SAINT PAUL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
"A Jubilee Ministry Center"
P.O. Box 96
340 Locust Street, Columbia, PA‚ 17512-0096
717-684-8496
717-684-2560 (fax)
In the name of Christ, we offer you welcome to our church. May those who sorrow find comfort; the weary, rest; the troubled, peace; the stranger, friends; the unhappy, joy; and to all, the sense of God's presence in this Holy Place.
Please note that the next scheduled times for Baptism are the Celebration of the Easter Vigil (April 3), Easter Sunday (April 4), Pentecost (May 23), and when the bishop visits (June 6). Please call the parish office (717-684-8496) to schedule a meeting of the parents and, if possible, the godparents, with the Rector.
December 2009 - January - February 2010
Rector's Note:
Who are we as Episcopalians? Do we have an identity? Is there some common connection that we have to other Episcopalians? Too often we are defined by an ill-informed media. We are the "gay" church! We are the church in schism! We are divided between those on the left and the right - the liberals and the conservatives! These are identities given to us by those on the outside who know little, and care less, about us as a people - as a People of God.
I have just finished reading Around One Table: Exploring Episcopal Identity. This study was collaboratively sponsored by the College for Bishops and the CREDO Institute. The study states in its introduction that, "The health and well-being of organizations and their members - as well as their capacity to engage in God's mission - depend on clear and shared understandings of identiy." (Page 1 - Summary). The study surveyed and / or interviewed a combination of over 2,600 Episcopalians including bishops, active and retired clergy, deputies to General Convention, and laity from 414 congregations.
The study is entitled Gathering Around One Table because "Episcopalians believe that a fundamental way to discover one another, and themselves, is around a common Table. At table for Eucharist, they share in receiving Christ's presence, are knit together as Christ's body, and witness Christ in one another. At table in each other's homes, they share the warmth of Godly hospitality and learn of each other's lives. Gathered at one table for vestries, councils, and ministries, they discuss, aruge, decide, and assess. In doing so, they bring their passions, gifts, and fallibilities to bear on the life and work of the Church." (Page 3 - Summary).
The study identifies 23 identity themes. Of these 23 identity themes 6 were found to be Core Identity Themes. They are Christ-centered; Sacramental; Formed by the Book of Common Prayer; Incarnational; Scriptural; and Pastoral. "The most important theme for early all leaders and members of the Episcopal Church was a sense of identity rooted in and focused on Christ." (Page 7 - Summary). This is a key identity theme among Episcopalians. "Episcopal leaders and members almost unanimously rated sacramental as absolutely central, distinctive, and enduring to Episcopal identity." (Page 8 - Summary).
"Another identity theme nearly universally identified as highly important as the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). The BCP is a central, enduring, and distinctive image of what it means to be Episcopalian. Like earlier English and American prayer books and the other prayer books used in the Anglican Communion the BCP is rooted in and based on scripture. For many, it embodies an Episcopal theology: continuous but changing, unique and comprehensive." (Page 9 - Summary). Episcopalians point to a particularly strong emphasis on the incarnation of Christ. In this, Episcopalians are somewhat unique among Protestants and find closer kinship with Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox in their understanding that in Christ, God and humanity have been joined inseparably." (Page 9 - Summary).
"Episcopalians regard Scripture as highly important to their Church's identity. Episcopalians embrace the distinctive early Anglican heritage of presenting scripture to the people, in the language of the people. Further, clergy and laity often claim that people hear more scripture every week in the worship of the Episcopal Church than in other Protestant churches. In the Anglican emphasis on scripture, reason, and tradition, Episcopalians rated scripture as most important.: (Page 10 - Summary). "At its most basic, a pastoral perscptective includes a deep, empathic appreciation of the full humanity of any person. It recognizes that any decisions made and counsel offered with individuals and local communities must take into account the real spiritual and physical needs, assets, and strengths of the people involved." (Page 11 - Summary).
Around One Table: Exploring Episcopal Identity is a fascinating read. In your mailboxes, I have given each of you a copy of the study along with this issue of Good News. (Note: If those of you who are reading this letter on-line would like a copy of the study, please e-mail me at jpp001@earthlink.net and I will send you a copy.) I urge you to read through it. As I reflect on the results of this study I can see of reflections of it in our common life together here at Saint Paul's. We are not defined by the media or the "sound-bite" kings and queens. We are a faith community that has Christ as our center, being nourished by both Word and Sacrament, praying a common prayer, knowing that we were, and are, so loved that God became one with us in Jesus. All this formed in the pastoral relationships that have existed for over 160 years in our community.
Don't let others define who we are. Don't let htose who know little of who we are, tell us who we are. This study Around One Table: Exploring Episcopal Identity asks us who we are and the answers are centered in Christ and focused on mission and ministry. I hope that you will take the time to read the study, ask questions, and talk with one another and with me.
Patrick+
If you are a member of Saint Paul's, we hope that you find this web site useful and helpful to keep up-to-date with what is going on in the parish. If you are a non-member, we hope that our web site will entice you to come and pray with us and find out what really makes Saint Paul's such a great place - it's warm and loving people. If you are searching for a church, we hope that you will join us on our faith journey.
If you have a pastoral need, whether or not you are a member of Saint Paul's, do not hesitate to contact us and let us help you in any way that we can. If you would like the Rector to visit you, or would like a home communion / visit please call us and let us know. If you or a loved one are in the hospital, please call us so that we can come and pray with you or your loved one.
We welcome comments and feedback on our web site. If you have suggestions for parish activities or programs, please let us know.
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