March 2023

Welcome to the St. Paul Center for Theology and Prayer!

FORMING DISCIPLES OF JESUS IN EVERY CONGREGATION

The St. Paul Center for Theology and Prayer exists to form disciples of Jesus in every congregation. It seeks to do this by equipping and resourcing local congregations for the tasks and joys of faith formation, teaching and learning, catechesis, and the life of prayer.

Following on from our launch with our ‘ribbon cutting’ email last month, March sees the first of our monthly newsletters. This is where we let you know all that is going on at The St. Paul Center (TSPC) - exciting things which are occuring now, and some of the events and happenings coming down the line. Please make sure you are signed up for our newsletter so you’ll get these monthly missives, and keep up with all the Center has to offer.

The St. Paul Center for Theology and Prayer is open to all and exists for the enrichment of every parish, congregation, and individual in our diocese – that’s you!

A THOUGHT FROM TSPC

Many years ago, a friend from seminary wrote me asking for advice on how to create the “new fire” for the Easter Vigil. I made the drawing below, the design of which was inspired by the Moosewood Cookbook, of all things. It is a sort of recipe, after all, making a way for God to nourish the faithful.

The first rubric in the BCP Great Vigil of Easter is, “In the darkness, a new fire is kindled.” Most of you reading this note soon will be kindling this fire or present to this kindling in your congregation. This sacred moment is a treasure of our tradition and in our present era of instability, violence, and uncertainty, we certainly need it.

But what happens next? After the drama and beauty of the Vigil and Easter Day, how does that flame of God’s love through Christ stay lit in us and get shared through word and example in this needy world? The St. Paul Center for Theology and Prayer seeks to help the people of our diocese do that more deeply and dynamically, resourcing clergy and lay leaders for discipleship that transforms lives. Read on to learn what’s happening, what’s coming, and how to connect.

• The Very Rev. Amy McCreath

WHAT’S ON AT TSPC

Learning to Pray Video Series

What is Prayer? Why do we do it? What are different forms of prayer that might enrich my spiritual life, and where do I start? Our ‘Learning to Pray’ series begins with six videos exploring different practices of prayer. You can watch the videos online, and read our Conversation Guide for ways to use the Learning to Pray videos in your community.

As you journey through Holy Week, our ‘Learning to Pray’ video about the Triduum offers you a new way to encounter and live into these sacred days.  

* * * * *

Meeting God in our busy lives: The theology and practice of Zimzum

Since the start of March, more than 30 participants have been joining the Rev. Phil LaBelle (of St. Mark’s Church, Southborough) both in-person and online for this TSPC offering. Exploring a Jewish mystical concept about Creation and utilized in the theology of Jürgen Moltmann, the class seeks to find ways to open ourselves up to relationships with God, others, and the natural world. With an emphasis on spiritual practices in conjunction with studying theology, participants also engage in small group conversations to deepen their learning and connections. The course will continue every other week until the beginning of May and will next focus on the importance of Sabbath to nurture our souls.

You can read more about this course on our website; look for more offerings of this kind from TSPC in future!

UPCOMING

This Summer

Summer Workshops: Why Go to Church?

* * SAVE THE DATE - June 24th * *

I just need some "me" time. I find God in nature; I don't need church. Barbara Brown Taylor left church. Why shouldn't I? I got on fine with online church during pandemic closures, why should I return now?

The scriptures admonish us, "Do not neglect to meet together," but sometimes we don't feel like it or we find our experience in congregations challenging. Why should we go to church? What would you say to a friend who asks you why you attend?

Spend a day with others reflecting on the significance of communal worship, learning from scripture and our theological tradition, and praying, in order to clarify your own answer to this question, be more equipped to help your congregation live into its calling, and offer your "apologia" to unchurched or de-churched friends. The same workshop will be offered in three sites – the cathedral, St. Paul’s, Newburyport, and St. Thomas, Taunton – each led by a different pair of co-leaders. Participants will leave with a packet of materials to take back to their congregations for group formation and conversation.

THIS FALL

Event with Rowan Williams – Nov 4th 2023

On November 4, Dr. Rowan Williams will be joining us for a virtual TSPC event. Bishop Rowan is the former Archbishop of Canterbury and one of the world’s most prominent theologians, and we are thrilled that he is partnering with the Center to help us engage with our calling to do theology in and with the Church. More details to follow – sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date!

ONGOING

Lay Worship Leader Training - further opportunities

Lay Worship Leader Training was offered via Zoom on Wednesday March 29th, led by the Rev. Carol Morehead, the rector of Grace Church in Medford. We were delighted to have a full house for this training! Look for further training opportunities in the new future; in the meantime, if you’re interested in Lay Worship Leadership, contact Martha Gardner.

GET INVOLVED!

We’re grateful to all who have expressed an interest in joining our curation teams, as we seek to gather information from around the Diocese. These teams are getting going in the days ahead - but there is still room for more to join! These curation teams of three to five persons each will help us direct congregations to helpful resources to consider, as they live into our diocesan mission strategy goal to ‘invite robust Christian formation at all points of life.’  Find out more, and sign up, here.

CLOSING WITH A QUESTION

As we look toward the new life of Easter, what do you think would spark new life and renewal in your congregation?

Let us know your thoughts - our email inbox is always open!