Our YOGAVOICE® week of events was truly unique! With an intensive course for yoga and vocal instructors, a sound healing event for the community, a weekend workshop for singers, and a closing concert by Mark Moliterno and John Vreeland, there was something for everyone!
Thank you to everyone who worked to make the week a success. Thanks especially to Mark Moliterno and Denise Mihalik for sharing your expertise with us.
Greetings beloved St. Georgians,
As I write this post, it is Wednesday, June 20, World Refugee Day. The reports of the past weeks regarding refugees seeking asylum at our southern U.S. border and the no tolerance policy of our government are disturbing to say the least. Over the past several days, we have heard more and more voices from all sides of the political spectrum calling on the government to end its practice of separating children from their parents. I realize that my message here is mostly a repetition of what others have already said more eloquently, but I feel that it is important that I add my voice and call our particular community to prayer and action. Just treatment of immigrants is one of the core themes in scripture and has been a core theme of Christian moral teaching for centuries.
Recently I heard an interview with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry who summed up the Christian approach by saying that Jesus told us to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Separating children from parents at the border is not loving your neighbor. As I have been writing this, an announcement has been made that President Trump has signed an order that that would allow children and parents to remain together while being detained. I am thankful that this action has been taken. However, it is still important to pay close attention to how people are treated on our behalf as U.S. citizens.
There are many views in our St. George’s family regarding immigration and what is best for our country. As a priest, I do not claim to know the best policy in order to solve the immigration concerns we face. I do claim, as a follower of Jesus, that we have a moral obligation to treat our fellow human beings with dignity and respect. We have a spiritual obligation to practice the love of Christ. Children and vulnerable persons, especially, are to receive our compassion and kindness. When people appear on our borders, because they fear for their lives at home, we can do a better job of treating them like human beings. It seems that the no tolerance practices of our government are intended to deter people from showing up in the first place.
The attorney general quoted Romans 13 last week as justification for the no tolerance policies of our government. If they want to use scripture as a justification for policy, I have an additional suggestion. Rather than quote a passage of scripture which was also used to justify the legal practice of slavery in this country, asking us to blindly accept the authority of the government, I would invite our authorities to look at the broader scope of scripture. Although there are times when God seems to have “no tolerance,” the greater witness is that God is extremely tolerant and flexible. God lays down the law, but then God also provides loopholes and exceptions.
In addition to Presiding Bishop Curry, our own diocesan bishops have spoken out on these issues. They are calling us to speak to our governing representatives and authorities. The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations has more information about reaching out to congressional representatives. You can find information here. The issues are greater than the separation of children and families. Will there continue to be access for persons seeking asylum and refuge? While these are complicated issues, I call us to pray for compassionate ways forward and to stay engaged. The treatment of immigrants and migratory persons is one of the core themes in scripture. Over and over, God sides with the people who are crossing the borders.
Your rector and brother in Christ,
Joe+
On June 25 – June 29, 2018 St. George’s Episcopal Church will be hosting international opera singer, yoga teacher, and founder of YOGAVOICE® Mark Moliterno for the East Coast YOGAVOICE® Intensive course.
The class runs Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. Tuition is $700 for adults and $475 for high school or college students. A 10% early bird discount is available for those registering by May 31. Registration cut-off is June 20.
The YOGAVOICE® Intensive course explores the eight-fold path of Yoga described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi), elements of Tantra Yoga (chakra theory and practice), and the direct application in the lives and work of singers (professional and amateur), conductors, pianists, and teachers.
Lectures and discussions compliment daily practice in yoga postures, breathing, and meditation methods. Each day concludes with a singing Masterclass where participants have the opportunity to make practical application of the material in their singing and performing. As a bonus, a special sound-healing concert is included for participants on Wednesday, June 27 at 7 pm.
To register for the class or for more information, visit: www.theyogavoice.com/yogavoicereg-intensive-registration.html.
Our next youth outing is a camping and paddling adventure! On April 14 and 15, we will go camping and enjoy a 2-mile river trip led by the Virginia Outdoor Center. The cost is $15 and can be paid the day of the trip.
Drop off time is 10 am on Saturday and pick up is 10 am on Sunday. Please bring a bag lunch for the first day.
Fill out the form below to sign up. Also, please make sure you submit the 2017-2018 permission slip if you haven’t done so already.
On March 24, St. George’s youth will be joining other youth from the Diocese of Virginia, and from all around the state and nation, to march for an end to gun violence and for sensible laws that keep children safe.
St. George’s is sending a mission team of youth with adult support to the march in Washington, D.C. They have been prepared for how to participate in a Christ-like spirit of love and prayer and how to be safe in large crowds. For others who may be interested, the march begins at 12 p.m. at Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 12th St. NW. The Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW) will be offering hospitality with restrooms and as a meeting place, beginning at 10 a.m.
There are also marches planned in Fredericksburg and in Richmond.
We (St. George’s clergy and leadership) recognize that this is a topic that stirs up strong emotions and that there are differing views about how to reduce gun violence. We don’t expect agreement. We do, however, advocate for listening to one another and moving from heated debate to loving conversation. Our Diocese and our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, have also offered guidance with their remarks and calls to action. We encourage everyone to pray for an end to violence, for Christ commanded us to love each other. Please pray for the leaders of our nation and communities as they deliberate about what actions they can take. Please pray even for those who would commit violence against others, that their hearts might be turned. Please pray for the safety of all those who will be marching on March 24, as well as all the first responders, officers, and workers who will be offering their service. Pray that God would open our eyes to see how the Holy Spirit is moving in this moment and through the witness of the youth.