a l l s a i n t s b h m . o r g S e p t e m b e r 3 , 2 0 2 0 PThAe RISHIONER A publication from All Saints Episcopal Church Reclaim Church at Home by The Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan Jesus’ earliest followers gathered in homes to proclaim the good news of his salvation, share stories of his life, break bread, and bolster one another in the faith. We find examples of house church gatherings in Acts 12 and 16, Romans 16, Colossians 4, and the book of Philemon. These first followers of The Way met in homes because it could be dangerous for them to openly proclaim their faith, and they were not recognized as a state-sanctioned religion therefore unable to own property.[1] We might conjure notions of meals in middle class homes such as we know, but that was not the case. There was no middle class. Most people lived in small, cramped, multi-story apartments.[2] In one instance, we learn of Eutychus falling asleep and out the window, while Paul preached well into the night (Acts 19:9). This probably happened in one of those tiny apartments. What was it like in those early house churches? There must have been some element of fear and excitement. Disagreements were plenty. We know the Word of God spread from house to house—fueled by the flames of Pentecost and the love and grace of Jesus Christ. We owe a great debt to those early worshippers, because they paved the way for us today. Our current Eucharist services model some of those early liturgies. As painful as it is to be unable to gather and worship in the ways we are accustomed, we are being invited, well actually forced, to RE-claim our homes as sacred space; and given eyes to see and ears to hear the Word of God in the sanctuary of the woods and the eyes of a beloved. Each service concludes with the deacon proclaiming, “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!” This is a reminder to take what we have received at the Eucharist and be that for the world. When we were dismissed from our services on March 8th, we had no way of knowing it would precede a prolonged re-entry into traditional worship. And yet, we are still compelled to be the Body of Christ by that dismissal. How can we balance staying connected, growing in the faith together, and keeping everyone safe? One possibility is to RE- claim church at home. What are we already doing, what new might we try in our homes to regularly return to God, study scripture, pray, worship, bless one another, go out into the world carrying Jesus’ love and grace, and rest in God? In this edition of The Parishioner, you will find a number of opportunities to follow in the way of Jesus at home and in community. You may also visit our website at allsaintsbhm.org/adults to see the Christian Formation offerings and Spiritual Enrichment resources for the fall. I have one request of each of us—try at least one of these offerings with your heart open to what God might be renewing in you. In this time of exile, we will learn much about God and ourselves. If we use our time wisely, when we return to the nave in the fullness of worship as we knew it, we will bring our hard-fought wisdom with us. We will sing to the Lord a robust new song. [1] John McRay, “House Churches and the Lord’s Supper,” God’s peace, https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1978&context=leaven Mary Bea+ [2] Ibid. PRAYER TABLES: DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 30 We have a group of talented and creative parishioners who are making prayer tables for All Saints families to allow us to remain connected to God and one another as we worship, pray, reflect, and rest in God. The process is prayed over by the woodworker, and a prayer is handwritten on the bottom of each table. This is a gift from the people of God to the people of God. Two sizes are available. For more information on how to contribute your creative gifts to this project or if you are interested in having a prayer table made for your home, visit www.allsaintsbhm.org. Follow us on social media @allsaintsbhm! p a g e 1 At these small services, we will gather in a parishioner's yard or driveway to worship together with Communion in one kind (the consecrated bread), music, and fellowship. To follow distancing guidelines, space is limited and masks are required. If you plan to bring atrium-aged children, please let us know so that we may prepare a special activity for them. You will receive a confirmation email with details including address and safety guidelines prior to the date. With questions, call 205-879-8651. An Update from the Profile Committee Chair, Susan Anderson Way back in the ancient times, pre-pandemic, Henry and I would most often walk the 1.2 miles from our house to church on Sunday mornings. Even on the sticky, sweltering days, we did it. I left first, to get there in time for choir warm-up, and no matter which route I chose, some All Saints member would pass, pause, and ask if I wanted a ride. Way back in the ancient times, pre-pandemic, walking in the neighborhood was a perplexing choice. Now almost everyone understands the small joys that come with it. Today, mid-pandemic, I’m chairing the profile committee for the search for a permanent rector to replace Glenda. We’ve met three times now via Zoom, laid out plans, collected documents, and brainstormed questions to ask you in an eventual survey. Much like the walk to and from church on Sundays, though, we’re moving at a more measured pace. The end result of our work will be a document to present to candidates that declares, in essence, who All Saints is now and who the parish wants to be. Above all, we want God to lead the person to us who best meets those needs. We all understand the seismic changes that have occurred since March and the effect the pandemic has had on All Saints. Our church has pivoted in creative and exciting ways that continue to evolve. In this profile process, we want to ask the right questions and we want you to be able to give us thoughtful answers, so that we present the All Saints that emerges from the crisis. So the profile committee is taking its time, to reflect the world in which we are living. We are working, but we’re not hurried. Mary Bea is supportive of a slower pace. She wants to stay as long as it takes to get through the process, but no longer than we need. I hope you all will join us in experiencing the small joys of the walk together. a l l s a i n t s b h m . o r g S e p t e m b e r 3 , 2 0 2 0 | p a g e 2 Parish-wide Baptismal Covenant Men's Bible Study ADULT Study Wednesdays, 7:00am Six weeks - Beginning October 7 Contact Charles Youngson: Contact Tara Portney: [email protected] CHRISTIAN [email protected] Gathering each week to learn more All Saints has a rich tradition about the Bible and how it relates to FORMATION of many baptisms throughout the our lives, the Mens' Bible Study invites liturgical year. Although we haven't all men in the parish to come for a OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDY been able to gather this year as we lively discussion of Scripture, faith, AND SUPPORT usually do, it is an important time to and current events. We meet and understand what it means to live out maintain a safe physical distance or our baptismal covenant. The entire you may join us via Zoom. Breakfast and the Bible congregation is invited to study the Sundays, 10:00am, Zoom basics of our faith and how they apply Beginning September 27 to the world in which we live. Pre- One Flock Contact Charles Youngson: existing Christian Formation classes Contact Joie Hoke: [email protected] will use this course during October and [email protected] Grab your breakfast or a cup of early November. Those without a Would you like to spend an hour a coffee and join the Rev. Charles current formation class may join a week with other women learning how Youngson for a deeper look at small group by emailing to connect with God during these Sunday’s Bible readings. All are [email protected]. This course challenging times? We spend time welcome! will include weekly teaching videos discussing our questions, our lives, and created by our clergy/community and our faith. Meeting time varies. discussion questions. Celtic Spirituality Thursdays, 12:10pm, Zoom The Seekers Six weeks - Beginning October 15 Faith and the Modern Family Contact Mike Cleckler: Using the writings, poetry, and Sundays, 8:15pm, Zoom [email protected] artwork of Celtic monks and nuns, Dr. Contact Seth Olson: This warm and welcoming Gisela Kreglinger Smith will explore [email protected] community strives to make a deeper this important part of our Christian This community seeks to support connection with God through tradition with a particular focus on the one another in prayer and fellowship, discussing current religious, social, and Holy Island of Iona, Scotland.