Hello Dear People of Trinity Church,
After less than three weeks, I feel very much immersed in the life, issues and challenges of Trinity Church. As one of my favorite mystics, Dame Julian of Norwich, said in the 14th Century, “All will be well. All manner of things will be well.” Dame Julian did not have a detailed strategy to make all things well. Rather, she trusted that God would do that.
Moving in the direction of Julian’s confidence, here at Trinity we worship, we welcome, we study and serve. As part of our study, below is an outline for the Sunday Adult Forum for the next few weeks, starting on January 26.
That Forum hour is compact, so I hope we will begin promptly at 9:20 and conclude no later than 10:20. Celtic spirituality and the wisdom of the Irish and Scottish monks of the 5th through 9th centuries is a perfect fit as a spiritual tradition for Trinity Church. It is grounded in a love of creation and an embrace of community. It has had a major influence on my own life and prayer for the past twenty years and more. I love the stuff. I hope you will find it nourishing to your souls.
Celtic Epiphany - An Outline
The readings suggested here are completely optional, offered for people who want to go a little deeper in their study. Each session will stand on its own, although there is continuity through the series.
Jan 26 - Dedicated to St. Patrick
The pre-Christian Celts
Church history in Britain, AD 180 - 1066
St. Patrick and the Irish mission
The Synod of Whitby, AD 664 - a point of decision
Suggested reading for next session: Listening for the Heartbeat of God, pp.1-38
Feb2 - Dedicated to St. Brigid
The Synod of Whitby, AD 664 - Listening for the heartbeat of God
Two authorities: Peter and John Augustine and Pelagius
The Celtic Cross and the unity of Creation
Suggested reading for next session: Listening for the Heartbeat of God, pp.39-73
Feb 9 – Dedicated to St. Kevin
A Celtic Pilgrimage - a film by John O’Donohue
February 16 - Dedicated to St. Columba
Creation as revelatory of God
Thin places
Suggested reading for next session: Listening for the Heartbeat of God, pp.74-107
Feb 23 - Dedicated to St. Hilda and St. Cuthbert
Whitby revisited
A spirituality for today: the unity of Creation, mystery, listening and prayer
Deep peace, pure green of the grass to you.
Deep peace, pure brown of the earth to you.
Deep peace, pure grey of the dew to you.
Deep peace, pure blue of the sky to you.
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you
by Fiona Macleod (1855-1905)
Book Recommendations
J. Philip Newell, Listening for the Heartbeat of God
John O’Donohue, To Bless the Space Between Us
Thomas Cahill, How the Irish Saved Civilization
And…a heads-up about Lent. Paul Dietrich has produced a movie for PBS, INTO THE NIGHT: Portraits of Life and Death. Several people are interviewed about their understanding of death and how they are preparing for it. It is a sometimes moving witness and will be the primary content of Adult Forum during Lent. More information later.
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The Rt. Rev. Martin G. Townsend