Previously I shared an old practice and use of baptismal salt as a part of the rite of baptism. (See: Holy Baptism - The Salt Of Baptism) Recently I have had the privilege of performing baptisms of two adults and was thus given the opportunity to think and preach about baptism and especially adult baptism. In my research I was able to delve into the nature of the baptismal rite and especially the differences between the 1928 Book of Common Prayer and the revised 1979 BCP. During the revision of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer there were many who charged that the new revision was a change in our theology - our understanding of how God interacts with the world. AND THESE CHARGES WERE CORRECT! Read the rest of this entry » » » »
Recently I have had the privilege to perform several baptisms, two of these were adult men. Maybe my ministry has been exceptional in that almost exclusively I have performed baptisms of young children. But, I feel that my life in ministry is probably common in this matter. With these baptisms several thoughts have come to mind and therefore this piece of ‘manna’ is one of four regarding various aspects of baptism. The second ‘manna’ will deal with some of the history and theology of the Sacrament of Baptism as contained in our 1979 Book of Common Prayer. [See: New Baptismal Theology? Adult Baptism] The final three address pastoral aspects of baptisms drawn from my 35 years in the ordained ministry. The first is Holy Baptism: An Adult Respected, the second We Receive You, and the final post is The Tears of Baptism: A Pastoral Response.
One custom I have incorporated into the celebration of the baptismal rite has been the utilization of baptismal salt. Read the rest of this entry » » » »
Occasionally, at the major Sunday celebration of the Eucharist on Easter Sunday morning, I have utilized a bit of drama to begin the service. Regretfully, I do not recall where I ran across this practice. I want to say that I found it as a practice used in some Orthodox churches but please do not hold me to that recollection. I have used it from time to time to vary the Easter Sunday service and to emphasize in a more dramatic way the events on that very first Easter morning.
The drama begins after everyone has gathered but before the processional hymn. Since St. Michael’s has three doors or sets of doors into its nave I am able to use each one of the doors in succession. And, given that the church is miked, the action of the drama proves to be very effective.
I have the ushers close all doors into the nave following the introit hymn. Then, at the furthest door, I knock loudly on the outside of the door and have a woman’s voice say (using the microphone ), “We have come seeking Jesus” to which the choir, having been instructed as to the patters of versicles and responses, respond in unison, “He is not here.” The sacred ministers then move to the second door of the nave and we repeat the knocking on the door and the versicles and responses. Finally we move to the main double doors of the nave and again loudly knock on the outside and announce for the third time, “We have come seeking Jesus” to which the choir joyfully responds, “He is risen! He is risen indeed!”
We have varied this drama by including the instructions in the Sunday missalettes so that the choir and congregation are both able to participate in the versicles and responses.
Immediately following the third repetition the opening processional hymn is begun and the formal procession of the sacred ministers, i.e. all acolytes, choir, Lay Eucharist Ministers and clergy, into the chancel of the church.
From time to time I have a reader respond to an article and feel a further clarification is necessary. Recently, a former parishioner wanted to challenge something I had said regarding the nature of the Real Presence as understood by Anglicans. I have attached my response to him:
Dear John,
I really enjoyed talking with you the other day and yes, you have been included in our prayer list for each Sunday until such time as you tell me to remove your name.
In response to your questions and follow-up to our discussion. Not only physical science but also our reason informs us that the bread and wine do not actually become bodily flesh or blood cells. Read the rest of this entry » » » »