Monday, November 30, 2009

Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Nov. 2009

This is a Public Service Announcement that Aired on KSFR.  Kristin Carmichael of Esperanza Shelter was the one who set this up.  THere are some great resources that speak about domestic violence; and it is something faith communities need to never tolerate, and stand up to. 
I’m Reverend Chester Topple, of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe and I care about domestic violence.
Our faith communities must minimize any barriers facing abused members of our congregations and maximize the resources that exist within our religious traditions.
Here’s how you can help.
Encourage leaders in your faith community to speak about Domestic violence, They can learn more by taking a short Safe Haven presentation provided by Esperanza Shelter.

Learn what your faith tradition says about abuse. Too often faith leaders have hindered rather than helped victims break free from their abusive partners, due to ignorance, apathy, or misinterpretation of sacred texts.

Put up brochures and posters in your facilities indicating victims can come for immediate safety. 

And if a victim confides in you, calmly listen; reassure them that you believe them, the abuse is not their fault, and that they are not alone.

When they are ready, make a call together to Esperanza Shelter for further safety planning and information.
 
Que gracia y paz esten con todos nosotros en nuestra ciudad de Santa Fe.

At Esperanza Shelter we believe that domestic violence is everyone’s business.
If you or someone you know is being hurt call our 24 hotline at 473-5200;
Because peace starts at home.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Christ The King Sunday

“Meet Cristo Rey, He goes by Chris.”
Christ The King Sunday, Nov 22, 2009, WPC Santa Fe
John 18:33-37

Can you imagine meeting Cristo Rey?   Translated: Christ the King.   
Actually, I met a young man the other day...and his name was Cristo Rey.  He went by Chris

Today Churches around the world celebrate the Reign of Christ. So, what does that mean? We don't really have kings to compare it to—as much as any of our presidents would like to act as kings, they aren't.  And Sander van Doorn, former member of this church from the Netherlands, now living in Switzerland said he was never very impressed by his monarchical figure. But as people of faith we declare: Christ is our King.  So we imagine ...  

I suppose one aspect of having a king is subjugation.  Submitting.  Bowing, if you will.  This isn’t so easy, right…I mean, we Americans don’t bow, que no? Obama clearly forgot this on his recent trip to Japan…But, Look! Christ is just there in the back, making his way down the red carpet.  What would you do? Would you bow?

“Meet Cristo Rey, He goes by Chris”

Christ The King Sunday, Nov 22, 2009, WPC Santa Fe

Can you imagine meeting Cristo Rey?   Translated: Christ the King.   
Actually, I met a young man the other day...and his name was Cristo Rey.  He went by Chris

Today Churches around the world celebrate the Reign of Christ. So, what does that mean? We don't really have kings to compare it to—as much as any of our presidents would like to act as kings, they aren't.  And Sander van Doorn, former member of this church from the Netherlands, now living in Switzerland said he was never very impressed by his monarchical figure. But as people of faith we declare: Christ is our King.  So we imagine ...  

I suppose one aspect of having a king is subjugation.  Submitting.  Bowing, if you will.  This isn’t so easy, right…I mean, we Americans don’t bow, que no? Obama clearly forgot this on his recent trip to Japan…But, Look! Christ is just there in the back, making his way down the red carpet.  What would you do? Would you bow?

Saturday, November 21, 2009

And they think a $25 fine will solve this problem in Santa Fe

Sadly, I have to resist texting while driving...I'd never even sent a text message 3 years ago

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Dirt Roads in Santa Fe


At any time going to visit someone in Santa Fe, you may end up on a dirt road.  There are basically two types of dirt roads that exist here.  One leads to the "romanticized wild" southwest, the other leads to the wild ghettos of santa fe; one leads to english speaking outsiders, the other leads to spanish speaking outsiders; one is smooth, easy to drive on, the other is full of holes, dips, and bumps and requires concentration, and patience; one has homes worth millions, the other rented homes called "trailers". One has a few people in a lot of space, the other many people in small spaces. 

I find myself on both roads from time to time, in-between most of the time.

This evening I was in the ghetto.  Met with a bi-racial couple having martial difficulties. The Spanish-speaking man had a lot to share, a fascinating and tragic and hopeful story of abuse, immigration, isolation, drug addiction, recuperation, and uncertainty.  I hold this couple and their two month old twin girls in my prayers.    

Sunday, November 8, 2009

My Robe's getting longer Mark 12:38-44

Mark 12:38-44; 1 Kings 17:8-16 , Nov 8, 2009
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe

On Nov 22 we are going to have a good meal together, courtesy of Kevin Hart and his crew.We’ll recognize thanksgiving and give thanks for all our many blessings; And then we are going to turn in our pledge cards.  It’s part of what we call "stewardship." Of course when we talk about stewardship it means being good stewards of or taking care of what’s been entrusted to us—through the offering of our time, our talent, and our treasure to take care of the church and live out it’s mission; but really, when we talk about stewardship--it means money...it means we fill out a blue slip and try to make a go out of church and ministry for another year. We can dream big and set a big budget and think of all the wonderful ways we can be church and keep a roof over our heads.

But of course, this is Nov 22, and we are only at Nov 8.  Gives us a few weeks to start thinking and praying about what kind of commitment each of us might be able to make.And to put things in perspective we have two stories of two widows, who may teach us a little about stewardship this morning.


The first widow we find in 1st kings:  She’s faced with a dilemma. A crazy person[1]—the prophet Elijah—is challenging her hospitality. First he requests a little water. "Okay, sure." Then, then he requests a little food, just a small morsel of bread…but it’s the last of what she has. She tells him, “ I'm gonna cook what I’ve got for me and my son, so we can eat it and die”....uff.,  Gloomy situation. But, real life. Some mother's face this dilemma. 

What do you do when the cupboard is bear...there is nothing to eat?   nothing left?   Runnin on empty, account’s run dry.  What would be your response to God?  ?  Give away to a stranger? Give up?   Or keep living for another day? 

Elijah assures her that her jar will be filled….and she trusts, gives Elijah some bread, and low and behold, "The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah." A powerful testimony of generosity, of trust, coming to a point of desperation and acting with bold generosity. 

So what does this teach us about stewardship? Giving? If we have reached the last of what we’ve got, do we give? Or if we have a whole lot, especially compared to this widow…do we give?