6 PentecostFirst reading and psalm: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 • Ps. 77:1-2, 11-20Alternate: 1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21 • Ps. 16 • Gal. 5:1, 13-25 • Luke 9:51-62Whether choosing 1 Kings or 2 Kings, the preacher will mind Elijah’s mantle as an outward sign of an inward blaze of glory. God, by this mantle, confers power and establishes leadership. St. Paul often tells us to put on the Lord … [Read more...] about The Garment
Archives for June 2013
Rainbows at the Cathedral
Mere hours after the U.S. Supreme Court announced two rulings that ease the way for same-sex marriage, the Very Rev. Gary Hall of Washington National Cathedral led “A Service of Thanksgiving: Celebrating an Increase in Compassion and Equality.” The cathedral’s carillon bells pealed midday in response to the rulings.The cathedral dean called the service, which was scheduled a … [Read more...] about Rainbows at the Cathedral
Retrospect at 40, part one
Cæli enarrantFamily, church, and school serve, according to the Christian Reformed Church, as overlapping and mutually formative institutions, and this is true. Our family stood awkwardly with a foot in East Grand Rapids and a foot in Calvin College, as visitors to foreign lands. But we more properly found a modus vivendi on the left wing of the CRC, associated with the broad … [Read more...] about Retrospect at 40, part one
‘All Are Beloved of God’
Via the Office of Public AffairsEpiscopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued the following statement on today’s United States Supreme Court rulings on DOMA and Proposition 8.The Episcopal Church is presently engaged in a period of study and dialogue about the nature of Christian marriage. This work is moving forward, with faithful people of many … [Read more...] about ‘All Are Beloved of God’
‘Closer to Justice’
Via President Jennings’s websiteThe Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, president of the House of Deputies of the Episcopal Church, issued this statement in response to the United States Supreme Court’s rulings that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional and that same-sex marriage can resume in California:I join with millions of Christians across the country in celebrating … [Read more...] about ‘Closer to Justice’
Thank God for Beer (Brewers)
Merging two long-established congregations into one can pose myriad challenges, but celebrating the Eucharist at a brewery helps. That insight comes from the experience of six-month-old Grace Church in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. The church, which sings God’s praises in rented space at Barrington Brewery’s reception hall, aims in part to quench the spiritual thirst of … [Read more...] about Thank God for Beer (Brewers)
Keeping it Real
By John Kenneth GibsonI made the sign of the cross while holding a cup of green tea in my hand as the Presiding Bishop intoned: “Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” I was curled up in bed with my laptop, watching the June 15 webcast from Duke Chapel of the consecration of Anne Hodges-Copple as Bishop Suffragan of North Carolina. This was the first time I had watched … [Read more...] about Keeping it Real
Living with Difference
Adapted from the commencement address at Nashotah House, May 16.By Colin PodmoreWhen I look at the breadth of those gathered here today, I am impressed. Where else could I find such a range of American Anglicans worshipping together? Back in England we have looked with amazement and dismay at a once great church tearing itself apart. We enjoy ties of friendship and affection … [Read more...] about Living with Difference