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May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- HM Insurance Group announced today that it has added a limited benefit medical product to its portfolio of health risk solutions. A group indemnity plan. HM Care Advantage is designed to help employers bridge the gap for employees who traditionally have not had employer-sponsored health insurance available to them.
"There is strong market demand for limited benefit medical products that can provide health insurance coverage for the working uninsured. HM Insurance Group president and CEO. "We created a plan that can help to meet the unique needs and budget situations of a broad range of employers. Our approach puts control in the group's hands because it can customize our plan through more than one million benefit combinations."
Formerly known as Highmark Life & Casualty Group. HM Insurance Group offers health risk solutions through a connected portfolio of group products and services that includes stop loss. worksite and limited benefit medical plans.
Lebish explained that HM Care Advantage is designed to allow employers to select the number of visits. tests or hospital days and the amount of coverage for each benefit. Employers design a plan that can meet the group's health care needs and premium requirements. They also can offer the plan on a contributory or non-contributory basis to employees. HM Care Advantage has a core benefit component with built-in value-added services. The core benefits consist of physician office visits. daily in-hospital. first day of admission. surgical and anesthesia services and outpatient diagnostic testing. Bundled with the core benefits are health information resources. discounts for pharmacy. vision and fitness/wellness services and COBRA administration.
There also is the option for access to a provider network. Up to 11 additional insured benefits can be added. including emergency room visits. vision and prescription drug insurance.
Other distinct features that help to set HM Care Advantage apart from other limited benefit medical plans currently on the market include no limitations for pre-existing conditions and no overall calendar year or lifetime maximums beyond what is shown in the schedule of benefits. HM Care Advantage is guaranteed issue - no medical questions. individual underwriting or evidence of insurability are required. except for late enrollees. Pregnancy and newborn nursery care are covered. Physician visits for "sick" or "well care" and emergency room visits for accidents and illness are covered.
HM Care Advantage was developed in partnership with Key Benefits Administrators. Inc. (KBA). In addition to its reputation in customer service and claims administration. KBA's information-driven capabilities provided a strategic advantage to HM Insurance Group's desire to offer a plan with maximum customization.
"With the many features this plan offers. we are confident it will help fill the gap for uninsured workers. which is proving to be a major issue in the U.S. today." said Lebish.
Eight out of 10 people who are uninsured are in working families(1). The number of uninsured people in the U.S. is estimated to be in excess of 45 million and growing(2).
HM Life Insurance Company and HM Life Insurance Company of New York have received an "A-"(Excellent) rating from A.M. Best Company. one of the country's oldest and most respected rating agencies. HM Insurance Group consists of HM Life Insurance Company. HM Life Insurance Company of New York and HM Benefits Administrators.
Through its insurance companies. HM Insurance Group holds insurance licenses in 50 states and the District of Columbia. HM Insurance Group maintains 18 regional sales offices across the country. Not all products or services are available in all states.
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Pregnancy
BRIGHT BEGINNINGS FOR CHILDREN. free developmental screenings for children newborn to 35 months held at St. Mary's Hospital. Streator. Appointment required. Call 673-4559.
PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP 1:30 p.m. in St. Margaret's Hospital. ext. 245.
POSSIBILITIES DBSA OF ILLINOIS VALLEY depression and bipolar support group 6:30 p.m. in conference room B at Illinois Valley Community Hospital. 7 to 8:15 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday in Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Center of Morris Hospital. 815-942-2932. ext. 7364.
OPERATION FIT KIDS offered by Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers. new fitness and nutrition program for children in grades 3 to 5 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. June 13-29 at Diagnostic & Rehabilitative Center of Morris Hospital. Morris. Fee involved. To register. Central Illinois Chapter. invites caregivers to attend the "Circle of Friends" Support Group. 6 p.m. Mendota Community Hospital in conference room 1. located next to the cafeteria.
HEARTSAVER CPR public class. conference room of Women's Health Care Center (Medical Office Building "B") at IVCH. Fee involved. and advance registration and prepayment required. Call 815-780-3337.
CELEBRATE HEALTH Program for women. seventh anniversary open house celebration at the new Community Hospital of Ottawa Medical Office building. Illinois Valley Community Hospital Healthy Walkers Club to discuss physician/patient communication 8:30 a.m. in the community room at Peru Mall. "How to Talk to Your Doctor" is the topic. IVCH nurse to provide free blood pressure screenings before and after the meeting. Sponsored by IVCH and Peru Mall. The club is for people age 50 and above.
A BLOODMOBILE sponsored by Streator Chapter of the American Red Cross will be held at Vactor Manufacturing at 1621 S. Otter Creek Street in Streator from noon to 6 p.m.
CONNECTIONS FOR STROKE SURVIVORS group meets 1 to 3 p.m. at St. Margaret's Hospital in first floor presentation room. Survivor of stroke. friends and family welcome. Contact Kate or June 815-223-8600.
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE AND GLUCOSE CHECKS 8 to 10:30 a.m. at Illinois Valley YMCA. Peru. No appointment needed. Fee involved. Sponsored by IVCH. Advance registration must for HbA1c testing (determines blood glucose level for past 2 or 3 months). Call 815-780-3337. Overnight fast for glucose screening and HbA1c test.
VISIONS. for those who passed initial CPR course. Fee involved. Advance registration and prepayment of fee. Call 815-780-3337.
FREE BLOOD SUGAR screening 8 to 9 a.m. Mendota Community Hospital's Community Health Services Department. No appointment needed. Fasting recommended. Call 815-539-1411.
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSICITATION HEALTHCARE PROVIDER CLASS. Mendota Community Hospital's Training Center second floor conference room. Call Pat Bradway at 815-539-7461. a support group for persons afflicted with a life-threatening illness. ext. 451.
WELLNESS CLINICS at Livingston County Health Department open to all adults in the county at health department.
Pregnancy
A Hy-Vee dietitian will demonstrate a quick. healthy meal of stuffed pizza. salad and dessert at these times and places: 5:30 p.m. Monday. Davenport. Sign up near the pharmacy. East Moline. Presented by Illini Hospital Foundation and Illini Auxiliary to benefit after-hours Emergency Medication Fund at Genesis Medical Center. June 14. Representatives from Trinity Early Detection Center will discuss risk factors for heart disease and ways to decrease risks. Participants will have the opportunity to complete an online survey and receive a personalized risk assessment analysis. Trinity. July 12-13. AARP and Trinity offer this eight-hour driving course that may entitle participants to a 10 percent premium reduction on their auto insurance. Rock Island. Dr. Aric Eckhardt will discuss the most effective techniques to battle facial aging. lower level Larson Center. Genesis Medical Center. Ill. Diabetes screening using finger stick. Fasting preferred for 12 hours. water and medications O.K. Free. no appointment necessary. Free glucose meters available while supplies last. Information: (309) 792-4389.
Aug. 15. lower level Larson Center. Genesis-Illini Campus. Bettendorf. Drs. LeRoy Yates and Johanna Whalen will discuss non-invasive procedure that address a variety of skin and body conditions. Registration: (563) 355-1000.
Smoking Cessation Workshop. 6-8 p.m. Thursdays. July 6-27. Participants will receive information on preparing to quit. initiating a quit day and using strategies to stay smoke-free. Fee: $20/person or $30/couple. Trinity. (309) 779-2000.
Body Enhancement Procedures. 6-8 p.m. July 13. Board-certified plastic surgeons from Plastic Surgery Associates will discuss a variety of body enhancement procedures from breast augmentation to liposuction. (309) 779-2000.
Engaging Patients as Partners. 6-7 p.m. July 17. Dr. Rita Melissano and Trinity safety coordinator Linda Guebert will discuss important ways patients can communicate with their health-care professionals to improve understanding of their conditions and treatments. potato/pasta salad and frozen fruit kabobs at these times and places: 5:30 p.m. July 17. Davenport. Sign up near the pharmacy. from the Trinity Early Detection Center. will discuss risk factors for heart disease and ways to reduce the risk. Participants wsill be invited to take a personalized risk assessment survey. Those deemed at risk will have the opportunity to schedule a free visit with qualified Trinity health care staff for further testing. (309) 779-2000.
Sun Safety for Your Skin. 6-7 p.m. July 27. Clinical nurse specialist Carolene Robinson from Trinity's Cancer Center will explain prevention techniques and risk factors for skin damage. concluding with a discussion of skin cancer. (309) 779-2000.
Participants learn how to use exercise equipment and weight machines with supervision of exercise specialists. Wednesdays and Fridays. Genesis Wellness Center at the Bettendorf Family Y. Cost: $30 per month. New class begins every month. Registration: Genesis Health Promotion Department. Trinity at Terrace Park. Bettendorf. Features home-grown products such as produce. plants and handmade crafts.
Human Potential Wellness. 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Caras Chiropractic and Performance Center. Bettendorf. Free program on family wellness. Reservations (563) 332-6036. Visit Web site at drcaras for more information.
Bariatric Surgery. Informational sessions on gastric bypass procedure. Genesis Center for Bariatric Surgery. Medical Office Building II. support person may attend at no cost. Genesis. or $50 for first aid/CPR. Call for dates and times. Genesis. offers evening classes every six weeks to give participants an ongoing variety of cardio. strengthening and toning options. Classes include Yogilates. a yoga-like class to promote core stability through stretching and strengthening; Boot Step. a routine that combines kick boxing and boot camp moves with a step; Racing and Power. a full body workout using a bike and strength training exercises; Circuit Training. a mix of high intensity cardio and strength training; Kickin' Cardio. a powerful workout that combines kicking and jabbing; Step & Sculpt. a cardio step workout that uses light weights. and Group Cycling. an intense workout set to music using stationary bikes. Hour-long classes are 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday 'CThursday. Information: (563) 285-9561.
Go for the Mix in 2006. Genesis Wellness Center staff will help participants design a plan for a healthy lifestyle. including a session with a registered dietitian. detailed fitness evaluation and one-hour full-body massage. Fee: $99. Genesis Wellness Center. healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programs. allowing older adults to take greater control of their health. Moline. Information: (309) 797-3945.
Senior Health Counseling. Trained volunteers from the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provide free assistance to senior citizens with issues such as Medicare. health insurance and prescription plans. Volunteers are available 9-11 a.m. first Wednesdays of the month at the Center for Active Seniors. Bettendorf; 9-11 a.m. second Wednesdays at Genesis Medical Center. Davenport; 9-11 a.m. third Wednesdays at Genesis Medical Center. Davenport; 9-11 a.m. third Wednesdays at the Bettendorf Library; and 9-11 a.m. fourth Wednesdays at the Social Security Office. Davenport. Information: (563) 421-1095.
Smoking Cessation. Four-session consultation program including nicotine replacement information and other methods of quitting. facilitated by the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department. North Scott Fitness Center. taught by Mary Ann Middleton. Other classes are available at a variety of times. Provides a high intensity. low impact workout that allows participants to work at an individual pace. Non-members can attend first class for free. Otherwise. classes are $5 for non-members and $2 or free for members. depending on the type of membership. Information: (563) 285-9561.
Exercise consultation. Meet one-on-one with an exercise specialist to make a plan of action for individual weight loss and exercise needs. Hands-on gym time as well as written guidelines given. Fee: $30/hour. Genesis Wellness Center. (563) 421-3870.
Body composition testing. Quick and painless way to help participants better understand the importance of lean body mass. Hydrate well 24 hours prior to the test. Fee: $5 for basic test only; $10 for test plus comprehensive assessment. Genesis Wellness Center. $70 for 90-minute full body massage. Genesis Wellness Center. by appointment at Center for Breast Health adjoining Genesis Medical Center. East Rusholme Street. Davenport. Caregivers of seniors are invited to learn ways to help themselves to ultimately be of most benefit to their care recipients. Cost: $20. includes a handbook. scholarships available. Sponsored by Alternatives for the Older Adult. CASI and Riverboat Development Authority. Information: (309) 277-0167.
Alternative Healing. Dr. Rita Melissano will offer an array of ancient healing techniques to decrease or eliminate fear. anxiety and depression and enhance quality of life. Fee: $120/six weeks. Call for schedule: Trinity Enrichment Center. (563) 441-1647.
Gentle Yoga. Designed for relaxation and personal healing. Learn various breathing techniques that coordinate with yoga postures. stretches and movements. Morning and evening classes. Comfortable dress. $5/class. Information: Meg Bolich. Wednesdays and Fridays. Nautilus Super Fitness Center. June 29-Aug. 3. T'ai Chi offers meditation in motion. a system of rounded. fluid movements that help center the mind and strengthen the body. $36. Trinity Enrichment Center. Moline. Modified dynamic and static Yoga postures in the pool enhance balance. structural alignment and muscle flexibility. Information: (309) 797-3945.
Ai Chi. Two Rivers YMCA. Moline. Flowing exercise and relaxation in the warm pool using deep breathing and slow. broad movements of the arms. experienced instructors. Bettendorf Life Fitness Center. June 20-Aug. 1 (no class July 4). Dr. Rita Melissano will help participants reduce stress. increase focus and create harmony in their lives. $36. Trinity Enrichment Center. June 19-July 24. For regular meditators with at least 30 weeks of Meditation for Balanced Living or those with extensive previous meditation experience. $36. Trinity Enrichment Center. Eastern Avenue and Kimberly Road. Davenport. Beginners session is held on third Tuesdays. Hosted by ThreeRiversZen Center. Wear comfortable. modest clothing and provide your own sitting materials. Information: Email threeriverszen@mchsi.
Reiki: Level II. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays. July 13-27. Specialized training on breath work. hand positioning and balancing energy centers in the body. Fee: $150/three weeks. Trinity Enrichment Center. July 11-Aug. 15. Participants will learn this ancient Chinese art of training internal energy to relieve stress and pain. $48. Trinity Enrichment Center. Psychology Health Group. Davenport. Join the group any Monday night. complete five training sessions and receive a certificate. $25 per session. Registration: Rick Martenson. change the way you relate to loved ones and improve overall quality of life. Fee: $25 per week. Call for dates. Trinity Enrichment Center. Black Hawk State Park. Rock Island. Method of increasing health and well-being for people of all ages. including children and people with disabilities. Bring a rattle. any musical tool or use one provided. Free. donations go to Black Hawk State Park Educational Fund. Information: Karen. June 12. Tina Noble from Trinity Outpatient Rehabilitation Services will discuss causes of dizziness and lack of balance. along with treatment options. June 13. Dr. John Hoffman and Shelly Loukinen from Orthopaedic Specialists. will discuss minimally invasive total joint replacements for the hip and knee. June 13. Physical therapist Tarra Richard will discuss non-surgical options for treatment of urinary incontinence. including physical therapy and bio-feedback. (309) 779-2000.
New Hope for Parkinson's Disease and Essential Tremor. 6-7 p.m. June 27. Neurosurgeon Dr. Vasan Purighalla of the Neuroscience and Spine Institute. and neurologist Dr. Assaf of Medical Arts Associates will discuss treatment options for Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Don't Lift. 6:30-7:30 p.m. July 5. Dr. Roger Lubbers will discuss new and minimally invasive solutions to treat female stress urinary incontinence. Trinity. (309) 779-2000.
Diabetes Self-Management. Follow-up group for people with diabetes who are interested in receiving help with day-to-day challenges of diabetes self-management. lower level Larson Center. Genesis-Illini Campus. Genesis Wellness Center. Bettendorf. For cancer patients. survivors and co-survivors. Designed to provide a calming. therapeutic class that introduces postures and breathing techniques and gradually builds flexibility and strength. taught by Shamani Langille. a certified instructor of Ananda Yoga. Yoga/Meditation and Yoga of the Heart. A medical clearance form must be completed by a medical provider. Cost: $75. paid in advance.
Look Good. Feel Better. 6-8 p.m. July 17. Program teaches beauty techniques to female cancer patients in active treatment to help combat appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. natural healing method that supports the body's natural ability to heal itself. One hour session: $45. Genesis Wellness Center. Davenport School of Yoga. Davenport. Specialized yoga class for cardiac and cancer patients. Registration required: (563) 322-5354.
Aquatic program. Arthritis Foundation approved classes for those suffering from arthritis. multiple sclerosis. fibromyalgia or related problems. Ongoing sessions with morning. afternoon and evening classes available. Scott County Family Y. (309) 797-3945.
Water Exercise. Aquatic program of exercises to improve joint flexibility. Life Fitness Center. Bettendorf. Information: (563) 344-4119.
Fibromyalgia aquatic exercise. Two Rivers YMCA. Moline. A deep-water exercise class in the warm pool for persons with fibromyalgia. Information: (309) 797-3945.
Multiple sclerosis aquatic exercise. Two Rivers YMCA. Moline. Trained instructors lead activities to maximize muscle strength and endurance. reduce spasticity. prevent muscle atrophy and provide a positive social experience. Information: (309) 797-3945.
Dizziness/imbalance screening. Testing and treatment for dizziness. vertigo and imbalance problems. Midwest Therapy Center. June 28-Aug. 2. Class presents modified postures for to-be mothers with special awareness of the mind and breath. Participants should be in at least second trimester. Exercise mat and blanket required. $36. Trinity Enrichment Center. (563) 441-1647.
Breastfeeding: A Gift for Baby. Taught by a certified lactation educator. Fee included with payment of Childbirth Preparation classes. Trinity. (309) 779-2000.
fun class will introduce children ages 6-12 to yoga postures and breathing exercise. Parents are welcome to participant in the class. Fee: $36. Trinity Enrichment Center. or 2:30-3:30 p.m. July 15. Boys and girls age 10 and older who spend time caring for themselves or others will learn about common emergency care. $10 fee includes booklet. Trinity. (309) 779-2000.
Total Teen Mix. Summer program involving four hours of detailed fitness instruction. including evaluation. body composition and personal exercise goals. working with an exercise specialist and registered dietitian. Each appointment will be scheduled at participant's convenience. Fee: $125/person or $100/person group rate. Genesis Wellness Center. (563) 421-3870.
Youth Wellness. Two Rivers YMCA offers a variety of wellness activities for children and youth. including Healthy Eating and Nutrition. Youth Wellness Center Orientation. GeoMotion and Water Blast. and Youth Strength Training. Information: (309) 797-3945.
Rick's House of Hope. Grief and trauma recovery groups for children and youth who have suffered the loss of a loved one. whose parents are going through a divorce or who have a loved one diagnosed with a mental illness. Bettendorf. Camp Good Grief. a week-long day camp for youth ages 5 and older who have experienced the death of a loved one. couples who have not been able to achieve pregnancy or had multiple miscarriages. expectant mothers over the age of 34. or members of an ethnic group at risk for specific diseases. University of Iowa clinic held monthly at Genesis Medical Center. East Rusholme Street. at least 3 weeks in advance.
Pregnancy
Adventures In Episcopal LiturgyECUSA Commission Offers Mixed Bag Of New Rites Report/Analysis By Lee Penn For The Christian Challenge and VirtueOnline The good. and the ugly. That's what's in the grab bag of new rites that the Episcopal Church's Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music (SCLM) has offered up to the 2006 General Convention. about to get underway in Columbus. Ohio. Before we get to the prayers the Commission produced for almost any occasion of life - from going away to camp. to getting out of jail - let us give credit where credit is due. There's definite "good" in some surprisingly reverent and traditional funeral prayers that SCLM says should be added to the options in the liturgical supplement. Enriching Our Worship.There is this prayer for the dead: "Deliver N.. our Savior Jesus Christ. and set her free from every bond. that she may feast with all your saints in light. where with the Father and the Holy Spirit. you live and reign. for ever and ever." The following prayer. which is based on Eastern Orthodox funeral prayers. speaks explicitly of sin. and the peril of Hell: "In the midst of life we are in death; from whom can we seek help? who by our sins are justly angered. Lord. you know the secrets of our hearts; shut not your ears to our prayers. O Lord. O worthy and eternal Judge. do not let the pains of death turn us away from you at our last hour. Holy God. Holy Immortal One. have mercy upon us." Another prayer. in a similar spirit. is: "Blessed Jesus. Son of the Living God. we pray you to set your passion. and death between your judgment and our souls. now and in the hour of our death. Give mercy and grace to the living. pardon and peace to the dead; to your holy church peace and concord; and to us sinners everlasting life and glory; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign. now and for ever." The Commission has proposed. an unusual but rather moving prayer in its "Common for Space Exploration." This is SCLM's response to a resolution (D049) referred to it for further work by the 2003 General Convention. The resolution asked the Commission to commemorate in several ways "The First Communion on the Moon" on July 20. during the first Moon landing. when astronaut Buzz Aldrin communicated himself with pre-consecrated elements. The year 2009 will be the 40th anniversary of that event. The Commission might be criticized for not offering the commemoration requested for what it admits was a "unique and memorable moment." But in its "Common" it offers a way to commemorate "those who have died in the course of space exploration - among them a significant number of Episcopalians. In addition. it provides a way of praying for future space explorers and for the thousands of people whose work make the space program possible." The "Common" reads: "Creator of the universe. your dominion extends through the immensity of space: guide and guard those who seek to fathom its mysteries [especially N.N.]. Save us from arrogance lest we forget that our achievements are grounded in you. by the grace of your Holy Spirit. protect our travels beyond the reaches of earth. that we may glory ever more in the wonder of your creation: through Jesus Christ. by whom all things came to be. who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns. for ever and ever." The Commission also proposed a draft of this prayer in "Rite I" style. Of seven proposed trial additions to the ECUSA calendar. the Commission has chosen two well known worthies: The martyred Oscar Romero. the Catholic Archbishop of San Salvador (who would be honored with the "Martyrs of El Salvador" on March 24). and the Eastern Orthodox Tikhon. Patriarch of Moscow. who was persecuted by the Bolsheviks for confessing the Faith; he is to be honored on April 7. In the possibly controversial. possibly not category is the Commission's proposal (A077) that ECUSA adopt the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) as the standard for the church. beginning on the first Sunday of Advent. 2007. This would replace the present 3-year schedule of Biblical readings in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer with a new 3-year cycle. bringing ECUSA into line with Anglican provinces overseas. and with other Protestant denominations. The current BCP lectionary uses Old Testament readings that link to or foreshadow the day's New Testament texts; the RCL follows the Old Testament story straight through during the readings for the Sundays between Pentecost and Advent: Genesis through Judges in year A; the Davidic Covenant and Wisdom literature in Year B; the prophets in Year C. The RCL also includes some Scriptures on women's role in salvation history. texts that have not previously been part of the Sunday liturgy. The Revised Common Lectionary has been authorized for trial use in ECUSA since the 71st (1994) General Convention. so it is not exactly new. But some observers strongly contend that it should not supplant the BCP Lectionary but remain an alternative to it. BUT. AS IS INEVITABLE in the Episcopal Church (ECUSA). there are also some new prayers that clearly qualify as "bad." In these. ECUSA's liturgists lift up the standard of what H. Richard Niebuhr described in 1937 as the modern "Gospel": "A God without wrath brought men without sin into a kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a cross." The SCLM's designers have proposed a dazzling array of new prayers and "Rites of Passage" that seem to rely on the ideas that hot button issues can be deftly glossed over and license given with sleight of pen. and that most everything in life must be liturgically affirmed. As You Like It Several of the SCLM prayers that touch on the possibility of intimate relationships are very big on love and loving but clearly intent on leaving it up to the person being prayed for to decide what form that love or loving will take. Take the proposed new prayer "For Godly Expression of One's Sexuality." This prayer makes room for all sexual permutations. not mentioning anything like chastity. or temptation: "O God. you have made us in your image and called us to the joys of human love. That love. the sign and seal of your own love for each of us. is shown through companionship and caring. powerfully and mysteriously. through the mystery of godly sexual expression shared with each other. This young person. is opening his heart to learn the wideness of love. As he strives to discover who he is. and the person he is given to love. and encouraged by you. O Love Incarnate. Give him wisdom in choosing. courage in loving. and patience in waiting for the marvelous truth of his life to unfold in your grace. most holy and undivided Trinity. alive through all the ages." The Commission also proffers prayers on "Reaching Puberty" and "Dating Relationships" which are similarly silent on the new temptations facing youth at that stage of life. As well. we cannot imagine any young person willing to be publicly singled out as the subject of such prayers. Nevertheless. the "Reaching Puberty" prayer reads: "Creator of Life. you have formed us in your image. whom you have brought to maturity. In the freedom of childhood she has come to this time. and she needs your grace and guidance for the responsibilities of adulthood. You have designed her days for love and for work. for sharing and for growing. for searching and for finding. Keep her safe throughout her life. and give her the courage to follow her heart. and walk in your ways; through Jesus. our true Companion in our journey to you." The "Dating Relationships" prayer. similarly content-free. reads: "Our greatest joy in life. a dream or a companion makes us more fully human. created in your image. As N. stands ready to begin dating. help her to remember that she will be learning that love is sacred. May she bring to each new date hope for a true friendship. May she listen. and act with the greatest respect for herself and for her companion. May she strive for a relationship that is truthful. and kind. Above all. may love teach her to love you more and more as. through the Spirit's care. she grows in the image of your holy child. Jesus Christ our Redeemer." The SCLM prayer for those being released from jail or prison (surely there's a big call for that among Episcopalians) takes a fairly lightweight approach: "Liberating God. we lose our true freedom when we wander from your love. but when we come home to you. we receive fullness of joy. Our sister. ends her prison/jail sentence and returns to a world that waits for her. Calm her fears and guard her from stumbling; surround her with friendship. and fill her with hope. reassured by your love and ours; through Jesus your Christ. our Redeemer and Liberator." This "I'm OK. You're OK" attitude also underlies the prayer "at the ending of a relationship" - with no specification of the marital status of the partners: "God of Love. you ask us in your name to be faithful to the covenants we create with one another. Yet the relationship between N. and N. seems damaged beyond repair. We grieve with them as they say farewell to set off on separate paths. sorrowing for a love broken beyond our power to make it whole again. But you in your mercy rise in every death and your love is new every morning. Help us to uphold N. and N. as they discern the future you hold in store for them: abundance of life in the love of Jesus Christ our Lord." Some of the suggested new prayers for use by mourners take for granted that everyone goes to Heaven; there is little recognition that the dead may need. the prayers of the living THEN. THERE ARE proposed new prayers and rites that could be classed as "ugly" - or maybe merely silly. there are the "Rites of Passage" - which one wag characterized as "liturgies composed by people with entirely too much time on their hands." Alaska Bishop Mark McDonald. gives them more significance. He thinks they are the working out of the "currents of renewal" that have moved through the Church for the last 50 years. and a realization of the revolutionary intentions of the authors of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. (And whatever he means by "renewal" is likely not the same thing that conservatives mean when they say it.) Said McDonald: "I once heard Boone Porter describe the vision of the primary architects of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. He said they had placed a number of 'land mines' in what we might call the implicit ecclesiology and missiology of the Book. Only a few of these land mines have appeared. since most of us use the current prayer book as if it were a supplement to the 1928 Prayer Book. In the same way. many of us used our personal computers as fancy typewriters. without discovering that they are completely new instruments. With joy. in these Rites of Passage. a visionary group of folks have begun to live into the promise and power of a number of the currents of renewal that have been beckoning the church forward over the past 50 years." To be fair. before we go any further. we must note that. in producing these rites. SCLM was responding to a call from the 2003 General Convention. But. in addition to the already-noted prayers for reaching puberty. dating relationships. and "godly expression of one's sexuality." the SCLM suggests new rites for a child's moving from a crib to a bed. becoming a big brother (or sister). beginning and ending a school year. "becoming a reader." learning to ride a bike. going away to camp. coping "when a friend moves away." obtaining a driver's license. reaching significant teenage birthdays (including "Quincea? Fiesta Clavel (a boy's 15th birthday) Sweet Sixteen. graduating from high school. entering the work force. and moving from the family home. During a proposed "Blessing of a Betrothal." the celebrant prays thus: "May God join together all the pieces of your lives into a fine and sturdy quilt to cover your days with grace. And may all who bless you be blessed! the proposed new rites include prayers not just for release from prison and "the ending of a relationship" but for beginning (or ending) a job. earning a General Equivalency diploma. returning to a community of faith. surviving a tragedy. "healing after a divorce." "reclaiming health." taking on the care of older parents. and receiving a new name (such as "a woman after a divorce reclaiming the surname she was born with or a child taking the name of his adopted parents"). The service for a person taking a new name may. according to the Commission. "include such elements as ritual cleansing. incense or smudging. and drumming." The old get their new rites. too: for retirement. for becoming a grandparent or great-grandparent. celebrating a significant wedding anniversary or birthday. and leaving home to go into care or to move to a smaller space. For the dead and their mourners. there are prayers for one week. and one year after death; prayers when visiting the site of death. when coming home without the departed. when giving away the belongings of the deceased. and visiting the graveside. There are also prayers for use by those who grieve a violent death. By way of coming attractions. the SCLM considered a collection of prayers "that would respond to the pastoral needs of women and men who have experienced miscarriage. or other trauma in the childbearing or childbirth process." The Commission examined the drafts. and sent them back for revision. A list of the titles of some of the draft prayers shows the spirit of these petitions: "Before a Difficult Decision." "After a Difficult Decision." "Following the Termination of Pregnancy." "For Unresolved Grief or Guilt." "on the Anniversary of an Abortion." "Of the Pregnant Woman's Parents." "Of the Pregnant Woman's Spouse or Partner." "For Help to Conceive or to Accept Infertility." "For Letting Go the Hope of Childbearing." and "Before Surgeries That Will Prevent Conception." This set of prayers is not dead. however; the SCLM plans to reconsider them in November 2006. and will "send liturgies out for informal trial use in the remainder of [the] triennium" before the 2009 convention. Keep your eyes open; prayers for justified abortion and sanctified sterilization might come to a liberal parish near you. And. the Commission appears poised to follow a trail blazed by theater-style denominational mega-churches and the Techno-Cosmic Masses produced by California Episcopal priest Matthew Fox. The SCLM has within it a committee that has spent the last three years studying and experiencing "multi-sensory worship" - which they describe as worship that includes "electronic/computer generated music. visual imagery projected on screens/monitors. and artistic expression in a variety of media." At General Convention. the Multi-sensory committee seeks a $60.000 budget to spend the next three years developing more "multi-sensory resources." preparing "theological statements" to justify use of the new expressions. and training congregations in the new ways of worship. (Some ECUSA parishes are already "trained. reportedly offering "U2 Eucharists" - services featuring the music of the Irish rock band U2.) The Multi-Sensory Committee pointed Blue Book readers to the worshipwell web page. that offers "words of wisdom on everything from worship planning and guiding principles to inclusive language and multi-cultural liturgical development." This "wisdom" includes many references to the parish of St. Gregory Nyssa in San Francisco - the "dancing parish" which offered a same-sex union service for former Utah Bishop Otis Charles and his partner in 2004. Other advice from the worshipwell web page includes: "It's more important to do liturgy well than to do it right. Give yourself permission to experiment with liturgy-start by moving furniture! Re-arranging our worship spaces rearranges relationships and prayer life...Good liturgy takes work. True. the Book of Common Prayer and centuries of history and tradition structure the way we worship as community. But how can ministers and congregants make liturgy a vibrant. dynamic collaboration rather than rote ritual?" It appears that for this committee. "liturgical fidget" is not a disease. but a blessing. Sources: **Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music. General Convention 2006 proposals (section 16 of the Blue Book). provided that there are no changes in the headings or text
It appears that since it's been nearly thirty years since the GC has subjected our liturgy to any major vandalism. it's time once again... Has anyone audited the SCLM expense accounts to make sure they're not being underwritten by Hallmark Cards?
If the SCLM wants to include any new prayers. fine....but let them include them in the Book of Occasional Services. NOT the Prayer Book! I'm sick and tired of prayer book revision! where are the prayers for: (1) adopting a pet? Also the one for those about to embark on a shoe (or whatever) shopping expedition? How about one for tatoos and body piercings? It is a brave new world ou there and we don't want to exclude anyone! Self indulgent claptrap!
This disingenous playing of both sides with orthodox prayers along with liberal ones is nauseating. By now every traditionalist Anglican surely realizes that this web has a nasty spider at its center. Neal
If my memory serves me. The Cathedral of St. John the Unfinished on Morningside Heights in Manhattan has had many such prayers and liturgies for one's pets and other creatures great and small.
"Reaching Puberty" prayer ?Sounds like an easy way for corrupt men to find targets."Comming out" has a far different meaning than it did 200 years ago. But that is what Revisionists and Modern Liberals do.Don
I gotta say that this list of nonsense is as clear an example as any of what's wrong with ECUSA.This drivel is even worse than that which emanates from the (still) current PB.
Dedicated to the Preservation. and Propagation of the Worship. and Discipline contained in the authentic editions of the Book of Common Prayer: England. 1928 Please visit us on the web.
St. Dunstan's Anglican church. an ACA parish located in suburban Minneapolis. seeks a full-time Traditional Anglican Rector. Founded in 1979. St. Dunstan's is a well-established congregation with debt-free church facilities. For details. contact: Tara Keehr.
Pregnancy
What she terms ``an extreme piece of legislation' -- another hot button issue popping up in the middle of this election year -- is scheduled for a Tuesday hearing in the Ohio House. and it has the full attention of the executive director of Planned Parenthood of Summit. Portage and Medina Counties.
House Bill 228. as proposed by State Rep. Tom Brinkman. would criminalize all abortion -- whether to save the life of the woman or to end pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.
Taylor and Widowfield have not responded to numerous requests for comment. but state Rep. Chris Redfern. D-Catawba Island -- the state Democratic chairman -- was quick to offer an explanation as to why an abortion ban is about to become a hot Ohio issue.
``They (the Ohio House Republicans) are doing it for the exact same reason as President Bush... using hot button issues to motivate the Republican right.' Redfern said.
With Bush's poll approval ratings at an all-time low. the president weighed in on the immigration issue and began urging the U.S. Senate to pass a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage -- moves that prompted critics to claim the president is creating domestic issues to divert public attention from the war in Iraq.
And according to Redfern. the GOP on both the national and state level is seeking to rouse its conservative base for what is shaping up to be an extremely competitive election season.
``Think about it.' Redfern said. ``(Gov. Bob) Taft considers himself to be a supporterof right to life. For 16 years the Republicans have controlled the statehouse and have controlled the legislature for 12 years. If they had wanted to pass an abortion ban they would have... Every two years they roll out these old ideas to motivate the Republican right.'
``A year ago we didn't have the vacancies on the U.S. Supreme Court.' Brinkman said. Since then two Bush nominees were named to the court. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito. And with those appointments. conservatives believe they now have a court that is positioned to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion decision.
While Redfern dismisses Brinkman's effort as political posturing and gives the bill little chance of making it out of committee. the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio.' she said. Copeland said supporters of H.B. 228 are intentionally trying to enact legislation that is ``clearly unconstitutional' as a way to push an extremist agenda all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1973 the Court with its Roe ruling recognized a right of a woman to terminate a pregnancy.
``South Dakota legislators launched an attack on a woman's right to choose.' Copeland said. ``Will Ohio lawmakers now follow them down this path with an even more extreme ban?000-person group along with dozens of abortion rights advocates from across the state will show up in Columbus for Tuesday's hearing to fight the bill.
Ironically. which has more than 70 chapters and some 50. is not taking an official position on the bill.
``Because it is prohibiting abortion we are certainly supportive of the underlying principle.' Mackura said. But the bill as it is currently written. fails to safeguard some measures that anti-abortion advocates have fought to get into law -- such as informed consent that requires a minimum 24-hour waiting period for any woman seeking an abortion and parental consent for minors.
As written. the bill would not only ban abortion. but would also require the repeal of all laws that regulate or restrict abortion. The fear among anti-abortion activists is that if the bill became law and was challenged and reversed by the courts. the statutes eliminated by the legislation would not automatically be reinstated.
``The problem with this kind of law (H.B. 228) is that the lower courts will immediately strike it down.' said Mackura. She said the likelihood of the U.S. Supreme Court coming behind a lower court to take up the case would be highly improbable.
``Most people don't know anything about it. The ban hasn't gotten a lot of press. adding that the best way to end ``this political interference' with individual. private medical decisions is through elections.
``We not only have to show up at this hearing on June 13 to fight against this ban. but Ohio's pro-choice majority must show up at the ballot box on Nov. 7th to elect leaders who share our values.'
Pregnancy
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