The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury, singing "Jerusalem the Golden" from their album "Favourite Hymns for All Seasons, Volume 2
The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury, singing "Jerusalem the Golden" from their album "Favourite Hymns for All Seasons, Volume 2
Posted at 01:57 PM in Easter, Music, Religion, Unapologetically Episcopalian | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Include The Episcopal Church in your vacation plans.
This summer, Episcopal churches across the country are encouraging their members to worship while they are on vacation, and to share that experience with the parish back home. No matter where you find yourself on your summer travels, take the time to visit another church while you are away from home.
Vacations are times for renewal and recreation. Worship fits right in with those objectives!
• Take a picture of yourselves with the church sign and email it to your home church.
• Post a photo on your Facebook wall and that of your home church and the one you visited. Share it with our Unapologetically Episcopalian community.
• If you have a great story to share that will inspire others, send it to Episcopal Cafe or Forward Movement.
• Bring back a bulletin to share on your home church bulletin board.
• Visit other Episcopal Church ministries in the places where you travel – camps, conference centers, schools, retirement homes, hospitals, missions.
• Deliver a token of friendship from your Episcopal Church to the ones you visit. It can be something as simple as a flyer you create and print before leaving home. Something like, "Joe and Mary Smith from Calvary Episcopal Church in Ashland, Kentucky were here. Thanks for welcoming us!" Be creative, involve your family in the design and creation, and have fun doing it.
Some of our Episcopal Churches are awarding prizes for the farthest from home and the most churches visited. Our members bring back some interesting stories and fresh ideas that can reinvigorate parish life and mission. Networking with new friends in other Episcopal Churches across the country can strengthen the entire communion. And don’t forget those Anglican sisters and brothers in other countries.
Remember that others who are traveling will be visiting your Episcopal Church, so be sure to help roll out the red carpet. And, when you are entertaining summer guests, bring them to church and celebrate their visit on social media!
Is your Episcopal Church easy to find on the internet? Check to see if the address, service times, and contact information are up to date on the website. Also check the Episcopal Church Find-a-Church website to be sure the information there is correct for your congregation. If your congregation has not signed on to Faith Street, we recommend it. It’s a great place to go when you are looking for a church near where you are traveling.
Posted at 07:20 AM in Current Affairs, Episcopal Church, Religion, Travel, Unapologetically Episcopalian, Vacation, Worship | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Easter Wednesday
• Opening Sentence
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; let the whole earth tremble before him. Psalm 96:9
• Collect of the Day ~ Wednesday in Easter Week
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
• A Collect for Protection
O God, the life of all who live, the light of the faithful, the strength of those who labor, and the repose of the dead: We thank you for the blessings of the day that is past, and humbly ask for your protection through the coming night. Bring us in safety to the morning hours; through him who died and rose again for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
• For Mission
O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you, all tongues confess and bless you, and men and women everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
• For Peace
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
• Psalm
The City of Birmingham Symphony and Chorus, conducted by Simon Rattle, performing Patrick Doyle's setting of Psalm 115:1
Posted at 02:16 PM in Book of Common Prayer, Daily Office, Easter, Episcopal Church, Evensong, Music, Religion, Unapologetically Episcopalian | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Easter Wednesday
• Opening Sentence
You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
• Collect of the Day ~ Wednesday in Easter Week
O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
• A Collect for Grace
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
• For Mission
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
• General Thanksgiving
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.
• Hymn
Choir and Congregation at St. John's Episcopal Church in Detroit singing Welcome, Happy Morning!
Posted at 02:06 AM in Book of Common Prayer, Daily Office, Easter, Episcopal Church, Morning Prayer, Music, Religion, Unapologetically Episcopalian | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Easter Tuesday
• Opening Sentence
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1
• Collect of the Day ~ Tuesday in Easter Week
O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen.
• A Collect for Aid against Perils
Be our light in the darkness, O Lord, and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
• For Mission
O God, you manifest in your servants the signs of your presence: Send forth upon us the Spirit of love, that in companionship with one another your abounding grace may increase among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
• For Quiet Confidence
O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we will be saved, in quietness and confidence will be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
• Hymn
Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!
Posted at 02:23 PM in Book of Common Prayer, Daily Office, Easter, Episcopal Church, Evensong, Music, Religion, Unapologetically Episcopalian | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Easter Tuesday
• Opening Sentence
Christ has entered, not into a sanctuary made with hands, a copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Hebrews 9:24
• Collect of the Day ~ Tuesday in Easter Week
O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen.
• A Collect for Peace
O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
• For Mission
Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.
• For the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
• Psalm
Carson Cooman's composotion Bless the Lord, O My Soul (Psalm 103:1-2, 8, 11, 17a, 22b) sung by Harvard Choral Fellows at The Memorial Church at Harvard University
Posted at 01:37 AM in Book of Common Prayer, Daily Office, Easter, Episcopal Church, Morning Prayer, Music, Religion, Unapologetically Episcopalian | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Easter Monday
• Opening Sentence
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1
• Collect of the Day ~ Monday in Easter Week
Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that we who celebrate with awe the Paschal feast may be found worthy to attain to everlasting joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
• A Collect for Peace
Most holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.
• For Mission
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. Amen.
• For Knowledge of God's Creation
Almighty and everlasting God, you made the universe with all its marvelous order, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and the infinite complexity of living creatures: Grant that, as we probe the mysteries of your creation, we may come to know you more truly, and more surely fulfill our role in your eternal purpose; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
• Anthem
Solo Treble Oliver Lepage-Dean of the Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, singing The Call ("Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life") from Five Mystical Songs, Ralph Vaughan Williams' musical setting of poetry of George Herbert
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Posted at 04:56 AM in Book of Common Prayer, Daily Office, Episcopal Church, Lent, Morning Prayer, Music, Religion, Unapologetically Episcopalian | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Easter Day
• Opening Sentence
On this day the Lord has acted; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
• Collect of the Day ~ Easter
O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
• A Collect for Sundays
Lord God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ triumphed over the powers of death and prepared for us our place in the new Jerusalem: Grant that we, who have this day given thanks for his resurrection, may praise you in that City of which he is the light, and where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
• For Mission
O God and Father of all, whom the whole heavens adore: Let the whole earth also worship you, all nations obey you, all tongues confess and bless you, and men and women everywhere love you and serve you in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
• A Prayer of St. Chrysostom
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplication to you; and you have promised through your well-beloved Son that when two or three are gathered together in his Name you will be in the midst of them: Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us; granting us in this world knowledge of your truth, and in the age to come life everlasting. Amen.
• Hymn
The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, singing Thine Be the Glory
Posted at 03:40 PM in Book of Common Prayer, Daily Office, Episcopal Church, Evensong, Lent, Music, Religion, Unapologetically Episcopalian | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Easter
• Opening Sentence
Alleluia! Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
• Collect of the Day ~ Easter
O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
• A Collect for Sundays
O God, you make us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord: Give us this day such blessing through our worship of you, that the week to come may be spent in your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
• For Mission
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
• For Church Musicians and Artists
O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: Be ever present with your servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty, and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
• Canticle
Christ Our Passover - St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, New York, New York
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