Rector's Message 2
Rector's Column: February, 2010
"Faith As Pursuit of the Truth"
"The beginning of the twenty-first century is a watershed in modern science, a time that will forever change our understanding of the universe. Something is happening which is far more than the discovery of new facts or new equations. This is one of those rare moments when our entire outlook, our framework for thinking, and the whole epistemology of physics and cosmology are suddenly undergoing real upheaval." (Leonard Susskind from Stanford University.)
The same point could be made about the state of theology today. We live in a time of "real upheaval" in science and in theology. Our foundational assumptions about reality, about life, about God are undergoing seismic shifts. The evidence is all about. There are challenges to our political, economic, social, religious, and scientific views of the world. I submit that the conflict in our world today reflects the desperate attempt of fundamentalism of all stripes to cling to models that no longer truly reflect reality - models of economics, models of nationhood, models of religion, models of our universe, models of the human person. Read more...
Up to the Minute: 02-15-10
† We offer the sympathy, support, and prayers for the parish to Steve and Cissy Crawford and their family on the occasion of the death Sudnay of Steve's mother, Virginia Crawford. The funeral will be Friday in St. Louis. May she rest in peace.
† Congratulations to Bill & Barbara Haljun on the birth of another granddaughter, Curran Victoria Haljun, born Tuesday. She is the daughter of James and Alison Haljun.
†Congratulations to Peter & Barbara Lucyshyn on the birth of a granddaughter, Regan Sophia Sucyshyn, born Jan 27 -- 7 lbs, 3 oz, 21 in. Parents are Bill & Amy Lucyshyn.
† Joseph T. Curti, M.D., died on January 12th. His funeral was at Holy Comforter and interment in our columbarium. May he rest in peace. We bid Anne and her family comfort in their sorrow.
† Haitian Relief Fund -- The parish has raised $42,000 for Haitian relief. The amount was divided between the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund and the American Red Cross. Thank you to the very generous donors who made this possible.
† Father Myers was re-appointed by the Kenilworth Chief of Police, John Petersen, to be Chaplain to the department for another year.
†Sympathy to Tom & Chris Wiedrich and their family on the death of his aunt, Betty Mattson. May she rest in peace.
† Staff and Vestry are each undertaking a re-organization to better accomplish the mission. Details will be provided in the March Dove reflecting the final outcome of the effort.
† Fifty women from the parish attended the Women's Retreat: Rest Stop Ahead. Barbara Haljun and Susan Priebe were the leaders. Participants report the experience was outstanding.
Worship Notes:
The Book of Common Prayer contains eight Eucharistic Prayers. Two are found in Rite One; four in Rite Two; and two in the Order for Eucharist. Although other prayers are authorized by the Church and the Bishop, these are the official versions of the Prayer Book.
The Eucharistic Prayer summarizes the Gospel's message, what God has done in history and is now doing through the Holy Spirit. These prayers are in a trinitarian formate, each addressing the Father, proclaiming the ministry of the Son, and invoking the Holy Spirit.
During our worship, the Eucharistic Prayer is a highlight. Having heard the Scriptures read, we gather at the Table to join our voices with angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven in the love found in Christ Jesus.
Church Notes:
Α The diocesan magazine Anglican Advance has gone to quarterly printing due to decrease in budget. It is now available March, June, October, and December.
Ω Bishop Lee ordained five women to the priesthood on December 5th at the Cathedral of St. James.
Α Dr. William McGaghie, our parishioner, completed his term on the diocesan Commission on Ministry. Bishop Lee appointed another parishioner from Holy Comforter, Dr. Melissa Perrin, to join the Commission this year. Congratulations to both Bill and Melissa for their outstanding work on behalf of the diocese.
Ω Hal Stewart, from the parish, was elected to a second three year term on the Bishop & Trustees, the group responsible for the management of diocesan properties and assets. Congratulations Hal.
Holy Comforter Facts:
For nearly twenty-five years now, Holy Comforter has offered the daily celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Each morning the ministry of the parish begins at the altar offering thanks to God and making intercession of behalf of the world.
From January 1st throughout the year until December 31st, we gather. There are only two days the Holy Eucharist is not celebraed: the two days of Diocesan Convention each November when the clergy are gone.
Our days begins at the altar to recall our principal identity. We are the Body of Christ. Nurished by Word and Sacrament, we boldy step into the world rejoicing in the love we find in God and one another.
