This week: The Eve of All Hallows, the Feast of All Saints, and the Day of All Souls — an autumn triduum, some of it silly, some of it sorrowful, and all of it, in one way or another, celebratory of lives lived and also life eternal. The rector puts these days into the context of our life as a parish community in this week’s letter.
In these liminal times, as we discern what new things God is calling us to be and do, we need you — your presence, most of all, and the support of your pledges, participation, and prayers. Your pledges help us plan; they keep our worship vibrant, our ministries active, and our buildings welcoming. Your participation, both in person and online, helps us experience God’s love “with skin on.” And your prayers undergird all that we do and are together.
This week: The rector reflects on last week’s reading about the Unjust Judge and the Importunate Widow, and how we might regard her persistence as inspiration and model for our own troubled times. (This Sunday’s readings includes the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, represented in the 17th century painting above.) Also this week: a call for volunteers for this year’s “Haunted Church” event for neighborhood children on Hallowe’en, and upcoming memorials and commemorations for the Feast of All Saints and the day of All Souls.
This week: A reflection from the rector on birds: in our natural world, in our city, and in scripture and religious imagery. Also: the Sunday Forum following the 11 am service will host a discussion about General Convention actions this past summer on creation care, ecumenical and interfaith relations, liturgy and racism. And plan to attend the “Gardening & Gathering” work party Saturday, October 29, to help prepare our gardens for the winter.
This week: a poem by Joy Harjo, member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and former poet laureate of the United States to bring us back to ourselves on the eve of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. And following the 11 am service, the Sunday Forum will feature a conversation with charlee huffman — poet, speaker, theologian, and member of the Kaw Nation, as well as an activist at the intersection of dis/ability and Indigeneity.
This week: We will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis — the saint who preached to the birds and called a wolf his brother — with the blessing of the animals following the 11 am service, October 2. The blessing will be around 12:30 pm, giving those who live nearby a chance to go and get their animals. All animals and people are welcome!
This week: Mother Liz reflects on the change of seasons and autumn’s resonance with many religious traditions. Also: we welcome the (freshly ordained) Rev. Stacey Carpenter this Sunday as she celebrates her first Eucharist as a priest with us! And next week, in commemoration of the Feast of St. Francis: the Blessing of the Animals following the 11 am service.
This week: Father Ed shares details about his upcoming sabbatical in Spain. Also: Sunday’s “volunteer fair” gives you a chance to learn about the many possible ways to get more involved in parish life. Plus, an upcoming ordination, a global celebration of a “Season of Creation,” and other news and events.
Listen to the sermon preached by the Rev. Ed Chinery on the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 11, 2022. The lessons for this day: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28; Psalm 14; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10.
Welcome back! Starting this Sunday, September 11, we return to our regular schedule of Sunday worship at 9 am, 11 am, and 6 pm, with our full choir at the 11 am Eucharist. Read Mother Liz’s greeting in this week’s newsletter for some of the other things we’re looking forward to in the weeks ahead!