Rob's GPE

A Passion Re-Kindled

2010-11-20T19:19:00.000-08:00

Although it has been well over a year since I have offered any reflections on this site it has never been far from my thoughts. It has waited - patiently - for me to return, and today I realized that with excitment.

My passion for the issues of Palestine and Israel were quieted while I completed my studies and began serving in full time ministry. In the past few months my passions have been stirred awake so that the issues of this tormented land are, once again, never far from my thoughts.

In response to these stirrings I have composed prayers for each of the last two meetings of Twin Valleys Presbytery, in an effort to help raise awareness of the issues of Palestine and Israel. These prayers created the incentive to return to blogging.

Please pray with me:

Merciful and gracious God my heart aches for peace in the Middle East. I pray that the hearts and minds of Israeli and Palestinian people might be opened to recognizing the value of a peaceful resolution to the conflict between their countries. I pray that all those who engage in conflict might catch one fleeting glimpse of how their world could look under a realm that honours justice, dignity, diversity and love. Merciful and gracious God my heart yearns to witness the coming of your kindom throughout the world, but especially in the Holy Land. God, I pray for peace. Hear my prayer... (September 16, 2010).

Creator God, I pray for peace in my heart and understanding in my mind. I confess that my freedom and my power give me a particular perspective on the world. In that awareness I acknowledge that my truth - my reality - is not universal. And so I pray for all who live under the burden of oppression. Especially, I pray for Palestinian farmers, who struggle to earn their livelihood under the domination of an intimidating government and military. I pray that those who tend fields and flocks, orchards and vineyards, may be recognized as human beings; people merely seeking security and comfort in their lives. Creator God, I pray for peace and understanding, hear my prayer and in your mercy answer... (November 19, 2010)

May it be so!

Blessings,
Rob.

One Step Closer to the Light

2009-07-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Songs and stories continue to reveal themselves as the memories and processing of my CPT experience stir and move and live. This song was one that I was introduced to almost twenty years ago, though it doesn't seem that long ago... "One Step Closer to the Light" was written by Shari Ulrich during her time spent in the trio of UHF with Bill Henderson (Chilliwack) and Roy Forbes (Bim).

"Sun was (rising) over sea, burning crimson and gold
Light of changing lights the sea, (filling) every heart is whole
Voices ring from every shore, for the legacy to end
Ancient enemies open doors, seeking justice not revenge

"One step closer to the light
A freedom burning through the night
One less soldier in battle
One less enemy in sight
One more border will fall
The people tearing down the walls
Bring us all one step closer to the light

"Hear the people of every land, offer liberty and choice
Heart by heart and hand to hand, raising up in common voice

"One step closer to the light
A freedom burning through the night
One less soldier in battle
One less enemy in sight
One more border will fall
The people tearing down the walls
Bring us all one step closer to the light"

Blessings,
Rob.

Living in the Aftermath

2009-06-16T21:15:00.001-07:00

Hello,

Though I have not posted for many months it is not as if I have forgotten about this ethereal space:) I suppose it is just one of the realities of living in the aftermath of such an intense experience; time and space intervene, edges are smoothed and refined, distances increase, yet memories stir beneath it all.

Since I last posted I have continued to reflect on the experience of being in the Holy Land last year, while all the while making room in my life for new experiences, new learnings, and the tension of welcoming the new and holding on to the past. As much as this might sound like an excuse to avoid blogging, it is more a sad reflection of the reality of life.

Still, many images of Israel and Palestine remain poignantly fresh in my memory. Pictures and words, voices and smells, sights... It was amazing!

Now, as I prepare for a few more formal presentations, I am experiencing a call back to this blogspot; a call to continue sharing stories and insights. I hope that you will welcome the chance to return to this journey. Stay tuned for more songs, a collection of poems and some specific responses to some of the books I've had the chance to explore...

Blessings,

Rob.

The Process of Processing

2009-01-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks,

First, my apologies: Life has intervened and posting to the site has taken the proverbial backseat.

Since I last posted, I have been busy working with photographs from the trip, to be used in presentations that I am making, around the area. This work has taken considerable time, but it has been the quintessential labor of love, refreshing and enlivening the stories.

Also, many people have been asking me about Gaza. I have to preface my response with the fact that the delegation I was on did not journey to Gaza. It was not part of our plans. Still, the news coming out of Gaza over the past month has been hard to carry...

I remember writing and speaking about truth, early on in this exercise - well before actually going on the delegation. Since that time I have found amongst my books (actually, in an Eco-Theology book) a phrase that has been the starting point of my presentations and a point I tend to return again and again too, throughout my conversations: "I cannot tell you the truth, I can only say what I know." I wonder if this is the place where peace might actually begin; where we stop trying to make things something that they are or stop trying to be the authority on solutions for problems that we really only have a superficial understanding of... I wonder...

If you have time, I've posted some new youtube links in the past few weeks... Dido's video reminded me about the stories of house demolitions... Jann Arden's song connects with the Jonah passage in this week's lectionary readings and resonates with the comment our delegation heard when we visited with Breaking the Silence: When the cost of not having peace exceeds the cost of having peace, then peace might become a possibility... The Guess Who's song Share the Land is obvious, I think... The John Denver video of him singing at a protest was the one I chose after hearing Serena Ryder's version and having all sorts of fun with Pete Seeger and the Weavers on youtube... So, go ahead, have a look and listen; enjoy!

Blessings,
Rob.

The photo was taken by my friend Jen, at the abandoned village of Lifta which today, is situated within the boundaries of Jerusalem.

Joy in the Desert: Part Two

2008-12-29T12:10:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

As I promised a couple of weeks ago, I have now received a photo of Nuri Elokbi. It's taken at the site of his protest tent in the Negev Desert (Late November 2008). The photo was taken by one of my CCS friends.

Blessings,

Rob.

What Brings You to the Manger?

2008-12-28T07:34:00.000-08:00

One late afternoon, around about the 26th of November, after arriving in Bethlehem our CPT delegation met up at the Church of the Nativity.

The Church of the Nativity is built over and surrounding the place where it is recorded that Mary gave birth to her firstborn - as son: Jesus. Essentially, the Church of the Nativity marks the place where Christianity began, with the humble - and at the time, seemingly inconsequential - birth of a Jewish baby to devout Jewish parents.

Throughout the ages, the Church of the Nativity has never lost its significance in the eyes and hearts of Christians. Today, it stands as a testament, not only to Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and the Magi, but also to all of the church and political leaders, the monastic orders and monks, the crusaders and pilgrims who have revered it and idolized it and adorned it in as many ways as possible, so that each visitor might find something personally moving in its story.

I would suggest that, at its most religious and spiritually captivating, the Church of the Nativity is a sacred pilgimage site. And, I would suggest that, at its least flattering, the Church of the Nativity - with its columns and mosaics and lamps, and the Grotto and its gift shops and tours - the Church of the Nativity is little more than a photo-op and a check mark on a vacation To-Do list.

To say that I was somewhat cynical during my brief visit to the Church of the Nativity might be an understatement.Now granted, I totally trust the cliche that says we only get out of an experience as much as we're willing to put into it, but my visit to the Church of the Nativity was not very inspiring. And, I'm kind of disappointed that I didn't get more out of it, as it is impossible to know whether or not I will ever have the opportunity to return.

But then, I think about the night of December 24th and the reasons that draws us into churhes and places of worship. In some ways, it seems to me that in our coming from our homes on Christmas Eve, to worship in a church sanctuary - to celebrate the Nativity - is liken to a pilgrimage. In some ways, it seems to me that the metaphor our church sanctuaries embrace on Christmas Eve is that of the Grotto - the place where it all began.

But what is it that brings you to the manger, really?

Do you come out of reverence? If so, reverence for whom or for what?

Do you come out of obedience or a sense of responsibility to some kind of long-standing, unexplained family tradition - because it's something we always do?

Do you come because you want to party? It's Christmas; do we always need a reason to party?

Do you come on some sort of quest? Are you looking or searching for something? Are you in need of answers to some difficult questions? Are you trying to understand what all the hype is about? Are you hoping for some kind of spiritual revelation?

Do you come to pray? Do you come, just to be? Perhaps there's a hope, though not an expectation, that you will encounter the Holy? Perhaps you'll meet an angel? Perhaps you'll see the star?

What is it that brings you to the manger?

We might have one or two, or many reasons for being drawn to the manger on Christmas Eve. Truth be known, the only person we have to justify why we come too, is our self.

All that I would suggest is that our participation in the celebration of Christmas began with a promise. It began with a promise from God - a promise revealed in the birth of a child. A child that would be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace. A child that would have such hope placed upon him, that throughout the world people would experience an almost primal need to remember him. People would experience such a powerful sense of needing to remember that they would be drawn back to the promise, back to where it all began, back to the manger. And there, amidst the straw and the bands of cloth, they would discover again the news of great joy that offers peace and love, to all.

Blessings,

Rob.

(This post was the body of my reflection at the Christmas Eve services in Gainsborough and Carievale.)

O Little Town of Bethlehem

2008-12-22T09:13:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

Yesterday my reflection was focused on the place where some people might argue "it all started." The story of the Christian faith, that is... Bethlehem... And, in light of this focus, I wanted to share with you an excerpt from my reflection:

"When I was in Bethlehem at the end of November, and although I probably should have known better, I was surprised that it really didn't look anything like I've been led to believe it looks like on the different Christmas cards I've seen. Indeed, it was nothing like that, at all.

"Probably the two most powerful images that I saw while I was in Bethlehem were murals painted on the sides of buildings. The first was probably six or eight feet in diameter. It was of a dove, in full flight with its wings spread. It was looking straight ahead - at the artist, so to speak. And this dove, with its penetrating stare, was wearing a bullet-proof vest. And, superimposed over the heart of the dove was the laser target from some kind of weapon that is meant to challenge the entire peace process...

"The second image, also a mural, showed a larger-than-life Israeli soldier with his back to the artist. His arms were raised above his head and spread against the wall of the building he was painted onto. His feet were spread and set back from the wall. It was a painting of an Israeli soldier, assuming the position of the oppressed... There was one other piece of this mural. It was the painting of a small girl in a frilly dress, reaching out to "pat down" the soldier. For me, the image simply illustrated the disparity between the oppressed and the oppressor in the conflict that plagues the Holy Land. And I have to say that, it often doesn't seem to make a lot of sense."

And so, I hold these images carefully as I think about how time has been difficult for the City of David and how I hear the title of its Christmas hymn as a lament...

In this season of hope, peace, joy and love, in the understanding and acceptance that in all the major faith traditions, God or Yahweh or Allah, are revered because of their love and justice, I pray that the people will follow the path of their God, and that that path will begin in hope, travelling through justice, to arrive at peace.

Blessings,
Rob.

Once again, when I receive photos of these murals, I'll post them.

Joy in the Desert

2008-12-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

As this Advent journey toward Christmas continues, I have tried to focus my thoughts each week, on the Lectionary theme of the week. With this week being the one in which the candle of Joy will be lit in many Advent wreaths, I have been conscious of where I have recognized joy, in light of my experience in the Middle East.

Well, one image of joy that is burned brightly into my memory comes from our delegation's tour through northern parts of the Negev Desert, where we visited with several Bedouin in their villages and homes. Most of these villages are "unrecognized" by the government and a number of the homes have demolition orders served on them.

Anyway, the image of joy that is burned brightly into my memory is that of Nuri Elokbi who is adamantly protesting for the rights of the Bedouin as citizens of Israel. When our delegation visited with him at his protest tent on the edge of the Ambassador’s Forest in the Negev, one member of our group got a photograph of him… Now in his late 60s, Nuri’s face is dark and wrinkled by the desert sun and wind. But it’s not a harsh, hard-looking face; it’s soft and gentle. His eyes are dark and bright. His hair, once he uncovered his head from the kefiya he was wearing, was neat and is mostly gray… And the photograph shows him with this wonderful, beautiful, amazing smile on his face…

To me, Nuri’s is the face of joy in the desert. His face reflects the desperate search through uncertainty that results in hope… His face reflects the energy one must give up to be a maker of peace… His face shines with love… Pure and simple love… The face of the Holy…

And so, as I continue my preparations for Joy Sunday, I will hold the image of Nuri Elokbi's face in my memory.

Blessings,

Rob.

(When I get a copy of the photo I spoke about above, I will post it. Also, this posting includes an excerpt from my "Reflections & Ponderings" for Sunday, December 14, 2008. For an email copy of the complete text, please drop me a line. R.)

A Prayer for the State of Israel

2008-12-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

As I continue to process my experience of two intense weeks in the Holy Land, I am mindful that it isn't necessarily helpful to submit to name-calling or finger-pointing. Jesus calls us to put as much - if not more - energy into loving those who we call "enemy," as we do into loving those who we call friend. With this understanding then, I invite you to read and reflect upon the following prayer, which comes to us via the organization Rabbis for Human Rights. I believe it models Jesus' call and offers us a sliver of hope that the difficult work of peace-making is worth the energy.

Let us pray...

"Sovereign of the Universe, accept in loving-kindness and with favor our prayers for the State of Israel, her government and all who dwell within her boundaries and under her authority. On the 60th anniversary of her founding, reopen our eyes and our hearts to the wonder of Israel and strengthen our faith in Your power to work redemption in every human soul. Grant us also the fortitude to keep ever before us those ideals to which Israel dedicated herself in her Declaration of Independence, so that we may be true partners with the people of Israel in working toward her vision, which has not yet been completely fulfilled.

"Grant the courage, wisdom and strength to do Your Will to those entrusted with guiding Israel's destiny. Guide them in the paths of peace and give them the insight to recognize Your Image in every human being. Be with those whose shoulders Israel's safety depends and defend them from all harm. May they have the strength to protect their country and the spiritual fortitude never to abuse the power placed in their hands.

"Spread Your Blessings over the Land. May Justice and Human Rights abound for all her inhabitants. Guide them "To do Justice, love Mercy and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8), and to do Your Will so that "... Justice will well up like water, righteousness like a mighty stream" (Amos 5:24). Implant tolerance and mutual respect in every heart, and may all realize that, "We were not brought into this world for conflict and dissension, nor for hatred, jealousy, harassment or bloodshed. Rather, we were brought into this world in order to recognize You, may You be blessed forever" (R. Nahman or Bratzlav). Spread over Israel and all the world Your Shelter of Peace, and may the vision of Your prophet soon be fulfilled: "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:4).

"So may it be Your Will that, speedily and in our day, all inhabitants of the earth will say of the State of Israel, "It is very good" (Genesis 1:31); for she will have become a blessing to the entire world and a "Light unto the nations.""

Amen.

Blessings,
Rob.

Back Home Again

2008-12-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

Well, I'm back!

I arrived in Canada during the late evening of Tuesday, December 2, after about 27 hours of travel. Thankfully, travel to and from Israel did not present any significant incidents - it was virtually trouble-free.

As I return I am filled with a great sense that there are so many stories to share. My hope and intention over the next few weeks (and months) is to share them, as much is possible, so that others might catch a glimpse of what this experience was all about. In this sharing I can only imagine that I might create a mosaic of this one Holy Land experience; a mosaic that will offer points of connection for those who follow along; points where you might find a resonance with your own story.
So, as we continue this journey, I will offer stories and reflections, photos and prayers, songs and videos, web site links and book titles that help to add to the richness of the 14 days I spent in Palestine and Israel.

Shukran,
Rob.

(The photo of the tree was taken at Tuwani.)

Itinerary

2008-11-16T14:21:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

Well, one more sleep in my own bed, and then one sleep at a friend's house before I'm off!

I thought that I would share some information about getting to Israel from home, and the return plans. First, I fly from Winnipeg to Toronto on Tuesday, November 18. From Toronto it will be on to Vienna, Austria and then on to Tel Aviv, Israel. Arrival in Tel Aviv is scheduled for late afternoon on Wednesday, November 19 (with the time change, this will be earlier in the day on the 19th in Canada). Our delegation leader will meet us at the airport in Tel Aviv and drive us to the Golden Gate Hostel.

The return sees departure from Tel Aviv, a brief stop in Vienna, back to Toronto, and then to Winnipeg, all on December 2. I have plans to stay a couple of extra days in Winnipeg, to debrief with some classmates who are also part of this delegation.

As far as where we'll be and what we'll be doing while we're in Israel, I can't say for sure. We're also told that access to communication (i.e., internet and telephone) will be minimal. As such, it is likely that I won't post anything new until I return. For those who are just finding their way to this site, it will give you a chance to catch up on past posts and some of the links, if you wish.

Thanks for following. We'll talk soon.

Blessings,
Rob.

The Blind Men and the Elephant

2008-11-15T06:22:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

As I pondered last night's offering, into the dark of night, I remembered this story and I thought about how it connects with the differences between my truth and yours, as an example...

It was six men of Indostan

To learning much inclined,

Who went to see the Elephant

(Though all of them were blind),

That each by observation

Might satisfy his mind.

The First approach'd the Elephant,

And happening to fall

Against his broad and sturdy side,

At once began to bawl:

"God bless me! but the Elephant

Is very like a wall!"

The Second, feeling of the tusk,

Cried, -"Ho! what have we here

So very round and smooth and sharp?

To me 'tis mighty clear

This wonder of an Elephant

Is very like a spear!

"The Third approached the animal,

And happening to take

The squirming trunk within his hands,

Thus boldly up and spake:

"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant

Is very like a snake!"

The Fourth reached out his eager hand,

And felt about the knee.

"What most this wondrous beast is like

Is mighty plain," quoth he,

"'Tis clear enough the Elephant

Is very like a tree!"

The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear,

Said: "E'en the blindest man

Can tell what this resembles most;

Deny the fact who can,

This marvel of an Elephant

Is very like a fan!"

The Sixth no sooner had begun

About the beast to grope,

Then, seizing on the swinging tail

That fell within his scope,

"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant

Is very like a rope!"

And so these men of Indostan

Disputed loud and long,

Each in his own opinion

Exceeding stiff and strong,

Though each was partly in the right,

And all were in the wrong!

MORAL.
So oft in theologic wars,

The disputants, I ween,

Rail on in utter ignorance

Of what each other mean,

And prate about an Elephant

Not one of them has seen!

John Godfrey Saxe ( 1816-1887)

Blessings,

Rob.

What Isn't Being Said

2008-11-14T20:03:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I thought that it would be good to name that there are some topics concerning Israel and the Palestinian Territories that I have not addressed, to date. My reason for this is that the things I know are interpreted from what I've read. They are not things which I have experienced first hand, and though I might trust the sources of the information, they are not my stories.

Still, I would like you to recognize that the stories I've read about the Separation Wall are stories that I carry. Perhaps I will be enlightened to its purpose, its limitations, and even its virtues once I meet some of those who contend with it on a daily basis...

And I would like you to recognize that the stories I've read about the political situation - the impending election - are stories that I carry. Perhaps I will learn from another's experience, the privilege it is to participate freely in decision-making. Perhaps I will be party to the hopes and fears of change; change that has the ability to radically alter one's life...

This evening I also read an internet story about a rocket attack in Gaza... The ramifications of this upon my journey may or may not be fully known in such a time as to affect this delegation. The truth is that for as much as we can prepare for anything, the reality we experience can be profoundly different from anything we might anticipate.

Someone told me today that to understand God's time, God's will, God's purpose for us, we must be patient. This is good advice as the number of sleeps (4) until I wing across the Atlantic become fewer and fewer. And so, the best preparation I can think of is to be rested and open; it's not to read too much into the little snippets we're fed in the media, which I am convinced has its own agenda.

And as for those things that aren't being said, maybe once they become part of my story, I'll feel more comfortable talking about them.

Blessings,

Rob.

One Week to Go

2008-11-10T19:49:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

Well, one week today I will be on the first physical leg of this adventure, traveling to Winnipeg in anticipation of Tuesday flights that will eventually see me in Tel Aviv.

For the most part, my preparations are all made (e.g., vaccinations all complete, supplies all together, pre-reading done), though final packing won't happen until this coming weekend.

In the past few days I have received phone calls and emails from CPT leaders (as have my co-travellers), offering further information about this delegation. They have offered from their experience scenarios of what might be encountered by travellers to the Middle East, in terms of what we might expect at custom points. What I recognize from their stories is a greater issue around trust, security and respect that is not limited to the Middle East, but is woven into much of culture where their is distrust, fear and disregard for others.

I think that it's important to remember that these delegations are not interested in causing trouble, but are interested in bringing attention to places that require healing. By doing this work, I believe that everyone is then given the chance to recognize their place in the brokenness, as well as their power, abilities and gifts that can contribute to the healing... It just seems that the distance between brokenness and healing is pretty huge, sometimes...

In spite of this, our humanity should be a powerful motivator, even if we can only take one step at a time toward the future; even if we can only reach out one hand in welcome to one stranger; even if we can only speak or sing one word of challenge against injustice. And I know that this is hard work, but because of our humanity, I believe it is shared work.

Blessings,
Rob.

The Box

2008-11-06T05:45:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

I remember first hearing this poem recited on a John Denver album (see Discography). Though the album had been out for awhile, it was one that I bought while I was in high school. It remains poignantly in my conscience, all these years later. I think this is so, considering all the choices that are available to us in life, and at this time of year, when the thoughts and feelings of Peace Sabbath fade and those of Remembrance Day begin to surface...

The Box (Lascelles)

Once upon the time in the land of Hush-a-bye,
around about the wondrous days of yore,
I came across a sort of box,
bound up with chains and locked with locks,
and labelled, "Kindly do not touch. It's WAR."

A decree was issued 'round about,
all with a flourish and a shout,
and a gaily colored mascot tripping lightly on before:
"Don't fiddle with this deadly box,
or break the chains or pick the locks,
and please, don't ever play about with war."

Well, the children understood.
The children happened to be good,
and they were just as good around that time of yore.
They never tried to pick the locks
or break into that deadly box;
they never tried to play about with war.
Mommies didn't either.
Sisters, aunts and grannies neither;
'cause they were quiet and sweet and pretty in those wondrous days of yore.

Well, very much the same as now,
not the ones to blame, somehow,
for opening up that deadly box of WAR.
But someone did.
Someone battered in the lid
and spilled the insides out across the floor.
A sort of bouncey, bumpy ball
made up of guns and flags and all the tears and horror
and the death that goes with war...
It bounced right out and went bashing all about
and bumping into everything in store,
and what was sad and most unfair
is that it didn't really seem to care
much who it bumped,
or why,
or what,
or for...

It bumps the children mainly,
and I'll tell you this quite plainly,
it bumps them every day and more and more,
and leaves them dead and burned and dying;
thousands of them sick and crying.
'Cause when it bumps, it's really very sore.

Now there's a way to stop the ball.
It isn't difficult at all.
All it takes is Wisdom, and I'm absolutely sure
that we can get it back into the box,
and bind the chains,
and lock the locks;
but no one seems to want to save the children anymore...

Well, that's the way it all appears,
'cause it's been bouncing 'round for years and years,
in spite of all the Wisdom-whiz in those wondrous days of yore.
And the time they came across the box,
bound up with chains and locked with locks,
and labelled, "Kindly do not touch. It's WAR."

Blessings,
Rob.

Counting Down

2008-11-04T21:19:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

Time is rolling on and as November 18th approaches I experience these surreal moments of, "Wow! This is really happening!"

Though there are still things to focus on as preparations continue, I have these indescribable moments where the reality seems, well, unreal. That my life's journey has brought me to this place is excitingly hard to believe. It's like one of those not-in-a-million-years kind of things where I don't believe I could have planned this...

Yet, here I am, poised to journey to the Holy Land and all of the uncertainties that such a journey, in this day and age, has to offer.

There are a lot of people in my web of connections, who are excited for me. And, much like the excitement that I feel, I am hearing them express anxiety and joy about what this journey might hold in store. It makes me wonder about how the North American/Western Hemisphere lifestyle is one that finds stability and meaning in comfort, contentment and security. What I mean is that, in my context, people seemed to be bred to the rhythm of a society that isn't very flexible, to say nothing about its inability to be spontaneous.

For the people living in a different culture, with different norms and values, I have a sense that there might be a firmer grasp on the reality of the Holy; where life is more natural and less artificial, that's where the mystery of creation and the Creator lie... This reminds me of Beguine spirituality and the medieval mystics who, by emptying themselves became more fully or wholly in touch with God; the Source of Life...

As the days of wondering what lies ahead for me disappear into the calendar, my best preparation is to not think or worry or plan too much. The experience will be what I need it to be, at a spiritual level likely beyond my conscious planning and plotting. Que sera, sera!

Blessings,
Rob.

Peace Sabbath

2008-11-02T04:48:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

Earlier this week, as I took some reflection time in my office, my eyes settled on a button pinned to my bulletin board. In a multi colored script it said, "If you want peace work for justice."

Yesterday, as I was pondering thoughts about Peace Sabbath, these words came back to me, and what I realized is that as much as we might long to live, day after day in peace, peace is the end product. In that way, peace becomes the goal.

I can't help but think how easily the word is tossed around, to the point where the word itself almost becomes meaningless. And so, I wonder if instead of simply speaking it, as something that is out there, we should pay more attention to the words (or actions, or tasks) that get us to peace? I wonder if instead of worrying about how insurmountable the work of achieving peace might seem, we should put our hearts, minds, backs, hands, feet and voices into those things that help to make peace a reality?

And so, I wonder... I wonder what the result of being humble would be? I wonder what playing fair really looks like? I wonder what justice means to those who simply want to live simply? I wonder if the difficult and time-consuming work of truth and reconciliation is worth the end result? I wonder what the hidden message in Jesus commandment to love was? I wonder what it will take to accept the work of peace, instead of thinking it's someone else's responsibility?

Blessings,
Rob.

Prayer Shawls

2008-10-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

I have pondered the subject of this posting for a couple of weeks and anticipate that I may have more to say about it, at a later date...

In the meantime, I will tell you that I've been the recipient of a prayer shawl from the people of the Seymour Pastoral Charge in Ontario. A fellow CPT delegation participant and CCS classmate received and passed along shawls to other delegation members, on behalf of the good folks of Hoards, Stanwood and Tabernacle. The card that accompanied my shawl said, "Peacefully remembering you as you prepare to travel. Peace be with you."

As I hold the shawl in my hands or feel it wrapped around my shoulders, arms and neck, I have a deep sense of being truly blessed. Not only does this shawl provide a tangible reminder of relationships woven together through innumberable life experiences, but it also provides a soft, warm feeling - literally - of being cared for and carried. If that doesn't sound like a blessing, I'm not sure what would...

I am still undecided whether or not I will take my prayer shawl when I go to the Middle East, as space will be limited. Until that time though, I gratefully accept its accompanying prayer and offer the simple response of, "And also with you," to everyone who is connected to me through this gesture of care.

Blessings,

Rob.

Bottle Drive

2008-10-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hello!

One of the ministry opportunities that I have is spending time each week with children in the Gainsborough community. These "kids" are from 5 to 12 years old and they gather at the church for a time of storytelling, snack, prayer, song and activity, that we call "Kids Club."

Yesterday, I had the chance to talk with the children about my upcoming GPE to Israel and I shared stories with them about how far away Israel is from Gainsborough, Saskatchewan, Canada. We talked about how long it might take me to get to Israel and how I would be doing that (e.g., walking to my van; driving to Winnipeg; flying on an airplane to Toronto and then to Israel).

We also talked about some of the trouble that people are experiencing in Israel. We talked about the trouble some children have in getting to school. We talked about the wall that is being built and how it makes life hard for some people. We talked about how some people live in caves and how when others try to build houses, they get knocked down.

We also spent a wee bit of time learning the Hebrew word "Shalom," and how in our language, it means "Peace." When we meet for Kids Club in the future, we might learn some more Hebrew or Arabic words.

In response to my stories, the other leaders and the kids in Kids Club decided that they wanted to support me on my GPE. So, they have decided to hold a bottle drive to raise money for me. Again, it's an amazing expression of spirit-filled generosity, and for that I say, "Thank you!"

Blessings,

Rob.

Thanksgiving

2008-10-11T18:17:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

I wanted to take a moment or two to say "Thank you" to those who have supported me, thus far, on this experience. Beyond the financial support (which I truly appreciate), another form of support is the genuine interest that folks are showing, since the announcement of my GPE. This is really quite amazing! I get a sense as well, that the conversations we have act as a catalyst for you to (perhaps) pay more attention to the events that are happening in the world, that don't really seem to directly effect you. I believe that this is one way that exposure and awareness to the kind of peace initiatives that are needed in the world can happen and I think that CPT relies on these kinds of interactions - like our conversations - to help raise the profile of their ministry.

As far as support goes, in the past few weeks I have experienced three unique expressions of support that I wanted to share with you:

First, a pair of friends with deep connections to the CCS Diaconal program offered a financial contribution to my GPE. For whatever their reason, I would like to think that some of it has to do with their affirmation of my call to diaconal ministry and that, in our time of getting to know each other, they have recognized something in me that gives them hope... I don't know for sure, I'm simply assuming. Anyway, in a very pay-it-forwardish kind of way, I find in their generosity, a challenge for me to find opportunities to support future CCS students in their educational adventures. This particular expression of support also reminds me of the web that exists in the diaconal community; a web of care and compassion, concern and celebration.

The second expression happened yesterday when folks from the Gainsborough church (Knox United) hosted a soup and sandwich lunch and bake sale as a fundraiser. The purpose of this event was to raise money that could be shared between a capital renovation project at the church, my GPE, and perhaps other church related needs. Well, it was one of those times when your on the edge of chaos and creeping ever closer to panic as the sandwich mixes and bread runs low and people keep coming and coming. It was great! We were making sandwiches, stirring soup, slicing dessert, clearing tables, washing dishes; people kept changing places in the kitchen, going from dish washer to server to slicer to dish washer; people came in to eat lunch and go, eat lunch and sit for a spell. It was one of those times when one catches a glimpse of real communion; flesh and blood communion... It's about relationships and caring for one another. It's about sharing burdens and joys and work. Christ is alive!

And, the third expression: I heard about it yesterday, but it's been happening for awhile. There is a young fellow who is connected with the Gainsborough church who seems to be very interested about my GPE. He has been telling his friends at school about it. he is finding ways to share his own allowance to support me, and he's coming up with innovative ways to raise more funds. For some reason his yearning to explore and discover, and his zest for life have found nurture and sustenance in my GPE. In his person, I see the spirit of positive attitude, possibility and hope, and I am reminded that children are full contributors to our communities.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings,
Rob.

Presentations

2008-10-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks,

I wanted to remind you that I am very interested in visiting with folks following my return from the Middle East. So, if you know of groups who might be interested in a presentation, please be in touch and we'll work at scheduling it.

It's my hope to make the presentations flexible to the time available and the venue. I am working on creating presentations that will include spoken word, images, music and interactive elements. Also, I will make every attempt to make the presentations accessible to a variety of ages.

So, I invite you to keep tabs on my newest gadget (Presentations), and let me know if you're interested in this. Then we'll see what we can do!

Blessings,
Rob.

Discography

2008-10-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

I added a new gadget to the page, today. "Discography" was an idea that I thought of late last night, as I continued to think about David Shulman's stories... It often happens that something I read or see or experience reminds me of a song, as was the case last night.

Songs in particular, and music in general, provide me with ways of gleaning understanding out of the experiences of life. I think that they also (in some cases) help me in my understanding of who, what, where and when God is. So, the first three titles I've offered remind me of God's presence in the midst of turmoil and confusion, conflict and despair. The lyrics of the songs at their minimum, whisper of the hope that is often difficult to see in such times; I believe that the words challenge us to look beyond the moment and recognize the fragility of life. My own hope then, is that in recognizing this fragility, we will also recognize the sacredness of life, all life, and in that sacredness, recognize the Holy.

"Turn on all the lights inside your heart!"

Blessings,
Rob.

Fear

2008-10-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

While driving home from Winnipeg in February, I heard an interview with David Shulman on CBC Radio. It was with regard to his recent book, "Dark Hope."

With the anticipation that I would be able to travel to the Middle East for my GPE, I was moved to purchase a copy of Shulman's book. Subsequently, it has ended up on my pre-GPE reading list.

Today, a quarter of the way through this reflective diary that documents one person's experience of working for peace in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, I have a sense of the potential drama that awaits me in approximately six weeks time.

Shulman speaks often of the village of Twaneh, in the South Hebron Hills. My curiosity was peeked because this name seemed very similar to At-Tuwani which is supposedly in the same area, and is a village that CPT works in... Well, in a brief internet search I have come to the conclusion that Twaneh and At-Tuwani are one in the same.

In Shulman's words: "If you live in Twaneh or Jinba or Palestinian Susya, you know what it feels like to be helpless in the face of continuous predatory attack, wanton destruction, shots, blows, attempts to kill - all this with the connivance of the heartless machine of occupation." (Dark Hope, p. 59)

When I read these words, recognizing that they are born out of a lived experience, I feel fear. In anticipation of traveling to this area to learn and to work I feel fear for my safety, fear for those who live there, and fear for our world. In my home I am relatively safe; free to live and work and play; free to travel and become educated; free, and living without fear...

And so my challenge is to discover how, in my freedom, I can aid change...

One other internet search brought me to the website for Occupation Magazine where this message was displayed: "The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil; but because of the people who don't do anything about it."

Blessings,
Rob.

Rise Above

2008-10-04T19:48:00.001-07:00

Greetings,

As I was reading this morning, about the reality of harassment and checkpoints, politics and health care, rights violated and protectors and defenders of rights with deaf ears and blind eyes, I remembered a song that I wrote during my first Learning Circle at CCS (the Pastoral Care Year, October, 2005). It's called "Rise Above" and I'd like to share the words with you here. The music relies on the bass line and cadence of Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D, while the text is inspired and begins with Isaiah 2:1-4.

In days to come the people will say, "Let us go together to the house of God where we shall learn God's ways..."

A promise is born in the Love of God
that we shall rise. We shall rise above.

The message is peace in the Word of God;
help us to rise. We shall rise above.

Justice and truth are the Way of God.
So we must rise. We shall rise above.

Together we'll dwell in the House of God.
Together we'll rise. We shall rise above.

In days to come we shall seek God,
and rise above. We shall rise above.

In days to come we shall know God,
and rise above. We shall rise above.

Blessings,
Rob.

Some Background Info

2008-10-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Folks,

By way of introduction, I am offering a re-worked version of the article I submitted to three of the newspapers in the Carnduff area...

I serve as the minister for the United Churches in Carievale and Gainsborough, Saskatchewan. I will be traveling to Israel and the Palestinian Territories for 14 days at the end of November. There I will learn about and share in the work of the Chrisitan Peacemakers Team (CPT).

Christian Peacemakers Team arose from a call for Christians to devote the same discipline and self-sacrifice to nonviolent peacemaking that armies devote to war. Participants on CPT delegations join in the on-going work of violence deterrence, accompaniment and documentation, serving as a public witness against violence and oppression. The CPT delegation to Israel and the Palestinian Territories will spend time in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Hebron, as well as other points in the occupied territory of the West Bank.

I arrived in southeastern Saskatchewan in July of 2007, to serve the Gainsborough-Carievale Pastoral Charge of the United Church of Canada as student supply. I study with the Centre for Christian Studies (CCS, WInnipeg) in the Diploma in Diaconal Ministry program. In this current year of studies, one of the foci is to participate in a Global Perspectives Experience (GPE). The GPE provides CCS students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of themselves through reflection on their theological convictions and their roles in marginalization, oppression and justice-making in the global context.

Upon returning home to North America, I would welcome opportunities to share the stories of this experience.

Blessings,
Rob.

Beginnings

2008-10-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Folks,

After much thought and many inquiries, I have taken the leap and created a blog!

As I anticipate the life-changing experience that lies ahead, I have reflected on how to best share the story of this experience; as it begins, as it continues, and as it evolves. I look forward to sharing the story of my Global Perspectives Experience to Israel and the Palestinian Territories on a delegation of the Christian Peacemakers Team, with you.

In the days, weeks and months ahead, I invite you to share the experience; share the journey. Welcome!

Blessings,
Rob.