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Friday, January 10, 2020
Dear Saints,
As early January prompts us back into our rhythms and routines, and often with renewed energy and interest around personal development, we have a number of new things happening at All Saints that nurture the spirit and deepen a sense of community. (You can find more information on all of these, below.)
- First, I’m excited to share that on Wednesdays we are going to be adding a noon Eucharist, which will be followed by a time for lunch and fellowship. In addition, our Weekday Bible Study is itself moving to Wednesday, and will take place at 10:30am, ending in time for the noon service. They will begin with a new study using the text, “Bible Women: All Their Words and Why they Matter.” It’s a great time to join the discussion, and all are welcome to be part.
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- This Sunday, we will begin a new Adult Forum series, entitled “Biblical Literature: Foreign, Familiar, Formative”. It will explore the ways in which the Bible is simultaneously distant from our modern sensibilities, recognizable as an artifact of culture, and necessary to our lives of faith. It will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Bible and deepen our understanding of how we interpret it.
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- Finally, our Social Justice & Advocacy committee will be launching its focus groups, centering around different issues and topics, this Sunday at 11:45am.
As you know, this new year has sadly been marked by heightened international conflict and tragedy. I want to say how thankful I am for the All Saints community stepping up to host the Prayer Vigil for Peace this last Monday night. It was an incredibly powerful gathering of people of different faiths and Christian traditions sharing a desire for peace and unity. It also came together in less than 48 hours, so apologies if not everyone was aware of its occurrence! The positive response from the wider community has been overwhelmingly positive, and for so many, myself included, it was just what was needed. I am looking forward to us developing further partnerships with those gathered in peace-making, justice-seeking, and hope-building in Portland. You can find a link to the news coverage of the event below.
In this season of Epiphany, keep kindling the light and letting your lights shine.
In peace,
The Rev. Andria Skornik
priest@allsaintspdx.org
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An Interfaith Gathering to Pray for Peace
January 6, 2020
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Blessed are the peacemakers: All Saints Episcopal Church hosted an interfaith candlelit service as people gathered to pray for peace. Over 100 prayerful protesters, including over 25 faith leaders, gathered at All Saints Episcopal Church to pray for peace in our world. Along with Mother Andria, other faith leaders at this gathering were Leroy Barber of The Voices Project, Alli Dahlgren of Imago Dei, Adam Phillips from Christ Church PDX, Portland Mennonite staff, Jan Elfers of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Wajdi Said of Muslim Educational Trust, Rick McKinley of Imago Dei, Martha Wood of West Hills Friends, Rabbi Benjamin BarnettImam from Havurah Shalom, the Rev. Matthew David Morris of St. Michaels and All Angels, Imam Abdulah Polovina from Bosniaks Educational and Cultural Organization, Mark Knutson of Augustana Lutheran, and more.
For many, this was a balm during these troubled times. "May peace, and peace, and peace be everywhere." This is our prayer. The vigil was just one of many held at places of worship around the country, as well as in front of the White House.
You can watch the news reports here and here.
Photos from Deb Miller & Cris Breshears
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A Celebration of Life: The service for Craig Gibson will be held on Friday, January 24, 3 pm, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Portland. A reception and opportunity to share memories of Craig with friends and family will follow at the church. All Saints is located at 4033 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland 97202.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are being established to help with post-high school plans for Thomas Gibson, and to help Portland area music students reach their goals.
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Adult Forum Series - “Biblical Literature: Foreign, Familiar, Formative”: Join us for an introductory series on the Bible, exploring the ways in which the Bible is simultaneously distant from our modern sensibilities, recognizable as an artifact of culture, and necessary to our lives of faith. We aim to tackle issues such as how many bibles are there, what’s in the Bible, what do we mean by inspiration, how is the Bible formed, etc. Adult Forum begins every Sunday at 9:15 AM in the Parish Hall. Childcare is available. Grab some coffee and join the conversation!
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Weekday Bible Study: We are now holding Bible Study on Wednesday’s at 10:30am in the Guild Room. We will be using the text published by Forward Movement, “Bible Women: All Their Words and Why they Matter” by Lindsay Hardin Freeman. As before, the bible study is now open to both men and women. Join us!
Wednesday Service with Eucharist: We are happy to announce that beginning on Wednesday January 15, 2020, a weekly noon Eucharistic service will be offered in the All Saints chapel. Immediately following the service, we will gather for a brown bag lunch for a time of fellowship in the parish hall.
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