As with the Bible, lowercase “the” and title case Book of Common Prayer.

As with the Bible, lowercase “the” and title case Book of Common Prayer.

Below, find prayers written by members of The Episcopal Church’s Public Policy, Partnership, and Witness Division in collaboration with other Church Center departments. Episcopalians are invited to share and speak these prayers in congregations, small groups, and individually.  Join us each week as we share new prayers for the vulnerable among us facing challenges, fears,…

By Heather Melton, UTO Staff Officer Did you know that historically All Saints’ Day was one of the two days designated for the UTO Ingathering (the other being Ascension Day)? While it has fallen out of fashion for the Ingathering, it is still a great day for practicing gratitude. For many congregations, All Saints’ Day…

Avoid unnecessary capitals; there is an institutional tendency to overuse capitals to indicate prominence or significance. Standard publication guidance for what and when to capitalize: Guidance for when to capitalize and lowercase certain terms: Guidance for religious references:

See the categories below for guidance on clergy, composition, event, and formal titles. clergy and religious titles: The first reference to a clergy member (bishop, priest, or deacon) normally should include a capitalized title before the individual’s first and last names. On second reference, use only a last name.  See also Associated Press Style Guide, Guide to Rules…

See the categories below for guidance on clergy, composition, event, and formal titles. clergy and religious titles: The first reference to a clergy member (bishop, priest, or deacon) normally should include a capitalized title before the individual’s first and last names. On second reference, use only a last name.  See also Associated Press Style Guide, Guide to Rules…

RCL: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46 Opening Prayer | Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy…

In citations, abbreviate “page” as p., and “pages” as pp.: (Book of Common Prayer, pp. 206-207). (Chicago style)

The United Thank Offering Board announces the opening of its 2027 annual grants process, with a focus on projects that seek to connect churches, dioceses, and provinces with the unique needs of their local communities. Applicants for this round are asked to observe three deadlines to complete the process: Dec. 4, Jan. 8, and Feb. 5.

RCL: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46 Opening Prayer | Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid,…

If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, “My foot is slipping,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. (Psalm 94:17-19)  Join us each week as we share new prayers for the…

RCL: Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106: 1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14 Opening Prayer |  Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen….

The Way of Love Photo: David Rider The Way of Love is a way of life. More than a program or curriculum, it is an intentional commitment to a set of practices. It’s a commitment to follow Jesus: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest. The Big Way of Love for Kids The Big Way…

If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, “My foot is slipping,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. (Psalm 94:17-19)  Join us each week as we share new prayers for the…

[RCL] Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46 Children learn at an early age to measure success by how well they succeed at tests. You are taught to study hard and to engage in class discussions along the way, seeking the necessary insights to excel in your coursework. But often there is…

[RCL] Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22 Paul’s letter to the church in Thessaloniki is believed to be the first of his surviving letters to be included in the Bible. This makes it the earliest existing example of Christian writing about Jesus and the emerging community of his followers. Evidence in the…

[RCL] Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14 It’s possible that the “weeping and gnashing of teeth” referred to at the end of this parable is being performed by anybody who has to preach on this Gospel passage this morning. The kingdom of heaven is like … a king with anger issues, a…

[RCL] Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14 It’s possible that the “weeping and gnashing of teeth” referred to at the end of this parable is being performed by anybody who has to preach on this Gospel passage this morning. The kingdom of heaven is like … a king with anger issues, a…

[RCL] Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22 Paul’s letter to the church in Thessaloniki is believed to be the first of his surviving letters to be included in the Bible. This makes it the earliest existing example of Christian writing about Jesus and the emerging community of his followers. Evidence in the…

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe Photo: Cassandra Reese The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe was elected the 28th presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church in June 2024 and took office on Nov. 1 for a nine-year term. Known for his expertise in organizational learning and adaptive change, Bishop Rowe is committed to strengthening support for local…

The Book of Common Prayer is a volume that contains the core worship and devotional texts of The Episcopal Church, along with other important resources. The word “common” in the title does not mean “ordinary” but “enjoyed by all.” Each church in the Anglican tradition worships according to a book of common prayer, which provides them with a…

Welcome Welcome to The Episcopal Church (virtual) Undercroft! We know that much of the real work of parish life gets done in basements, coffee hours, and other unofficial settings, and we have gathered and named this content in honor of those spaces. These resources are primarily intended for those active in church work—governance, leadership formation, communications, stewardship, and much more—to assist you with your ministry. Not finding what you are…

From their final grant report Note: We’re sharing this story today because the grant recipient really understands the beauty of UTO. Even though we will likely never meet in person, our thank offerings are impacting an entire community, and for that, we all give thanks together. Did this project change how you see gratitude? Yes….

The Episcopal Church’s liturgical and devotional containing some, but not all, of the texts authorized by General Convention. See Episcopal Common Prayer, the church’s official liturgical website.

Last updated July 2026 by the Office of Public Affairs. The Episcopal Church writing style guide is a reference tool intended to provide professional guidance, consistency, and clarity in church-related publications, including newsletters, press releases, website copy, email announcements, video text, and other printed materials. The guide is designed especially for use by Episcopal Church…

[RCL]: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20 Today’s Gospel reading merits a bit of investigation—it needs to be mined to find the gold.                                                                First of all, some notes about the text.  This passage appears only in Matthew—and it’s only in Matthew that we hear Jesus use the word “church”—so it probably holds a bit…

The Episcopal Church’s liturgical and devotional containing some, but not all, of the texts authorized by General Convention. See Episcopal Common Prayer, the church’s official liturgical website.

[RCL] Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32 Someone with a lot of time on their hands once estimated that during his ministry, Jesus asked 307 questions, was asked 183 questions by others, and gave direct answers to only three questions. John the Baptist asks Jesus early on in his ministry, “Are you…

[RCL]: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11,20-21; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35 Peter asks Jesus about the number of times we must forgive. We know from our Gospel stories that Peter was very human and made lots of mistakes. He had a tendency to blurt things out and wear his heart on his sleeve. In…

[RCL]: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20 Today’s Gospel reading merits a bit of investigation—it needs to be mined to find the gold.                                                                First of all, some notes about the text.  This passage appears only in Matthew—and it’s only in Matthew that we hear Jesus use the word “church”—so it probably holds a bit…

Baptismal Covenant “Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 292). A mini catechism used at baptisms and on Easter and other special occasions, the Baptismal Covenant opens with a question-and-answer version of the statement of faith that is the Apostles’ Creed and adds…

Last updated July 2026 by the Office of Public Affairs. The Episcopal Church writing style guide is a reference tool intended to provide professional guidance, consistency, and clarity in church-related publications, including newsletters, press releases, website copy, email announcements, video text, and other printed materials. The guide is designed especially for use by Episcopal Church…

Use quotation marks around book titles. Exceptions: the Bible and other holy books (Quran, Torah), the Book of Common Prayer, and reference…

In citations, abbreviate “page” as p., and “pages” as pp.: (Book of Common Prayer, pp. 206-207). (Chicago style)

Use quotation marks around book titles. Exceptions: the Bible and other holy books (Quran, Torah), the Book of Common Prayer, and reference…

ANGLICAN COMMUNION: Churches around the world that are in communion with each other and with the See of Canterbury, (i.e., Church of England) and that hold the same faith, order, and worship. According to the Anglican Consultative Council, the Anglican Communion is composed of 38 autonomous churches together with a small group of extra-provincial dioceses…

The Episcopal Church, its History and its long Heritage The Episcopal Church boasts a long history. The Episcopal Church, a hierarchical church, traces its heritage to the beginnings of Christianity. The Episcopal Church is an independent church which is a constituent member of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Its origin is in the planting of the…

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has urged Episcopalians to observe Sunday, August 17, as a day of prayer for those in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East living in fear of their lives, livelihoods, and ways of living and believing.   Her call for prayer is in response to violence in Iraq that has…

[RCL]: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11,20-21; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35 Peter asks Jesus about the number of times we must forgive. We know from our Gospel stories that Peter was very human and made lots of mistakes. He had a tendency to blurt things out and wear his heart on his sleeve. In…

The Episcopal Church Office of Communication is offering live webcasts of Good Friday and Sunday Easter Services from the Cathedral Church of St. Mark’s in Salt Lake City (Diocese of Utah).  All will be available at no fee at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/live-demand-worship “Live webcasting services from the Cathedral of St Mark’s in Salt Lake City provides our…

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has joined other religious leaders from the National Council of Churches in calling for a commitment of daily prayers for the President, Vice-President, United States Congress and elected officials beginning January 3 until January 21. January 3 is the first day of the new Congress; January 21 is…

World Mission Sunday is March 2 in The Episcopal Church. Traditionally celebrated on the last Sunday after Epiphany, the purpose of World Mission Sunday is to focus on the global impact of the Baptismal Covenant’s call to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 305), and to raise our awareness…

The Episcopal Church Office of Communication offers ways to observe Good Friday and celebrate Easter with two seasonal liturgical programs. On Good Friday, April 2, the penitential Stations of the Cross will be available online at www.episcopalchurch.org/stations beginning Good Friday, April 2. Originating from St. Mary The Virgin Episcopal Church in New York City, Stations…

As mandated in General Convention 2009 Resolution A096, The Episcopal Church Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music (SCLM) is soliciting views, opinions and feedback on Holy Women, Holy Men, a major revision of Lesser Feasts and Fasts. The Rev. Ruth Meyers, Ph.D., Hodges-Haynes Professor of Liturgics at Church Divinity School of the Pacific and SCLM…

The Episcopal Church Office of Black Ministries has issued a free Lenten Study Resource designed to invite all ages to participate in the reflective nature of Lent. The Lenten Study Resource, “Fill Me, Use Me…for the Work of Ministry” is available here http://www.episcopalchurch.org/black “The Lenten Study Resource has been designed upon the foundation of faith…

The Episcopal Church Office of Communication will air two seasonal liturgical programs: the penitential Stations of the Cross on Good Friday and a live festive Easter morning service. Stations of the Cross will be available online at www.episcopalchurch.org/stations beginning Good Friday, April 2. Originating from St. Mary The Virgin Episcopal Church in New York City,…

The Holy Scriptures are replete with references to the Savior’s healing ministry. In obedience to the Lord’s command to tend the sick, the Church has long committed itself to improving the health of people through a wide variety of ministries and means, from running hospitals and nursing facilities to engaging in advocacy on health policy….

For the Episcopal Church Office of Communication, 2013 was a remarkable year. “The year 2013 showed continued dramatic growth in audiences for all of our digital publications, our website and our social media outlets,” noted Anne Rudig, Director of Communication.  Our internal and external media relations efforts yielded some significant placements and much expanded activity.”…

 The Episcopal Church website – www.episcopalchurch.org – has undergone a complete transformation and redesign into a welcoming, eye-appealing, easy-to-navigate, experiential site. Launched on December 28, the new website features a motif of stained glass windows, each of which holds a small piece of our contemporary church. Taking direction from newcomer research, the design is steeped,…

By: Kathryn Rickert This presentation was given as the third of six offerings in a lament over the Doctrine of Discovery held on Tuesday, July 10, at the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, in Indianapolis. As far as I know, the Episcopal Church is the first in history to publicly repudiate the Doctrine of…

The House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church is meeting in Phoenix, AZ (Diocese of AZ) from September 16 to September 21. The following is an account of the activities for Saturday, September 18, 2010 Bishop Tom Ely of Vermont presented a meditation on “What is God up to in our midst concerning same-sex blessings.”…

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen. Book of Common Prayer, pg….

O blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care…

The Episcopal Church Task Force on the Study of Marriage has issued the following report: The Episcopal Church’s Task Force on the Study of Marriage has begun to dig into the depth and breadth of its work, enabled by Resolution A050 at the 2012 General Convention. The Rev. Brian C. Taylor, chair, reports, “We’re making…

Originally published 17 May, 2019; updated 23 February, 2024 Clergy throughout The Episcopal Church counsel those in their care who struggle with issues relating to infertility, family planning, pregnancy, childbirth, and adoption. Our ordained and lay leaders walk alongside Episcopalians and others who struggle with this intimate and sacred aspect of human life. Over the…

Dear people of God in The Episcopal Church: When God told Moses to lead the ancient Israelites out of slavery in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh stood in his way. Pharaoh wanted power and control over God’s people, and Exodus tells us that the more serious the situation got, the more hardened his heart became. Despite locusts and frogs and all manner of chaos in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh remained trapped by his view of the world, which had himself and his power at the center. He could not see that God’s imagination was far bigger and more expansive than his. He could not imagine liberation for God’s people—or for himself.

Greetings from Louisville, Kentucky, the site of The Episcopal Church’s 81st General Convention, which runs through June 28 at the Kentucky International Convention Center. These daily updates from the Office of Public Affairs include news, events, and resources related to GC81.

The following is another in a series of talking points prepared as a resource for The Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Church The Episcopal Church is an autonomous church which is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, serving God and working together to spread through word and action the good news of God in Christ….

O heavenly Father, who hast filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works; that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, we may learn to serve thee with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Book…

Contact Us Review our FAQ list for common inquiries, or fill out the form below to request additional contact. Frequently Asked Questions Reach out directly If you have not found what you are looking for above and would like to be in touch, please fill out the form below: Online Form – Main Contact Us…

Find Eucharistic liturgies in six Asian languages; the Book of Common Prayer in Spanish, Nepalese, and Dakota; additional Episcopal services in the Karen language; videos and materials related to the Doctrine of Discovery; and other formational and educational resources from our ethnic ministries in the links below. Eucharistic liturgies (Rite II) Books of Common Prayer The 1979 Libro de Oracion Comun can be ordered here….

Sanctify, O Lord, those whom you have called to the study and practice of the arts of healing, and to the prevention of disease and pain. Strengthen them by your life-giving Spirit, that by their ministries the health of the community may be promoted and your creation glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -Prayer…

Eucharist, meaning “thanksgiving,” is a ritual established by Jesus Christ during which bread and wine are blessed and consumed by his followers. In The Episcopal Church, it is commonly an element of a congregation’s weekly Sunday worship. It may also be celebrated on other occasions. Eucharist is also called Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, and the Mass. In…

How We Worship Photo: David Rider Worship is central to our identity. Episcopal worship services vary widely in style but follow the same elements, or rituals, in a specific order as worship proceeds. This is what we call “common” prayer, meaning it is done by all.  These elements—many practiced by Christians for almost two millennia—include…

O gracious God, we give thee humble and hearty thanks that thou hast preserved through the pain and anxiety of childbirth thy servant, who desires now to offer unto thee her praises and thanksgivings. Grant, most merciful Father, that by thy help she may live faithfully according to thy will in this life, and finally…

A Lutheran Proposal for a Revision of the Concordat of Agreement As amended and adopted by a more than two-thirds majority vote (716-317) as a relationship of full communion with the Episcopal Church by the 1999 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on August 19, 1999, at Denver, Colorado. Introduction Our churches…

For more information, visit or contact The Archives of The Episcopal Church.

What We Believe Photo: Christopher Sikkema We believe in the God whom Christians name the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, the three in one. We believe that God was fully present in human form in Jesus of Nazareth; that Jesus was raised from the dead after being…

Seasonal Resources As the Christian church has done since ancient times, The Episcopal Church follows the annual rhythm of the liturgical year. The liturgical year begins four Sundays before Christmas and includes seven seasons, counting Holy Week. The calendar can be found in the Book of Common Prayer (pgs. 15-33, with instructions on how to determine Easter Sunday on pgs. 880-885).   Each season features its own liturgical color, seen on…

A catechism is a set of questions and answers developed by a religious body to offer foundational teaching to its members on the content of the faith. Sometimes, a catechism is very detailed, specific, and prescriptive. The catechism of The Episcopal Church, titled “An Outline of the Faith” in the Book of Common Prayer (pp….

Who We Are Photo: David Rider We are a thoughtful church, rooted in the truth of Scripture, tradition, and reason. We are an inclusive church, welcoming all who seek to know and walk in the way of Jesus Christ. We are a hopeful church, always looking for signs of God’s redeeming love at work so that we might participate in it.  The Episcopal Church is a multinational denomination, with about 1.5 million members in more than…

Holy Baptism, an ancient practice, is a ritual bath performed during a special ceremony that takes place during the principal public Sunday worship of a congregation. Sometimes, the water is poured over a person’s head at a special basin called a font. Sometimes, a person is fully immersed in a baptismal tank or pool. The rite marks…

Our Anglican tradition recognizes sacraments as “outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857). Holy Baptism and the Eucharist (or Holy Communion) are the two great sacraments given by Jesus Christ to the church. In the case of baptism, the outward and visible sign is water, in which the person is baptized…

Major celebrations of the church year for which the Book of Common Prayer appoints proper collects, psalms, and lessons.

Episcopalians registered to attend the 81st General Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, are invited to daily worship services that seek to embody the church’s “beautiful mosaic of diversity.” Three Eucharist services—including one entirely in Spanish—and three Morning Prayer services will be offered June 23-28 and livestreamed.

Beginning in Advent 2007, The Episcopal Church stopped using the Sunday lectionary printed in the original version of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. (The lectionary for the Daily Office, however, remained unchanged.) It was officially replaced by a three-year cycle of Sunday Scripture readings known as the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). This is what now appears in newer printings of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. In the RCL, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke…

Because our true citizenship is not here on earth but in heaven, we are called to transcend the earthly distinctions made among us by the leaders of this world. We must proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is promised to the persecuted and answer Christ’s call to welcome the stranger among us. This vision of God’s kingdom, this new reality, is the one to which we Christians are pledged in our baptism above any political preference or policy, and to which our church must bear witness through word and deed.

Acts 10:44-48 Our 1979 Book of Common Prayer includes all kinds of changes to the liturgy for baptism, but the most significant one doesn’t have to do with the language in our prayers. Have you noticed that our baptismal rites aren’t found right before Confirmation, as in older prayer books, but instead fall between Easter…

The following are the opening remarks of Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori at the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, currently meeting through October 27 the Conference Center at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum Heights, MD. Executive Council opening remarks24 October 2014Maritime Center, Linthicum Heights, MD   The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts SchoriPresiding Bishop and…

The Easter season—which begins sometime between March 22 and April 25 (see the Book of Common Prayer, pgs. 880-885)—celebrates Jesus’ resurrection after his crucifixion. The season begins with the Great Vigil of Easter on Easter Eve and continues for 50 days, ending with Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem,…

The following sermon was presented today at the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, meeting in Indianapolis IN through July 12.   SERMON – JULY 10, 2012 – Remembering Bartolomé de las Casas: Tireless Advocate for Justice (MT 10:26-31) – The Rev. Albert Cutié, Diocese of Southeast Florida In the name of God: Father,…

RCL: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33 Opening Prayer |  Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord,…

The baptismal covenant, found on pgs. 304-305 of the Book of Common Prayer, is a set of vows phrased as eight questions and answers that are taken by candidates for Holy Baptism during the rite. The first three questions, affirming belief in the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, are taken directly from the Apostles’ Creed,…

See Book of Common Prayer.

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori opened the Executive Council meeting in Salt Lake City today with an address that called for a mission focused budget using the Five Marks of Mission. A video of the Presiding Bishop’s remarks are available on the home page of the website: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/ The following is the Presiding…

World Mission Sunday The last Sunday in Epiphany of each year is designated as World Mission Sunday – a time when the church comes together to focus on the global impact of our call to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” (Baptismal Covenant, Book of Common Prayer, p. 305). All parishes and dioceses are…

See Book of Common Prayer

Prayers Find weekly prayers related to our public policy and witness as a church, as well as a yearlong cycle of weekly prayers for members of the military, their families, and chaplains serving in the U.S. armed forces and federal ministries. We encourage sharing these prayers in your services, church bulletins, and social media as appropriate….

RCL: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-3,10-17; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35 Opening Prayer |  Ever living God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and…

RCL: Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11 Genesis 1:1-5 This is the beginning of the priestly (or “P”) creation story, written by the priestly class of Israelites during the exile in Babylon. The priests wrote of a God so powerful that he could bring the world into existence simply by speaking. Such a…

Ethnic Ministries Photo: David Rider The diverse cultures that make up The Episcopal Church enrich our worship and our shared life—and invite us to model Jesus’ way of loving others with humility, compassion, and joy. Our ethnic ministries support dioceses and church ministries in their work of developing leaders, forming faithful Christians, and sharing the Good News of the…

We live in a time when there is a most peculiar notion generally present in our culture. It is the self-help notion. There are books by the crate-full, videotapes, audiotapes, and hundreds of devices and processes designed to assist us or guide us as we help ourselves. We can gain weight, lose weight, become a…

Isaiah 61:10-62:3 The reading from the Hebrew Bible today comes from the final section of Isaiah, generally referred to as Third Isaiah (Chapters 56-66), and is marked by Israel’s return to Palestine after a long time in exile. Salvation, hope and transformation are key themes in this passage. The metaphors move from what more concretely…

[Note to the reader: This sermon is designed to accompany a service of remembrance. It could follow the reading of the Great Litany from the Book of Common Prayer, or the Gospel lesson.] Suggested Proper for Peace, lessons on page 930, Book of Common Prayer Collect: Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the…

There once was a wise communications professor who had her students engage in an observation exercise. She handed out a picture of an elderly man sitting on some front steps. A young woman stood to his right, looking down toward him, and a child stood in front, facing both of them. The professor asked the…