The Beacons Are Lit
When the distress signal reaches Rohan, Aragorn spies it, and dramatically bursts into the king’s chambers shouting “The Beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!”
Advent 1: December 3, 2023
Livestream Video Service Bulletin Sermon Video To be embedded from YouTube after the Service Sermon Transcript To be added from YouTube Automatic Captioning after the Service
Kingdom and Kin-dom
One might say the word “kingdom” is becoming obsolete, but not in Kansas City. After all… THIS IS CHIEFS KINGDOM!!! But in our worship and liturgy, we may find that this word is becoming less and less relevant. When the Bible was written, not only did everyone understand what a kingdom was, virtually everyone understood …
Confessions of the People
Note: This post is a living document, subject to continual revision And here’s another disclaimer: Keep in mind that everything described here is happening on a trial basis, to give everyone an opportunity to chime in, positive or negative. In any conversation about the future of Liturgy, the Confession deserves a careful debate. Yes, it’s …
The Entrance Rite
Note: This post is a living document, subject to continual revision The first part of a typical Episcopal liturgy is sometimes referred to as the “Entrance Rite”. It normally includes a Processional Hymn, an Opening Acclamation, the Collect for Purity, and a Gloria or other Song of Praise. This is then immediately followed by the …
Fear & Love
Note: This post is a living document, subject to continual revision. Whereas previous posts have addressed questions of rhetorical relevance (i.e. antiquated vs. updated language) I would now like to turn to more theological issues. Granted, I do so with an abundance of caution. Because, although the BCP does indeed allow for creativity and customization, …
Expansive & Inclusive Language
Note: This post is a living document, subject to continual revision. One of the primary movements to update and revise our prayers is focused on developing Expansive and Inclusive language. These are not idealogical shifts to our worship – virtually all Episcopalians already agree that members of every demographic should feel equally included in our …
A “Most Convenient” Liturgy
The Preface to our beloved Book of Common Prayer begins like this: “It is a most invaluable part of that blessed ‘liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,’ that in his worship different forms and usages may without offence be allowed, provided the substance of the Faith be kept entire; and that, in every Church, …
Volunteer Highlight: Jolene Cerveny
Meet one of our superhero volunteers: Jolene Cerveny! “I have volunteered at St. Michael’s Necessity Pantry for a little more than four years. I have the opportunity to interact with our recipients on a one-on-one basis. They always respond with such gratitude, not only for the products they receive, but they recognize and appreciate the …
Thank you Truman Heartland!
St. Michael’s is extremely proud of our Necessity Pantry – a Jubilee Ministry of the Diocese of West Missouri! And there are even more reasons to be proud than ever, because the Pantry now consistently serves over 1,000 individuals from the community with personal care and household items. The first Wednesday of September we served …