Thursday, June 30, 2011

Journey in Faith Series begins July 10, 2011


SESSION 1: WHAT ARE YOU SEEKING?


Sunday, July 10, 2011 
The invitation to this Journey in Faith meets and helps us reflect on where we are, what works for us (and what does not work for us,) and where we are going spiritually.

SESSION 2: WHO IS JESUS?

Sunday, July 24, 2011
Who do you say He is? The core of the Christian faith is bound in the person of Jesus. Is Jesus the only path to God?How can we appreciate the insights of other great faiths while maintaining our own Christian integrity?

SESSION 3: THE HOLY SPIRIT: THE GIVER OF LIFE AND THE INSPIRATION OF THE CHURCH

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 — 6:30 pm
Who is The Holy Spirit and how is The Holy Spirit related to the other persons of the Trinity? What is the importance of the Spirit in understanding the faith?

SESSION 4: THE BIBLE

Sunday, August 21, 2011
The central document of the Christian faith is sometimes misused and misunderstood, yet is one of the most inspiring and enlightening statements of humankind’s attempt to find God. Where did it come from and why is it so important to Christians?

SESSION 5: PRACTICES OF FAITH: 
PUBLIC PRAYER AND 
THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER

Sunday, September 11, 2011
The Book of Common Prayer is one of the most beautiful examples of common piety and prayer written. We will explore its content, trace its evolution and contemplate its future.

SESSION 6: PRACTICES OF FAITH:
SYMBOLISM IN LITURGY

Sunday, October 2, 2011
Worship in the Episcopal Church is rich in symbolism that manifests both in visual images and in liturgical action. We will explain our liturgy and major symbols, and how they connect to life and experience.

SESSION 7: PRACTICES OF FAITH: THE SACRAMENTS
7 WAYS OF TOUCHING GOD
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Two major sacraments, Eucharist and Baptism, are celebrated with regularity and solemnity. What does that mean? What is all the “hocus pocus” about? What is “real presence?” How and why is it significant?

SESSION 8: PRACTICES OF FAITH:
THE POWER OF PERSONAL PRAYER 
AND HEALING

Sunday, November 6, 2011
For some, prayer is about speaking with God; for others, prayer begins in stillness. How can we broaden our understanding and practice of prayer and enrich our communion with God?

SESSION 9: PRACTICES OF FAITH:
THE MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH

Sunday, November 20, 2011
The Church functions as a haven for the broken, a source of empowerment in the community, addresses issues of human rights and justice, and supports us in times of desperation and celebration.

SESSION 10: THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION

Sunday, January 8, 2012 
How did the Episcopal Church come to be a part of the Anglican Communion, and what is our relationship to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the 70 million Anglicans worldwide today?

SESSION 11: ANGLICAN POLITY

Sunday, January 22, 2012
The national Episcopal Church is currently at odds with Canterbury, over the consecration of both gay and lesbian bishops and female bishops. What are the politics and how does the Episcopal Church differ in its polity from the rest of the Anglican Communion?

SESSION 12: THE HISTORY OF ALL SAINTS

Sunday, February 12, 2012
We are celebrating the 100th anniversary of our building this year and soon our 150th anniversary as a parish. Our history is checkered, cheeky, and often amusing. Knowing who we are helps us to understand why we do what we do and what we can be in the world in this new century.

Unless indicated, all sessions are held immediately following the coffee hour in the Parish Hall.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Vestry meeting rescheduled to July 5

Due to travel schedule conflicts, the Vestry meeting originally scheduled for June 20 has been rescheduled to July 5 at 6:30pm in the parish office. As always, visitors are most welcome.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Thoughts on Ascension

We observed Ascension, one of the more obscure feast days of the Christian church this evening. This day we mark the ascent of the risen Jesus into heaven.

Ascension marks the second time Jesus leaves his followers behind. The first time is Good Friday, followed by his total absence on Holy Saturday. This time he leaves his disciples desolate, uncertain of the future, Peter probably wondering if he was right to deny Jesus.

The second time is when Jesus leaves following his resurrection. This time he leaves his disciples hopeful, but with great responsibility. It is their task - and ours, as their spiritual descendants - to be the Body of Christ, to be the representative of Jesus on earth.

Jesus tells us: my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. But a yoke is a yoke no matter how easy, and a burden is a burden no matter how light. How are we, both as All Saints, and as individuals, meeting the task of being his people in the world?