Monthly Archives: October 2012

Service and Generosity

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Proper 24B, October 21, 2012; The Rev. Pamela L. Werntz

Job 38:1-7 Who?
Hebrews 5:1-10 Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears.
Mark 10:35-45 What is it you want me to do for you?

O generous God, grant us the strength, the wisdom and the courage to seek always and everywhere after truth, come when it may, and cost what it will.

 The Jesus I love was a master at asking questions, and perhaps the best one of all is: “What is it you want me to do for you?” In the Gospel passage from Mark that Susanne just read, James and John say, “teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” Jesus doesn’t say, “okay, sure!” or “you know I can’t agree to that,” or “are you kidding me?” or any number of things he might have said in response. He doesn’t answer with a statement. Rather, he asks, smiling I imagine, “What is it you want me to do for you?” “What is it you want me to do for you?” Continue reading →

Finding Our Faith

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“Book officiant.” That’s what all the bridal magazines told me to do at least nine months before the wedding.

To be honest with a year to plan I’d been more preoccupied with short ribs or halibut, buttercream or fondant, than with deciding who would perform our ceremony. But somewhere between selecting mini crab flautas to be served during cocktail hour and corn bisque for a starter, I realized the menu shouldn’t be my top priority. For the first time, Eric and I would have to explicitly address our different religious backgrounds and decide how Judaism and Christianity would factor into our life together. Continue reading →

“Ihr Seid die Gesegneten des Herren”

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During a worship service a while back, the chorus of Emmanuel Music sang a motet “Der Herr denket an uns,” which is #9 in Johann Hermann Schein’s “Israels Brünnlein” collection. The text is from Psalm 115, verses 12–15. I sat there in my usual spot in the third row, soaking up the beauty in my usual way—not following along in the program but watching the singers, players, and John Harbison’s conducting dance. And listening. Listening with a ferocious desire for bigger ears so I could take in this miracle of sound that we call music. I’ve heard that the ears continue to grow throughout one’s life; what a great place for this wish to be coming true!

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Mainline Protestants and Same-Sex Marriage

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Emmanuel Church was selected by PBS for its special Mainline Protestants and Same-Sex Marriage.

The issue of gay marriage is on the agenda as the US Episcopal Church holds its once-every-three-years General Convention in Anaheim, California. For years, Episcopalians have been deeply divided over homosexuality. One proposal being debated at this meeting would allow Episcopal churches to conduct same-sex weddings in the six states that have legalized gay marriage. Currently, most mainline denominations do not officially allow same-sex weddings. But the changing legal environment is adding new pressure. Kim Lawton has our report.

Read the full story and watch an interview with the Rev. Pam Werntz. Read more about our rector, the Rev. Pam Werntz.