Reconciliation Eucharist at the UBE
posted July 4th, 2007 at 8:45 pm by Betty
Nevermind the rain, people poured into the Cathedral today — the celebration was a Reconciliation Eucharist for the UBE (Union of Black Episcopalians) Convention being held in Houston this week. The preacher was the Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church.
I was glad I had arrived early to help with the preparations. Among other tasks, I cut eight sprigs from the Cathedral garden and rounded up four water bowls, all for the baptismal sprinkling. I also made new friends. One new friend I especially remember: the Reverend Lewis Sitting Panther Power, a Deacon in the Diocese of the Rio Grande in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He had flown in for the smudging.
Smudging is a sacred tradition of Native people across this land. A prayer offering of jasmine, sweetgrass, sage and cedar incense. Smudging promotes healing and unity and prepares for worship.
By the time the drums and the smudging started, the Cathedral was completely packed. Considering it was July 4, that was something.
Then Bishop Schori began to preach. She admitted it seemed an odd day to talk about repentance and reconciliation - July 4 - but ironically, she said, reconciliation and freedom go hand in hand. The word reconciliation means to call back together - to take counsel together - to make friends again - to restore what has been separated. This, the Primate declared, is our vocation: the healing of our separations and divisions - the repairing of the world, as our Jewish brothers and sisters speak of it.
It is a healed world that must be our focus. We must labor for many kinds of reconciliation. We must challenge the injustices of the world - even the ancient injustices. We must ask the hard questions. We must tell our stories, and lament.
The lament needs to be heard. But after the lament, comes the healing. And some sacrament for the healing needs to take place - some outward and visible sign of an inward healing that comes from the grace of God.
It was a prophetic voice we heard today on this day of freedom. It was a great blessing to be there. I wish we all could have been together. 
Katharine Schori
episcopal church 
Union of Black Episcopalians
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July 5th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Betty,
It was, indeed, an amazing service…even having to watch from the overflow seating in the Chapel. I was moved beyond words by Bishop Schori’s sermon. She is truly a remarkable person. And I did get to meet her and shake her hand at the reception. I do wish I could have been in the Cathedral for the music; it was very powerful.
Bridgitt
July 6th, 2007 at 10:12 am
Betty, thanks for these updates. I wish I was in Houston now. I lived thre for over 20 years and was a member of St Stephen’s, but attended programs and services at the Cathedral, too. Please send my greetings to Dolores Goble!
Jay Vos
Burlington, VT
Member Cathedral Church of St Paul, Burlington
July 7th, 2007 at 8:41 am
Dear Jay,
Betty Adam e-mailed me to go to her blog and find your message with hello to me. Thanks so much! I was at the Eucharist July 4 and got to meet and visit a moment with +Schori at the reception. She was great!
Hope you’re enjoying Vermont, and I miss seeing you in Houston. My job with St. Luke’s Auxiliary now is getting volunteers to go on the blood drives and I enjoy it. Go on about one or two a month myself too.
What are you doing now? You can e-mail me at goblearms@hal-pc.org Best regards, Dolores
July 17th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Betty,
Thanks for your comments about the wonderful Eucharist in Houston. The event still resounds in my mind. I was honored to be a part of the service. The PB’s message was a gift to all of the church and to us.
Wado!
Lewis Sitting Panther Powell
July 18th, 2007 at 9:49 am
Lewis Sitting Panther Powerll,
It was wonderful to meet you and have a chance to talk for a few moments before the service. I am wondering if you would be willing to share with us in some detail the action of smudging that you performed at the Memorial Eucharist. And even more, we are interested in the interfacing of your native tradition and Christianity. We are also looking for videos of your action - can you lead us in that direction? Leave a comment here or send me your thoughts by email. THanks and looking forward to more cnversation. Betty