, said the group sought "a Presiding Bishop who could clearly expand our mission into the domestic and wider culture, and address the reality of an increasingly diverse church as well as our Anglican Communion brothers and sisters." The 29-member committee was elected by General Convention 2003 and included nine bishops, nine clergy and nine lay members representing each of the regional provinces of the church. Two youth members were appointed by the president of the House of Deputies.

***

- - The Rev. Pat McCaughan is senior correspondent for ENS and serves as associate rector at St. Mary's Church in Laguna Beach, California. For the complete story and more from the Episcopal News Service, visit www.episcopalchurch.org

Thanks to all those who helped out,

especially Jason Barringer, Sarah Clark,

Lisa Franzman, Angela Joyner, Dan Seipel,

and Gary & Mandy Sussey.

For more information, contact the College Park Public Works Department at (404) 669-3778.

It's important to take care of our pets and control the animal population through spaying and neutering.  Now, residents of Fulton County who cannot afford these procedures can apply for the “Fix-Em Free” program. Through this program, vaccinations and spay and neuter services are available free for dogs and cats 8 weeks and older. The Fix-Em Free online application is located at: www.fultonanimalservices.com/fixemapplication.pdf. Call 404-794-0358 for more information.

Anglican leaders who are guests at the General Convention spoke favorably about the June 18 election of Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori as the 26th Presiding Bishop, noting the important role of women in the church today.

Bishop Trevor Mwamba of Botswana in Central Africa, said that God is a God of surprises. "She is a servant of God and we thank God for what she has to contribute to the life of the Anglican Communion," he said. "This is a great year for women and we honor the role that women are playing in the world today."

The Rev. Canon Kenneth Kearon, secretary general of the Anglican Communion, as well as three Anglican primates, said they look forward to welcoming Jefferts Schori to future Primates meetings.

Archbishop Andrew Hutchison, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, said that it is a wonderful day in the life of the Anglican Communion. "I have enormous respect for her and her competence," he said, "and this will change the dynamics among the boys’ club of primates in the Anglican Communion significantly."

Hutchison acknowledged that the election will be a challenge in some parts of the world "because some countries have gender-specific expectations," he said. "Leadership in some traditional societies is very much in the hands of males and therefore presents a challenge."

Bishop Martin Barahona of El Salvador, Primate of the Anglican Church of the Central America, said that he is not surprised with the result because the work of women in the Episcopal Church is very strong. "In the Anglican Communion it will be a big challenge but women have the capacity to lead the church today," he said.

The Most Rev. Carlos Touche-Porter, Primate of Mexico, said he is "thrilled" and eager to welcome her as a fellow primate in the Anglican Communion. "We need to go back to the Anglican spirit of respectful diversity as a source of enrichment and not division," he said.

Asked about the impact this may have on the Anglican Communion, Kearon said the role of women in the church is being addressed by each province; thus, they would not want to deny the importance of the role of women in the church. "Some of them express it by having women in the priesthood and in the episcopate. Other churches are looking at it and others have made firm decisions against it," he said. "That doesn't alter the fact that women are important members of the Anglican Communion."

Thirty years ago, the General Convention voted to admit women into the priesthood and the episcopate. Fourteen of the 38 Anglican provinces make provisions for women in the episcopate. At present, there are 13 active and retired women bishops and bishops-elect in the Episcopal Church and three in the Anglican Church of Canada. The Anglican Church of Aotearoa, Polynesia and New Zealand, has one retired woman bishop.

The Church of England voted last year to remove the legal obstacles that stop women from becoming bishops over the coming years. Further debate is expected at the General Synod of the Church when it meets July 7-11, in York, England.

The Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) adopted a resolution at its June 2005 meeting, acknowledging the Millennium Development Goal for equal representation of women in decision making at all levels. It requested the ACC Standing Committee "to identify ways in which this goal may appropriately be adapted for incorporation into the structures of the Instruments of Unity, and other bodies to which the Anglican Consultative Council nominates or appoints."

Our Thanks to:

This last Sunday morning I woke very early, while it was still dark. I wanted to go for a run, but I had to wait until there was enough light to see. When the dawn finally began, I ventured out. It was warm, and still, and very quiet, and the clouds were just beginning to show tinges of pink. I ran by the back of the Hyatt just as two workers were coming out one of the service doors. They were startled, I'm afraid, but I nodded at them, and they responded. I went west over the freeway and encountered a man I'd seen here in the Convention Center. Neither of us stopped, but we did say a quiet good morning. Then I found a lovely green park, and started around it. There was a man with a reflective vest, standing in the street by some orange cones, as though he were waiting for a run or a parade to begin. I said good morning, and he responded in kind. Around the corner I came to a bleary-eyed fellow with several bags who looked like he'd just risen from sleeping rough. I said good morning to him, too, but I must admit I went past him in the street instead of on the sidewalk. Then I met a rabbit hopping across the sidewalk, and though we didn't use words, one of us eyed the other with more than a bit of wariness. Around another corner, a woman was delivering Sunday papers from her car. She was wary, too, and didn't get out of her car with the next paper until I was a long way past her.

Back over the freeway, and a block later, two guys were seemingly on their early way to work. We nodded at each other.

As I returned to my hotel, I reflected on all those meetings. There was some degree of wariness in most of them. There were small glimpses of a reconciled world in our willingness to greet each other. But the unrealized possibility of a real relationship -- whether in response of wariness, or caution, or fear -- meant that we still had a very long way to go.

Can we dream of a world where all creatures, human and not, can meet each other in a stance that is not tinged with fear?

When Jesus says that his kingdom is not of this world, he is saying that his rule is not based on the ability to generate fear in his subjects. A willingness to go to the cross implies a vulnerability so radical, so fundamental, that fear has no impact or import. The love he invites us to imitate removes any possibility of reactive or violent response. King Jesus' followers don't fight back when the world threatens. Jesus calls us friends, not agents of fear.

If you and I are going to grow in all things into Christ, if we're going to grow up into the full stature of Christ, if we are going to become the blessed ones God called us to be while we were still in our mothers' wombs, our growing will need to be rooted in a soil of internal peace. We'll have to claim the confidence of souls planted in the overwhelming love of God, a love so abundant, so profligate, given with such unwillingness to count the cost, that we, too, are caught up into a similar abandonment.

That full measure of love, pressed down and overflowing, drives out our idolatrous self-interest. Because that is what fear really is -- it is a reaction, an often unconscious response to something we think is so essential that it takes the place of God. "Oh, that's mine and you can't take it, because I can't live without it" -- whether it's my bank account or theological framework or my sense of being in control. If you threaten my self-definition, I respond with fear. Unless, like Jesus, we can set aside those lesser goods, unless we can make "peace through the blood of the cross."

That bloody cross brings new life into this world. Colossians calls Jesus the firstborn of all creation, the firstborn from the dead. That sweaty, bloody, tear-stained labor of the cross bears new life. Our mother Jesus gives birth to a new creation -- and you and I are His children. If we're going to keep on growing into Christ-images for the world around us, we're going to have to give up fear.

What do the godly messengers say when they turn up in the Bible? "Fear not." "Don't be afraid." "God is with you." "You are God's beloved, and God is well pleased with you."

When we know ourselves beloved of God, we can begin to respond in less fearful ways. When we know ourselves beloved, we can begin to recognize the beloved in a homeless man, or rhetorical opponent, or a child with AIDS. When we know ourselves beloved, we can even begin to see and reach beyond the defense of others.

Our invitation, both in the last work of this Convention, and as we go out into the world, is to lay down our fear and love the world. Lay down our sword and shield, and seek out the image of God's beloved in the people we find it hardest to love. Lay down our narrow self-interest, and heal the hurting and fill the hungry and set the prisoners free. Lay down our need for power and control, and bow to the image of God's beloved in the weakest, the poorest, and the most excluded.

We children can continue to squabble over the inheritance. Or we can claim our name and heritage as God's beloveds and share that name, beloved, with the whole world.