Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Baptismal Covenant - Wednesdays at Noon

Baptismal Covenant - Wednesdays at Noon



Join our Rector, the Rev. Peter Carey in saying the Baptismal Covenant together at noon today, and each Wednesday at noon.

Click HERE to say the Baptismal Covenant with Peter via YouTube 


The Baptismal Covenant


CelebrantDo you believe in God the Father?
PeopleI believe in God, the Father almighty,
    creator of heaven and earth.
 
CelebrantDo you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
PeopleI believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
    He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
        and born of the Virgin Mary.
    He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
        was crucified, died, and was buried.
    He descended to the dead.
    On the third day he rose again.
    He ascended into heaven,
        and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
 
CelebrantDo you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
PeopleI believe in the Holy Spirit,
    the holy catholic Church,
    the communion of saints,
    the forgiveness of sins,
    the resurrection of the body,
    and the life everlasting.
 
CelebrantWill you continue in the apostles' teaching and
fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the
prayers?
PeopleI will, with God's help.
 
CelebrantWill you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever
you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
PeopleI will, with God's help


CelebrantWill you proclaim by word and example the Good
News of God in Christ?
PeopleI will, with God's help.
 
CelebrantWill you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
your neighbor as yourself?
PeopleI will, with God's help.
 
CelebrantWill you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
PeopleI will, with God's help.

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Church views








7th Sunday after Pentecost

Dear Beloved Parishioners, 
 
Join me today for Morning Prayer and Compline, and also enjoy the wonderful musical offerings from our talented organist, Jonathan Stark.  

Collect for the 7th Sunday after Pentecost

Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our necessities before we ask and our ignorance in asking: Have compassion on our weakness, and mercifully give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask; through the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


Link for Morning Prayer at 10am

https://youtu.be/RBZYBUlml8Q


Musical Offerings from Jonathan Stark

On our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU9NTjXV4ocl0WBliZyYRuQ


Compline service at 7:30

In Christ's Love, 

~Peter+

What does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
    and to walk humbly with your God - Micah 6:8

The Rev. Peter M. Carey, Rector
St. Mary's Episcopal Church - Cathedral Road

Monday, July 13, 2020

13 July 2020 ~ Letter from Bishop Gutierrez

13 July 2020 ~ Letter from Bishop Gutierrez

But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.
2 Corinthians 4:7-12

July 13, 2020

For the past two weeks, Jesus, in our Gospel readings, teaches us about God the loving and great sower. We learn of the importance of good soil and seeds and the evildoers' judgment. We are also gifted with the hope of abundance that occurs through preparation, justice, and faithfulness.

Each one of us at one time has ventured into a garden and attempted to plant new life. Within each seed, God has implanted a unique DNA, which holds the promise of great potential. Yet each seed must not only be nurtured; it must be covered over and transformed in isolation. The shell must be broken open for new life to occur.

In many ways, this is our present reality. We are being planted and broken like those seeds and at the same time the possibility of new life and ministry is developing. Yet, we have to endure the elements as the abundance of life is embedded deep within our faith and heart. As we journey forward, we have once again seen evil manifest itself through racism, murder, and hate. And at times it may feel like that evil threatens to overwhelm us. Yet we do not despair. We step forward because we have within our souls the ability to endure, overcome, and bring new life to the world. We do so because God has implanted the same sacred and unique potential that was present in Jesus Christ into our souls. Thus, the passage from Paul takes on greater clarity. We are afflicted and not crushed, perplexed but not despairing, persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed.

Now more than ever, amid this endless year, we must reflect on the Body of Christ's strength. God is always most present in the simple and mundane. In the presence of family and friends, on the way to work, working through your faith to find ways to combat injustice, sacredly listening, or sitting at home while holding the health of our siblings up in prayer. As we do this, we must constantly reflect and ask ourselves how do our words and actions demonstrate to a skeptical world that we believe what we proclaim and are truly disciples of Jesus Christ? This is often far more difficult than responding in the ways of the world.

This is also a time to take care of yourself. We have a long path ahead as we deal with COVID and the sin of racism. Check on one another, take care of one another, and love one another. If you feel you are at a breaking point, there is no shame in seeking professional help. We need one another, united in Christ, to walk this path with strength so that Jesus will be visible in our bodies.

Dismantling White Supremacy, Racism and Injustice
I have committed that the presence of racism, hate, and white supremacy, both in us as individuals and as present in our culture and legal structures, is the cross that our diocese will carry. Each month I will keep this at the forefront of our diocesan conversations. We cannot allow the "next" news cycle or a short memory to distract us from the necessity of our call to step into this pain and face this sin.

As a diocese, we cannot speak of healing unless we fully enter into and understand the pain that has occurred. Our work will be long, painful, and honest. The Loving Presence group –a dedicated group of clergy - is developing a covenant as well as short, medium and long-term goals. In a few weeks, they will be expanding the membership so that the laity can build upon their initial work. This ministry is working hand in hand with the Anti-Racism Commission and the Absalom Jones Committee. If we are ever to truly dismantle the sin of white supremacy and systemic racism, we must have a revolution of the heart as a people and as a church. 

COVID
We are currently in the Yellow Phase of our slow re-entry back into in-person worship. I must reiterate that the safest option is always not to gather in-person. For those churches who have prayerfully discerned to wait; we support you. We have seen cases rise exponentially throughout the country, and I will not risk one life in our diocese.  Never fear, God is always present.

There may be some who still believe that we are conservative in our approach. I want to share a story that recently occurred in our diocese. One of our churches was carefully following all of the protocols. One of their parishioners was not feeling well on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, the parishioner seemed to recover and decided to attend the Sunday service. The next day, the parishioner was confirmed positive for COVID. The church subsequently had to suspend worship for three weeks, follow the contact tracing protocols and instruct everyone in attendance to be tested. In the meantime, they were also advised to self-isolate.

Churches are now identified as one of the primary spreaders.  As we continue to discern the most faithful way forward, we are constantly in communication with local government and health officials and our decisions are made with the latest factual information. I will be reviewing the numbers and will decide if we will continue in the Yellow Phase. We will inform the diocese on July 23. I would also like all of us to be prepared for a potential spike in the fall. If that occurs, we will revert to the Red Phase. We have faith and put our trust in God; however, we are taking no chances with the lives of the faithful of this beloved diocese.

Finally, please encourage your clergy to take time to recharge, rest and take vacation. They have been working endlessly during this time caring for you and the church. Although our journey is a marathon, they have been running it like a sprint. 

I pray for you, I love you deeply, and we will be stronger as a church. God is with us, and the Risen Christ is present with us as we grow. Be not afraid. God brings forth the potential of the seeds he planted with in us. And if we press on in faith, we will yield a harvest of love that will transform our world.  

Your brother in Christ,
Bishop Daniel


     
Connect with us on social media

Sunday, July 12, 2020

6th Sunday after Pentecost


Dear Beloved Parishioners, 

I miss you all, and want you to know that you are in my daily prayers.  
 
Join me today for Morning Prayer and Compline, and also enjoy the wonderful musical offerings from our talented organist, Jonathan Stark.  

Collect for the 6th Sunday after Pentecost

O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.



Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


Link for Morning Prayer at 10am

https://youtu.be/6230vsh5LOM


Musical Offerings from Jonathan Stark

On our YouTube Channel:

https://youtu.be/8w4lqgMKXv0


Compline service at 7:30

In Christ's Love, 

~Peter+

What does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
    and to walk humbly with your God - Micah 6:8




Thursday, July 9, 2020

The Prayer of Saint Patrick




The Prayer of Saint Patrick

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through a belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation.
I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth and His baptism,
Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial,
Through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension,
Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In service of archangels,
In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In the prayers of patriarchs,
In preachings of the apostles,
In faiths of confessors,
In innocence of virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
From snares of the devil,
From temptations of vices,
From every one who desires me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a multitude.
I summon today all these powers between me and evil,
Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom,
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of women and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.
Christ shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that reward may come to me in abundance.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through a belief in the Threeness,
Through a confession of the Oneness
Of the Creator of creation.


St. Patrick of Ireland (fifth century)

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Baptismal Covenant - Wednesdays at Noon

Baptismal Covenant - Wednesdays at Noon



Join our Rector, the Rev. Peter Carey in saying the Baptismal Covenant together at noon today, and each Wednesday at noon.

Click HERE to say the Baptismal Covenant with Peter via YouTube 


The Baptismal Covenant


CelebrantDo you believe in God the Father?
PeopleI believe in God, the Father almighty,
    creator of heaven and earth.
 
CelebrantDo you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
PeopleI believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
    He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
        and born of the Virgin Mary.
    He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
        was crucified, died, and was buried.
    He descended to the dead.
    On the third day he rose again.
    He ascended into heaven,
        and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
 
CelebrantDo you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
PeopleI believe in the Holy Spirit,
    the holy catholic Church,
    the communion of saints,
    the forgiveness of sins,
    the resurrection of the body,
    and the life everlasting.
 
CelebrantWill you continue in the apostles' teaching and
fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the
prayers?
PeopleI will, with God's help.
 
CelebrantWill you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever
you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
PeopleI will, with God's help


CelebrantWill you proclaim by word and example the Good
News of God in Christ?
PeopleI will, with God's help.
 
CelebrantWill you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
your neighbor as yourself?
PeopleI will, with God's help.
 
CelebrantWill you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
PeopleI will, with God's help.

Saturday, July 4, 2020

A part of the main






For Whom the Bell Tolls
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend’s were.
Each man’s death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.

John Donne (1572–1631)

Friday, July 3, 2020

My soul in silence waits



Psalm: 62
          1 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
          from him comes my salvation.
          2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, *
          my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.
          3 How long will you assail me to crush me, 
all of you together, *
          as if you were a leaning fence, a toppling wall?
          4 They seek only to bring me down from my place of honor; *
          lies are their chief delight.
          5 They bless with their lips, *
          but in their hearts they curse.
          6 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *
          truly, my hope is in him.
          7 He alone is my rock and my salvation, *
          my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.
          8 In God is my safety and my honor; *
          God is my strong rock and my refuge.
          9 Put your trust in him always, O people, *
          pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.
          10 Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, *
          even those of low estate cannot be trusted.
          11 On the scales they are lighter than a breath, *
          all of them together.
          12 Put no trust in extortion; in robbery take no empty pride; *
          though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.
          13 God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, *
          that power belongs to God.
          14 Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, *
          for you repay everyone according to his deeds.

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Join the Bishop this Sunday at 9 a.m. online for Eucharist and Sermon

Join the Bishop this Sunday at 9 a.m. online for Eucharist and Sermon 

Join the Bishop this Sunday at 9 a.m. on the Diocesan Facebook page/YouTube channel for Eucharist and a sermon on putting God at the center of our lives.

Our foundation is Jesus Christ


1 Corinthians 3:11–23

No one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; 

that foundation is Jesus Christ. 

Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw-- 

the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, 

because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. 

If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward. 

If the work is burned up, the builder will suffer loss; the builder will be saved, 

but only as through fire.

Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? 

If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person. 

For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Do not deceive yourselves. 

If you think that you are wise in this age, 

you should become fools so that you may become wise. 

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written,

"He catches the wise in their craftiness,"

and again,

"The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."

So let no one boast about human leaders. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future-- all belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Baptismal Covenant - Wednesdays at Noon

Baptismal Covenant - Wednesdays at Noon



Join our Rector, the Rev. Peter Carey in saying the Baptismal Covenant together at noon today, and each Wednesday at noon.

Click HERE to say the Baptismal Covenant with Peter via YouTube 


The Baptismal Covenant


CelebrantDo you believe in God the Father?
PeopleI believe in God, the Father almighty,
    creator of heaven and earth.
CelebrantDo you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
PeopleI believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
    He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
        and born of the Virgin Mary.
    He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
        was crucified, died, and was buried.
    He descended to the dead.
    On the third day he rose again.
    He ascended into heaven,
        and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
CelebrantDo you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
PeopleI believe in the Holy Spirit,
    the holy catholic Church,
    the communion of saints,
    the forgiveness of sins,
    the resurrection of the body,
    and the life everlasting.
CelebrantWill you continue in the apostles' teaching and
fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the
prayers?
PeopleI will, with God's help.
CelebrantWill you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever
you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
PeopleI will, with God's help


CelebrantWill you proclaim by word and example the Good
News of God in Christ?
PeopleI will, with God's help.
CelebrantWill you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
your neighbor as yourself?
PeopleI will, with God's help.
CelebrantWill you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
PeopleI will, with God's help.