Conversations on Faith: The Rev. Tim Safford

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The road from Christ Church, St. Peter's, St. Simon to Bishop White's House

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My sisters, I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ,  Welcome to Week 3 of our pilgrimage. I was asked to attend the Anti-Racism Committee of the Diocese of Pennsylvania.  As I was driving into the parking lot, I felt sadness in that we place “racism” into a committee.  Racism is a sin against God’s creation and destroys lives, people, and communities.  We are committed as a Diocese to not only address racism, but to systematically and institutionally eradicate racism in our churches, public places, private spaces and in our homes. I am moved by the tireless efforts of our brothers and sisters who have worked to remove this stain.  I want to thank the members of the committee who put their hearts and souls into substantive change.  As we begin a new narrative, we will highlight the work of the committee, emphasize training and education and make things new in the name of Jesus Christ.  It is who we are as followers o...
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Do we look like Jesus?

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As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness. Psalm 17:15 I pray you are covered with Christ as we journey through the Holy Season of Lent. I am struggling over the lingering question: Do our churches and faith look like Jesus? Can we say yes? I am not speaking of looking like Jesus architecturally or artistically (e.g. carved in stone, Tiffany stained glass, Jesus covered in gold or European Jesus).  I wrestle with something more profound. If someone walks through our door, will they find a place where they belong? Will the person wearing dirty clothes feel they belong? Will the immigrant who does not speak English or the single mother or father with three screaming kids? Maybe that guy who smells like alcohol and needs a shave. Anyone who does not look, think, act, or talk like us. This is a time of Lenten reflection, and we all like to believe we welcome everyone.We know that despite the smiles, and the quick w...
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Hold Jesus

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Our eyes are beholding the salvation of the world - Jesus Christ.  Today let us spend our day in joyful celebration as we celebrate Candlemas. Simeon takes the child Jesus into his hands and rejoices. Let us take Christ into our hands, for he is the light of the world. Let us reflect how Jesus is moving in our lives. How Jesus is transforming the old into the new. Hold Jesus and then sing with Simeon: “Lord, let your servant now rest in peace, for you have kept your promi se. With my own eyes I see the salvation you prepared for all peoples, a light of revelation for the Gentiles and glory to your people, Israel.” Along with their newborn son, Mary and Joseph brought a sacrifice of two pigeons, the offering permitted in the law of Moses for those too poor to afford a lamb (Lev. 12: 8). Despite their lack of wealth, however, these peasants from Galilee carried in their arms the salvation of the whole world. Simeon and Anna, a holy man and a devout woman of Israel, im...
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