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 Revs. Jim Holmes and Joseph Wood will present on the new beginning of Advent.
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.
Are anti-black racism and anti-Semitism related in the contemporary U.S. context? If so, what might this relationship tell us about whiteness and religion? Please join us for the Institute of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies' (ICJS) annual Manekin-Clarke Lecture where Professor Mitchell will draw upon her previous work to answer some of the unsettling political and theological questions of our times. She will explore how her work can open myriad possibilities for interreligious engagement, while thinking through the numerous twenty-first century challenges facing minorities in the wake of an emboldened sense of white supremacy, nativism, jingoism, and xenophobic nationalism.
The lecture is free, but please register.
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.
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.
The Rev. Dr. Thomas Culbertson is Rector Emeritus of Emmanuel Church. He holds a PhD from the Graduate Theological Foundation, Indiana, and was previously on the faculty of the Ecumenical Institute of Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary in Roland Park. He will present a two-part lecture and discussion series focusing on Jesus: his prayer life, as well as what Jesus thought about himself. This Sunday, Dr. Culbertson will conclude his discussion on the life of Jesus by focusing on the question: what did Jesus actually think about himself?
The Rev. Dr. Thomas Culbertson is Rector Emeritus of Emmanuel Church. He holds a PhD from the Graduate Theological Foundation, Indiana, and was previously on the faculty of the Ecumenical Institute of Theology at St. Mary’s Seminary in Roland Park. He will present a two-part lecture and discussion series focusing on Jesus: his prayer life, as well as what Jesus thought about himself. This Sunday, Dr. Culbertson’s topic will focus on the fact that even the most astute reader of the Gospel may miss the intense and frequent prayer life of Jesus of Nazareth. He will examine a few of the narratives (especially in Luke) that include the sentence, “he went out to the mountains to pray.”
Emmanuel Church will be participating in the fifth annual Doors Open Baltimore, including offering tours of our main sanctuary and mini organ recitals. Come share in our treasures, and thank you so much to all of the volunteers making it possible!
Emmanuel Church will hold its annual commemoration of the Feast of St. Francis—including a Blessing of the Pets—on Sunday, September 30, 2018.
The Rev. Dr. Henrietta Wiley is a philologist of biblical literature and former associate professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame of Maryland University—as well as a visiting professor at Denison University. She is an Episcopal priest, and she did her internship several years ago at Emmanuel. She has a PhD in Hebrew Bible from Harvard University and an undergraduate degree in Classical Greek from the University of North Carolina. Rhetta will lead a three-part series on the Revelation to John. The Revelation is a wildly vivid vision of heaven and earth and God’s will for humanity. She will discuss this text and its history of interpretation, especially in music and art.
The Rev. Dr. Henrietta Wiley is a philologist of biblical literature and former associate professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame of Maryland University—as well as a visiting professor at Denison University. She is an Episcopal priest, and she did her internship several years ago at Emmanuel. She has a PhD in Hebrew Bible from Harvard University and an undergraduate degree in Classical Greek from the University of North Carolina. Rhetta will lead a three-part series on the Revelation to John. The Revelation is a wildly vivid vision of heaven and earth and God’s will for humanity. She will discuss this text and its history of interpretation, especially in music and art.
The Rev. Dr. Henrietta Wiley is a philologist of biblical literature and former associate professor of Sacred Scripture at Notre Dame of Maryland University—as well as a visiting professor at Denison University. She is an Episcopal priest, and she did her internship several years ago at Emmanuel. She has a PhD in Hebrew Bible from Harvard University and an undergraduate degree in Classical Greek from the University of North Carolina. Rhetta will lead a three-part series on the Revelation to John. The Revelation is a wildly vivid vision of heaven and earth and God’s will for humanity. She will discuss this text and its history of interpretation, especially in music and art.
Our program year will kick-off with a special forum in the Gallery from our Senior Warden, Rebecca Atwater, who will wrap-up the discussions we've been having as a congregation--including exploring the results from the survey. (Our annual Ministry Fair will take place after the 10:30 service in the Brent Room.)
The following questions from the diocese will be the focus of the meeting this Sunday, August 12, at 9:20 am in the Gallery. (Though it's likely that not all of them will be covered during this particular discussion.) Emmanuel's portfolio will then be updated in the fall based on the responses and conclusions reached from all of the meetings, as well as a tally of the online survey responses.
1. If we could start from scratch, what would the congregation be and do?
2. What are our core values as a productive or mission-based community of faith?
3. Who are we serving in the greater community, and who are we not serving? What are the reasons for these choices?
4. How would you encourage and develop leadership in the congregation to implement mission and ministry?
5. What is our congregation's story at our best? At our most challenged? Where do we hear the call of God in both stories?
There will be a special, inter-service coffee hour this Sunday, 07/29/18, beginning at 9:20 am in the Gallery. It will be an opportunity to continue the conversation that began last Sunday, focusing particularly on the profile that was developed as part of the search for our last rector. Come share in some fellowship and naming together what it means to be Emmanuel!
Join our Senior Warden, Rebecca Atwater, and Junior Warden, Matthew Crenson, after the 10:30 am service for a special meeting of the congregation in the Gallery. Alongside the Rev. Canons Stuart Wright & Mary Sulerud from the diocese, they will give you an update on Emmanuel's path forward and answer any questions you might have. (A light lunch will be provided.)
In partnership with H.O.P.E.* and M.V.L.S. (Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service), Emmanuel Church is delighted to be offering an expungement clinic on Saturday, June 23rd. The clinic will help people understand and begin the expungement process. Given the legal assistance necessary to help prepare a petition, space is limited. Sign up today and discover a new way of living!
*H.O.P.E. (Helping Oppressed People Excel) is the reentry program helmed by our very own Antoin Quarles
Celebrating “the birthday of the Church,” our rector will talk about how he’s settled into the rhythms of Emmanuel and what he sees the future holding for this parish.
As his second year at Emmanuel draws to a close, our assistant rector will discuss that journey and what it has meant to grow into his priesthood with this community. (Spoiler alert: the experience has been impossibly more than he could ever have imagined.) He’ll ponder why he’s grateful, what he’s learned, and where it may lead.
Jordan Prescott, Emmanuel's organ scholar, will play his spring recital at 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 6, 2018. (Afterward, he will accompany the choir in a sung evensong led by our rector, the Rev. Hentzi Elek.)
Immediately following our regular 10:30 am Sunday service, Emmanuel will hold its 2018 annual parish meeting. (There will be light refreshments, but please try to return to the main sanctuary quickly so that we can get started.)
The planned agenda is as follows:
Dr. Fosarelli is the Associate Dean of the Ecumenical Institute of Theology at St. Mary's University. There are many spiritual practices, but some seem particularly suited to those who are more mature. This session will highlight such practices, with hints on how to incorporate them into daily life.
Dr. Sherwood Githens, a former Sr. Warden at Emmanuel Church, will talk about he methods for first identifying planets that have the right conditions for life as we know it (especially liquid water), some of the possible life-forms that might be encountered (touching on life found in extreme locations on earth, and the history of life on earth), and what signs of life will be sought via telescopes already built and under construction. He will further explore the philosophical and religious meaning of actually finding life on other planets in our solar system or around nearby stars.
Former Bishop Suffragan of Maryland the Right Rev. John l. Rabb will present a three part series on The Pentateuch, also called the Torah or Story. These books are the ones that can be found on the scrolls in the sanctuaries of synagogues. They are the most formative guide to the covenant with Israel as God’s people. The Books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy can be understood from four sources: reflecting how Israel sees itself; understands monotheism and develops a moral code; an understanding of worship; and the place of ritual. This presentation will be presented in three consecutive forms, with the first week devoted to an overview of the five books.
Former Bishop Suffragan of Maryland the Right Rev. John l. Rabb will present a three part series on The Pentateuch, also called the Torah or Story. These books are the ones that can be found on the scrolls in the sanctuaries of synagogues. They are the most formative guide to the covenant with Israel as God’s people. The Books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy can be understood from four sources: reflecting how Israel sees itself; understands monotheism and develops a moral code; an understanding of worship; and the place of ritual. This presentation will be presented in three consecutive forms, with the first week devoted to an overview of the five books.
8:30 & 10:30 am Festival Celebration of the Holy Eucharist
(The Easter Egg hunt returns to Emmanuel Church! In addition to a festive coffee hour, children will be given bags to collect brightly colored Easter eggs hidden throughout the church building. Please contact Joseph, jwood@emmanueldowntown.org, if you would like to help stuff plastic eggs, hide them or otherwise assist with this event.)
7:30 pm, Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing & Stripping of the Altar in the main sanctuary
Office Hours: M-F 9am - 4pm
Sunday Services: 8:30am, 10:30am
info@emmanueldowntown.org
