From the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
Sensei Ray Cicetti of The Empty Bowl Zen Community and the Rev. Cynthia Black of Church of the Redeemer will lead members of the community in a brief meditation and raising of prayer flags on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at 6:15 p.m. to call attention to the plight of the people of Nepal following the devastating April 25th earthquake.
The earthquake killed more than 7,000 people and injured more than twice as many and destroyed many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Hundreds of thousands of people have been made homeless with entire villages flattened across many districts of the country. The earthquake triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest, killing at least 19, making it the deadliest day on the mountain in history.
“Tibetan prayer flags are a rich symbol of Nepal,” said Rev. Black, who has traveled in Nepal, and who had two friends on Mount Everest at the time of the earthquake.
“I was taught when I was in Nepal that the prayer flags produce a spiritual vibration that is activated and carried by the wind across the countryside. They symbolize the interconnected nature of our universe. It feels appropriate that they remind all of us in the Morristown area that though the earthquake may no longer be in the news, the people of Nepal are still suffering.”
“It feels appropriate for Redeemer and Empty Bowl Zendo to come together to raise awareness about Nepal,” said Sensei Ray.
“We both seek, in our own ways to respond compassionately to the suffering and devastation occurring to our brothers and sisters there. We hope the flying of these flags is a reminder to keep our hearts open and hold them in our prayers.”
The Redeemer Sunday School and parishioners have made prayer flags to add to the traditional Buddhist prayer flags, and others may stop by to make one Tuesday evening to add to those that will be raised.
Those who wish to contribute to earthquake relief may give to the charity of their choice or to Church of the Redeemer (earmarked “Nepal”), who will divide their gifts between the Seva Hospital in Kathmandu, a local village school and Episcopal Relief and Development, the relief agency of the Episcopal Church.
The Church of the Redeemer, located at 36 South St., Morristown, is a Christian liberation community in the Episcopal tradition, serving the people of Morristown and beyond for more than 160 years. Sunday services are at 8:00 and 10:30 am (inclusive worship).
As part of its practice of radical hospitality, the church provides space to the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown, the Eric Johnson House (part of NJ AIDS Services), a number of 12 step groups, and The Empty Bowl Zen Community. To learn more, please visit: www.redeemermorristown.org
