#Diocese of Western Anglicans

[athis3]

Lectionary, in Christianity, a book containing portions of the Bible appointed to be read on particular days of the year. The word is also used for the list of such Scripture lessons. The early Christians adopted the Jewish custom of reading extracts from the Old Testament on the Sabbath. They soon added extracts from the writings of the Apostles and Evangelists, which later would be formalized in the canon of Scripture as the Gospels and epistles. During the 3rd and 4th centuries several systems of lessons were devised for churches of various localities. One of the first attempts for a diocese to fix definite readings for special seasons during the year was made by Musaeus of Marseille in the mid-5th century.

At first, the lessons were marked off in the margins of manuscripts of the Scriptures. Later, special lectionary manuscripts were prepared, containing in proper sequence the appointed passages. The Greek Orthodox Church developed two forms of lectionaries, one (Synaxarion) arranged in accord with the ecclesiastical year and beginning with Pascha (Easter) and the other (Mēnologion) arranged according to the civil year (beginning September 1) and commemorating the festivals of various saints and churches. Other national churches produced similar volumes. Among the Western churches during the medieval period, the ancient usage at Rome prevailed, with its emphasis on Advent.

During the 16th-century Reformation the Lutherans and Anglicans made changes in the Roman Catholic lectionaries. Martin Luther was dissatisfied with the choice of many of the lessons from the epistles in the Roman system, and he included a greater proportion of doctrinal passages. In the Anglican church the first edition of The Book of Common Prayer (1549) assigned for each day a passage of the Old Testament and the New Testament to be read at both the morning and evening services. Nearly all the saints’ days were dropped, and the new system assigned chapters of the Bible to be read consecutively.

In 1963 the Second Vatican Council allowed the introduction of the vernacular in the variable parts of the Roman Catholic liturgy, including the scriptural readings of the mass (the liturgy of the Word). A complete revision of the missal, carried out by a postconciliar commission, resulted in a three-year lectionary known as the Ordo Lectionum Missae (1969). This lectionary is arranged in two cycles, one for Sundays and another for weekdays. The Sunday cycle is divided into three liturgical years, labeled A, B, and C. Each Sunday usually has a reading from the Old Testament, a semicontinuous reading from one of the epistles, and a Gospel reading. Year A mostly features the Gospel According to Matthew; Year B reads through the Gospel According to Mark; and Year C showcases the Gospel According to Luke. The Gospel According to John is read during the Easter season in all three years. After three years the cycle starts over again.

The weekday cycle is divided into two years: Year I (odd-numbered years, such as 2023, 2025, etc.) and Year II (even-numbered years, such as 2024, 2026, etc.); the year of the cycle changes on the first Sunday of Advent. The first reading on weekdays may be taken from the either the Old or the New Testament, and usually a single scriptural book is read semicontinuously until it is finished and then a new book is started. The Gospel readings for both years are the same and are also read semicontinuously, beginning with Mark, then Matthew and Luke. As with the Sunday cycle, the Gospel According to John is read during the Easter season. In addition to the Sunday and weekday cycles, the Roman Catholic lectionary also provides readings for the feasts of major saints, for common celebrations such as Marian feasts, for ritual masses such as weddings and funerals, and for various other needs.

Present-day liturgists in many denominations have been active in revising traditional lectionary systems. Many Protestant churches in the United States and other English-speaking areas use the Revised Common Lectionary (1992). A previous version, the Common Lectionary, was assembled in 1983. Both versions are three-year lectionaries that function similarly to the Roman Catholic system.

pentecost (the descent of the holy spirit upon mary and the apostles in jerusalem)

illustration from a gospel lectionary, constance (?), c. 1470-80

source: St. Gallen, Stiftsbibl., Cod. Sang. 368, p. 44

[christine-sunderland]

April Journal: Third Sunday after Easter

We gathered together this last week in the Bay Area for the Thirty-second Synod of the Diocese of the Western States, along with the Diocese of the Southwestern States, Anglican Province of Christ the King. There were numerous events from Tuesday through Friday, forming a rosary of prayer linking the faithful. The week made me appreciate not only the fellowship of Christians in our own little…

[jamesderive]

Dominant Structures: Seija

Christ's Church Cathedral

252 James Street North is known as Christ’s Church Cathedral. The church was constructed from 1852 to 1873 and designed by architects William Thomas and Henry Langley in what is known as “decorated gothic” style. The Church is notable for its association with the development of the Anglican community in Hamilton and, as such, it was built on the original site of the first Anglican Church in Hamilton. Though, as previously mentioned, it was predominantly designed by William Thomas and Henry Langley, it was first imagined by Robert Charles Wetherall and first built in 1835. The auditorium was 100 feet long and feet wide, with a tower and steeple at the west end (Cathedral Hamilton). However, in 1852, the congregation sought to make architectural changes to the church. Unfortunately, the church did not have the expenses to fully create the design made by Thomas and, for this reason, an addition was “haphazardly” added on to the church, giving the church the nickname of “the humpback church” (Historic Places). Afterward, in 1873, the church hired Henry Langley to finish the renovations. Langley contributed to a new nave to the Thomas chancel, which was extended by the Hamilton architect W.P. Whitton in 1925. (Historic Places).

The “Gothic Art Movement” of architecture dates back to the late 12th to the early 16th century, and is predominantly characterized by unique architectural features, such as ogival arches, external buttressing, vertical proportions, and asymmetry. The style evolved from Romanesque architecture as well as Renaissance architecture. The origin of Gothic architecture resided in a desire to design buildings that were unique and that stood out from other western-inspired structures and churches. Key features include pointed arches, known as lancet arches, intensely detailed moldings, tooth ornamentation, large rose windows, and an emphasis on increased height of the structure. (Architecture.org) The church is built of sandstone exposed on the exterior and is decorated with stepped buttresses, which divides the walls into bays on north, south and west sides (Historic Places). The nave has splayed stone reveals, below which there is stone corbelled course with small brackets. As well, four buttresses have elaborate pinnacles with decorative finishes. Three doors on the west of the church have pointed arches and oak doors with carved tracery lights overtop. As well, distinctive of the Gothic style, the church has four center-point chancel arches dreaming the east window with a seven-light stone tracery window with a Gothic-rose window (Historic Places). The most significant features of the cathedral, as noted on the Church’s website, include ceiling and plaster carvings, made by William Thomas; stained glass windows, the oldest of which was installed in 1853; wood carvings, most of which were made by Valley City Manufacturing of Dundas; stone carvings made by J. Wippell and Company in Exeter, England, which were shipped for installation in 1932; and chancel cushions and kneelers, which were made by a group of ladies in the 1970s (Cathedral Hamilton).

As noted on the Church’s website, it has “strong historic ties to St. Matthew’s House,” which is a “charitable non-profit multi-service agency founded by the Anglican Diocese of Niagara” (Cathedral Hamilton). The origins of St. Matthew’s House trace back to May 1964, whereupon six other Anglican parishes opened a store-front in Hamilton in order to provide support for those in need. This was called “the Compass” (St Matthews). However, on January 10th, 1966, the St. Matthew’s Church was set on fire and “the fate of St. Matthew’s Church was in the air” (St Matthew’s). The following year, the property was sold and a portion of the profit was used to purchase the Salvation Army Citadel of 414 Barton Street East, which assumed the support work of the original Compass. This was named St. Matthew’s House.

The church’s exterior, the property, as well as select elements of its interior, are protected by an Ontario Heritage Trust Conservation easement.  (Historic Places). Moreover, the property is designated by the City of Hamilton under Part 4 of the Ontario Heritage Act. The Ontario Heritage Trust is a conservation project which seeks to “conserve, value and share the places and landscapes, histories, traditions and stories that embody our heritage, now and for future generations” (Heritage Trust). The Ontario Heritage Trust assembles information about religious architecture, including the Christ’s Church Cathedral in Hamilton.  

The church offers weekly opportunities for prayer and worship, as well as a variety of ways in which people may build a community. The Church expresses an ongoing commitment to serving vulnerable populations in Hamilton, and has “a long history of being an inclusive and affirming congregation” (Cathedral Hamilton). This includes a commitment to “equal marriage and the full inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ persons in the life of the church” (Cathedral Hamilton). The Church also offers open doors for unhoused and precariously housed individuals, where they can enjoy coffee as well as a meal (Cathedral Hamilton). Services and organizations started by the Christ’s Church Cathedral include “the Jamesville Bennetto Early Learning & Child Care Centre, the Hamilton Children’s Choir, and the Hamilton Association for residential and Recreational Redevelopment Programs,” now known as ‘Sherman Boys and Girls Club’ (Cathedral Hamilton). The Jamesville Early Learning and Child Care Centre is a not for profit child care center licensed under the Ministry of Education, which seeks to “support the diverse families of [the Hamilton] community” (Jamesville Bennetto). The Child Care Centre’s mission statement aligns with the Church’s goal to provide inclusivity, support, and community development. 

The Christ’s Church Cathedral is comprised of a variety of individuals. This includes Tim Dobbin, who was born and raised in New Zealand and ordained as a deacon in 1997 and a priest in 1998. He acts as the Rector of the Cathedral and the Dean of Niagara. As well, Bruce Burbide, born in Toronto, acts as the Director of Music Ministries. Tricia Kalantari, born into the Anglican communion in Oakville Ontario, currently acts as the Parish Coordinator. Dr. Eduardo Farias, a singer and multi-instrumentalist based in Thordon, is the Media Coordinator for the Church and Derek Smith is the Church’s property manager. Noted by the Church as Honorary Clergy include “The Right Reverend” Dr. Terry Brown, Reverend Dr. Eric Griffin, Reverend Canon Dr. Sharyn Hall, treasurer and Reverend Canon J. Lefebvre, Lyne Marchant, Reverend D. Ralph Spence, and Reverend Canon William Thomas (Cathedral Hamilton).

https://stmatthewshouse.ca/about-us/

https://www.jamesvillebennetto.ca/about/mission-statement

[dioceseofwesternanglicans]

A Pattern for Prayer

Jesus disciples asked him pointedly, "Lord, teach us to pray."  In response, Jesus gave the early followers a pattern.  

Glorify God.  Give Him the honor due His name.  

Seek His kingdom in the here and now (as well as in Heaven).  

Seek God's generous hand for our needs.  

Seek His loving heart for our forgiveness.  (This assumes knowledge of personal sin and is tied to our forgiveness of fellow sinners.)  

 Ask and expect His guidance as we daily walk near land-mines of temptation.

Ask Him to provide deliverance from the evil around us.  

This "Lord's Prayer" is recited from memory by millions.  As well as comforting prayer, it is a pattern for our praying.  Know who we are.  Acknowledge our weaknesses and deliberate sin.  Ask His forgiveness.  Thank Him for His many blessings.  Then present our petitions, for others and for ourselves.  We can rest in His good provision and live the abundant life because He hears our cries, carries our burdens, and wants the best for His kids.

--Sue Ellen Warren, Intercessor

[apenitentialprayer]

Not to be the Ultimate Contrarian™, but it is worth noting that although Christianity existed in (Old World) colonized countries long before colonization occurred, I think we need to add another layer of nuance to this; because the fact remains that Western Christianity often set itself up as a competitor with indigenous Christianities as well as other religions. Like, there’s a reason that three quarters of all Catholic dioceses in India are Latin Rite. There’s a reason that Saint George veneration in Syriac Rites has had a noticeable decline in the past few decades. And there’s a reason that Kerala Christians overwhelmingly prefer white depictions of the the Holy Family on their Christmas cards compared to more Indian-looking ones. There’s a reason Orthodox Christians have a total population in Africa barely reaching 50 million people, while the number of Catholics rose by 7000% (no typo) over the course of a single century* and the number of African-initiated Protestant Churches are outnumbered by Anglicans alone (adding just Lutherans and Baptists, you have tens of millions more European-initiated Protestants). There’s also a reason that Islam went from a religious minority in most of Africa to becoming the religion of nearly half the continent (spoiler: political conversions in order to challenge Christian colonials). *yes, I know part of this is simply population expansion and the fact that many Orthodox groups reentered communion with Rome. Still a huge difference. Like, I understand that it is important that we don’t erase the existence of indigenous Christianities when we talk about Christian history. But we also have to remember that Christianity isn’t a monolith, and just because Christianity existed in these regions before the colonial period doesn’t mean that European Christianity wasn’t used as a tool of oppression, even against other Christians.

[troybeecham]

Today, the Church remembers All the Faithful Departed. Observing Christians typically remember deceased relatives on the day. In Western Christianity the annual celebration is now held on 2 November and is associated with the season of Allhallowtide, including All Saints' Day (1 November) and its vigil, All Hallows’ Eve (31October).

Orate pro nobis.

In the sixth century, it was customary in Benedictine monasteries to hold a commemoration of the deceased members at Whitsuntide. According to Widukind of Corvey (c. 975 AD), there existed a time-honoured ceremony of praying to the dead on 1 October in Saxony. But it was the day after All Saints' Day that Saint Odilo of Cluny chose when in the 11th century he instituted for all the monasteries dependent on the Abbey of Cluny an annual commemoration of all the faithful departed, to be observed with alms, prayers, and sacrifices for the relief of the suffering souls in purgatory. Odilo decreed that those requesting a Mass be offered for the departed should make an offering for the poor, thus linking almsgiving with fasting and prayer for the dead. From there the 2 November custom spread to other Benedictine monasteries and thence to the Western Church in general. The Diocese of Liège was the first diocese to adopt the practice under Bishop Notger (d. 1008 AD).

In the 15th century the Dominicans instituted a custom of each priest offering three Masses on the Feast of All Souls. During World War I, given the great number of war dead and the many destroyed churches.

In the Anglican Communion, All Souls' Day is known liturgically as the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed, and is an optional observance seen as "an extension of All Saints' Day", the latter of which marks the second day of Allhallowtide. Historically and at present, several Anglican churches are dedicated to All Souls.

During the English Reformation, the observance of All Souls' Day lapsed, although a new Anglican theological understanding of the day has "led to a widespread acceptance of this commemoration among Anglicans".

As such, Anglican parishes "now commemorate all the faithful departed in the context of the All Saints' Day celebration", in keeping with this fresh perspective. Contributing to the revival was the need "to help Anglicans mourn the deaths of millions of soldiers in World War I". Members of the Guild of All Souls, an Anglican devotional society founded in 1873 AD, "are encouraged to pray for the dying and the dead, to participate in a requiem of All Souls' Day and say a Litany of the Faithful Departed at least once a month".

At the Reformation the celebration of All Souls' Day was fused with All Saints' Day in the Church of England. It was reinstated in certain parishes in connection with the Oxford Movement of the 19th century AD.

O God, the Maker and Redeemer of all believers: Grant to the faithful departed the unsearchable benefits of the passion of your Son; that on the day of his appearing they may be manifested as your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

[globalworship]

Visio Divina with Art of He Qi: Pentecost

During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Church for the Sake of Others (C4SO Anglican diocese) celebrates artist He Qi, who reinterprets sacred art within an ancient Chinese art idiom. His work is a blend of Chinese folk art and traditional painting technique with the iconography of the Western Middle Ages and Modern Art. On each Sunday during May, we have licensed one of He’s paintings to illuminate one of the lectionary readings. We will provide prompts for you to do Visio Divina, or “sacred seeing,” an ancient form of Christian prayer in which we allow our hearts and imaginations to enter into a sacred image to see what God might have to show us.

+++

Painting "The Holy Spirit" by He Qi Lectionary Reading | Sunday, May 23: John 14:8-17 and Acts 2:1-21, "Pentecost" John 14:8-17 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. Acts 2:1-21 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Visio Divina | Prompt Recall when you first experienced the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Gradually become aware of that same Spirit with you and in you right now. Thank God for the gift of his Spirit in your life. Now think of the different names for the Spirit: Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, Guide, etc. Do any of them describe the ways you’ve experienced the Spirit in your life? Recalling those experiences, express gratitude for all the ways in which God has revealed himself to you. As you look at today’s image, what do you notice? Is your eye drawn to the candle’s flames and the fiery doves? What else in this image stirs your imagination and engages you in that first Pentecost moment? Place yourself in the image, knowing that Jesus has also promised you that he “will give you another helper, to be with you forever” and that this helper will “dwell with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17). In what moments of your life has this Spirit been a helper to you? As you look at the image, notice the different locations represented. In Acts, the Spirit fills people from “every nation under heaven” and astonishes them as they hear each other in their native languages. Are there people you have a hard time hearing, understanding and connecting with? Are there people or groups you struggle to love and serve? Ask the Spirit to do His Pentecost work in your life to help you really hear others’ native experiences and find ways to love, serve and advocate for those God brings to mind. After pondering this for a few minutes, think about places where you’ve seen a lack of love and compassion—systems fractured by issues of racism and inequality. Pray that this same Spirit would break down walls of hostility and enable voices and experiences to truly be heard, especially those of the poor and marginalized.

Finally, still your heart, notice your breath, remember that the Spirit is known in that breath, and then ask the Spirit to blow you toward opportunities of love and reconciliation. Ask him to use you as an instrument of His peace and unity.

[atlanticcanada]

Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador affirms same-sex marriage

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. -- The Anglican Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador passed a motion affirming marriage equality at a special synod in St. John's on Saturday.

The diocese announced on Twitter that the motion was passed with 88 per cent of the delegates voting in favour.

"Together we have made the church bigger today," said Bishop Geoff Peddle. "I support this decision and look forward to releasing a pastoral letter to the diocese later this week."

The diocese said there are currently eight Anglican parishes who have formally requested permission from Peddle to perform same-sex marriages and they now have been given permission to proceed.

It said the passing of the motion also affirmed the bishop's authority to allow parishes and congregations that formally request permission to perform same sex marriages to do so.

The diocese includes 35 parishes with over 30,000 members on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula and across most of Labrador.

The Anglican Church of Canada narrowly voted down a proposal to bless same-sex marriage across the denomination at its General Synod in July, however branches of the church in each province are allowed to make up their own minds on same-sex unions.

In his written charge to the synod, Peddle said its work was about the question of "what kind of church we will belong to."

"I see the church as a station along life's journey and I believe that station should be a pretty big and welcoming place where there is room for all," Peddle said.

He noted that the Diocese of Western Newfoundland voted strongly in favour of marriage equality at its synod earlier this month, and that the Diocese of Central Newfoundland will meet in October to make its own decision.

Peddle said that no one will be compelled to act against their conscience on the matter.

"As long as I am bishop I will respect that there is a diversity of viewpoints in our church," he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Sept. 28, 2019.

14:55ET 28-09-19

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/2ntCu42

[castimoniamen]

Men's Event: The Death of Porn with Ray Ortlund

Friday, May 6, 20226:30 PM Saturday, May 7, 202212:30 PMTogether for the City4701 Dickson StreetHouston, TX, 77007United States (map) Join us May 6th and 7th, to hear from pastor Ray Ortlund as he discusses his book The Death of Porn: Men of integrity building a world of nobility.  This event will be hosted by Seven Mile Road, The Anglican Diocese of the Western Gulf Coast and the Simeon…

[anglingbookseller]

A rare, privately printed Canadian salmon work—a fly fishing guide with an emphasis on salmon fishing, including tackle, casting and fishing. A rare, privately printed Canadian salmon work—a fly fishing guide with an emphasis on salmon fishing, including tackle, casting and fishing. ^Cronyn was a a British fighter pilot during WWI. He was involved in the dogfight that claimed the life of German ace, Werner Voss, recepient of the Blue Max. Voss was considered by some to be the one pilot who could match Baron Von Richthofen (Red Baron). Cronyn wrote a letter to his father telling him that his plane had been shot up so badly that it was written off and that he was lucky to be alive. He also wrote that he couldn't sleep that night because of his ordeal. Cronyn wrote of his experience in "Other Days," which he self published in 1976. Cronyn as a part of an illustrious family. His great-grandfather was the first bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Huron. He founded Huron University College which grew into the secularized University of Western Ontario. His maternal grandfather was the founder of John Labatt, Ltd. (Labatt Brewing Company). His brother was the actor Hume Cronyn and his first cousin was the artist Hugh Cronyn. “The author was the Chancellor of the University of Western Ontario. He fished the Restigouche and it is probably that river he refers to in The Fly Leaf. This little book is rare, charming, and very appealing". — From the Charles Wood's "Biobliotheca Salmo Salar.” The first edition was printed in 1959 in slightly larger format and thought to be limited to 25 copies. Not in Bruns

[a-modernmajorgeneral]

Lectionary, in Christianity, a book containing portions of the Bible appointed to be read on particular days of the year. The word is also used for the list of such Scripture lessons. The early Christians adopted the Jewish custom of reading extracts from the Old Testament on the Sabbath. They soon added extracts from the writings of the Apostles and Evangelists, which later would be formalized in the canon of Scripture as the Gospels and epistles. During the 3rd and 4th centuries several systems of lessons were devised for churches of various localities. One of the first attempts for a diocese to fix definite readings for special seasons during the year was made by Musaeus of Marseille in the mid-5th century.

At first, the lessons were marked off in the margins of manuscripts of the Scriptures. Later, special lectionary manuscripts were prepared, containing in proper sequence the appointed passages. The Greek Orthodox Church developed two forms of lectionaries, one (Synaxarion) arranged in accord with the ecclesiastical year and beginning with Pascha (Easter) and the other (Mēnologion) arranged according to the civil year (beginning September 1) and commemorating the festivals of various saints and churches. Other national churches produced similar volumes. Among the Western churches during the medieval period, the ancient usage at Rome prevailed, with its emphasis on Advent.

During the 16th-century Reformation the Lutherans and Anglicans made changes in the Roman Catholic lectionaries. Martin Luther was dissatisfied with the choice of many of the lessons from the epistles in the Roman system, and he included a greater proportion of doctrinal passages. In the Anglican church the first edition of The Book of Common Prayer (1549) assigned for each day a passage of the Old Testament and the New Testament to be read at both the morning and evening services. Nearly all the saints’ days were dropped, and the new system assigned chapters of the Bible to be read consecutively.

In 1963 the Second Vatican Council allowed the introduction of the vernacular in the variable parts of the Roman Catholic liturgy, including the scriptural readings of the mass (the liturgy of the Word). A complete revision of the missal, carried out by a postconciliar commission, resulted in a three-year lectionary known as the Ordo Lectionum Missae (1969). This lectionary is arranged in two cycles, one for Sundays and another for weekdays. The Sunday cycle is divided into three liturgical years, labeled A, B, and C. Each Sunday usually has a reading from the Old Testament, a semicontinuous reading from one of the epistles, and a Gospel reading. Year A mostly features the Gospel According to Matthew; Year B reads through the Gospel According to Mark; and Year C showcases the Gospel According to Luke. The Gospel According to John is read during the Easter season in all three years. After three years the cycle starts over again.

The weekday cycle is divided into two years: Year I (odd-numbered years, such as 2023, 2025, etc.) and Year II (even-numbered years, such as 2024, 2026, etc.); the year of the cycle changes on the first Sunday of Advent. The first reading on weekdays may be taken from the either the Old or the New Testament, and usually a single scriptural book is read semicontinuously until it is finished and then a new book is started. The Gospel readings for both years are the same and are also read semicontinuously, beginning with Mark, then Matthew and Luke. As with the Sunday cycle, the Gospel According to John is read during the Easter season. In addition to the Sunday and weekday cycles, the Roman Catholic lectionary also provides readings for the feasts of major saints, for common celebrations such as Marian feasts, for ritual masses such as weddings and funerals, and for various other needs.

Present-day liturgists in many denominations have been active in revising traditional lectionary systems. Many Protestant churches in the United States and other English-speaking areas use the Revised Common Lectionary (1992). A previous version, the Common Lectionary, was assembled in 1983. Both versions are three-year lectionaries that function similarly to the Roman Catholic system.

pentecost (the descent of the holy spirit upon mary and the apostles in jerusalem)

illustration from a gospel lectionary, constance (?), c. 1470-80

source: St. Gallen, Stiftsbibl., Cod. Sang. 368, p. 44

[christine-sunderland]

March Journal, Rose Sunday, Fourth Sunday in Lent

We are preparing for our yearly Anglican Synod at the end of April, which will be held here in the Bay Area after two years in Redding. It will be good to see old friends and make new ones, and be able to attend some of the local events. Our Diocese of the Western States will share the synod with our neighboring diocese, the Diocese of the Southwestern States, which means seeing more old friends…

[ccesparta]

Other Web Links

The Episcopal Church                   Photos

The Anglican Communion

Diocese of Western NC 

1982 Hymnal        Sing For Joy 

Episcopal Catechism 

Budget    

Balance Sheet     Receipts and Disbursement

Prayers of the People                   Minutes 

Operations

Parish Hall Water Intrusion Mitigation- 2021

Julie Ottesen’s Rememberance

[dioceseofwesternanglicans]

Day of Pentecost (Whitsunday)

O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

[stmaryredcliffe]

This week’s prayers

We pray for the following:

Mon 6th April

Anglican Communion: Meru (Kenya) The Rt Revd Charles Mwendwa West Malaysia (South East Asia) The Most Revd Ng Moon Hing Idaho (The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Brian Thom  

Diocese: Diocesan Ministry Development Team, Director of Ministry Development: Revd Dr Simon Taylor, Revd. Mark Pilgrim, Revd Canon Dr Rod Symmons, Revd. Canon Judy Ashby, Revd Canon Debbie Dewes, Revd Chris Dobson, Ms Claire Eade, Ms Sara Benyon, Revd. Charles Sutton, Ms Mary Witts

Deanery:  Jaqui Keane, Curate, St Pauls and St Aldhelm   

Staff:  The Ministry Team, Dan, Kat, Aggy, Anthony, Peter, Becky     

Church community: The Sisters of the Church and all they help   

Wider local community: Local Hotels                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Tue 7th April

Anglican Communion: Mexico (Mexico) The Rt Revd Carlos Touche-Porter West Tennessee (The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Don Johnson Ideato (Nigeria) The Most Revd Caleb Maduoma  

Diocese: Hannington: St John the Baptist, Vicar: The Revd Geoffrey Sowden     

Deanery:  Aggy Palairet, Curate, St Mary Redcliffe                       

Staff: The Vergers, Matthew, Judith Paul, Sally        

Church community: The Christian Meditation Group  

 Wider local community: The Unemployed

                                                                                                                                                           Wednesday 8th April 

Anglican Communion: Michigan (The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Bonnie Perry West Texas (The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd David Reed   

Diocese: Highworth with Sevenhampton & Inglesham, Vicar: The Revd Geoffrey Sowden             

Deanery: Tim Godden, St Peter’s Bishopwoth & St Oswalds Bedminster Down. Asst Area Dean                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Staff: The Music Department, Andrew, Graham, Claire 

Church community:  All at Jazz in the Undercroft 

Wider local community: The Arc Cafe and all involved

Thursday 9th April (Maundy Thursday)

Anglican Communion: Milwaukee (The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Steven Miller West Virginia (The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Willam Michie Klusmeyer Western Izon (Nigeria) The Rt Revd Edafe Emamezi   

Diocese: Diocesan Governance and Property Team, Head of Governance and Property: Mrs Sally Moody; Property Officer: Emily Fyfe, Property Assistant: Rachel Clarke    

Deanery: Ian Garret, St Cuthberts and St Anne’s, Brislington 

Staff: The Office, Sarah P, Rhys, Heloise, Roseanna 

Church community: Redcliffe Gardening Group

 Wider local community: People who work in our Parish

Friday 10th April (Good Friday)

Anglican Communion: Minna (Nigeria) The Rt Revd Daniel Abu Yisa Western Kansas (The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Michael Milliken                                                                                                

Diocese: Horfield: Holy Trinity, Rector: Revd Canon David McGladdery, Associate Minister: Revd. Hilary Blancharde, LLM: Ms Helen Hinksman, Horfield CE VC Primary School Headteacher: Mrs Jenny Taylor 

Deanery: Andy Schuman, St Christopher’s, Brislington                                                                             

Staff: The Outreach Team Sarah Y, Sarah J, David, Rachel, Phil, Ria, Dionne        

Church community: Toddler Church       

Wider local community: All who are depressed

Saturday 11th April (Easter Eve)

Anglican Communion: Minnesota (The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Brian Prior Western Kowloon (Hong Kong) The Rt Revd Andrew Chan Idoani (Nigeria) The Rt Revd Ezekiel Dahunsi

Diocese: Horfield: St Gregory, Vicar: Revd Canon James Wilson

Deanery: Paul Hunter, St Augustine, Whitchurch  

Staff: The Ministry Team, Dan, Kat, Aggy, Becky   

Church community: The Vicar and his Family                                                                                                                            

Wider local community: Local restaurants and bars

[troybeecham]

Today, the Church remembers All the Faithful Departed. Observing Christians typically remember deceased relatives on the day. In Western Christianity the annual celebration is now held on 2 November and is associated with the season of Allhallowtide, including All Saints' Day (1 November) and its vigil, All Hallows’ Eve (31October).

Orate pro nobis.

In the sixth century, it was customary in Benedictine monasteries to hold a commemoration of the deceased members at Whitsuntide. According to Widukind of Corvey (c. 975 AD), there existed a time-honoured ceremony of praying to the dead on 1 October in Saxony. But it was the day after All Saints' Day that Saint Odilo of Cluny chose when in the 11th century he instituted for all the monasteries dependent on the Abbey of Cluny an annual commemoration of all the faithful departed, to be observed with alms, prayers, and sacrifices for the relief of the suffering souls in purgatory. Odilo decreed that those requesting a Mass be offered for the departed should make an offering for the poor, thus linking almsgiving with fasting and prayer for the dead. From there the 2 November custom spread to other Benedictine monasteries and thence to the Western Church in general. The Diocese of Liège was the first diocese to adopt the practice under Bishop Notger (d. 1008 AD).

In the 15th century the Dominicans instituted a custom of each priest offering three Masses on the Feast of All Souls. During World War I, given the great number of war dead and the many destroyed churches.

In the Anglican Communion, All Souls' Day is known liturgically as the Commemoration of All Faithful Departed, and is an optional observance seen as "an extension of All Saints' Day", the latter of which marks the second day of Allhallowtide. Historically and at present, several Anglican churches are dedicated to All Souls.

During the English Reformation, the observance of All Souls' Day lapsed, although a new Anglican theological understanding of the day has "led to a widespread acceptance of this commemoration among Anglicans".

As such, Anglican parishes "now commemorate all the faithful departed in the context of the All Saints' Day celebration", in keeping with this fresh perspective. Contributing to the revival was the need "to help Anglicans mourn the deaths of millions of soldiers in World War I". Members of the Guild of All Souls, an Anglican devotional society founded in 1873 AD, "are encouraged to pray for the dying and the dead, to participate in a requiem of All Souls' Day and say a Litany of the Faithful Departed at least once a month".

At the Reformation the celebration of All Souls' Day was fused with All Saints' Day in the Church of England. It was reinstated in certain parishes in connection with the Oxford Movement of the 19th century AD.

O God, the Maker and Redeemer of all believers: Grant to the faithful departed the unsearchable benefits of the passion of your Son; that on the day of his appearing they may be manifested as your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.