Loving God, you have received us as your children. Make our hearts shine ever brighter with the pure light of Christ, that all people might witness your all-encompassing love. We pray for the entire Episcopal Church; for our presiding bishop, Sean; our bishop, Phil; and our vicar, Joseph. We ask you to bless the faith […]
December 29: Weekly Prayers Read More »
God made flesh in divine humility, we pray for clergy and lay leaders of your church. We especially pray for our priest, Joseph; and our bishop Phillip. Incarnate God, be with us. Wonderful counselor and Holy Spirit, bring your counsel to those in positions of power and authority. Show them your guiding star that they
December 24/25: Christmas Prayers Read More »
St. John Chrysostompreached this Christmas sermonin 386.It was preached at Antioch in Asia Minor–during the first year of his public ministry.Later, he became Bishop of Constantinople.It was his skillful preachingthat earned him the nickname “Chrysostom,”which means “Golden-Mouthed.” Behold a new and wondrous mystery. My ears resound to the Shepherd’s song,piping no soft melody,but chanting full
December 25: The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Read More »
Merry Christmas!This year in AdventI’ve been noticing contrasts.Tomorrow’s gospel,the prologue to John’s gospel,is about the contrasts between light and dark.The light shines in the darknessand the darkness does not overcome it.This Advent, though,I’ve noticed the contrasts betweenShimmering commercial Christmas spirit out thereand the waiting of Advent in here.I observed the contrast betweenthe prophets’ call to
December 24: Vigil for the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Read More »
Generous God, we pray for the peace of the world, and for our unity in Christ. Come to us, and save us. We pray for Sean, our presiding bishop; for Phil, our bishop, and all bishops; for Joseph, our vicar; for the deacons and all who minister in Christ, and for all the holy people
December 22: Weekly Prayers Read More »
God is the actor in Luke’s Gospel.God is the actorin all salvation history,but you really can’t ignore itwhen you read Luke.In the gospel passage I readand Mary’s Song that we proclaimed togetherwe have contrasts –which I mentioned last week –and God decisively the actor.Mary has just said yes to carrying God’s childand she goes to
December 22: The Fourth Sunday of Advent Read More »
God who draws near to us, draw near to your church: Sean, our presiding bishop; Phil, our bishop; and Joseph, our vicar. We pray for the Anglican Church of Tanzania; the See of Canterbury; and for the faith communities of St. John’s, Kirkland; St. Thomas, Medina; Emmanuel, Mercer Island; All Saints Goshen; and all their
December 15: Weekly Prayers Read More »
Historically today has been a bit of a breakfrom the solemnity of Advent.Gaudete Sunday,Rejoice Sunday.That’s why we’ve gota pink or rose candle burningand some places even have vestmentsand altar dressings to match!Rejoice!This week continues where last week left off.John is still in the desertpreparing the way of salvation.Crowds are coming to be baptizedin a baptism
December 15: The Third Sunday of Advent Read More »
Modeled on the Danish concept of hygge — companionable coziness — Commons is a time for community members (affiliated with the church or not) to gather, prepare a meal together, spend time together while it cooks, and then eat it together! Well-behaved dogs are welcome. This will happen almost every Monday through the end of