What I learned from my own summer " sabbath time"

 

                                            Me with my rector at Beckwith November 2019. I love this photo of us: we are both dressed comfortably and enjoying the company of each other & our other parishioners at a Parish Retreat weekend. She returns from her three-month sabbatical this week-- and her first Sunday back with us in next week, August 7 . 

It has been an unusual summer at my parish. 

 You see, our rector {head priest} was gone on a three-month sabbatical from May 1 until tomorrow, August 1. Her first Sunday back with the parish will be August 7 {next week!} and I am so stoked to be able to welcome her home and exchange one of those famous HUGS with her. I know to let her take this month to ease back into " re-entry" after her time away from us {even before + George instructed the congregation to do so} but I'd be lying if I said I did not miss her this summer. 

 I missed Susan+, but I had years of her wisdom to lean into during her time away. There were several times this summer when I recalled some advice, a story, or an admonishment that Susan+ had given me during the many years we've known each other. I leaned into the wisdom she already gifted to me & it served me well. I know a person has really positively influenced my life when I can draw on her wisdom without a need to talk with her. 

 In spite of not having our leader, we at my parish managed to thrive during this time. New ministries began while current ones took a summer break. I'm grateful to be part of such a heathy, Spirit-led group of Jesus-followers. 

 I also took up the challenge to take my own " sabbath" this summer. From May until now, I intentionally stepped away from church & civic responsibilities. It was hard, but I stayed true to my sabbath time and did not volunteer for any political campaigns, nor work with the ReadyKids {the people who run the Reading Pals at the local elementary schools} 

To be honest, the ongoing threat of COVID infection made saying " no thanks" to a lot of opportunities this summer easier. 

 This summer I took up the practice of journalling, and even purposely stayed away from news & social media for an allotted amount of time in order to be fully present with my extended family. My extended family & I made some beautiful memories, both in western North Carolina & in Northwest Florida.

  It was nice to be fully present with those with whom I was with on any given day & time rather worrying about documenting & posting tons of photos to Facebook & Insta. I've learned to be much more mindful of my use of social media- and the breaks showed me the joy of just being in the moment. Americans have trouble with "BE-ing" For many of us, we are mistaken that everything must have an endgame. 

  

Brian & I also spent a lot of time together enjoying our hometown and its surroundings. We spent Saturday mornings walking downtown, sometimes picking up fresh produce {or homemade soap} from local vendors. Our salt & sea air immersion occurred on weekday mornings when most people were at work. I read & wrote in my journal when Brian completed crossword puzzles or fished. 

 

 Children's Christian Ed took its annual summer break, and I used this time to discern that I really need to be in the parish choir. After four wonderful years as a Godly Play storyteller, my heart tells me it is time to pursue choir-- a ministry that is part of my soul. I'll miss sharing stories with the children, but I know that both my own needs & the needs of our parish choir meet. Long story short: I'm going back into Sunday School Retirement. There are many reasons why I felt like I needed to discern leaving children's ministry-- one of which is that I always wanted to sing under a talented church musician, and now I will have that chance.

 I look forward to what the program year will be for my parish, our Rector, and myself. I know I am blessed to be in this place & among these incredible Christ-carriers. 

Amen

Sarah McCarren 

31 July 2022 

On " Philadelphia 11" Day 2022

                    Me , with my parish's curate {new associate priest} on Easter Sunday

Today is the anniversary of the ordination of The Philadelphia 11: the first women to be ordained as priests in The Episcopal Church. I often wonder why this day is not on our calendar as a feast day, but I'm just a parishioner in Pensacola, Florida. 

  Anyway, I am grateful for the sacrifice, persistence and bravery of these women. Without them and their willingness to bravely be pioneers, the two priests I have in my life would not be able to live out each woman's calling. While I know many fine clergy who are men, the validity of their ordinations has never been questioned. Men have been leading Christian communities as clergy since the beginning of organized Christian communities. 

 Like with many human institutions, the Church was-- and in some ways still is ruled by the patriarchy.  We've made big strides since 11 brave women walked into that church to be " irregularly" ordained.  Yet  I cannot help but remember that some people-- some Christians-- are working fervently to turn back the clock regarding equality for all genders.  After watching the nation's highest court sweep body autonomy away from half the nation's population, I cannot help but wait for the next shoe to drop. It is a scary time to be a woman in America-- but I am encouraged by the bravery of my foremothers in faith. I am also encouraged by the women I know here-- both lay and ordained-- for stepping up and bravely doing work in Christ's Name. 

 My prayer is that I -- in whatever way I am needed-- can be brave enough to step out on the correct side of history.  I'm proud that God created me as a woman-- and know that The Divine One still has plans for my second half of life on earth. 

 Thank you, Adonai, for showing the Philadelphia 11 the way to break barriers so that other women wo are so called may pursue ordination. Also, I give thanks to all my sisters and mothers-in-Christ who are willing to be brave enough to do hard work in Your Son's name. Amen. 

Sarah McCarren 

29 July 2022

Both/And

                                                     Mile High Bridge. Grandfather Mountain NC

Today's sermon is something that I needed to hear. I'm grateful for + George, who is helping our curate {assistant priest} with preaching and pastoral duties while our rector {head priest} is on sabbatical this summer. 

Today's Gospel lesson is a familiar story, when Jesus visits His friends Mary and Martha of Bethany. It is a familiar story, one sister is acting as the good Jewish housewife, busy making sure ALL the food is prepared and the table set with the best tableware. Her sister, on the other hand, spends time listening intently to their guest as He shares wisdom.

 Two sisters show us two opposite ways of being with Jesus. 

  Is one way REALLY " better" than the other? Perhaps each sister in this story argued with each other over Mary's lack of help in the kitchen versus Martha's constant busy-ness that kept her away from enjoying their guest's company. 

 Who has the " better way"?  This is an ages-old question which Christians banter around for centuries. 

  As +George pondered: maybe the Christian life is not either/or {Mary or Martha} but both/and { Martha and Mary as equally important in our walk with God through Christ. 

 This story shows the " both/and nature of following Jesus. As Christians, we are called to contemplation and action. We are asked to spend time in worship, prayer, study and fellowship with our faith communities.  

 However, life in Christ also demands that we move out of our safe zones in order to serve others who may never enter our pretty red doors. A healthy Christian community {which mine is-- thanks be to God} does well. 

 Living according to this dichotomy is not easy. od calls us to love people as God loves each of us. We are called to love those whose life closely resembles ours. But we are also called to love those whose politics, religion, or lifestyle greatly differs with our own. We are called to love people -- even those who reject us due to differing political or moral views. This is A TALL ORDER for sure-- especially when our beloveds choose to withhold love from us. 

We are called to love. Full stop. 

Jesus knows how hurtful family and friends can be when it comes to following The Way of Love versus The Way of The World. The World says, Retaliate.  Love bids us to shake the proverbial {or literal if you live in Florida} dust from our sandals and move on. 

 We're called to love, and we are also called to be agents of social change. Look at the public ministry of Jesus: His life's work was not about making people comfortable with the status quo. Yet He acted out of a place of Love, a Love that only The Creator of the Universe can give. 

Being a Christian means constantly living within a " both/and". 

Thanks, be to Adonai. 

Amen. 

Sarah McCarren

17 July 2022

 

Redefining " Family" Post-Roe

                                         Group photo of me with some of my " sisters" "aunties", and " moms" at a parish Women's Retreat. Each one of these women is an individual-- and many ideological views are represented here. But I know we love and accept each other #Unconditionally, because that is how families work. 

  Post-Roe reversal, I find myself at a crossroads. 

 In times past, I've done my best to stay away from politics on social media. Yet the overturn of Roe v Wade and the following reversal of prayer in public places {such as schools and school property} made me realize that I cannot-- as a person of integrity and as an American keep silent. I've been careful to not use any political party names or elected officials/ candidates on my posts, but am utilizing my RIGHT to free speech {as far as I know-- we still are granted that right} 

One of my Education for Ministry classmates said years ago: Prophets are a pain in the ass. 

Prophets in Old Testament times suffered for calling out bullshit. 

Those of us who call out modern injustices also suffer. 

They think we are " crazy un-Christian baby-k*llers" who want a " God-less" society. 

Nothing can be farther from the truth.  Faith in Christ and a loving God-the- Parent compels many of us to look out for the interests of all people. 

 Jesus Himself compelled His early followers to Look out for the least of these.  

I do my best to live that commandment. 

Whether we like it or not-- politics ARE part of faith. It is true that separation of church and state precludes us {with common sense} to keep partisanship out of the pews and pulpit. However, our Savior and teacher was political. he looked after orphans and widows. He tells the parable of the Good Samaritan-- illustrating how we should behave towards those in need-- including needy people who are not of our ideals. 

Love is messy. 

I am grateful that God put me around people wiser than me, who have diverse experiences with finding the grace to totally forgive people who shit on their rose gardens. These are the examples taht I will look to in the coming months and years. People wo cannot even deal with diverse opinions on social media are weak and probably should not be on social media. In my opinion, they should stay in their own simple bubble. 

Moreover, I am also grateful for the Christ-followers in my life who-- do not share my views on much of anything and still can see me as a beloved sister-in-Christ.  Other people I know cannot see past my views that scare them-- and for these lost relationships I will weep. They are worthy of my love because they too feel they are following Christ. I need to keep reminding myself that I cannot control their behavior-- but I can control my response. 

To be frank: I'm hurt and angry right now. I'm hurt because I love them regardless of our disagreements over Roe  and other topics. I'm angry because some of these people can't love me as God created me-- as that pain-in-the ass prophet. 

Shalom...

~Sarah McCarren

Dissent

                                            Our nation, and our society is in deep trouble. 

 I am NOT celebrating " Independence Day" this July 4th. 

There is nothing to celebrate. 

The SCOTUS just ripped a woman {or others who own a uterus} of our basic right to body autonomy. It seems like our state and national governments would rather allow unqualified people to buy and carry deadly weapons while FORCING PEOPLE TO CARRY A PREGNACY TO TERM. 

Protected carry and FORCED carry are the law of the land in these so-called " United States". 

Now marriage rights for LGBTQ+ persons and inter-racial couples are next for this kangaroo court. 

Enough. 

I dissent. 

Time for a peaceful but loud message to the world from me. 

I will quietly turn my back on the Flag when our National Anthem is played. 

Go ahead: call me names. For five years, I watched, prayed, wrote letters, campaigned and gave what money I can afford to people and causes that worked to make this nation safe and secure for everyone. All I've gotten for my hard work is more heartache in more gun tragedies and the slow stripping away of basic human rights for myself and others. 

I vote in every damn election, as I have done since I turned 18 years old years ago. I will never stop voting, as I know this is a right that many {including my spouse, Brian} fought to maintain. Although I am not certain that voting as I vote is effective in Florida's First Congressional district, I'll continue to show up every election

 Sadly others would rather see a misogynist playboy representing Florida's First Congressional district than a well-qualified pediatrician with common-sense solutions that could have been good for all of us. A Democrat who is also a woman-of-color could not beat the rich, White, playboy in this district. 

The people have spoken. However, they have not spoken for me and many others. 

Enough is enough. 

On Thursday I sat in horror as I read about my siblings-in-faith suffering through a shooting in their parish hall. The governor of the State of Alabama, " Mee-maw" Ivey called for " prayers" while not saying anything about how she would push for safer firearms laws that can save lives. 

I'm standing with my Lutheran siblings here: Faith {and prayers} without works is dead. 

People nationwide care more about their ' rights" to buy and carry deadly weapons to church than about working to make sure that the rights of many are protected. The money is with the National Rifle Association, and the mentality associated with them is one of one angry, White ' Murikkkan who is willing to let children and women die-- as long as they can buy their precious big guns and ammunition. 

I'm not a huge fan of country music, but I'll admit that I like the lyrics of many of the songs by The Chicks.  Here is one that fits my mood:

I'm not ready to make nice
I'm not ready to back down
I'm still mad as hell and
I don't have time to go 'round and 'round and 'round
It's too late to make it right
I probably wouldn't if I could
'Cause I'm mad as hell
Can't bring myself to do what it is you think I should"

I'm through trying to catch more flies with honey. 

This nation is in serious trouble since now people will be forced to birth children and then send them off to schools or churches that could be the site of the tragedy-of-the-day. 

I dissent. Furthermore, I will fight like hell to right these wrongs. 

~Sarah McCarren

6/25/22

 

On " Roe" From A Proudly PRO-CHOICE Christian.

                                           Symbol of fight for reproductive rights. 

I am PISSED. 

Today Roe Versus Wade was officially overturned. 

We knew this was on our horizon but knowing does not make the sting any easier. 

This hurts. 

The rights I enjoyed as a young woman of reproduction-age are no longer available to today's uterus-owners of child-bearing age. 

I'm not foolish enough to have taken the Roe opinion for granted, as I grew up in a deeply charismatic and conservative Catholic part of the USA. 

As I get today's news, I am sitting in a part of the nation where Evangelical Protestant is common. I'm a " liberal" {actually more on the left-of-center than totally left-wing} Christian who has been pro-choice my entire life. 

Let me say that again: I am a PRO-CHOICE CHRISTIAN  

 Before anyone calls me a " baby-killer" , let me assure you that I am no fan of the idea of abortion. As a matter of fact, had I faced an unwanted pregnancy in my younger years, I would have carried the fetus full-term {providing that doing so would not kill me} Adoption is a wonderful thing, and so many families desire and deserve children. I wanted to be a mother myself, but it was not part of the plan for my life. 

However, I'll go to my grave saying that anyone who finds themself pregnant and unwilling to parent should have the right to choose to terminate the pregnancy.   Before today, there were laws in place in most states that prohibited the termination of a late-stage pregnancy-- one where the fetus stood a chance of surviving outside the womb. Personhood begins when a fetus exits the womb. In these United States, a person isn't " legal" until the government issues the new baby a Social Security number. 

That's right " small government" fans, we are not " people" until Big Government assigns us a National Identification Number. 

A fetus in its mother's womb is totally dependent on its host. 

A uterus-owner, one wo is at least 18 years old, is able to determine what they want/ need for their own life. This living, breathing-on-their-own person is a sovereign being. No one else's religious dogma should prevent this person from control over their reproductive health. As a Christian, I am tired of others who share my faith weaponizing parts of Holy Scriptures to force laws that oppress people. 

I fear that the overturn of Roe is just the beginning of a BIG sweep of human rights.  Jesus sided with the poor, the marginalized, and those whom the religious majority of His time deemed " unworthy". As His followers, we should follow His example and look to help others secure and keep rights. 

For the sake of my little niece, I'll continue this fight. My descendants fought for me, now it is my turn to ensure human rights for everyone. 

Abortion is healthcare, and healthcare is a human right.  

~Sarah McCarren

6/24/22

Thoughts on Social Media

                                      Reading is essential. I posted this because I've not a good photo illustration for this topic. Photo by The Pensacola Hippie

I have a friend who hates social media. She is convinced that the downfall of society as we know it can be blamed on social media. 

I love social media. 

However, I tend to agree that this tool can be and is used inappropriately. 

People need to learn to keep their own inflammatory thoughts to their own page-- if they post these divisive, angry thoughts at all.  When people use platforms such as Facebook as a place to work out their deep issues, no one benefits. 

I have no trouble with different opinions, or strong feelings on topics that affect all of us. However, when someone posts inflammatory or abusive content on a public page, that not only looks bad on the original poster, but reflects poorly on the business or organization {and those people associated}to which the material was posted. 

Constructive criticism is good. However, Internet communication demands that we watch both our tone and word choice. The screens veil us from looking at another human face { or faces} and that provides a sense of false anonymity . It is my opinion that this sense of security-behind-a-screen leads some people to habitually misuse social media or use it without mindfulness. 

Honestly, I feel that a high school {or first-year college} course on Internet Communication might be helpful. 

Social media has brought humans closer-- especially during the worst of this pandemic. As we move towards a pre-pandemic life, it is my hope and prayer that I continue to be an example of mindful usage of social media. 

The end. 

Sarah McCarren