Trying to make order of liturgical chaos
The Task Force for Liturgical and Prayer Book Revision has unveiled a website as part of its work. It has a handy — though problematic — list of Episcopal liturgical resources.
Author: Scott Gunn
What is a disciple, and why does it matter?
What is discipleship? And why does it matter? Discipleship matters because Jesus said so. In fact, Jesus said making disciples was the main thing for us followers to do.
You are witnesses
We are called to proclaim God’s love not just in our familiar churches — standing just inside our red doors to be nice to visitors — but we are also called to proclaim God’s love on the streets, in the mall, on the beach, in the workplace, on the border, in all the places of greatest need. We are called to be witnesses.
Of ordinations and consecrations
We ordain bishops. It’s time to let die our old habit of referring to the “consecration of bishops.” Our baptismal ecclesiology demands it.
Ashes: Should They Stay or Should They Go?
Lent is going to look a little different for each person. I hope you have a holy Lent — however you sojourn. Should your ashes stay or should they go? Well, that depends on what’s in your heart.
Old story, new life: Thoughts on baptism
We have a catechetical crisis in our church. Vast swaths of our laity and not a few clergy are unable to articulate even the most rudimentary understanding of either baptism or eucharist.
Investing in what matters
On the feast of the Epiphany, as I look at the proposed churchwide budget for the Episcopal Church, a reflection on whether we are offering Jesus Christ to the world in the way the Gospel suggests we ought to.
King of kings and Lord of lords
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Prevent and follow us
Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Keep these words in your heart: scripture engagement, part 3
Can you imagine what our congregations would be like if we kept God’s words in our hearts? If we taught our children about God’s great love for us as revealed in the scriptures? If we publicly proclaimed the scriptures?
Keep these words in your heart: scripture engagement, part 2
If you want your church to really get to know the Bible, it doesn’t need to be financially costly. It just takes a willingness to devote the time and the focus to place the Bible front and center. You’ll see transformation, guaranteed.
Keep these words in your heart: scripture engagement, part 1
To get a congregation reading the scriptures will surely lead to transformation of individual lives and of the church itself. To learn the language of scripture is to find new ways to praise and to thank God, and that helps us live out our purpose, to glorify God.