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Weekend of December 4, 2022
The Second Sunday of Advent
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Four Ways Beyond Your Existential Anxiety | |
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One of Advent's themes is the coming of the baby Jesus at Christmas, but also Jesus' coming again. For many, this topic of the end times can bring anxiety, especially as we recognize that each and every one of us will face our own individual end time.
In my sermon last Sunday on Matthew 24:36-44, I suggested two ways to address this anxiety of "being prepared" for the coming again of Jesus during Advent. Those two ways forward were about embracing mystery, and getting busy loving others. You can watch that sermon here if you missed it. I'd also like to suggest two other ways beyond the existential anxiety.
Embrace truly good news
One of the lines in the gospel reading says, "At that time there will be two men in the field. One will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill. One will be taken and the other left. Therefore, stay alert!" A couple of people asked me this week, "Is this about the rapture? Is this about being 'left behind'?" In short, no. The doctrine of the rapture is actually not a part of mainstream Christian theology, whether catholic (Roman, Orthodox, Anglican) or mainline protestant (Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, etc.). It's an almost exclusively American, fundamentalist teaching that's not very old (only 150 years or so). It's also based on only a couple of rather vague pieces of scripture. In fact, this reading requires us to lay the idea of the rapture, and the idea of being "left behind," on top of it for that interpretation to work. The analogy Jesus makes with Noah and the flood right before those verses would mean the ones "taken" or "swept away" would be the ones judged as in the flood. The ones "left behind" in the flood are the ones who are saved! Mostly, this is about the suddenness with which the end can come--for any of us! Whether we're at work or at home.
The rapture has been the source of a lot of religious anxiety for a lot of people. If it's something that swims around in your consciousness, know that you can let it sink to the bottom. Remember: after Jesus' resurrection the tomb was empty. Nothing and no one gets left behind.
A good resource on this topic, though slightly dated, is The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation by Barbara R. Rossing. Another, slightly newer resource, is Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright. Take the time to do a little reading and learning about the hopefulness of the biblical message around eschatology (aka, the study of the end times). Dump the bad theology and embrace the truly good news of the biblical message.
Get practical
In the short Prayer Book liturgy called "Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child," the rubrics say, "The Minister of the Congregation is directed to instruct the people, from time to time, about the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well-being of their families, and of all persons to make wills, while they are in health, arranging for the disposition of their temporal goods, not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses" (p. 445).
When Mtr. Liz and I prepare parents for the baptism of their infants, this is always a part of our teaching. I usually tell the story of myself as a younger man awkwardly having this conversation with Catt. When it was over, and we'd made our will, prepared our advance medical directives, talked about our burial arrangements, I felt huge relief. I think most of the fear around death revolves around being unprepared. Doing the practical work of preparation can go a long way towards assuaging anxiety.
Embrace mystery.
Get busy loving.
Embrace truly good news.
Get practical.
There's nothing wrong with feeling some anxiety around death and the end. Our funeral liturgy teaches us, however, that when things come tumbling down, when we die, when the world ends, "life is changed, not ended." We remain always and forever in the hands of loving, merciful, forgiving God, who loves the whole world. Even you and me. Keep the faith, St. Paul's.
God's blessings,
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We invite you to join us this Sunday, December 4, 2022.
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7:45 AM Sunday: Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
- Childcare Provided in Nursery
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8:45 AM Sunday: Coffee Hour in the Courtyard
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9:00 AM Sunday: Sunday School
- Lectionary Bible Study for Adults in the Conference Room
- Godly Play for Children in the Chapel
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10:15 AM Sunday: Holy Eucharist in the Church
- Childcare Provided in Nursery
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11:30 AM Sunday: Coffee Hour in the Courtyard
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3:30 PM Sunday: Playground & Pizza with Fr. Ron and Friends on the Outside Turf Field and Playground (more info below!)
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Servers: Want to know if you're scheduled to serve in worship this week? Click Here to See the Schedule
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Masks are optional at in-person worship and learning opportunities. Make the choice that works best for you and your family.
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If you need an alternative to in-person worship, you can view the live stream on our YouTube channel HERE and on Facebook HERE
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We encourage you to spend some time beforehand with the readings and Collect of the Day. Don't have a Book of Common Prayer for Sunday? Find it online HERE.
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This Sunday, December 4, at 9:00 AM in the Chapel, we are excited to offer Godly Play, a Christian education program designed to help children explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. This Sunday School class is offered for children ages 4-5th grade.
What is Godly Play?
- Godly Play is a creative, imaginative approach to Christian formation and spiritual guidance.
- Godly Play has a Montessori foundation with 40+ years of research and practice.
- Godly Play values process, openness, discovery, community and relationships.
- Godly Play models the worship life, stories, symbols and rituals of Christian congregations.
- Godly Play allows practitioners to make relevant and personal theological meaning.
- Godly Play nurtures participants to larger dimensions of belief and faith through wondering and play.
Learn more about Godly Play here. Questions? Email Mtr. Liz here.
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We are grateful to be able to offer children's chapel this Sunday morning during the 10:15 AM service. During the sequence hymn, children may follow the junior acolyte to the chapel, where they will enjoy an age appropriate message and activity. Children will return to the church service after the sermon.
Questions? Email Mtr. Liz here.
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Wednesdays at Church (W@tCh) | |
Join us for Wednesdays at Church this week through Dec. 21. Celebrate the Eucharist with us at 5:30 PM in the chapel, followed by dinner at 6:00 PM and program at 6:30 PM. Childcare is available during the program. Throughout Advent we'll be studying Adam Hamilton's Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist. This book "explores the Advent theme of John's life and ministry, and how John calls followers of Jesus to prepare our hearts and lives for his coming." Sign up for the study and get your copy of the book for a suggested donation of $15 right outside the main doors of the church, or contact Lori Lavelle to reserve a copy. | |
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In the new year, we are looking forward to participating in the 2023 Habitat for Humanity Unity Build. Unity Build is a collaboration of local faith groups facilitated by New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. Through this collaboration, we will build a new affordable home for a hard-working New Orleans family in January 2023. Our annual Christmas offering will be for Unity Build. Stay tuned for more information on how you can volunteer your time and energy for this build! | |
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Thank you to everyone who made an Advent Wreath and those who went caroling this past Sunday! We shared fellowship and joy with some parishioners who are not able to be with us every week by singing carols and delivering Advent Wreaths. Click here to see more pictures taken by our own Karson Rhodes!
Please mark your calendar for next year's caroling event on the First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2023.
If you were not able to join us to make an Advent Wreath and would like a kit to make one at home, please contact Mtr. Liz here. Please note, we have a limited number of kits available.
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Join us for these festive events for all members of our parish this Advent as we prepare our hearts, souls, and minds for the coming of the Christ Child in Christmas!
- Sunday, Dec. 4, 11, & 18 Sunday School for All Ages 9:00 AM
- Adult Sunday School in the Conference Room
- Children's Sunday School: Godly Play in the Chapel
- Sunday, Dec. 4 Playground & Pizza 3:30 PM until Dark, with special musical guests Fr. Ron & Friends! (more info below)
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Saturday, Dec. 10 Visit the beautiful Roosevelt Hotel at 2:00 PM with the LOL Group (See below and Contact Eston Fain here for more info)
- Sunday, Dec. 18
- Greening of the Church following 10:15 AM service - stay after church to help decorate our worship space for Christmas
- Visit to Historic St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 1:30 PM
- Lessons & Carols Service & Reception 6:00 PM
- Saturday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Services
- 4:00 PM with Pageant
- 8:00 PM
- Sunday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day Service 10:15 AM
Have questions or need more information? Contact Mtr. Liz here.
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We hope you'll join us this Sunday, December 4 for fellowship and fun on our playground on Vicksburg St. This week, we are excited to share that we will also have Fr. Ron and Friends playing all the holidays hits. We'll begin gathering a little bit earlier this week, starting at 3:30 PM and we'll hang out until dark or 6:00 PM. We hope you'll join us for this fun and festive gathering!
*In case of rain, P&P is cancelled. Please check our Instagram and Facebook pages @StPaulsNOLA for updates.
Please contact Mtr. Liz here with any questions.
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The next LOL event is a family affair. Please come and bring the kids! On Saturday, December 10 at 2:30 PM , we will meet at the Roosevelt Hotel at 130 Roosevelt Way to take a stroll through their beautiful historic lobby that has been turned into a spectacular Christmas wonderland. For those who want to linger and chat and have some Christmas spirits, there is the internationally famous Sazerac Bar located in the hotel. And, if you so desire you can make your own reservations and stay for dinner at the renowned Domenica Restaurant also located in the hotel. Of course, parents with children will have to decide what is best for them. We hope you mark your calendar for this holiday outing.
If you would like to rideshare from St. Paul's to the Roosevelt Hotel, please contact Eston Fain here. The ride will leave St. Paul's promptly at 2:00 PM to be at the hotel by 2:30 PM.
Questions? Contact Eston Fain here.
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Dr. Jeanne is the Director of the St. Paul's Center for Counseling & Education and is a valuable resource in our community. Whether you need to talk through a specific problem or discuss issues in general, Dr. Jeanne is ready and able to help. You can meet with her by phone, Zoom, and in her office, if you are fully vaccinated. If you would like to set up a meeting with Dr. Jeanne, please call or text her at (504) 330-2549 or email her at jrobertson@stpauls-lakeview.org.
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Bronwyn and the Mitchell Family, The repose of the soul of Warren Day and for the Brooks family, he repose of the soul of Sam and all those who loved him, those affected by Hurricane Ian, the repose of the soul of August, The Brahmeshuber and Ziegler Families, The Messina and Alford Families, Stephanie and The Uddo Family, The Calatayud Family, Shannon, Ruth, Anderson, Donna, Sharon and The Holder Family, Bruce and The Edrington Family, Samuel, Denny, Joan, Sara, Dave, James, Tim, Rick, The Henry Family, Steve and The Harris Family, Kathy and Charlie and The Richardson Family, The Eggleston Family, The Merrick Family, The Segal Family, Paula, Helen, Steve, Susan, Gail, Michele, Barbara, Sally, Lee, Justin, George & Barbara, Cindy, Alice, Ozzie, Bill, The Williams Family, Mark & Joy, Tino & Lupe Navarro, Deborah & Ian Gage, Corey & family, Mallory, The Guerra and The Alfortish families, Henry, Jodee, Charlie, Matthew, Robert, Betty, Pat, Joseph, Phil, Noah, Stephen, Ann, Gerald, Tom, Earlyn, Bryson, Clyde, Zina, Christina, Harlon, Jack, Jane, Mike, Kylie, Kay, Judy, Ruth, Helen, Devin, Phillip, Anna, Pam, Mary, Vic, Claire, Paul, Sue, Delores, Jean, Shelly, Judson, Chris, Robert, Ted, Stephanie, Audrey, Harvey, Jan & Ralph, Eugene, Nan, August, Patti, Nathaniel, Rosemary, Larry & Carl, Bonnie, Erin, all those who are ill with COVID-19, the people of Puerto Rico in the recovery efforts, the people of Ukraine, Afghanistan, and those in harms way, and all victims of natural disasters.
Are there others? Please let us know by emailing Lori at spchurch@stpauls-lakeview.org
We pray for all those in the healthcare profession, especially Ranjit Chima, Lindsey Hill, Rob Ramirez, Laura Beth Ramirez, Bob Vieth, Stephanie Palmisano, Kelley Morel, Tommy Morel, Jasmine Bahd, Jeanne Robertson, Doug Bostick, Vicki Kennedy, Gene Antenucci, Melissa Fauci, Betty Lo, Chris Blaise, Jennifer Chamberlain, Michael Napoli, Alison Napoli, Jane Clayton, Alison Quayle, Ian Townley, Mike Santone, Mark Thomas, Jean Thomas, Nikki Wilder, Riley Sibley, Catie Brown, Catherine Courtney, Julie Rose, Amelia Martin, Jamie Fineran, and all others who care for those who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit.
Are there others? Please let us know by emailing Lori at spchurch@stpauls-lakeview.org
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