Do you love me?

“…It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life.” –Henri Nouwen, In the Name of Jesus

When I was a teen, we had a wonderful youth minister who played guitar, composed music, and had us singing all the time. One of his compositions was a musical called “Breakfast at Galilee” that planted in my mind the picture of Jesus, Peter, Andrew, Nathaniel, John, James, Thomas and two others having a charcoal pit and breakfast on the beach. I grew up in a beach community so this image felt very immediate and relevant.

What I didn’t hear were the nuances between Jesus and Peter as Jesus faced Peter—and had Peter face his own shame and failings—by his thrice-asked question, “Do you love me?” I missed this beautiful interaction where Jesus is both helping Peter get past his guilt and shame, and gently continuing to point Peter to the rich life of meaning to which Jesus had originally called Peter three years earlier, a life that still awaited Peter, Peter with all his mistakes and flaws.

One of the commentaries I read last week was by Dan Clendenin from 2016 called “A Fire of Burning Coals .” (You can find it here—it is about one page long. https://www.journeywithjesus.net/essays/906-a-fire-of-burning-coals) In his essay, Clendenin describes a formative book, Henri Nouwen’s In the Name of Jesus, that describes Jesus’ invitation to Peter—and to each of us—to “downward mobility.” Clendenin explains that Nouwen was able to discover his “true identity” as a child of God when he made a radical career shift from world renowned Harvard professor to working at Daybreak, a home in Toronto for those with physical and mental disabilities. Nouwen’s work became the daily care and interaction with these residents. In doing that work, Nouwen learned to live in the question of love—of loving and of being beloved. At Daybreak, the only question that could have relevance for residents was “Do you love me?” Not “will it work?” or “is there an audience for this?” or “how many will it sell?” but the question that Jesus asked Peter three times: “Do you love me?” If the answer is “yes,” then the response is to act in that love through care, companionship, and kindness—and in receiving the same care, companionship and kindness as a child of God.

Read Clendenin’s short essay and see what you think of this radical transformation, of this revolutionary way to practice resurrection. The essay and its challenge have really gripped my heart and imagination and hopes. I’ve gone on-line (Abe Books, $3.95 used copy with free shipping) to buy a copy of Nouwen’s In the Name of Christ. I hope you will read his short essay in the link above, and if you are also moved, and want to talk more, let me know, joldstonemoore@gmail.com. We can buy and share more books; we can simply talk about this short essay. I’d love to have a conversation with you about this Gospel passage.

Rev. Dr. Jennifer Oldstone-Moore, Rector

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING SINGING, MASKING, AND SEATING

As we gather in person for Sunday worship, please remember we still need to be protective of each other as the Omicron Subvariant of the Covid virus continues to spread. Even those who are vaccinated may become infected and transmit the virus. To protect our communities until this subsides, we suggest that you wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. We also ask that you maintain social distancing. We now encourage you to sing, but with your masks on. Many thanks to everyone for your patience.

RETURN TO COMMON CUP

At the Vestry meeting on April 17^th, the Vestry decided to offer communion in both kinds—wine and bread—at Sunday Eucharist. As per diocesan guidelines, we will not intinct (dip), only drink from the shared cup, as intinction is more problematic healthwise.

Please remember that “communion by one kind” (that is, having only wine or only bread) is considered full communion; you do not need both to be completely communed. If you wish to receive wine, please guide the cup to your mouth. If you prefer only bread, simply refuse the cup.

CALL FOR LAY MINISTERS: CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND ADULTS

St. Andrew’s needs you! To return to full communion of both bread and wine, we will need chalice bearers. We also need torch bearers, crucifers, Lay Eucharistic ministers/servers (help to set the altar), lectors (read the Bible), intercessors (read the prayers), ushers, and people to bring the elements (bread and wine) from the back of the sanctuary to the altar for communion. Please let Renee or Rev. Jen know if you are interested.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE FORMING

With a new priest, we will be changing some aspects of worship. We’d love to have you participate in thinking through the prayers, bulletin, music, seasons, and special worship offerings. Contact Rev. Jen or Renee to be a part of this conversation.

FESTAL EUCHARIST WITH PRESIDING BISHOP MICHAEL CURRY

On June 4, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will be in Bloomington with Bishop Jennifer for ordinations, Eucharist, and what will no doubt be a FANTASTIC day! Let’s have a big showing from St. Andrew’s–Rev. Jen and Chris are going for the Saturday events (Rev. Jen has other places to be on Sunday…) The event (and the reception following) are free, but registration is required. You can get the information you need and register at this link: https://indydio.org/latest-news/

Event Details
Festival Eucharist with Presiding Bishop
June 4, 2022 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Monroe Convention Center – Grand Ballroom
302 S. College Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47403

MAY 22 SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE BEING MOVED

There will be no Sunday 10:15 a.m. service on May 22. It is being moved to Saturday evening, May 21 due to DePauw University’s Sunday, May 22 Commencement.

RECTOR’S OFFICE DROP-IN DAY

Rev. Jen has set her office drop-in day as Wednesday of each week from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. for anyone who would like to stop in and visit.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING THE PRAYER LIST

We need your help! The parish office will be keeping a record of when names are requested for prayer. Names added to the Prayers of the People will be kept on that list for a month and then moved to an on-going prayer list for three months, a list for the congregation’s daily devotions and prayers. You may request that a name be returned to the Prayers of the People list by contacting the parish administrator, Renee Hood.

Sunday In-Person Morning Worship Service, May 8 led by The Rev. Jen Oldstone-Moore

You can connect to the service via Zoom. Click on this link to connect. If you have not used Zoom before, you will be prompted to download Zoom, go ahead and do that. When you enter the meeting you should be able to see and hear others and others can see and hear you. If you come in a little late, please listen for a moment before speaking. In order to see everyone, go to Gallery view (upper right on PCs and upper left for Macintosh). When we get started everyone except the speaker will be muted. If you are reading or playing music, please be sure to unmute yourself.

If you are connecting via telephone dial 301-715-8592 and when prompted enter the Meeting ID: 858 0497 0006 and press #, then enter the password: pray and press # again. NOTE: This is a new ID number as of April 4, 2022 so be sure to enter the new information!

Click here for the service booklet for May 8

We have heard that the daily reflections and scripture readings provided during Lent were appreciated. The meditations are written by persons from Saint Andrew’s, Gobin UMC and Beech Grove UMC. They will be in the newsletter each week and go from Wednesday to Tuesday, except for Sunday. Whether you enjoy these every day or as the Spirit moves you, may this resource continue to bring you spiritual food for the journey. Blessings!

Click here to view the readings and accompanying links.

Your prayers are asked for: