Sanctuary
Graphic by Rockwell Kent
Dear Beloveds,
Our heart's break at what feels to be the increasingly surreal vortex of this historical moment. No one of us is untouched by the chaos ensuing in our social and political fabric. How shall we ride this great tidal wave of uncertainty?
So much of what is being promulgated by our current administration in the name of faith is anathema to the essence of core religious values.
So I hold a vision of Sanctuary before us.
Sanctuary
In the bible, a sanctuary is a sacred place where God is present. The word 'sanctuary' in Hebrew word, 'miqdash', meaning sacred place. As the Hebrews wandered in the wilderness, they built a tent of meeting, where they would commune with God and be in God's presence, as a place of refuge.
Are we not, beloveds, on a pilgramage in the desert right now? On a journey into the unknown? Our sanctuaries need to be portable, always with us, right to hand, so we can find a 'tent of meeting' with the Divine as we navigate a desert of chaos and confusion.
The concept of sanctuary predates Judaeo-Christianity. Greek and Roman Temples offered sanctuary. In medieval Europe, fugitives could escape death penalty by seeking refuge in a church. Indeed, most all religious traditions have a practice of offering sanctuary to those in need. So it feels a travesty and a violation that this ancient covenant and sanctuary of refuge which has been threatened in other nations is now being threatened.
in this country.
We have a mandate now to hold sanctuary within ourselves, within our communities, and in the world. To hold within our own beings a sanctuary where the darkest parts of ourselves can be held and dwell. Our own tent of meeting in our hearts, where we meet the Divine. And we have a mandate to stand for the sanctuary of those most at risk in our communities
Speaking Truth to Power
As an Episcopal priest, I am honored to stand with my church, in gratitude for the actions that the Episcopal church is taking, both nationally and locally, in the face of current threats to sanctuary. In response to the Trump Executive Orders, Episcopal church leaders in a letter stated:
"To our siblings who are at risk of deportation or of being separated from those you love, know that your story is our story, and your dignity is inseparable from our own. We stand with you, and we will face these challenges together."
To read the full letter, click here.
Many of us have heard or listened to the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde's, Bishop of the Diocese of Washington DC, thoughtful and courageous sermon. She preached during a prayer service at the National Cathedral in Washington DC, the day after the inauguration, in which Donald Trump was present.
After a balanced and nuanced call for unity, she issued a charge directly to President Trump, "to have mercy on those who are afraid."
To watch the full sermon, click here.
At my ordination to the Episcopal priesthood, Bishop Paul Moore Jr. of the Diocese of New York gave us this charge, "Speak truth to power," he commanded us from the pulpit of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. Bishop Mariann Budde is a powerful example of this charge.
It is our imperative, all of us, to hold this stance, as imperfectly and humanly as we can.
We celebrate, honor, and pray with great gratitude for our collective witness. May we dwell in the tent of meeting in our hearts as we hold fast to a vision for humanity in a just and loving world.
At Gateway House, we are holding a Sanctuary meeting. Please see details below....
Gateway House Sanctuary Meeting
Thursday, February 27th | 6:30 pm
May we come together to share ideas and resources on how respond in this critical time.
Gateway House is committed to holding sanctuary
within ourselves, our communities and our world.
Join us.
Light food and depending on the weather, a fire.
Rsvp 845-417-5430
CEREMONY WITH GATEWAY HOUSE
Gateway House produces Celtic Turn of the Wheel events, celebrating the Summer & Winter Solstices, Vernal & Autumnal Equinoxes as well as the Cross Quarter days of Halloween, Imbolc, Beltane and Lammas. The high holy days of Christmas and Easter are also celebrated. Our events include performative arts and ceremonies, community networking, food, and fire, followed by performances on our Gateway House stage.
Gateway House logo designed by Mirabai Trent!
Imbolc: Saturday, February 1 | 5PM – late
Gateway House, 12 Fairview Ave, Rosendale
For Imbolc, we'll be stepping through the Gate of Trees. Amy Little will lead us in The Quickening. Mirabai Trent embodies Brigid. I will offer a seasonal homily. We will process to the Grandmother Sycamore tree and honor her with prayer & Haiku. Receive a hug and dance with David Budd as a Dancing Bear. Afterwards, enjoy performances by The 4 Joy Singers (Lauren Sky, Felicia Flanagan, Sarah Urech and Lori Wynters), Richard Sky and Felicia Flanagan....Oh and Barely Lace.
$15 Donation | Potluck (please byo utensils)
Please RSVP to 845-417-5430 for parking info.
Gateway House Sanctuary Meeting
Thursday, February 27th | 6:30 pm
May we come together to share ideas and resources on how respond in this critical time. Gateway House is committed to holding sanctuary within ourselves, our communities and our world.
Join us.
Light food and depending on the weather, a fire.
Please RSVP to 845-417-5430.
Vernal Equinox: Friday, March 21 | 5pm
Stay tuned for more details...
We invite your support of Gateway House's work and mission with gratitude for all who participate in offering their time, talent and resources.
KALEIDOSCOPIC CONSTELLATIONS
Constellations is a beautiful way of seeing how our past histories inform our present views. This work enables us to source a kaleidoscopic gaze, recognizing that one shift, one slight turn allows the luminous fragments of our life to be beheld in a wholly different view.
Constellations is a very permeable form that enables practitioners to weave together their own modalities and capacities. As a ceremonialist and arts producer, I incorporate elements of both ritual and expressive arts into facilitation of Family & Systemic Constellations work, which I call Ritual or Kaleidoscopic Constellations.
You can find these offerings at the following places:
Monthly Constellation Group
Saturday, February 15 | 3 – 6PM | $40
Saturday, March 15 | 3 – 6PM | $40
Saturday, April 19 | 3 – 6PM | $40
Gateway House, 12 Fairview Ave, Rosendale
RSVP: Please fill out this Inquiry Form below.