The Community of Reconciliation Update
February 18, 2010
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We must always be prepared to cast aside our own agendas whenever we have the opportunity to be of service to another. And when we act for another’s interests we must do so cheerfully, without thought of recognition or reward. Our greatest compensation will occur when compensation is not sought.
Haiti: In Whatever Way I Am Able—Part II 
“Welcome the unanticipated guest with gusto. Open yourself to the serendipitous opportunity for service. Offer an unexpected gift to the friend of a friend.” One can almost hear the voice of Benedict calling us to adventure embedded in the constellations of our relationships. Setting aside our own agendas opens a surprising network of possibilities for action in the world. For Benedict, the world is overflowing with opportunities to be “surprised by joy.” In the last Community of Reconciliation Update we reflected upon how the diverse intersection of relationships that form the Community might introduce us to unexpected ways of helping serve Haiti from half an ocean away. A portion of the reflection read, The way of Benedict eliminates delay and indecision through its very practicality. If there is a way to give, then give. If there is a way to go, then go. If there is an option to help, then help. The practicality of Benedict assumes that we regularly address the needs of the poor. And thus, we will have ready access to the networks most able to assist. Benedict trusts that we set our intention to participate in the world as part of networks greater than our own. We rely on the gifts and skills of others to address the needs of the weakest among us. And always, always, always, we make ourselves available. This week, Sharon Minor King, PhD, a companion of the Community that many of us know more familiarly as AkuA, e-mailed me for guidance about what networks might be able to help a student of hers from Haiti. As adjunct faculty in Africana Studies with The University of Maryland Baltimore County, Sharon learned of the needs of Endjina, a student scheduled to graduate this May. After much discussion, I suggested that the many networks that comprise The Community of Reconciliation might be able to link Endjina’s need with available resources. Sharon graciously agreed to write the following letter to invite the Community to focus our networks and resources upon this need. Sharon Minor King My dear friends in the Community of Reconciliation: While many are generously giving to the recent earthquake catastrophe in Haiti, I would also ask you to consider a local challenge that is facing many Haitian students right on our doorsteps. Particularly, I am asking you to consider a donation to a student at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), Endjina Saint-Elien, who is scheduled to graduate this spring, 2010. Endjina is unable to register for her spring classes because of a balance due from the fall semester. Her dilemma began when her uncle, who was also sponsoring her education, discovered he was terminally ill and could no longer support her. Additionally, her family was impacted by the recent earthquake, which killed many of her family members and left others in devastating conditions. Her immediate family is desperately trying to help them, which also leaves limited funds to adequately support Endjina’s final semester. As we know, Haitians are very proud people and have contributed significantly to the well being of many throughout the world. Endjina appears to be a continued example of this determination to excel with dignity and strength. She is a Health Administration & Pre-medical major who was able to complete a 3.00+ grade point average this fall. Her professional aspirations are to become a pediatrician. She is also an active Christian who practices her faith daily and makes a lasting impression of humility among her peers and professors. The amount needed is $4050 in order to match the amount UMBC will pay towards the balance from the fall semester. Since she is considered an “out-of-state” student, she is ineligible for state tuition status. The reality is that she will still need to pay for spring quarter as well, but she cannot even enroll unless she eliminates the current balance. Her condition is dire because the deadline for her to register for spring has already passed. However, both her advisor and Ms. Lesley Low, Assistant Director of Scholarships, have asked for an extension while efforts are being made to solicit funds on her behalf from off campus resources. I hope you will consider this situation with prayer and supplication. Endjina, like many other students, represents our future. If we do not continue a pipeline of resources to our young prepared students, who will? Let’s keep the “Circle of Light” surrounding our Young Gifted…and I thank you in advance!!! Sincerely, Sharon Minor King, Ph.D. Sharon, alongside her colleagues at UMBC, have worked through hundreds of details in an effort to forge a way to assist Endjina, and possibly other students. If you would like to explore ways to assist Endjina or bring resources and networks to bear upon her situation, please be in contact with Sharon at sharonk@umbc.edu. I have already personally made a financial commitment to that which lies before me. Though we normally do not make requests such as this through the Community networks, Benedict teaches us to look for the exceptions that can change the world. This need and our amazing resource networks just might provide our next adventure along the way of “in whatever way I am able!” Peace on the journey. Greg THIS SATURDAY: Mid-Winter Monastic Quiet Day
 Monastic Quiet days offer a unique opportunity to experience transformational rhythms experienced in monastic communities in the midst of our own daily living. Using a simple guide for guidance and reflection, participants begin their practice of silence on Friday evening in their own homes. Saturday morning participants convene at the Cathedral—gathering for 7:30 am Eucharist, followed by breakfast, periods for reflection, and lunch—all in silence. The afternoon includes time for prayer, meditation, reflection, and short learning sessions for response and sharing, and concludes with Evening Prayer in the great choir of the Cathedral.  Led by Kurt Aschermann, president of Charity Partners Foundation and active contemplative and Greg Finch, director of the Community of Reconciliation at Washington National Cathedral. • Learn more and purchase tickets » • Download your copy of the Monastic Quiet Day guide here » NEW Resources for the Journey Esther deWaal and Tim Carrington Listening, Hearing, and Living Audios: Now Available Online The Community of Reconciliation has a wealth of audio, video, and print resources to support and encourage your life of balance and reconciliation. We are pleased to offer the two most recent Listening, Hearing, and Living sessions Engaging our Sensate World with Esther deWaal and The Practice of Recreation with Tim Carrington. Use the link below to view a video with Desmond Tutu or Joan Chittester, download a guide for Creating a Rule of Life, or listen to an Audio of Margaret Guenther on The Practice of Hospitality. 2010 LISTENING, HEARING, AND LIVING Giving Up: A Way to New Beginnings and Hope with Ron Conner In the Christian tradition, the Lenten season reveals the pull our appetites, possessions, and habits can exert upon our lives. Is there more to Lenten practice than just “to chocolate or not to chocolate?” Can the intention of “giving up” open us to a way of balance and reconciliation? Can fasting be more profound than determined abstinence? Can we “give up” clutter, appetite, distraction on our way to new beginnings and hope?  Join The Rev. Dr. Ron Conner, Benedictine scholar in liturgical theology and priest associate with Christ Church Georgetown as we explore Benedict’s approach to the practice of “giving up.” This vital exploration, rooted in the traditions of fasting and abstinence, offers a life way that grounds our spiritual lives, our relationships, and our livelihoods in God. Learn how the profoundly simple act of “giving up” can impact our own lives, our families, our relationships, and our work as we seek lives of balance that foster reconciliation in the world. • Learn more and purchase tickets » Special Event: March 1 Taizé Service Due to the Interfaith Summit March 1-3 at the Cathedral, we will not gather for March 1 Benedictine Life and Prayer OR First Monday Creating a Rule of Life. Instead, we invite you to gather with us for our first Community of Reconciliation “field trip!” 
Carol Langley, a companion of the Community, has invited us to attend a beautiful worship service in the Taizé Tradition at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer (6201 Dunrobbin Drive at MacArthur Boulevard in Bethesda). Taizé is a gentle, meditative service of song and prayer that transcends languages, borders, and faith traditions. It is appropriate for all ages. The music is simple and sung together as a prayer. No special skills are required! The only request is that you bring yourself prepared for reflection. All are welcome to attend. Though we do not have an official sign up or car pool list, we can check in about riding together at the February 22 Benedictine Life and Prayer gathering. Additional details will be posted on the website as the date approaches. • Learn more about the service » Stay Connected The Community is refining our database to better serve every participant. If you have not already done so, would you take two minutes right now to update your contact information using the link below? Your action will save hours of research that can be put to good use in the Community. Thank you in advance! Subscribe to the Community e-newsletter and stay up to date on Community of Reconciliation news and events. Constellation Event: Beauty and Imagination as a Way to God a retreat with Esther deWaal Holy Cross Monastery, West Park NY | 12493 Tue-Fri, February 23rd-26th  Participants will focus on the roles image and symbol play in deepening our understanding of God. Special attention will be paid to Welsh religious poetry, medieval monastic architecture and stained glass, and to the way Thomas Merton used the camera as a way to contemplation. For more information or to register contact Lori in the Guesthouse at (845) 384-6600 x3002  Holiday and Inclement Weather Schedule The Cathedral holiday schedule aligns with the federal government schedule for holidays and inclement weather, with some exceptions. We do this to reduce confusion and to honor the work of all of our security and maintenance colleagues. In the event of inclement weather we err on the side of safety, so never place yourself at risk! Visit the Cathedral website for a complete calendar for the upcoming year by clicking here » “Life is a way of walking through the universe whole and holy.” —Margaret Guenther |
Please consider the environment before printing this email. Radical Balance and Reconciliation Wherever you find yourself along your spiritual journey, balance in life and reconciliation in the world can be an increasing part of your life. Anchored by gatherings and resources at Washington National Cathedral, we pray and listen for the divine in our midst, share and explore spiritual wisdom, rest and renew our bodies and spirit, explore and engage our work in the world, and joyfully welcome and encourage those along our journey. Learn more and purchase tickets To learn more, view a calendar of events, and access audio and video resources for your spiritual growth, click here » Stay connected To update your contact info click here » Or contact us at Quick Links Make a gift now » Direct link to Community web page » |