In the light of God’s unconditional love, we respect the dignity of every human being by welcoming and supporting all persons whatever their race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, health status, marital status or stage of spiritual journeying. We invite you to explore, investigate, and grow in your faith and become a part of our shared journey with God.
-The Very Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller, Rector
10am Sermon by the Very Rev. Dr. Gordon Weller:
10am sermon by Rev. Bill Ericson – May 9, 2010:
View the full 10am service here.
The following is a message just received from Fr. Gordon:
To all,
I just want to say how wonderful you have all been in this scary time for me. Your prayers and kind words (cards, letters, emails, etc) have meant a great deal to both Linda and me. I continue to recover slowly and hope to have all my strength back in the near future. Meanwhile I know you will continue to support one another too the best of your ability. I have several Dr.’s to see this week and will know more by Sunday. At this point all I can say is “Keep smiling.”
Gordon
In addition, we are pleased to report that Fr. Richard is in good spirits but is refraining from any but the most essential activities. He has to complete a regimen of drugs before his heart surgery which is tentatively scheduled for May 28 in Baltimore, Maryland. He is staying with friends in Grand Rapids until he goes to Baltimore. After surgery, he will be recovering with his parents in Elmira, NY.
For those wishing to send cards, here are the addresses:
Fr. Gordon Weller
12314 Mission Hills Dr.
DeWitt, MI 48820
The Rev. Richard Sauerzopf
1408 Dewberry Place NE Apt. 15
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
600 N. Wolfe Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21287
Read this month’s issue here.
A message from Deacon Bill:
Father Gordon was released from the hospital yesterday, Sunday afternoon. He is on new medicines and stricter rules for his physical conditions.
He has three doctor and/or therapist appointments this week; one of which Deacon Bill will be taking him to. He rode with Linda to the pharmacy to get some new meds and wishes well to all.
He has not seen the therapist yet; and does not have a prognosis for therapy, work, play, visitations, etc.
After struggling with pneumonia last week, Father Richard is now responding well to his treatments and is once again breathing on his own. He must still undergo surgery to repair his heart – and the details of how or when this will happen still need to be resolved. Nevertheless, Father Richard is awake, alert and improving. Thanks be to God!
At the moment, it is our understanding that only family and clergy are allowed to visit Father Richard. However, we will keep you posted in the event this changes.
Rev. William H. Fineout, Deacon
Last week’s (April 11th) sermon was about the huge difference between the way we look at doubt and the use of exploration as a way of dealing with that doubt. I used my recent trip to South Carolina as an example of the divergence. As I left Michigan, I listened to NPR (National Public Radio) and a program called “Speaking of Faith,” moderated by Krista Tippett. Two Jesuit scientists were being interviewed. They talked about the expanding universe and the expanding knowledge of humankind. Their opinion was that the more they discover about the universe, the more questions they have about the role God plays. The more questions they have, the more their faith is augmented and authenticated.
As I drove further, into Kentucky and Tennessee, the more difficult it became to find radio stations. The stations I could find had preachers who preach a very narrow theology that bordered on “blind faith.” This theology was almost directly opposite of those interviewed on the Krista Tippet show.
This contrast crossed my mind when the Gospel account of “Doubting Thomas” was the appointed scripture for Sunday. At first glance it seems as if Jesus is chastising Thomas for his lack of faith & belief. He would not believe until he could stick his fingers in the nail prints in Jesus’ hands. What does that say about any doubts we may have? Are we called to have “Blind Faith?”
On a second reading however we are reminded that Jesus invited the disciples to come and “explore” each time he encountered them. He showed both his hands and side in his first meeting when Thomas was absent. And, when Thomas later questioned, he also showed them to Thomas.
After the service many asked about the Krista Tippett program “Speaking of Faith.” It seems many in the congregation knew it and listen regularly even though it is on Michigan Radio (WUOM – 91.7FM) at 7:00 am Sunday morning. If you are interested in looking to see what it’s all about, I have attached this link:
http://www.speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/
These offerings may be listened to directly from the web site or you may download the pod cast for later listening.
