The Rev. Buddy Monahan, my friend and colleague and leader in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), advocate for Native American peoples in and out of the church, seeker of justice, lover of life and the human family, was killed in a car accident on Tuesday, March 27, 2018. I wrote this and posted it on Facebook. As I watched the live stream of his memorial service today, I realized that I wanted to post this here as well – to make it easier for me to find. The photo was taken at Standing Rock where Buddy, the Rev. Irvin Porter, and Synod Executive Elona-Street Stewart and I visited on behalf of the church. Our colleague Rick Jones took the photo.
We will remember you, Buddy,
we will remember you:
follower of Jesus
seeker of justice
pursuer of peace
breaker of chains
builder of community
child, spouse, father
chaplain, pastor
coach, teacher
youth worker
colleague, mentor, friend
person of faith
beloved child of God.
You loved your family,
cherished your friends,
affirmed Native peoples,
called the Church to repent,
invited Eric Law to Menaul,
traveled to Standing Rock,
challenged power and privilege,
analyzed the Doctrine of Discovery,
disrupted racism, patriarchy, and more.
And suddenly, unexpectedly, tragically,
you are gone. Too young gone. Too soon gone.
Understanding falters.
We grieve.
But above our grief
through our grief
within our grief
we hear faintly,
ever so faintly,
your song now perfectly joined with the Song.
And above our grief
through our grief
within our grief
we give thanks to God
for sharing you for a season
with Dyanna
with Jordyn, Ashdyn, Brandyn
with Menaul School
with Westminster Presbyterian Church
with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
with so many, with us.
And above our grief
through our grief
within our grief
we give thanks that God who made you,
and who journeyed with you
and who loved you
loves you still;
loves us still.
We will remember you, Buddy,
we will remember you.
Written 27 March 2018
Posted 4 April 2018
See you along the Trail.
Filed under Friends, Poem, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
26 March 2018
Macy’s
Manhattan, New York
Filed under New York, Photo, Uncategorized
28 March 2018
Morningside Gardens
Manhattan, New York
After cold and after snow, they persist, they abide.
25 March 2018
First Presbyterian Church of Whitestone
Whitestone, New York
The congregation celebrated the beginning of my ministry today with a meal
after the worship service. The flowers on the table were purple.
Photo by Sera Chung
Filed under First Presbyterian Church of Whitestone, Friends, Lent, Photo
24 March 2018
Morningside Gardens
Manhattan, New York
Regular readers will note that these are the same crocuses photographed 8 days ago. They have endured at least one Nor’easter. They endure. They persist.
Gym at the Shire. Treadmill. Arm work. Core work. Stretching.
How Can I Keep from Singing – Celtic Woman
Coming Home – Eileen Ivers
Long Journey Home – Elvis Costello with Anuna
Song for Ireland – Mary Black
Thousands Are Sailing – The Pogues
Weep Not for the Memories – Seamus Egan
On Raglan Road – Sinead O’Connor
The People Have Spoken – Tommy Sands
Peace Has Broken Out – Eric Bogle
Daughters & Sons – The Sands Family
Against the Wind – Maire Brennan
Peace on Earth – U2
Give Me Your Hand – The Wolfe Tones
Erin Go Bragh – The Wakes
San Patricio Brigade – Black 47
Soldier’s Song – The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem
My Heart’s Tonight in Ireland – Andy Irvine
