August 20, 2006

Dear friends in life and in ministry . . .

Today, unlike most recent days, has offered continuous rain. But even the constant downpour couldn't dampen the spirits of Kelli Boughton and Paul Parshall who were married this afternoon at St. Mary's. Some clergy I know dislike performing weddings. I love them. Preparing young couples for this most serious step in their relationship and celebrating their special day with them provides a great opportunity to share the Good News that God IS the Great Lover. It is also an opportunity to extend an invitation to greater participation in the Church.

I know that many young people are not ready to get involved in Church - but some are and hopefully, many will discover the need for a supportive faith community at some time during their life journey. Hopefully, when this day comes, they'll remember the hospitality and welcome given to them when they asked to have a "church wedding." There is never an excuse for making the reception of the Sacraments burdensome on people. Respecting that not everyone is on the same spiritual timetable - reflects a trust in God, who does not give up on people or expect their spiritual journey to be in lockstep with those of us who are at home in organized religion.

Enough sermonizing. This week's Sent to Serve column includes my reflections on last week's visit to Beacon, New York where I was privileged to meet and actually share a stage with the legendary Pete Seeger and our mutual friend Ken Anderson.

Have a good week. Serve each other well.

Ray

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Bulletin: August 20 , 2006

August 20, 2006

My Own "Seeger Session"

One of the loves of many people of my generation is “folk” music. My college years included the music of such folk staples as Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, the New Christy Minstrels and the Kingston Trio to name but a few. Because my college years coincided with Vatican II, I was among the first to be introduced to and introduce others to religious “folk” music at Mass. Even then, a legend in “folk” music circles was Pete Seeger, who used this musical genre to bring messages of social consciousness and peace to a country still lacking in the protection of the civil rights of Americans of African decent and on the verge of the disastrous Viet Nam war.

Pete created or reintroduced songs such as We shall Overcome, Where Have all the Flowers Gone and numerous others. I mention Pete Seeger because last weekend I had the privilege of actually playing guitar and singing with this folk legend on a small stage at the annual “Corn Festival” in Beacon, NY on the banks of the Hudson River.  Ken Anderson, known to many of you for his deep bass baritone voice and championship of the memory of Paul Robeson and Negro Spirituals is a long time friend of Seeger who extended his friend an invitation to join him on the Corn Festival Stage. I provided transportation to Ken who is 77 years old, and while still quite agile for a man his age, appreciated  company on the 250 mile trip.

I share this story, not only because it was a significant thrill for me to be “on stage” with a “legend” but because I was truly touched by the simplicity and integrity of this man. At age 86, Seeger lives with his wife Tushi in a log house that he personally built for his family in a deep woods high above the Hudson. While one can only imagine the wealth his music and performances have earned him, he chooses to live simply and to give back to his community through events such as the Corn Fest. Following his performance this gentle, soft-spoken, but very socially conscious man strode the grounds selling corn on the cob to raise funds for the Beacon Sloop Club of which he is a member and generous benefactor. The Club’s sloop boat, aptly named the “Woody Guthrie” after another “folk” legend, offers free daily sails on the Hudson for children and visitors. Sails include a historical and environmental talk on the need to cherish this beautiful once polluted waterway.

In these days when many athletes, celebrities and others compete to build bigger mansions, buy opulent cars and adorn themselves with expensive “bling”, it was refreshing to meet someone who has elected to live simply, using his fame and wealth to advocate for peace, social justice and the preservation of an earth that has been ransacked by generations of neglect and abuse. I don’t know if Pete Seeger is a religious man. I do know that he is a Godly man.

Have a good week, serve one another well.