22 September 2022
Dear friends,
Since the middle of August, Paige and Jesse Wilson have been leading an excellent study on the writings and sermons of the late Archbishop of South Africa, Desmond Tutu. Next Wednesday is the last session of this study, and I want to express my gratitude to Jesse and Paige for their able leadership, as well as to all the cooks who have provided the weekly supper. This study has provided a context to explore the deeper issues of race, prejudice, and classism in our modern world, and we have done it from a Christian perspective.
These evenings have begun with Evensong and Benediction at 6:15 pm, and next Wednesday, September 28, we have the special treat of celebrating the first Evensong of St. Michael and All Angels. At the end of the evening we gather in the church for Compline. These Wednesday evenings have been a spiritual oasis in the middle of the week, and due to the enhancements of the Parish Hall, our formation classes have also greatly improved. If you have not participated yet, I encourage you to do so.
Speaking of Evensong and Benediction, the choir will sing for Evensong and Benediction on Saturday, October 1 at 5:00 pm, and a reception will follow in the Parish Hall. We are accepting donations of wine for the reception, and if you are willing to help with the reception, please let me know by Sunday. The choir continues to build strength upon strength. The last time the choir sang Evensong and Benediction was during Lent earlier this year, and it was a great success.
But before October arrives, this Sunday, September 25, at 12:00 noon, Dr. Michael Ida, our treasurer, will give a short presentation on the finances of St. Mark’s, including a window into our stewardship practices as a congregation. As well, do not forget that Give Aloha ends September 30. In the past Foodland has extended the deadline by a day or so, but it is risky to depend on that extension. If you have not donated for St. Mark’s, do not delay. Our code is 77875.
Finally, we have begun to sing Lauds rather than BCP Morning Prayer on Sunday mornings before the Solemn Mass. As well, we might consider singing Terce as some point before the Solemn Mass. You might be wondering what is Lauds and what is Terce? You would not be alone. At some point I plan to teach on Wednesday evenings about the differences between the Daily Offices of the Reformation Prayer Books and the traditional Western Divine Offices of daily prayer, as well as what is sometimes called the Anglican Breviary. There is not sufficient space to describe these matters in an Evangel column, but suffice it to say, I have been attentive to comments arising from the congregation about the 1979 BCP offices being rather dull and dry. I have heard your comments, and there is more to come.
Blessings,
Father Paul Lillie +
Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Honolulu
