September 5, 2019 Two
Requests for Kickoff Sunday
There’s
no such thing in our Prayer Book as “Kickoff Sunday,” but this weekend marks
the annual beginning of what we sometimes call the program year: the return of
our fall worship schedule, our many choirs, Christian education for all ages,
and an abundance of ministry opportunities. Given how hot it is in Phoenix in
the summer, it’s good, I think, that we slow down a bit in June, July, and
August. But now, as the double digit temperatures get closer, with schools well
underway, and as our “snow birds” begin to return, we focus our attention on
the many joys of our Christian community of All Saints’ in its fullness. I’m
looking forward to preaching at all of our worship services this weekend, with
some words of encouragement and challenge as we enter my second decade as your
Rector (my family and I arrived in August 2009).
Something
about this time of year, even if we are not in school, always feels like a new
chapter, and a good time to re-engage. And so, I offer for your consideration
two requests, beginning this Kickoff Sunday weekend.
First,
make weekend worship a priority this year. There is no more important
Christian practice than to worship God weekly with our fellow Christians,
following Christ’s command to “do this, in remembrance of me.” Among the early
Christians, Sunday, the day of resurrection (beginning Saturday night) became
the day for worship, in effect the Christian sabbath. I know how difficult it
can be sometimes to get to church. A child gets sick, a work trip takes you out
of town, a birthday party gets scheduled for Sunday morning, guests come to
visit, the Cardinals play an early game. Sometimes, getting to worship just
isn’t possible. But most of the time, it is possible, if we make it a
priority. Remember that we have four Eucharists each weekend to choose from,
and monthly Evensong (starting this Sunday).
If
you’re out of town, most places have an Episcopal church (and if not, there is
certain to be a church from another denomination). I’m going to be blunt: I
fear that, as Episcopalians, some of us have gradually come to believe that we
are to worship only when it is convenient. Convenience is not a concept that we
find in the teachings of Jesus (except in the negative)! There are many ways to
encounter God, and many ways to pray, but nothing like worshipping with our fellow
Christians on the Lord’s Day. If you know in advance that weekend worship is
going to be absolutely impossible, consider coming to one of our weekly
Wednesday Eucharists (7am or 12:10pm). And then watch the Sunday sermon online
during the next week. Worship, every week, and see what a difference God makes
in your life.
Second,
be aware of opportunities to invite someone to All Saints’. As I’ve
preached and taught about many times, we Episcopalians find evangelism scary.
We fear overstepping into someone’s personal beliefs, and we fear rejection.
We’ll talk enthusiastically about our favorite restaurant or a great new movie,
but hesitate to mention our church. This new program year will offer numerous
opportunities to invite friends to All Saints’. Special worship, like Blessing
of the Animals, Day School Sunday, Seabury Sunday, the All Souls’ Requiem,
Christmas Lessons and Carols, and choral Evensong. Non-worship events like our
Pipescreams Halloween event, PACC 911 Pet Adoption, the music dinner, Living
Room Conversations, the prison ministry, and Carols and Cocoa, or groups like
the writing group, SAGES lunch, Just Faith, men’s and women’s breakfasts and so
on. Share about our marvelous chorister program and music school for children
and youth, and about our wonderful day school.
Something
like 75% of people who come as newcomers to a church, do so because someone
invited them. So the growth of All Saints’ depends on our personal invitation
and sharing about what God is doing here. We cannot depend on new people
finding us simply by driving by, or browsing our website. Growing churches have
passionate members who live their faith as disciples of Jesus in daily life,
and look for opportunities to share their faith experiences (appropriately, of
course) with others.
Notes
- This Sunday morning will feature some special
commissionings. At 9am, we will commission our Sunday school teachers, and
offer a special blessing to new Head of School, Dr. Emma Whitman. At 11am,
we will commission our incredible and dedicated choirs.
- This Sunday afternoon features not only Evensong
offered by our young choristers and adult schola, but also an organ
recital for the 30 minutes before Evensong by our own Joseph Ripka,
Director of Music. Did you know that Joseph, in addition to his remarkable
work with our choirs, is a world renowned organist? He has given recitals
in some of the world’s great churches, cathedrals, and concert halls.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear him play right here, and invite your
friends. A reception will follow.
- Last but not least, this Sunday we have Christian
education for all ages at 10:10am. For adults, I begin a 6 week class on
the Bible: its major stories, and how we, as Episcopalians, can read it
more often and apply it to our lives. I hope you’ll join me, and follow
along in the book “The Path."
Blessings,
Poulson+