Education . . . the Episcopal way.

This is Part III of a series. See the latest post for Parts I and II

When I said that Education is at the core of Episcopal identity, I actually should have used the word Formation. 

The general understanding of the word Education may lead us to believe that the only thing we care about is the acquisition of knowledge through traditional study. This is not the case. We believe that Christians are on a constant journey toward the goal of being more and more like our Savior, and that happens in many different ways.

As the famous collect in the BCP says we like to “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest” Scripture, yet at the same time Episcopalian enjoy exploring the thought of scholars and theologians from different religious background, and even the holy texts of other traditions. 

We also appreciate to meet with brothers and sisters who experience God in a different way, and find the One not only in books, but also in the beauty and complexity of nature, in music and song, in art and human endeavor.

At Saint Anne’s we enjoy a variety of opportunities for personal and spiritual formation. Formal classes and casual Bible studies in large or small groups, on and off campus, provide everyone with food for thought. Sermons and articles challenge our minds and our hearts on a regular basis. Training for service keeps us focused and sharp in our ministries. Our worship services contribute to the formation of good practices for a healthy spiritual life. 

As I work on the calendar for Adult Formation for the new programmatic year, I am pleasantly surprised at the variety and depth of talent that can be found in our community. If you have suggestions for classes or experiences for us to share, please get in touch with me. I am open to new ideas! Licia+ 

Catching up with myself

Transitions are hard.
So much to do, so much to plan, so much to think about.
No wonder I haven't posted since NOVEMBER?!
It was in November that I received communication from St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Atlanta, that I was one of the finalists for the position of Rector.
It was in November that three members of the search committee came all the way from Georgia to Phoenix to meet me and my family.
It was in November that the journey with the lovely people of St. Anne's became "real" in my mind an din my life.
Did I stop preaching at All Saints' Phoenix? Of course not. But I stopped posting and I am sorry I did.
January was the time for a short visit to Atlanta to know and be known,  to have deep conversation with my family, to make important choices. In February the call came and the whirlwind of preparations, prayers, and farewells that are necessary when we leave a piece of our heart in one place to take the rest somewhere else.
March brought the long drive from PHX to ATL with best friend Lynn who wouldn't let me drive all the way on my own (God bless her), followed almost immediately by Holy Week and the resurrection of Easter.
Now, after two long months of late nights and early mornings trying to find myself in this new place and this new role, I believe I am ready to start again with the sharing of reflections and sermons.
Last week I started a four part meditation on Episcopal identity. It is being published on the B'Anne'R, our newsletter, so it is tailored for my new community - I think you may find it interesting too.

Below find part one and two.
Licia+

What is the Episcopal Church about? What do we value the most? What is our "elevator speech" if we have to describe who we are to someone who doesn't know?

A few thoughts.

Liturgy. We have an awareness that in our communal worship we speak TO God (and strengthen, deepen our relationship with God) and ABOUT God (to those who are participating, observing, sharing). That is why we care. Because in the Liturgy we are called to be hosts to the holy banquet that Jesus has prepared for us, and we cherish that role, we want to do it "right".

Education. We value our God-given gift of reason, we value doubt and incertitude, and we appreciate the struggle with Tradition and Scripture that invites the Holy Spirit to move among us. We encourage community study and shared conversations about anything that has to do with God and the Church.

Mission. We strive to live our sacred calling in the world. Even when it's hard. Even when it's exhausting, frustrating, disappointing. Even when justice is nowhere to be found and peace is a mirage. We still try to find answers for the disenfranchised and remedies to the evils of the world. We show our love for God by loving the unlovable and putting up with the stumbling blocks we ourselves place on our own path.

How are we embodying this at St. Anne’s? Liturgy, Education, Mission are at the heart of who we are, and over the next few weeks I will be reflecting on that in the B’Anne’R. As always, I welcome your comments. Licia+

Last week, I began a reflection on the Episcopal Identity. I said that we find it in our emphasis on Liturgy, Education and Mission. Today I’d like to expand on our understanding of Liturgy.

Since 1979 Episcopal Liturgy is really “the work of the people” in the sense that it encourages high level of participation from everyone in the assembly. Since we believe in “the priesthood of all believers”, our liturgy embodies our desire to see everyone, not just the clergy, use his or her gifts for the common good. Some read, some share bread and wine, some welcome current members and guests into our sacred spaces, some carry our holy objects in procession. Anyone who wants to contribute is welcome.  Everyone prays. In our communal worship we talk to God and talk about God, sharing our love for our Creator, inviting others into our relationship with God. Our music is evocative and supports our prayer life. Everything we say and do has multiple layers of meaning: practical and symbolic; everything we say and do points at something deeper and has the power to transform us and make us more like Jesus.

Here at St. Anne’s many are involved in our communal worship in a variety of different roles. Serving is a joy, but we understand that it is also a responsibility since our ultimate purpose is to bring others closer to God. We take pride in what we do and at the same time we are not so limited by our attention to the details that we forget what is really important: thanking our Creator for the bounty of the gifts we receive everyday through God’s grace.

A really heartfelt THANK YOU to all those who make our Sunday morning a memorable experience for members and guests. Licia+