Deep Waters

Saturday, February 10th, 2007

“Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”

            John 5:4

 
Hello from Mississippi,
 
We have finally had a week without rain.  I would tell those of you who are frozen in Massachusetts that “I feel your pain”, but alas – I do not.  It has been in the 60s and 70s here and absolutely beautiful.  I noticed a tan line where my watchband rides. 

This week we worked on the old building that is to become our new office.  It is great to have a place to go to work.  It comes complete with mice, insects, bats, and cats.  Sounds like a few of the churches in New England that I have seen.  The group from Maryland helped us paint it on Monday and Tuesday.   On Wednesday the members of Redeemer invited them to the newly painted office for a first Eucharist in our new space.  The space was a bit tight, but since we had no chairs we were all able to fit.  Supper to follow was Red Beans and Rice.  Ya gotta love the food in the South!

On Thursday I joined our new friends at Camp Biloxi for dinner and a movie that was made by a local TV station. It tells the story of Katrina and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  It is the most powerful presentation I have seen.  In particular, there are some images of driving down Highway 90.  Side by side are images taken before and after the storm.  What is strikingly apparent in the movie is the unbelievable power of water to overcome and overpower anything in its way.  What is strikingly apparent in the faces of both Mississippians and volunteers from other places alike is the unbelievable power of God to love and to care for all, to restore to wholeness that which is broken.  Jesus sent the disciples into deep water to fish.  It was certainly the most difficult and dangerous place and yet it was also the place where they would find abundant reward.  During our Wednesday Eucharist I asked if anyone would like to share their experience of being called by God into the deep waters of mission.  Many spoke of the satisfaction of doing a job and helping others.  One though spoke of having no choice.  “God is persistent” he said.  “God will not let me rest in the shallow places.” 

One of our parishioners called today to ask about Redeemer sending some money to Florida to help those who had been devastated by the tornados there.  As money came to Redeemer in grants from parishes far and wide after the storm, the vestry had voted to put aside 10% of the money to share with others.  And so it goes.  God calls us out of the shallow places and into the deep waters of sharing our abundance with others.  If you or your parish feels the tug, please contact me.  There is much to be done and much southern hospitality here to be shared.
 
God’s Peace,

Jane+