#12 July 25, 2018 The Games People Play

Dear Friends

One of the blessings of being here for four months has been experiencing some annual Alaska traditions. On the Fourth of July, we watched the Mt. Marathon Race. It's a rugged 5k, up and down a steep mountain named Mt. Marathon, broadcast live on television. Drones were used for dramatic close-ups.

Last weekend in Fairbanks was the annual World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, which dominated the local television news sport reports. We had seen demonstrations of some of the events during our visit to the Native American Cultural Center a couple of weeks ago, here in Anchorage. (see pictures attached above)

One event is the Four Man Carry. Sido Evans shattered the world record this year, walking 308 feet and 10 inches with four people hanging on him---one was on his back, one was in the front, and two clung to either side. Together, they totaled about 600 pounds.
(This event mimics a hunter packing out meat after a successful hunt).

Some of the other events (for men and women) included Indian Stick Pull, Alaskan Stick Pull, Head Pull, Ear Pull, Greased Pole Walk, Fish Cutting, Seal Skinning, Two Foot High Kick and One Hand Reach. And don't forget Muktuk Eating, a traditional Inuit meal of frozen whale skin and blubber. (I guess that would be a healthier alternative to the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating contest, held each 4th of July on Coney Island!)

Here at the Thomas Center, we settle for jigsaw puzzles, Chinese and regular checkers, chess and Rummikub. (We also harvest, wash, and bag lettuce from the garden.)

This Saturday in Alaska is the annual "Ted Stevens Get Out and Play Day". (Ted Stevens is a former Alaska Senator). 

Whatever games we play, indoors or out, in competitions or for pure fun, may we find delight in the doing.

John

P.S. We missed the annual "Running of the Reindeer" held on the first Saturday of March. Not sure of that is a much healthier alternative to the Running of the Bulls!

#11 July 15, 2018 Sermon on the Hill

Dear Friends

A week ago, I had the privilege of preaching a sermon on the hill! (St. Mary's is on a hill at one of the busiest intersections in the city.) You are welcome to view it by googling St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Anchorage, clicking on the website, and then clicking on media. It is the July 8, 2018 sermon; forward it to 7 minutes and 15 seconds where the sermon actually begins.

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One of the illustrations I used was this poem by one of our Thomas Center residents:

Questions

How to survive in this latent

period of life------

When death hovers, but refuses

to come into view.

We feel its presence,

but it never allows genuine conversation.

"Just wait" it says. "I will be around

when the time is right."

How can we plan ahead with any assurance

under this condition?

And then, from above, comes a clear voice---

"Live to the fullest of your diminishing capability.

Enjoy the beauty of the earth

which surrounds you.

Feel my presence ever with you,

giving a clue as to what awaits."

This should give you an idea of the wise and wonderful and gifted people we are living with.

This coming weekend we are heading south about 4 hours to take the Sunday service in a beautiful little town. After my sermon on the hill, it's time to do a homily in Homer!  

John 

# 10 July 7, 2018 "Be slow to anger"

Dear Friends

Since we have come to Alaska, the local news has reported, (among other deaths), death by bear, death by rolling rock, death by falling ice (from a glacier), death by private airplane crash, death by skydiving, and death by drowning. 

Fortunately, the biggest challenge we have faced is to avoid being hit by one of the many who ride a bicycle on the shared paths we use with walkers and joggers. It's not that hard, now that we have gotten used to it---we just listen for the warning from behind "bike on your left". We stay in place and then the biker speeds by.

Unfortunately, I witnessed a collision one day between a biker and walker. No one was injured, but feelings on both sides were hurt: "You idiot!!!" screamed the fallen biker when the walker hesitated and veered to the left. "I always make bad choices" said the young man who was also lying on the ground and gently using both hands to clap against his head. By the time I got closer to comfort the young walker, both the biker and I realized he had some learning disabilities. I told him it took me awhile to learn the "rules of the road". The biker, embarrassed by his outburst and confident that the walker was okay, left the scene.

This episode reminded me of the proverbs  (16:32, 19:11) and the Letter to James (1:19) which warn us to "be slow to anger". We all get angry sometimes, without knowing the whole story. But this bible injunction says (to me) to get the facts before getting angry and maybe I won't be as angry.

John

# 9 July 2, 2018 "Won't you be my neighbor"

Dear Friends

When "Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood" made its debut in 1968, I was 16. So although I was aware of his show, I was not a big fan or regular watcher. This past Saturday, at the end of a wonderful week with Emily, we went to the movies and saw the 50th anniversary documentary about the life of Fred Rodgers. I had moderate expectations going into the theater but I came out a big fan. The gospel had been preached so well, loud and clear. It is so timely given the current state of civility in this country, or shall I say lack of civility. Go see "Won't you be my neighbor?". You will not be disappointed. 

It reminded me of a book I bought at "Title Wave", the biggest used book store I have ever seen. (It is an Alaska landmark).  The title is "What the Elders Have Taught Us" and it includes nuggets of advice from ten Native American communities in Alaska. A married couple here at the Thomas Center represent two of these communities.

In summary, the ten lessons from the ten communities are:

Show respect to others; each person has a special gift

See connections; all things are related

Honor your elders; they show you the way in life

Accept what life brings; you cannot control many things

Have patience; some things cannot be rushed

Pray for guidance; many things are not known

Live carefully; what you do will come back to you

Take care of others; you cannot live without them

Give what you have; sharing makes you rich

Know who you are; you are a reflection on your family

       If you get a chance to go see "Won't you be my Neighbor?" (and I hope you do) you will discover that "Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood" was a radical and refreshing entry into the world of children's television.  It proclaimed, in a unique and powerful way, the timeless gospel message that each person is special and loved by God, just as they are. 

Living that message and following the wisdom of our native American elders outlined above will not change the headlines. But it will bring joy and freedom and break down walls. It will expand your understanding of who your neighbor is and where your neighborhood is.

John