by Allen Fitzpatrick | Jun 1, 2023
Led by Theologian Sarah Coakley, this day of Quiet Reflection will explore how Evelyn Underhill’s letters invite us to reflect on the reforming role of prayer in the life of the Church. The day will include several meditations as well as space for prayerful corporate silence, and a midday Eucharist. More information and registration form at evelynunderhill.org. You can easily register by emailing [email protected] and giving your name, email address and number attending. $35 registration ($15 for students) can be paid at the door or in advance by check following website instructions
by Allen Fitzpatrick | Apr 18, 2023
Welcome Back!
Washington National Cathedral is delighted to welcome back acolytes from across the diocese and the country to celebrate this vital ministry of service and faith. The day begins with as acolytes, servers, clergy and vergers join in the longest and most colorful procession imaginable—the Grandest of Processions–as we prepare to gather around Christ’s table for a festival Holy Eucharist.
Following the service, participants are invited to spend the afternoon exploring the Cathedral and joining a variety of workshops. Perfect your thurible techniques, create a liturgical streamer, take a look at Cathedral treasures, and hear from Cathedral clergy about their own years of acolyte service.
Lunch will be available for purchase or you are welcome to bring your own. The festival is a time-honored tradition for many congregations, and we are eager for your return this fall as we also welcome those making their first pilgrimage to the Cathedral.
by Allen Fitzpatrick | Apr 11, 2023
These are interesting times, especially for the church as we consider reparations for past racial harms. How do we make space for grace? Join the Crummell-Cooper Chapter, Union of Black Episcopalians, as we welcome the Rev. Robert T. Phillips in conversation with chapter president, the Rev. Gayle Fisher-Stewart.
by Allen Fitzpatrick | Mar 29, 2023
How can we align the daily act every one of us does – eating food – with our core faith-based values of social justice, animal welfare, environmental protection, and health? Theologians and food activists will explore this challenge in a special Earth Day program at St. Alban’s Church.
Keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter, whose book The Spirit of Soul Food: Race, Faith, and Food Justice merges a history of Black American foodways with a Christian ethical response to food injustice.
Other speakers will include:
- The Rev. Melanie Mullen (Director of Reconciliation, Justice, and Creation Care for The Episcopal Church);
- Aysha Akhtar, M.D. (neurologist, animal welfare activist, author);
- St. Alban’s parishioner Mary Beth Albright (journalist, author, food expert);
- Chef Todd Gray & Ellen Kassoff Gray (co-founders, Equinox Restaurant);
- Pamela Hess (Executive Dir., Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture);
- Danielle Nierenberg (President, Food Tank); Sara Polon (co-Founder & CEO, Soupergirl); and
- The Rev. Derrick Weston (Creation Justice Ministries).
Attendance is free of charge but registration is required in order to receive lunch. Register here
Nursery care and children’s programs will be available. The program will also be live-streamed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, EMAIL MERY MONTENEGRO, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, ST. ALBAN’S CHURCH OR CALL 202-363-8286.
by Amanda Akes-Cardwell | Feb 16, 2023
There is only one church season in which the faithful are specifically invited into a holy observance. That season is Lent. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 22, Lent invites us to reflect on the times we have failed to love God, others, and ourselves. After conscious reflection, we are called to return to God.
Many resources are available to assist individuals, families, and congregations in the work of Lent. Below, you’ll find a list with five of my favorite resources. Each resource is a creative entry point into a meaningful Lent.
“40” | Simon Smith
A 4-minute animated video imagining Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. Use as a discussion prompt for a formation group, family or congregation about the meaning of Lent.
Bless the Lent We Actually Have | Kate Bowler
Free downloadable guides for wherever you find yourself this season. Bless it all this Lent – the lovely, the garbage, the difficult, the heartbreaking. Guides are available for individuals and groups.
Faithful Families: Lent and Easter Reflections | Traci Smith
Lent and Easter Reflections for families from the first week of Lent, through Pentecost. Each reflection has a scripture focus, a weekly meditation, and a faith practice. The meditations and practices are most suited for younger children (Pre K – Grade 2).
Illustrated Lenten Resources | Illustrated Ministry
Illustrated Ministry offers beautiful lenten themed coloring pages, posters, devotional guides, family activities, Stations of the Cross, and many other illustrated resources based on scripture. This is a favorite for all ages!
Lenten Micropractices | Vibrant Church Communications
A micropractice is a small spiritual practice. Instead of engaging the same spiritual practice throughout Lent, micropractices are meant to give a sample across many different styles of practices. Some are active, some are reflective. They rotate through the lenten themes of praying, fasting, and alms giving, along with additional practices that don’t fit neatly in one of those categories.
Consider engaging one of these practices to deepen your faith life as you observe a holy Lent.
The Rev. Amanda Akes-Cardwell
Missioner for Faith Formation and Development
