Inspire: Unity

INSPIRE

UNIT Y

a m a g a z i n e f o r t h e s t. p h i l i p t h e d e a c o n c o m m u n i t y

Together in Tradition • Agree to Disagree • We’re All God’s Children • I Believe • The Magnificent Struggle: An Interview with Lanecia Rouse spring <¤<+

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IN EVERY ISSUE

3 Editor’s Letter

4 Scripture Connection

5 Read, Watch, Listen

6 Ref lections on Faith

Summer Trips

26 C A M P C H R I S T I KO N

Modern Day Pilgrims

BACK PACK ING TR IP

July 2 4–August 1 Middle School, High School & Adult Groups

34 Giving Thanks

B O U N D A R Y W AT E R S CANOE TRIP

June 21–25 Middle & High School Groups Register at spdlc.org/register Available until the trips are full.

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”

JOHN MUIR

For more information contact Justin jdaleiden@spdlc.org or Clay cthomas@spdlc.org.

35 Out & About

36 Familiar Faces

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F E AT U R E A R T I C L E S

O N E FA M I LY

O N E B O DY

ONE SPIRIT

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24

Devoted Living: The Power of Music

The Hard Work of Unity

I Believe...

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16

28

Together in Tradition

We’re All God’s Children

Enneagram: Unity Within

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Agree to Disagree

The Magnificent Struggle: An Interview with Lanecia Rouse

Recipes: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

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Vol. 3, Issue 3, Spring 2021 Published by St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church 17205 County Road 6 Plymouth, MN 55447 (763) 475-7100 editor in chief

Tim Westermeyer m a n ag i n g e d i t o r

Amanda Berger design

Malley Design s ta f f w r i t e r s

Cheryl Mathison, Kate Sterner contributions

Rachel Arends, Norah Long

Public conversations where faith comes to life.

JOIN US FOR A SERIE S

website

spdlc.org/inspire email editorial

aberger@spdlc.org o n t h e c ov e r

Photo by Tim Mossholder ©2021 St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church. All rights reserved.

O F TA L K S A B O U T B E I N G AND BELIEF

The Faith & Life Lectures are open and welcoming public forums where members of the Twin Cities community can hear nationally known speakers reflect on how Christian faith intersects with different dimensions of everyday life. We invite you to join us for the 2020-2021 series of lectures.

L ANECIA ROUSE

March 25, 2021 N AO M I T U T U

May 6, 2021 All lectures begin at 7:00 p.m.

Free and open to the public. www.faith-and-life.org

submissions

Do you have an idea for a story or love to write? Contact our managing editor with your submission, but please keep in mind the following guidelines: (A) Your article may be edited for length and content. (B) Articles must fit in the larger themes of our publication and reflect the mission of St. Philip the Deacon. (C) All submissions will be reviewed by our editorial staff to determine the suitability for our publication.

While we would love to include all submissions, space and cost limit our ability to do that.

Submissions will not be returned.

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true calling was the union between her gifts and where God was calling her to use them in the world.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

O v e r t h e pa s t y e a r , I ’ v e d on e a bit of a de e p di v e i n t o t h e l i f e of H i l de g a r d von B i ng e n, a n u n a n d Ch r i s t i a n m y s t ic l i v i ng i n w h at wou l d be com e G e r m a n y, du r i ng t h e m i d -1 2t h c e n t u ry.

In a world dominated by men, this brilliant woman found a way to pursue the study of medicine, music, theology and politics with a freedom not given to many of her gender during that time. Hildegard corresponded with emperors and popes, begging to end a decadeslong schism between the church and the ruling class, arguing against the excesses of the church, and advocating for the betterment of the lives of the “normal” people, the peasants and merchants on whom their

lives depended. She saw epidemics and famine, f loods and war. She worked to bring healing to those in her care, to be a prophet pointing to God’s goodness and divine will, and to be a blessing to the poor, sick and lonely around her. She also had periods of profound personal illness and moments of mystical divine revelation.

Hildegard’s heart was always focused on seeking union with God, but that didn’t prevent her from engaging in the world around her. She was a visionary and a mover. She wanted more for those around her and overcame the barriers that were put in her way through persistence and prayer. Some condemned her for speaking out and moving beyond her cloistered life as a nun, but Hildegard understood that her

I believe that many of us experience this same dichotomy within ourselves. How do we unite all the disparate parts of who we are, both in personality and giftedness, within the context of our spheres of inf luence, communities, and our world?

In our Unity issue we explore how we are called to move beyond those things which set us apart and instead, move into those things that promote harmony and understanding. May you be inspired by the traditions that draw us together as families (Together in Tradition, page 10).

Learn about our Christian history and the unity that we find in our professions of faith (I Believe, page 24). Understand how creativity and the arts bind us together in our interview with Lanecia Rouse (page 18) and through worship and music on page 8.

Unity is not about sameness, but rather the appreciation of what makes us unique and the willingness to work together to further the Gospel as one people of God. To return to the words of Hildegard, we are all but a “feather on the breath of God.” Pax Cristi,

“We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a home. Part of the terror is to take back our own listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light.”

HILDEGARD VON BINGEN

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SPD BOO K CLU B Book club will meet either via Zoom or in person—depending on social distancing guidelines in place at the time of meeting. Announcement of meeting style will be made in our E-newsletter.

MARCH 16

The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life by Adam Hamilton.

Discussion led by Mark Schmid.

APRIL 20

When Breath Becomes Air

by Paul Kalanithi. Discussion led by Susan Path.

SCRIPTURE CONNECTION

BY C H E R Y L M AT H I S O N

O

ne of the great gifts of the New Testament is that there are four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—each one of them written by a different person at a different time to a different audience and in a different narrative style. While they all share the same good news of Jesus Christ, they do so in their own unique ways.

For example, Mark reads quickly as the reader is carried along with his frequent use of words like immediately and suddenly.

Matthew is primarily concerned with a Jewish audience and therefore quotes Old Testament scripture more frequently than the others. Luke is the storyteller and John is the poet.

Of course, each Gospel has its own advantages. For example, who can imagine the Christmas narrative without Luke telling it, or Maundy Thursday without John’s account of the washing of disciples’ feet? But when read all together, the four Gospels give a

For that reason, during Holy Week, instead of hearing the passion narrative from a single Gospel, let’s take the time to read the account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the events leading up to the Last Supper, the trial before Pontius Pilate, his crucifixion and death on Good Friday, his burial and resurrection in each one of the four Gospels.

You might consider keeping a journal to make note of what speaks to your heart. Pay attention to the similarities as well as the differences. Do you prefer one account over another? Why? Follow the reading plan below to awaken your heart for Holy Week which begins on Palm Sunday (March 28) and to anticipate the great and glorious good news of the resurrection on Easter Sunday (April 4).

H O LY W E E K 2 0 2 1 R E A D I N G P L A N

The reading assignments are daily from Palm Sunday through Easter. We pray that this Holy Week will be enriched by the different voices brought to life in each Gospel.

Pa l m S u n day M a rc h 2 8 Read Matthew 21-27 M on day M a rc h 2 9 Read Mark 11-15

M AY 1 8

A Pilgrimage to Eternity

by Timothy Egan. Discussion led by Tim Westermeyer.

more complete picture of Jesus than any one of them can on its own. Together they function like a many faceted diamond—each one making the other that much more brilliant.

T u e s day M a rc h 3 0 Read Luke 19:28-44

We dn e s day M a rc h 3 1 Read John 12:12-19 M au n dy T h u r s day A pr i l 1 Read again the passion from the Gospel writer that spoke most deeply to you

G o od F r i day A pr i l 2 Read Jesus’ Prayer from John 17 H oly S at u r day A pr i l 3 Read the account of the Resurrection from Matthew 28 and Mark 16

E a s t e r S u n day A pr i l 4 Read the account of the Resurrection from Luke 24:1-12 and John 20:1-29

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Read SENSIB LE SH O ES

By Sharon Garlough Brown.

Although predictable in its plot points, the exploration of spiritual disciplines through a fictional context is inspiring and informative in this novel of four women who

Faith & Life LECTURE SERIES

meet at a Christian retreat center. Their stories merge as they support and encourage one another in their quest to deepen their relationships with God.

Watch TH E SOCIAL DILE M MA

T H U R S D A Y, MARCH 25 7:00 P M

What makes life meaningful?

This is just one of the questions that Lanecia Rouse, multidisciplinary visual artist, asks when she creates her art.

Her portfolio includes a range of work in abstract painting, photography, teaching, writing and speaking. Rouse will join us for a conversation about "Faith & Art: How Creativity Heals."

Lanecia is Artist-in-Residence at Holy Family HTX. She is also the Director for Justice and the Arts with projectCURATE as well as the Co-founding and Co-Creative Director of the ImagiNoir Group, an international alliance and think-tank of black activists, artists, writers, scholars and educators.

The Faith & Life Lecture Series is free and open to the public.

All are welcome!

Netflix. This docu-drama featuring many of the founders of social media, shows what we are facing because of social media’s negative inf luence on our lives. The impact on selfesteem, relationships and

society are beginning to be better understood, and the evidence presented in the film is both eye-opening and alarming. What price are we paying for our hyperconnectivity?

Listen EVERYTH ING H AP P ENS P ODCAST With Kate Bowler. Duke Divinity School professor and author Kate Bowler hosts interviews with a variety of special guests about what they’ve learned through difficult seasons of life.

Bowler, who was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at age 35, is no stranger to grief and hardship, and brings compassion, gentleness and humor to these beautiful conversations.

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BY TIM WESTERME YER

T h e m i sta k e i s to con f use u nit y w it h u nifor m it y. A n d w h ile t h e m i sta k e i s a n e a s y on e to m a k e , e v en a mom en t ’s r ef lec t ion r em i n ds us of how deeply w rong it i s .

A sports team wears the same uniform—a word that shares a linguistic root with the word “unity.” So yes, the players look the same, and they are, indeed, united by a shared goal. But while they are united, the individual players on the team are not identical in their roles.

The quarterback is not the same as the nose tackle. The pitcher is asked to do something very different than the designated hitter.

A business enterprise, similarly, is united in purpose. But it would be a mistake to assume that everyone who participates in furthering that mission has the same function. The finance manager serves a very different purpose than the marketing specialist.

The salesperson isn’t asked to manufacture or assemble the product she is asked to sell.

In our country’s history, the original 13 states—who came together under the motto “E Pluribus Unum” (Out of Many, One)—were not identical. Their founders came from diverse backgrounds with very different cultures and beliefs—not all of which we’d now consider just. In uniting together to become the United States, they were not asking that those histories should be forgotten or dissolved or erased, but instead had an instinct that they could come together— with all of their differences—to form something stronger than any of them individually: “a more perfect union.”

These may be obvious examples of the difference between unity and uniformity, but the same holds true in the body that we call the Church—made up of different parts or members. The Apostle Paul writes about this in a number of places in the New Testament, including the 12th chapter of Romans, where he writes: “For as in one body, we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ.”

In an essay based on this image of the Church as the body of Christ—an essay entitled “Membership”—C.S. Lewis develops and reinforces this idea: that we are called not to uniformity or sameness, but instead to unity in difference. He writes that “those who are members of one another become as diverse as the hand and ear ... things essentially different from, and complementary to, one another.”

To be clear—as with a sports team, a business enterprise, or a country—all of this “complementary difference” exists not for its own sake, but to fulfill a mission. The body of Christ exists for the sake of the world. To bring healing and wholeness and peace to a world that is filled with pain and brokenness and unrest. As we look to the future, I pray that we—celebrating and embracing all of our beautiful differences—may be united as one to accomplish God’s loving purposes.

Grace and Peace,

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M E D I TAT I O N

"We are already one. But we imagine that we are not.

And what we have to recover is our original unity.

What we have to be is what we are."

THOMAS MERTON

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DE VOTED LIVING

THE POWER OF MUSIC

BY AMANDA BERGER

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One of the most powerful things that brings people together in life—and in worship—is music. Music has the power to stir our souls. Lutheran worship emphasizes the role of music, whether instrumental or choral, and whether sung by worship leaders or by the congregation. It is this sound that we imagine the writer of Revelation describes when he writes of angels gathered around the throne of God, singing “Holy, holy.”

AS

Lutherans, our liturgy (which means “work of the people”) unites our voices in both spoken and sung parts of the worship service.

There are many parts—the Kyrie, the prayers and the creeds—that invite us to join with those around us in one voice.

“If you look at the language of our Lutheran liturgy and many of our hymns, the use of 'us' and 'we' is prevalent,” said Linda Armstrong, Director of Music at SPD. “As we sing and respond to the Word, we are doing so in community with those around us and with singing as our common language.”

Prior to the Protestant reformation, Catholic worship was primarily priestled and done in Latin, making it hard for the average person to participate. Martin Luther believed that writing hymns and translating the liturgy into the language of the people would increase their participation. Luther said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise.”

And because of his passion for both faith formation and music, Luther believed that children should also have an education in music. This is a legacy that extends into our Lutheran tradition today. “My philosophy of music in worship begins with the child.

This is where they learn about worship and music and to love to sing the texts of praise and thanksgiving,” said Armstrong. This is manifested in our own robust children and youth choirs (which have continued to meet via Zoom in 2020-2021).

If you spend time on social media, likely you’ve seen the explosion this year of musicians and choirs releasing special videos in response to all we’ve been facing. And, like our SPD livestream, musical organizations like the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra and the Minnesota Opera—among thousands of others—have made the pivot to virtual concerts and offerings, not just because it’s necessary to their business, but because we all realize the power that music has to soothe our hearts and spirits.

Music also has the incredible ability to express emotion when words perhaps cannot be found or don’t seem like enough.

Especially in this past year, with the pandemic and our struggle with racism and political unrest, we have found outlet and connection through music. “These events have guided my choices of musical components in worship as a result. As people in the world, we long for healing, comfort, unity, strength, understanding, peace and justice,” said Armstrong. “When I look through our Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnal, I find many hymns that fit well this year. As I plan worship, it is amazing to me that these longings are not just 'of this year' but of all time.” Music speaks to the heart of all of us, transcending time, our differences and reaching out across both history and distance to draw us together in praise of God.

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Together in Tr adition

BY R ACHEL ARENDS

Together.

In the past year, we have experienced togetherness in a whole new light. Whether it has been a lot of together time with your family, or not nearly enough, we have had to learn new ways of how we have always done things. But with these new times have come new traditions or new ways of doing old traditions. We have learned to be together in ways we never thought possible and brought our traditions right along with us. May we continue to be together in tradition as we ease into the spring season.

I asked some of the best experts I know, the Moms of Littles, to share what family traditions they do in their households or communities.

Each of these families has found ways to create space for ritual and memories within their families—and while some of these are built on traditions that go back hundreds of years, others are fresh, contemporary rituals created just for each family. Traditions link us to our past and provide an opportunity to provide meaning for the future.

For some people, tradition evokes stale, outmoded practices. T.S. Eliot argued the opposite, “Tradition: how the vitality of the past enriches the life of the present.” Where do you stand? Consider the role that tradition plays in your life.

What traditions do you have in your family? Are you inspired by any of the activities listed in the article to create a new tradition in your family? Do you believe that traditions are important?

Why or why not?

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“We love to celebrate Easter morning with Easter baskets, homemade breakfast, church and then a late brunch with our families.

The family comes together, and we do an egg hunt in the afternoon. It's always a joyful and celebratory day.”

“Don’t be alarmed,” the angel said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him." Mark 16:6 “For St. Patrick’s Day, Lucky the Leprechaun comes to our house and causes lots of mischief each morning. Somehow Lucky never gets stuck in the traps we set.”

Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10b “We made the biggest palm for Palm Sunday you have ever seen and we waved it around while we watched the service.”

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him [Jesus], crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

John 12:13 “For Easter week, we decorate eggs. Once we did it with shaving cream and that turned out really great. We have also made cutout sugar cookies for Easter in beautiful pastel colors.”

He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 “Masters week is usually in April. We dress up in Masters gear, make food from the Masters, watch it together with friends and family, and celebrate with a special golf cake.”

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 On May Day, we make little baskets of treats for our neighbors and friends. We sneak them to their door and get away before they can catch us. It is fun to spread some joy this way.”

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

“A spring tradition is always to plant our garden. It is always a messy day when we get the dirt and put everything on the dining room table. The kids each write the name of the vegetables on a popsicle stick, and then get their hands dirty planting the seeds in the little pods. We watch them grow until the ground is soft enough to go out and start planting the garden! It is fun to have everyone out there planting and getting dirty and preparing for the summer growing season!”

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17 “We host a huge Easter egg hunt for our whole neighborhood the Saturday before Easter. My whole family wakes up early to hide over 500 eggs in our front and backyard. We spend probably two weeks before Easter stuffing plastic eggs, which is a fun tradition in itself. We invite all of our neighbors to meet in our driveway about 15 minutes before the hunt starts, and then encourage them to stay as long as they want after the kids have done the egg hunt. All are welcome.”

So I say to you, ask, and it will be give to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Luke 11:9-10

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“We confess that we are captive to sin, and cannot free ourselves.”

These words from our Lutheran Order of Confession have rung in my own ears repeatedly this past election season. I know that I am prone to one-sided judgments and a strong disgust of the behaviors of politicians whom I see as engaging in hypocritical posturing. And I can’t seem to free myself from these things.

I have read many articles lately about why there is such polarization in the political realm in our country, about the things that divide us and keep us angry at people who don’t share our own point of view.

One article that was particularly helpful in shedding light on my own entrapment was from The New Yorker website, “Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds” (Feb. 27, 2017). The article shares the conclusions of several sociological and psychological studies that reveal how it is in our nature as human beings to be resistant to changing our minds, even when presented with clear facts that directly contradict what we believe. Talk about being captive!

About a month before the presidential election, I had a serious argument with my beloved sister. She had never previously expressed political opinions of any kind that I can remember, and I assumed that she shared my own, as we see eye to eye on almost anything else in life. Imagine my surprise when I found out that we each supported the other’s opposing candidate.

Frankly, I was quite in anguish about it, and so was she. And it doesn’t matter who supported whom—what matters is that we were at odds, which we have seldom ever been in our lives. My sister was in tears.

She told me she thought I was thinking like someone in a cult, and I told her that she’d drunk political extremist’s Kool-Aid. She insisted that I had hurt her badly, and that she didn’t know if we could ever be close again.

People have been at political odds with family members since forever; it’s nothing new. But this election season has been particularly polarizing. The Pew Research Center published a multi-decade study— “Political Polarization in the American Public”—on their website in 2014 which showed that political antipathy was then at its greatest straining point in the last 20 years. In the six years since that article, the gap has only grown. What affects the public arena has crept into personal and family bonds as well.

This damage to the fabric of relationships has led to complete schisms in some families. The Reuters News website published an article on Nov. 2, 2020, with the heart-rending title of “You Are No Longer My Mother.” The article shares several people’s stories—on both ends of the political spectrum—who agonize over the damage to family relationships that political polarization has caused.

Yes, I have been captive to this sin and felt overwhelmed by not knowing how to even begin to free myself. Prayer, of course, is my first step. I ask God to help me mend my relationship, and to be open to my own fault in hurting my sister, and to apologize for my hurting words. But finding tools that will help me rebuild our relationship after such hurt? Where do I begin?

For me, reading the book The Opposite of Hate: A Field Guide to Repairing Our Humanity by journalist Sally Kohn has been a good place to start. Kohn outlines a simple ABC guideline for keeping lines of communication open. To begin with, she reinforces the truism that you cannot argue with feelings—everyone has them, and they have a right to them. Instead of trying to argue feelings away with facts, Kohn recommends starting with the A in ABC, which stands for “affirm.” Find a way to affirm and validate what someone else is feeling. If they are afraid of some global consequence to a governmental policy, affirm that you share the same fear in a way that you can validate and agree.

Next is B, for “bridge.” Kohn’s caution is that you must banish the word “but” from your conversation. “But” will always be received as a rebuttal or refusal to accept

what the other person feels. Find a way to bridge with the other person using words like “and” or “that’s why” or “actually” or “the thing is” before your next statement.

The C stands for “convince,” which is where you may offer your own reasoning for what you feel.

You’ll want to know that I did manage to get through the argument with my sister by affirming to her as strongly as I could that I love her dearly, and I pointed out to her several of her most honorable traits, for which I have always deeply respected her.

I tried to affirm for her that I completely respect her right to have her own opinion, even if I don’t agree with it. She offered the same sentiment to me, and we ended by agreeing to never discuss politics again.

While I’m not certain if that was the best end, it seemed the right path to take at the time. Perhaps with more learning about strategies like the ABC of what Kohn calls “connection-speech,” I will be better able to state my beliefs without hurting those I love.

And I ask for the Holy Spirit to be my guide.

Recommended Articles 01. “You Are No Longer My Mother” by Tim Reid, Gabriella Borter, Michael Martina (Nov. 2, 2020) from Reuters.com 02. “Political Polarization in the American Public” by Michael Dimock, Jocelyn Kiley, Scott Keeter, and Carroll Doherty (June 12, 2014) from PewResearch.com 03. “Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds” by Elizabeth Kolbert (Feb. 27, 2017) from NewYorker.com Recommended Books 01. The Opposite of Hate: A Field Guide to Repairing Our Humanity by Sally Kohn (2018) 02. Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion by Marshall Rosenberg (1999) Recommended Videos 01. “What We Can Do About the Culture of Hate” by Sally Kohn (Apr. 10, 2018) from channel TED 02. “Nonviolent Communication and Self Awareness” by Maria Engels (March 12, 2019) from channel TEDx Talks

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THE HARD WORK OF UNITY

BY NOR AH

M

y grandmother and I used to count cars whenever we saw a train going by. It was a fun challenge as they went whizzing past, and more challenging if they all looked the same; much easier, and more interesting, to keep track when each car was different. Did you know Amtrak runs over 21,000 miles of track and, by train, it’s about 20 hours from St. Paul to Nashville?

I’ve had an ongoing social media conversation of late with a stranger from Tennessee who does not align with me politically, or for that matter socially. He reached out a few months back specifically because I was a faraway stranger who disagreed with him, and that distance made it feel safe to engage in substantive conversation around hot button issues.

I said yes. It’s been important. And good for me. For both of us. But I’m not gonna lie: It’s been challenging. Exhausting. Just plain hard work.

In defining unity, Merriam Webster uses the words “oneness, accord, unification.” I find the synonyms more inter-

LONG

"...Each orchestral instrument offering its own unique timbre as part of the whole; each note of a chord distinct, yet only together sounding as major or minor." esting: consonance, harmony, orchestration, symphony.

What beautiful musical examples: each orchestral instrument offering its own unique timbre as part of the whole; each note of a chord distinct, yet only together sounding as major or minor.

It’s reminiscent of Paul’s famous simile in Romans 12 that, like the physical body, in Christ we each have different gifts but are parts of one unified body of believers; his recurring theme that distinctions of culture, race, nation or tradition are no longer divisions with Christ as our great unifier.

Merriam Webster’s antonyms of “unity” are equally interesting: Discordance. Imbalance. Incoherence. Violence.

They go dark fast—apparently, lack of unity is no laughing matter.

Unity isn’t about sameness here; it’s about a connection of disparate pieces, a coming together of previously detached or differing things. In terms of opposites, unity is to division what homogeny is to diversity. Think about it: if everything is homogenous, what is there to unify? The beautiful thing about unity is its diversity! How great is that? It means, in order to piece together the puzzle of unity we don’t need to worry about finding pieces that match ours. We simply need to join together with whatever pieces are around us, standing together, differences and all.

Both from Christian and secular perspec-

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tives, diversity can live within community, and there can be unity within diversity.

In Psalm 133, King David sings, “How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity.” Let’s be clear: the guy slept with Bathsheba and then had her husband killed on the front lines of battle so he could have her. Not a stellar example of harmony. But isn’t it interesting that even the big guns of the Bible struggle here?

Peter chops off the centurion’s ear, Cain kills Abel, the disciples fall asleep as Jesus sweats blood, and Paul preaches again and again to audiences struggling with unity.

The interpersonal struggle is ages old. It is real. But when there’s connection, relationship, respect, personalization of “the other,” chopping off an ear gets a lot more difficult.

Like my pen pal in Tennessee. (Though sometimes I wanna chop off his ear.) I wonder, if David had sat down with Uriah for dinner, laughed and talked, watched the game, would he have been so cavalier about sending him to the front lines?

In marriage, most couples quickly must confront some differences of

opinion: financial choices, parenting styles, what to eat for supper, does the toilet paper roll over or under. Part of the challenge of being united is tenaciously working through differences—or perhaps even more powerfully, committing to remain united and work together even “with” ongoing differences.

Whether differences of political opinion, approaches to faith doctrines and practices, visiting the grandkids during pandemic, how to engage around inequity, sports allegiances—name your example—I feel a kind of relief in the realization that unity can still be present WITHIN disagreements and differences. It’s like a pressure valve whistling, “This is normal!

This is how we grow.” It offers room to accept differences of opinion, approach or alignment as inevitable in ANY union, and ally ourselves tenaciously around the goal to remain united anyway for the sake of the whole.

Still, it’s a steep hill to climb. So how do we tackle it? While there’s no easy answer, the Apostle Paul does offer this

advice: after exhorting the Colossians to clothe themselves with a litany of virtues, he suggests ( verse 3:14): “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Ah. Love. The great unifier. The little engine that could.

I remember my grandmother telling me that story “The Little Engine That Could,” as a child. She knew it by heart.

I can still imagine it, that train. There are different cars: different shapes, sizes, colors, cargo (perhaps baggage?). We’re all on it—all on the same track, joined together, progressing toward the same destination, the same goal of tenacious unity. Staying connected to one another, fueling our engine with love. Slowly, slowly, slowly we start off. It is a steep hill to climb.

It is hard work. But we are pulling together, making progress. The crest is in sight.

I think we can.

I think we can.

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WE’RE ALL GOD’S CHILDREN

BY C H E RY L M AT H I S O N

Born in Acul-du-Nord, Cap-Haitien, Haiti, Mirlie Abraham was 9 years old when she came to live in the United States with her family, settling in Florida. Making the difficult decision to leave Haiti, and their extended family there, in order to provide greater opportunities for their children, Mirlie’s parents chased the American Dream.

They wanted more for their children than what could be attained in Haiti. Most particularly, they wanted to provide them with a good education. Unfortunately, in Haiti there are many barriers to going to school.

Besides the tuition, which is nearly impossi-

ble for families to afford, there are very strict requirements for school uniforms, including school shoes. Those restrictions make the shoes difficult to find and expensive to purchase, and for this reason alone, many children do not attend school or get a basic education.

This story may sound familiar—and for good reason. Mirlie is the person behind the Haiti Kids Project, a ministry she dreamed up as a grad student while working on her master’s degree at St. Mary’s University here in Minnesota. Her dream was simple: what if we could collect used black dress shoes and send them to children in Haiti so they could go to school? One day, Mirlie shared

that dream with another grad student, Mary Emmeck, who just happened to be a member of St. Philip the Deacon. Mary responded enthusiastically to Mirlie’s dream saying, “I know a church that can help!” That’s how Mirlie came to St. Philip the Deacon—and that’s how for the past six years SPD has collected shoes (and soccer balls, and personal grooming supplies) as well as supplied food for children in Haiti.

Of her education Mirlie is proud to say, “I am a product of an immigrant, and I was able to beat the odds and obtain a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.” Currently, Mirlie works for David Hoy & Associates seeing clients mostly via Zoom.

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Mirlie’s husband, Paulin Mathurin, was born in the same province in Haiti and he came to the United States in 2015. Paulin attended Hennepin Community College, studying to become an emergency medical technician, and is currently enrolled at Century College where he is pursuing his degree in nursing.

Paulin and Mirlie were married at St. Philip the Deacon in 2017 and together they oversee the Haiti Kids Project. Their commitment to make a difference in Haiti is a product of their faith, compassion and generosity. When asked, “What moves you to serve and give as you do?” they answered: “We grew up in a country that did not have a lot of opportunity for its citizens; and we always say that if we are in a better position to help, we will do so.” And help they have.

Each year over 500 children, and their families, have benefited from their dream and heart for service. “We are blessed to live here and that gives us the inspiration to give back to our communities in Haiti.”

girl was such a big deal until I moved here.”

She went on to explain, “Even today, I get personally followed no matter what stores I go in to just because I am black. Even though I have a professional job and never violate others or properties, I am carefully watched.”

with worry. “Being black in America is scary and dangerous, but being a black male is even worse,” said Mirlie. “Right now, everyone loves him (Thaddeus) because he is so well mannered and cute. I hope that when he grows up, people will still find him cute and harmless like when he was young.”

Although Mirlie and Paulin have been able to achieve things here in the U.S. that were unavailable to them in Haiti, life in the United States hasn’t always been easy.

When out in the community, the couple notices how some people cross to the other side of the road when they see them. Others appear to be uneasy in their presence.

Life in Haiti may be marked by a lack of opportunity and access to a good education, but it is also a place where people live as a kinship. “No matter the background, color or education, everyone respects each other.”

Mirlie remembers being unwelcome by her peers in elementary school and later being bullied because of the color of her skin. She said, “I never knew that being a dark-skinned

Given those experiences, Mirlie and Paulin, who are parents to two-and-a-half-year-old Thaddeus, acknowledge that raising their boy in this complicated world is fraught

Reflecting on the movement toward a just society, Mirlie said, “We are all God’s children, and we cannot be picking or choosing who we should help or treat right. We need to educate ourselves about racial injustice and learn how to be uncomfortable about topics that are harming our brothers and sisters. I hope the world can be kind again.”

If you would like to learn more about life in Haiti, check out these books: For A dults The Big Truck That Went By by Jonathan M. Katz For Children Circles of Hope by Karen Lynn Williams Selavi, That is Life: A Haitian Story of Hope

by Youme Landowne

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When artist Lanecia Rouse creates, it comes from the intersection of her God-given gifts and her deep experience of the sacred in the world. Paint, paper, photography and myriad other elements come together to witness to the power of creation, and through those means, inspire connection, community and healing.

The Magnificent Struggle AN INTERVIEW WITH LANECIA ROUSE

BY TIM WESTERMEYER

To start, you are the daughter of a pastor.

And your dad wasn’t just a pastor but was the first cross-racial appointment in South Carolina in the United Methodist Church. How do you think your father’s work formed or shaped you? [My father] was the first person to teach me what God’s love embodied in this world could look like and to actively imagine other possibilities outside the social worlds that shaped me— namely, predominately white spaces.

I learned from observing my father’s

work how to cultivate the imagination and the necessity of the imagination in making this world a more humane dwelling for all people; as well as what is at stake when we, especially the church, operate out of an impoverished imagination.

More than anything I believe my father’s work taught me how to see and listen well. He taught me to honor the humanity of each person I encountered and to cling to a hope that is not blind to the everyday realities of this world we inhabit.

You eventually went to divinity school and became a pastor yourself, correct? What did you learn about yourself or God during that period of your life? As you can probably imagine, I learned an entire novel worth of lessons and truths about myself and life with God from that period of my life. I won’t write that novel here, but I can share these things:

I learned that I am an artist and that creating, in all its forms, is one of the most human things we can do.

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ART WORKS BY LANECIA ROUSE PHOTOGR APHS BY ELIZABETH JONES MCCHESNEY AND L ACIE BR AWNER

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“ I learn so much about myself, the world, the Divine through the magnificent struggle of creation.”

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I also learned that community and cultivating relationships with people who hold space for me to honestly be, is essential for my thriving. I learned that this space is sacred. It is liberating. It is a gift.

And finally, I learned very early in ministry that I’m a contemplative. It is important for my life with God, and the world around me, that I am intentional about setting aside time each day for solitude and silence. I am most alive to life, grounded and able to discern God’s active presence amidst life’s uncertainties and steady evolving f low, when I receive at least 15 minutes of my day in solitude and silent ref lection of some kind.

Your daughter A.J., born prematurely, died shortly after birth. Recognizing that this brief interview can’t possibly capture the depths of that experience, could you say a bit about that experience of grief, and how it impacted or changed you? On December 4, 2013, I gave birth to a daughter whom we named A.J., and she died just over 2 hours later, resting upon my chest.

A.J.’s death shattered me. Her death handed me a bowl of sorrow unlike any I’d ever carried within me before and unlike any I will carry in the future. I had enough experiences with grief—my own and witnessing others’—to have learned a few life-giving ways to carry the grief and not let the grief carry me. I chose to let people into the story, to honor the pain,

to speak honestly about what I needed to make it through the initial stages of my grief, and to look with eyes of expectancy for love to show up. I needed love to show up in tangible ways to lift me out of the hell I found myself in. It was the only way I knew.

Her existence and the love that binds me to her for eternity, however, is honestly what changed me.

A.J. broke me open from the moment I knew she existed within me. I had always been afraid to name out loud that I was an artist and that I felt called to love the world through artistic expression, but becoming a mother gave me the courage to speak it out loud and begin to imagine that life for myself.

That loss was ultimately what led you to move away from what could be called “traditional” ordained ministry to a different way to minister—namely, a ministry focused on the arts. Could you talk about that transition? During the nine months following her birth and death, I began to prayerfully take steps toward my identity as an artist. I got my studio downtown, continued making art, showing my work, created the business plan and did all the things I needed for what was next. Eventually it became clear to me that it was time to resign from pastoral ministry and become a full-time artist. It was one of the most difficult and ultimately rewarding decisions I have made.

That was six years ago, and I am delighted to say that I am the owner and artist of a small business called LAR Art Studio. My portfolio includes a range of work in abstract painting, photography, teaching workshops, curation, writing and speaking. I also collaborate as an artist with organizations and communities on

various projects locally, nationally and internationally.

I presume there was a bit of fear associated with that transition, even though you sensed God was calling you to a different kind of life. First, is that fair? And if it is, what would you say to anyone trying to figure out where God is leading them in their own life? Yes, I think that’s fair to say (laughing). There is always a bit of fear or anxiety associated with major life transitions for me. The more life I experience, the less fear I tend to experience as I lean into the unfamiliar, but this was one of those “feel the fear, trust yourself and wisely do the thing anyway” moments for me. For way too long, fear had been a force I often allowed to keep me from leaning into where I sensed God was leading me. This time I decided instead to befriend it and trust I was not leaning into that fear alone.

Talk about your art. What types of media do you work with? I am without a doubt the definition of a mixed media artist. I work with several different media—acrylic paint, paper, oil paintings, cold wax, cyanotype, photography and encaustic wax mostly. I also enjoy creating my own paints from bricks, rocks and earth pigments. I’m intrigued by the possibilities of materials, as well as the ways those materials can be used to convey the universal themes about “the human condition.” The creative

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process fascinates me; [it’s] as much about doing it for the process as it is about what it gives birth to. I learn so much about myself, the world, the Divine through the magnificent struggle of creation.

How would you talk about the connection between art and faith? Art making, for me, is a deeply spiritual process. Art, both in the making and viewing of it, invites us to tap into that deep well of creativity and wild imagination that is within each and every one of us. Art often draws me deeper into the mystery of the incarnation and enables me to see the world is pregnant with possibility as I find ways of using ordinary materials to create works that are alive with story, emotion, questions, truths, and my own wrestling with questions of faith and what it means to be human.

Also, I have come to see how art provides a communal space where together we can encounter the beautiful, stretch our ability to see, cultivate the imagination, grow in empathy and communicate our ref lections on deep truths and questions that hold the possibility of drawing those of faith closer in union to God, each other and the world around us.

You also collaborate in an interdisciplinary way with other artists. Is there an element of breaking down barriers in that kind of work? For sure anytime artists come together on a project with their own perspectives, ways of communicating and expertise, there is a bit of breaking down barriers that needs to happen so that you can have a strong collaboration that is ref lective of all the parts. I’ve found that if we show up to the collaboration table honestly, open, and as eager to learn from each other as we are to share what we know, something truly beautiful emerges that is greater than any single part.

The pandemic has pushed me to expand my ability to see what that can look like, as well as give serious thought to how we can do it in ways that don't do harm and make it as accessible as we possibly can. The accessibility is key and probably the most difficult part given all of the economic inequalities that exist.

However, I have no doubt that I will continue to imagine and implement ways for people to gather around the table and make space for art in its various forms to happen. It is still an important part of my studio practice.

The theme for this issue of Inspire is “Unity.” The past year has been divisive in all kinds of ways: politics, race relations, different reactions to the pandemic. When you think of unity, what comes to mind in the face of those kinds of difficulties and challenges? I think of the magnificent struggle my mixed media art making process is for me—this process of bringing uniquely different materials together to create upon a surface an art piece that is whole. It is a process that requires work, curiosity, imagination, knowledge of the materials, a love for the materials, listening well, and paying attention to how the media interacts with each other. There is always some point when I have to let go of something in order for the piece to become what it needs to be.

Would you say your work helps to inspire unity? If so, how? You know, I’m not sure if it does. I do know I believe my role as an artist is to participate in co-creating a world that is a more humane dwelling place. I actually have that on a chalkboard in my studio so I don’t forget (laughing).

And if in doing that it inspires unity, I’d love to hear stories from people in how my art and studio practice is doing that. The thought is beautiful.

You’ll be with us later this year as part of the Faith & Life Series to discuss “Faith & Art: How Creativity Heals.” Can you give a little preview of what you plan to share with us that evening? I will be talking more in depth about what I have learned about the healing possibilities of creativity and the importance of cultivating the imagination for people who have faith in a Divine Creator with a wild imagination.

It will be an honest conversation with an artist who loves God, loves herself, loves people and what these loves have taught me along the way.

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BY AMANDA BERGER

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The Apostles’ Creed, which we profess every week during worship, is one of several ancient statements of belief made by the early church.

These statements which affirm various aspects of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit were created, largely, to help teach and affirm the core tenets of the Christian faith.

In the years following Christ’s death and resurrection, it could be said that there were several versions of Christianity. It was many years before the written Gospels appeared and many more before they were widely available. Christianity was taught by word of mouth, first by the apostles and then by ever-widening groups of believers. Because of distance and difficulty of travel, “churches” were local, with local leadership and practices.

We witness in the New Testament epistles discrepancies and struggles between the various churches—in Corinth, in Thessalonica, in Philippi and throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East.

There was no one unifying standard of what it meant to be Christian, apart from belief in Christ and the work of salvation on the cross. In fact, because Christianity was illegal until the early 4th century, there were very few consistent practices within the church.

After the conversion of the Roman emperor Constantine and his later ruling with the Edict of Milan in A.D. 313, the church began to organize and create more uniform practices with a more unified theology. Ten years later, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman empire.

Creeds emerged in response to conflicts in doctrine that were being taught in various Christian communities. As the church became more organized, more official statements of belief were adopted—most notably the Nicene Creed from the year A.D. 325 at the Council of Nicaea. As early theologians hashed out what was central to the faith and argued with other theologians about what was not true, the creeds began to take their form and become instrumental as teaching tools for the church. The Apostles’ Creed, as we say it today, can trace its form to the early 8th century.

Martin Luther included the Apostles’ Creed (and his explanation of it) in his Small Catechism, which was a collection of teachings meant to be used in the household of believers to instruct the family and children in the foundations of faith.

As we consider the history of the Christian church, we can see how it has evolved and where theologies have differed as evidenced by the over 200 denominations in the United States alone. Yet, through traditional pieces of the Christian liturgy like the Apostles’ Creed (along with the Lord’s Prayer) we continue to express unity in

our belief, even as matters of doctrine or worship style vary dramatically from church to church.

“The Creed guides our understanding of scripture, the Christian faith and the truth of what we believe,” explains Pastor Mark Schmid. “When we profess our Christian faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed, we are individually and collectively proclaiming a bold, resounding ‘yes!’ to what God has done, is doing and will continue to do for us and all of God’s people. The shared liturgical voice and faithful work of the people moves us far beyond our differences into a life-giving, common place where we are one, bound together by the love, mercy and grace of Jesus Christ.”

“We say a great many things in church (and out of church too) without thinking of what we are saying. For instance, we say in the Creed "I believe in the forgiveness of sins." I had been saying it for several years before I asked myself why it was in the Creed. At first sight it seems hardly worth putting in. "If one is a Christian," I thought, "of course one believes in the forgiveness of sins. It goes without saying." But the people who compiled the Creed apparently thought that this was a part of our belief which we needed to be reminded of every time we went to church. And I have begun to see that, as far as I am concerned, they were right. To believe in the forgiveness of sins is not nearly so easy as I thought.

Real belief in it is the sort of thing that very easily slips away if we don't keep on polishing it up.”

C.S. LEWIS

Years ago, when I was still doing middle school ministry, I used to offer an exercise to my confirmation students of writing the Apostles’ Creed in their own words—including what they knew about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and the truth of faith in their lives. Consider doing something similar for yourself as a journaling exercise.

What things do you absolutely believe about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit? How would you express those beliefs in your own words?

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STANDING ON HOLY GROUND

BY AMANDA BERGER

There’s travel, and then there’s pilgrimage. While the two share some characteristics, like exotic foods, visiting popular tourist attractions or staying in a hotel, it is the emotional and spiritual resonance of a pilgrimage that sets it apart.

01.

There is the pilgrim’s expectation that their journey will be a meaningful encounter with the holy. And while there are many places in the world that could be considered a Christian pilgrimage site, none is so saturated with meaning as a trip to the Holy Land: to climb the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments; to stand in the waters of Jordan where John baptized; to walk the ancient, cobbled streets of Jerusalem, following Jesus’ path to Golgotha. All are brimming with history and overf lowing with significance for the faithful.

In 2022, pastors and members of SPD will sojourn to the Holy Land. Pastor Wester-

02.

meyer will lead a trip in January/February 2022 and Pastor Mathison will take two different groups in October/November of that same year. Each trip’s itinerary features visits to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, and, for two of the trips, the red-rock city of Petra.

Participants will visit sites like the Mount of Beatitudes, the Church of the Nativity, and the Dead Sea among many others.

“There were so many memories from [that] trip,” shared Grace Korlath, a previous trip participant. “Some of my favorite moments were seeing the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem and Cana where water was turned into wine. We all know these stories but to be there was incredible. We rode in a boat (like the one Jesus was on) on the Sea of Galilee while having communion. That was so meaningful! We renewed our baptism vows in the Jordan River.” One very memorable thing for Korlath was seeing the very long, sharp thorns (on a bush) like those made into a crown for the crucifixion. “I had no idea the size of them! And I always liked the story of Zacchaeus climbing the Sycamore Tree to see Jesus. We saw that tree—or one very like it. The entire trip was one amazing experience after another!” said Korlath.

Shali Baldry has also participated in previous trips with groups from St.

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Philip the Deacon. “I signed up for the [upcoming] trip to Israel to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and to build on my previous two trips taken with the church. The trip to Greece—walking in the footsteps of the apostle Paul and the trip to Germany, walking through Martin Luther's life—both allowed me to experience in person these powerful historical and religious events.” Baldry went on to say that she is looking forward to learning about the other religions that also share Israel as holy ground and the ways that visiting these locations enriches her faith.

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Fellow traveler to Greece, David Deutsch said, “When I travel with the group from church, what I value is our common Lutheran perspective and the variety of people on the trip. It's a joy to spend time with others in the congregation whom I would not have met otherwise.” He has also signed up for the trip to the Holy Land and anticipates, “Seeing the landscape and smelling the air of these locations adds a deepened understanding and another reference point from which to view our Christian history. Following the trip, I'm sure reading the Bible will instantly bring up the memories and sensations after having traveled there. It will bring the Bible to life in a whole new way.”

Registration for these trips is now open and space is limited. If you are interested in finding out more information or signing up for a trip, please contact the trip’s host, either Pastor Westermeyer, twestermeyer@spdlc.org or Pastor Mathison, cmathison@spdlc.org.

PHOTO CAPTIONS 01. Thorn bush 02. SPD Group at the Jordan River 03. Sunrise at the Sea of Galilee 04. Remembering our baptism

in the Jordan River

05. Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem 05.

06.

06. Taking a boat out on the

Sea of Galilee

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Enneagram: Unity Within BY

AMANDA

BERGER

Gut

Heart

Head

1. The Reformer 8. The Challenger 9. The Peacemaker

2. The Helper 3. The Achiever 4. The Individualist

5. The Investigator 6. The Loyalist 7. The Enthusiast

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T

h e r e a r e a l o t of t o ol s w h ic h l e a d t o a de e p e r u n de r s ta n di ng of t h e s e l f. T h e E n n e ag r a m i s a t o ol , w it h ro o t s i n a nc i e n t G r e e c e a n d t h e M i ddl e E a s t, w h ic h e m br ac e s n i n e a rc h et y p e s , e ac h de s c r i bi ng a n a s p e c t of t h e h u m a n c on dit ion. E ac h of t h e s e t y p e s i s qu it e di s t i nc t, a n d a lt houg h w e c a n e m b ody c e r ta i n c h a r ac t e r i s t ic s of e ac h t h e n i n e t y p e s , w e w i l l p r i m a r i ly f i n d ou r s e lv e s mo s t l i k e on e t y p e .

The Enneagram came to the forefront of Christian thought through the work of Franciscan friar Richard Rohr in the early 2000s with the publication of his books, The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective and Discovering the Enneagram: An Ancient Tool for a New Spirituality.

It has recently catapulted in popularity in Christian circles for its ability to help people understand those things which might prevent us from giving and receiving love, and for the affirming ways that it invites individuals to embrace how they are created and their characteristics which allow them to uniquely live out their purpose.

A tool like the Enneagram, among others, can help us to understand ourselves better, and through it, we can also better understand those around us more fully. This deeper understanding

can help us to unite more acutely with our own sense of self and purpose, to discover what drives us and what shuts us down, as well as to find common ground and empathy in relationships.

As we dig into the basics of the Enneagram, please know that this article is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive.

There is so much depth to the study of the Enneagram, so if you are intrigued, we have listed several additional resources for further reading in the sidebar. And note, that like any personality test, the Enneagram is meant to be a tool for discovery, to better understand yourself, NOT to define, type or put other people into boxes.

The foundations of the Enneagram are based in the nine types, which are split into triads governed by either the head, the heart or the gut. Even with that simple statement, you may already have an inkling of where you are, based on the ways you experience emotions or make decisions. Within these triads, we find the following nine types (see adjacent page).

However, this one-word description is hardly enough to define your own type. The best way to discover your type is to read and research about the Enneagram, learn about all the types, and then notice which one resonates most for you.

There are Enneagram “quizzes” online, and while these can help to narrow in on your type, only you can tell which type is truly yours. And, as Ian Cron writes in his

Further Reading The Road Back to You Ian Morgan Cron The Honest Enneagram Sarajane Case The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective Richard Rohr Spiritual Rhythms for the Enneagram Adele & Doug Calhoun

We would also commend to you the recording from our 2017 Faith & Life Conversation with Ian Cron, author, psychotherapist and Episcopal priest where he succinctly unpacks the basics of the Enneagram.

Find the recording at faith-and-life.org/audio.

book The Road Back to You, “Your number is not determined by what you do so much as by why you do it.” The Enneagram awakens us to our motivations and can help us—through that understanding—to unite both our light and shadow sides; to reveal the “why” and help us to heal.

As an example, when I first heard the description of The Individualist, I felt an immediate connection and thought to myself, “I’ve never read anything that captured who I am so nearly perfectly!” I was amazed by the resonance I felt in that moment.

The descriptions of a type 4 as self-aware, creative, with a strong desire to experience beauty and create a particular mood in their space, felt true to how I perceived myself. I also identified strongly with the statement that “[Fours] often report that they feel they are missing something in themselves, although they may have difficulty identifying exactly what that ‘something’ is.” This constant search for the “missing something” has led me to explore a variety of self-help practices, enrichment classes, and continuing education. Through understanding this unique part of my wiring, I have also found that the best way to ease the feeling of incompleteness is to regularly engage in a gratitude practice.

Immersing myself in Enneagram study has also taught me that I can have a tendency to dwell in negative emotions and negative self-talk—both of which can be destructive and paralyzing for me. But, now being aware of that tendency, when I find myself spiraling, I can recognize it and find ways to get out of my own head and into the reality of my situation and the world around me.

One asset of the Enneagram is that it delves into both our strengths and our weaknesses—enlightening us to our behavior when we are in a healthy, centered place and alerting us to the more destructive actions we manifest when we are under stress or in an unhealthy place emotionally, physically or spiritually. It is a powerful tool for recognizing how we’ve been created and how we interact with the world because of it.

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L A I S S E Z L E S

BO N S

T E M P S

RO U L E R

New Orleans is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, melding French, Spanish, Italian, African and Caribbean influences into its unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. A food-lover’s paradise, there will never be enough meals in any trip to New Orleans to try everything, but you can let the good times roll with this taste of the Crescent City right in your own home.

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY AMANDA BERGER

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BREAD PUDDING

M U F F U L E T TA

WITH BOURBON

MINIS

SAUCE Nearly every restaurant in NOLA serves its own version of this comforting dessert. Some with pecans, some with rum, some add cinnamon, some use day-old cinnamon rolls. All are delicious.

This is a classic, basic bread pudding recipe that is great as is, or ready for you to explore your own variations. Serves: 8-10 1 loaf french bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (16 oz) 4 cups milk 3 large eggs, beaten 2 cups sugar 1 cup raisins 3 tbsp butter, melted 2 tbsp pure vanilla extract FOR THE BOURBON SAUCE

1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 large egg, well beaten 2 tablespoons bourbon Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.

To make the bread pudding, combine milk, eggs, sugar, raisins, butter and vanilla in a bowl, whisking well. Add the bread cubes, tossing gently to coat with the milk mixture. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.

The original muffuletta sandwich from Central Grocery on Decatur Street in New Orleans cannot be beat—especially as it is served on a sesame seed covered focaccia-like loaf, about 9” in diameter. While the olive salad needs to be prepped a couple days in advance, it is well worth the effort, as it is what sets this sandwich apart from other Italian deli sandwiches. If preferred, you can purchase Central Deli’s authentic olive salad at centralgrocery.com/shop. Serves: 6 OLIVE SAL AD

¾ cup sliced green olives ¾ cup sliced kalamata olives ½ cup italian-style giardiniera 1 tbsp capers ¼ cup roasted red peppers 1 tbsp garlic, minced 1/8 cup celery, chopped ½ tbsp fresh italian parsley, finely chopped ½ tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped ½ tsp red pepper f lakes 1 ½ tbsp red wine vinegar ½ cup extra virgin olive oil Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 days (or up to a week) to allow the flavors to marinate together, stirring occasionally. Bring to room temperature before serving.

SANDWICHES

Spoon mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for one hour until golden brown and firm.

While the bread pudding bakes, make the bourbon sauce.

Combine butter and sugar in a small saucepan, heating over medium heat and stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves.

Slowly add the egg, whisking until well blended. Continue to cook for about 1 minute. Then, remove from heat and stir in the bourbon (can sub 2 teaspoons rum f lavoring if you prefer.)

Allow to cool in pan for about 20 minutes before serving. (It will still be warm, but cut nicely.) Serve in individual bowls with bourbon sauce spooned over the top.

Using sesame seed buns is quick and easy, as they are found in most bakeries. Use the best deli meats and cheese you can find for the most authentic f lavor.

6 sesame seed buns, sliced 1 recipe olive salad (above) 24 slices genoa salami 6 slices hot capicola (or ham) 6 slices mortadella (or bologna) 6 slices mozzarella cheese 6 slices provolone cheese On each bun, layer in the following order: 2 slices salami, 1 slice mortadella, 1 slice mozzarella, 1 slice capicola, 1 slice provolone, 2 more slices salami, generous amount (about 2-3 tbsp) of the olive salad. Place the top of the bun on top. Serve immediately, or wrap tightly and let sit for an hour, to allow the f lavors to blend and the oil from the olive salad to soak into the bun.

INSPIRE

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St. Philip the Deacon

OP TIONAL

1 lb raw, deveined tail-off shrimp

J A M B A L AYA

This recipe came from a friend who enjoyed a cooking class at Emeril Lagasse’s Cooking School during a trip to New Orleans.

It has become a family favorite—I can never decide which I like better, the brown (pictured above, right) or red version! Serves: 10 1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided 1 cooked chicken, cut up (rotisserie is great!)

1 1/2 lbs kielbasa or andouille sausage, sliced into rounds 1 heaping tbsp brown sugar or ¼ cup paprika 4 cups chopped onions 2 cups chopped celery 2 cups chopped green pepper 1 tbsp chopped garlic 4 cups long grain white rice 5 cups chicken stock 2 heaping tsp cajun seasoning 2 cups chopped green onions or chopped tomatoes

You have the option of making brown jambalaya (brown sugar roux) or red jambalaya (paprika). Both are delicious, so you can’t go wrong. Or do a little of both!

Add ¼ cup oil to a very large stock pot. Add the chicken and sausage and brown over medium-high heat. Remove both from pot, setting aside, leaving remaining oil in the pan.

Decision time: For brown jambalaya add heaping TBSP brown sugar to hot oil and caramelize making a roux—OR—for red jambalaya add 1/4 cup paprika.

Next, sauté, in the vegetable oil roux, onions, celery, green pepper and garlic until tender-crisp. Return chicken and sausage to the pot. Add the chicken broth and Cajun seasoning, bringing to a boil.

Once it’s boiling, add rice and return to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to simmering for 15 minutes. Then, remove cover and quickly turn rice from top to bottom completely. Add shrimp, if desired. Add green onions and/or tomatoes. Cover and cook for 15 more minutes, until shrimp is opaque, and rice is tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.

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g n i Giv s k n a h T A

lthough many plans altered around the Christmas holiday last year, two things did not change at St. Philip the Deacon. Our members continued to overf low with generosity as we responded to the holiday wishes of residents in 10 shelters across the Twin Cities, as well as providing food baskets, books and support to over 1,200 people in need. SPD also used our vast resources of talent and creativity to provide an engaging and beautiful Advent theme, Home for Christmas.

We received many words of thanks in regard to both of these ministries.

Your gifts make these ministries possible, reaching out to those in need, proclaiming the Gospel wherever you go, and inspiring our community.

“…All of you made our Christmas so amazing. Thank you for thinking of us during this holiday and the time and thought put into my gift.”

JEANA (HART HOUSE)

“Thank you so much for the gift card! Your kindness helped me to get Christmas gifts for my kids. This means so much to me. God bless you all!”

ADRIENNE (HART HOUSE)

“I cannot begin to thank you enough for the gifts. It fills my heart with so much hope knowing there are people who go out of their way to help a stranger in need. This year has been one of the best and worst of my life. … Your church ’s support of programs like Hart House has a marked impact on people’s lives.

For me, this house has been a safe haven to navigate a difficult world from a new, sober perspective. The help you’ve shown me will not be forgotten as I hope to ‘pay it forward ’ someday.”

JESSICA (HART HOUSE)

"I was so thrilled when the Advent Calendar arrived in the mail. I love it! We always had an Advent Calendar when I was growing up and it was a tradition I continued when my children were growing up. Now I am once again enjoying the thrill of opening a window each day and being inspired. Thank you!"

SUE MCCONVILLE

"We are enjoying the SPD Home For Christmas playlists. Please let the person who selected the music know that they did a great job with a variety of musicians. Any list that includes both the Goo Goo Dolls and Diana Krall is a winner in my opinion. Happy Advent."

S TA N L E Y H A M I LT O N

INSPIRE

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St. Philip the Deacon

Although the Sleep Out in support of Interfaith Outreach looked different this year, our Senior High Youth were still excited to raise funds and support awareness for those experiencing homelessness in the Plymouth/Wayzata Community. On November 22, we hosted a Drive Thru Doughnuts that also allowed people to drop off donations for IOCP, sign up for holiday gifting, and other SPD ministries.

OUT & ABOUT

01.

02.

03.

05.

04.

0 1 . Pastor Valerie Strand Patterson and a generous gifter consider the needs of those at area shelters who are a part of our annual holiday gifting ministry.

0 2 . Doughnut holes from Valley Pastry are a signature

06.

0 7.

experience of St. Philip the Deacon 0 3 . Linnea Hagestuen, Emma Galloway, Olivia Landro and Bella Enger braved the chilly morning to help out with the Drive Thru.

0 4 . Susan Path and Reid

Schroeder, both part of our SPD staff, assist with handing out materials for various SPD ministries, including praying in color, Bible Art Journaling, and communion supplies.

0 5 . Emma Galloway and Olivia Landro are ready to

receive donations for Interfaith Outreach.

0 6 . Linnea Hagestuen gives a big “thumbs up” for a donation to Interfaith Outreach’s Sleep Out. 0 7. Margaux and Katheryn House mask up to help out.

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1.

FA M I L I A R FA C E S TRISHA R AGNER

Describe when you knew you’d be going into ministry.

As a middle school and high school student, I was very involved with teaching at my church with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School; however, my college degrees are in Elementary and Special Education. It wasn’t until I had a job in the public school classroom that I realized how much I wanted to be in ministry, how much I wanted to be able to openly speak about our amazing Savior. I interviewed for the position at St. Philip the Deacon with Pastor Hoffman and Pastor Hogenson. They offered me the job before I left that day. That was almost 20 years ago.

2.

What’s one thing that people would be surprised to know about you? I am actually kind of an introvert. I prefer small groups to large gatherings. My comfort level is way higher with a smaller group of people that I know well than in a setting where a large amount of mingling is required. I also refuel very well in quiet by myself and have no problem f lying solo on activities and adventures.

3.

What are three things on your lifetime to-do list? I hope to see each of my kids happy in their adult lives. What that looks like to each of them may be wildly different from one another. I hope to travel to all the National Parks in the US. There are currently 62 parks, and I have been to 16 at this point. I hope to swim with dolphins someday. This has been a dream of mine since childhood.

4.

How do you take care of yourself—spiritually, emotionally and physically—so that you stay healthy in ministry? First and foremost, I go outside every single day. It might be for a run. It might be to walk my dogs.

It might be to sit and read. I deeply believe that the health benefits of being in nature are endless, physically, emotionally and mentally.

Trisha Ragner leads special programming for Children’s Ministry— including our wildly popular VBS. Her gifts for helping children to learn about God and to discover how to use their gifts to love and serve our neighbors are an important part of our faith formation ministries.

Being outside is also where I feel most connected to God. I am constantly in awe of what he has given us to enjoy! I often do my devotions outside. I regularly write in my journal outside.

My daily prayer life seems to thrive when I am outside. Worship music in the outdoors is a huge blessing for me as well. Each of these routines all fuel my spiritual growth, and I look forward to them at each practice.

5.

What are you passionate about right now? I am passionate about enjoying this amazing gift of life that God has given every single day! We are given ONE life. Let’s make the very best of it. On a daily basis, I strive to be the most positive, best version of me that I can be, which hopefully results in the best version of me as a mom, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a colleague, a teacher and so many more roles.

2021 CONFIRMANDS

We are proud to celebr ate the confirm ation of our 9th gr ade students this year.

We recognize their commitment to Christ Jesus, their perseverance during a difficult year and are so hopeful for their future as they continue in their life of faith. Congratulations confirmation class of 2021. May God bless and keep you now and always. Join us on Sunday, May 23, via livestream to be a part of confirmation service at spdlc.org/livestream.

Liliana Anchondo Carter Andersen Avery Boen Lillian Bradford Thomas Brunner Liam Buck Alison Buckles Katelyn Doyle Sean Dvorak Jack Empkey Joseph Engdahl Grace Estby Kate Etzel Geneva Fackler Tristan Falkowski Aidan Fischer Samuel Galloway Mylee Greenley Tyler Gullickson Clark Hanson

Annika Harberts Ott Nathan Hawkinson Gunnar Hendrickson Olivia Hinnenthal Jeremiah Hottmann Margaux House Priscilla Huber Jewel Ihrke Madeline James Emma Johansen Luke Kamon Benjamin Kleve Lilly Anne Will Landro Carter Lawin Evan Lenzen Devin Maahs Aidan MacMillan Robert Marshall Charlotte Moore

Cale Myers Graham Nelson Drew Nepstad Bryce Neunsinger Erik Nordseth Robert Olson Christopher Petersen John Preiss Joshua Quiring Mya Rasmussen Brayden Sandmann Jaidyn Schempp Cooper Skov Ava Smith Annika Sundquist Torsten Sundquist Makayla Tierney Maisie Wellman Aubrey Wieser Bergan Wolf

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

ROMANS 8:38-39

17205 County Road 6 Plymouth, MN 55447

“Only humility will lead us to unity, and unity will lead to peace.”

MOTHER TERESA

V I S I T U S O N L I N E AT S P D L C .O R G