Want to learn more from different perspectives about our lessons? Soundings is a an opportunity for our Clergy to provide different insights into our readings and scripture. You may not always agree with the Clergy's interpretations. But that is why Soundings was created. To invite thoughtful discussion. You are welcome to email the author of each article to provide your comments. Welcome to Soundings!
In our secret yearnings
we wait for your coming,
and in our grinding despair
we doubt that you will.
And in this privileged place
we are surrounded by witnesses who yearn more than do we
and by those who despair more deeply than do we.
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.
Each year our parish uses our namesake Trinity Sunday as an opportunity to raise funds for a unique need within our church and / or a special charity. This year donations were requested for replacement of vestments, which had become worn with long use, and RIP Medical Debt. RIP Medical Debt is a non-profit that accepts contributions to purchase medical debt for pennies on the dollar. Those who owed the debt then receive a letter informing them that the debt has been paid on their behalf by a named contributor. We chose this charity in part for its strong resonance with Christian forgiveness.
We collected a total of $13,888.00, with $7,795.50 going towards vestment replacement and $5,592.50 sent to RIP Medical Debt. Using guidelines provided by RIP Medical Debt, about $450,000 of medical debt, principally in Illinois, will be forgiven.
Thank you all for your generosity!
“Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new, late have I loved you! You were within me, but I was outside, and it was there that I searched for you. In my unloveliness I plunged into the lovely things which you created. You were with me, but I was not with you. Created things kept me from you; yet if they had not been in you they would have not been at all. You called, you shouted, and you broke through my deafness. You flashed, you shone, and you dispelled my blindness. You breathed your fragrance on me; I drew in breath and now I pant for you. I have tasted you, now I hunger and thirst for more. You touched me, and I burned for your peace.”
Parker J. Palmer writes:
On Monday afternoon, a storm darkened the skies over my part of Wisconsin, bringing wind gusts up to 70 mph. A lot of big dead branches came down in my neighborhood, and a few large tree trunks were split clear to the ground. No one was injured but the mess was widespread, and lots of folks pitched in to help clean it up, as good neighbors do.
