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We are Evangelical
For most Episcopalians “evangelical” is a four-letter word, and I have some experience with this sentiment. I was twelve when we moved from Michigan to rural Georgia, and as soon I started school it became clear that I was the only Catholic kid around. Almost immediately my peers started asking me if I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and savior. I of course said, “I guess…” and explained that we went to the Catholic Church. My peers were shocked that I didn’t already know that I was going hell for worshipping Mary and insisted that I go with them to their churches, or this or that church camp. Eager to make friends I often went to these camps or church services, which were filled with repetitive music, and guilt-filled appeals for me to accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and savior. After the hundredth time I was asked if I have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and savior I began to understand what it really meant, “are you one of us?” And eventually my answer became “no”. All of my friend’s efforts at evangelism were little more than a desire to make me like them, and had little to do with Jesus Christ, and the fruit of that evangelism was bitterness and cynicism. For many of us evangelism is at best synonymous with awkward conversations, and for many of us evangelism amounts to little more than religious bullying, and as nice, considerate, and enlightened Episcopalians we avoid this word at all costs. Maybe, just maybe, we should reclaim the word.
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What is Evensong?
Evensong is an Anglican gift to the world, a service adapted after the Reformation from the monastic hour of Vespers. It is a service of light, of bringing light into the darkness of the evening. It is primarily a sung service, the opening canticle being the "Phos Hilaron--O Gracious Light". Many churches use incense--the opening sentence is "Let my prayer be set forth as incense". The church should be dark, or partially so, at the beginning, with the light of Christ coming into the church. It is a service of contemplation and personal reflection and it is in all ways, a quiet service, a place of rest for the soul. Besides the "Phos hilaron", the "Magnificat, the Song of Mary", and the " Nunc dimittis-Lord you now have set your servant free", are to be sung. Included in the service is one of the most beautiful prayers in the prayer book--"Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake."Join us in Lent for Evensong, for contemplation, for reflection, for quiet in a busy world.Lynn Gardner, Organist/Choirmaster
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Mardi Gras Madness Progressive Dinner
The Parish Life Committee presents “Mardi Gras Madness!”. The Annual Progressive Dinner begins at 6:30PM with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the home of Cari and Will Zimmer followed by dinner and dessert at the home of Karen and David Jones. Please make reservations by clicking on the image of the invitation before Tuesday, February 21st. This event is limited to the first 80 individuals to reply.
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| Adult Sunday School will continue with the study of the Gospel of Mark. Join Father Nick in the Parish House Library on Sundays at 9:30 as he initiates and guides discussion on this important history of Jesus' life. Expand your vocabulary with fancy words like pericope, intercalation, and more while gaining insight from the viewpoint of others in the class.
Family Sunday School meets in the Parish House and will continue with their alternating schedule as follows:- February 5, 6:00P - Jesus Feeds the 5,000, Ellen Bellamy
- February 12, 9:30A - The Prodigal Son, Allison Calfee
- February 19, 6:00P - The Lord's Supper, Lewis Pitzer
- February 26, 9:30A - Old Testament Lesson, Bob Bushnell
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Join Us!There are services, classes and activities for everyone at Christ Episcopal Church! Take a look at our monthly calendar and join us for choir practice on Thursdays, Men's Club Dinner in the Undercroft, Women's Club Fellowship and Dinner at Third Bay Cafe, Wednesday Holy Eucharist and Healing at noon in the chapel, Loaves and Fishes, the Mardi Gras Progressive Dinner, Sunday services and more!
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