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+ The New Faces of Anglicanism
+ Cross of Nails Presentation
+ Church School Teachers
+ New Church Planter Called

The New Faces of Anglicanism: A College Pilgrimage for Peace, March 8-18, 2001

Stephen R. Stanley, Associate for Campus Ministry

For many years, there has been a longing of in this chaplain's heart to travel with the college students to whom I owe my present career. This spring break pilgrimage has been, first, a journey across the boundaries of campus affiliation, generations, race, and religious practice - all of these experienced within our own group, even before we left home! Some of us hailed from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, others from North Carolina State University and St. Augustine's College in Raleigh. Some were beginning college, some ending soon, some long graduated, some working where others learn. Some were members of the Community of the Cross of Nails and some were there to learn.

As our common journal revealed, each spoke and wrote and prayed in his or her own way. Some spoke of an arranged and temporary fellowship with each other, with our British hosts, and with the God of all nations, as a pleasant passage. Some noted the tension of being strangers to one another and strangers in the world. Some, like me, felt the longing pain of separation from those who needed us and we them, back home.

On this holy venture, Coventry came to me again, not just me to it. Coventry journeyed to find me as I encountered the brokenness of the world and in my own life. Coventry, once more, in its recent fire, told the tale about how churches and lives were broken and rebuilt under the mercy of the Lord. Sometimes there are quiet spaces, sometimes the threatening fire breaks out in the basement of the church and in the deep places of our souls. We, students, priests, and faculty have come in Lent to find in the ashes, the past things we offer to God, who alone can make them new again. That's the risk God takes with us. Canon Andrew of Coventry called upon us to risk with God in return.

Our journey through Coventry to Canterbury has been one of seeking the 'New Faces of Anglicanism.' We came to see our tradition through the eyes of those who carry on its work in distant and hostile places. Our connection with refugees, persecuted Christians, and ethnic conflicts may not be physical, but now our hearts carry the mission to care. Our common home is the place where God is pleased to dwell. We share with the 'other' a home which is the journey with God, that we measure not in time zones or miles. Our true home is in the distance, yet the closeness of a love that calls us onward ... and now we are coming home. Tired pilgrims, hopefully without any dread diseases, on our feet!

In landing back in the familiar routines which begin again when morning comes, we put the souvenirs in their places; we make our own many pictures come to life, to be shared and then stored away, for some future sight (and quite likely on the Community of the Cross of Nails website). But if we have something to share, it is the knowing that we are on a pilgrimage called Christian life, which calls us to travel together and sometimes alone, but always in the company of the reconciling Christ. May we follow in His way.

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Cross of Nails Presented to Sister Parishes

Stephen R. Stanley, Associate for Campus Ministry

"Be reconciled to God." With those words of the lectionary for Lent IV, from II Corinthians, Chapter Five, we began the new life of the newest Community of the Cross of Nails Center, on Sunday, March 25, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Here two parishes were joined, as a common Community of the Cross of Nails Center, in the presentation of identical Crosses of Nails to St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church, parishes that have shared a common witness to reconciliation for the past six years. Joachim von Koelichen of Coventry, preached powerfully at both churches and joined in a grand celebration luncheon afterwards. All who participated in both congregations were moved by the presentation. One elderly African-American commented on the symbolism of a German pastor presenting the Cross of Nails to two American churches, on behalf of an English Cathedral. He asked to speak at the end of the service at St. Paul and recalled the German prisoners of war held here in Chapel Hill and how, this man remarked, he had "lived to see" such a day when a German clergyman would come with such a powerful symbol of peace.

After the presentation at St. Paul, a new documentary video called "A Common Witness" was shown to the congregation. This video traces both the roots and the fruits of the Sister Parish relationship. Children sat on the front pews, excited and surprised to see not only black children and parents of the 1940s (from archival footage) included, but also their own faces, as viewed the footage of themselves from the recent Sunday when the St. Paul Youth Choir and the Chapel of the Cross Junior Choir, sang and joined hands, in a glorious moment of oneness in Christ.

The day ended with a joint meeting of members of the new Cross of Nails Center of Chapel Hill with members of the long established Cross of Nails Center of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church in Raleigh to break bread and discuss the plans for the international youth conference to come next year.

Falling nails and burning timbers in Coventry have caused a new house to be built. Dr. King called it a "World House," and today we have made more room. The Cross of Nails now stands here upon the stone, the rubble of the past, and points us both upward and outward. To paraphrase President Kennedy, let new generations see and know that the Cross has been passed and shall be passed again, until God's reconciling love shall find, in all of us, a home.

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Church School Teachers

Amy Gordon, Christian Education Director

May 20 marks the end of another church school year at the Chapel of the Cross. On that day we will hold a reception to honor our teachers, "those saints who have the audacious ministry of creating an environment where persons may come to know God and God's love story in new and profound ways." We are blessed to have so many parishioners involved in this ministry. Each Sunday they share the Christian story with those of all ages. Teaching can be challenging and trying at times, but also enriching and gratifying as evident from the stories below.

"On my first Sunday at the Chapel of the Cross (almost 5 years ago now) I was recruited to help with Church School. At first I thought, " I can't do this, I have never taught Sunday school, I don't know the Bible well enough and I have never been a teacher before. How can I do this?" But I forged into it, and am so glad! Teaching children on Sundays has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. In some ways, calling it "teaching" and "Sunday School" do this experience an injustice, because it is really about an opening of the heart, both theirs, and mine. Growth happens, both theirs and ours. What a beautiful opportunity we have. I for one am grateful I was there that first day at the Chapel of The Cross.

"Helping children by teaching them at church is a tangible and real way to serve God. Yes, it is a challenge and requires commitment and love, not to mention patience, true communication and thought. Faith requires these things, and by the ministry of helping our children learn about Christian faith, we are ourselves enriched. We are also witnesses to a nascency that only children can have as they come to know God. This ministry teaches us all things ­ it is at once wonderfully simple and infinitely complex. Of all things we are called to as Christians, helping children to experience God embodies them all: teaching, caring, sharing, loving, peace, worship, learning. For me, the essence of this ministry is one of love. It is about holding hands with children. God wrote a special message to us in the Bible about holding hands ­ such a simple act of love! "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13)"

Pam Miller,
First grade teacher

"I am in awe of the simple, elegant faith of young children. They seem to overflow with love at this age, and are seeking a source, who matches this love. God is love. The relationship between the child and God is so easy and natural. Children have no difficulty believing things which they cannot see. Their faith is sure and strong. I hesitate to call myself "teacher", as it is the little ones who teach me. My job is simply to make the introductions, and then get out of the way. In the Atrium, I use simple, handmade materials and paraphrase (without giving my personal opinion) a short passage from the Bible. We ponder the story together asking meditative "I wonder ... " questions. Their answers range from silly to quite profound.

"My husband, Kevin, and I, with the help of the church and some very talented parishioners, have had the great honor of creating a sacred space for children. It is a place to ponder the love of God and the gifts of His kingdom. The Atrium has grown gradually, as each lesson material remains in this room for the entire year. The children may return to any lesson during their free time each Sunday. Many times they return to a particular set of materials over and over, always spiraling deeper into its mystery. Play is the child's meditation. Without this special place for the lessons to "live" and await the child's return the following week, this spiral is lost. It has been especially poignant to watch one little girl repeatedly return to the nativity scene during the Paschal season. I see that child putting together the "big picture" of Baby Jesus, who is also the risen Christ! There is a connection between all of the year's lessons, and children are able to see the way that the Word of God, the life of Jesus, and our Church are interwoven."

Ann Collins,
Four year olds' teacher

All of us are teachers. Some are teachers by intention and commitment. Their work is vital to the church. Join us on May 20 after the 9 a.m. service as we celebrate and give thanks for our teachers:

Martha Shutz-Lo
Molly Dempsey
Sharon Updike
Rena Czerwinski
Tammy Howard
Jane Anderson
Lorraine McBride
Ann Collins
Allison Zoller
Mary Dondero
Chrys Bullard
Scott & Jenelle Williams
Becca Norris
Anna Bettendorf
Mary Stowe
Pam Miller
Teresa Ramsey
Edie Poole
Susie Holloway
Valerie Bateman
Wendy Scharen
Jay Reeves
David Joseph
Nancy McGuffin
Brooke Holt
Sally Rohrdanz
Dave Tinker
Maria Saunders
Ann Wilson
Patty Courtright
Miranda Hodgkins
Susan Davidson
Janese Frantz
Betsy Pringle
Karen Murphy
Maudy Benz
Cathy Markatos
Evie Ward
Steve Lackey
Joe & Tareen Norwood
Casey Shaw
Sue Reinhardt
Melynn Glusman
Fred Irons
Bill Joyner
Ann Terhune
Charlotte & David Broughton

Children's Chapel
Gale Yeager
Hazel Shepherd
Jean Leuchtenburg

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New Church Planter Called

The Rev. Carol Ludden of Seattle has accepted a call to begin a new Episcopal congregation in the Chapel Hill area. Bishop Suffragan Gary Gloster authorized the Chapel Hill Region Church Planting Committee, composed of members of four area parishes and chaired by Chapel of the Cross parishioner Melody Harrison, to issue the call.

The committee, with the Rev. Stephen Elkins-Williams as chair of the search committee, called Ms. Ludden after a two-year search. She has extensive start-up experience, including the Pike Street Market ministry in Seattle. She has recently spent time in Mexico and Nicaraugua learning Spanish. On a recent trip to the area, Ms. Ludden and her husband, Jim, purchased a home in Carrboro. She expects to begin her work here in mid-August.

© 2001: Chapel of the Cross