Christian Formation (Page 51)

By reading and meditating on God’s holy Word

I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word. These words are from the Invitation to the Observance of a holy Lent in the Ash Wednesday service.  Usually, and for good reason, we focus on penitence,…

Homework

Last Sunday in my sermon I gave some homework – and a few folks have followed up with me either to share their thoughts or ask me for the assignment again!  Part of what I shared in the sermon was a reflection on the Vestry retreat last weekend and our belief it’s time to begin the work of discerning our core values…

Deep into the Night ~ Lenten Series & Soup Lunch

Every year at the Easter Vigil we begin by lighting the new fire, gradually moving from darkness to light, ending with the celebration of the first Eucharist of Easter.  But before we let ring our alleluias, we gather in candlelight to tell our sacred stories, remembering the arc of salvation beginning with the creation story. This year for our Lenten series, we…

Keeping a Holy Lent

Next week we will gather to feast on Shrove Tuesday, closing the night by burning last years’ palms to make the ashes we will use to mark our mortality the following evening on Ash Wednesday, which will mark our entrance into the holy season of Lent. Lent is a time when we are invited into self-examination, repentance, and works of mercy.  It…

Part 2: Being Sent

Go in peace to love and serve God and neighbor Last week in Part 1: Being Fed, I wrote about the phrase “behold what you are; become of what you receive” which is said as part of the invitation to receive communion every week. This week I’d like to look at the words that send us out into the world at the…

Part 1: Being Fed

Behold what you are; become what you receive. Every week, after we’ve said the Great Amen and consecrated the bread and the wine, these are the words I say when we lift the bread and wine and extend the invitation that all who seek Christ are welcome at God’s table. It is an adaptation of a phrase from a sermon by St.…

Altar Flowers

The new 2017 sign-up sheet has been posted in the narthex which allows you to pick any Sunday during the year.  This will allow you to write your name on the calendar now instead of hoping to remember later.  We just ask that you complete an Altar Flower Donation Form (also in the narthex) and drop it…

Liturgy of Lament & Remembrance for Reproductive Loss

On Sunday, February 19th  at 7:00 pm you are invited to gather at St. James’ for a service of healing and hope for those who have experienced loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, placing a child for adoption, having a failed adoption placement, or inability to conceive.  This liturgy is designed to offer a space for grieving and healing through prayer, hearing God’s word, anointing, and the…