Rector’s Blog
Reflections and notes from the Rector of St. George’s, the Rev. Joseph H. Hensley Jr.
Notes from the Rector
Selected notes to the parish from the Rev. Joseph H. Hensley, Jr., rector of St. George's Episcopal Church.
A Call to Prayer
I invite us to join our prayers with the prayers of so many around the world for all those affected by recent terrorist bombings in Brussels, Belgium, and Grand Bassam, Ivory Coast. We pray for those killed and injured and their families. We pray for all those who responded with care and service. We pray for a conversion of heart for our enemies who would commit such horrible acts of violence. We pray for world and local leaders, for wisdom and sound judgment as they respond. We pray for faith that seeks wholeness and healing instead of further division and injury in our world. As we walk these days of Holy Week, remembering how people put the innocent son of God to death on a cross, we see how human beings continue to betray the image of God in themselves and each other.
Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal One, have mercy upon us.
By your grace, as we stumble through the darkness, may we witness a new light being kindled in our hearts and in the world you have created.
Your brother in Christ,
Joe+
Note from the Rector, March 17, 2016
Note From the Rector, March 10, 2016
Greetings beloved St. Georgians,
Four Principles of Reconciling Communities
via Natalie Finstad
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This weekend, we are all invited to gather on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. in Sydnor Hall with local Muslim neighbors to share a meal and conversation. It is a “potluck,” in every sense of the word. We trust that there will be a variety of foods, a variety of people, and somehow it will all work out. You are all invited to attend (no pork or alcohol please). This was one of the ideas suggested at our Compassionate Community weekend, that we find ways to form deeper interfaith relationships. It is one way of “patterning our lives after Christ’s radical love as an alternative way of being in the world” (principle #1 of reconciling communities that Natalie shared with us). To take a risk, to open ourselves up to new relationships with people unfamiliar to us is a “shared spiritual discipline that opens us to receiving grace from unexpected resources” (principle #4).
Joe+
Notes from the Rector, March 3, 2016
Greetings beloved St. Georgians,
This weekend marks the halfway point through Lent. The church, in its wisdom, has a tradition of the fourth Sunday in Lent being set aside as a “lighter” day, a break in the seasonal liturgical austerity. It is sometimes referred to as “Laetare Sunday,” “Mothering Sunday,” or “Refreshment Sunday.” In some churches, rose-colored vestments instead of purple are used. If music has been sparse, there may be some additional singing. It’s a nod to moderation, which is one of our Anglican values. I have not been chanting the Eucharist at 11:00 in Lent, but I look forward to offering it again this Sunday.
Even in so-called “penitential” times of the year, the church generally leans more toward grace and forgiveness. In the relatively short season of Lent (6 weeks…Easter is 7), we take a break mid-way. Sundays are still feast days (not part of the 40 days). If you have been fasting or adopting extra disciplines during this time, this is a good opportunity to stop and reflect on how these practices have been for you. If you haven’t been doing anything for Lent yet, maybe it’s a good time to start something for the second half. In all things, remember that God wants our hearts, not discipline for its own sake. God knows that enduring for the long haul means taking breaks every now and then.
It’s not too late, then, to consider joining for conversations about a rule of life on Monday evenings. We are talking about how to find the rhythm of life that is the right balance of prayer, work, play, and rest. It’s not too late to find ways to give of your time and resources so that others may have a break. “Live simply so that others may simply live,” someone once said. We’re halfway, and there’s still plenty more Lent, plenty more opportunity to turn toward God and seek a renewal of heart, mind, body, and soul.
Your fellow pilgrim on the journey,
Joe+
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