Rector's Rambling - January 22, 2012

New Year’s resolutions have come, and many already gone. A friend of mine once said that he counted himself lucky to have half of his resolutions in place by the 4th week of January. I wonder how he is doing this year.
There is one resolution which has eternal consequences is most important, and that is to be in Church every Sunday, assuming you are not hindered by travel or illness (and when traveling you can, and should, worship on Sunday as well).
In addition to being present at worship and participating in it, I would also hope the people of St. John’s will become involved in the life of the parish. This “Life” includes the spiritual, such as the Daughters of the King, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, Sunday Christian Education, home Bible study and prayer groups, weekday worship, and the like.
There is also a service component to this “Life” such as volunteering at Coffee Hour, participating with the St. Catherine’s Guild chapter of the ECW or the Armitage Men’s Club, or assisting with work/clean-up/planting days, and various outreach ministries.
And let us not forget the social aspect of this “Life”, which overlaps all of the activities and groups above, as well as the new social opportunities being planned for parishioners to get to know each other and enjoy each others’ company. Just in the next few months we have outings to the Detroit Institute of Arts, Charles H. Wright and Holocaust Museums. Check the Chronicle and bulletin boards for more information.
Let us all go deeper into the “Life” of the parish as we grow in the “Life” that Jesus Christ desires for us. After all, He came that we may have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

Rector's Rambling - January 15, 2012

This week we begin the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, held each year between January 18th (The Feast of the Confession of St. Peter) and January 25th (The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul). Between these two Feast Days the Church prays with special intention for the Unity of the Church.
Jesus prayed that we all be one as He and the Father are one. But it did not take long for the members of the Church, affected by original sin, to begin to have disagreements with each other and start forming divisions.
These divisions are not God’s will, but a manifestation of our fallen nature. In fact, it is a scandal to the body of Christ that we are divided.
The Anglican Church (of which St. John’s is a part) is the third largest worldwide. Roman Catholicism has about a billion adherents, and Eastern Orthodoxy 500 million (in many fragmented national churches). Anglicanism has about 100 million (again, fragmented into a variety of national churches).
Some American Orthodox Churches have reached out to Anglicans in a unity scheme incorporating our liturgy, and yet cannot unite across ethnic lines (Greek, Russian, etc.). The various Continuing Anglican Churches (break away groups from The Episcopal Church) have striven for unity among themselves, but find themselves further divided by theological and personality conflicts.
Recently the media has reported the appointment of former Episcopal Church bishop Jeffrey Steenson (and former Rector of the parish where I served as Curate) to be the head (Ordinary) of a new American Roman Catholic diocese for Anglicans using Anglican liturgy, music, and married clergy. But it doesn’t change the doctrines of the Roman Church which have separated us.
Pray for the unity of the Church, that God may soften hearts, open eyes, and put into effect our Lord’s desire that we all be one as He and the Father are one.

Rector's Rambling - January 1, 2012

Happy New Year!
Today we start the year off right by attending Church, especially because the feast day also falls on a Sunday.
A very small percentage of regular Church-goers attend worship on New Year’s day. Most people stayed up too late to ring in the New Year, and perhaps enjoyed one or two libations which hindered their early rising. And there are many distractions on New Year’s Day, including parades from California and Miami, and a barrage of college football games. In Philadelphia there was the Mummer’s Parade, an all day and evening affair of men dressed in strange feathered costumes and marching to music on saxophone and banjo (I kid you not…try Googling “Mummers Parade”).
Today is a feast day, not because it is the start of the calendar year, but because it is the 8th day of Christmas.
Having celebrated with great pomp and ceremony the birth of Jesus on Christmas, the Church gathers again 7 days later as Jesus participates in the original covenant between God and the people of the Jews by being circumcised. This outward sign of the covenant, sealed with the shedding of blood, was the proof of being one of God’s people. Jesus was a Jew, but this shedding of first blood was also the beginning of the fulfillment of the old Law by Jesus, so that we are marked not in the flesh but saved by grace through faith.
Also, on this day the Jewish child formally receives their name. Just as right before we baptize we state, “Name this Child”, so too the Jew receives his name. For Jesus, this is even more important (his name having been foretold by the angel), because his name, meaning “God saves” is the only name under heaven by which we can be saved. It is only by calling on that wondrous name publically proclaimed at His circumcision that we come into relationship with His Father. A Happy New Year indeed!

Rector's Rambling - December 25, 2011

A hearty welcome to all those joining us for worship at St. John’s! I wish you a very Merry Christmas and the blessings of peace on these Holy Days.
In St. John’s 152 years we have been a church of “destination”, with people coming from far and wide to worship in this beautiful building with its sublime music, traditional Anglican liturgy, and wonderful people.
Christmas Eve and Day, and all the Sundays following are wonderful days to be at St. John’s. Not only are they wonderful days to worship the Lord, but here at St. John’s we delve deeply into the fullness of the timeless Anglican expression of the faith once delivered to the Saints.
It has been a long time since St. John’s averaged a high of over 2000 people on Sunday. But it has also been over 10 years since we hit a low of 37! God has been at work in rebuilding St. John’s, and we believe that not only is He not finished, but there are amazing things ahead for this parish and its parishioners – both those here now and for those not yet members of it.
Recently the Vestry discussed at its regular meeting the many reasons people come to St. John’s: Liturgy, music, building, preaching, location, theology, fellowship. Rarely is it one or two things, but a combination of each thing supported by the others. We called it “the package”. Our Anglican tradition, adhered to because it is the package, inspires people to love Jesus, and to become more and more like him. To become Saints!
If you are visiting today we invite you to consider joining in on all the wonderful things God has in store for this parish! Become a “regular” by worshipping with us on Sundays and by getting involved in the ministries and activities of the parish and the neighborhood.
You are most welcome to be a part of all the wonderful things God is doing here: Holy Days, Sundays, and every day of the week!

Rector's Rambling - December 18, 2011

So close, so very close. Next Sunday is the Feast of the Nativity, with our grand celebration on the Eve as well as the Day. Be sure to check the schedule of services so you know when you will be here. The Detroit Lions have a game on Christmas Eve, but we have timed our services around the start/finish of the game so as to make access to the parking lot possible.
As you begin your last week of Advent, a discipline I would encourage is for you to invite five families to the Christmas Eve service at St. John’s. Think about who you know you would like to see come to Church at St. John’s; family, friends, neighbors, co-workers. Those five (or more) are the ones you need to actively invite to Church this Christmas Eve.
What do I mean by actively invite? Approach them, or call them, and say, “Hey, ______, I was just thinking of you and was wondering where are you going to attend a Christmas Eve service this year?” If there is any hesitation of an answer, begin again, “We go to a great church downtown called St. John’s. We love it there and go there because ___________ (fill in your reasons) and there is no place that has a more beautiful Christmas Eve service. I would love to have you (and your family) come down to the 8:30/9:00 service” (or to see the Pageant at 5:00 PM if you are going then). Offer them a ride if you have room, or to follow you down in their own car.
There are many un-churched or nominally-church people who look to attend a Christmas Eve service. Take advantage of that desire and invite them to St. John’s. There are a few “regulars” around here whose first experience of St. John’s was a Christmas Eve Service. You may be the person God is using to bring them into a deeper relationship with himself through St. John’s Church.
Some will say no, others will hesitate. But pray for them and keep cheerfully offering and asking them to join us, even after Christmas. God may be working on them through you.

Christmas Services at St. John's

A reminder of the Christmas Schedule -

Christmas Eve -
Children's Pageant Service, with Communion, at 5pm (this is an hour later to avoid Detroit Lions Game traffic. Our parking lot will be available for the service).
Carol Prelude - 8:30pm
Solemn High Mass - 9pm

Christmas Day -
Low Mass in the Chapel at 10am

See you in Church.

Rector's Rambling - November 13, 2011

Last week we had a wonderful celebration of All Saints Sunday. The music was wonderful and one could certainly sense not only the joy of the congregation but also the presence of the saints who join us along with angels and archangels in the worship of our Good God.
November is the time of year for the parish leadership of the Vestry to begin looking toward the end of the calendar year and begin making plans for the coming year. This forward looking concerns two specific areas.
First, before we know it the Annual Parish Meeting will be upon us (January 29th, 2012) and we will be having the election of new members of the Vestry. 4 people will be needed to serve, and in years past we have had anywhere from 4 to 8 candidates to chose from to fill those 4 slots. The Vestry is the ‘board’ the corporation that is St. John’s Church. They have the responsibility for the income and expenses as would be expected of an incorporated entity, which the parish is. And like any incorporated business, the Church leadership board (the Vestry) helps to set direction and policy and so that the parish can perform the mission and ministry that God has given too her.
The second November concern is the setting of a budget for the coming year to support that mission and ministry we are called to. Budget is set by looking at anticipated expenses (both possible increases as well as anticipated cost savings) as well as income based upon the current year.
We have three main sources of income. 1) Pledge and Plate, 2) Parking, and 3) Endowment. The second source we have no real control over. Scheduling at the stadiums/theatres (as well as team success) sets that income. The third source is one which has had to be limited in the past few years due to downturns in the market and the diminishing fund value.
That leaves source number one! What the parishioners contribute is of vital importance. We can improve this source two ways. One way is that we can honestly evaluate our own personal giving. God prescribes a tithe, 10%. The other way is to expand our giving base by inviting, encouraging, and welcoming new members to St. John’s. If each family encouraged another family to join and participate, we could do much to provide funding for current and future ministry.

Rector's Rambling - October 30, 2011

A Blessed Christ the King Sunday to you.
Although not found in the 1928 Lectionary as a separate celebration, we keep the last Sunday in October as the Feast of Christ the King in addition to whatever “Sunday after Trinity” it may be.
The celebration was kept on this particular Sunday first by the Roman Catholic Church, and later by many Anglicans. It was seen as an antedote to “Reformation Sunday” celebrated on this Sunday in Lutheran and other protestant bodies. The thought was that although much needed to be reformed in the 16th century in the Church, the Reformation itself was not a cause for celebration because it had caused division in the Body of Christ. By celebrating the Kingship of Christ on this day it is hoped that all the various fellowships claiming Lordship under Jesus Christ, could find common faith, and eventually come into organic unity as One, as Jesus prayed that we all may be one as He and the Father are one. (John 17:21-23).
In the new Lectionary Christ the King is celebrated in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran Calendars on the last Sunday before Advent.
This week is certainly a busy one for Feast Days. Tuesday is the Feast of All Saints (which we will also commemorate next Sunday), All Souls Day is celebrated with 3 Requiem Masses on Wednesday (one at Elmwood Cemetery at 10am). Be sure to submit the names of those you would like remembered at the Altar at the 12:15 and 5:30pm Masses in the Chapel.
Finally, a word about tomorrow, Halloween. The word comes from All Hallows Eve - better known as All Saints Eve (ie...the day before All Saints Day). Although the world has secularized it at best, and in some ways demonized it, it can be a fun occasion to celebrate in anticipation the gift of The Saints by hospitality to your trick-or-treating neighbors. But be sure to not get caught up yourself with the creeping superstition of spirit and ghost seeking, or other things that might seek to draw you away from the Love of Christ!

Rector's Rambling - October 23, 2011

Welcome Home!

Homecoming Sunday began 10 years ago with the recognition that St. John’s Church has a lot of friends and visitors who join us with varying degrees of regularity. Some of these friends are people who at one time were members of the parish but moved away and joined a local parish nearer to their homes.
Although homecoming is generally associated with alumni of a high school or university, I chose this title because many people who had moved away and visited again mentioned how, after so long, it was like coming home. And although we don’t have a homecoming game or dance, a wonderful potluck luncheon is a warm welcome to friends old and new.
Would I like all of our regular and occasional visitors to come to Church here every Sunday? Yes, absolutely! (Actually, I would love to have all our regular and occasional members to come to Church every Sunday too.) But we are glad to have those who have an affiliation elsewhere come here occasionally to be edified by our worship of Almighty God, and to participate, as they are able, in the life of the parish.
Be sure to join us downstairs for the festivities after the 10:00 AM service. Lunch will be served, and there will be a bake sale and cookbook exchange. And be sure to peruse the Chronicle and inserts to see the upcoming events being offered. Daughters of the King, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, St. Catherine’s Guild of the Episcopal Church Women, Sunday School and Adult Education, and those involved in Social Fellowship outings all host various opportunities for spiritual growth, service, and fun. Whether St. John’s is your every Sunday home or not, please avail yourself of the opportunities offered here at the parish!
Recently someone who sang here in the 1960s was in town from out of state, and worshipped with us. Afterwards they said that since moving they haven’t found anyplace like St. John’s, and that it is always nice to come back. Welcome home.

Rector's Rambling - October 16, 2011

Yesterday in England, in a small town called Walsingham, there was a celebration of an event that happened 80 years ago, but in the bigger picture it was a celebration of an event in England that began 950 years ago and continues today.
October 15, 1931, an Anglican Priest named Fr. Alfred Hope Patten held a celebration to “translate” the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham from his parish church to a newly restored Shrine Church.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham was a great of place of pilgrimage, prayer, and miracle from its founding in 1061 until its destruction during the political and religious upheaval of the 16th Century.
Lady Richeldis received a vision that instructed her to build a shrine of the home of the Holy Family of our Lord. In doing so, she had a statue carved of Jesus being held by Mary which became a central focal point of the shrine, along with a well from which Holy Water was dispensed. That original image of our Lord and his mother appeared on pilgrims’ medals and coinage which survive to this date.
During the Reformation the Shrine was destroyed, the property confiscated by the King (the same King, who, along with six other Kings of England, had previously made official visits to the Shrine) and sold.
Today the Shrine continues to be a wonderful spot of spiritual refreshment, rejuvenation, and healing. This English Shrine is the only one in the world which has official recognition by the Anglican, Orthodox, and Roman Catholic Churches, and all have chapels there to support and encourage the faithful and inquirer.
St. John’s has a copy of the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham (original sized) in the chapel, located behind the votive candle rack and screen.

Rector's Rambling - October 9, 2011

It is always good to be home, especially after over 3 weeks away. Thank you all for your prayers as we had a detour with Andrew’s emergency appendectomy in Mexico.
Now that we are back I look forward to seeing all the progress that has been made in the return of our many ministries that got up and going in my absence. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew has already met twice, the Daughters of the King once, the St. Catherine’s guild of the Episcopal Church women have met, and a social fellowship outing has occurred to the Edsel and Eleanor Ford house. And of course, Sunday School and Adult Education are underway again. I hope that if you have not plugged yourself into one of these groups/ministries, you will do so soon!
In the next few weeks, we have some other events planned. Homecoming is October 23rd, All Saints Sunday is November 6th, and another Social Fellowship outing or two are planned for the coming weeks. Also, let us not forget about the big goings-on here at St. John’s for Thanksgiving!
Looking even longer term, I hope that we will soon have Small Group ministries up and meeting in people’s homes. The Alpha Course begins again next winter, and a confirmation preparation class will be held during Lent in anticipation of the Bishop’s official visit to St. John’s in June.
All of the above, of course, must have its foundation in everyone’s coming to Church on Sundays, seeking to do God’s will in becoming holy through prayer, scripture study, selfless service, and reception of the Sacraments. We are called to be a holy people for our Holy God…and he has accomplished the hardest part of the work for us on the Cross!
It is wonderful to be back. I imagine it will take a day or two to get through my pile of mail and e-mails before things get back to normal (as normal as a priest’s schedule gets). So please be patient with me if it takes me a few days to get to back to you.

Rector's Rambling - September 25, 2011

As you can tell, I am still away on my vacation, in lieu of a sabbatical for my 10 years at St. John’s. If all goes as planned, I am in Los Angeles and Long Beach, California this morning.
One of the interesting things about being the Church “next to Comerica Park” is that over the past 10 years I have had the opportunity to interact on various levels with members of the Detroit Tigers staff, front office, and the players.
The first year I was here, then Tiger manager Phil Garner invited me to come to the clubhouse (locker rooms) to “bless the bats”. This was back in 2001 when the Tigers were not winning too many games. I got to meet the players, got a tour of the clubhouse, and threw around some holy water. On that day, I met Brandon Inge who is the only player still on the roster from that team. President and GM Dave Dombrowski has been in our church for our Pray Here for the Tigers service as have a few pitchers and front office staff. I have had the opportunity to meet Pudge, Magglio, Don Kelly, Schlereth, and even got to interview former 1st baseman Sean Casey for the Episcopal newspaper. On that day I also met Justin Verlander and have a picture in my office of the two of us talking.
Another perk is meeting players and staff from visiting teams. If all has gone according to plan, we had the chance this past week to have a tour of the Los Angeles Angels facilities with recently retired Head Trainer Ned Bergert. For the past 10 years, whenever the Angels were in town, Ned would attend either Wednesday or Sunday 8:00 AM services at St. John’s, and I have had many an opportunity to visit with him before and after Mass. Each time he said, “If you ever get to Anaheim, I’d love to show you around.” This week we finally had the opportunity to take him up on the offer.
Baseball is a fun distraction. I love coaching and watching my boys play, and of course look forward to a long run in the playoffs for the Tigers this year!

Rector's Rambling - September 18, 2011

Today Fr. Michael Bedford is at the lead of worship at St. John’s, since I am on my long vacation (in lieu of a sabbatical) with my family. If all goes as planned I am in Phoenix, Arizona today and worshipping in Church with former St. John’s parishioners John and Ranée Les Callett.
Having Fr. Bedford with us at St. John’s is one of the great blessings to me and to the parish. After he retired as rector of St. Elizabeth’s Church in Redford (that’s right – Fr. Bedford from Redford) he began assisting at St. John’s while Fr. Kim was still Rector. After Fr. Kim retired in 1997 he held down the fort until the interim rector was hired. He then assisted the interim and continued on as the supply priest after the interim left in the Summer of 2000, staying until I arrived in February of 2001.
Shortly after I arrived Fr. Bedford meekly asked if I minded if he and Mary continued to worship at St. John’s. It may seem like an odd question to you, but in church circles when a new rector arrives the old clergy usually clear the deck so the new man can have a fresh start without people going to the long-timer to complain.
However, there was not only no fear of that with Fr. Bedford, but I was most happy to welcome him to assist at the altar. And although he officially retired (again) two years ago, we continue to be blessed by his and Mary’s presence among us on most Sundays of the year!
If you didn’t know, Fr. Bedford drives a long way to be here with us. The Bedfords live out in South Lyon. We thank God for their sacrifice of time and gasoline to be with us each week.
And I am most grateful to know that when I go away with my family the people of St. John’s are well cared for by a priest who knows and loves them as I do.
Thanks be to God for Fr. Bedford and Mary, and for their long and fruitful ministry with us. Ad multos annos! To many more years!

Rector's Rambling - September 11, 2011

It is remarkable to think that 10 years have passed since the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Having been born in 1966 I missed that pivotal moment in history and the subsequent question of “what were you doing when John F. Kennedy was assassinated?” Other pivotal moments in history however have been engrained in my psyche: President Nixon’s resignation, President Reagan’s attempted assassination, and Pope John Paul II’s assassination attempt. All these events evoke strong memories of those moments in time when they happened, what I was doing when I heard the news, and the well-spring of emotions associated with them.
That morning in 2011 will forever be etched in my memory: hearing the report while listening to the radio of the fire at the World Trade Center, and watching in horror, live on television, as the second plane hit the other tower. It was at that moment that I realized this was no accident but a calculated attack on the citizens of the United States. By the end of the day there was additional carnage and destruction.
But who could have imagined, on that morning, that nearly 10 years later we would be engaged in a 10-year war in Afghanistan and eight years of fighting in Iraq. And words like Jihad, Shiite, Sunni, and a host of Arabic named entities, cities, and provinces have become common-speak in our media and households.
There was an initial surge in attendance at churches as people in fear were moved to prayer. That uptick did not last long. Although the country became inconvenienced by new security measures and security alert codes, life mostly returned to “normal” for most Americans.
However, the one thing not touched upon in the media or the churches is to pray for the root cause. Since that day I have prayed regularly this collect For Missions from the prayer book, p. 38:
ALMIGHTY God, whose compassions fail not, and whose loving-kindness reacheth unto the world’s end; We give thee humble thanks for opening heathen lands to the light of thy truth; for making paths in the deep waters and highways in the desert; and for planting thy Church in all the earth. Grant, we beseech thee, unto us thy servants, that with lively faith we may labour abundantly to make known to all men the blessed gift of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rector's Rambling - August 28, 2011

Yes, we are still here. Last week when I discussed in this column my family’s upcoming three-week trip, many people seemed to miss the opening line “Three weeks from tomorrow I leave…” We will be leaving Monday, September 12.
Today is the last Sunday in August, and the cooler nights and more temperate days let us know that fall, and the school year, are on their way. In a week or so, kids will be heading back to school, and the activities of the new season get back under way.
The Church (and I would guess most of society) operates on a school calendar. Activities and programs begin in the fall, continue through the winter, and end late spring, with a hiatus in the summer months. Although in years past in my ministry (here and at previous parishes) we have had some summer programming and activities, for the most part they are not as well, or regularly, attended as those during the school year. And worship attendance also declines due to vacations, etc., and generally increases in the fall as well.
Now is the time to fix certain things on your calendar: Sunday worship every Sunday, Sunday School and Adult Education every Sunday, involvement in a church organization or two (Daughters of the King, Episcopal Church Women, Armitage Men’s Club, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Altar Guild, Ushers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Social Fellowship Group, etc.), and involvement in other activities like a weekday Mass, or newly forming weekly small group gatherings.
But more importantly, be renewed in your heart and mind, in your faith, by prayer and sacrifice. Put Jesus first, first thing in the morning, and keep Him front and center in your thoughts throughout the day. And of course thank Him at the end.
And share The Faith with others.

Rector's Rambling - August 21, 2011 - In three weeks

Three weeks from tomorrow I leave for my ‘sabbatical’. I have put ‘sabbatical’ in quotes because it is really an extended vacation, which I am taking in the place of a formal sabbatical.
By God’s grace I have now been Rector of St. John’s for 10 1/2 years. It seems like just yesterday I came here as a young man in my mid-thirties. A part of the original template provide by the Diocese for the contract I signed to become the Rector included a clause for a sabbatical after 10 years of service, an enticement to plan on staying put in one place for an extended period of time. The new diocesan template provides for a sabbatical after 7 years. The sabbatical is to be 3 to 6 months long according to the contract.
I don’t want a sabbatical. Quite honestly, I don’t want to be away from St. John’s or my home for 3 months (most sabbaticals include traveling away for study). I don’t want to write a book, earn another degree, or master some obscure new skill (all of which is frequently done on a sabbatical).
So for the second time in 10 1/2 years I am going to take all four of my Sundays off, plus one (we will be away three consecutive Sundays). And as much as it will be hard to be away for that long, I am looking forward to traveling with my family out West to see extended family and to see a few sites along the way.
Thankfully, we have Fr. Bedford here to lead worship and take care of pastoral emergencies, and the competent staff to hold down the administrative fort. And of course I EXPECT TO HEAR GOOD REPORTS that everyone was in Church while I was away! Sunday School and the various programs will get underway while I am gone, and I look forward to returning to a parish family busy at work for the Kingdom.

Rector's Rambling - August 7, 2011 - Looking Forward

Having looked backwards last week, at our history and heritage, with our Founders’ Day, this week I would like us to look forward and do some planning for the coming 5 months and beyond.
August is usually a time of travel and relaxation, and I know many people are away from the area at this time. But it is also a great time to look ahead to fall and the types of programming that gets started again, and how YOU can become involved.
St. Margaret’s Chapter of the Daughters of the King, St. Catherine’s Guild of the Episcopal Church Women, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, and Armitage Men’s club all start meeting regularly again, with their spiritual growth, evangelism, and service projects. If you have not become involved in these in the past, be sure to contact the leader of the organizations listed to the left.
Sunday School and Adult Education start mid-September. Once again we implore our parishioners to be vigilant about bringing their children to Sunday School so they can learn the scriptures and develop the camaraderie that such classes engender.
Small group ministries should also get started this fall; groups of six to ten people meeting weekly for prayer and study. This is a great way to not only build up fellowship and help with our personal spiritual growth, but is an outreach tool when you invite friends to join you, and a great way to incorporate new members into the life of the parish.
Our Social Fellowship outings have been well-received, and we are looking for sponsors to plan and offer outings for the coming months. Pick a place or event you would like to have friends come with you to see, and then coordinate the purchase of tickets and the program.
What would you like to participate in in the coming months?

Rector's Rambling - July 31, 2011 - The Past is Prologue

“The Past Is Prologue”
That phrase was the title for the history of my college fraternity. It was an invitation to look backwards because our past was the introduction to who we aspired to be as an organization in those current times (mid-1980’s).
I understand that not all people enjoy reading and studying history. I do. It was my best subject in high school, and when I was in college in Philadelphia, I greatly enjoyed learning colonial and Revolutionary War history by visiting many sites in the city, including my college (University of Pennsylvania – founded in 1744 by Ben Franklin). Although I enjoy learning about different periods and places in history (ancient, European, Church, etc.), I know I am especially drawn to a subject if it is something I am involved in – like Michigan history, Detroit history, and Episcopal Church history.
I am especially interested in the history of this, our parish. Henry Porter Baldwin’s vision, the quick growth, the dedication to worship and service, and staying in the city when other parishes were moving further out or away, are all inspirational! It is also informative to read about the years from the 1930’s to the 1990’s when the parish declined for a variety of reasons.
The past is prologue because who we are as a parish has been influenced by our past. But we don’t just look back to “the good old days”. Rather we learn from what they believed and did, and look for ways that God the Holy Ghost may be leading us today to live out that same vital faith.
We know that the faith has not changed, and the worship has changed very little in the 150+ years this parish has been here. But each successive generation adds to the prayers and praise of our Lord, and we live in gratitude for His blessings then and now.

Rector's Rambling - July 24, 2011 - Books

I have a confession to make. Since mid-April I have hardly read any books. You are probably saying to yourself, “so?” But I have come to realize two very important things about my life as a priest.
First, I need to be frequently engaged in the written word. I remember a series of public service announcements on television with the tag line, “never stop learning”. Reading (and listening to books or lectures on tape while driving) is the primary way I do this. I need to read to keep my mind sharp and to grow in my knowledge and understanding of our Lord and His Church, as well as to become well-rounded in other academic pursuits. Although I tend towards reading things theological and hagiographical (biographies of the saints), I also enjoy an occasional fictional book or secular biography as well. Additionally, I have several small devotional works that I like to read and re-read for their spiritual benefits.
Second, I have come to realize that from mid-April to early July baseball gets in the way of my reading time. Between being on the local Little League board, coordinating the concession stand and volunteers, helping to coach, and being present at my sons’ games, four or five of my evenings are taken up by baseball.
Now that our baseball season has ended for the summer, I am looking forward to getting back into the habit of regular reading. I have already lined up some books for the next few weeks/months: the Autobiography of Mark Twain (vol. 1), The Sunflower by Simon Weissenthal, Bring it by Tony Horton, Where the Hell is God? by Richard Leonard, S.J., After this Life by Benedict Groeschel, CFR, The Romance of Orthodoxy by Homer Rogers, Jesus of Nazareth and New Outpourings of the Spirit by Joseph Ratzinger, Heaven and Earth in Little Space by Andrew Burnham, and Anglo-Catholic in Religion: T.S. Eliot and Christianity by Barry Spurr. Somewhere in there I will pick up a fiction book or two to cleanse the palate.
What are you reading this summer?

Rector's Rambling - May 22, 2011 - End of the world?

If you are reading this on Sunday, May 22nd, then Jesus didn’t come back yesterday!
As I mentioned in last week’s sermon, the folks at Family Radio predicted that yesterday would be Judgment Day for the world.
How did they come to that date? Taking the statement from the Second Letter of St. Peter, Chapter 3, Verse 8, that one day is as a thousand years in God’s sight, and combining it with Genesis 7:4, about the warning to Noah that the beginning of the Flood was coming in seven days, they claimed it was a reference to the Judgment Day at the end of the world. They took 7000 years (remember, one day is as a thousand to God, so the seven days are a reference to 7000 years), plus their belief that the Flood happened in the year 4990 B.C. resulting in the interpretation that this year is the year (if you are doing the math in your head, remember there is no year zero, so it works out to 2011).

From their Web site they state,
“Thus Holy God is showing us by the words of 2 Peter 3:8 that He wants us to know that exactly 7,000 years after He destroyed the world with water in Noah’s day, He plans to destroy the entire world forever. Because the year 2011 A.D. is exactly 7,000 years after 4990 B.C. when the flood began, the Bible has given us absolute proof that the year 2011 is the end of the world during the Day of Judgment, which will come on the last day of the Day of Judgment. Amazingly, May 21, 2011 is the 17th day of the 2nd month of the Biblical calendar of our day. Remember, the flood waters also began on the 17th day of the 2nd month, in the year 4990 B.C.”

One great gift of the Reformation has been the Bible in the language of the people, but it has also been a Pandora’s Box, which, once opened, has also allowed gross misinterpretation of Scripture and much division in the Body of Christ because of it. The great grace of Anglicanism, properly used, has been the prominence of Scripture in the light of reason and tradition. The Scriptures are the Word of God and contain all things necessary to salvation. But it does not allow us to read into it something “new”, or worse, contradictory. See Matthew 24:36.