On the Closing of Cokesbury Bookstore

This week I was saddened to learn that all Cokesbury Book retail stores will be closed.  For many years they have served our area well as both a church supply and Christian bookstore.  It was always great to be able to roam the aisle, peruse the books and other goodies.  They always had free coffee and often cookies or other snacks.  What I will miss most is the personal service.

I remember when I was ordained deacon some 28 years ago how proud my parents were to go there and purchase for me my first clergy robe as a gift.  Likewise a few years later when I earned my doctorate they went back to purchase the stripes that went on the sleeves.  The clerk there even know a seamstress who could sew them on for us.  It's a wonderful memory.

That personal service has helped me make disciples.  Traditionally, our church presented Bibles to those being baptized.  In my present appointment I find myself sometimes baptizing adults who come to the faith for the first time.  I purchased a supply of "Wesley Study Bibles" when they were on sale a few years back.  When someone is being baptized, I would take them back to the store to have the leather cover engraved with their name.  It's amazing to me how many people became more serious about studying and reading the Bible by that simple personal touch made possible by having a local Cokesbury store who remembered you when you came in and knew you by name.

I know that the world is changing and online/ phone ordering may be the wave of the future, but the little personal touches made possible by a local store was a witness to Christ and the love of His Church.  I will surely miss them.

Reflections on the Day after an Election

The First Epistle to Timothy 2:1-8 admonishes us to be in prayer for those in authority.  I know that many have deep emotional feelings about last nights election.  For some it was a time of triumph and hope; yet, for others there was deep disappointment.  This morning I was met by people who had deep heartfelt emotional feelings on both sides.  Now that the election is over and we are faced with many challenges, I believe the proper Christian response is one of prayer for all those in authority and thanksgiving for those who lost the election but had the courage to offer their gifts for public service.  How then should we pray?  I've found it helpful to return to the classical prayers of our faith for guidance in these times.  Below I have included several prayers from the Episcopal Church's Book of Common Prayer that can serve as guidance for our prayers in these times.

18. For our Country
See also Various Occasions no. 17.
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

19. For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people inthy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

20. For Congress or a State Legislature
O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: We beseech thee so to guide and bless our Senators and Representatives in Congress assembled (or in the Legislature of this State, or Commonwealth), that they may enact such laws as shall please thee, to the glory of thy Name and the welfare of this people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

21. For Courts of Justice Almighty God, who sittest in the throne judging right: We humbly beseech thee to bless the courts of justice and the magistrates in all this land; and giveunto them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth, and impartially administer the law in the fear of thee alone; through him who shall come to be our Judge, thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.