The Messenger Published by the Swedenborgian Church of North America Volume 238• Number 9 • November 2016

the Messenger Published by the Swedenborgian Church of North America Volume 238• Number 9 • November 2016

The SCYL Fall Retreat: Teens in the Bible, Part II

By Kurt Fekete Rounding out our retreat staff, we Isaac and Rebekkah’s twin sons, Ja- welcomed Holly Bauer and Nina Sass- cob and Esau. I first reviewed the his- record number sixteen teen- er. These two adults, both past presi- tory of the family from Abraham to re- agers ventured to Cedar Hill dents of SCYL, are very active in our mind the teens of my session last year Retreat Center in South Dux- young adult Transitions group, and we on Isaac and Ishmael before discuss- Abury, Massachusetts, on a Friday eve- were very grateful that they could join ing Jacob and Esau. We read the story ning in early October to attend the re- us in staffing this retreat. Nina and of their birth in Genesis 25 and how treat “Teenagers in the Bible: Part 2.” Holly oversaw the teen kitchen teams Esau was born first with Jacob follow- Many teens who attended this retreat that did all the cooking and dishes and ing, grabbing Esau’s heel. We learned last year returned to catch the sec- led the group icebreaker game. Nina how Esau was red and hairy and Jacob ond part of this two was smooth-skinned. part series on some of Then we heard the sto- the more famous ad- ry about Esau giving olescents and young away his birthright for adults from the Bible. a bowl of stew. Also joining us were I explained how five teens who have this story relates to the never traveled to this point in our life when retreat before. Eleven we first become inde- of the teens came from pendent and start to the Midwest (Indiana, live our life on our own Michigan, and Ohio); as referenced in Ani- nine of these teenagers ta Dole’s Bible Study rode the van pi- The SCYL retreat group at Alley Kat Lanes Notes. The twins loted again by the represent the con- very capable drivers Rev. Kit Billings also helped out with grocery shopping flicted and clear division between our and Tammara Mounce; and two teens and assisted with the end of retreat desires (Esau) and our knowledge (Ja- were fortunately enough to fly, thus cleanup. What a blessing to have such cob). We no longer have another adult, avoiding the often less than pleasant wonderful staff at this retreat to help a parent or guardian, responsible for sixteen-plus-hour van ride. (I am very guide our teens! our actions. When we strike out on appreciative that Rachael Sbrocco was As mentioned above, at this retreat our own, we want to do good and be able to host the van group on Thurs- the teens revisited Bible stories involv- good but we also have these strong, of- day night at her home in Pennsylvania ing children, teens, and young adults, ten selfish desires and we lack wisdom. so they did not have to make the entire and discovered how these ancient sto- We’re all frequently tempted to grasp grueling drive in one day.) Three teens ries, as illuminated by Emanuel Swe- at some present outward satisfaction came up from New Jersey to join one denborg, might be helpful to us today. at the sacrifice of a future great and local teen from Massachusetts and one I opened the retreat-themed sessions more interior good. This is the repre- teen from Maine. on Saturday morning with the story of Continues on page 134

Toward a Spiritual Eco-Justice: James A. Nash and the Virtue of Frugality • On Swedenborg and the Church More Inside New Elmwood Church Dedicated • The View from Holy Hill • Kansas Association Fall Retreat Contents: page 132 We Have More in Common than You Think • Living Our History: the 2017 Annual Convention 132 the Messenger November 2016

The Editor’s Desk the founder and pastor (Lutheran), has planted a thriving alternative church. Brainstorming at the Jane Siebert invited a consultant to New York New Church learn about the church and its chal- I have the privilege lenges and to help us envision possibil- of serving on an ad hoc ities. We had an encouraging meeting committee appointed in which she shared a number of ideas by President Jane Siebert to consult for using and growing the church. Her with the New York New Church on experience is in bringing people to- possibilities for their future. We met gether (mostly Millennials) for one- with the trustees, at their request, at time and ongoing events based on the New York New Church in Octo- (Clockwise from upper left))Young Min Kim, community and common striving for Jennifer Lindsay, Jane Siebert, Tom Neuenfeldt, ber to discuss possibilities for future Anna Woofenden, Anna Martinian, meaning in their lives. direction. Attending the meetings Will Linden, and Cheryl Bryant. The trustees of the church and the were New York trustees Cheryl Bry- committee will continue to pursue new ant, Anna Martinian, and Will Lin- and, indeed, most mainline churches, ideas and find ways to put them into den and committee members Rev. Jane are facing the same problems. practice. Siebert, Rev. Young Min Kim, Jennifer Anna Woofenden, who “planted” —Herb Ziegler Lindsay, Tom Neuenfeldt, Rev. Anna the Garden Church in San Pedro, Cali- Woofenden, and myself. fornia, over two years ago, offered ideas The New York Church has a long and perspectives on alternative forms the Messenger and rich history extending to the ear- of church and worship, and arranged © The Swedenborgian Church of North America ly part of the nineteenth century, but for the group to attend a Monday eve- Published monthly except July and August by the Communications Support Unit of the Swe- its congregation has shrunk over time, ning service at St. Lydia’s Church in denborgian Church of North America (founded 1817, incorporated 1861 as the General Conven- and the trustees want to reimagine the Brooklyn. tion of the New Jerusalem in the United States of best use of the church’s resources in ful- St. Lydia’s is a dinner church in a America), Rev. Jane Siebert, president. filling its mission. This problem is not storefront (http://stlydias.org); it holds November 2016 unique to the New York New Church. services while participants share din- Volume 238, No. 9, Whole Number 5414 Most of our Swedenborgian Churches ner, preparation, and cleanup. Week- Editor, design and production: Herbert Ziegler Copy editing and proofing: Robert Leith, Renée days, they rent co-working space to Hellenbrecht, & Trevor individuals working independently Communications Support Unit: Elizabeth Blair, without an office. Rev. Emily Scott, Tamara Mounce & Katie Pruiett Contents Printing: Gnomon Copy, Cambridge MA Editorial Address: The SCYL Fall Retreat: Herb Ziegler, the Messenger Teens in the Bible, Part II...... 131 To subscribe to 2 Hancock Place Cambridge MA 02139 The Editor’s Desk...... 132 the Messenger online, scan this image with a Tel: 617.388.0252 Letter from the President...... 133 QR reader on your cell Email: [email protected] New Elmwood Church Dedicated...... 135 phone or tablet. Business and Subscription Address: Toward a Spiritual Eco-Justice: James The Messenger, Central Office 50 Quincy Street A. Nash and the Virtue of Frugality.136 Cambridge MA 02138 Reflection: On Swedenborg Tel: 617.969.4240 and the Church...... 138 Church Calendar Email: [email protected] Kansas Association Fall Retreat...... 139 • Dec 27–30: SCYL Winter Retreat: Subscriptions: free online subscription at East Coast Fall Retreat...... 139 “Divine Writings,” Almont Retreat www.swedenborg.org. Printed and mailed to US address, $20/year; to Canada address, $30/year; The View from Holy Hill...... 140 Center, Allenton, MI • January 19, 2017: Emanuel to all other addresses, $35/year; single copies, Op Ed: We Have More in $2.00, Libraries & prisoners, free. Send check Swedenborg’s birthday* made out to “Swedenborgian Church” with “Mes- Common than You Think...... 143 • July 8–12, 2017: 2017 Annual Conven- senger” on the memo line. Other requests, write Blogging the Life of tion, West Chester, PA or call Central Office. Rev. Horand Gutfeldt...... 144 Deadline for submissions is three weeks before * This is the date in the Julian calendar, used the first day of the month of issue. Passages...... 145 in Sweden when Swedenborg was born, in The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect Living Our History: the 1688. In the Gregorian (modern) calendar, the views of the Messenger, the Communications 2017 Annual Convention...... 146 the date is February 8. Support Unit, or the Swedenborgian Church. the Messenger November 2016 133

(chairs of the five support units, chair of the Council of Ministers, a representative of General Council) is Letter charged with keeping the organizational structure of General Convention working. We met as the Cabi- from the net to understand what each support unit is working on and to come together as a team. President The Ministries Support Unit disburses the mission funds for special mission needs of our churches, and each member of the support unit has five or six 2016–17: The Year of the Word: churches that they call regularly and offer support to. The Power of the Holy Scriptures The Education Support Unit plans and organiz- es the mini-courses at convention; in addition, they Dear Friends, oversee the Swedenborgian Church’s youth director Volunteers are on my mind as I write this post. and youth programs. As I have the opportunity to travel around to meet- The Information Management Support Unit is ings and churches, I am brought to my knees as I working hard with the Digital Presence Group to experience the gift of volunteerism that is essential restructure the denominational website. The Com- to our denomination, our camps, our churches, and munication Support Unit is also working on the new one another. website, a welcome packet for churches, and oversees Two weekends ago I met with the Wayfarer’s Cha- the Messenger editor. pel Board in Palos Verdes, California. Seven volun- The Financial and Physical Resources Support teer board members from around the US and Cana- Unit is working with the treasurer on the sale of the da met for two days to oversee the activities, minis- San Diego Church and consults on the budget. They try, and work at the chapel. They met with the direc- also serve as the Augmentation Fund Committee, tor of ministry and the director of administration to which accepts grants and offers assistance in fund- budget, plan, and supervise the ongoing care of the ing ordained General Convention ministers’ salaries. chapel and grounds. This board puts in many addi- The Investment Committee met in Boston in Oc- tional volunteer hours, serving in a variety of capaci- tober. Six volunteers with financial expertise meet ties. They have two face-to-face meetings and at least twice a year, in addition to conference calls, to advise one teleconference each year. on the Common Fund where many of our churches, That same weekend, the Board of Trustees of our seminary, affiliated organizations, and the de- our seminary, The Center for Swedenborgian Stud- nomination have their monetary assets invested. The ies, met in Berkeley. Twelve volunteers serve on this fund, managed by Pierce Park Group, regularly per- board that meets for two days twice a year to sup- forms in the top ten percent of similar investment port our seminary, our professors, our staff, and funds. Swedenborgian seminarians throughout the nation. This weekend the 2017 Convention Planning They also orchestrate the graduation and corporation Committee is having a teleconference. Ten volun- meeting at annual conventions. teers will talk monthly to garner ideas, split up the Last weekend, I enjoyed a productive meeting in work and the responsibilities to offer the best annual Chicago with the Cabinet. This group of volunteers Continues on page 144 134 the Messenger November 2016

SCYL Fall Retreat day into the retreat center for a warm, (1 Samuel 17). As this is such a familiar Continued from page 131 inviting dinner. After dinner, we went story to most of the teens, I had them out into the dark, drizzly night, loaded recount the tale to me. I would inter- sentation of the struggle between Jacob into cars and vans and traveled to Alley ject on occasion to fill in a finer detail and Esau. Desire (Esau) comes first. Kat Lanes for our annual disco glow or emphasize an important aspect of Without motive and passion, there is bowl outing. The teens enjoyed the ar- no thinking or acting. But in order to cade games and bowling while Kit and act, we first must figure out how. There I valiantly competed and humbly lost is a continual dynamic and tense re- on the lanes against the shrewdly capa- lationship between ble, much young- our desire and our er, and more ag- knowledge, and ile Nina and Hol- nowhere is this ly. We returned to more pronounced Cedar Hill in time than in our late for a more person- teenage and young al and intimate ses- adult years. sion with Tamma- Rev. Kit Billings ra where the teens led our afternoon were able to check session. Kit told Scout, Ivy, and Freya lounging on the sofa in and share spe- the teens the sto- cific challenges ry of Samson found in Judges 14–16. and gratitudes in a circle of open and Last day on the beach until next year He emphasized how Samson had super honest sharing. The night ended with the story. Then, once we reviewed the strength but also suffered from super indoor oven s’mores (they were deli- story in detail, I showed two video re- weaknesses, namely bad choices. Kit cious!) as it was too wet outside for an enactments of the famous David and had the teens consider their strengths, evening campfire. Goliath scene. The first video was a clip their unique God given gifts, talents, On Sunday morning we awoke to from The History Channel acclaimed and abilities, and had them make a a strengthening storm with waves of miniseries The Bible (http://tinyurl. vow to not sell out these strengths to gusty winds and pelting rain. We were com/zkszbaz). I instructed the teens to anyone or anything. He explained that experiencing the remnants of Hurri- carefully watch the video and tell me if even if you mess up on your vow, “God cane Matthew, which had traversed far they discovered any inaccuracies in the is there to forgive and help you to do out to sea but still brought us a day of video when compared to the story from better the next time.” He closed with, wind and rain as the outermost bands the Bible. I found six when I watched it “Remember where your strengths before the retreat, but the teens found come from and look out for anyone all six of mine plus one that I did not who tries to offer you a free haircut.” catch! You may want to watch the vid- Saturday afternoon was spent frol- eo yourself and see how many you can icking in the warm sunshine throw- find. Then I showed them an animat- ing the Frisbee and beachcombing the ed video made for youth by Crossroads sandy shores of Kingston Bay. The Ce- Kids’ Club based on the actual story dar Hill Retreat Center grounds were (http://tinyurl.com/gngevqt). It was in- so beautiful on this afternoon, with teresting for the teens to see that a car- the tall roughly worn cedars rising toon directed at children could be clos- dramatically out of the dense green er to the real story than the more real- field above the shrubs and piercing the Nina, Bekka, Kurt and Ava on the way to the beach istic-appearing video from The History cloud-dappled blue skies, giving way Channel. down the hill to the misty gray-blue sea of the storm grazed the Cape. There To end the session, I talked to the in the distance. Later as the sun gently would be no sunshine frolicking today. teens about the powerful inner mean- lowered into the waiting waters, dark- Instead, after breakfast the teens were ing of the story, how the Philistines rep- er clouds approached from the south invited to join me in an exciting ses- resent truths without good, or truths, and the teens departed the darkening sion on the story of David and Goliath Continues on page 135 the Messenger November 2016 135

SCYL Fall Retreat Continued from page 134 New Elmwood Church Dedicated falsified. Goliath, being the biggest, he new Elmwood baddest Philistine, can represent the New Church in East biggest lie we tell ourselves and come Bridgewater, Massa- to believe. The smooth stones from the Tchusetts, celebrated its dedi- brook represent spiritual truths proved cation service, followed by an by experience. These are the solid, open house, on September trusted truths we must use when fac- 11, 2016. It was attended by ing big challenges of falsity and temp- members, friends, and neigh- tation. Each teen was invited to come bors, numbering almost 100. forward and select a smooth stone The event marked the con- from a bowl of water. Then we talk- clusion of a multi-year project, shep- Rather than ed about some of the biggest falsities herded by the Elmwood Church min- s p e n d a we face. Most of the teens agreed that ister, Rev. Donna Keane. The original great deal of anxiety was the Goliath in their lives. church, from the mid-nineteenth cen- money to re- Kit’s afternoon session was on the tury, was razed after being condemned. pair it, the prophet Samuel. He opened with, congrega- “Man looks at outward appearanc- tion decide es, but the Lord looks at the heart.” am to live for you alone and not by the to replace (1 Samuel 16:7). From here, Kit talk- world’s standards. Free me from my it with this ed about his personal struggle with his battle with my body so that I can fully understated, body image and the anxiety it caused love You, others, and myself. Amen.” right-sized, him in his teenage years. He went on Later Sunday afternoon we mostly low mainte- to share how finally, after much diffi- played board games and relaxed. A few nance house culty, he slowly realized, “My identi- brave teens went out into the rain and of worship. ty should come from God alone.” This wind to “report” on the weather. Luke The community and congregation is a message that is so important for played Weather Channel meteorologist are well-pleased with the result. by standing on a picnic table and chal- lenging the wind to push him around! After dinner, we enjoyed a late- night-movie-brownie-sundae Sunday evening. With only a few hours sleep for the teens, the van from the Mid- west departed just after 4 AM to drive straight through and get everyone home in time for school and work on Midwest van riding teens Tony, Gillian, Luke, Paige, Tuesday. Nina, Bekka, and I worked Scout, Joey, Emily, Lauren and Nathan hard cleaning up Cedar Hill before we Rev. Donna Keane stands by the new altar, teenagers to hear. Many teens strug- made the trip up to Logan airport in built by member Andrew Campbell using gle with identity and body image, and Boston, dropping off Bekka as Nina reclaimed wood from the original structure. hearing an adult talk about it was pow- and I made our way back home to erful medicine. The Lord told Samuel Maine. to see beyond appearance to the heart I am extraordinarily grateful to remember the strength of our love for when he looked at David. This is a les- Tammara, Kit, Nina and Holly. And one another and the power of the son that all of us can learn from. Kit of course, I am thrilled about the large Lord’s Word and its wonderful wis- closed with the prayer, number of amazing teens that attended dom. “Dear Lord, Thank you for how you this retreat. Our little weekend togeth- Kurt Fekete is the youth director of the have touched my heart and mind with er living in community and learning Swedenborgian Church. He lives with his Your truth. Remind me daily that I about teens in the Bible helped all of us family in Gorham, Maine. 136 the Messenger November 2016 Toward a Spiritual Eco-Justice: James A. Nash and the Virtue of Frugality

By David J. Fekete considered sinful. Four of the cardinal humanity is part of the natural order sins—greed, gluttony, envy, and vani- and is in the sacred space of the world Rev. David Fekete gave the following ty (or pride)—would be seen as driving created by God. talk at the 2016 North western economics. In my Swedenbor- American Interfaith gian tradition, spirituality means re- Humanity and God Network Convoca- nouncing sin and adopting good. This Frugality means moderating our tion, Espacio Sarado (Sacred Spaces), in practice can be applied as a spiritual so- cravings for material goods. It is a vir- Guadalajara. (See the lution to today’s environmental crisis. tue that stands opposite the cardinal October 2016 Mes- The spiritual solution to the envi- sins of greed, gluttony, envy, vanity, senger, page 122.) ronmental crisis is by the individual and pride. The cardinal sins are con- and collective renunciation of greed, sidered vexations of the soul that cause n this talk I draw heavily on an ar- gluttony, envy, and vanity and the in- spiritual unrest. They oppose content- ticle by James A. Nash, “On the dividual and collective adoption of the ment with God’s grace and provision, Subversive Virtue: Frugality,” in Christian virtues called frugality and Christian love, generosity, and solidar- DavidI A. Crocker and Toby Linden, charity. Frugality is the renunciation ity with one’s fellows. The vexing na- The Ethics of Consumption: The Good of greed, and the practice of Christian ture of the cardinal sins can be seen by Life, Justice, and Global Stewardship charity is giving and caring for our the discontent characterizing a person (New York: Rowman and Littlefield wider social and natural environment. who never has enough. A frugal person Publishers, 1998). Environmental problems can be is content with moderate possessions When we think about today’s envi- seen as the product of a broken rela- and stands in solidarity with the whole ronmental crisis, we tend to think in tionship between humanity and God created order—other humans and the terms of science. We see global warm- on the one hand, and between hu- natural world. Frugality involves mod- ing as the result of greenhouse gasses manity and nature on the other. Per- eration of human cravings, and as such generated by fossil fuels. We talk about sonally and collectively, a lifestyle of it is a kind of self-denial. auto emissions or industrial waste. We greed, gluttony, envy, and vanity inter- But it needs to be said that frugal- seek to solve these problems by the ap- rupts relationship with God on the one ity is not holy poverty, not asceticism. plication of science, such as alternative hand, and relationship with nature on It is not extinction of desires but mod- energy sources, cleaner emissions, hy- the other. Adopting an ethic of frugal- eration of desires. It is putting a limit brid or electrical automobiles, and re- ity and Christian love restores relation- on material acquisition, not a complete cycling. But these efforts do not get at ship with God and with the environ- renunciation of material goods. the underlying causes for our ecologi- ment. Frugality works as a spiritual so- Frugality is not only a Christian vir- cal crisis. The underlying cause for us lution for a spiritual problem because tue. It has origins in Classical philoso- is spiritual, not scientific. While tech- the whole created order—humans and phy. Plato taught a moderation of the nology and science can ameliorate the nature—is sacred. passions. In his philosophy, the prop- problems of the environment, they do The whole created order is sacred erly ordered soul is governed by reason. not address the underlying spiritual space. This includes nature and hu- The insatiable appetites which crave cause. manity. We need to recognize that hu- sensual gratification and the exercise of Our environmental crisis is the re- manity is part of God’s sacred creat- ignoble emotions are subordinated to sult of excessive consumer demand and ed order. It is not as if humans stand the governance of reason. For Aristo- unbridled production to feed that de- apart from nature; rather, humans tle, temperance is the golden mean be- mand. Consumption and production stand within nature. In Genesis, God tween overindulgence on the one hand are structured to fulfill human crav- creates the water, land, plants, and ani- and deficiency on the other. Happiness ings for more, better, bigger, newer, mals, and man and woman. When the cannot be had in a deficiency of posses- more prestigious goods. whole created order is complete, then sions nor in overindulgence in luxuries In terms of classical Christianity, God looks upon it all, including hu- and sensual gratification. The golden craving goods in this manner would be mans, and says that it is very good. So Continues on page 137 the Messenger November 2016 137

Toward Spiritual Eco-Justice manageable waste. The belief behind mals. What is called for is not only rev- Continued from page 136 this ecologically unsound economic erence for nature, but also the recog- system is that productivity must con- nition that humans are part of nature. mean is in moderation, or what James tinually grow in order to sustain eco- The natural world isn’t sacred space set A. Nash would call frugality. Both Pla- nomic health. Excessive consumption off from the world of human society. to and Aristotle call for moderation of and production, which is structured to Rather, humans and the natural world human cravings, but not asceticism or fulfill human cravings for more, better, are part of the same sacred space. poverty. They would like the virtue bigger, newer, more prestigious goods, Ecological problems happen when frugality. can be called an anthropocentric econ- we forget our interdependence with Frugality, as an individual spiritu- omy, or a human-centered economy. nature. Ecological problems happen al virtue, challenges the advertising A new relationship between consumer when we forget that humans share the propaganda that tells us we need to demand and industrial production that sacred space created by God with the out-buy our neighbor. Greed disrupts is more sensitive to the natural ecosys- natural world. When we think that we Christian love and solidarity with one’s tem needs to be established. What is stand apart from nature, we view the fellows, primarily by creating competi- called for is an eco-centric economy. natural world as something apart from tion and hostilities among one’s fellow This is the subversive element of fru- ourselves. Then we regard our relation- humans. I know of two friends, one of gality. Frugality is subversive because it ship with nature as subject and object: whom went out and bought a Maser- challenges the assumption that ever ex- We are the subject and nature is an ob- ati. His friend went out and bought a panding markets are requisite for eco- ject to be exploited according to hu- Ferrari the next day. Consumption has nomic health. man avarice. become a way of acquiring self-esteem Frugality can be generalized to a When humans and nature are one, and supposed superiority over one’s fel- global ethic, as well. In order for fru- we will have health on the planet. This lows. Not “having” generates envy and gality to solve our ecological crisis, it relationship of oneness with nature is feelings of inadequacy, for which the needs to become a global system. As captured in the Hebrew word shalom, solution is spending. Shopping has also individuals moderate the acquisition of which we usually translate as peace. become a recreation. In the face of all material luxuries in order for others to But shalom means more than the ces- this, frugality challenges competitive have necessities, so wealthy and power- sation of war. It includes peace in the spending by replacing the greed, envy, ful nations must moderate their exces- human realm, but it also includes the and vanity of conspicuous consump- sive demand for the world’s resources wellbeing of the whole world. It means tion with solidarity with one’s fellows so that less wealthy nations may have rain falling in season, fecundity of and moderate material possessions. basic necessities. Wealthy nations can- crops, and health and fertility of live- There is an element of Christian not engulf the limited resources of the stock. Since humans, animals, plants, charity associated with frugality. The planet while poorer nations possess lit- the land and its mineral resources, and Puritan John Winthrop taught that we tle, often not even enough. Frugality in water are all sacred creations of God, are to “abridge ourselves of our super- this sense can be thought of in the light peace, shalom, means wellbeing for all fluities for the supply of others’ neces- of Christian love and charity. Frugal- of creation: sities.” So frugality is not only modera- ity as a planetary ethic means that the For you shall go out in joy, and tion of one’s own appetites for the good whole world economy be considered. be led forth in peace; the mountains of the soul, it is also an act of Chris- Even as charitable giving is practiced and the hills before you shall break tian charity in that we limit our lux- by individuals to establish just distri- forth into singing, and all the trees uries to allow sufficient necessities for bution of goods, so in the world econo- of the field shall clap their hands those without. my, wealthy and powerful nations need (Isaiah 55:2). This idea can be generalized to to balance their desire for material Perhaps the flourishing of the whole world economics and ecology. Our goods against the needs of all nations. created order captured in the word sha- western economy is set up to feed an lom is even more clearly stated in Isa- insatiable appetite for consumer goods Humanity and Nature iah 32:15–18. That passage speaks of a by means of unbridled production. Frugality is the realization that the time when When our unmoderated appetites whole created order is a sacred ecologi- the Spirit is poured upon us from seek gratification through acquisition cal system. Humans are part of God’s on high, and the wilderness becomes of material goods, then we exploit na- created universe, as are water, land, a fruitful field, and the fruitful field ture’s limited resources and create un- mineral resources, air, plants, and ani- Continues on page 138 138 the Messenger November 2016

Toward Spiritual Eco-Justice Continued from page 137 Reflection

is deemed a forest. Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righ- On Swedenborg and the Church teousness abide in the fruitful field. And the effect of righteousness will By Kit Billings Our church is special and be peace, and the result of righteous- unique, in good part because ness, quietness and trust forever. My This piece first appeared in the writings of Emanuel Swe- people will abide in a peaceful habi- the July/August 2016 LaPorte Report, the newsletter of the denborg help bring a rational tation, in secure dwellings, and in LaPorte New Church in Indiana. and more sensible depth of plu- quiet resting places. ralistic Christianity to life at hat strikes me the natural-world level. Here’s Conclusion about my ex- an example of what he wrote Frugality is right relations between perience of about the role of the clergy in a person and God, between person and Wlooking at our church as a the Lord’s New Church on earth: person, and between humanity and na- whole, as well as at our Swedenborgian ture. Frugality establishes right relation faith from a bird’s-eye perspective, is They are to teach people the way with God by subduing and moderat- that we, while not large yet in num- to heaven and also to lead them. They are to teach them according bers, are immensely blessed! ing greed, gluttony, envy, and vanity. to the doctrine of their own church These cardinal sins are vexations of the The Divine has been calling and and lead them so that they live by it. soul. They cause discontent that dis- leading a beautiful diversity of peo- . . . The clergy are to claim no power rupts peace, and they break up solidar- ple—lay, ordained and now Licensed over people’s souls because they do ity with one’s fellows. Frugality com- Pastors as well—through the merci- not know the state of others’ deeper bined with Christian charity brings ful and loving Light of the Lord’s Sec- reaches. Much less are they to claim peace and contentment and establishes ond Coming. Indeed, God’s universal the power of opening or closing a caring and giving relationship with New Church on earth has been grow- heaven. . . . The clergy are to teach one’s fellows. Frugality means modera- ing. Our unique denomination is but people and lead them by the truths tion of cravings for more, better, more one part of a much larger and expand- to goodness of life, but they are to compel no one since no one can be ing movement of God’s love and wis- prestigious, newer goods to assuage compelled to believe the opposite of feelings of inadequacy and moderation dom taking root and transforming life what he or she thinks at heart is true. in struggles for social superiority. all over the globe. And through our de- If someone believes differently from As a global economic ethic, frugal- nomination, one that honors unique- the clergy and makes no trouble, ity means the moderation of the exces- ness, creativity, and the freedom for then he or she is to be left in peace. sive exploitation of limited natural re- each person to sift and discern for (Heavenly Secrets §10794–10798) sources by powerful and wealthy na- ourselves what we each feel and see as I am in awe of how many precious tions, so that there are sufficient re- spiritual truth, many lives are touched. gems of truth Swedenborg was inspired sources for the needs of less wealthy Through you, the Divine touches and to write, as well as countless other and powerful nations. blesses others. I think about the beauti- thinkers, leaders, poets, and activists. Finally, frugality is the reestablish- ful things being accomplished through So many diverse, colorful, and loving ment of a sacred integration of humans our Charity Sundays, and I feel joy people, architects of a renewing, heal- in the natural world. It is the recog- inside. ing, and better world—and we get to nition that humanity is part of God’s participate in it! I look forward to sacred creation, and that nature is not many more good years of facilitating something apart that can be exploit- You shall go out in joy, and be our unique way of being and doing ed to fulfill wants of an anthropo-cen- led forth in peace; the mountains church with you in LaPorte and tered economics. Frugality establishes and the hills before you shall break to helping the Lord transform our an eco-centered economics. forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands world, gradually, through what is good When frugality is a personal virtue, (Isaiah 55:2). and true. a global ethic, and a sacred relationship Rev. Kit Billings is the pastor of the LaPorte with nature, then the words of Isaiah Rev. David J. Fekete, Ph.D., is pastor of the New Church in LaPorte, Indiana, where he will be fulfilled: Edmonton, Alberta, Church of the Holy City. lives with his family.. the Messenger November 2016 139 Kansas Association Fall Retreat

By Linda Kraus plicity of experience in This article first appeared in the October these wild places or we 2016 Plains Banner, the newsletter of the Kan- don’t.” sas Association. Sometimes camp amp Mennoscah is over for seems loosely struc- another year, and another suc- tured, but there is al- cessful fall retreat camp expe- ways time for study, Crience it was. It is such a special place. time for friends and I found a quote from Ansel Adams that family and fun, and I believe explains the feelings I have. time to spend in the “We either have wild places or we quiet surroundings of don’t. We admit the spiritual-emotion- nature. (L to R) Ethan, Noah, Logan, Blake, Tolli, Camryn, Levi, and James, in rapt attention with Rev. Jim Lawrence (holding football) al validity of wild, beautiful places or We especially en- we don’t. We have a philosophy of sim- joyed the wisdom and company of the On Sunday as church began, we Rev. Dr. Jim Law- started the service singing our tradi- rence. He not only tional “Shall We Gather at the River.” has great sports To close the weekend, Vivian Bright analogies but is prepared her delicious turkey dinner also a good sport that we look forward to all year. And himself. Saturday, one of the more encouraging signs of he led the group camp was the presence of eight kids in a study of Wil- ages 5 to 14. son Van Dusen’s book, Uses, and later in the day (L to R) Ethan, Karen Perry, Noah, Drew and Jane Siebert, Camryn, Levi, we learned more Tolli, Linda Kraus on the deck overlooking the Ninnescah River about Revelation.

East Coast Fall Retreat

etreaters gathered at the Roll- After a quiet evening of fellowship, ing Ridge Retreat Center in the group participated in a workshop Nor t h on gratitude, led Andover,R Mas- by Rev. Susannah Rev. Eric Zacharias and his daughter, sachusetts, for Currie. Follow- Lynn Charlesworth, working a puzzle the second East ing a brief pre- Coast Fall Retreat sentation by Rev. Columbus Day Currie, individu- spent exploring the grounds of the cen- Weekend. They als reflected and ter, including a labyrinth in the woods shared meals and journaled on the and a quiet lake; a few hardy souls went stories, laughed gratitude they out on kayaks and canoes. together, learned feel in their lives, Sunday began with a worship ser- together, and and then came vice that focussed on gratitude, and the The outdoor chapel at Rolling Ridge retreat center worshiped togeth- back together for retreat concluded with the fall meeting er. Attendance was low, but everyone sharing. of the Massachusetts New Church agreed it was a meaningful experience. The last part of the afternoon was Union. 140 the Messenger November 2016 The View from Holy Hill The Graduate Theological Union’s multiple centers of learning give it the resources to face an interfaith future

By Karen Stiller conversations about growth, risk, and new offerings, he says. “If you’re not This article is reprinted moving forward, than you’re regress- from the Summer 2016 issue of ing. Boards need to continually push In Trust, the magazine of the In Trust Center for Theological that.” Schools. Hoganson, who succeeded Leach as The Center for Swedenbor- chair, agrees. She calls GTU “a power- gian Studies is a member cen- house jewel that is sitting on the hills.” ter of the Graduate Theologi- The view of San Francisco Bay from Holy Hill in Berkeley She says that one of the board’s frus- cal Union. trations is that “we have this little trea- he phone rang just as Susan A Complex Governance Structure sure, and we want more people in the Hoganson, chair of the board The GTU board of directors, which community to know it’s there, to par- of the Graduate Theologi- Hoganson chairs, is the governance ticipate, to give money, to be aware.” Tcal Union (GTU) in Berkeley, Cali- body that oversees the whole consor- Hoganson says the largest challenge fornia, was dashing out the door to tium. The board itself reflects GTU’s is making sure that the members of a Palm Sunday service. It was one of diversity: It’s made up of the president the board represent the diversity of the her dearest friends, a Jewish woman of each member school, plus GTU faiths that GTU serves. “We’ve been with whom Hoganson has traveled the president Riess Potterveld. Each of the minimally successful at it,” she says. world. During their brief conversation, eight member schools also elects one “I’d like to see us become even more Hoganson realized her highly educated representative member, who serves successful. It’s something we are work- friend, who was immersed in literature alongside two members of the core ing at.” and art, had no idea what Palm Sun- doctoral faculty (elected by their fel- Hoganson also says that the board is day was. “I said, ‘I’ll have to explain it low faculty members), one doctoral looking for potential members who are to you;’” she remembers. And that be- student, and one master’s student. Up enthused by an interfaith board. “We came another chapter in ongoing inter- to twenty-four at-large board members are looking for the person who is ex- faith conversations Hoganson regular- round out the governing body. cited by that, not the person who says, ly has. “It’s more than learning about But the overall governance is even ‘Oh gosh, I’m a life-long whatever and other religions,” she says. “It’s having more complex, because each member I’m only interested in that.’ That might the opportunity to talk with someone school has its own board of trustees, be a good person for an individual who practices a different faith and re- as do the affiliate organizations. The school’s board, but not necessarily the ally understand what is important to research centers have advisory coun- GTU board.” them. And in some way it strength- cils. The Council of Presidents guides Strategic planning happens at mul- ens your own faith by understanding the GTU’s daily operations, meeting tiple levels at the sprawling consor- them.” That is the kind of dialogue that monthly. (Only the presidents of the tium. Each school and center does its is at the heart of the Graduate Theolog- member schools sit on the council, al- own planning for its own governance, ical Union, a consortium of eight theo- though the heads of the affiliates up- programs, and facilities, but joint of- logical schools and more than a dozen date the council on their activities and ferings are planned and implemented research centers representing a variety plans.) at the consortium level. And that in- of traditions, including Jewish, Hindu, Hal Leach, past chair of the board, cludes interfaith activities that are cen- Islamic, and Buddhist, and Sweden- believes that if GTU is going to thrive tral to the GTU’s DNA. borgian, among others. The consor- in an interreligious world, the whole These are exciting and perilous tium and most of its individual schools board must embrace its vision and times, and GTU has plans not just occupy Holy Hill, a neighborhood just learn to see themselves as part of a pio- to survive but to flourish. That means north of the University of California’s neering effort. marshalling all the consortium’s assets flagship campus in Berkeley. It is the role of the board to initiate Continues on page 141 the Messenger November 2016 141

The View from Holy Hill is developing the capacity to get all Continued from page 140 How Do You Fund a the religions to focus on some of these Sprawling Consortium? issues that are tearing cultures apart, to reach out to the Bay Area and the All of the schools in the Graduate the things that need to be resolved for state in all their diversity. Theological Union (GTU) run annu- us to have a more peaceful world.” al fund campaigns, draw from their GTU’s seventh annual Islamopho- Reaching a Growing Edge own endowments, and (of course) bia Conference was held last April. Berkeley lies in Alameda County generate tuition and fees from stu- The conference, one of many regu- (population: 1.6 million), just across dents. Auxiliary income is generated lar events hosted by GTU’s Center the Bay Bridge from San Francisco. by activities like rental property and for Islamic Studies, is an example The county’s ten largest faith groups, continuing education programs. of that center’s dual commitment to in order, are Catholics, nondenomi- But what about the consortium it- scholarship and service to the wider national Christians, Muslims, Mor- self? GTU President Riess Potterveld community. mons, Southern Baptists, members explains: “Member schools are obli- The Center for Islamic Studies was of the Assemblies of God, Mahayana gated to pay into the library, through established in 2007, and Munir Jiwa Buddhists, Presbyterians, and Reform a prescribed formula based on stu- has been its director since the begin- Jews. Countless smaller groups are rep- dent credit hours, and a general al- ning and also teaches Islamic Stud- resented as well. That’s GTU’s context. location that helps underwrite the ies. He says that the center “brings “Hopefully there is sufficient inter- expense of running the GTU.” The together academic study in an inter- est in interreligious studies that we will GTU itself also pays into the library religious context where the practice regain our ability to attract students and is in fact the largest contributor, of faith matters.” He adds: “A lot of and to reach a stronger model going because GTU has the largest student what we do is outreach to other aca- forward,” says Potterveld. From the enrollment. Moreover, GTU has demic communities, but we also want beginning, GTU’s founders described its own annual fundraising and its non-academic communities to partic- it as interfaith, but in the consortium’s own endowment of more than $40 ipate, whether it’s art communities or early years, that meant various kinds million. interfaith communities. They are all of Christians studying together. Mov- Individual member schools may important for us to enlarge the con- ing beyond “interdenominational” to also contract with the central GTU versation and see Islam as an Ameri- embrace multiple religions has been “a administration for services like ac- can religion, which it is.” long time coming,” he says. counting, financial aid, and informa- The collaboration between GTU’s The administration is optimistic tional technology. Fees for these ser- Center for Islamic Studies and the that enrollment will pick up as stu- vices are arranged between the GTU Richard S. Dinner Center for Jewish dents are drawn by a vast banquet of business office and the school. Studies is the poster child for how in- courses—about 700 per year—that -Karen Stiller terfaith collaboration can play out on represent a multitude of faith tradi- GTU’s campus and beyond. tions. And they hope that the opportu- In 2009, the two centers joined nity to study alongside students of oth- break down isolated silos. If competi- forces to offer the Madrasa-Midrasha er faiths and learn from professors who tion for students does exist, it is friend- program, which produces workshops, actually practice those faiths (most fac- ly, and all students are poured into the lectures, courses, and public events ex- ulty are fixed in a tradition) will be a wide-open world of the GTU. ploring “what is similar and what is growing edge that sets GTU ahead of different,” says Jiwa. the competition. Interfaith Collaboration “As the two non-Christian centers How are they recruiting those stu- The consortium is trying to offer at the time, we decided there was so dents? Each member school operates a healing example for troubled times. much misunderstanding of both tra- its own admissions office and recruits “We are living in a world where many ditions and of each other’s traditions, its own master’s-level seminarians; Pot- religions are in conflict with each and there wasn’t a lot of time and space terveld says that the various admissions other,” says Potterveld, but at GTU, to study them both together and learn offices generally don’t compete for the there’s a unique opportunity to exam- something about Jews and Muslims,” same students. Furthermore, any stu- ine what he calls persistent perplexing he adds. dent can take a course at any member problems—and perhaps even to work The first public class held jointly by institution, and cross-registration helps on solutions. “What we’re slowly doing Continues on page 142 142 the Messenger November 2016

The View from Holy Hill GTU Member Schools Continued from page 141 • American Baptist Seminary of the West (American Baptist Churches) • Church Divinity School of the Pacific (Episcopal Church) the two centers was filled to capacity, • Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology (Roman Catholic) and they haven’t looked back. Since • Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University (Roman Catholic) then, class topics have included “Me- • Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (Evangelical Lutheran Church in dia Representations of Jews and Mus- America) lims,” “Hagar in the Jewish and Islam- • Pacific School of Religion (United Church of Christ with historic ties to ic Traditions,” “Kosher and Halal,” and United Methodist Church and Disciples of Christ) “Thinking about Gaza,” all examined • San Francisco Theological Seminary (Presbyterian Church [USA]) by Jewish and Muslim scholars who • Starr King School for the Ministry (Unitarian Universalist) study and practice their faiths together.

GTU Centers Revised Doctoral Programs • The Asia Project offers courses on Asian religions, cultures, and theologies. Play to GTU’s Strengths • The Black Church/Africana Religious Studies Program offers a certificate pro- GTU is launching two doctor- gram for students enrolled at GTU or its member schools. ates with revised curricula this fall— • The Center for the Arts, Religion, and Education promotes scholarship, re- a Ph.D. and a Th.D.—that will pro- flection, and practice in the arts and religion. vide further opportunities for interdis- • The Mira and Ajay Shingal Center for Dharma Studies supports scholars and ciplinary and interreligious studies. students studying Hindu and Jain philosophy and religion. President Potterveld says that four • The Center for Islamic Studies provides graduate courses in Islamic history, broad interdisciplinary categories will theology, philosophy, culture, arts, and religious practice. make up the new programs: • The Richard S. Dinner Center for Jewish Studies offers programs for Jewish • Sacred texts and their interpretation students planning careers in Jewish studies or Jewish education and pro- • Historical and cultural studies of re- vides for exchanges between Jewish and non-Jewish scholars. ligion • The Center for Swedenborgian Studies was an independent seminary • Theology and ethics from 1866 until 2001, when it became a house of studies at Pacific School • Religion and practice of Religion. In 2015, it affiliated with GTU, where it offers courses in the- Within those categories are more ology, the arts, spirituality, history, and biblical studies. The center is the than thirty concentrations, such as official seminary of the Swedenborgian Church of North America. rabbinic literature, Buddhist studies, • The Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, incorporated as a nonprofit Hindu theology, Islamic philosophy in 1982, promotes dialogue between religion and science. and theology, and homiletics. Orga- • The Institute of Buddhist Studies, an affiliate of GTU since 1985, is associ- nizers hope the new configuration of ated with the Buddhist Churches of America and offers a master’s degree the program encourages more cross- in Buddhist studies jointly with GTU. disciplinary and interreligious study • New College Berkeley, an evangelical institution affiliated with GTU since and dialogue. 1992, offers a year-round program of continuing education and seminars in topics like “faith and daily life,” “faith and science,” and “faith and geo- Just Enough Challenge politics.” Mauricio Jose Najarro is a current • The Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute, a “patriarchal institute” under Ph.D. student. He’s a Catholic, with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, offers lectures and other family roots in the rich soil of lib- educational programs and cosponsors (with GTU) a master’s in Orthodox eration theology in El Salvador, and Christian studies. teaches courses at the infamous San • The School of Applied Theology was founded in 1960 as the Institute of Lay Quentin Prison, including a class on Theology to train lay leaders for the Catholic church. Today the school pro- religious literacy. vides sabbatical and spiritual renewal programs for Catholic religious lead- Najarro’s own faith, and how he ers and lay people of all traditions. presents other faiths to his students in • Women’s Studies in Religion Program offers programs and a certificate in prison, has been deeply shaped by his women’s studies in religion for graduate students at GTU and its member time at GTU. “I can be at that table schools. Continues on page 143 the Messenger November 2016 143

Op Ed We Have More in Common than You Think

By Rev. Jenn Tafel disheartened because I find more war, swer to the parts of us that seek isola- violence, lack/wealth imbalance, vitri- tion rather than connection. The false t’s difficult for me to pay atten- ol being spewed, and so on. Current narratives in the media can lead one to tion to the news lately. I immedi- events make it difficult for me to pay sink and ruminate in isolation. ately question if I’m being “fed” attention to the world, and I do need Ah, but there is yet another alterna- storiesI or if it is true investigative re- to pay attention to the world if I am tive, and it’s something in our wheel- porting, and this leaves a bad taste in going to create any type of relevance house as Swedenborgians—yes, you my mouth. I find it difficult to over- in ministry and pastoral support. One guessed it: nature. Yes, when I connect come such internal barriers to learning of the themes that especially hurts my with nature (minus the insects) I begin about current events. When I finally heart is when I hear instructions from to see connectedness, similarity, unity, learn about a current event, I am often the powers in charge to turn away or and strength between plants and an- dismiss immigrants/refugees, the LG- imals, and beyond. I hear differently The View from Holy Hill BTQ+ population, those who are dif- because I am tuning into what the cre- Continued from page 142 ferently abled mentally and physically, ator had in mind for us: harmony. and more. When I disconnect with the noise of and have a better sense of who I am, When I hear bigotry like this, my the world and reconnect with sounds because I’m not who they are,” he says. mind turns to these two passages from of nature I begin to feel different. The “We can ask these questions and I can the Old Testament: next person I encounter is no longer a feel my Catholicism when I give my “In the same way, you too must be- stranger but rather a fellow traveler in answers. The richness of the discussion friend the foreigner, for you were once life. I ask myself, “Why would I wish is really important. “ foreigners yourselves in the land of harm in any way for this person?” Najarro also appreciates that GTU Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:19)”* Interconnectedness is perhaps what fosters scholarship from many angles. “The foreigner who lives among will save us. It is a spiritual practice to “People are able to do research that you must be treated like one of your see another person as whole and a child doesn’t get done in other places.” He own. Love them as you love yourself, of the Divine—and that is who each cites Munir Jiwa’s work on Muslims in for you too were a foreigner in the land of us is. It takes effort to reach beyond the media as a top example. of Egypt. I am YHWH” (Leviticus who we are as individuals, the nation, Is GTU, with its interfaith reality, 19:34). and ultimately as humans, but the ef- the star of the show, a good fit for every The current language in the media fort and blessings far outweigh the seminary student? is divisive, and I see a variety of tele- isolation. Probably not, says Najarro. “You vision shows, the news and even mov- Isaiah 43:1 says, “But now, Leah want to be challenged, but it can’t be ies, seeking to tear apart relationships and Rachel and Jacob, hear the word 100 percent challenged or it won’t and nations from one another. Per- of YHWH—the One who created work. And it can’t be 100 percent home haps it’s always been this way and I’m you, the one who fashioned you, Israel: or you won’t ever be challenged.” But just now getting to see this picture. I Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed nevertheless, he thinks that GTU’s cringe when going to restaurants be- you; I have called you by name; you interfaith mix is great. “It’s definitely cause there are televisions everywhere are mine.” the way I think religious and theologi- inundating the population with these Rev. Jenn Tafel is the religious advisor to cal conversations are going and views. Queer Christians should go.” The other option is to stay home Reclaiming Our Sexuality Karen Stiller is a freelance writer in Port Perry, and remain isolated, and that doesn’t & Spirituality at Ontario. She is senior editor of Faith Today seem like a good alternative, although Michigan State magazine. the temptation can be great as we an- University.(https:// This article is reprinted from the Summer 2016 * Bible Source: Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bi- qcrossmsu.org) issue of In Trust, the magazine of the In Trust ble: The First Egalitarian Translation. (2009). Sheed in East Lansing, Center for Theological Schools. & Ward. Kindle Edition. Michigan. 144 the Messenger November 2016 Blogging the Life of 2017 Annual Convention Letter from the President Continued from page 146 Continued from page 133 Rev. Horand Gutfeldt for just a few days, but the effort re- convention possible. And 2017 is a big The following is an introductory blog quired for that travel, and the disrup- convention with the celebration of the about the life of Rev. Horand Gutfeldt, written tion to these people’s lives, extended 200th anniversary of annual meetings. by his sister-in-law, Esther “Lyra” Knierim. Read far beyond the event’s formal length. The weekend after that, General more at http://estherknierim.blogspot.com. It is my belief that, after two hundred Council will gather near Boston for hen my sister Elizabeth Gutfeldt years, such passion still rests within us. their annual face-to-face fall meeting. Wwas a teenager, she acquired a It is my hope that the opening cer- Nine elected volunteers meet with the nickname—Cindy—short for Cin- emony for Convention 2017 will con- elected officers and the chair of the derella, due to her “fairy tale princess” tain that spirit. We will be drawing on Council of Ministers. They are respon- long golden hair, and her love of danc- resources from the past not to make an sible for the business side of the denom- ing. Soon everyone who knew her was idol of history, but rather to highlight ination. This year we have a full two- calling her Cindy. So Cindy is what I’ll the passion and energy flourishing day agenda which includes analyzing call her in these stories. in the present. The past has given us and approving the budget, consider- Cindy died in February of 2013 at many gifts, but God is working with us ing issues within the societies and as- the age of 84. Her life had been full in the present. Rather than look back- sociations, and reviewing the structure of fantastic experiences, but she died ward, we aim to bring the past to the of Convention and its effectiveness. In without having written them down. present to emphasize the importance of addition, they meet the day before and She had told me about many of her ex- the work we have before us, as well as just after the annual convention. The periences and those of her husband, to acknowledge the gifts we have been Executive Committee of the General Rev. Horand Gutfeldt. So I’m attempt- given. Council has a conference call monthly. ing to write her memoirs for her. I’ll I hope both our congregations and In between meetings, I am enjoy- tell the stories as they were told to me. our unaffiliated association members ing visits to our churches and camps, I’ll start with some stories of will take the time to reflect on why our and, again, it is the volunteers who Horand during World War II, long be- forebears risked so much and gave so keep the doors open. I have visited St. fore he met Cindy. This young German vastly of their time to travel to Phila- Louis, Kitchener, New York, San Pe- man wanted to make the world a bet- delphia for the church’s sake. Further, dro, Washington DC, Almont Camp ter place and seemed to have a charmed I pray that a great many of us will at- in Michigan and the Kansas Associa- life. Due to Horand’s background, tend convention this year, sensing the tion Fall Retreat. which you will learn about later, he importance of our message in trans- I don’t know where to begin to offer felt that the really important reason forming both individual lives and the thanksgiving for each one who serves for the war was to defeat Russia, and world. It is my hope that the announce- on local committees, prepares food for prevent those communists from tak- ment of Convention 2017 will be met communal services, teaches Sunday ing over the world. At the beginning with excitement on par with that of the school, drives youth to retreats, plans of the war he had also believed Hitler’s first annual convention’s attendees— and carries out camps, and dusts the propaganda: People in the surrounding and that we will celebrate as intensely pews or picnic tables. countries were being freed from their as they did in 1817 the existence of a And this is just the beginning. There oppressive governments and allowed to forum in which to discuss what is tru- are many more committees and tele- live under good German rule. ly important in our lives and world. conferences. We are a church of volun- Cindy told me the stories of her hus- Our gatherings are, at their core, cele- teers, and I thank you all from the bot- band as he had told her. Later, some brations of the gift we have been given tom and top of my heart. relatives provided me with portions of and the gift we want to share, not busi- —Rev. Jane Siebert memoirs Horand had written. Those ness meetings. will be helpful in getting the facts The teaser for the opening of the straight. Unfortunately, part of what 2017 Convention can be found on the New Jerusalem throughout North he wrote has been lost. I’ll do my best Annual Swedenborgian Church Con- America there too! to tell the stories accurately, and plan vention Facebook page. I know where Rev. Kevin Baxter lives in Queensbury, to post a new story approximately once I will be next summer, and I hope to New York with his family. He is chair of the a month. You’ll get to read them! see the receivers of the teachings of the Convention 2017 Planning Committee. the Messenger November 2016 145

attended the Swedenborg School of generations of Johnsons. For Elizabeth, Passages Religion. During this period, they retirement became an opportunity for welcomed their first son, David Pow- her to develop her love of painting. Her Births ell Johnson, Jr. talents led to a very prolific output of Zachary Ben- In 1942 the family moved to Kitch- watercolor and acrylic paintings which jamin Cole was ener, Ontario, where David became became much in demand as gifts for born on Septem- and remained the minister at the family weddings and other events. Her ber 13, 2016, at Church of the Good Shepherd until paintings were also shown at a number 8 lbs 9 oz. and 22 1963. During those years, Elizabeth of community events where she donat- inches long. Zach- was very involved in the life of the ed them for auction. ary was joyfully church, serving in numerous church Always vitally involved and inter- welcomed by his big brother Theo and organizations and activities. She was ested in the lives of each of her fam- parents, Revs. Sage and Ted Cole. able to find expression in her love of ily members, Elizabeth is survived by music as a member of the church choir. five children, David Johnson (Carmel- Deaths But perhaps her greatest accomplish- la), Betsy Coffman (Bill), Nancy John- Elizabeth Langshaw Johnson, long- ment in this area was her instrumental son, Stephen Johnson and Paul John- time member of the Swedenborgian role in the founding of the local Twin son (Shelly). Her son Worth Johnson Church, transitioned peacefully into City Operatic Society which is still ac- predeceased her in January, 2012. Also the spiritual world at her home in Bel- tive—all this while managing a house- surviving are twelve grandchildren, levue, Washington, on August 5, 2016, hold and raising six children! twelve great-grandchildren, her sister, surrounded by her loving family. She She was a regular attendee at an- Elora Schoch (Hampton), and many was the wife of the late Rev. David nual church conventions, was very in- dear and loving friends. Powell Johnson, who predeceased her volved in the ministers’ spouses pro- A service in memory and celebra- in November, 2010. grams, and made many lifelong Swe- tion of Elizabeth’s life was held at St. Elizabeth lived to the amazing age of denborgian friends around the conti- Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue 101 years, four months and four days. nent. When David became President on October 22. It was officiated by her She was actively and vitally engaged in of Convention in 1957, she accom- daughter, Rev. Betsy Coffman and fol- life to the end. Her interests and talents panied him on a goodwill mission to lowed by food, fellowship, and sharing. included painting, reading, cooking, Swedenborgian churches and groups in The family asks that any donations world events, social justice, her wom- England and Europe, where the after- in Elizabeth’s memory be made to ei- en’s support group of forty years, her math of World War II was still evident ther the Alicia Titus Memorial Peace family & friends, and her own spiri- in many areas. Fund, Urbana University Develop- tual development. She loved and was In 1963 the family relocated to Bel- ment Office, 579 College Way, Urba- loved by many. Elizabeth had a great levue, where David, along with the na, OH 43078 or The Sophia Way at love of all things beautiful. In her later Revs. Calvin and Owen Turley, was www.sophiaway.org. years she spent many happy hours in developing a new type of team minis- her sunroom where she could view the try, called Project Link. Again, Eliza- David Allen Lemée, member of the sky, trees, flowers, birds and “critters.” beth was very active in this new setting Bridgewater New Jerusalem Church, She continued to savor and enjoy life and continued her involvement in the passed into the fullness of the spiritual to its fullest, even as she adapted to in- wider church as well. world on September 21, 2016. A ser- creasing physical limitations. After David’s retirement, in 1982, vice of remembrance was held on Oc- Elizabeth was born in Philadelphia the couple traveled all over the Unit- tober 4, 2016, Rev. Susannah Currie on March 14, 1915. She met David ed States, to England, Ireland and officiating. Johnson at the “young people’s group” Europe, and to Australia. They often of the Philadelphia New Church in spent some winter months in Hawaii Grace A. Rainey, member and 1937, during her first year of “normal with close friends from their Kitchen- long-time organist of the Bridgewater school” and his second year of college. er days. In summer, they spent sever- New Jerusalem Church, passed into When David decided to become a Swe- al weeks with children and grandchil- the fullness of the spiritual world on denborgian minister, they married in dren in the beautiful Thousand Islands October 23, 2016. A service of remem- May of 1939, just prior to moving to in the St. Lawrence River in Canada, brance was held on October 28, 2016, Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he on land passed down through several Rev. Susannah Currie officiating. The Swedenborgian Church of North America 50 Quincy Street Cambridge, MA 02138

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146 the Messenger November 2016

About the Living Our History: the Swedenborgian Church 2017 Annual Convention Emanuel Swedenborg was born January 29, 1688, in By Kevin Baxter We have some special plans for the Stockholm, Sweden. Although opening of the 2017 Annual Conven- he never intended a church convention of the receivers of tion (July 8–12), but I do not want to denomination to be founded or the doctrines of the New Je- spoil the surprise. So I will do my best to named after him, a society was rusalem . . . [shall] be held talk about what is going into the open- formed in London fifteen years “Aat the New Jerusalem Temple in the city ing celebration on a deeper level. after his death. American groups eventually founded the General of Philadelphia, . . . 1817.” This quote Rather than offering a blend of ret- Convention of Swedenborgian may ring a bell for individuals who at- rospective and anticipatory viewpoints, Churches. tended the 2016 Convention of the Swe- which has shaped many of our past an- As a result of Swedenborg’s denborgian Church at Urbana Universi- niversary celebrations, the opening of spiritual questioning and ty. The quote may also be familiar from Convention 2017 will focus our atten- insights, we as a church exist the video announcement of Convention tion on the passion and urgency pos- to encourage that same spirit 2017, to be held at West Chester Univer- sessed by the founders of our denomi- of inquiry and personal growth, sity, near Philadelphia. Either way, this nation. That fierce determination was to respect differences in views, sentence comes from a 200-year-old an- evident in their willingness to devote and to accept others who may nouncement of the first North American significant time to travel to and from a have different traditions. gathering of Swedenborgian churches, national gathering in an era when travel In his theological writings, in which congregations sought to unite was both difficult and dangerous. Our Swedenborg shared a view of in hopes of greater achievement together New Church predecessors may have met God as infinitely loving and at rather than separately. Continues on page 144 the very center of our beings, a view of life as a spiritual birthing as we participate in our own creation, and a view of scripture as a story of inner life stages as we learn and grow. Swedenborg said, “All religion relates to life, and the life of religion is to do good.” He also felt that the sincerest form of worship is a useful life. The 2017 Annual Convention will be held at West Chester University near Philadelphia.