God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity - Rector's Rambling for June 15, 2025

     Today we celebrate one of the great mysteries, and yet biblically obvious truths of our Faith – that we believe in One God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity.

Google is a dangerous place to explore at times.  When I googled TRINITY for images for this newsletter, choices included comics deriding the doctrine, one of which I clicked on out of curiosity.  This lead me on a 30-minute adventure of Web sites set up by various cults and sects claiming to know the actual truth about God and the Bible, all backed up with misquotes and pseudo-historical proofs.  One group has even retranslated the Bible to try to take out any verses that might be construed as biblical proof.  It is remarkable how they believe that God hid the truth from people from 33 A.D. until their group was founded in the 19th or 20th century.

Despite the erroneous claims of some that somehow the Trinity (and the Bible itself) was an invention in the 4th century, we have evidence from the earliest writings of belief in God in Trinity.  The earliest recorded baptismal records tell of baptisms with the Trinitarian formula, as was commanded in St. Matthew’s Gospel, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.“ (28:19)

And Jesus himself speaks of He and the Father being one.  John’s 17th Chapter, called Jesus’ High Priest Prayer, expresses Jesus’ desire to protect his disciples as he prepares for his own death and resurrection.  He prays, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (17:21)  And how can one not see Jesus’ assertion of Divinity and Unity with the Father when in the 8th chapter of John’s Gospel, after a long discourse on He and the Father, Jesus declares, “before Abraham was, I am” (8:58), for which the Jews sought to stone him for blasphemy.

And last week we focused on God the Holy Spirit and his procession from the Godhead upon the disciples to empower the Church for ministry.

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost – how Trinity in Unity works may not be definable, but it is believable based on Jesus’ gracious word.            

– from June 4, 2023

 

Whitsunday - Rector's Rambling for June 8, 2025

     Today we celebrate the gift of God the Holy Ghost, who has been sent to us, and dwells within us by virtue of our baptism.  God, the third person of the Holy Trinity, descended upon the disciples 50 days after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and 10 days after his Ascension.  He was sent to lead them into all truth, and to empower them for the work of being The Church!  And we share the same mission today here at St. John’s Church in Detroit.

Of the three persons of the Holy Trinity, God the Holy Ghost may be the most overlooked. We understand the Father, and the Son Jesus Christ.  We have access to both persons in prayer, and Jesus’ presence continues in a special way in the  Blessed Sacrament of His precious body and blood.

But God the Holy Ghost is also amazingly available to us.  As Jesus says to us, unless we are born again of water and the Spirit we cannot enter into the Kingdom of God (John 3:5).  And since that is true, we also hear Jesus promising that once He ‘goes away’ (ascends into heaven) that He will send to us the Holy Spirit (John 16:7).  We also hear that on Jesus’ resurrection Day when he appeared to the disciples He breathed upon them and said “receive the Holy Ghost” . This was for the beginning of the ministry of reconciliation, which is the forgiveness of sins.  

Today we celebrate the greater outpouring of God the Holy Ghost, so that the Gospel could be powerfully preached to those who were gathered in Jerusalem for the Jewish Feast of Pentecost (50th day after the Passover).  The Holy Ghost spoke through those disciples in a variety of languages so that everyone else present in Jerusalem could hear the Good News in their own tongue.   And then with the Feast over, could take that Good News back with them to their hometowns!  This is why we often call Pentecost the birth day of the Church.

Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, and lighten us with your celestial fire!  The same Holy Ghost is active and at work in The Church.  Ask Him to help you to pray, to read Scripture, to share the Good News, and to use His gifts to serve.

 

Outreach Sunday - Rector's Rambling for June 1, 2025

     Today we welcome the recipients of our 2025 Outreach Grants.  For the past 10 years, St. John’s has partnered with various ministries in the neighborhood and beyond, supporting them prayerfully and financially, as well as making available our facilities for their use as necessary.  We are grateful for their good work in our community! 

This program began while we were in negotiations to lease some of our property for development.  It was the strong opinion of the vestry that the gift of land given to us by Henry Porter Baldwin in 1858 has blessed us in innumerable ways over the decades and that just as well have been blessed by it we need to use it as a blessing to others. 

The biblical model of showing gratitude to God is by tithing - giving the first 10% of our income.  It is with that biblical example before us that we decided that we need to be generous outside of our selves with that 10% to double down on the blessing of the 90% that we can use.  I continue to feel very strongly that this attitude of gratitude and charity must underpin our decision making by giving away this tithe of what has been freely given to us, so that the other 90% will continue to be a blessing to us.  These are the organizations for this year.

The Arc Grosse Pointe/Harper Woods – protects the rights and supports full inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community by facilitating activities, advocacy, employment, education and meaningful relationships from childhood through adulthood. After school enrichment programs, friends group, summer camps and family support.

 Building Beds for Kids – funds used to purchase lumber, hardware, mattresses and bedding. Developmentally disabled young adults build twin size wooden platform beds, which are distributed along with new mattresses and bedding to families in need.

 Cass Community Social Services – dedicated to making a profound difference in the lives of the diverse population served by providing basic needs – including serving 700,000 meals annually, housing for 300 men women and children nightly, medical and mental health services, vocational training; promoting self-reliance and encouraging community involvement.

Chance For Life - a special program for inmates in Michigan prisons. Mr. Adams and Ms. Taylor visit a number of prisons across Michigan to teach and guide prisoners how to transition back into the community. They also connect Returning Citizens to mentors and job training once they are released.

 Corner Shower and Laundry – Builds and operates clean and safe shower and laundry facilities where the homeless and others in need in our community can shower and launder their clothes. Located at St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

 Detroit Horse Power – provides under-resourced youth a safe and enriching space that furthers their future development. Horses teach children critical traits, including perseverance, empathy, responsible risk-taking, confidence, self-control and taking responsibility for another living being. These lifelong lessons that our kids learn through their horse experiences will help them succeed in school and in life.

Incarcerated Youth Ministries – brings God’s word to those incarcerated- “locked up but not locked out of God’s love and protection”. Bible studies, worship services, chaplain visits, on site retreats, Christmas & Easter celebrations. Provide clothing, hygiene products to those being released.

 Georgia Street Community Collective (GSCC) - with the help of volunteers, and the Garden Resource Program, empty lots have been revitalized to become GSCC Gardens/Farm.  GSCC helps seniors and youth of the neighborhood through education - using the garden/farm to mentor students and teach others to start their own garden.

 Keep Growing Detroit (KGD) – promotes a food sovereign city where most fruits and vegetables are grown and consumed by residents within the city. Assists at least 7 community groups in establishing or improving vegetable gardens by installing 27 new 4”x8” raised metal (longer lasting) beds. All sites selected for improvement will receive KGD garden development assistance.

 NOAH at Central Methodist - A central hub for services, resources and relationships assisting individuals on the path to stable housing. Serves as a drop-in center for the unhoused community - providing case management, lunch, showers (M&W), street outreach, etc.

 Vista Maria – Fosters restorative relationships and delivers innovative care, treatment and education so vulnerable girls believe in their worth, heal and build skills for success. Funds to be used to support Shepherd Hall Transitional Living Program, serving low-income young women and adults 16-24 aging out of the foster care system and in need of combined affordable housing and supportive services.

 Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry – serves individuals affected by criminal offenders and their families. Also provides returning citizens with education, job assistance and medical/dental services. Serves individuals spiritual need and promotes emotional and long-term goals – including job and life skill training.

A hearty thank you to the Outreach Committee members who contacted applicants, visited ministries and made decisions about grant giving.  This is important work for St. John’s.

Speaking of gifts, today before the 10 AM Service we will be blessing new altar linens, given in memory of longtime Altar Guild Directress Virginia Burton.  The Altar Guild works hard to keep shiny and new the things used for worship at St. John’s, and Altar Linens are an important part of that work.  Thank you to all who give of their time and labor, as well as of their treasure for this work.

We are now into our summer Choir Quartet season and I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Lewis, Grace, and all the members of the choir for their musical offering and leadership in worship!

 

Circumambulation - Rector's Rambling for May 25, 2025

     Today we celebrate Rogation Sunday, which means we take a walk around the church perimeter (circumambulation) as a representation of the walking of the boundaries of our parish, asking God to bless us with the fruits of the field as the crops begin to be planted.  Although we are not an agricultural parish (with the exception of some community gardens nearby), it is good to be reminded of our dependence upon God to give the blessing of the fields in cooperation with human labor.

Rogation Sunday is also a good reminder that we are sowing seed (of the Word of God), tending fields (by loving our neighbors as ourselves), and harvesting for the Kingdom of God (bringing people to Jesus).  Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are also Rogation Days and will be celebrated on Tuesday at the 12:15 PM Holy Communion, proceeded by the Litany at noon.  Weekday Masses are about 30 minutes long, and are of a quieter, more introspective nature than our grander Sunday Service.

The Feast of the Ascension, the 40th Day of Easter, will be celebrated at the 10:30 AM Mass that day. 

On Friday, in the midst of the 9 days between Ascension and the Feast of Whitsunday/Pentecost (celebrating the gift of God the Holy Ghost) we will begin our yearly Novena of prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Ghost.  Paper copies are available in the narthex (the church lobby) and will be emailed daily and posted on the parish Facebook page. 

—————————————

“Where is my kneeler?”  About 1/3 of the kneelers have been removed from the Church and sent to be restored.  Over the next two months or so eventually all of the kneelers will be removed and returned.  If you don’t have a kneeler in your regular spot you are welcome to try another pew, or move a kneeler from another pew into your favorite spot.  With a church that seats 800 people even with 1/3 of the floor level kneelers out of the building there are plenty of them left here for use.

_________________________

Last week we announced that organ scholar Grace Jackson will be leaving St. John’s this summer.  Today we can announce that our new Edwards Organ Scholar has been hired.  Chanmi Kim will be joining us in mid-August, God willing, as she begins her Doctoral work at the University of Michigan.  A full bio will be published nearer her arrival date. 

 

 

The Edwards Organ Scholar - Rector's Rambling for May 18, 2025

     
In 2004 I received a phone call from a lawyer in South Carolina informing us that the parish had been left a bequest from the estate of a Mr. William Edwards, a retired chemist.  The bequest was from the estate of him and his sister Eleanor, the late Human Resources Director of the old Hudson’s store on Woodward.  The bequest was for music at St. John’s, in memory of their father John Leigh Edwards, Choirmaster and Organist at St. John’s from 1904 to 1947.

This is how the Edwards Organ Scholarship came into being. A two to three year award, the Scholar assists  not only by playing the organ, but learns what it takes to be a part of a world class Anglican choral program.

We recently received this from the Episcopal News Service.

  The Church of St. John the Divine, Houston, Texas, and the Association of Anglican Musicians (AAM) are pleased to announce the appointment of Grace Jackson as the recipient of the 2025–2026 AAM Gerre Hancock Internship. The Gerre Hancock Internship program was established to create full-time mentoring opportunities for extraordinary young church musicians who demonstrate a strong interest in the music and worship of The Episcopal Church. This annual internship is jointly funded by AAM and the host institution and offers the intern ten months of practical experience through intense and intentionally formative work as part of an outstanding music program. During her time at St. John the Divine, Grace will be mentored by Mr. Steven Newberry as well as the other St. John the Divine staff.

Grace Jackson is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in organ and sacred music at the University of Michigan, studying with Nicole Keller. She also studies carillon with Tiffany Ng and serves as the carillon contributing editor for The Diapason. Jackson earned a Master of Sacred Music from the University of Notre Dame, where she was an organist and graduate assistant for the Liturgical Choir at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. A native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, she holds a Bachelor of Music in organ and piano performance from Oklahoma City University. Jackson currently serves as organ scholar at St. John’s Episcopal Church (Detroit, MI) under the direction of Huw Lewis and is a Graduate Student Instructor for the Department of Musicology at the University of Michigan.

 We are sad to hear that Grace will be leaving us, but so grateful that she has this great opportunity to continue her learning in Houston!  Of the seven Hancock Internships that have been awarded, since its foundation, Grace is the third St. John’s Edwards Organ Scholar to receive this honor! 

As of now Grace plans on being with us into July and she will be missed! The search is already underway for the next Edward Organ Scholar to join us for the new academic year.

 

Honoring Mothers - Rector's Rambling for May 11, 2025

     

As a liturgical church, one with an inherited liturgy and calendar, The Episcopal Church keeps the second Sunday in May as whatever Sunday after Easter it is (Easter being a Feast Day that moves according to a lunar calendar).

In my last parish we had a few people from local protestant churches who attended our church on this day because we did not celebrate Mother’s Day as a liturgical holiday, with all hymns, readings, and the sermon based on the virtue of being a mother.  They were unmarried, or unable to have children, and appreciated that although we certainly acknowledged Mother’s Day, we were bound by the scheduled readings and ecclesiastical calendar for our worship and sermon theme.

Here at St. John’s, I hope we strike a happy medium with our wonderful Mother’s Day hymn, written by a former priest of this parish, and a hearty welcome and thanksgiving in prayer for mothers present and those who have gone on to eternal life.

But primarily we are today about the Third Sunday after Easter, with the emphasis on the Resurrection, and our looking forward to Jesus’ Ascension and the coming of the Holy Ghost.

Today, as all Sundays, is a wonderful opportunity for us to pray that Jesus Christ may be known and loved by more and more people.  And weekday Masses and Evening Prayer Services add to this as well.  It is good for the community, the world, and good for us, to be praying to glorify God, to be instructed in His Holy Word, to offer our intercessions and needs before his throne, and to be praying together (whether physically or via livestream).

 

High, Low, baseball Sunday- Rector's Rambling for May 4, 2025

What a blessing it has been to have TWO Sundays in a row with lots of guests at St. John’s!  What wonderful worship that we had on Easter Day with the full choir, brass, and so many guests and friends joining us.  This is always a highlight to the Church year!  Kudos to Dr. Lewis, Grace Jackson, and the Choir for the wonderful musical offering that day.  And also a hearty “thanks be to God” for all who pitched in in  the sacristy, sanctuary, narthex and undercroft (Altar Guild, Servers, Readers, Ushers and Coffee Hour Hosts).

The Sunday after Easter is referred to as Low Sunday, anticipating lower attendance.  The Choir had the day off, and we did our best to sing without their leadership.  But because it was our Tiger Baseball Sunday we actually had 50% MORE people in Church than our normal 10 AM Service attendance because of guests joining us for worship, lunch, and then to go over to the game! One parishioner alone had 38 friends buy tickets for the game!  Thank you John Barge for your diligence in spreading the word about our Sunday Baseball Outing.

We do have a few things scheduled in the coming weeks in addition to our regular Worship.  Today we have a special collection in support of the Bishop Biggers School in Malawi, next week is Mothers Day (no better way to honor mom than Church), and the week after that we will be hosting a baby shower in support of Pregnancy Aid, a crisis pregnancy center on Detroit’s east side.  On June 1st we will be having the recipients of our Outreach Giving joining us for worship so that we can recognize them and the good work that they are doing.

Planning is also underway to put together a regular general Sunday Social Outing and also one for a revival of our 20s/30s group.  Stay tuned for more details soon!

Lent, Eastertide and beyond, every Sunday is a good Sunday to be at St. John’s to glorify God, be nourished by His Word and Sacrament, and encouraged in parish fellowship .