Author Archives: ginny

Marriage Equality The Law of the Land, Soon a Liturgy In The Church

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Episcopal Church Supports Marriage Equality

SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) By an overwhelming majority in both of its legislative houses, the Episcopal Church made history Wednesday (July 1) by making marriage for same-sex couples available throughout the church.

The actions on marriage equality came after decades of progress toward fully including LGBT Episcopalians in the work and witness of the church.

Meeting in Salt Lake City for its 78th General Convention, the House of Deputies concurred with the House of Bishops to approve a canonical change that eliminates a written definition of marriage as between a man and a woman and authorizes two new marriage rites for same-sex or opposite-sex couples.

Taken together, these actions make marriage — which the Supreme Court ruled last week is a “fundamental right” for all Americans — equally available for all Episcopalians.

Read More at Religion News Service and ThinkProgress.

Holy Week at St Nicholas: You Are Always Welcome

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You Are Invited

You Are Invited

Holy Week & Easter Service Times

All are warmly invited

Maundy Thursday Service
Thursday, April 2
7:00 p.m.

This evening marks the beginning of the Triduum (three days). Tonight we begin a celebration that will not end until the exultant conclusion of the Great Vigil of Easter. We hear the story of Jesus’ sharing of himself with us, and his ultimate sacrifice of love. In washing the hands of our neighbors, as Jesus once washed the feet of his followers, we are reminded that we are called to love one another.

Good Friday Service

Friday, April 3
7:00 p.m.

When we return on Good Friday, we hear about Jesus’ betrayal, capture and trial. We hear of his humiliation, his interrogation. We are reminded that the night, for him, was long and lonely.

During the liturgy we reverence the Cross because Jesus’ death was, paradoxically, the moment of his triumph.

Blessing of Easter Food

Saturday, April 4
12:00 Noon in the Church

Blessing of Easter Baskets & Food Come and experience this ancient tradition. Bring some of the food you’ll serve on Easter Sunday and have it blessed. There are prayers of blessing for all kinds of food and drink. In Holy Saturdays past, some have even brought Easter Baskets that the Easter Bunny dropped off early! All are welcome.

The Great Vigil of Easter

Saturday, April 4
8:00 p.m.

No other service in our shared experience is as full of the heritage of our faith; no other time in the year do we gather together all of the richest metaphors and symbols of faith. We gather outside around a new fire, itself a sign of creation renewed. From it we light the paschal candle to illumine our way. As the pillar of fire led the people of Israel in the wilderness, so the paschal candle will lead us to Easter — the light of Christ our beacon. One by one, we proclaim and hear the stories of our faith. We recall our ancestors and God’s saving work among us throughout the ages — creation from a Word, the earth washed clean in the flood, the deliverance at the Red Sea, dry bones given life again. At our font we remember our own welcome into the community of faith, and we are reminded that at this font we welcome others into our faith. Finally, we hear again that death has been defeated. He is risen!

Please note: there is no 4:30 liturgy on this day.

Easter Sunday

Sunday, April 5
10:00 a.m.

Come and share the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection with this community of faith. Let it transform you. Let it give you hope. Let it give you strength. Most importantly, let it remind you to give hope to others. Let it remind you to be light for the world.

Rumor has it that the Easter Bunny will be paying a special visit to St. Nicholas after this service. While the children wait, they can enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt in true St. Nicholas style!