If the church is the people of God, then, where is the church from Monday to Saturday? What it is doing? And where?
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
What an invitation!
It’s hard to discern the emotions behind the words, but if the Pharisees and scribes tossed their question to Jesus innocently, then Our Savior’s response was not entirely gracious. It feels like a bit of an overreaction, really. Of course, the question may have snapped with snark, instead. Either way, it appears that the questioning of whether Jesus’ teaching resided within or outside of the “tradition of the elders” struck a nerve. Jesus didn’t see himself as the founder of a new religion, but rather an interpreter of his own religion, Judaism, as understood through a mysterious and profound relationship with God.
How much ought we to trust tradition in our religion? When does tradition constrain or enable our personal and collective spiritual growth?
The idea that the “church” and the “world” are distinct has gone in and out of fashion over the past two millennia; how does this distinction work for you? If the church is the people of God, then where is the church Monday through Saturday? What is it doing? And where?
My reflection:
Rector’s Corner: St. Michael is a house of prayer for everyone. We welcome all people seeking a spiritual home. Our hospitality is one form of our worship.
Starting this week, until Thanksgiving Sunday, we will use during our Sunday worship service a liturgical material entitled “Season of Creation”. This sample liturgy was prepared by the Very Rev. Ken Gray, Dean and Rector of St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Kamloops, B.C. I have the permission of Archbishop Melissa Skelton to use this service in our parish.
I invite our parish leadership team, council members, coordinators of the various ministry group, and all members of our congregation to a “special joint leadership meeting” on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, 10:00am to 2:00pm in the Millennium Hall. The morning session, 10am to 12 noon, will be used to present a comprehensive program in preparation for St. Michael’s 60th founding Anniversary next year. In the afternoon, parish council officers and members will hold its regular monthly meeting. Lunch will be provided by the parish.
This will be an opportunity for us to have an open conversation on the various activities that will be presented leading to our special church celebration next year. This is NOT a planning session. I will be presenting some activities and events geared towards raising more awareness to the mission of St. Michael’s to both inside and outside of our parish community.
My goal is to seek your support and be able to renew our spiritual growth in terms of stewardship. Christian education, worship and personal prayer, and re-build a fellowship inside and outside of the parish. Please RSVP at 604-591-8323 or saintmichaels@telus.net.
Blessings, The Venerable Louie Engnan
Saint Michael's Anglican Church 