Dear Friends,
We live in a time of great contrasts. Last week, we witnessed a mob storming the Capitol Building in Washington DC; next week, we shall witness the inauguration ceremony of the 46th President of the United States. At that inauguration, there will be no crowds or parades – only members of Congress and one guest for each member present. Instead, 191,500 US flags and 56 ‘pillars of light’ will be installed on the National Mall. I am told that President-elect Biden will take his oath of office on his own bible, which he has used for many years. The actual formal inauguration, in the form of the Oath of Office, is surprisingly short (even shorter than the oath taken by the Vice President) but contains three important words that refer to the relationship that the President will have towards the Constitution of the United States – preserve, protect, and defend. I think it is very poignant that, following the official ceremony and inaugural address, the first act undertaken by a new President is to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Ceremony, accompanied by former Presidents. We can so easily take our freedom and our democracy for granted – visiting our war dead is a powerful reminder of the cost of defending such liberty and democracy.
On the day of the inauguration, Bishop Dietsche has invited us all to join him, Bishop Shin, and Bishop Glasspool in a brief online Zoom prayer service. Bishop Dietsche writes:
As Christians and citizens, we will all play different parts in the days to come, but at all times we are called to a practice of fervent prayer. Given the gravity of the events of next week, your bishops will be conducting a brief Zoom prayer service on Wednesday morning, January 20, the day of the inauguration, at 8:00am. We invite all across our diocese to tune in and pray with us, that we may be, across our differences, one people before God, raising one prayer together for the safety and well-being of our nation and peoples.
It is also significant that next week begins with the public holiday commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Church Club of New York is encouraging us to participate in a ‘virtual’ celebration of his life on Monday at 10am. Bishop Dietsche will be preaching. The celebration is a cooperation between the Episcopal Diocese of New York and the Bronx Council and traditionally raises funds for the MLK Memorial Scholarship Fund. Further details are available.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins on Monday, January 18. We have been sent an invitation from the Anglican Center in Rome to participate in the ecumenical service to be held on Sunday, January 17 at 5:30pm (Rome Time) which means 11:30am EST. Further details are available.
There are many resources available around the world for daily prayers and bible study. Here is a link to resources from ‘Churches Together in Britain and Ireland’ that you may find helpful.
A correction. Last Sunday, I mentioned the enriching of our liturgy by the eleventh Rector, Father John Andrew. I pointed out the High Altar hangings but incorrectly stated that the vestments were commissioned by him. The High Mass set was commissioned during Father Mead’s Rectorship and a gift of Karen Metcalf. My apologies.
Finally, a prayer for our country from the Book of Common Prayer:
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God continue to bless us and keep us,
Affectionately,
Your Priest and Pastor,
Carl
