Diocese of New Jersey | Bishop's Blog | EYE 2005

We all gathered at the Seabury arena on the campus for the Celebration of the Eucharist. Bishops gathered in a locker room (I'm not making this up!) to receive directions for the procession, seating, etc. As we lined up, the band was playing an extended jam. Deacon Debi Clarke, of Christ Church, Shrewsbury and Assistant to Kep Short, was selected to be the Deacon for this Celebration. We all processed to a drum/percussion piece. This community has got rhythm and is ready to rock, for Jesus' sake.

The theme of EYE 2005 is, 'Can You Catch the Spirit Off the Beaten Path?' We heard a wonderful sermon from the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop of North Carolina, delivered with grace and power and humor and passion. He spoke to us of the promise of the Gospel, when the Risen Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit into the disciples (John 20:19-23) and of the power of God's Spirit working through the prophet Ezekiel, breathing life into the dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14).

When I went to my assigned small group, I was grateful to listen to the reflections of eight young people, representing dioceses from all over the Episcopal Church. Practicing our Christian vocation may be natural and even easy on the beaten path. But these young people recognized that the challenges of walking in the Spirit are greater when life is unsettled and unsettling, and when we venture beyond the familiar customs of the Church and enter into the world. I was impressed at how much catching the Spirit means to them. That's why we're here.

There was a downpour as we walked back to the arena for the afternoon session. Few of the young people had umbrellas or rain gear. It didn't matter. Most of them enjoyed the rain and got soaked. Many of them frolicked in it. It was a joy to see. There is a great spirit of fun here. At lunch in the cafeteria today, young people were doing a rhythmic routine on tabletops in which they clap and pass plastic cups. In the prelude to the Eucharist, giant beach balls were batted about the Arena. Rockin' fun, in the Spirit.

It's a joy to be here and to witness the faith and energy and love and delight that are manifest in this gathering. This does my soul good. I realize that in my ministry I end up dealing with a lot that is sick and broken and dying and dead in the Church. Here there is abundant life (John 10:10). Alleluia.

The music team (all of them are 21 or younger) continues to play so well and lead us all in God's praises. They played a very upbeat version of the hymn 'Alleluia. Sing to Jesus.' It sounded so good in that quick two tempo; it was as if Jesus were alive! No doubt about it: He is!

We heard a meditation by Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold, who is here for the entire EYE. He spoke about the theme, 'Can You Catch the Spirit off the Beaten Path?' He reminded us that, in order for something to be caught, someone must throw it. Our God, in mercy, throws the Spirit to us through unexpected and offbeat events and people.

We heard an address by Lauren F. Winner, a 28-year-old writer, editor and commentator, who brilliantly told us about her journey and about catching the Spirit off the beaten path.

Tonight we gathered in Province groupings. Our Province II gathering included representatives from all but one of the dioceses in New York and in New Jersey. We welcomed our brothers and sisters from Haiti, the Virgin Islands, and the Convocation of American Churches in Europe. We were also blessed to have with us representatives from the Church in Micronesia, who had flown for 24 hours to join us. We are a worldwide Province!

Tonight there was a Cultural Festival. Each diocese had a table from which to distribute souvenirs and mementos and/or food and drink from home. Everyone collects from everyone else and there is a marvelous 'Olympic'-like spirit of celebration. Kep Short, Debi Clarke and our young people handed out small plastic beach balls (Jersey Shore) and played music by Bruce Springsteen.

Lots of other programs are going on, but I am a tired out 55-year-old. I went to bed.

On to 28 July->