Jerusalem, My Happy Home, a hymn beloved of generations of Episcopalians, sets the tone for the second in Jim Holmes' and Tim Sabin's five-part Lenten series on the Episcopal Church. Participants will gather at the back of the church and follow a pilgrim's path through the iconography and architecture of the physical building, leading to the high altar's offering of a spiritual and peaceful Jerusalem in the present time.

Entitled All People that on Earth do Dwell, the first session of this five-part series will focus on the history and structure of the Church, and will include a brief video.  Please join Tim and Jim and bring your questions and insights about our life together in what our Presiding Bishop had called “The Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement.”

Dr. Matthew Crenson is a political scientist who specializes in the study of urban politics and American political development. He received his PhD at the University of Chicago, and in 1969 joined the Department of Political Science at Johns Hopkins University and retired 38 years later as head of the Department. He is the author of numerous books and is frequently interviewed by the media. He will lead us in a two-part discussion examining how American politics reached its current state. Does the Trump presidency represent a short-term detour from the arc of our political history, or does it reflect something more permanent in this country’s unwritten constitution? It’s obvious that the political divisions in the United States are sharper and perhaps more rancorous than they have been in the recent past -- don’t forget the Civil War -- but exactly what we’re about is not so clear. This two forum rumination on our current political circumstances, where they came from, where we are, and where we’re headed, invites extensive contributions, questions, and challenges from the listeners.

Dr. Matthew Crenson is a political scientist who specializes in the study of urban politics and American political development. He received his PhD at the University of Chicago, and in 1969 joined the Department of Political Science at Johns Hopkins University and retired 38 years later as head of the Department. He is the author of numerous books and is frequently interviewed by the media. He will lead us in a two-part discussion examining how American politics reached its current state. Does the Trump presidency represent a short-term detour from the arc of our political history, or does it reflect something more permanent in this country’s unwritten constitution? It’s obvious that the political divisions in the United States are sharper and perhaps more rancorous than they have been in the recent past -- don’t forget the Civil War -- but exactly what we’re about is not so clear. This two forum rumination on our current political circumstances, where they came from, where we are, and where we’re headed, invites extensive contributions, questions, and challenges from the listeners.

Dr. Sherwood Githens will discuss David Reich’s 2018 book, Who We Are And How We Got Here: Ancient DNA And The New Science Of The Human Past. “Ancient DNA” refers to DNA extracted from human bones 50,000 years old and more -- including Neanderthals -- which is then sequenced. These ancient DNA sequences have allowed scientists to determine some of the relationships among migrations of groups of humans that are not possible using modern DNA sequences. The migrations of humans during prehistory in Africa, Europe, Asia, the South Seas, and the Americas will be summarized. Sherwood holds a Ph.D in biochemistry from Harvard University and has held numerous university teaching and administrative positions throughout his career.

In honor of St. Valentine’s Day, the Outreach Committee will write cards to patients in the VA hospital following coffee hour after the 10:30 service.

Dr. Sherwood Githens will discuss David Reich’s 2018 book, Who We Are And How We Got Here: Ancient DNA And The New Science Of The Human Past. “Ancient DNA” refers to DNA extracted from human bones 50,000 years old and more -- including Neanderthals -- which is then sequenced. These ancient DNA sequences have allowed scientists to determine some of the relationships among migrations of groups of humans that are not possible using modern DNA sequences. The migrations of humans during prehistory in Africa, Europe, Asia, the South Seas, and the Americas will be summarized. Sherwood holds a Ph.D in biochemistry from Harvard University and has held numerous university teaching and administrative positions throughout his career.

Peter Dunn, Director of Community Relations at the Samaritan Community, will discuss the activities of their assistance and empowerment programs, which include: food pantry operation; clothing shop/computer workroom; individual case management; emergency financial assistance; individual empowerment counseling; group support; and life enrichment. The Emmanuel Outreach Committee awarded a grant of $5,000 to the Samaritan Community in 2018, which was used to support the overall program of the Community’s activities as listed above. (We also assist the Samaritan Community throughout the year via the Frank Russell Memorial Clothing Drive and other donations.) Herschel Wade, chair of the Outreach Committee, will introduce the speaker and briefly discuss Emmanuel’s relationship with the grantee during the past two years.

Dr. Arthur Sutherland is Associate Professor of Theology at Loyola University, Maryland, and recently won a grant from the Project on Lived Theology to support a critical commentary on “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” Dr. King is well known for his speeches and sermons—indeed, phrases like “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” have become part of our national quote book. However, there is another side to King revealed in his private letters and lesser known public addresses: his wit and wisdom. This two-week study will examine a selection of King’s writings that link the power of laughter to the work of love.

After the Q&A with Bishop Sutton and coffee hour, the Outreach Committee will assemble the rest of our resource bags in the Gallery.

Dr. Arthur Sutherland is Associate Professor of Theology at Loyola University, Maryland, and recently won a grant from the Project on Lived Theology to support a critical commentary on “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” Dr. King is well known for his speeches and sermons—indeed, phrases like “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” have become part of our national quote book. However, there is another side to King revealed in his private letters and lesser known public addresses: his wit and wisdom. This two-week study will examine a selection of King’s writings that link the power of laughter to the work of love.

Christianity traces its origins to a Jewish man from a Jewish community in the land of Israel. What is Judaism? How is it similar to and different from the other Abrahamic Faiths? How has it developed over time? What are some principles of Jewish faith and practice? How is it there can be two Jews with three opinions? We’ll explore these and other questions as we navigate a 4,000 year-old people’s quest for meaning in a sometimes tumultuous world. Our forum will be led by Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg of Beth Am Synagogue. He was ordained and received his MA at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles after obtaining a BA in Hebrew Studies and Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin.

Liberal theology since the Enlightenment has avoided talk of palpable evil in the world and humankind’s participation in it. Examining evil without at the same time talking about redemption through Jesus’ incarnation—as well as our human incarnation through God’s gracious Holy Spirit—would be an incomplete review of such a serious topic. So, as the Christian church heads towards Christmas, the liturgical year gives us warrant to look at things that are of both the dark and the light. Evil didn’t go away because Christians grew weary of discussing it or because it seemed primitive and judgmental. Evil is a theme throughout our scriptures. Jesus evinced no fuzzy thinking about evil, nor did he rationalize it away, or draw back from it. Moreover, it is a subject that has engaged theologians, philosophers, mystics, teachers, and prophets for millennia. Discussing evil requires sophistication and honesty, as well as level headedness that doesn’t allow for hyperbole or crass knee-jerk reactions. This series will consider history, theology, and contemporary analysis—even using psychology, language, culture, and political theory. Interestingly, some of the most pungent, helpful writing comes from Anglican theologians such as N.T. Wright and C.S. Lewis. As always, conversation and probing questions will be a feature of these presentations. We have all staked our lives on the sure conviction that even the most wretched darkness can be broken by a small spark.

Help us begin the decoration of the church for the Christmas season! Give yourself a quiet moment in the hectic whirl of Christmas preparation and join good friends for a special evening dressing the nave in nature’s evergreen bounty—there’s enough work for everyone hanging greens, making window arrangements, and hanging wreaths. Please bring your favorite heavy appetizer for 8 to share, and if you’d like, work or garden gloves. (All ages are welcome.)

Liberal theology since the Enlightenment has avoided talk of palpable evil in the world and humankind’s participation in it. Examining evil without at the same time talking about redemption through Jesus’ incarnation—as well as our human incarnation through God’s gracious Holy Spirit—would be an incomplete review of such a serious topic. So, as the Christian church heads towards Christmas, the liturgical year gives us warrant to look at things that are of both the dark and the light. Evil didn’t go away because Christians grew weary of discussing it or because it seemed primitive and judgmental. Evil is a theme throughout our scriptures. Jesus evinced no fuzzy thinking about evil, nor did he rationalize it away, or draw back from it. Moreover, it is a subject that has engaged theologians, philosophers, mystics, teachers, and prophets for millennia. Discussing evil requires sophistication and honesty, as well as level headedness that doesn’t allow for hyperbole or crass knee-jerk reactions. This series will consider history, theology, and contemporary analysis—even using psychology, language, culture, and political theory. Interestingly, some of the most pungent, helpful writing comes from Anglican theologians such as N.T. Wright and C.S. Lewis. As always, conversation and probing questions will be a feature of these presentations. We have all staked our lives on the sure conviction that even the most wretched darkness can be broken by a small spark.

Liberal theology since the Enlightenment has avoided talk of palpable evil in the world and humankind’s participation in it. Examining evil without at the same time talking about redemption through Jesus’ incarnation—as well as our human incarnation through God’s gracious Holy Spirit—would be an incomplete review of such a serious topic. So, as the Christian church heads towards Christmas, the liturgical year gives us warrant to look at things that are of both the dark and the light. Evil didn’t go away because Christians grew weary of discussing it or because it seemed primitive and judgmental. Evil is a theme throughout our scriptures. Jesus evinced no fuzzy thinking about evil, nor did he rationalize it away, or draw back from it. Moreover, it is a subject that has engaged theologians, philosophers, mystics, teachers, and prophets for millennia. Discussing evil requires sophistication and honesty, as well as level headedness that doesn’t allow for hyperbole or crass knee-jerk reactions. This series will consider history, theology, and contemporary analysis—even using psychology, language, culture, and political theory. Interestingly, some of the most pungent, helpful writing comes from Anglican theologians such as N.T. Wright and C.S. Lewis. As always, conversation and probing questions will be a feature of these presentations. We have all staked our lives on the sure conviction that even the most wretched darkness can be broken by a small spark.

As an especially appropriate way to greet the season of Advent and its new beginnings, Becki Atwater and Matt Crenson, our senior and junior wardens, will report on Emmanuel’s directed search for a new rector and bring the congregation as up-to-date as they can on our progress.

A spiritual discipline is any activity that helps us to be better disciples. In this second session, the more “active” spiritual disciplines will be explored, such as: congregational worship; service, etc. Both types of disciplines are vital to becoming the best disciples we can be.

The Book of Revelation is often read as a literal prophecy for the future with an emphasis on symbolic interpretation as the key to a divine timetable. However, exploration of the contextual theology of the author and the genre of apocalyptic literature yields deeper meaning from this beautiful, if enigmatic, text. With fresh eyes and listening hearts that engage the divine imagination, the Book of Revelation provides vibrant hope in times to replace injustice and despair. Our forum will be lead by the Rev. Katrina Grusell, who currently serves in many capacities, including: Episcopal Chaplain at UMBC; Administer of Pastoral Care at St. John’s, Ellicott City; and Chaplain to the Corporation for the Relief of Widows and Children of the Clergy in the Episcopal Church in Maryland.

A spiritual discipline is any activity that helps us to be better disciples. In the first session of this two-part series, “quieter” spiritual disciplines will be highlighted, such as: quiet prayer, solitude, simplicity, etc.

The Rev. Joshua Rodriguez-Hobbs will lead us through a workshop focusing on the importance of the Advance Directive. End of life situations are difficult to discuss, but we know that if we have courage—In Advance—to document our wishes in written form we will have more peace and offer an extraordinary gift to our loved ones. The workshop will address four areas: what is an Advance Directive; why is it important to accurately and thoroughly complete one; how to communicate your wishes and protect Advance Directive information; and how to create a plan to complete an Advance Directive. Joshua is the Episcopal Chaplain to the Johns Hopkins Hospital, and prior to joining the Spiritual Care Department, he served as a Chaplain at Gilchrist Hospice Care and as a parish priest.

The Rev. Dr. Karen Brown is a Resource Developer at the Intersection of Change, which is a community-based nonprofit organization focused on community development. The organization is dedicated to providing programs that enrich the economic, social, and spiritual lives of those dealing with poverty-related issues. The Emmanuel Outreach Committee awarded a grant of $5,000 to the Intersection of Change in 2018, which in turned used the funds to support Strength to Love II. This program operates an urban farm and serves ex-offenders returning to the community by providing food gift certificates and offers employment, assistance with ID renewals, transportation to appointments, and other assistance as needed. Herschel Wade, Chair of the Outreach Committee, will introduce members of the Intersection of Change and speak briefly about the program.