Easter 49. From other steps: Remembering John Sharick

6/7

Our friend John

From other steps….

To Youngstown for the memorial service for John Sharick.  It’s a beautiful sunny day, perfect for the drive from Pittsburgh. As I pull in to the old steel town, booths are being set up for Youngstown’s Pride Day.  I think John would have liked that.

Arriving at First Presbyterian downtown. As I enter, I get that Presbyterian classic feeling I haven’t felt for awhile. Although mainly white, and once you’ve lived in New York city while, that still feels strange, these are  good, solid people. Working, middle class people. These are the salt of the earth Presbyterians who defined a denomination for generations. And here in Youngstown, where the workers in a dying Mahoning Valley steel industry made a last stand with a heroic effort to organize a worker managed mill, with organizing help by long-time Presbyterian labor organizer Chuck Rawlings. They fell short. But that effort counts.

The  large photos of John in and outside the sanctuary give a feel for John over the years. Even as a young man he had the look of knowing confidence in his eyes.  And the service was a good tribute …. from the music, spirituals to classical,…For All the Saints…..Current First Pres pastor, Carolyn Griffeth, gives thanks for John’s active a participant in the life of the congregation, especially after his retirement. John’s successor as Eastminster Exec, the Rev. Dr. Dan Schomer,  gives strong witness to John’s ministry as a pastor to pastors. His friendly challenging of  people thoughts and ideas was lifted up, as well as his capacity to respect the humanity and divinity of each person, even in profound disagreement. Likewise his intellectual curiosity and the pleasure he took in teaching. And consulting…

Here is what I had to say:

John through the years...

It is an honor to be able to be here today and give testimony to the life and witness of John Sharick as on behalf of  the Board of Presbyterian Health, Eduction and Welfare Association. The details tell their own story:

 John served as President of the PHEWA Board of Directors, 2001-2003; and as a Board member from 1990-2005. As a member of the Presbyterian Health Network (PHN) Leadership Team from 1989-1993 & 2003-2007 he Chaired PC(USA) Task Force on Health Costs/Policies that wrote the seminal health ministries policy statement, "Life Abundant," adopted by 200th G.A. (1988). This denominational policy statement led to the formation of 3 new PHEWA networks- Presbyterian AIDS Network (PAN), Presbyterian Health Network (PHN), Presbyterian Serious Mental Illness Network (PSMIN), as well as guiding the programming for the National Health Ministries program at the PC(USA) national offices. While that program was closed in 2009 budget reductions, the volunteer networks of PHEWA continue to keep ministries of health, healing, wholeness and justice alive and vital in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Using skills honed over his years as General Presbyter, John played a pivotal role in rewriting and renegotiating PHEWA’s Covenant of Agreement for Shared Ministry with the national offices of the PC(USA).  John received PHEWA's 2007 Rodney T. Martin Award, recognizing a significant long-term contribution made by the recipient to the ministry of PHEWA. In his obituary, memorial donations were requested to be sent to PHEWA.

Here is what our president John Scotland wrote in the  PHEWA E-Newsletter:

Dear Members of the PHEWA Family,

On behalf of the Executive Committee and the Board of PHEWA,  it is with great sorrow that I share the news of the passing of Rev. Dr. John D. Sharick.  We owe him more than you could know.  He would never have admitted it, but John embodied the spirit of the Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association; a spirit that continues to transform General Assembly Policy into ministry wherever Presbyterians bear witness to the good news!). 

 John was instrumental in PHEWA’s own radical transformation in the late 1980s.  He did this first by chairing a G.A. Task Force on Health Policy; then moving that policy into the formation of three new PHEWA health related networks; and finally through his leadership in the Presbyterian Health Network.  

 John continued to serve the Board of Directors with special concern for PHEWA staff support and our

Joh reflecting theologically

relationship with the PC(USA).  John was always closest to us during PHEWA’s most difficult struggles and we are all deeply grateful for his unstinting generosity in the sharing of his energy, intelligence, imagination, and love with us. 

And on a personal note, John was a deeply appreciated pastor to PHEWA staff. PHEWA  staff associate Susan Stack said that whenever PHEWA needed to look grown up, or to display public credibility, we brought John Sharick into the room.  Quiet and thoughtful, but firm and passionate when it came to the Gospel message of love and justice, and the Church’s responsibility to remain faithful to it. 

 I am happy to announce that PHEWA has instituted the first John D. Sharick Justice Award, to be presented at this year’s General Assembly in Detroit to First Presbyterian

Church of Birmingham,Michigan(Everybody’sChurch): http://www.fpcbirmingham.org/  and  http://www.fpcbirmingham.org/rejoicing-spirits.html  and their All Abilities Inclusion Ministry:

http://www.fpcbirmingham.org/all-abilities-inclusion-ministry.html

I will always be thankful for the creativity John brought to the work of Presbytery Executive. While he enjoyed the company of mavericks, John believed in the institutional church and what it could be.  John saw the institution as a means towards the facilitation of mission and ministry, not as a gatekeeper. John was a mentor, a colleague and most of all friend and our lives and ministries are and will be

enriched by his presence.

Meta Kraemer, long time friend of John and with John  and I, another Wooster grad, continuing the long tradition of  Wooster alumni serving as leaders in the church, delivered the sermon. It was great to meet John’s daughter Jenn after the service and know that the creation of the John Sharick Justice Award meant a lot to the family.

I would love to stay for the alt afternoon cocktail reception in John's honor, but need to get back to New York for Pentecost. I know John would appreciate that.

Easter 46 and 47: Pop-up show

6/4

Jamie brings by yet another dance company to view the building as a long term tenant.  Although this one is truly top shelf. They love the building. The staff seems open, creative, expresses interest in collaboration. They even brought an architect with them. Some existing programs would remain.  On the surface, it feels good. But so many mixed feelings. On the one hand, would resolve the long term problem. On the other, this takes us back to white knight territory just at the moment we’ve set our course straight ahead DIY.

As I stand on the steps with Jamie, it seems like all of her old 86th street neighbors are passing by.

Jeremy has put together some fine singers for our event next Monday commemorating the 50^th anniversary of  Freedom Summer. I like hearing the old songs from the folk-spiritual idiom filling the sanctuary with a full out gospel style. Jeremy and I talk about a time to rehearse.

RL and Joe stop by before heading up to the studio, bringing a light hearted moment to the afternoon.

I tell Danielle about my late night encounter with Keith and she will reach out to the VA to see if there’s any further info on the missing woman with the  concerning emails.

Another theatre group needing performance space.

6/5

Meet Katherine and one of her student and teaching colleague, Karen B, from the New School. Young, outgoing, creative, fresh perspective.  Perhaps someone who can help us deal with the congregational revitalization part of our life. She seems intrigued. And we’ll think. And then talk some more.

Later in the day, Katherine and I will  go to the annual Interfaith Center of New York awards dinner. One of this years’ awardees is former Vice-President Al Gore. I will once again marvel at the legacy that the former dean of St. John Cathedral, Jim Morton, has left on this city. The Interfaith Center was his dream, the most appropriate follow up to his tenure at what, under his leadership, truly was the people’s cathedral. Jim represented in many ways the very best of  New York City liberalism. Informed at least in part by his time in Jersey City. And those who do the real work of the IFCNY have made it the most diverse meeting place imaginable for faith communities seeking parties in resolving issues in their own locale. Making it real, so to speak.

Honoluluchris and Kelow

I leave the dinner early so that I can get to the church to catch the pop-up event by Nate’s friend Honoluluchris and his partner Kelow at West-Park. Along with the art and cool summer drinks, Chris had lined up two DJs, theCainMarko and DJ Marauder. Another cool, young, multi-cultural mainly hip-hop Brooklyn zip crowd. Berik and Leila came out to check it out as well.

Leila and berik

It was a good first New York City visit for a Seattle based artist who met Kelow while shooting at SxSw in Austin.

All went well until RL found several inexiplicably opened doors. But apparently, it was just a case of curiosity and nothing more.

Outside, Sgt. Keith was in a declamatory mood

Chris and Nate

about what he’s learned in life. I was polite.

Easter45: All these Karens on the Beckstein

6/3

Danielle, Hope and Andre

Monday leftovers….

The elevator inspector came again. Five years we don't see them, now we can’t keep them away. When we  called 911 after the water  break in 2010, the fire department shut it down. But that’s not good enough for the inspector. It's either got to be fixed, removed or decommissioned to stop the visits. And fines.  Fixing estimates are $50000, more or less.

I look up from my desk. Do you remember  me?,  the man asks. And yes, I do. It's Joseph LLiso. El maestro, we called him. Conductor of the Pan American Orchestra.  It was his life’s mission to prove that Latinos could do any kind of classical music. And he did just that for several concerts. Back before we left. Back when Regi was still here with our ministry of Worship, Arts and Music.  He took such joy in his concerts. I remember him, almost reclining as he finished with an encore of Stars and Stripes Forever, his baton waving. A real showman. A real throwback.I haven’t seen him for 6 or more years.  He asks about Regi. He wants to do one more concert. One last concert. A farewell concert. The years have been hard. People don't give to the arts anymore, he says. At least not what I do.  Next May. I can raise enough money by then…

I’m happy to at least get him on the schedule.

Tuesday

Geoffrey is on the steps. Good morning, Pastor, he says in his British colonial accent voice. May be the longest sentence I’ve ever heard him say.

Andre comes in with Tsion, his aide, to let me know he’s OK. We talk about the upcoming event on the 50^th anniversary of  Freedom Summer. I need him to  be there. While we’re talking, Hope arrives to sign some checks.  To talk about my friends the Scotlands as they live a vigil waiting daily for their daughter Lizzy’s recovery. She knows the rehab  hospital well. Traumatic brain injuries take time. At least three months to know, Andrea tells me. Her personality is back, John says. That means everything.  And Hope tells us more of the joys of being a grandmother.

Karen is playing in the sanctuary. Andre’s ears perk up. Asks me what she does, when not on the piano. Sells cleaning products, I say. That’s what I love about this place, you guys….says Andre, All these Karens on the Beckstein.

We get an alarming phone call from the Veterans Adminstration. They received what they termed a concerning email from the woman Keith was living with. They were concerned about her safety. Have we seen her? Him? I tell Danielle the story from last Friday and she tells the VA.

Brief conversation with Martin trying to keep him in the loop. His braintrust, Marina and Mitchell, hard at work in the Chapel.

Later, I’m coming back from Elise’s PHD celebration and lost the bishop election postmortem. Ran into Andrea, Johanna and Katherine. Talking about Nate and his friends' visit.The Scotlands. The Seattle shooting. And then behind them, I see Keith.

I ask him if he’s seen the woman he was so concerned about last Friday. Haven’t seen her in a week, he says. and I think she locked me out. 

Last Friday, you were heart broken, I said, You said it had  been a day…

Did I? I don’t know…

Keith, the VA wants to talk to you, I say. 

Why? He asks. 

You’ll have to ask them, I say.

Easter 44: June has begun

6/2

Chris and Kelly are here from Seattle. Nate’s college classmates and friends. Chris is planning a pop up art exhibit of photography and painting and DJ music. We’ve got to settle on the right room and figure out what needs to be done. They are Hawaiians and out of the Seattle Pacific islander community. Or rather, they’re Pacific Islanders  who are part of the hip art scene of Seattle. Welcome to New York City…

They decide that Mc Alpin Hall will be the best place to show, so I introduce them to Berik who will have to take down his current show for a night to accommodate the pop up.

I’m  on the steps and look up and surprised to see Christopher M who I haven't seen for a long while. I mention that Zeljko is raising money to try and finish our dream film and that he wants to expand his work on Teddy. At the mention of Teddy's name, Chris crosses himself. We go in to see if any mail has come recently for him since he moved out, but I can only find one piece. I’m happy that Chris is looking good and that things have been going well for him. We did good on that one. I tell him that we’ll let him know if anything  else has come when Danielle comes. RL will be sorry to have missed Chris.

David S and I talk about how Steven S can repair the pigeon tower covering when he comes in tomorrow but in the end decides to do it himself so one project taken care of. I remember an appointment I’ve forgotten so hurry off to take care of that. When I get back, Danielle has arrived so we sit down together to map out the week ahead.

Ryan and his friend from Dzieci are in to discuss their plans for an August production of Cymbeline. And Dzieci itself wants to do a quick show of Makbet this weekend.

I step outside again and see Rudolfo. He looks  up, smiles, comments on the weather. No more desire to go back to Havana. 

When I come back late, I run into RL and decide it’s time for a conversation at the Gate. The first full week of June has begun.