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Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

Walking the Wilderness, part 3

Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1^st UMC, 3-6-16

Today I continue my Lenten series on hymns that help us address social justice issues. The topics today are LGBT, Disabilities, and Aging. I delivered the entire address at Emmanuel College in Toronto last Saturday, so you are getting the improved version.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons

On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was legal in all fifty states. Although we are making progress toward justice for the LGBT community, there is still much to be done worldwide. A little over a year ago I received a letter from a transgender woman who had been both hurt and helped by the church. She thanked me for writing “Strong, Gentle Children” and told me part of her story. These lines became her own:

though you are wounded,

know you are not to blame.

Cry out your story till truth is revealed.

Daniel Charles Damon

I included this hymn under the topic of children in my 2010 lecture. I now see its usefulness in the LGBT community.

Perhaps understandably, hymnal committees have been very slow to include the actual topic “homosexuality” in their books. “Diversity” continues to be included in some hymnals. The Chalice Hymnal lists “dignity and equality,” In Community of Christ Sings, we find the new topic “worth of all persons.” Hope Online Hymnody has courageously included the “h” word in its list of themes, where we find this text by Shirley Erena Murray:

For gay and for straight, a place at the table,

a covenant shared, a welcoming space,

a rainbow of race and gender and color,

for gay and for straight, the chalice of grace,

and God will delight when we are creators

of justice and joy, compassion and peace:

yes, God will delight when we are creators

of justice, justice and joy!

Shirley Erena Murray
Words © 1998 Hope Publishing Company

One of my first hymns was “True Union Is a Gift of God.” I wrote it for my seminary friends, Mary Ann Ball Tyler and James Charles Brown, but I chose to use gender-neutral language and the term “union” rather than marriage. At the time I was performing holy unions for gay friends in their back yards. These were holy, but not legally binding. In the U.S., we can now legally use the word marriage regardless of gender. Perhaps this text is already dated, but it was included in Community of Christ Sings under the topic of marriage. Many of our traditional wedding hymns use male female language. I like the terms husband and wife. I have told Eileen that I am her husband, not merely her spouse. She is my wife. I like the traditional language, but we are seeing a new and broader definition of the words marriage, wife, and husband in our time. I am happy to see some hymns emerging that address the new understanding of marriage and family. Here is stanza one of my 1988 text:

True union is a gift of God

sealed by a sacred vow;

two lovers joined as one

in God’s eternal loving now.

Daniel Charles Damon

While planning a hymn festival celebrating gay and gay-friendly hymn writers, pastor Jim Mitulski asked me to write a text using the word “Goddess.” He said they were addressing the divine in that way some of the time in his Berkeley, California church, but had no hymn using the image. Jim’s church was open to all. It attracted many from the LGBT community. I thought a hymn using the word “Goddess” would never be sung anywhere else, but I like to explore the edges of our spoken and sung faith, so I went home and listened. I heard the cry for inclusion. I heard the voice of people being hurt by the church, yet staying within the institution to worship and work for change from inside. I chose not to beautify this text with rhyme.

This hymn is not really about feminine imagery for God, although it uses a dramatic feminine image. The text is about the desire for full inclusion in the life of the church. I fully realized this when I got a note from a music director in Massachusetts. His pastor wanted to use this hymn, but without the word “Goddess.” As I considered their request for a change, I realized the theme of inclusion comes through without the disturbing image. They had suggested the clunky alternate line “O God of love.” I countered with “Spirit of love” which is now listed as an alternate text on Hope’s web site.

Goddess of love,

we want to worship–

not as outsiders

waiting for crumbs,

but as your children–

part of your body.

We long to praise you–

part of your church.

Goddess of joy,

your name is wondrous,

your thoughts are holy–

deeper than ours.

Yours is one body,

many the members.

Goddess, embrace us,

make your church one.

Goddess of peace,

we give you honor

when we harm no one,

seeking the good.

Who is an outcast?

Who will decide this?

All those excluded

are welcome here.

Goddess of hope,

we want to worship,

not with dull sameness,

but in new ways,

till all your people

feel their inclusion,

hear their name spoken–

one of your own.

Daniel Charles Damon

Mental Illness

Although it is present in many families, mental illness is an all but missing topic in our hymnody. We can sometimes find it in the context of biblical stories of demon possession. Thomas Troeger treats one story in modern terms in his text “Silence, frenzied, unclean spirit.” The demons, “thriving in the gray cells of the mind,” are subject to the word of Jesus. But the healing stories can be misleading. Many of us have not been healed. Instead, we have learned to live with a mental illness using the treatments available to us in our time: healthy diet, exercise, meditation, ongoing psychotherapy, and medications. Where are the hymns that treat this modern issue with grace and love? Under the topic of “depression” in Hope Online Hymnody, I found a text by my student, Barbara Hamm. This brief text names the problem and takes it to God in prayer.

When my life feels stripped of meaning,

and my faith is weak and frail,

God, I need the calm assurance

that your love will never fail.

When my heart responds to nothing,

hugging close its pain and grief,

comfort me with your compassion

till my spirit finds relief.

In the pit of my depression,

when my efforts all seem vain,

help me, by your grace and mercy,

find the will to live again.

Barbara Hamm

I wrote “In Every Changing State of Mind” for a 1995 hymn search co-sponsored by the Hymn Society and the Substance Abuse Task Force of the North and South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ. We will sing it this afternoon. Here is the refrain:

In every changing state of mind

from ecstasy to deep despair,

the Spirit beckons till we find

the strength to pray, the will to care.

Daniel Charles Damon

The lack of affordable mental health care is an issue in the United States. People who cannot afford care can end up in prison or on the street, because there is nowhere else for them to go. Can we sing to lessen the stigma of mental illness? What songs can help us find compassion for this vulnerable population and motivate us to work for social change?

Disabilities

In 2010, the topic of disabilities did not appear in any of the hymnals we surveyed. In 2016, this is still true. The hymnal supplement More Voices does contain the entry “disability,” but it only lists a cross-reference to diversity. Because disabilities take many forms, we run the risk of exclusion if we name specific conditions. It is hard to know what to say. After my lecture in Birmingham a woman from Canada came up to me and said, “My daughter can’t fingerspell.” I had read Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s text “When hands reach out and fingers trace” as the one example of a text for the disabled, but the woman said it did not apply to her daughter. After a long struggle I was able to write a text that does not name a particular disability. I am grateful to friends from the disabled community who guided me in my writing.

My child is a flower,

a joy to be shared.

My child has been labeled

“severely impaired.”

I have no instructions

but nurture and care.

Come see, in my garden,

a flower so rare.

My child has emotions,

a will, and a name.

The needs of God’s children

are always the same:

to live to the fullest,

their own work of art,

with faith and forgiveness,

deep gifts of the heart.

A child, when supported

by wisdom and grace,

can teach many lessons,

can love and embrace.

So nurture the body,

the spirit, the mind,

and trust that our Maker

is loving and kind.

Our goal is not safety,

our goal is to live,

to touch one another

with love as we give.

Come celebrate with me

and learn something new.

This flower is blooming

for me and for you.

Daniel Charles Damon

Aging

As North American boomers age, it should be no surprise to find an increasing number of hymns that address the topic of growing older. Several of our hymnals include the topic of aging or old age. Many of the hymns listed in these categories celebrate old age within the context of all the seasons of life, such as “Bring many names” by Brian Wren. There are fewer hymns that focus exclusively on aging and its issues. I see two large aspects of aging: suffering and opportunity. We recognize that old age brings physical challenges. We are starting to sing hymns that help us understand and express the pain of age-related illness. One example is John Core’s text, “When eyes that we once knew as keen.” John wrote to me regarding the inspiration of his text:

I [had to call/called] on an older couple in an extended care facility. She had Alzheimer’s disease. The door was open. I suppose I should have knocked, or cleared my throat, or something, as their backs were turned to me. But I realized as I started to step in that he was singing very softly to her. I stopped to let him finish before I went in. Just then, she started to sing along, so I waited again, and let them finish before I continued with my errand. If I’m recalling correctly, it was the only attempt she made at communicating during the half-hour or so that I was there. [footnote needed]

Here is John’s text:

When eyes that we once knew as keen,

alive to every wondrous sight,

turn inward toward some land unseen

of hidden seas and unknown heights,

grant us to look upon the face

and find the heart to take the loss,

the patience and a touch of grace

to bear this bitter, lingering cross.

When murmurs come where speech had been,

the laughter gone, the well-turned phrase,

the voice that we delighted in,

the pleasant chats of other days—

though these are stilled, may we recall

the hours we spent, the joy we knew,

the words we shared before this wall

of silence and of sorrow grew.

These hands that flitted over cloth,

or roughened as the wood grew smooth,

that dug the garden, stirred the broth,

sensed when to prod and how to soothe—

God, as we hold now taskless hands,

and help with clothing, care, and food,

we pray the soul may understand

the things we do in gratitude.

O God, this mind we thought so vast

contracts, and simple thoughts go wrong,

yet still it treasures music past:

a wisp of words, a snatch of song.

Within the burdens we must bear

Your grace still shines in such small things.

We trust all to your loving care,

rejoicing that the soul still sings.

John Core
Words © 2003 The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada (admin. Hope Publishing Company)

In the midst of her mother’s illness, Mary Louise Bringle gave voice to the pain of Alzheimer’s in the context of faith, hope, and love:

When memory fades and recognition falters,
when eyes we love grow dim, and minds, confused,

speak to our souls of love that never alters.
Speak to our hearts, by pain and fear abused.
O God of life and healing peace, empower us
with patient courage, by your grace infused.

As frailness grows, and youthful strengths diminish

in weary arms that worked their earnest fill,
your aging servants labor now to finish
their earthly tasks, as fits your mystery’s will.

We grieve their waning, yet rejoice, believing

your arms, unwearied, shall uphold us still.

Within your Spirit, goodness lives unfading.

The past and future mingle into one.
All joys remain, unshadowed light pervading.

No valued deed will ever be undone.

Your mind enfolds all finite acts and offerings.

Held in your heart, our deathless life is won!

Mary Louise Bringle

Living longer can bring benefits as well as hardships. There are good things we can do with the extra time. John Ambrose has been retiring for years. When Deborah Loftis asked him to ascend to the presidency of The Hymn Society, he replied, “Do you know how old I am?”

Way back in the 1930s, J. R. Baxter claimed the wisdom of old age. Listen to stanza one and the refrain from his text “The Glory of Age.”

Oft in our youth we are prone to be weak,

of the hereafter so lightly we speak,

but when the Savior we earnestly seek,

we learn the glory of age.

Refrain:

O the agéd head’s a crown of glory,

if it may be found in ways of righteousness;

Don’t grieve because your head is hoary,

Jesus came your soul to save and bless.

Poets may write in the voice of the living or the dying. Isaac Watts wrote “I’ll Praise My Maker While I’ve Breath” with an awareness of mortality. Fred Kaan’s “Today I live” was written from that perspective. Brian Wren’s text “Three things I promise, loving God” speaks of what we can still do at the last: “bless [God’s] name, cling to Christ, and listen for the Spirit’s breath.”

I have written a text in the voice of one who is approaching retirement. This hymn invites us to act with justice in the area of our personal finances. Originally conceived as a stewardship hymn, I see this now as a social justice challenge for all of us. Can we include the church, The Hymn Society, and future generations in our financial planning? Can we sing about these choices as a way of bringing up a topic that is difficult to discuss?

I will not always walk this earth

with gentle step and caring heart,

but now I pray, prepare, and give

to lasting good and living art.

My back is strong. My mind is sound.

Today I lift and carry on,

but future generations wake

to worship in an unknown dawn.

What can I do with what I have

to help the church in years ahead?

What gift can I now place in trust

for future needs for home or bread?

For children’s children yet to come

like flowers living life’s brief span,

I give this church a lasting gift,

a pledge, a promise, and a plan.

So come with me, come as you are

to celebrate this time on earth,

to sing with hope of future years,

to trust the Spirit for new birth.

Daniel Charles Damon

Conclusion

Our poets help us see around the edge of things. They help us see from where we are to where we might be. John Newton was a slave trader who converted to Christianity and became a preacher and a poet. His famous hymn text, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound” mentions no social issues of the day. It speaks of the transformation of the human heart—one heart, one at a time. Newton speaks of his personal conversion and of God’s power to change all of us, one by one, from slave traders into preachers. If we take up that song as our own, and sing it on a Selma, Alabama bridge, or at a gay rights rally in San Francisco, the song takes on new meaning.

I understand the hymnwriter’s task in this way: to apply the transforming power of the gospel in every text; to express, not to define, our faith; to move the church emotionally, physically, and spiritually toward a deeper life in Christ, our Savior. In this life some can write, some can edit, some can publish, but all can pray and Sing Justice! Our hymns can open conversations about many things that are difficult to talk about. If we feel shame or fear, if we wonder how to pray, a good hymn text may give us an entry point.

As long as God gives us breath, we have strength for the task of singing justice. As we work to make a positive difference in the only world we know, Jesus walks beside us. This is our faith. This is our prayer.

Let us keep silence as we continue our worship.

Joys and Concerns

David Tung is still in Taiwan. His mother had broken her hip and they have made the decision to not have surgery because of other medical problems. David is visiting her every day at the nursing home. Keep them in your prayers. He will be home this week.

Sandra Kokoruda, Fran Smith’s daughter, is requesting prayers for healing for the surgeon who saved her life. He has prostate cancer and is having surgery. His name is Dr. Malm.

Susan Wickesser, Doris Swope’s niece, has started an immunotherapy treatment for her cancer. She is optimistic and has few side effects which improves the quality of her life. Please keep her in your prayers for healing.

Kathe Kiehn is asking for healing prayers for her daughter, Karen Gagnier. Karen has survived breast cancer once and is now facing treatment for a new aggressive cancer in her other breast. Karen is still receiving chemo, then radiation. She is trying to live her life as normally as possible and your prayers are welcome.

Please keep Katherine Parker, our missionary, and the people of Nepal in your prayers.

Deby McFadyen is requesting prayers for two young friends who are battling cancer. Please remember Sarah Talkington and Jimmy Lowe in your prayers.

News

Easter Sunday is coming in couple of weeks. Debbie Benko is requesting help for the Easter Egg Hunt. Need plastic Easter eggs filled with candy or coins and about 5 more Easter baskets as well. Let Debbie know if you would like to help. 510 722 3069 or Redfredd@aol.com.

Junktique is May 7. We are taking donations and starting the cleaning, sorting and pricing of goods beginning March 23rd. The basement will be open Weds. 10 am – 12 pm, Thurs. 6:30- 8 pm and Sat. 10 am – 12 pm through April 30th. Sign up sheets will be in Friendship Hall. On Sunday, May 1st we need to bring the items up from the basement and need everyone’s help. Volunteers are needed all that week to sort and price items. Price and display in the “Art” Sunday School room. Jewelry in the Sunday School room to the left. Better dishes, glassware, appliances in Friendship Hall. Need one or two people to clean the kitchen. Contact Fran Smith: junosmith@aol.com or Betty Graham: Bettygraeham@gmail.com.

Barbara Haley visited the new Family Justice Center in Richmond which provides services for abused women. The center has social workers, police and attorneys all present to assist the victims. The center often has to send mothers with children to a safe home or shelter and they like to give them a soft, cuddly toy to take with them. Missions would like to be able to take some new stuffed toys with the tag still on them, to donate to the center. If you would like to donate a stuffed toy, we will be collecting them on Easter Sunday.

Katherine Parker, missionary in Nepal: Update: Katherine will be here to speak with us on June 5, 6-9 pm.

The Blockade by Nepali dissidents near the Indian border is causing severe shortage of supplies, mainly fuel and medicines in Nepal. Many businesses have been shut down and hospitals will soon be running out of fuel to run their generators which means that surgeries and life saving incubators for babies will not be operational. The violence at the border has increased. Katherine is safe but electricity is dicey and life is harder. She is having to bathe in cold water and the team she is with are sharply curtailing driving. Hundreds of cars without fuel clog the streets of Katmandu. Winter is causing a crisis as is the loss of fuel for heating. Negotiations between the government and the dissidents is bogged down.

Generosity

Parsonage and Church Sewer Line: The parsonage sewer line, which is a shared line with the church sewer line, is leaking and needs replacement. It’s a long line that connects to the main sewer below the Catholic Church. Estimated cost is $7,100. We are also asking our congregation for donations to help fund this project. City of Richmond has a grant program for installing sewer laterals. We are in the process of applying for the grant. Grants may be given for $3000. Kim Butt is applying for us. Our thanks to Kim and Bill Thompson for the work they have done on this project.

We are continuing to move ahead with plans for the long-term financing of our church for generations to come through an Endowment program. The California-Nevada United Methodist Foundation has a planned giving website for your information. The site is: plannedgiving@canvumf.gift legacy.com. See what your options for giving are.

Imagine No Malaria continues to need your donations.

Events

Daylight Savings begins Sunday, March 13 at 2 am. Set your clocks ahead one hour when you go to bed Saturday night.

Sunday, February 14 thru Sunday, March 13: Annual Heifer International collection of your pennies in memory of Helen Valentine. Hope you have been saving your change for this. Of course we take bills and checks as well. Heifer International provides animals, bees, trees and more to help those in need to start a business to improve their quality of life. Please donate generously.

Saturday, March 12, United Methodist Women’s Retreat. 8:30 am-3:45 pm the Napa Methodist Church. Open to all women. Retreat leader Rev. Holly Hillman, “Courage to Grow”. Please see brochure. Napa Methodist Church, 625 Randolph, Napa. Cost $18, includes continental breakfast and lunch.

Saturday,March 19, 7 pm, Vicki Zabarte and Dan Damon will present a concert of jazz standards. Vicki has sung in many community theater productions. Dan Damon is the pianist for the evening concert. Suggested donation $10. Proceeds to benefit Saffron Strand and their work with the homeless in our area. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

Good Friday Services, 7:30 pm, March 25: Pinole United Methodist Church, 2000 San Pablo Ave., Pinole

Friday, March 25, 7:30 pm, Point Richmond Jazz presents Sara Caswell with 9 Horses Band. Sara has been described as a brilliant world class violinist, one of the best of the present generation of young jazz stars. Sara Caswell, violin; Joe Brent, mandolin, and Jonathan Green, bass. Tickets $18 through przazz.org., $25 at the door. Richmond First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

Please send submissions for FUMC News and Events to Barbara Haley, editor: bahcats@sbcglobal.net

March 19: Vicki Zabarte & Dan Damon Jazz Concert

March 25: Sara Caswell with 9 Horses Band

March 25: Good Friday Services, Pinole

Spring 2016

Newsletter March 12, 2016

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