THE BANANA BELT!

There has been great concern for me and my family since our arrival in Rapid City, South Dakota. It does not take a doctorate in Meteorology to know that the weather differential between Louisiana and South Dakota would be considerable. Being sensitive to those differences, we were assured over and over again that this part of South Dakota is known to be part of "The Banana Belt." That term is an attempt at explaining the unusual weather patterns during the winter which have seen 70 degree temperatures on Christmas Day! It's a way of informing outsiders that the images conjured from watching the movie "Fargo" do not apply here.

We moved here in mid-August and discovered a wonderful climate, especially considering that we left 100% humidity and temperatures to match. While we bragged to our friends and family back home that we were chilly in the mornings, they perpetually peppered us with preparatory warnings that "winter is right around the corner." Their tone suggested a sense of retaliation in their ability to brag when their temperatures were mild and ours were extreme. We did not have to wait long for them to get their just due.

In October, Southwest South Dakota experienced one of the worst early-season blizzards on record. At least that's what everyone told us. It warmed up and things seemed to return to normal. Then the last several weeks we've had temperatures that have remained below zero for several days. The snow hasn't yet melted. Everyone keeps insisting that what we're experiencing is unusual for this time of year. In fact, everyone keeps apologizing for the weather!

Then we have a day like today. Forecasted highs are in the 40's. It's amazing how warm 40 degrees feels when it's been below zero. (It's amazing how warm 10 degrees is when it's been below zero!).

Many people continue to try to explain, justify or apologize for the weather. The funny thing is that we LOVE it! We find it remarkably bearable (with the right clothes). The air is crisp and fresh. The smell of fireplaces throughout the neighborhood is a special treat. Hot cocoa tastes better and coffee warms the hands and stomach.

My wife, Alison, and I are Cajuns in the truest sense. Alison's mom has traced our genealogy back to our roots with the Acadians of Nova Scotia and France prior to that. It gets cold in Nova Scotia. And France is known for its cold winters also. Cold weather, therefore, runs in our veins. It might not be part of our South Louisiana experience, but cold weather, snow and frost, and all of the wonderful things that God affords us here are part of our heritage and genetics!

We meet the title of "Banana Belt" with a bit of skepticism, but whether it warms up now or later doesn't matter to us. We are Acadians. As long as Alison's gumbo is on the stove, we're home...even in the Banana Belt of Rapid City, South Dakota.

Sunday Readings for November 17, 2013



Malachi 4:1-2a (some bibles have it listed as Malachi 3:19-21)
Psalm 98
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Luke 21:5-19

Malachi:

"(Malachi) was composed by an anonymous writer before Nehemiah's arrival in Jerusalem (455 B.C.). Because of the sharp reproaches he was leveling against the priests and rulers of the people, the author probably wished to conceal his identity. To do this he made a proper name out of the Hebrew expression for 'My Messenger' (Malachi), which occurs in 1:1 and 3:1. The historical value of the prophecy is considerable in that it gives us a picture of life in the Jewish community returned from Babylon, between the period of Haggai and the reform measures of Ezra and Nehemiah. It is likely that the author's trenchant criticism of abuses and religious indifference in the community prepared the way for these necessary reforms."

 

- introduction to Malachi from The New American Bible

 

 

2 Thessalonians:

 

 

"Traditional opinion holds that this letter was written shortly after 1 Thessalonians. Occasionally it has been argued that 2 Thessalonians was written first or that the two letters are addressed to different segments within the church at Thessalonica (2 Thessalonians being directed to the Jewish Christians there) or even that 2 Thessalonians was originally written to some other nearby place where Paul carried out mission work, such as Phillipi or Beroea. Increasingly in recent times, however, the opinion has been advanced that 2 Thessalonians is a pseudepigraph, that is, a letter written authoritatively in Paul's name, to maintain apostolic traditions in a later period, perhaps during the last two decades of the first century. In any case, the presumed audience of 2 Thessalonians and certain features of its style and content require that it be read and studied in a Pauline context, particularly that provided by 1 Thessalonians. At the same time, and especially if the letter is regarded as not by Paul himself, its apocalyptic presentation of preconditions for the parousia (2:1-12) may profit from and require recourse to a wider biblical basis for interpretation, namely Old Testament books such as Daniel and Isaiah and especially, in the New Testament, the synoptic apocalyptic discourse (Mk 13; Mt 24-25; Lk 21:5-36*) and the Book of Revelation."

 

 

-introduction to 2 Thessalonians from The New American Bible

 

*Note how the introduction to 2 Thessalonians makes a connection between the letter itself and our Gospel passage connected with it this weekend: Lk 21:5-19+.

The Altar of Consumerism

For years we have been warned that it was coming. Each year "Black Friday," the day after Thanksgiving and the unofficial start of the Christmas Shopping Season, has inched earlier and earlier. The usual opening time was not enough to beat the competition, so stores began to open at 7:00 a.m., then 6:00 a.m., then 4:00 a.m., midnight,  and then 11:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving night, and earlier.

Now, it seems, stores have decided to disregard the holiday altogether and make the day one for shopping and commerce by opening at 6:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning.

Is nothing sacred any longer? Has the family in the Norman Rockwell painting died only to be replaced by mobs of people crushing one another to get the best deal possible under the guise of "generosity" at Christmas? Are we to believe that the people who are pushing each other down for a 52" TV are buying that item for someone else? And even if they are buying it for someone else and not themselves, does that effort at "generosity" preclude stopping to give God thanks for what He has provided us as a nation and people? Isn't it ironic that people who are "buying for their loved ones" choose to skip giving thanks with those very loved ones on Thanksgiving? And what of the forced sacrifice of those who must work? Are they not allowed a day with their families?

The scenes we see each year of people lining up at the doors, pushing and shoving, crushing (and sometimes killing) one another are sickening. When is the last time we saw that kind of rush to get at Jesus in the Eucharist? What would our world look like if, instead of mobs going out in the middle of the night for the best bargains, those mobs turned their hunger, desire, efforts, enthusiasm, determination, and convictions towards meeting God in the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist?

We must pray for our world and never lose faith or hope. We are called to be a light set atop a lampstand in an otherwise dark world. We do so without judgment or condemnation, but through example and joy. Our invitation to the world must be filled with the Love of Jesus Christ, always inviting and encouraging.

There are two things we can do. First, is we can gather and pray on Thanksgiving Day. Our Eucharist will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and will include the Baptism of a new Christian. We can be a family of faith who witnesses through prayer and attendance.

The second thing we can do is to pray for those we see on TV when the news reports come out. Identify faces in the crowd, pause the TV if you can, and focus on one or two faces for whom we might pray. It's a simple act, but if we can begin to imagine their needs we can enter into their shopping frenzy in a different sort of way.

Let us give God thanks for his abundant gifts by slowing down and praying for one another...with one another.

Who are the Godparents?

"Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble...Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called godparents, present their candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their candidates. It is fitting that parents be included among the godparents of their own children. Parents and godparents are to be instructed in the meaning of Baptism, in their duties to help the new Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of His Church."

-Book of Common Prayer, p. 298

 

Too often there is confusion about the role of godparents. Some believe that godparents take responsibility for raising the child if something tragic happens to the parents. Others believe that being a godparent is simply an honorary title that affords them a front-row seat on the day of the baptism.

 

In actuality, the role of godparent is a sacred trust between those being baptized, the parents of the baptized if the baptized is an infant and the godparent(s) themselves. Godparents should be chosen for their moral character and upright living. Godparents are to be an example through their faithful way of life to God and His Church. Godparents and parents work in collaboration with one another and the Holy Spirit to ensure that the child is provided with the necessary instruction, counsel, guidance and example so that they may grow into Christ's love without delay.

 

 

When choosing a godparent, choose them after much prayerful consideration and never out of familial obligation. The newly baptized Christian deserves role models who will be an example, not of perfection, but of fidelity to Christ and His Church, the People of God.

Re-newable Energy



There is great excitement and enthusiasm abounding at Emmanuel Episcopal Church these days. The energy is palpable and for that gift we give God thanks and praise. While we are increasing our level of communication with our parish regarding activities and events, there are other "behind the scenes" things that are happening in and around Emmanuel.

TV Ads...that's right, TV Ads!...will soon begin airing on NewsCenter1 and KEVN. Approval was given by the Vestry and funding was offered by the Renewal Committee. These ads are simple in design and are part of discounts that have been offered, making these spots affordable. NewsCenter1 has offered a Holiday Ad discount. KEVN offers a discount to new members of the Chamber of Commerce which qualifies us to receive that discount. The ads will begin airing in November on a variety of channels that both stations own. The goal is simply to increase our name recognition and become a visible part of the community. Any growth that flows out of the ads is purely God's gift to us as are those whom He sends to us through the ads.

In addition to the TV Ads, parishioner and Vestry Member Richard Jones has offered us the space on a billboard on his property which faces I-90 near New Underwood. The billboard announces to motorists that "Emmanuel Episcopal Church welcomes you to the Black Hills!" We are grateful to Richard for his generosity for use of the billboard. We are also thankful to Les Koss, Key Parker and Diane Wilson for their input on making it become a reality.

We are hoping to sponsor the live broadcast on NPR of Nine Lessons and Carols by the King's College Choir which is aired on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Emmanuel Episcopal Church will have its own version of Nine Lessons and Carols for the Christmas Eve services. More information on both versions of Nine Lessons and Carols will be forthcoming.

We were featured in a recent article in the Rapid City Journal. If you missed the paper that Sunday, you can see the article by clicking here.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church is now a proud member of the Chamber of Commerce of Rapid City. Our local Chamber is a leader in the development of our city, especially in the planning of our collective future. Being a member affords us multiple opportunities to engage in activities and groups which promote our goal of furthering our name recognition. If anyone is interested in representing Emmanuel Episcopal Church by becoming involved in Chamber of Commerce activities, please let Fr. Chris know by emailing him at frchris@emmanuelrc.org.

The Luciano family has done an incredible job of videotaping and uploading the Nicene Creed presentations. They've also spent time creating a YouTube channel and uploading last year's presentations for the 125th Anniversary of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. We thank them for their quiet and diligent efforts. Click here to find the YouTube Channel!

Our Liturgical Team has been working on making plans to implement some minor adjustments to our liturgy for Advent this year. Our goal is for a more fluid liturgical experience among those serving. A liturgical training session will be held on Wednesday, November 13 at 6:30 p.m. following our Celebration Dinner that night. Everyone is invited to attend, whether have served for years, are just starting out or don't serve at all, but are interested in what's going on.

Advent is right around the corner and we're making plans to have Evensong on Wednesday nights in Advent. More information will come as it's made available.

For more "front page" news regarding Food Baskets at Thanksgiving, Angel Tree at Christmas, our regularly scheduled Cornerstone Mission Feeding, committees, groups, etc, please visit our website here or check out the latest issue of the Emmanuel Light.

All of these efforts seek to fulfill our mission statement: "To Know Our Lord and To Make Him Known."

Ice and Snow Bless The Lord!

This weekend's blizzard is a reminder that we aren't in control. God's creation is powerful and we must always respect it. The display of God's power leaves us with a sense of humility and awe. That humility and awe is fuel for our faith. This weekend's gospel from St. Luke tells of the disciple's desire to have their faith deepened. Jesus, in turn, tells them that if their faith were the size of a mustard seed, it would be enough to tell the mulberry bush to cast itself into the sea. It would be like Jesus telling us that if our faith were the size of a Choke Cherry, it would be enough to tell the presidents on Mt. Rushmore to climb off the mountain. The point is that our faith is not quantifiable. Even the most minute of faiths can be as powerful as a South Dakota Blizzard in October!

Blizzard Greetings!

Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Rapid City, South Dakota is launching this blog to keep members and others who may be interested connected to what has happened, is happening and will happen.  We are testing the blogger format to see how it might best supplement what we have available on our website (www.emmanuelrc.org), our FaceBook page and our general news emails. If you have any questions, please let us know by emailing us at: frchris@emmanuelrc.org.

Meanwhile, we're getting set for our first blizzard of the season. May the warmth of God's love keep all of his human family free from harm and danger. Amen.