Dear Friends,
Knowing I’ll be asked, I’ll answer the question now. Yes, I did watch Queen Elizabeth’s funeral early on Monday morning. While I’m sure there were Episcopal priests who did not tune in, this one enjoys watching high-quality liturgy featuring choral music sung by an outstanding choir in a historic and transcendent building.
I will also confess to a lifelong enjoyment of grand state occasions. I’m not much into the royal weddings. But give me a presidential inauguration, royal coronation, episcopal consecration or a state funeral, and I am all in. While I do recognize that there are dark sides to the imperial splendor of the Queen’s funeral (the British Empire exacted a tragic and dehumanizing cost on millions of people), I can’t help but appreciate the way a nation can honor someone who has been a stable and consistent presence for multiple generations.
There were two moments during the funeral I found particularly moving. One came near the end, immediately after the playing of the "Last Post" (the British version of "Taps"). Everyone in Westminster Abbey, and countless others throughout the United Kingdom, stood silently for two minutes. Not the “moment of silence” we Americans like to observe. Two full minutes. Say what you will about the relevance of monarchy. Seeing the images on television of thousands and thousands of people standing still and silent for a woman who served them for 70 years was extraordinary. They stood in silence not because she had any real power, but because she lived with authority and integrity.
The second moment came earlier in the funeral at the conclusion of the prayers read by various church and political leaders. The final collect was a prayer written by John Donne (1572-1631), the English poet and priest best known today for writing “No man is an island entirely of itself. Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.”
Bring us, O Lord God, at our last awakening into the house and gate of heaven, to enter into that gate and dwell in that house, where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light; no noise nor silence, but one equal music; no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession; no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity: in the habitations of thy majesty and glory, world without end. Amen.
This is not a prayer for a queen. It is a prayer for all of us. Strip away the grandeur of Westminster Abbey. Take away the traditional dress uniforms of the military personnel. Leave the fancy clerical vestments in their closets. Silence the choir singing transcendent music. Remove the imperial crown, orb and scepter from the casket. And all we’re left with is Elizabeth, a child of God who is offered the same promise you and I receive by the grace and love of God in Christ: one equal light, one equal music, one equal possession and one equal eternity.
Your Friend in Christ,
Rector
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ALL-PARISH COFFEE HOUR - WIN CAKE!
Sunday, September 25, 10:15-11 a.m.
All ages are encouraged to meet and greet each other over coffee and snacks. Enjoy classic games with an array of cakes as prizes – card games, puzzles, Chinese Checkers and Mancala.
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CHORAL MATTINS
Sunday, September 25, 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary
Join us for the morning version of Choral Evensong, with sung responses, canticles, sung psalms and an anthem. This service features St. Paul's Choir singing the music of John Ireland, Herbert Sumsion, Craig Phillips, Jester Hairston and Margaret Burk. Choral Mattins is bi-weekly, occurring next on Sunday, October 9.
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TUESDAY STUDY GROUP - NEW BOOK
Starting September 27, the group will begin studying Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul. Author John Philip Newell shares the tradition of Celtic Christianity, explaining how this earth-based spirituality can help us rediscover the natural rhythms of life and deepen our spiritual connection with God, each other and the earth. Embracing the wisdom of Celtic Christianity, we can learn how to listen to the sacred and see the divine in all of creation and within each of us. All are invited to join the conversation, regardless of reading the book. Questions, contact Larry Johnson. Click below to purchase the book.
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MEN'S CIRCLE COUNCIL AND FELLOWSHIP MEETING
Thursday, September 29, 7-8:30 p.m., Youth Lounge (first floor, Parish Center Building)
Join with men transforming men through Christian spirituality, based on contemplative practices as taught by Fr. Richard Rohr. Plan to meet on the fourth Thursday of each month to focus on the wisdom traditions of forgiveness and radical inclusivity. Contact George Slenski below (or tel. 937.241.5556) with interest or questions.
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SACRED GROUND DIALOGUE SERIES
Sacred Ground is open to all and is a great opportunity to learn about the history of race and racism in America, about ourselves, our stories and our local context. This film and reading-based series begins Oct 3 with a potluck dinner at St. Paul’s. The group then meets from 7-8:30 p.m. via Zoom on Oct 10, 24; Nov 7; Dec 5 & (in person) Dec 12. Questions, contact Laurie Pierce or the Rev. Patrick Burke. Learn more and register below:
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CHORAL EVENSONG
Sunday, October 9, 4 p.m., Sanctuary
St. Paul's Choir sings a service of Evensong featuring music by Kenneth Leighton, Margaret Burk, John Sheppard and Healey Willan. Stay for a post-Evensong recital given by a current organ student at Jacobs School of Music: Indiana University Bloomington.
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ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASS
Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows is planning to offer the sacrament of confirmation during her visit to St. Paul's on Sunday, January 22, 2023. Persons interested in confirmation are required to complete a series of classes (schedule below). Baptized adults of all ages who are interested in confirmation are invited to sign up below. Questions, please contact The Rev. Barbara Kempf.
Class schedule:
- Sundays, October 23, November 6 & 20, December 4 and January 15. Classes will occur after the 11:15 a.m. worship service and will last approximately 75 minutes.
Any youth interested in confirmation, please contact Laurie Pierce.
Learn more about the sacrament of confirmation in the Episcopal Church here.
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CHORAL "SPOOKENSONG"
Thursday, October 27, 6 p.m., Sanctuary
St. Paul's treble and teen singers combine with the choir of Christ Church Cathedral in a mid-week service of Choral Evensong in Halloween costumes, including music that is — in turns — dark and stormy, and lighthearted. Featuring music of Peter Nardone, Herbert Howells, Charles Stanford and Maurice Duruflé.
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TGIF EVENT: CRAINE HOUSE BINGO FUNDRAISER
Support Craine House by playing BINGO at this fun event. The cost is $50/person and includes a taco buffet dinner, two drinks and six rounds of BINGO, Contact Barb MacDougall below for tickets.
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