Theology Class: “The Tudor Prayer Books: 1549, 1552, 1559”
Dear Friends in Christ,
On Sunday, October 13th at 10:00 a.m., we concluded our three-part series on the first three Books of Common Prayer.
The series, entitled “The Tudor Prayer Books: 1549, 1552, 1559,” has examined the prayer books promulgated under Edward VI and Elizabeth I. During the past two weeks, we have explored how these liturgical texts have shed light on key theological debates of the English Reformation and have shaped the Anglican theological tradition.
Our final class focused on the Prayer Book of 1559 and the lasting influence of Queen Elizabeth I on Anglican liturgy and theology to this day. Among other things, we will discuss the Elizabethan Settlement and the Ornaments Rubric.
I hope to see many of you on Sunday morning. We will meet on the fifth floor of the parish house. As always, if you have any questions about our theology program, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Blessings,
Fr. Cheng
Theologian in Residence
Pilgrims’ Course II
During the five Tuesdays of October from 6:30-8:00 pm, Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue will be offering the Pilgrims’ Course II series.
This course is designed for parishioners who were recently confirmed or received. In particular, it will help such individuals to strengthen and deepen their relationship with God, the Episcopal Church, and our parish.
This coming Tuesday, October 15th at 6:30 p.m., we will discuss the Structure and Governance of the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion. The instructors will be Fr. Cheng and the Rector.
The course is open to all those who have completed the Pilgrims’ Course I series or the Rector’s Doctrine Class since 2015. We will be using Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices by Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe as our text. The book is available for purchase in the parish bookstore. For more information about this book, follow this link.
To sign up for this program, please contact Fr. Cheng at [email protected].
“Redeeming the Past: Healing Memories of Individuals, Communities, and Nations”
On Sunday, October 20th at 10:00 a.m., we will welcome a special guest, The Rev. Michael Lapsley SSM. Fr. Lapsley is a South African Anglican priest and the founder of the Institute for Healing of Memories (IHOM).
Fr. Lapsley, who lost both hands and an eye in a letter bomb attack in Zimbabwe in 1990, is known internationally for his work that brings together people from different racial, religious, and social backgrounds. In June, Fr. Lapsley met with Pope Francis to discuss the healing of memories.
Fr. Lapsley’s class is entitled “Redeeming the Past: Healing Memories of Individuals, Communities, and Nations.” After discussing his story and the founding of IHOM, he will lead a conversation about how the healing of memories and old wounds resonates with all those present. Please mark your calendar for this very special presentation.
Friday Bible Study
All are welcome to join the parish’s ongoing Friday Bible Study. The class runs for an hour in the parish house living room following the 12:10 pm Mass.
Under Fr. Ryan Bennett’s guidance, the class is studying the Gospel According to John, including an in-depth exploration of the text as a group. For more information about the Friday Bible Study, please contact Fr. Bennett at [email protected].
