St Edmund's Episcopal Church San Marino

STEDY, February 13, 2019

It is ironic, many have commented, that his last name is Love and yet he is refusing to perform marriages. Its been a bit of news in the Episcopal Church that a bishop is refusing to perform same sex marriages despite General Convention mandate of marriage equality in the church’s U. S. diocese. Like many Christians, he feels that same sex marriage is contrary to scripture and the “official teaching” of the Church therefore he forbids all licensed and ordained clergy in his diocese of Albany from performing these weddings. Consequently restrictions have been placed upon his areas of authority but in general the thing is a bit of a mess. The Episcopal Church has lots of company as there are many different opinions on anything related to LGBTQi issues. While this has caused division and hurt, it takes us to a core issue that has afflicted Christianity since our beginning and will never go away. It also forces us to have to deal with handling differences of opinion with grace.
One of the core issues with this as well as many, many other places of disagreement is how we read scripture. Many people read the bible literally which means whatever it says is what we should do. Seven places in the bible mention homosexuality and they are: Genesis 19:1-11, Judges 19:16-30, Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 and 1 Timothy 1:9-11. All say variations of homosexuality being unnatural to an “abomination”. The bible appears to be very clear and for people like Bishop Love, to support such relationships would go against the word of God. While I disagree with this way of reading scripture I deeply respect someone who is trying, even struggling to live according to the word of God.
Others read the bible differently. In addition to reading what it written, there is an additional piece of learning the culture and the audience to whom these words were originally written. This to me is the fun part because we get to stop and really picture what life was like. What are the priorities for these people as a culture, as a family, as a person? What are the social rules that cannot be violated and which are the ones people ignore? What were the power structure like? Who was being hurt the most and how was God using these words to protect them?
Its ironic that the book intended to teach love has caused so much hatred. Reading a collection of stories that are so old and from so many different cultures can be very intimidating. One check is one’s reading of the Bible should never permit or encourage them to be cruel. The entire book is story after story of caring for the minority, watching out for the person with the least amount of power. I think God purposely designed it to be an exercise to help us be secure enough that we can show respect for those who are different from us.
To read the original story click here.
Bishop Curry’s response can be read HERE
To read Bishop Love’s letter click HERE
~ This Sunday ~

February 17
Team 3 Acolyting

Sunday School
10 am | Sunday School Classrooms

Heather and Antonio will be out of town so we will not have Family Worship, only Sunday school at 10 am in the classrooms

~

Wednesday, February 20
7 pm | Valentine Little Theater
Stuck in the Middle: The Sandwich Generation
Presented by Dr. Donna Benton

Many middle-aged Americans find themselves as part of the “Sandwich Generation”- those responsible for taking care of their children and aging parents at the same time. Dr. Donna Benton, the Director of USC’s Family Caregiver Support Center/Los Angeles Caregiving Resource Center, will discuss issues surrounding the “Sandwich Generation” and offer practical solutions and support for those stuck in the middle of juggling kids, careers, and aging parents.

~

February 23
29th Annual Rotary International
District 5300

Peace Conference
Saturday, February 23, 2019
University of La Verne
Ann and Steve Morgan Auditorium
Founders Hall
1950 3rd St, La Verne, CA 91750 Map
Conference: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Conference Flyer Here

~

Sunday, February 24
Team 4 Acolyting

Family Worship
10 am |Chapel

Sunday School
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms

~

Sunday, March 3
Team 1 Acolyting

Family Worship
10 am |Chapel

Sunday School
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms

Youth Group
5 – 7 pm

~

Sunday, March 10
Team 2 Acolyting

Family Worship
10 am | Chapel

Sunday School
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms

Please feel free to contact Heather if you have questions.