I forgot to post the GoFundMe link in the last post. Please find it below and I would appreciate it if you could share it on social media.
Thank you so much,
Erica
https://gofund.me/387091a4
Sunday, December 19, 2021
Erica's Seminary Journey Update!
Dear Friends of My Seminary Journey,
I can’t believe that 7 months have gone by since my last post! So much has happened and so much is coming… here is an update:
This October I went to Berlin with our Seminary Directors and two other Ordination Preparation students - one from the US who studied here in Toronto, and one from South Africa. We were asked by the Church Leadership to come and meet with them in person as we look ahead to the Ordination Preparation course. It was an amazing trip meeting with the Leadership, attending the Ordinations of two new Priests (in German!), attending classes. We then traveled to see where our founder Rudolf Steiner lived in Berlin, and to Breitbrunn where the first circle of priests gathered to look at their future - becoming Priests and founding a new church. It was a whirlwind trip ending with a visit to the Ziest congregation in the Netherlands. There we met with Bastiaan Baan, who used to be the seminary director in New York. I feel so blessed to have been able to go on this trip and experience a part of the world wide movement and be in touch with its founding.
With the completion of second year, I am now in preparation for Ordination. Three other students will join me in that group - one who studied here with me who is from the US, one from the UK, and one from Australia. We have already started with an online course together on Zoom. Also each of us, as well as the directors, have an early Christian to study and present about at the beginning of our in person classes in January. I will be studying Evagrius Ponticus from the fourth century. We are also working on printing out the gospel readings for the church services. It’s good to be practicing printing as my ritual books will be handwritten! The books are hand bound and art pens are used for the printing in script. Our classes will be speech training, sermon writing (and then delivering sermons), work on the Gospels, and on the Breviary - a group of meditations that Steiner gave specifically for the priests. Also my vestments are being made in Germany and I will be fitted in January for the final adjustments.
Thankfully for the past few months I have had employment at the Seminary. That has ended now as I transition into full time studies. The work has allowed me to put some money aside for supporting myself during the next few months until I start work in June. But I could use some financial support for supplies and tuition. It would be so helpful if you could post the gofundme link on your social networks with the hopes of reaching the final goal of the fundraiser. Here are the things I will need help with:
Handbound Liturgy Book, Gospel Folio, and Breviary: $375
Script Pens and Folio Paper: $75
Tuition: $4,500
It is so amazing to be moving forward with this calling to become a Priest! At the end of February I will find out if I will be invited to be Ordained. Then it's up to me to say the final ‘yes’. Ordinations will be held the weekend of May 13th. Without you all it wouldn’t be happening with such grace. Thank you so much for all of your support. The gift of prayers, good wishes, and finances have made this all possible for me. My heart is full….
In Gratitude, Erica
Robert from the US, Erica from Canada, Andreas from South Africa in front of the apartment where Rudolf Steiner lived in Berlin.
Friday, November 19, 2021
Potlatch
Dear Friends,
You may well ask why I wish to refer to the Native American
custom of potlatch, which is still practiced in the Pacific Northwest. In fact,
it is in some ways, similar to our customary celebration of Thanksgiving and
even Christmas.
Today, I would like to mention a dear friend of mine, who is
celebrating her 70th birthday this year. In spite of a challenging
childhood, or perhaps because of it, she ultimately became a healer, prolific
artist and author. Despite daily pain and physical challenges from 9+
autoimmune diseases, she continues to maintain a positive attitude, and
continues to allow the creative juices to flow onto the page and/or canvas,
while still living independently.
This weekend, as part of a civic art show, she plans to give
away for free, 50 of her paintings. Her desire to do this is, I believe,
twofold. The first, is to make room for new impulses to come in. The second, is
the tradition of potlatch, which is typically a gathering together of family
and friends, sometimes over several days, to celebrate a special event. The
family holding the event distribute gifts to all participants, which is
opposite to our culture, where they would expect to receive gifts, except
perhaps at Thanksgiving and Christmas. During these two festivals, there is
usually an upwelling desire to bring family and friends together for a feast,
and the exchange of gifts. Amongst some of the Native Americans, it was a way
of redistributing wealth or sharing resources, among other purposes.
In the New Testament, there are many examples of giving as
well. The first Christmas, where gifts were brought to the baby Jesus. The
woman who misplaces a gold coin, or the father who temporarily loses a son.
When they are found again, there is a feast or celebration. The rich man who
asked Jesus what more he could do, and was told to give up all that he had and
distribute it to the poor. The disciples were commanded to set out and take
nothing with them. Our community priests are also asked to do the same.
Which is better – to give or to receive? The former suggests
an act of selflessness. Over the past two years and moving forward, we can
clearly see that there is more and more need for giving. Several close friends
and relatives have all responded to an underlying impulse this year to give
away things that have become merely stuff. We see the continued growth of a
chasm between the rich and the poor.
The time has come for us to listen to our hearts and ignore
political posturing, and respond in a positive way to the global hijacking of
world economies and governments by multinational corporations. The need has
never been greater for communities to come together and share all that we have.
Real change will only happen at the grassroots level. It can only happen
through the acts of individuals working together in a peaceful manner. We are seeing this in places that have
experienced natural catastrophes, collapsed economies and overwhelmed
institutional structures. Now, as never before, we can perceive the light of
Christ, that wants to work in us and through us.
Sparky
Sunday, October 10, 2021
WELLSPRING
"Spirit Triumphant! Flame through the impotence of
faltering, fainthearted souls! Burn up selfishness, kindle compassion, so that
selflessness, the lifestream of humanity, may flow as the wellspring of
spiritual rebirth!" — Rudolf Steiner
Dear Friends,
During this time of covid, when we have been forced to look
inwardly as never before, we have been in what may be called a dream state,
here in Vancouver.
Echoing the dream song of Olaf Asteson, some intrepid
community members will recreate the story of TCC in Vancouver up to this point,
during the upcoming Holy Nights.
This is because the time has come for our community to dream
of what could be for the future. At night as we sleep, we receive messages from
the spiritual world, of good will, a renewal of our spirit for the new day. It
is time for us, in cooperation with the Spirit of our community, to begin a new
chapter. A legacy for the next generation.
We have long known that our current building/property simply
can no longer function, neither in the present, nor to certainly meet the
future needs of our community.
It is time for us to dream of a new location and space.
There is no greater expression of this need and longing, than the quote above
by Rudolf Steiner.
My beloved, our baby has grown wings and is ready to strike
out on her own. She is ready to soar and take her place amongst the tribe of
Eagles. On the Pacific west coast, there is no better image for movement than
that of an eagle. Reaching the highest heights, and plummeting to the deepest
depths. As such, it is my humble suggestion that our new chapel might be named: The
Chapel of St. John.
Sparky
Monday, August 30, 2021
Swaying to the music
Dear Friends,
Since my last blog was focused on healing, I feel I would be
remiss in not bringing this website to your attention.
Some of you may already be familiar with eurythmy, Robert
Powell, and the Sophia School of Movement. A friend gave me the link some
months ago, in which you can access podcasts by Robert Powell (go to www.sophiaschoolofmovement.org).
In podcast series #4, he provides a video of an exercise in
eurythmy called, the Staff of Mercury. I will not go into it here, but it is a
wonderful exercise in movement – a gentle dipping and swaying from one side, to
the other, and up. Even if you are challenged in your lower limbs, it would
still be possible to do this exercise sitting in a chair, using your arms. He
goes into quite a bit of explanation regarding this exercise and then proceeds,
using first of all, words (from the Bible, some in Aramaic), then music. It is
very gentle and graceful, potentially a source of healing and strength in these
difficult times.
The gentle dipping and swaying from side to side reminds me
also of Hawaiian dancing, which I studied for awhile as a teenager. It too, is
graceful, with the movement of the body telling a story, usually accompanied by
words, or chanting. The greatest dancer I ever saw, was an older woman, a
teacher of hula, who had recently recovered from major surgery. This beautiful
woman, with hair almost down to her knees, had to be very careful in how she
moved her body. Nevertheless, the movement of her arms and hands told a
beautiful story. We were all spellbound. In both hula and eurythmy, the goal is
communication, of bringing something unseen into the sense world. Devotees
consider each of these to be, in a way, a calling, or a way of life.
There is nothing more beautiful to me than watching tall
trees gently swaying back and forth in a strong wind, their branches moving
like arms (oh right, they are called limbs!) of a dancer. First side to side,
then still and upright. Perhaps Robert Powell had this picture in mind when
imagining this exercise.
In these times when we may find our movements curtailed
outside the home, it is important to remember that we can still find ways to
connect with that which is unseen and sacred. I find this exercise to be not
only good for the body, but for the mind, as well.
Happy moving!
Sparky
Friday, June 4, 2021
Sins of the father
Dear Father in the heavens, please forgive us our sins.
We, as human beings, continue to experience the nadir of
Earths cycles of time, despite the birth of Christ over 2,000 years ago. We
have witnessed, again and again, across the globe, mans inhumanity toward man,
woman and child. We wander in the desert of our own iniquities, blind, deaf and
dumb. Even worse, we turn upon those who try to help. Often, the hand is bitten
that tries to feed us. It is a fact, that those who are abused will often turn around
to abuse others, and so it goes on. There are many such stories in the Old
Testament. An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, down through countless
generations.
How do we move beyond this cycle?
In opening our eyes, ears and hearts to the lessons in the
New Testament, we may come to understand that there is a way to move forward.
We hear that through the Christ, we can be made new. In forgiving those who have trespassed against
us, we may hope that our own trespasses may be forgiven.
We may hope for the overcoming of the sickness of sin, by giving
Christ room in our hearts; more importantly, to work and move through each of
us. In working to heal others, we can find healing ourselves.
Dear Father in the heavens, please give us the ways and
means to move forward in a new way, by allowing the Christ to work in us,
through us.
We are The Christian Community, Movement for Religious
Renewal.
Sparky
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Erica’s Seminary Journey Update
Dear Friends of My Seminary Journey,
What will I do with my one wild and precious life???? That was the question…. And now for an update with what I have been doing.
The second term of the ‘Walking with Christ’ program has been completed and I have begun the final term.
This year of classes has been beyond my hopes and dreams. The studies have been full and deep, and have met me in the deepest places of my soul. There is a forming quality to the studies that I have not been able to fully bring to expression — I think because I am still in the forming process! Everything I have been doing has interwoven together to make a whole — everything supporting the learning of the other in so many ways in a full round of church services, classes, reading, homework assignments, and prayer.
The studies include Rudolf Steiner’s lectures to the founding Priests, study of the Gospel of St. John, Anthroposophy and Christianity, work with the inner life, and Cultivating Ecclesia - a class about everything practical from board work to pastoral care. I also join the local congregation for a study called Living with Christ.
Art is also a part of the training, including movement, speech formation, and painting.
The second painting (below) started with the same light colours but then I copied another artists' painting (more in the abstract vein) and added my own touches. It’s actually very close to the original painting as far as colour intensity and form.
Another class I have been taking is called Sermon class. It took a whole term of exercises before I wrote my first sermon.
This week I begin giving sermons during the weekday services – what a threshold!
These classes continue for the term with an added evening class studying the Seven Sacraments.
All of this has been possible for me with the help of your generous donations and I’m filled with gratitude and appreciation. I can’t believe how close we are to the fundraising goal, it's beyond my dreams. If you are able, I would appreciate having the GoFundMe link posted on social media to spread the word. Thank you everyone and thank you to my GoFund team for all the help.
I’m aiming to make my next post in mid May, maybe it’ll be a sermon I’ve written. Until then — Happy Easter, Happy Spring!
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Seminary Journey News
Greetings Dear Friends,
Finally an update with news of my Seminary Journey….
The fall was a busy time despite the limitations of Covid. I moved into the Seminary housing - a two bedroom basement suite under the Seminary (attached to the church). This has been wonderful as the walking to the church in the inclement weather was getting tiresome and living here is a good chance to immerse myself fully into the life of the church, reminiscent of the monastic life.
My work as administrator for the Seminary finished at the end of November and that allowed me to fully concentrate on the seminary independent study project. I did not complete my research project and have an extension to complete it in the next couple of weeks. I have been researching ‘The Altar as Grave and Table’ as my topic. This brought up many thoughts and ideas that now I will bring together into a paper and into artistic expression (painting and collage is my plan). This will be followed up with preparing a 40 minute talk on the subject to be done at the end of January or beginning of February.
The introductory course in Greek is also finished now. I did a 10 minute presentation on the two Ancient Koine Greek words for ‘life’ in the New Testament — βίος (Bios) and ζωές (Zoe). Bios is used for that which sustains life or about life. We can see that in English with the word ‘biodiversity’ or biology’. Zoe (pronounced Zoā) is about the life of the Spirit as is ‘eternal life’ or ‘The Tree of Life’. There is so much to learn with the Greek. My sister gave me a Greek interlinear bible which has three english translations along with the Greek text. A very useful tool – especially since grammar isn’t my strong point in English never mind Greek! Still I learned a lot and am able to look at the original language with a little confidence.
To keep up my artistic practice in the fall I was able to attend a few Eurythmy classes. In the photo I am practising Ephisians 6: ‘Put on the Armour of God’ in the chapel of the church.
I was also able to have painting lessons. Veil painting is something I have always felt intimidated to try. I feel very fortunate to have had some guidance from an art teacher here. I used this method for the picture below using thin layers of blue paint and as I was layering the paint I saw the indication of a face and then added layers so that it would show more. Such a different style than what I am used to! I did two other veil paintings and am working on a fourth. Hopefully I will have the opportunity to practice the technique more.
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The end of the fall term was somewhat trying as the future of seminary studies was in deep question. Our directors were wondering how to move forward during the pandemic that was presenting so many limitations. At one point the seminary studies were completely cancelled to wait until the border was able to open to let international students study here again. Thankfully a different plan has come about. I will be able to study here in Toronto with our director Jonah Evans in a covid adapted program that will still meet my needs for priest training. The studies will include lectures to the founding priest circle, study on Sermons, St. John’s Gospel… This program will be reviewed in March and depending on the Covid situation how we move forward with future studies will be decided. Who can plan too far ahead in these strange times??
I have also been learning more practicalities of the life of a priest. In early December I was able to accompany the priests on their work in the community: visiting smaller affiliate congregations and taking communion to a cancer patient for the last anointing. These have been humbling and deep experiences that have helped me grow. I was also involved in planning the Advent spiral. With the lockdown limitations we had the spiral outside. I had caught a cold and was not able to participate in the end, but could see the candle light from my window. Sooooo beautiful with a lot of good feedback from the community as to the way it was organized.
There are times I still can’t believe I am able to be here in Toronto, studying at the Seminary and following this calling. I am full of appreciation for all the heartfelt support I have received.
In so much Gratitude,
Erica
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