WITH LIGHT

Saving Susannah, a tale of blood ties and homesick hearts

Untold stories don’t disappear — they push for expression. Saving Susannah is a kaleidoscopic memoir told from shifting perspectives, weaving historical fact alongside imagined conversations to create lost worlds.

Written and performed by Josephine John, MA, MFA an award-winning actor, scriptwriter, dancer and choreographer.

SAVING SUSANNAH February 12 at 7 p.m. and February 13 at 3 p.m., Sanders Hall

$20/ticket (registration will be online)

10 a.m., Reynolds Hall

The Dean’s Hour is a time for adult Christian formation. Dean Barkley Thompson, other parish leaders, and guest speakers address matters of faith, church life, and community.

JAN. 16 People, Prayer and Purpose: A History of Mission

What do Cappadocians, Desert Fathers and Mothers, Beguines, Discalced Carmelites, Methodists and Catholic Workers have in common? Canon Zartman leads us on a rolicking romp through the history of mission in the church.

JAN. 30, FEB. 6, 13 Epiphany Series: The Atonement

During the Holy Triduum from Good Friday through Easter, something happened, and humanity’s relationship with God was transformed. But what exactly was it? For 2,000 years theologians have debated the Atonement. Dean Thompson will lead us through the arguments and options, as we consider the efficacy of Jesus’ “amazing grace.”

WITH LIGHT, from cover

experience of complete acceptance that Jesus is able to match wits with the devil in the wilderness, preach grace, heal others, and find the courage to undergo the Passion.

More than anything else, that truth is what distinguishes Jesus’ ministry from, for instance, that of the Pharisees. They require perfection; Jesus knows perfection is impossible. They expect to see a veneer of spit and polish; Jesus can see that deep inside we’re a mess. They want every crack sealed; Jesus knows that it’s only through the cracks, and not solid armor, that we experience light. And Jesus came to know this truth on his own baptismal day, when he entered the waters of the Jordan, when the very heavens cracked open above, and when he was told by the Creator of all things that he is priceless.

This month we enter the Epiphany season. It is the season of surprises, gifts from unexpected places, transfigurations on mountaintops, and most importantly of God’s spirit entering through the fractures in our lives. Our New Year’s resolutions are always about getting a bit closer to perfect. What if, instead, we made an Epiphany resolution, to be open to the ways God will meet us as we are, to the ways God may redeem rather than fix us, allowing even our fissures to stream with light? Perhaps our epiphany will be that, even while we are fractured and imperfect, we are priceless, and that there is no crack God cannot infuse with light.

Walking the Mourner’s Path

Walking the Mourner’s Path is a Christ based, prayer centered, spiritually directed program. It is carefully crafted to focus on one concept per week to allow the participants to work through their grief without feeling overwhelmed. A workbook will provide the framework, with prayers, reflections, and exercises for each week, and homework assignments designed to enhance the experience. For yourself as well as the group as a whole, it is important that you are able to commit to the full eight weeks. This session will be offered Monday evenings February 21 – April 4. Sunday, February 13 there will be in person orientation to pick up materials and meet in person; all other

meetings will be via Zoom. Walking the Mourners Path participants meet in intentionally small groups to allow everyone an opportunity to share. Enrollment requires registration and a brief conversation with Canon Vicar Pfister to ensure a good fit for WALKING THE MOURNER’S PATH the participant and the group. Facilitators are not licensed psychoMondays, starting logical counselors; rather, they are lay February 21 ministers specifically trained to lead this program. In no sense do we offer psychological therapy. If you are dealing with grief, are seeking an open format to talk, or need someone to talk with one-on-one please contact Canon Vicar Pfister and she will be glad to connect you with resources.

Migratory God Lecture Series, Alternative Giving Market, and more IN PICTURES

Below left, right: Advent Wreath Making in Reynolds Hall.

Above: Charles C. Foster speaks on immigration challenges facing the United States. Right: Author Phuc Luu discusses his book, Jesus of the East: Reclaiming the Gospel for the Wounded.

Above:The Rev. Rich Nelson talks about generative spirituality. Left: Jennifer Sickman with Kids Hope and a parishioner during the Alternative Giving Market.