Dear Friends
In my sermon last week, I noted the numerous titles we have attached to February 2. Not only was it the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, but principally the Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple, a Christian feast day that used to be called the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In some circles, February 2 is also known as Candlemas, and of course, outside the church it is Groundhog’s Day.
Here we are on the brink of another Sunday, and though February 9th does not come with as many titles as February 2, I can think of at least three: the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Super Bowl Sunday, and Choir Festival Sunday. Bear with me for a brief word about each one.
First, the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany. The signature story of Epiphany (January 6) is how the star of Bethlehem guided the wise men to the place where Jesus was born. They saw the light, and then carried the light of Christ with them into the world. Likewise, our mission is to shine light into some of the world’s dark or obscure places. Some of these may be right under our noses all the time. Take, for example, our worship. For many, the Book of Common Prayer would fall into the category of obscure. Thus, at the Sunday Forum during these weeks between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday (the next big day on the calendar, by the way), we are trying to shine some light on the various components of our liturgies. This week I’ll be talking about the different prayers we use to bless the bread and wine of Communion, and why. We’ll keep it as simple and real as what page to find them on in the BCP, and how each one highlights a different aspect of Christian faith. 10 am in the reception room, with coffee and breakfast treats.
Second, it is also Super Bowl Sunday. At 6:30 pm the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs will be going against each other, just as they did two years ago. Yes, I will watch some of the game. But the truth is, I really don’t care who wins. If the Chiefs win, it will be their third Super Bowl victory in a row, something no other team has done. Then again, perhaps, you’ve had enough of the Chiefs. If the Eagles win, the underdog will have triumphed. Then again, every Eagles’ win highlights just how far the New York Giants have fallen. So who cares? You can care by playing the Souper Bowl of Caring. At coffee hour you will find a number of pots, by which you can vote for your desired outcome: Chiefs, Eagles, the Halftime Show, or a Giants-Jets Super Bowl in 2026. We vote with our wallets, and all the proceeds go the Red Door Place, to help feed our neighbors in need. Read below for more information.
Third, and finally, Choir Festival Sunday. The choristers of Grace Church have been working hard all week with guest conductor, Walden Moore. At 4 pm on Sunday they will offer a wonderful Choral Evensong to showcase their progress in perfecting our praises of God. A brief but tasty reception will follow in Tuttle Hall, where you can have one more chance of playing the Souper Bowl of Caring. Come out and support the choristers. You will be home in plenty of time for that other event, also known as the Super Bowl – that is, if you care.
Let’s shine some light. See you in church.
Don