When I first heard that our adult education class at Grace was going to read Theo of Golden, I admit I was not pleased at all. My immediate thought was how a novel could teach us anything about religion. Boy, was I wrong, for the first time in ages!! The book taught me and the class a lot about religion and human kindness. I no longer think that a book about theology must be 500 pages, with copious footnotes, and an exhaustive bibliography.
Had I taken Greek at Southeastern Louisiana University and not Spanish for two years, I would have known that Theo meant “gift of God.” However, I soon discovered that Theo of the town of Golden (actually Columbus, Georgia) was going to be a “gift of God” and a gift from God. I don’t think it was a coincidence that the author chose Theo to arrive in Golden just before Easter because Theo would prove himself to be a “Divine Gift” from God. We found out that at the end of the book Theo was in Golden to turn his heart and mind to his long lost son. I have even given thought to re-titling the book: “Theo of Golden—The Return of the Prodigal Father.” I may be wrong, but Theo is about unconditional love, repentance, and forgiveness. After a second reading, I now think Theo is actually the sinner, who has strayed, made mistakes, and became lost in his highly successful life as an internationally famous artist. Theo is on a human journey of finding his true purpose, healing, and redemption. In a sense he has hit rock bottom and yearns to connect with his talented son. Oh, by the way, there is one more feature that is similar to the “Prodigal Son” parable. There is Pierce, Asher’s brother, who is self-righteous and irritated at the end of the book that Asher, who is extremely wealthy, chooses his days drawing pictures of people’s faces. We should have known that Theo was not an ordinary dude. He arrived by a private jet to Atlanta and then by a chauffeur-driven Lincoln Town Car. Shouldn’t this be the way a “gift of God” should arrive? This is his only ostentatious display, but the residents of Golden never saw it. He planned it that way because he wanted to fly away from his former life. Theo of Golden does not attempt to preach to us; it inspires us to be like Theo who is fully human with faults and sins in his past. To me Theo reminded me of Christ. Like Christ, who was with us for only a short while, Theo was only in Golden for about a year as he showed the residents how to live and treat each other with kindness and love. His treatment of Ellen, the homeless woman, was definitely Christ-like. He cared for the poor and the lame like Lamisha. The purchasing of the pencil portraits of the people of Golden and putting them in the hands of the rightful owners fostered friendship and altered the lives of the recipients and Theo. The gifts were acts of kindness. These acts of kindness were countered by Ellen’s recounting of one of the most hurtful events of her life—the loss of her child to the bureaucracy of society. Theo’s response was Christian-like, gut wrenching, and appropriate for our lives today: “The older I get, the more convinced I am that every hurt the world has ever known is somehow the fault of every person who ever lived. Maybe not directly and never entirely, but somehow, I fear, we own all of the world’s hurts together.” A recent review of Theo Golden thrashed it for being a “display of Christian-less Christianity.” Apparently, he never read the aforementioned quote of Theo. Theo later states the following: “There is another teaching about kindness. Do not let your left hand know what your right is doing. In other words, do good but try to do it without notice or hope of reward.” This Christian-like response to the journalist wanting to write about his activities in Golden was a paraphrase of Matthew 6:3-4. Theo of Golden reeked with Christian like sayings: “Bad mercy doesn’t hurt nearly like bad justice.” Then there is this one which I loved: “God gave us faces so we can see each other better.” The recounting of taking Communion in a foxhole in Vietnam was heartbreaking. For Theo the death of Tony’s friend Bobbo “was an end. A terrible end. But maybe not the end. Maybe an end with a future.” This is Theo proclaiming the hereafter. Remember it was the Easter season in Golden at this time. Oh, by the way. Allen Levi is Episcopalian. I don’t know if Allen Levi had any knowledge about the teaching of Brother Lawrence. However, I found many of the traits of Brother Lawrence in the character of Theo. The monk’s road to spirituality had been sparked by the Godliness that he found in nature. Theo saw a twisted old trunk as “a permanent scream, a memorial to some horror it might have witnessed long ago. . . in the soul of such a tree.” Theo’s year in Golden allowed him to witness “trees go through a full cycle of seasons: tiny springtime buds becoming oblong, hand sized leaves” and “cups becoming thumb-sized acorns.” After a second reading Theo 0f Golden I sensed that his ongoing relationships with the residents of Golden was a sincere dialogue with God. His letters were uncomplicated gestures of his genuine affection. His engagement with God was through his continuous conversations and letters with his new friends of Golden. Unfortunately, Asher has only the letters of Theo to cherish when finds out Theo was his father. Had there been a physical meeting between the two, I am positive Asher would have met Theo with open arms and love. In the end I ask myself did God send Theo to Golden to fulfill the mission he had set for himself in beginning a relationship he long desired with his son Asher? Theo arrived in Golden as a sincere, spiritual, and humble man. It was only after his tragic death did Golden recognize his greatness. Does this sound familiar?
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It was created by the Toronto United Church Council’s Innovative Ministry Center and the TryTank Research Institute at Virginia Theological Seminary.
Before going any further, I must define what a “chatbot” is. In my layman’s terms it is a website to direct queries during research. For example, “Who won the World Series in 1965.” If you see the following on your webpage “Ask anything” followed by a microphone, you can click it and type in your inquiry or verbally make an inquiry. However, there is always the following warning: “AI can make mistakes, so-double-check responses.” I have been using AI and other research tools to prepare these blogs, including this one. AI can be used to increase administrative efficiency by drafting documents, managing schedules, and for analyzing data for strategic planning. Some dioceses are forbidding the use of AI-generated content in publications while others endorse its use for administrative tasks. Some Episcopal Churches see AI as a valuable tool for supporting overworked, smaller, or lay-led congregations. On the other hand, some churches express concern about the ethical implications, environmental impact, and the potential for AI to diminish the role of human empathy in pastoral care. There is evidence that some Christians prefer to use AI because they like hearing God speak to them!! Before I go further into AI and its use by the Episcopal Church, let me say I am extremely cautious over the uses of AI in general society. I have seen some marvelous uses for the military, especially in logistics, and the medical field. However, I became very cautious when I saw on “60 Minutes” an AI generated robot attack its operator who had run away to escape from its anger. On that same program it was reported that five AI-generated war exercises all chose the nuclear option to solve a world-wide conflict. The final shocker was that the “grandfather” of AI, Geoffrey Hinton, warned that AI could outsmart humans, potentially taking control, causing mass unemployment, and posing a 10%-20% risk of humanity’s extinction. Let’s let EpiscoBot serve as a positive tool for us. Suppose you want the upcoming scripture readings for The Seventh Sunday of Easter in Year A on May 17, 2026 immediately. This is what EpiscoBot will tell you:
Ok, let’s get back to AI and the Episcopal Church locally. Mother Liz uses AI for administrative purposes in the Church. She has used it to create job descriptions and interview questions. However, she has always ended up editing it heavily. You might remember that I have been using AI to do research on all the blogs I have written. However, there is a way you can use it daily in your Bible readings. After my Bible reading for each morning, I send the Gospel citation to AI and ask for an interpretation. I get not only an AI generated interpretation, but, more importantly, there are usually several copies of homilies from real ministers. This gives me the perspective of other ministers on the same gospel reading which is helpful. As I discover other beneficial ways in bolstering, communicating and increasing our love for God through AI, I will forward them through my blogs. In the meantime, let’s hope and pray God will protect us from creating an AI society that will destroy us.
For the life of me, I cannot remember who or what caused me to read this book. However, I have read it more than once. It is a profoundly spiritual book. I read as part of my Lenten devotion The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I Here For? by Rick Warren. I read this book many years ago during Lent, and I was impressed. Warren is the pastor of a mega-church in Lake Forest, California. I am normally not a fan of pastors of mega-churches, but he is different. He and his church were expelled by the Southern Baptist Convention for having female pastors on the church staff. Now, that is my kind of mega-pastor!! OK, let me go back to Brother Lawrence. Warren cites Brother Lawrence when he maintains that whatever we do in life, no matter how mundane, we do it for God. Rick praises Brother Lawrence when he maintains we should worship God through the common tasks of life. Warren urged his readers to follow Brother Lawrence’s advice to have shorter conversational prayers throughout the day. He also praised the Benedictine monks who used hourly chimes of a clock to pause and pray “the hour prayer.” Of course. Anglicans and Episcopalians have Morning Prayer, Noon Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Compline, which is based on monastic practices. I’ll get back to the current followers of Brother Lawrence shortly. Brother Lawrence at the age of 18 deeply committed himself to the Christian faith because he saw the power of God in the changing of the seasons, which was a mystic journey for him. I experienced this feeling briefly on a fall trip to New England. I was warned that at one particular spot on the highway through the mountains I would be mesmerized by the “Bubble Gum Valley.” There it was. A valley packed with so many trees of various colors that I thought we were looking inside a gum machine. I pulled over to the parking area designated for this scene, and I could not take my eyes off of it. Brother Lawrence was right. You could feel the power of God. Let’s get back to the good monk. Taking the religious name of “Lawrence of the Resurrection,” he spent his whole life as a friar cultivating a keen sensitivity to the presence of God in everyday life. He made the love of God the end of all his actions. Lawrence wrote that all that we do is as valuable to God as the priest. He referred to his simple way of praying as “practicing the presence of God.” Lawrence learned to commune with God continuously, not just in church or during personal devotions. The monk made constant pleas that were being in the company of God as he worked as a cook in the monastery kitchen, doing daily chores, or while he conversed with others. The following is a gentle reminder from Brother Lawrence on how to practice the presence of God: “Lift up your heart to Him, the least little thought of Him will be acceptable. You need not cry very loud; There have been many translations of Lawrence’s book. The Vatican Publishing House just published a new edition The Practice of the Presence of God, and Pope Leo XIV wrote in the introduction that “the writings of Saint Augustine and other books, this is one of the texts that have most shaped my spiritual life and have formed me in what the path can be for knowing and loving the Lord.” Having a tremendous sense of humor, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that Brother Lawrence, like Teresa of Avila, urges us to speak to the “God of the pots and pans.”
I sent a copy of Brother Lawrence’s little book to Mother Liz, and she has shared it with a parishioner. In conversing with one of my spiritual partners, I told her about Brother Lawrence. She said she was quite familiar with him, and she in the past sent copies of his little book to 4 or 5 parishioners as graduate gifts upon confirmation. Since there are at least maybe 8 or more of us with Brother Lawrence’s book, is anyone interested in shaking those pots and pans?
If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray to the Father and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. After a number of positive responses on my Jelly Roll offering a couple of weeks ago, I present another: “Jesus Is Coming Soon”. As is the common theme in JR’s works, this music and lyrics seem to give one a sense of belonging and the promise of glory. Jelly Roll’s history seems inconsequential when considering where he is today with his faith and gratitude for the wonderful gift we have received (in many cases without deserving Him!)…a loving, forgiving, Savior. The lyrics are not displayed here as they are shown on the YouTube screen. Cut: “Jesus Is Coming Soon” Artist: Jelly Roll
In like manner, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject to one another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. The Blessing Box…who knew? It has been heartwarming to see the outpouring of love and generosity displayed by many anonymous donors through their contributions to the The Blessing Box. Grace Memorial’s willingness to help those who are not as fortunate as us has become a beacon to the community of the many who have contributed…without recognition or pomp…just because of their awareness of the need they hope to fill. The Blessing Box inspired me to repeat the following offering of “Less Like Me” written and recorded by Zach Williams. The music depicts the battle many of us have to be “…more like Jesus”. Cut: “Less Like Me” Artist: Zach Williams Album: Rescue Story [Lyrics included on the video]
I was going to return with a blog on the use of Artificial Intelligence by the Episcopal Church, but then I realized this morning that I could not finish the blog for inclusion in the upcoming Grace Newsletter. AI will be covered in the next newsletter.
So, this morning I was struck by the meaning of what I found in line 64 of Psalm 119, which reads as follows: “The earth O, Lord is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes,” This line makes an important claim that the reality of our Lord is manifest in the world all around us, but do we notice it. Sometimes I do, but not always. Unfortunately, in this modern world I live in with the internet and social media, I find myself failing to notice and appreciate God’s love. I have to admit that checking my email and text messages does not allow me to slow down and notice the presence of God all around us in the blue sky, budding trees and flowers, the chirping of birds, and yes, you my fellow parishioners. You might remember my blog where I experienced the presence of God when I lived in California. I can’t go back to the Sierra Nevada Mountains again, even though I am dying to go. The point of Psalm 119:64, is that the ever presence of God is in all things and people. For me that Bridal Wreath waterfall was God’s love pouring out on earth. A mini-version of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is all around my house, but my yards are in shamble from two years of neglect because of my illnesses. My birdhouse, which is built as a replica of a church, is laying on the ground hidden by weeds, My bird feeder is empty, and my water fountain is dry and full of dirt and leaves. My flower beds are bare and filled with leaves. I still see God’s presence in my yard, but barely, and He is telling me, or yelling at me, to go out to Lowes Garden Center this weekend and replenish my discipleship so He can teach me His statutes. As I close, I now realize lines 173-176 are also appropriate: “Let your hand be ready to help me [Lord] for . . . I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek out your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.”
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock this is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. Jelly Roll is a unique and to some degree a polarizing figure in today’s Christian music world. His early years were lawless to say the least, with considerable jail time. But the story has a happy ending with his complete transition to a committed Christian. He conquered his alcohol abuse, now has a young family, and travels the world sharing his story, never forgetting to whom the glory belongs. With Jelly Roll’s gifts of a great voice and simple lyrics, truly we should be inspired by the unfathomable redemptive powers of our Lord and Savior, even if we disapprove of JR’s early transgressions. The music offered is one of at least a dozen recent Jelly Roll recordings that are soulful, heartfelt, and can readily bring tears to one’s eyes when considering the depth of pain from which he has been freed. The lyrics are not displayed here as they are shown on the YouTube screen. Cut: “Jesus Don’t Let Me Go” Artist: Jelly Roll
Handel’s “Messiah” is universally acknowledged as one of the finest musical pieces ever composed. The work was accomplished by Handel with assistance from Charles Jenners (an 18th century lyricist). The combination of a strong Christian theme, four part voice harmonies and solos, orchestral compositions (running the gamut of strings, percussion, and horns), and at times a unique and majestic harmonious blend of voice, instrument, and verse, “Messiah” is indeed worth listening to and reflecting on over many “takes”. If ever one could conclude that “Divine Inspiration” exists, this work offers convincing evidence: Handel commenced the “Messiah” on August 22, 1741, in response to a competition for a new work of music to be performed in Dublin on Easter, 1742. The work was somehow completed by Handel on September 14, 1741…a miraculous feat accomplished in twenty-three days! The Dublin audience was understandably in awe of the superb music. The Dublin debut was followed over the next few years by concerts in London and throughout Europe. Over the centuries a number of changes to the work have been made; however, the basic composition has stood the test of time. The seven (7) YouTube videos highlighted below represent a portion of “Part I” which concentrates on the birth of Jesus. Each Advent season, our youth would be “exposed” to this classic which might be alternately labeled as the “First Christian Praise Music” composition! ADVENT – CHRISTMAS: 1. OVERTURE [London Symphony Orchestra – Sir Colin Davis] 2. RECIT. Tenor ISAIAH 40: 1-3 "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness: - prepare ye the way of the Lord: make straight in the desert a highway for our God.“ [London Symphony Orchestra-John Wakefield] 3. AlR tenor ISAIAH 40:4 “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight and the rough places plain.” 4. CHORUS ISAIAH 40:5And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. 5. REClT. bass HAGAI 2: 6-7 Thus saith the Lord of Hosts-Yet once a little while and I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land; and I will shake all nations; and the desire of all nations shall come. The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts. 6. AlR bass MALACHI 3:2 But who may abide the day of H is coming? and who shall stand When He appeareth? For He is like a refiner's fire. 7. CHORUS MALACHI 3:3 And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. [London Symphony – Sir Colin Davis - Helen Watts] 8. RECIT. alto ISAIAH 7:14 “Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name E M M A N U E L, God with us.” 9. AIR alto and CHORUS ISAIAH 40:9 “O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain. O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” ISAIAH 60:1 10. RECIT, bass MATTHEW 4: 12-16 For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall a rise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the b rightness of thy rising. 11. AlR ·bass MATTHEW 4: 12-16The people that walk i n darkness have seen a great light; and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 12. CHORUS ISAIAH 9:6 “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” 13. PASTORAL SYMPHONY [London Symphony – Sir Colin Davis – Heather Harper] 14. RECIT, soprano LUKE 2: 8-9 “There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo! the Angel of the Lord ca me upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.” 15. RECIT. soprano LUKE 2: 10-11 “And the Angel said unto the m, Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people; for unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord”. 16.RECIT. soprano LUKE 2:13 “And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying: 17. CHORUS LUKE 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, goodwill towards men.” [London Symphony – Sir Colin Davis – Heather Harper] 18. AIR soprano Luke 1:14 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout! O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, thy King cometh unto thee! He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen.” 19. RECIT. soprano Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing. 20. AIR alto and soprano ISAIAH 40:11 / MATTHEW 11: 28-89 He shall feed His f lock like a shepherd; and He shall gat her the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. Take His yolk upon you, and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 21. CHORUS His yoke is easy and His burden is light. LIFE, CRUCIFIXION, RESURRECTION: Performed at Westminster Abbey, London, c. 2004 by the Academy of Ancient Music conducted by Christopher Hogwood; vocals by the Choir of Westminster Abbey [Great job by our Anglican cousins!]
Below presentation commences at time stamp 52:27: Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin or the world. [John Ch. 1, v.29] 23. AIR alto [Isaiah Ch. 53, v. 3] He was despised and rejected or men; a man or sorrow and acquainted with grief. 24. CHORUS [Isaiah Ch. 53, v. 4-5] Surely He hath borne our griefs, end carried our sorrows! He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him. 25. CHORUS And with His stripes we were healed. 26. CHORUS [Isaiah Ch. 53, v. 6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way. And the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 27. RECIT, tenor [Psalm 22, v. 7] All they that see Him, laugh Him to scorn; they shoot out their lips and shake their heads saying 28. CHORUS [Psalm 22, v.8] He trusted in God that He would deliver Him; let Him deliver Him, if He delight in Him. 29. RECIT (tenor) Thy rebuke hath broken his heart; he is full of heaviness. He looked for some to have pity on him, but there was no man, neither found he any to comfort him.” (Psalm 69, v.20) 30. Arioso (tenor) Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto his sorrow.” (Lamentations 1, v.12) 31. RECIT (tenor) He was cut off out the land of the living: for the transgressions of thy people was he stricken.” (Isaiah 53, v.8) 32. Air (tenor) But thou didst not leave his soul in hell; nor didst thou suffer thy Holy One to see corruption.” (Psalm 16, v.10) 33. CHORUS [Psalm 24, v. 7-10] – TIME STAMP 1:22:14 Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is the King or Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, end be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is the King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory. 34. RECIT (tenor) Unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee?” (Hebrews 1, v.5) 35. Chorus Let all the angels of God worship him.” (Hebrews 1, v.6) 36. Air (mezzo-soprano) Thou art gone up on high; thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men: yea, even for thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them.” (Psalm 68, v.18) 37. CHORUS [Psalm 68, v. 11] The Lord gave the word, great was the company of the preachers. 38. AIR soprano [Romans Ch. 10, v. 15] How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. 39. CHORUS [Romans Ch. 10, v. 18] – TIME STAMP 1:33:40 Their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world. 40. AIR bass [Psalm 2, v. 1-2] Why do the nations so furiously rage together, and why do the people Imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His Anointed. 41. CHORUS [Psalm 2, v. 3] Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us. 42. RECIT. Tenor [Psalm 2, v. 4] He that dwelleth in Heaven shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision. 43. AIR tenor [Psalm 2, v. 9] Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 44. CHORUS [Revelation Ch. 19, v. 6; Revelation Ch. 11, v. 15; Revelation Ch. 19, v. 16] HALLEUJAH: for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. KING OF KINGS, and LORD OF LORDS, HALLELUJAH 45. Air (soprano) I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.” (Job 19, vv.25–26); “For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep.” (I Corinthians 15, v.20) 46. Chorus Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (I Corinthians 15, vv.21–22) 47. RECIT (bass) – TIME STAMP 1:51:49 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet:” (I Corinthians 15, vv.51–52) 48. Air (bass) The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15, 52–53) 49. Recitative (mezzo-soprano) Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15, v.54) 50. Duet (mezzo-soprano/tenor) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.” (I Corinthians 15, vv.55–56) 51. Chorus But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57) 52. Air (soprano) If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8, v. 31); “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us.” (Romans 8, vv.33–34) 53. Chorus Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by his blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Blessing, and honour, glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” (Revelation 5, vv.12–14) “Amen.” Pictures from the joyful and festive celebration of our 150th anniversary on Sunday, March 15, 2026 with the Right Reverend Shannon Rogers Duckworth, Twelfth Bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana. One person was confirmed, three were received into the church, and one reaffirmed her faith. If you have any pictures from this day that you would like to contribute to this album, please send them to the church office.
Evangelicals who wanted to stress the Protestant heritage of Anglicanism. Sometimes they were called “high churchmen” because they give a “high” place to the importance of the episcopal form of church government, sacraments, and liturgical worship. Actually high church and low church were evident in the Church of England from the time of Elizabeth I (1553-1603). The Oxford Movement and Anglo-Catholicism renewed this emphasis within the Church of England.
Anglo-Catholicism strives to maintain the theology, practice, and devotion of the ancient and undivided Church (pre-1054). Anglo-Catholics celebrate the seven sacraments with an emphasis on the Eucharistic Sacrifice and baptism. The 39 Articles of religion are viewed as historic documents that need to be read through the lens of the larger catholic tradition. You can read them in our Book of Common Prayer on pages 867-876. Anglo-Catholicism believes it fundamentally shares the same heritage as Roman Catholics. However, becoming a Roman Catholic is not its goal. Many Anglo-Catholic churches prefer to use what is called the Anglican Missal which restores many parts of the ancient Mass which were edited out of the original Book of Common Prayer. However, the Anglican Missal is declining in use because the most recent BCP, approved in 1979, incorporated many catholic elements back into the Prayerbook. Outside of America Anglo-Catholics have many different practices. Some use the Anglican Missal or the BCP. Anglican churches in England and Australia conduct a straight Gregorian Mass with a traditional Latin Mass like the Roman Catholics but in English maybe Latin! Contemporary Anglo-Catholics may even use the current addition of the Roman Missal, but adhere to keeping the traditional vestments, gestures and rituals. Many aspects of liturgy of Anglicanism and the Episcopal church were originated by Anglo-Catholics. For example, Grace Memorial celebrates Communion weekly, but it is my understanding from “cradle Episcopalians” this was not always true. Other Anglo-Catholic practices we have are putting candles on the altar, bowing or genuflecting in the service, using incense, and putting a colored stole on the priest. We practice the invocation of the saints during our services. However, we don’t take up the Rosary as a daily devotion, but we so include the Angelus in Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. This is only a brief introduction to Anglo-Catholicism. If you wish to learn more just Google the topic. Better yet, consult Amazon’s vast library. |
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