Reflection from Our Co-Pastors - October 19, 2021

It is rightly and consistently said that God is Spirit and Light, and so beyond identification with either the male or female sex. Yet, the daily language of preaching, worship, catechesis and instruction conveys a different message: God is male, or at least more like a man than a woman.  Whether consciously or not, sexist God language undermines the human equality of women made in the divine image and likeness of God.*

Perhaps you've noticed some changes in the language of the Mass at Mary of Magdala over the past year.  

We are using many other names of God-- Creator of All, Beloved, Loving God, The Resurrection, Servant of All, Breath of Life--
names that do not assign a specific gender to God.  At times, when gender is still an issue, we have tried to balance male and female and speak of equality of men and women as in our Creed, and identifying God's Holy Spirit as Sophia (Wisdom chapters 6-10). We have used many readings from the Comprehensive Catholic Lectionary. This lectionary, promoted by the Women's Ordination Conference, attempts to "include the significant stories of women in the Bible that have not been included in the canonical Sunday lectionary."  It also "eliminates exclusive language for God and human beings," and continues to "educate believers to the broad spectrum of Biblical theologies."

Elizabeth Ann Johnson, a Roman Catholic feminist theologian, distinguished professor Emeritus of theology at Fordham University, and a member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, speaks of the history of Christian language about God and argues for "gender neutral or gender balanced
language in discussion of God while reflecting an inclusive and creative Christian spiritual doctrine." 

"The way in which a faith community shapes language about God" she continues,  "implicitly represents what it takes to be the highest good, the profoundest truth and the most appealing beauty…"

The language we use to worship and celebrate God matters. We are made in the image of God--male and female.

Today I would like you to reflect on one of the fragments of God's ancient name from the book authored by Sister Joyce Rupp. Sister Joyce has been inspired by the work of Elizabeth Ann Johnson and has shared this name of God with us.
         
SHE WHO IS
Finally you are being acknowledged,
Not as He Who Is but She Who Is.
Another face of divinity to guide us,
A feminine movement of aliveness,
A divine, relational, knowable presence.

You draw us into sacred community
And challenge troubling exclusivity
With your invitation of partnership.
You choose to reveal yourself to us 
Through silent, intuitive glimpses.

Today: She Who Is invites me inward.

At Mary of Magdala we will continue to discern and examine our language and preaching and Scripture translations to reflect inclusivity of all. 

Amen
*paraphrased words of Elizabeth Johnson
Photo by Julia Freeman-Woolpert
This Sunday - October 24th
Sunday Oct 24 - Ordination of Dcn. Rosean Amaral to the priesthood. Beginning at 2:00 pm.

Meeting ID: 431 5028 167
No 5:00 p.m. Mass
Prayer Requests
Praying for peace, health and well-being through challenging times

+Harry, 11 year canine companion to Gray LaFond.
+Allison and Madison (Granddaughters); Cousin Nancy and Sister-in-law Judy - Dick and Sandra Life, members
+Estes Park Police Department - for processing the grief of a suicide within the department

+Dan Scace, Tom Dykers and Monte Bowthorpe - friends of Dick Life, member
+Charli - friend of Jean Christen, member
+Linda Joyce - member
+Joan Wershberger & Mary Etta Fothergill - friends of member Cathy Engel

+Abdel Illah - nephew of Mary Vogl, member
+Mickey Bogart - friend of Cathy Engel, member
+Courtney Shook - daughter of Tom and Jean Christen, member
+Dorothea Grimm - Mother of Rosanna Bateman, member

+Mary Detweiller - member
+Jerry Padilla, father and Ryan Cordova nephew of Lisa Jones - member
+Jim, husband, and Ruth Parker, sister of Dori Carroll, member
+Aidan - grandson of Mother Kae

+Lauren Roob - friend of Rosanna Bateman
+Michael Keefe, son of Yvonne Keefe-member
+Joanne Gallagher - member
+Dona Bosse - member
+Rosemary - Fr Michael' mother
+Dani - niece of the Cloyds - members
+Jim and Lucille Bowen friends of Suzanne King, member
+Sharon Six – Mother of Michael Six, member
+Mike Gudim
+Suzanne King - member
________________________

A blessed and peaceful repose of souls for those who've passed and comfort for the friends and families.
 
Eric Rose - Estes Park Policeman
Leo Six – Father of Michael Six, member
Dr. Barbara Immroth - sister of member Joanne Gallagher
Marie F. Bauer - friend of Joanne Gallagher
Dolores Orsi - mother of member Jared Orsi

Herman Phillip - friend of Brad Rouse
Michael Binet -Godson of member
Joanne Gallagher
Bernice Wagner - sister of
Fr. Jim DeMuth - member
Aaron - Son of Morris & Francis Burns,
past members

Adrian - Son of Joe & Ann - friends of
members Cindy and David Cloyd
Mary Crosby - member
Leon - father of Mother Cynthia
Joan Kneeland - sister-in-law of member Bill Kneeland

Rita Ortiz, friend of Deacon Rosean
Margie Weitz - member
Chris Bachman, friend of member Lisa Jones
David Heyman -member
In gratitude for all who pray for and with our community.
Service Recordings
Sunday October 17th Recording

The video recording of the readings and homily are available here. And here is the worship aid to assist in prayer.
Past Recordings, Bulletins, and Announcements

For all bulletins, reflections, Sunday recordings during, visit our webpage. Please contact us with questions, concerns and ideas for better connection with and for the community - marymagdalafc@gmail.com. And feel free to call the office at 970 493-9536.

Newsletters of Trinity Lutheran Church and the St. Paul's Episcopal  
What are our partners in ministry up to? Go here for the Trinity Lutheran Church monthly newsletter, "Tidings". And here is St Paul's weekly bulletin
Who Are the 301 Faith Partners?
The 301 Faith Partners have a Vision,
Mission and Values statement that guides our relationships, interactions, and shared projects and ministries.
Our Vision – ‘Our guiding Light’
Weaving a tapestry of love, hope and justice for the world.
Read the Vision, Mission, Core Values and Covenant here.