Abbreviations cause a stir! Volume 17.1 December 2019

Abbreviations cause a stir!

Merry Xmas, Xmas sale, Xmas lights, Xmas gifts, Xmas, Xmas, Xmas!!!  Looking back, my mind cannot recall the time when I was first introduced to the icon “XMAS.”  Whether it was a billboard sign in the 1970s advertising holiday sales or “Xmas” written on the cardboard boxes up in the attic containing our Christmas lights and fake tree, I only know that I recognized “X-mas” as something to do with Christmas.  Growing up, it didn’t bother me at all; it was just another part of the symbols of our culture which was then still arguably Christian.  In the south, we were still thumbing our nose at the oppressive Supreme Court ban on prayer in school.  We still had blue laws restricting retail sales on Sunday.  Those were the good ol’ days!  But “X-mas” had not become as scandalous amongst the faithful as it has become today.

In fact it didn’t really bother me until some protestant radio pastor told me it should.  “They’re taking ‘Christ’ out of Christmas!” was the battle cry.  With the shifting of our culture through the 60s, 70s, and 80s, secularism became more aggressive against the religious traditions of our society.  “Xmas” became one of many battlefields for traditionalists to defend (along with manger scenes on city squares and “Christmas” gift exchanges, and “Christmas” concerts in our public schools).

Well the joke is actually on the secularists and our excitable fundamentalist brethren.  They should read their ancient history a little more closely.  The “X” in “Xmas” is actually a Christian symbol.  It has been in use at least from the third century (A.D.) when Constantine painted it on his shield and went out conquering in this sign.  Constantine actually inherited the symbol from existing customs.  In the 16^th Century (1500s) "X" was mass produced with the advent of the printing press.  “Xmas” was more frequently used as an abbreviation for Christmas.

“X” is the Greek letter Chi (pronounced kai) and is the first letter of the word Christos (Xristos).  Christos is the phonetic form where we receive the title “Christ” (Anointed One).  “X” therefore had for centuries come to abbreviate Xianity, Xians, and Xmas, xtc.  So, as troubling as it has become for the Faithful to see “X-mas,” it’s important to understand this symbol’s origins are as innocent as rendering United States of America thusly: USA.

What's troubling is that Xians continue to lose there understanding of ancient symbols that were intended to be reminders of our faith in Jesus Christ.  In fact we are surrounded by these symbols that often go unnoticed. Or, if we notice, we don’t bother to ask what they mean. 

Examples include Alpha and Omega and Chi and Rho. The former represents Jesus Christ as the Beginning and the End of all things. (Alpha is the beginning of the Greek alphabet, and Omega being the end.)  The latter, “Chi and Rho” are simply the first two letters of Christos.  Perhaps if we abbreviated Christmas thusly “XRmas,” we would be less offended.

We see other uses of alphabetic abbreviation on bibles and altars.  Iota, Heta, and Sigma (Ihs).  These are the first three letters in the Greek name of Jesus ( Ihsous;  pronounced eeyay-soos)  If you look close enough at some altars or processional crosses you’ll find this abbreviation.

Now the point of this article is not to deny that the Christian religion is losing its favor in our society.  In fact I agree that we have turned a corner in America in which secular values (even good values) have supplanted the principles of Xianity on which western culture and our nation were founded.  I lament this truth.  Yet the issue for me is that we as Christians need to be more familiar with our own heritage as Xians and we need to understand that the words “Xmas” or “Christmas” are not what will bring a person to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

The reality is that the only people that can take “Christ” out of the world are the people who bear Christ in the world.  If Christ is taken out of Christmas it is because Christians have not properly put Christ into Christmas.  If you and I do not bear Christ throughout the seasons of our lives then we will do little to change the lives of the people around us in this Christmas Season.

As you read this, remember, we Christians are in the Advent Season (what I also call the shopping season.)  

We are to bear Christ whether it’s Christmas or New Year’s, or the Fourth of July.  Be mindful of your Faithful obligation to worship God and be a disciple of Christ whether it’s Christmas, or Easter, or the 11th Sunday after Pentecost? 

Blessings friends,

Fr. Stephen+

How to avoid temptation Volume 16.1 November 2019

"Lead us not into temptation' often means, among other things, 'Deny me those gratifying invitations, those highly interesting contacts, that participation in the brilliant movements of our age, which I so often, at such risk, desire."

--C.S. Lewis-Reflections on the Psalms

Who doesn't appreciate being in the limelight or at least on the side of the limelight?  Who doesn't want to sidle up-to an important figure, a senator? a bishop? a movie star? baseball hero? Taylor Swift?

To say, "I've met someone famous" or more especially, to be the friend of someone famous is alluring.   

You know, I met Brene' Brown once.  I watched her checking into a room at Camp Allen carrying luggage and extra pillows like everyone else.  She's become famous due to her important and extensive research and analysis on the topic of shame.  Her books are helpful and have become best sellers.  She's even in cahoots with Oprah.  And I met her once! (crickets)

There's nothing more annoying than a name dropper.

Let me simply be content with who I am and with what I have in life.  Let me be what God has made me, let me have what God has given me.  So this also goes with cutting edge podcasts and the like.  I've hosted my own podcast for several years now. I've posted over two-hundred sermons over 4 1/2 years.  I don't have much of a following of listeners.

Was I tempted to become a short-sermon sensation? Admittedly, "Yes!"  I had hoped that my sermons would somehow capture people's imagination and they would share and share my podcast until my site went viral.  The same goes for my blog.  But it too has a trickle of readers.

Honestly though.  I am grateful for what I have.  I have God! my family, and St. Peter's.  Who could ask for anything more?

Priorities Volume 15.1 October 2019

Ohhh! Writer’s block…  Something like a brick wall exists between my mind and my fingers as I type.

We’re balancing a lot at St. Peter’s right now.  Y’all have been so patient. We have been so patient waiting for roofing to start and finalizing plans for mold clean up. I’ve learned a new phrase, “Brenham Time.”  You become spoiled, when you are used to contractors bidding for a job and getting right back to you in Houston.  It takes longer to start projects or even to schedule them.  I’m learning the slower pace, and it’s okay.

Coupled with Stewardship and Vestry elections, staffing changes, and really important pastoral duties, I’m sitting here thinking, “What do I write.”   I want to say something positive, holy, inspirational, spiritual. And nothing comes out of my fingers.

Then I remember. Pray, Pray, Pray.  Everything starts with prayer.  Everything!  Prayer is a conversation.  It is a conversation between God and me, between God and you, between God and us. And God initiated the conversation.


Think about this:
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.  And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.  And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. Genesis 1.1-3

The very first act of prayer God speaks and light and life begins.  He started the conversation in the beginning.  He still speaks to us today.  If you don’t hear him through all the white noise and distractions of your daily life I suggest that you stop what you’re doing right now and talk to him.  Put down the pens, keyboards, schedules, and expectations, and talk to God.

You don’t have to use religious words to talk to God, just tell him what’s on your mind.  Tell him you wish things would go a little faster, but you’re willing to wait.  Tell him you wish some things would slow down; Tell him you wish things weren’t as difficult as they seem to be.  Just talk to him.  Or just stop and say, “Our Father who art in heaven…”

So I prayed, and all of this came out.  Oh! And, we need folks to step up for vestry.  Don’t wait to be asked. And we need to increase our revenue…please speak with God about that.

Love to you all,
Fr. Stephen+

But wait! There's more! Vol 14.1 September 2019

Oh! My! Goodness!

There is so much to tell you.  Normally I hope for a spiritual teaching in this newsletter, but there is a lot of logistical activity currently going on at St. Peter's.

I hope you know by now that I am comfortable answering questions transparently about what happens around St. Peter's, but in contrast I shy away from repeating the same information over and over again when we don't have new information.

Specifically this relates to our building clean up.  I want to let you all know that we are still working on gathering estimates for necessary mold cleaning.  Charles S. is doing a great job coordinating these efforts.  As mentioned before this process is slowed down by the schedules of out-of-town remediation companies, busy roofers, and insurance adjusters. (Bless their hearts) 

As of the writing of this article 9/13/19 we expect for the roof work to begin in one-and-1/2 weeks.  This work is fully covered by insurance.  A secondary remediation company will do roof and ceiling evaluations and then provide us with estimates of time and costs.  One domino has to fall before the other can begin to move and it's not clear yet what support we'll have from insurance.

So currently we are learning: to be patient.  

It's ironic; patience was the unforeseen lesson in our Pathfinder Community bible study on Thursday evening at Pioneer BBQ.  Acts chapter 1.1-11 (take a look) : After Jesus ascends into heaven the disciples find themselves waiting again for the Holy Spirit to come. Waiting, Waiting, Waiting.  I promise! Things are happening; it just takes time.

Of course we're all keenly aware of saying farewell to Linda Patterson after a fruitful tenure of leadership in our parish.  We will say goodbye (God be with ye) to her and the family on September 29th as her last Sunday; please stay for the reception after church to offer love and support.

Because music is so important to our life together we have begun planning the transition to an interim music director.  And I have requested the vestry to affirm a search committee to help me identify a person called as our next director.  

Please offer your prayers for these times we are in.  God is very good to us, and he is going to reveal great things for St. Peter's!

Glad to be home! Vol. 13.1 August 2019

It is so refreshing to be home in Brenham!  With the craziness of summer behind me I'm ready to hit the academic year head on at St. Peter's.  I'll be leading Foundations Class beginning September 8th in the Parish Hall.  And we have so many other things coming up in this season for youth and children.  I have asked Pam Knebel to work alongside us with our children and youth ministry.  She is excited to serve in this capacity.  I hope this year will be a really good year for St. Peter's!

Recapping last summer, St. Peter's goes all out for kids in our major programs.  Creative Arts Camp, Diocesan Music Camp, and the summer lunch programs feed the stomachs and more importantly the souls of the Brenham Community and beyond.  I'm so proud of the work done by our coordinators, Beth A.,  Linda P., and Brenda Sq., and all of you who volunteer.  You're amazing, and I'm so glad to be a part of these ministries!

On the personal note my family finished up our 50 states family vacations.  We visited our last five states and we found our country is full of wonders and wonderful people.  Upon returning we went back to work at Camp Allen directing summer camp for 5th and 6th grade youth.  And finally, Michael Courtney, Steve Schultz, Neal Squyres, and I visited the Anglican Diocese of Cuernavaca to immerse ourselves in Spanish language courses.  I hope that having some language skills will help us communicate with folks that God sends our way who need blessings from the church.

Changing gears:  Of course while all these things have been going on our wardens Mike Redman and Charles Schubert have been gathering information regarding the need to clean our building.  At the beginning of the summer we found potential mold issues in our classroom space and subsequently in the the church.  Mold can be very disruptive to health for people depending on the level of allergic reaction.  With the help of Randy P. And Jeff A. we have taken some actions to improve air quality involving dehumidifiers and increase air conditioning.  Charles has been gathering more information and has faithfully been balancing, conversations with the roofers, remediation companies, and our insurance company.  Conversations with insurance often contribute to the length of this effort. But it is for the best.

A lot of  what we are dealing with is typical differed maintenance.  As you may know, overtime things tend to accumulate and we are at the point that we need to address these maintenance issues.

The blessing is that once we make these repairs we will know how to maintain our facility to prevent these types of issues in the future.   I'm glad to be here now to encourage us through this work! The Lord has given us some tasks to do to put his house in order.  We are up to the task with God's help.  This year will be a great year for St. Peter's!

America the Beautiful Vol. 12.1 July 2019

Well, we just returned from what could be the last of our family road trips.  Back in 2011 the family discussed how many states we had visited together. The conversation led to setting the goal to visit all 50 states (as a family) before our youngest graduates high school.

Mission accomplished.  This last road trip we traversed about 5,000 miles in the close comfort of our Ford Edge.  Up to New England and back, when you spend that much time behind the wheel there is ample opportunity to think.  Experiencing a little of every state I certainly have my favorites and my don't-need-to-go-back-there-again states.  I have been surprised to find out how much I like some of the northern environments.  The region around the Great Lakes, Detroit and Buffalo are cool, lush, and refreshing coming from the heat of Texas.

More so, I have found that I like the folks from all over. One-on-one most people are very helpful and friendly.  It didn't matter what state you were in; you found people to talk to and enjoy brief conversations.  I found this to be true in large cities as well as small towns.  But I think the small town and small city environments were much more conducive to having meaningful experiences. The food of course is good all over especially when you're looking for the best eating an area has to offer.

The idea I want to stress here is that I have found that generally people all over the country are good.  It's frustrating to see how divisive and unkind our politics are today.  And before you say, it's "so-and-so's fault" I will say it's not the politicians that are fueling this.  Now, anyone can sit behind a computer keyboard and disparage people with different thoughts on economic and political ideologies.   People lob grenades at the other party's group with no sensitivity to nuance of belief.  We label our political enemies as monolithic in thought without any desire to find common ground on different topics.

What I have discovered is in this environment whether it is an editorial page, newspaper, video media, and everyone's individual Facebook opinion, no one is actually listening to each other.  Instead they are hurling insults and assaults against intellect and values.

Well all I have to say is this, I've met lots of regular Americans from all over, and I like them.  I have zero desire to disparage them for their political ideologies (even if I do think an idea is ignorant).  I'm much more interested in that person being in the Kingdom of God.  Hopefully, when sin gets out of the way, God will use me for that purpose.  I hope he will use you too.

Heaven fits you like a glove Vol. 11.1 May 2019

Be sure that the ins and outs of your individuality are no mystery to Him; and one day they will no longer be a mystery to you.  The mold in which the key is made would be a strange thing, if you had never seen a key: and the key itself a strange thing if you had never seen a lock.  Your soul has a curious shape because it is a hollow made to fit a particular swelling in the infinite contours of the Divine substance, or a key to unlock one of the doors in the house with many mansions.  For it is not humanity in the abstract that is to be saved, but you--you, the individual reader, John Stubbs or Janet Smith.  Blessed and fortunate creature, your eyes shall behold Him and not another's...Your place in heaven will seem to be made for you and you alone, because you were made for it--made for it stitch by stitch as a glove is made for a hand.

--from the Problem of Pain

C.S. Lewis

I am made for heaven; is heaven made for me?  If only I could wrap my mind around this concept both in mind and in heart. To think that my place in God's heaven is uniquely made for me is quite wonderful and almost unbelievable.  To think that God loves me...considers me at all...speaks me into existence...  Who am I that he should give one moment of eternity at all? No one;  and yet I am someone because he says so.  

What would it be like to love myself and think of myself the way he loves me and thinks of me?  Knowing my own sins, I wouldn't die for me; yet he did.  He died that I might live.  He died to secure my uniquely fitted place in heaven.  Here is the kicker; if I had been the only one on earth he still would have saved me.  And you; if you were the only one...he still would have saved you.  

If I had been the only sinner, God! The Creator of the Universe would have thought me worthy of redemption.  Redemption at such a high cost!  I wouldn't even die for me and yet Jesus has done just that.