Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Welcome to Emmanuel, founded in 1844 and located in historic
Chatham, Virginia.

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Upcoming Events and Recent News:

Upcoming Events

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Regular Sunday Schedule:  

11:00 am -       Holy Eucharist 2nd & 4th; Morning Prayer 1st, 3rd, 5th

12:00 pm -      Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall

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February 3 -    Songs of England Come to Chatham

Recent News

Jan 29 -    Emmanuel Welcomes Visiting Priest - The Rev. Wayne Kinyon

Jan 8 -     Emmanuel Installs Vestry for 2012

Jan 3 -     The Pruden Parish Press for January 2012 Is Now Online

Dec 11 -    Annual Meeting Elects New Vestry Members

Dec 4 -     Christmas Concert Features Katarzyna Sadej

Sept 25 -   Emmanuel Enjoys Autumn Picnic

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Emmanuel Seeks New Rector

Emmanuel Church is currently seeking a new rector. A parish profile has been developed for sharing with prospective candidates, and additional information will be posted here as it becomes available.

Click here to download or read a copy of the Parish Profile.

Inquiries should be directed to Richard Camp, or to the Deployment Office, Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia.

Emmanuel Welcomes Visiting Priest the Rev. Wayne Kinyon

Emmanuel welcomed the Rev. Bryce Wayne Kinyon as preacher and celebrant for the Holy Eucharist on Sunday, January 29. Mr. Kinyon, a native of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, has served churches and chaplaincies throughout the southeast during his ministry.

He is  a graduate of Duke University and received his Master of Divinity from Sewanee and currently resides in Columbia, South Carolina.

Mr. Kinyon's homily was based on the day's Gospel reading from Mark for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany - Mark 1:21-28. Most of the Gospel readings for Sundays in 2012 will be taken from Mark.

Mark's Gospel is written in a straight forward, no nonsense manner and throughout emphasizes the following five themes:

1. Jesus was an observant Jew following the laws and customs of his time and people, including attendance in the synagogue on the sabbath, unless there was a very good reason not to do so.

2. Jesus was a teacher; one might even say teaching was the central tenent of his ministry.

3. Jesus was a healer both of the body and of the spirit, even commanding unclean spirits.

4. Jesus did not seek public acknowledgment or praise. In fact, on several occasions, he admonished those whom he had healed to keep quiet about what had happened to them.

5. Jesus fame spread throughout the region. The Gospel message was intended for everyone and spread rapidly taking on a life of its own.

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

The Collect -

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Thomas Aquinas

The Collect -

Almighty God, you have enriched your Church with the singular learning and holiness of your servant Thomas Aquinas: Enlighten us more and more, we pray, by the disciplined thinking and teaching of Christian scholars, and deepen our devotion by the example of saintly lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Friar, 1274.

Feast of John Chrysostom

The Collect -

O God, you gave your servant John Chrysostom grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellence in preaching, and faithfulness in ministering your Word, that your people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, 407.

Feast of Timothy and Titus

The Collect -

Almighty God, you called Timothy and Titus to be evangelists and teachers, and made them strong to endure hardship: Strengthen us to stand fast in adversity, and to live godly and righteous lives in this present time, that with sure confidence we may look for our blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Timothy and Titus, Companions of Saint Paul.

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul

The Collect -

O God, by the preaching of your apostle Paul you have caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world: Grant, we pray, that we, having his wonderful conversion in remembrance, may show ourselves thankful to you by following his holy teaching; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about the Apostle Paul.

Feast of the Ordination of Florence Li Tim-Oi

The Collect -

Gracious God, we thank you for calling Florence Li Tim-Oi, much beloved daughter, to be the first woman to exercise the office of a priest in our Communion: By the grace of your Spirit inspire us to follow her example, serving your people with patience and happiness all our days, and witnessing in every circumstance to our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the same Spirit, one  God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Click here to learn more about Florence Li Tim-Oi, First Woman Priest in the Anglican Communion, 1944.

Songs of England Come to Chatham

On Friday evening, February 3, as the St. Petersburg Symphony visits Danville, the Chatham Concert Series continues its chamber music presentations with a program geared more to the Anglophiles among us.

“English Vocal Music from Butterworth to the Beatles” will feature Baritone Dr. David Castonguay accompanied by the popular Saturn String Ensemble: the two violins of Kevin Matheson and Martin Irving, Bryan Matheson on viola, and the cello of Lisa Wright.  Songs performed will be by George Butterworth, Gerald Finzi and England’s “fab four,” The Beatles.

In addition to the featured songs of England, there will be a nod to the continent with Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” and Dvorak’s love songs, “Cypresses,” for string quartet.

Dr. Castonguay is active in the United States and Europe as a baritone soloist, choral conductor, musical jurist and music educator and mentor.  He serves as associate professor of music and director of choral activities at Radford University.

Those who’ve been watching the PBS series “Downton Abbey” will be interested to know that George Butterworth, a friend and associate of Vaughn Williams, was killed in 1916 at the World War I Battle of the Somme.  He had been considered one of Europe’s most promising composers.

Like Butterworth, Finzi was an enthusiast and collector with Vaughn Williams of English folk music.  Unlike Butterworth, Finzi was too young to serve in WWI and survived until 1956, although his musical work was interrupted by WWII.

Both Butterworth and Finzi set to music the poetry of some of England’s finest poets.  The lyrics of this concert’s songs will be from poetry by W.E. Henley and Thomas Hardy.

Strange to think of the overlapping lives of Gerald Finzi and the four lads from Liverpool, but overlap they did, and concert-goers can expect a treat as the musical genius of The Beatles is presented in arrangements for string quartet.

As is the Chatham Concert Series’ tradition, promising young music students will also join the program for one piece, gaining valuable performance experience.  Those performing music from Super Mario will be Julian Ayers,  Alyssa Arminan, Staley Lyle and Jacob Tisdale on violin and Caleb Tisdale on viola.

“English Vocal Music from Butterworth to the Beatles” will be held Friday evening, February 3, at 7:00 p.m.; Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 66 N. Main Street, Chatham; Admission by donation.

Feast of Phillips Brooks

The Collect -

O everlasting God, you revealed truth to your servant Phillips Brooks, and so formed and molded his mind and heart that he was able to mediate that truth with grace and power: Grant, we pray, that all whom you call to preach the Gospel may steep themselves in your Word, and conform their lives to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Phillips Brooks, Bishop of Massachusetts, 1893.

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

The Collect -

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of Agnes

The Collect -

Almighty and everlasting God, you choose those whom the world deems powerless to put the powerful to shame: Grant us so to cherish the memory of your youthful martyr Agnes, that we may share her pure and steadfast faith in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, on God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Agnes, Martyr at Rome, 304.

Feast of Fabian

The Collect -

O God, in your providence you singled out the holy martyr Fabian as worthy to be chief pastor of your people, and guided him so to strengthen your Church that it stood fast in the day of persecution: Grant that those whom you call to any ministry in the Church may be obedient to your call in all humility, and be enabled to carry out their tasks with diligence and faithfulness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Fabian, Bishop and Martyr of Rome, 250.

Feast of Wulfstan

The Collect -

Almighty God, your only-begotten Son led captivity captive and gave gifts to your people: Multiply among us faithful pastors, who, like your holy bishop Wulfstan, will give courage to those who are oppressed and held in bondage: and bring us all, we pray, into the true freedom of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester, 1095.

Feast of the Confession of Saint Peter

The Collect -

Almighty Father, who inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles, to confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God: Keep your Church steadfast upon the rock of this faith, so that in unity and peace we may proclaim the one truth and follow the one Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Saint Peter, Apostle.

Feast of Antony

The Collect -

O God, by your Holy Spirit you enabled your servant Antony to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil: Give us grace, with pure hearts and minds, to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Click here to learn more about Antony, Abbot in Egypt, 356.

Homily for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany - Here I am Lord

(RCL) 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20); Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51

By the Rev. Rob Gieselmann

Hannah was barren. She could not have children. In the ancient times, this was a disgrace, but her husband loved her and did not care. Hannah cared. She stood deeply ashamed in the presence of other women. She was an underdog.

Like so many of us who turn to the Lord when we need help, Hannah turned to the Lord God, the friend of the underdog. The Lord heard Hannah’s prayer.

Eli was the priest on duty when Hannah petitioned God, and he announced, “God has granted your petition. You will have a baby.”

Within the next year, Hannah gave birth to a son, Samuel. When Hannah returned the next year to pray, she did the unthinkable: she donated Samuel to God, leaving him behind to be raised by Eli. In dedicating Samuel to God, Hannah proclaimed: “There is no Holy One like the Lord, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.”

Years later, this same Samuel anointed Saul and David as kings over Israel. It was to the boy Samuel, only 12 years old, to whom God spoke today’s strange prophecy of judgment. This prophecy was his first, and he didn’t quite know what to do with it. After all, the prophecy was directed at his adopted father, Eli, his mentor and caretaker.

“Here I am,” Samuel answered God, who spoke out loud. How terrifying it must have been for a boy to hear God’s harsh judgment from dark corners of the night.

That is the “Old” Testament, isn’t it? Dark corners, rash judgment, and cruel penalties? Perhaps, but consider, well, the “rest of the story.”

Second Sunday after Epiphany

The Collect -

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Feast of Hillary

The Collect -

O Lord our God, you raised up your servant Hilary to be a champion of the catholic faith: Keep us steadfast in that true faith which we professed at our baptism, that we may rejoice in having you for our Father, and may abide in your Son, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit; who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Hillary, Bishop of Poitiers, 367.

Feast of Aelred

The Collect -

Pour into our hearts, O God, the Holy Spirit's gift of love, that we, clasping each the other's hand, may share the joy of friendship, human and divine, and with your servant Aelred draw many to your community of love; through Jesus Christ the Righteous, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Aelred, Abbot of Rievaulx, 1167.

Feast of William Laud

The Collect -

Keep us, O Lord, constant in faith and zealous in witness, that, like your servant William Laud, we may live in your fear, die in your favor, and rest in your peace; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Click here to learn more about William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1645.

 

Feast of Julia Chester Emery

The Collect -

God of all creation, you call us in Christ to make disciples of all nations and to proclaim your mercy and love: Grant that we, after the example of your servant Julia Chester Emery, may have vision and courage in proclaiming the Gospel to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our light and our salvation, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Julia Chester Emery, Missionary, 1922.

Concert Today

William Parrish, Jr. will perform here at Emmanuel this afternoon at 3:30 pm as part of the Chatham Concert Series. Many of us remember The Rev. Bill Parrish, Sr., his dad, from his days as Emmanuel's rector.

Bill Jr. is principal oboist for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and will be performing "Gabriel's Oboe." This is the popular theme from the 1986 film, "The Mission."

Mr. Parrish will be joined on the program by the Saturn String Ensemble and Claudia Jones Patterson on the piano.

Admission is by donation.

Emmanuel Installs Vestry for 2012

The Reverend J. W. Mathieson installed Emmanuel's Vestry for 2012 during the service of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, January 8th. Returning members Janice Chaney, Beth Coles, Vic Millner, and Tred Hunt were joined by newly elected members Walter Coles, Sr. and Bill Simpson (pictured at right).

The Vestry oversees parish finances and buildings, chooses individuals for leadership positions including the rector, and serves as an advisory council to the rector. Vestry members are elected for staggered three-year terms with two new members joining the Vestry each year.

Prayer for the Vestry

O Eternal God, the foundation of all wisdom and the source of all courage: Enlighten with your grace the Vestry of this congregation, and so rule their minds, and guide their counsels, that in all things they may seek your glory and promote the mission of your church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

First Sunday after Epiphany

The Collect -

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Feast of the Epiphany

The Collect -

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Pruden Parish Press for January 2012 Is Now Online

   The January 2012 issue of The Pruden Parish Press, a periodic newsletter containing news and information for parishioners and friends of Emmanuel, is now online. The current issue includes:

• Annual Meeting,

• Vestry Notes,

• Greening of the Church,

• Calendar Notes for Jan.  - March 2012,

• Christmas Night at Emmanuel,

• Chatham Concert Series Continues, and

• Bishop Hollerith's Christmas Message.

 

Click here to read the January issue online.

Earlier issues may be viewed at The Pruden Parish Press.

To receive future issues by mail, please call or email the Parish Office.

Homily for the Feast of the Holy Name - What's in a name?

By the Rev. Ken Kesselus

(RCL) Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 8; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 2:15-21

We know very little about Jesus’ childhood. There is nothing in Mark or John. From Matthew, we learn that an angel told Joseph to name Mary’s child “Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” This, he reports, they did, and then he relates the account of the Wisemen’s visitation, followed by the flight of the family to Egypt and their moving to Nazareth.

Luke provides the most detail, beginning with the birth in Bethlehem that we hear during the Christmas liturgy. Then he gives us the brief story from today’s gospel, followed by an account of Jesus being presented in the temple a few weeks later. Finally, Luke tells us about the 12-year-old Jesus, again at the temple, confounding religious teachers with wisdom beyond his years. He ends with a summary: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.”

That’s it, until he emerges fully grown, prepared for the Baptism of John and the beginning of his ministry. So, our little snippet of information today is quite important within such a limited body of knowledge of Jesus’ first three decades of life. One sentence: “After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” Our prayer book deems it so valuable that whenever the eighth day of Christmas, January 1, occurs on a Sunday, Holy Name takes precedent over the regular liturgical day. We commemorate the occasion when Jesus was circumcised and when he was named.

Feast of the Holy Name

The Collect -

Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Christmas Concert Features Katarzyna Sadej

Mezzo-Soprano Katarzyna Sadej and the Ranier Trio - Left to right, Kevin Matheson, Brenda Wittwer, Ms. Sadej, and Bryan Matheson

The Chatham Concert Series' Christmas Concert was a great success!

The December 4 concert featuring Canadian Mezzo-Soprano Katarzyna Sadej played to a full house.  Joining Ms. Sadej were the violin, viola and piano of the Rainier Trio and a host of local string-instrument students.  Falling on the fourth day of the Christmas in Chatham festivities, the program was varied but heavy on seasonal music from Johannes Brahms to Vaughan Williams.  The student musicians provided backup for the five Christmas carols that concluded the program with an audience sing-along.

Feast of Frances Joseph Gaudet

The Collect -

Merciful God, who raised up your servant Frances Joseph Gaudet to work for prison reform and the education of her people: Grant that we, encouraged by the example of her life, may work for those who are denied the fullness of life by reasons of incarceration and lack of access to education; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Frances Joseph Gaudet, Educator and Prison Reformer, 1934.

 

Feast of Thomas Becket

The Collect -

O God, our strength and our salvation, you called your servant Thomas Becket to be a shepherd of your people and a defender of your Church: Keep your household from all evil and raise up among us faithful pastors and leaders who are wise in the ways of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ the shepherd of our souls, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1170.

Feast of the Holy Innocents

The Collect -

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Feast of St. John

The Collect -

Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light, that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that at length we may attain to the fullness of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about St. John, Apostle and Evangelist.

Feast of Saint Stephen

The Collect -

We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr.

Christmas Day

The Collect -

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Feast of Saint Thomas

The Collect -

Everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Saint Thomas, Apostle.

Christmas Services

Please join us for the following Christmas Events:

Dec. 21, 7 pm - Greening of the Church

Dec. 24, 10:30 pm - Christmas Carols

                  11:00 pm - Holy Eucharist

                  12:00 am - Refreshments in the Parish Hall

Dec. 25 - Christmas Day - No Services

Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Collect -

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Annual Meeting Elects New Vestry Members

At the Annual Meeting on Sunday, December 11, the congregation elected the following new members of the Vestry:

* Walter Coles, Sr. and

* William S. (Bill) Simpson

Bill and Walter will take office on January 1, 2012.

Third Sunday of Advent

The Collect -

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Feast of Ambrose

The Collect -

O God, you gave your servant Ambrose grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellence in preaching and faithfulness in ministering your Word, that your people may be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, 397.

Feast of Nicholas

The Collect -

Almighty God, in your love you gave your servant Nicholas of Myra a perpetual name for deeds of kindness both on land and sea: Grant, we pray, that your Church may never cease to work for the happiness of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c.342.

Feast of Clement of Alexandria

The Collect -

O God of unsearchable wisdom, you gave your servant Clement grace to understand and teach the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, the source of all truth: Grant to your church the same grace to discern your Word wherever truth is found; through Jesus Christ our unfailing light, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Clement of Alexandria, Priest, c.210.

Today: A Victorian Christmas Concert

Please join us this afternoon at Emmanuel at 3:30 pm for  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Presented by the Chatham Concert Series

Homily for the Second Sunday of Advent - John the Doorman

The Gospel - John 1:6-8, 19-28

Homily by the Rev. Charles Hoffacker

John the Doorman

Imagine the scene. You are downtown in one of the world’s great cities. You’re standing at the main entrance of a huge, opulent hotel, whose solid stone walls soar upward for many floors. The canopied entrance features a red carpet that crosses the sidewalk to the street, and brass fittings that gleam like gold. It’s a damp winter evening. Flurries dance through the air.

Presiding over this elegant space in front of the hotel is the doorman. A mountain of a man, he cuts quite a figure, dressed in a knee-length blue topcoat brightened by braid on the shoulders and the sleeves. The stripes on his uniform pants lead down to his black, shiny shoes. A serious hat rests on top of his head. With utter dignity, he opens doors, orders cabs, greets people coming and going, and lends even more substance than it already has to the building behind him.

There you are at the main entrance. You’ve never been to this hotel before. In fact, in the small town you come from, there are only motels, and no doormen, especially not the sort who are grandly uniformed. But you have come to this metropolis for a convention, and the big banquet is tonight, here at this hotel.

The massive figure in the topcoat and braid now looms right in front of you. Never before have you seen the likes of him, except in old movies. Why should you do?

One option is to question him. Ask him whose army he is in, or is he an admiral? Ask him to count the brass buttons on his splendid coat. Ask him to come in out of the cold; you know a warm hotel lobby, and it’s only a short walk away.

A better option is simply to let him do his job. You’ve come for the banquet; his job is to open the door for you. A genial nod in his direction is all that he expects by way of recompense.

Which option do you choose?

Second Sunday of Advent

The Collect -

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Feast of Channing Moore Williams

The Collect -

Almighty and everlasting God, we thank you for your servant Channing Moore Williams, whom you called to preach the Gospel to the people of China and Japan. Raise up in this and every land evangelists and heralds of you kingdom, that your Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Channing Moore Williams, Missionary Bishop in China and Japan, 1910.

Feast of Nicholas Ferrar

The Collect -

Lord God, make us worthy of your perfect love; that, with your deacon Nicholas Ferrar and his household, we may rule ourselves according to your Word, and serve you with our whole heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Nicholas Ferrar, Deacon, 1637.

Feast of Saint Andrew

The Collect -

Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by your Holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Saint Andrew.

Feast of Kamehameha and Emma

The Collect -

O Sovereign God, who raised up (King) Kamehameha (IV) and (Queen) Emma to be rulers in Hawaii, and inspired and enabled them to be diligent in good works for the welfare of their people and the good of your Church: Receive our thanks for their witness to the Gospel; and grant that we, with them, may attain to the crown of glory that never fades away; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Click here to learn more about Kamehameha and Emma, King and Queen of Hawaii, 1864, 1885.