Our Thursday evening bible study group starts again on January 7. We will discuss a new book throughout the Epiphany Season, The First Christmas, and is co-authored by John Dominick Crossan and Marcus Borg. It is lovely, accessible theology that beautifully expands how we define some of the words and images we’ve long cherished, and in ways that makes them even more significant in
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” The meaning of the original word used by Luke to describe Elizabeth’s exclamation loses some of its impact in the modern English translation. “A loud cry”, according to scholars, should be understood to be an exaggerated loud cry – as if Elizabeth was using a megaphone!
Prelude Pieces Christmas Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) Choral (from Hodie) Ralph Vaughan Williams (1892-1958) Good Christian friends, rejoice German Carol harm. Charles Winfred Douglas Alma redemptoris mater G. P. Palestrina (ca. 1525-1594) God rest you merry, gentlemen English Carol arr. David Willcocks The Star Carol Alfred S. Burt (1920-1954) Le sommeil de l’enfant Jésus French Carol Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella French Carol Ding dong!
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
The Thursday evening bible study group is discussing a new book for the Advent Season, The First Christmas, co-authored by John Dominick Crosson and Marcus Borg. It is lovely, accessible theology that beautifully expands how we define some of the words and images we’ve long cherished, and in ways that makes them even more significant in our lives! Do join us – you’ll be
Mezzo-Soprano Barbara Rearick and pianist Alan Johnson perform song cycles by Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, Ethan Greene, Julian Grant, Alberto Ginastera, Claude Debussy, and William Bolcom on Friday, December 18, 2015 at 7:30 PM in the Parish Hall at 12 West 11th Street. The recital will be followed by a reception with the artists. A $10 donation is suggested. Barbara has sung with the
Dr. Deirdre Good returns to Ascension this Sunday, December 13th, to lead a forum about race and free speech on college campuses, inviting us to reflect theologically and to explore possibilities for faithful action. The forum will take place after the 11 o’clock service. Dr. Good asks that you read this article (link here) which will serve as a springboard for the conversation. Printed
Congregations and individuals recently contributed $38,400 to the diocesan “Rebuild the Churches Fund.” The fundraising effort was initiated in July 2015 to assist six African-American churches which suffered fires, most proven to be the result of arson, in the wake of the murders of nine people at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South Carolina on June 17th. Here is a link to download
When it comes to engaging scripture in meaningful ways, there’s no shortage of advisors ready to help. This can be both comforting and confounding. A fair number of voices suggest that, when reading a text, one might always look for promises. Others invite us to read the bible like a love letter. And more to the point today…