On Sunday, we celebrated the Presentation of Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem. In the ancient tradition, forty days after a child’s birth, he is presented to God & if he is the first born, the family ceremonially “buys him back” from God for 5 shekels, because by tradition, all first born males as God’s…
In the midst of dark & stormy times, the lyrics of a song for the musical Carousel by Rogers & Hammerstein are so very uplifting – When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high, and don’t be afraid of the dark. At the end of the storm, there’s a golden sky, and…
Some communities are formed around complaining, sharing gripes, “ain’t it awful”. In my experience, community formed around negativity is shallow, poorly rooted. Community formed around light, around building rather than tearing down, has the opportunity to last with deep roots that endure even in dry times. The church, at our best, is built to last….
The collect for Sunday contains the following: Grant that your people illumined by your word and sacrament, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed… Just as a washed car, free of grime, road salt, and mud is more reflective of the sun’s rays, so we more…
Paul’s Letter to the Church in Ephesus As we read the epistles addressed to emerging churches in cities of the Roman Empire, we are able to capture the spirit and concerns of the early followers of Christ. In those days, the religion that would eventually be known as “Christianity” was referred to simply as “The…
You are cordially invited to our ‘Second Sunday at Six’ program on Sunday: Date: January 8, 2017 Time: 6:00 pm Place: All Saints Episcopal Church 129 North Market Street Selinsgrove, PA 17870 Services will conclude with communion Musical Selections will include: “O Come All Ye Faithful” – Behnke/McChesney “A Joyful Ring” – Kinyon “Rocking Carol”…
In the midst of our current times, it is always important to be reminded of who we are – we are members of the Body of Jesus Christ. In ancient Israel, praying at rising & at bed time, praying at meal times, praying upon entering or leaving home, ones dress as well as circumcision served…
Philip Brooks, the Rector of Holy Trinity located in Philadelphia, wrote “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, immediately following the civil war. One phrase that resonates with me is “so God imparts to human hearts the blessing of his heaven”. In the darkness following the civil war, Philip recognized that God impacts the human heart –…