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The Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island
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Greetings!
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In this issue, you will find stories of churches expanding their reach. We hope you will be inspired to think creatively. Thanks for reading!
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The More, the Merrier: Bp. Knisely to celebrate joint Easter Vigil with 8 Aquidneck Island churches
Easter dinner is always better when there's a crowd around the table -- and that's exactly why the churches on Aquidneck Island are holding a joint Easter Vigil this year.
Every Episcopal congregation in the Aquidneck Deanery, along with the chapel of St. George's School, has been invited to participate in the service, which will be held at The Zabriskie Memorial Church of St. John the Evangelist on the Point in Newport. Bishop Knisely will preside at the service, and the Rev. Nathan J.A. Humphrey, Vicar of St. John's, will give the homily.
"The Vigil is the most solemn and joyful service in the entire church year," says Father Humphrey. "We are hoping for a packed house and the start of a new tradition on the island. So bring a handbell and come celebrate with us!"
Find full details on the diocesan blog and consider ways you might join with others to expand the communion table during the coming Easter season.
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Church Beyond the Walls seeks partner congregations
It has been a year since the Rev. Edmund Harris and parishioners from Church of the Epiphany held their first outdoor Eucharist and sandwich meal in Kennedy Park, Providence. Since then, Church Beyond the Walls (CBW) has grown into a community that feeds the physical and spiritual hungers of those outside church walls. CBW is now looking to form active partnerships with congregations throughout Rhode Island. Youth groups, outreach committees, formation programs, and individuals can easily set up one-time visits or commit to a season of service. Then stop by this Saturday (April 5), when Bishop Knisely will be present for worship and hospitality starting at 2 p.m. in front of the fountain in Burnside Park in Providence, directly across from Kennedy Plaza. Come and offer the gift of your presence as we celebrate this special occasion!
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Spreading the word and expanding your reach In the social media age, it's not enough just to have a good idea: You also need to spread the word and invite people to help you meet your goals.
That's just what the Rev. Susan Wrathall of St. Mark's in Warwick has done. Four years ago, she recognized a hunger in her congregation -- a need for physical sustenance -- and has encouraged parishioners to work toward meeting that need.
Early efforts included putting together a "street sheet" listing community resources for those in need in and around Warwick. The church has also started a monthly free lunch program and food pantry.
But the most exciting thing is how these efforts have gained the support of Mayor Scott Avedisian and galvanized the entire Warwick community.
Read this article from the Providence Journal, look at the results, and think:
How might you leverage local politicians, local media, and others to help build up your church's ministries?
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Welcoming a new Hispanic congregation to Cranston
Members of Church of the Transfiguration in Cranston are on a mission: They're going door to door telling neighbors about a new Hispanic/Latino congregation being planted at their church.
It's part of a bold decision taken by the vestry, and supported by the parish, to respond to changing demographics in the surrounding neighborhood and to tend to the spiritual needs of neighbors just outside church doors.
But Transfiguration isn't going it alone. They're benefiting from the guidance of the Rev. Mercedes Julian, Diocesan Hispanic Missioner, and are partnering with Church of the Ascension in Cranston, which found itself in a similar situation a few years ago and now has a thriving bilingual ministry.
Learn more about the collaborative effort here.
Then give a boost by attending the first service on Palm Sunday, April 13, at 5 pm. And, of course, keep Transfiguration in your own parish and personal prayers.
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Save the Dates:
- Cathedral Brainstorming Sessions: This Saturday, April 5, from 10 am to noon at St. Mark's in Warwick and Tues., May 20 7-9 pm at Redeemer in Providence. These sessions are for anyone who has any ideas about what we could do with the Cathedral and to respond to the ideas that have been generated to date. Bring imagination and ideas.
- New England Anglican Studies Conference on Christianity and Capitalism: April 11-12 at Harvard Divinity School. Five years after the worldwide financial crisis, two years after Occupy Wall Street, and in the midst of widespread movements challenging the global economic system, we as Christians need to ask important questions about how we relate to the current economic order. Hear from a range of interested academics, practitioners, pastors, students, and others as they explore this topic. Click for information and registration.
- Dinner and Movie Night with a Twist: Silent film and live organ soundtrack on Sun., April 13, at 6:00 pm at St. Paul's Pawtucket. The 1927 Cecil B. DeMille classic King of Kings is at once spectacular and deeply reverent -- part Gospel, part Technicolor epic. Giving new life to this wonderful silent movie will be a master of organ improvisation, Peter Edwin Krasinski, creating a sweeping soundtrack that will move and inspire. Details online.
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275 North Main Street, Providence RI · 401-274-4500
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