Friday, June 22, 2012

Church Beyond the Walls

One of the current concerns in the life of the Church is finding ways to get "beyond the walls", out into the world outside our doors. Congratulations to S. Stephen's, Providence, for finding a way to do that - and with a brass band, no less! The Saturday after Corpus Christi brought a Solemn High Mass, followed by a procession outside, complete with monstrance, canopy, and the aforementioned brass band leading us in hymns. One of many ways to make Christ known in the world.
photo by Karen Vorbeck Williams

Thursday, June 21, 2012

We're back

It's been a while since there was a new post on the blog, but we're back and ready to go. General Convention is coming soon, and we'll be posting regularly as Convention progresses. Stay tuned!

Sunday, January 29, 2012

A new approach to Benediction

Check out this approach to evangelism.





h/t to Jennifer Phillips

Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas @ St. Paul's

Christmas Eve

Holy Eucharist at 5:00 pm
with the St. Nicholas and Handbell Choirs

Preludial Music at 10:30 pm

Holy Eucharist at 11:00 pm
with the St. Paul Choir


Christmas Day

Holy Eucharist at 8:00 am and 10:00 am


Sunday January 1: Holy Name

Holy Eucharist at 8:00 am and 10:00 am


Friday, January 6: The Epiphany

Potluck Supper, Epiphany Pageant and Holy Eucharist
6:00 pm

Thursday, December 8, 2011

To Tree or not to Tree: That is the question


We have, in Rhode Island, recently been subjected to what would be laughable if it were not so sad. As the Occupy Providence movement raises deep questions about economic disparities, power inequalities, and the breaking down of community; as foreclosure and unemployment rates continue to be unacceptable; as the homeless shelters in the state, including ours at St. Paul’s, are oversubscribed; as we hear, just a couple of Sundays ago, that the criterion for the final judgment will be did you respond to the needs of those who are the “least of these” in our society – we have been launched, not only by talk show hosts and letters to the editor, but even by religious leaders, into a passionate debate about what to call a tree. Yes, apparently the really important concern is what to call chopped down trees covered with lights and ornaments. The tired old canard of the “war against Christmas” has raised its mitered head.

Is it not time for the church to look no longer to the state (especially the state of Roger Williams) to prop up religious observances? Certainly, let us raise up Christmas trees – in the homes and churches of Christians (after Advent, of course). Let our children learn Christmas carols – in the liturgy and in formation programs, not in the government schools. And above all, let us celebrate the birth of the Messiah with a focus on what is truly important: the redeeming love and grace of God that becomes flesh to share and transform our lives, and in turn calls us to transform the world.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Advent Lessons & Carols




Join us
Sunday, December 4, 2011
5:00 pm

Scripture readings and music for the season of Advent

a reception follows

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Join us for Taize Prayer



Taize Prayer
Sunday, November 20, 2011
5:00 pm
a simple reception follows