Rector – So Many Choices
Anyone else think to themselves last Sunday, “I really like this tune for the Lord’s Prayer, but I’m gonna have to learn to sing it before I love it.”?
Something like this happens to me every time we do a seasonal shift in our liturgy. It’s all pretty much the same – but at the same time different. So why do we change at all, you might ask? Why not sing the tune that “everyone” knows? Why change the prayer that “everyone” knows by heart?
There are lots of ways to answer these questions, and those like them. Part of the answer for us is that we have a seasonal practice of changing our Eucharistic Prayer and service music so we can embrace the breadth of worship within our Episcopal tradition. For example, there are four different Eucharistic Prayers in the Book of Common Prayer and three in Enriching Our Worship – as well more from other prayer books from around the Anglican Communion we can get permission to use. The Hymnal 1982 itself has 288 separate settings for service music – and there are many, many other music resources to draw from, including the three other hymnals authorized by the Episcopal Church.
But there are other things to consider as well. Some Eucharistic Prayers theologically fit different seasons. For example Prayer B from the Book of Common Prayer works well in Advent and Christmastide because of its theological focus on the incarnation – in seasons when we are anticipating and celebrating the birth of God-with-us. Likewise, some tunes fit the tone of different seasons better than others. It would feel odd to have happy-clappy joyous tunes in Lent, or something solemn during Eastertide.
Then there are other choices to make, like, for example, between the two versions of the Lord’s Prayer as found in our Book of Common Prayer. Most people I’ve encountered have a strong preference for one or the other.* Often times I’ve seen proponents of the traditional language bemoan the lack of poetry of the modern language version. On the other side, those that prefer the modern language translation sniff at the traditionalists that cling to antiquated language in this one prayer that they don’t use in any other aspect of their life. Oh – and don’t forget the folks who just want to sing this prayer, they even don’t care which version!
And so with this prayer – like the many other aspects of our liturgy – we spend some time with each translation throughout the year. You can view it as penance when we’re using the one you don’t prefer – or – you might consider it a chance to try on another way of being faithful. A time to remember that corporate worship is not all about you – or me – or any one of us. Instead, people bound by common prayer are called to listen deeply to each other, for we all bring different perspectives that can illuminate something about God – even if it is an unfamiliar tune or words we don’t know by heart.
Yours in God’s peace,
Kristin+
*What’s my preference? I prefer the modern translation of the Lord’s Prayer, not because of the traditional language per se, but because it fixes a big theological blunder found in the traditional language translation. You may have read Pope Francis remarking on this last year – in reference to the line “And lead us not into temptation.” That is bad theology. It is not God who pushes us into temptation/sinfulness – we do that plenty well all on our own. For this reason, theologically I stand behind the line “Save us from the time of trial.”
Outreach
Care Packages for College Kids
Fall is fast approaching. The Outreach Committee is once again asking for your assistance in providing snacks/goodies to be sent to our St. James’ college students. We will start collecting on September 9 with expected delivery to the kids by the first week in October. Parents, please provide your child’s address to Laura as soon as you know it. The things we will be collecting are granola bars, hot chocolate, crackers, cookies, fruit snacks, hand sanitizer, tissues, disposable razors, tea, coffee, microwaveable popcorn, and pop tarts. Thank you again for your support!
Volunteer at Pleasant View
Pleasant View Nursing Home could use your help!
- Bible Study – any day of the week morning or evening
- Gospel Music – ideal for an afternoon during the week or over the weekends.
- Room Visits – once weekly visit, our bed bound residents are in great need of companionship.
If you feel led to participate with this ministry please contact Donna Andrew, Activity Director at 301-829-0800 x224.
Upcoming Outreach Projects
- Mt. Airy Net Thanksgiving Dinners
- Christmas Angel Tree
- Winter Coat Collection
Finance/Stewardship
Wondering if anyone noticed? In the Sunday bulletin, take a look at the Replenish & Establish report and you can see that we have added an additional pledge, increasing to 57 pledges, and the R & E amount pledged total has increased from $180,865 to $182,365! We are getting closer to our goal of $185,000. R & E is a 3-year project and one-time gifts and additional pledges can be donated to this special project at any time. St. James’ is grateful for all that our parish family has already given. Repairs have been much larger than expected in 2018 and the additional giving has allowed us to maintain our reserve balance at an acceptable level. Thank you to all!
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Office Hours Week of September 16
Monday – Thursday 10-4
Basket Raffle will take place on TWO Saturdays this year!
Our 12th Annual Basket Raffle & Silent Auction will begin at our Thrift Shop during the Oktoberfest to be held in downtown Mt. Airy on September 29th, two weeks before our larger annual raffle at the Lions’ Club Fall Fest on October 13th—two great opportunities for our fundraising!
This will mean we will need a group of helpers for each event.
Event Volunteers will be needed to assist with ticket sales before and during the Basket Raffle & Auction, to assist with transporting baskets between St. James’ Church and the Thrift Shop then the Carnival Grounds the day before the raffles, setting up tents and tables, as well as, calling winners of Baskets and Silent Auction items.
An online Volunteer Sign Up form is available at :
Thank you so much to those who have already donated items as well as their time and talents!!
Prayer Rotation
Please join the Daughters of the King in praying for each parishioner in rotation during 2018 by taking this notice home and by posting it where it will remind you to pray on a daily basis for the needs and blessings of:
John and Audrey Hudson-Odoi (Vanessa, Eli, Ethan)
Ryan and Angie Ireland (Anna, Addy, Brayden)
Matthew and Karen Kastel (Luke, Grant)
A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.
