Worship
Seasons and Cycles
The Spiritual Life of the Church 2009-2010
All Saints Day
November 1, 2009
We come together this day to remember our ancestors who have gone
before us. We gather their names in prayer, tie ribbons on a trellis in
their honor, and as always join them in the Eucharistic feast.
Advent
November 29, 2009 - December 24, 2009
As we wait for the light of Christ to be born into the world at
Christmas, we hear the stories of Mary and Elizabeth and John the
Baptist.Like a seed deep underground in winter, this is a time to tend
new possibilities inside of us that wait to be born.
Christmas Eve
December 24, 2009; 4pm, 10pm choral prelude, 10:30 service
God becomes incarnate this Holy Night. Come to the early service for
a children's Christmas Pageant. The later service begins with a musical
prelude. Both are full Eucharistic services, and we conclude with the
singing of Silent Night by candlelight.
Epiphany
January 6 -February 17, 2010
This six-week season is all about journeys, as we follow the wise
men to the star, and follow the early portions of Jesus' ministry. On
the Sunday of Epiphany (Jan 10) there will be a cake with a hidden ring,
and a pinyata for the children. Wednesday Jan 6 there is our Festival of
Lights Service, a beautiful service led by the youth. We light candles
in thanksgiving for all of our ancestors until the chapel is filled
with light.
Ash Wednesday
February 17, 2010
This service marks the beginning of Lent. We gather together to
remember that we are mortal, only on this earth for a short time. Being
lovers of symbols, we do that by having the sign of the cross on our
foreheads with ashes. This year the youth of the church play a
significant part of the leadership for this solemn service.
Lent
February 17 - March 28, 2010
These 40 days are a time to shed all in our lives that keep us from
fully loving God, our neighbors, and ourselves. Penitential in tone, we
meditate on Jesus'journey to his death. Some use this time to recommit
themselves to lives of prayer and service.
Palm Sunday
March 28, 2010
We begin with the Gospel reading about Jesus' triumphant entry into
Jerusalem, then process with palm branches into the church singing a
hearty "All Glory Laud and Honor". Using many readers, we will retell
the story of Jesus' betrayal and crucifixion, then celebrate the
Eucharist.
Maundy Thursday
April 1 (no kidding), 2010
This is the night Jesus shared the last meal with his friends and
washed their feet. He then went into the garden to pray, asking for the
cup to be taken from him, and made the gut-wrenching acceptance that
led to his own death. After Eucharist the church will be cleared of all
that is beautiful and shiny, and we will leave in silence.
Good Friday
April 2, 2010 5:30 Traditional Service; 6:00 Micro-lending soup supper; 7:30 Innovative multi-media service
Good Friday is the day we honor Jesus' self-sacrificial death. St.
Mary's uses this opportunity to mourn for all that is broken and all
who suffer in our world.
Children's Easter Vigil
April 3, 2010 4pm
This Easter service is translated into a language and ritual
especially intriguing for children. There is much movement and
interaction as we dramatize the Hebrew stories, discover the empty
tomb, gather around the feasting table, and carry the Good News into
the world. It is an energetic, sometimes chaotic, visceral first
celebration of Easter.
Easter Sunday
April 4, 2010
Lillies, Alleluias, people all dressed up-join us in giving joyful
thanksgivings to our God for the resurrection of Jesus Christ our
Lord!Alleluia!Christ is Risen!The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Day of Pentecost
May 23, 2010
Wear red to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit blowing through the church!The 10am service will be held outside on the lawn.