Friday, April 10th, 2020
Spiritual Focus of the Day
by Keli Shipley Cooper
House Mountain / Knoxville, TN / taken by Keli Shipley Cooper
In 2014, I fell in love with the  Book of Common Prayer . After graduating from Maryville College that May, I immediately moved into  Tyson House Student Foundation , the Episcopal-Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Tennessee (Knoxville). I served as one of the resident interns and was also the solo Presbyterian in the house. I lived with eight other folks, and we each had individual rooms, shared bathrooms, shared kitchens, and a chapel. During the academic year, we gathered for a hearty southern meal and worship every Sunday evening at 6:04 p.m. (yes, 6:04).

We did not exclusively use the Book of Common Prayer since we were a blended-denominational space; however, there were copies all over the house. This is when I first remember getting to know this resource. At Tyson House, we used a variety of liturgy that the chaplain would beautifully craft into works of liturgical art. 

At Tyson House and now at St. Paul’s, I hear these familiar words during Eucharist: 

Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.

Three sentences that ground our lives and beliefs as Christians. 

Today is Good Friday . There is some debate about the origin of the name “Good Friday.” Perhaps it means that it is “holy,” or that it is “God’s Friday”—or it simply means that it is a day to be observed by the church. Regardless of the origin, this is the day when we remember Christ’s crucifixion and that  Christ has died .   

I distinctly remember Good Friday in 2015, the spring when I lived at Tyson House. I went for a solo hike up House Mountain , which is about 30 minutes outside of Knoxville. I packed my red ENO hammock and a book and hiked the steep mountainside. On my way up, I heard a rooster crow once. That wasn't too uncommon in East Tennessee. Then, I heard it crow again. And then I heard it once more. Three times. Very eerie...

This reminded of Peter denying Jesus three times before the cock crows. Perhaps you remember this story, as well? I invite you to read the Gospel reading for today- John 18:1-19:42 .

What stands out to you?
Which portions are familiar? Unfamiliar?
Has the pandemic affected your understanding or experience of Holy Week, thus far? If so, how?

My spouse and I have had a variety of discussions about death. Loved ones, celebrities, and those whom we do not know their names are dying all over the world. Many folks live on by other's memories of them. Scripture details a shar ed memory of the past, the present, and what is to come. The Gospels, in particular, provide memories of Jesus Christ.

Today, we remember Good Friday. It is a day of reflection, introspection, and contemplation. We continue through this Holy Week, one unlike any we may have experienced before and we remember that “Christ has died” while we look forward to what is to come. 

Collect for Today:  Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Chapel / Tyson House Student Foundation / Knoxville, TN / taken by Keli Shipley Cooper
My name is  Keli Shipley Cooper  and I am the Minister for Faith Formation at St. Paul's. We are excited to share stories, readings, Scripture, and practices with you all. In this time of physical distancing, we still join together through prayer and technology as we continue to be the church from at least six feet apart. 

We are glad that you are here.

I f you would like to respond to or discuss any piece of this devotion, reply directly to this e-mail to connect with Keli Shipley Cooper.
To receive the "Spiritual Focus of the Day" e-mail each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday- click the subscribe button and choose the "Spiritual Focus of the Day" list. 
Reminder of Online Opportunities

Check our website under the ChurchAway page for more information- this is where we will post the links to the online gatherings on the day of the study.

Find our Holy Week and Easter opportunities here .

  • Morning Prayer on Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
  • Evening Prayer on Monday through Friday evenings at 6:00 p.m.
  • Spiritual Focus of the Day coordinated by Keli
  • An e-mail devotion sent every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
  • These will also be posted on our Facebook page
  • Psalms Study with Charlie on Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 15th/ Scripture for next week: Psalm 55
  • Lectionary-Based Gospel Study with Rainey on Thursdays at 11:00 a.m.
  • Thursday, April 16th / Scripture for next week: John 20:19-31