Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices

November 2012

Liturgy, Music, & Leadership

Baptismal Covenant
By Howard Kently Williams
In “Baptismal Covenant, ” Howard Kently Williams offers a look at the way his Brooklyn, NY, congregation lives into the familiar phrase “Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself,” by building congregational teams reaching both inside and outside church walls.
Collective Prayer
By Karen B. Montagno
“Collect of the Day” by Karen Montagno reminds us of the power of community prayer and reminds us that the freedom to assemble for worship, taken for granted today, was not possible for enslaved blacks during slavery.
El Reto de la Biblia
By Marek Zabriskie
Los estudios revelan que de lejos el factor número uno en el crecimiento de la iglesia y en el desarrollo espiritual es tener un vínculo constante con las Escrituras.
Finding Our Voices
By Ana Hernandez
What does your voice sound like to you? To others? How well do you listen? How well do you hear? How do you nurture your voice to be of greatest benefit to the community? Are you able to ask for what you need, and offer what you have to deepen your spiritual life?
Follow Me
By Donald Schell
In 1987, my teenage daughter was attending a Catholic girls school in San Francisco, and she and her schoolmates were recruited to serve as ushers for Pope John Paul II’s Mass at Candlestick Park, the baseball stadium where the Beatles sang their last public concert in 1966.
Las Posadas: Hospitality & Evangelism
By Robert Williams
In Los Angeles, at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul, the sure sign that Christmas is nearing is the faithful observance of Las Posadas, a traditional evening procession and celebration with 400 years of history and a fresh approach for hospitality and evangelism.
The Bible Challenge
By Marek Zabriskie
Studies reveal that the number one factor by far in church growth and spiritual development is regular engagement with Scripture. This, however, has not been a strong suit for most Episcopalians.
Transform Your Congregation: Read the Bible
By Scott Gunn
Scott Gunn in “Transform Your Congregation: Read the Bible,” invites us to move from the typical Episcopal – and pre-reformation practice...
What Fresh Hell is This?
By Sam Portaro
Sam Portaro’s invitation to think about Advent through Joseph’s eyes as he travels to Bethlehem with Mary. In “What Fresh Hell is This?,” Sam challenges us to embrace a form of spiritual leadership that demands courageous truth telling.