On Friday, January 24, we celebrate the ordination of Florence Li Tim-Oi, the first woman priest in the Anglican Communion who was ordained in 1944! Her name is a combination of the name she was given by her father when she was born in Hong Kong (Li Tim-Oi, meaning “much beloved daughter”) and the name she chose when she was baptized as a student (Florence, in honor of Florence Nightingale)….
Countercultural Greatness | The Rev. Dr. Anna S. Pearson, Rector
On one of the ordinary days in between Thanksgiving and Christmas last month, I entered our soup kitchen and was greeted by boxes. A lot of them. There were probably 15 large cardboard containers that had been shipped to us from an unknown source. And around the boxes stood a group of HASK staff, one of whom eventually opened the closest one. Inside were lots and lots of white, lunch sized bags. Each was beautifully decorated with a child’s drawing; brightly colored, some with messages as well. And in each bag were non-perishable snack and beverage items….
God Is Calling, Will You Answer? | The Rev. Robert A. Jacobs, Deacon
Jesus’ submission to baptism was no simple act of personal piety. Jesus saw John’s baptism and fiery preaching as a declaration that there would be a new world order where God will set right what the evil world did wrong. By submitting to John’s baptism, Jesus declared that he was ready for this new world order he is to start with His ministry.
We as Christians are called to live our baptism. We can’t afford to make ourselves comfortable or do only what will be appreciated or be satisfied with the way things are. We have to struggle with what’s right and what’s wrong, what’s important and what’s not important. Baptism changes us. It is a celebration of grace and an enactment of the Word of God….
The Turning Of The Year | The Rev. Dr. Anna S. Pearson, Rector
In Matthew’s Gospel narrative, it doesn’t take long for the coziness and light of the stable and the heavenly host to give way to fear and darkness. Power lashes out, in a twisted expression of violent self-preservation. Herod, threatened by rumors of a king that could supplant him, orders the murder of every male child in his region under two years of age…..
The Light in the Darkness | The Rev. Susan E. Hill, Associate Rector
Today, December 27, is the feast day of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist. A couple of days ago, on Christmas Day, we read the gorgeous prologue to John’s gospel. It begins, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it… The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.”
Let Us Not Lose Our Dream | The Rev. Dr. Anna S. Pearson, Rector
Poet Georgia Douglas Johnson was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in the late 19th century. She was a member of the Harlem Renaissance and wrote a few volumes of poetry published in the early 20th. Her work above, titled “Let Me Not Lose My Dream,” was originally published in Bronze: A Book of Verse in 1922.
This poem might seem a bit dour for consideration five days before Christmas. After all, we have been through apocalyptic prophecies, John’s imprisonment, Mary’s shocking change of circumstances and Joseph’s dream-induced change of heart. Isn’t it time to move from preparation to celebration? From anguish to joy?…
Expectations | The Rev. Robert A. Jacobs, Deacon
Have you ever been in a situation where people did not live up to the hopes and expectations you had for them? If so, you can probably understand why John the Baptist was confused in the Gospel from Matthew, we will read on Sunday.
Uncertain, scary times can shake us up and cause us to have doubts about our faith. John the Baptist is a good example. When we, like John, are moved by the Holy Spirit, we vow to follow God. When we receive blessings, we are sure that Jesus is our Savior. When we face tragedies and disasters, we question our faith. We question why these things happen. We are wrapped up in our suffering that sometimes we can’t see, hear or feel God’s presence…..
Radical St. Nick | The Rev. Dr. Anna S. Pearson, Rector
Today, December 6, is the Feast Day of St. Nicholas of Myrna, and as I am writing this ahead of time my email is becoming flooded with requests for Giving Tuesday. We often refer to these December weeks as the “season of giving,” and with good reason: whether we are giving thanks, or our efforts, or a tangible or financial gift, the recommended focus during this time of year is other-centered. We look beyond ourselves for opportunities to connect; always lovingly, often sacrificially….
Andrew the Networker | The Rev. Susan E. Hill, Associate Rector
Tomorrow, Saturday, November 30, is the Feast of St. Andrew. Andrew is traditionally the first saint remembered in the new church year, and the season of Advent always begins on the Sunday closest to his feast day.
The stories about Andrew in the Gospel of John emphasize his gift for making connections between others and Jesus – he was a great networker! He was the first of the disciples to follow Jesus, having learned of him through John the Baptist. (As a result, the Orthodox Church have named Andrew Protokletos, or “First-called.”)…
Ready, Steady, Go! | The Rev. Dr. Anna S. Pearson, Rector
This is the exact time in the calendar year when we find ourselves poised on the outer edge of the “holiday season,” and ready to jump. Much has been said and written about the complexities inherent in these next six weeks; a time when high interpersonal expectations meet socio-cultural norms meet consumerism meets long, long “to do” lists. By any measure, it’s a lot. We know it’s a lot because we see some of the negative effects of this season in those around us. We might even feel them some ourselves….