Sunday, June 7, 2009

Trinity Sunday


This is Trinity Sunday. Of the 7 major festivals of the church, three come in successive Sundays: Sunday after the Ascension, Pentecost, and Trinity Sunday. The other four, Easter, Christmas, All Saints and the Epiphany, get spread out over many months.

To emphasize the importance of these days, the church seating has been rearranged. The congregation processes in and sits in rows of seats facing each other during the ministry of the word, that is, for the readings from scripture, the prayers of the people, and the sermon.


After the passing of the peace, the congregation moves forward closer to the sanctuary and celebrates the Eucharist. Please excuse the music stands in the foreground as I sit with the choir where I add a drum to the guitars, piano, and singing.


The celebration of the Eucharist is always the highlight of an Episcopal (Anglican) service. Different denominations use different names for this sacrament depending on their custom. For Roman Catholics it is the Mass, for many protestant churches it is Holy Communion, or the Lord's Supper. We Episcopalians consider ourselves to be Anglo-catholic, as we have retained the liturgy and many of the customs and practices of the Catholic church, yet we are also protestants. Confusing? We consider that we have the best of both worlds.


Before the service this morning the congregation gathered in the cloister garden just off the narthex. The garden has recently been renovated and the pool and fountain redone. This beautiful addition the the church was due to the generous efforts of Carl and Kathryn Melnick. The garden was blessed by Fr. Rick Brewer then the congregation processed into the building.

5 comments:

vicky said... [Reply to comment]

What wonderful pictures!!! Thank you so much for sending them to me. I appreciate it so much!

You are absolutely right...we Anglo-Catholics do have the best of both worlds. We are very lucky and I feel so blessed and lucky to be a part of Christ Church Episcopal and have all of you as a part of my family. Thank you for all you do and for all you are. Blessings,
Vicky

Linda Paul said... [Reply to comment]

Looks great Bill! We are a lucky bunch of people to have so many who care about each other, and who care about having fellowship, Sunday after Sunday. I'm especially blessed by being not only a Deacon at Christ Church, but being on the Music Team Ministry with you Bill. You play a mean African Drum, and it adds so much to our worship!

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

Vicky - I see from your profile that you edit a Christ Church Chronicle blog. I tried to look at it but it seems that I need to me invited. Could you invite me please?

Elleona said... [Reply to comment]

Bonjour Bill.

Votre foi est admirable et votre présence à l'église d'une fidélité absolue !
La vieille Europe a un peu perdu de cette piété...
Bisous.

Sunshine said... [Reply to comment]

Being Catholic, I have ti agree with you. You do have the best of both worlds, but I still wouldn't give up mine even if someone paid me to. What a lovely entry!