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, […]
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
Expansive & Inclusive Language Read More »
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,
A “Most Convenient” Liturgy Read More »
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
Volunteer Highlight: Jolene Cerveny Read More »
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
Thank you Truman Heartland! Read More »
Every so often, the Pantry receives hundreds of socks from Bombas, for distribution to our guests. This is a big day, for all of us. So we pulled up our own socks, rolled up our sleeves, and set about giving away almost 1,000 pairs of socks on Wednesday! As you can see in the photo,
Yesterday was a fun one! In honor of (approximately) the Feast of St. Francis, we invited everyone to bring their fur-babies to church for a blessing. Although there are many types of fur- and feather-babies in our lives, the only animals that actually made it to church yesterday were the dogs. Still, it made for
Blessing of the Animals and Prayers for the Holy Land Read More »
“To understand Michael’s character, one must think of the turning of summer to fall. What was given to us from the outside is now going away, and we must cultivate the strength inwardly within ourselves [by grace] what was once given from the outside [by nature]. We now have to bring this out from ourselves.
The Feast of St. Michael, etc. Read More »
“We are all just walking each other home” -Rumi The Bible was largely not written by, or for, people who had any real economic security. And it shows. I humbly submit the Lectionary readings from this last Sunday, September 24, 2023, as Exhibit A. The Old Testament reading is the passage from Exodus (16:2-15) about
Death By Comparison Read More »
Jesus clearly believes that we will be held accountable, on some level, for the destructive choices we make. And Colin Tipping would agree, as would Rob Bell. The reality is, if we fear that our forgiveness will erase someone else’s accountability, then we need to look closer at what it actually means to forgive.
Radical Forgiveness Read More »