We are a small Episcopal Church on the banks of the Rappahannock in Port Royal, Virginia. We acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the first people of Port Royal, the Nandtaughtacund, and we respect and honor with gratitude the land itself, the legacy of the ancestors, and the life of the Rappahannock Tribe. Our mission statement is to do God’s Will in all that we do.

Education

The Creeds Class, Part 3, March 6, 2024

We had 8 participants. Thanks to all who attended.

The second part of the creed deals with Jesus  (Who do you say that I am?)  Look at the creed, The first part of section 2)

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one Being with the Father.  Through him all things were made. 

Lord—The very oldest Christian creed is one sentence.  “Jesus is Lord.”  (I Corinthians 12:3) The Greek term is Kyrios, which means Sir, this term is also used for pagan gods.  When early Christians confessed that Jesus was their Lord, they deliberately rejected the many lords and at some personal risk, also challenged the claims to dominion on the part of secular rulers.  To call Jesus Lord is to testify that our lives are oriented around Jesus and his teaching about the will of God for our lives. 

The name Jesus—comes from the Greek version of the Hebrew name Joshua, meaning Yahweh is salvation.  Both Matthew and Luke write in their gospels that Mary’s son be given this name. 

Christ, Greek Christos, is a translation of the Hebrew Messiah, the anointed one.  A king, descended from David, who would conquer the enemies of Israel in a decisive battle,  and establish a universal kingdom of peace and justice for all.  We can’t know precisely why the early Christians called Jesus the Messiah, but it is clear that they found his kingship to be other than a geographical realm on earth.  “My Kingdom is not from this world.” 

Read more

God’s Garden Explores Mark – “Let the Children Come to me”

God’s Garden took up Mark 10:13-15 – “Let the Children Come to Me”

“13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.”

This is one story they can identify with and see Jesus as a great friend!

The class featured a variety of activities – two directly involving the children and two directed by the teacher. First one child read it. Jan explained it. The children played a game getting them to Jesus. Finally, Jan read them another story expanding on the Gospel for our time.

1. Children read the story

Read more

The Creeds Class, Part 2, Feb. 28, 2024

What the Creeds have to say about God and how that understanding influences our own relationships with God. There were 7 participants.

The session started with Psalm 134

A song of ascents.

1 Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
    who minister by night in the house of the Lord.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
    and praise the Lord.

3 May the Lord bless you from Zion,
    he who is the Maker of heaven and earth. 

The catechism was reviewed (beginning on Page 845), Book of Common Prayer. It has 5 questions

Q. What do we learn about God as creator from the revelation to Israel?
A. We learn that there is one God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

Q. What does this mean?
A. This means that the universe is good, that it is the work of a single loving God who creates, sustains, and directs it.

Q. What does this mean about our place in the universe?
A. It means that the world belongs to its creator; and that we are called to enjoy it and to care for it in accordance with God’s purposes.

Q. What does this mean about human life?
A. It means that all people are worthy of respect and honor, because all are created in the image of God, and all can respond to the love of God.

Q. How was this revelation handed down to us?
A. This revelation was handed down to us through a community created by a covenant with God.

The Nicene Creed presents a more complete picture than the Apostles Creed:

“We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.  (Nicene Creed)  I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.  “

Let’s break it down:

Read more

The Creeds Class, Part 1, Feb. 21, 2024

We had 8 people online for the first class, Feb 21, 2024.

Weekly Sessions

1. Why we have the creeds and the origin?
2. Creed about God – “I believe in God, the Father almighty”.
3. Creed about Jesus.
4. Creed about the Holy Spirit.
5. Creed about baptism, resurrection.

Creeds are ultimately for the unity of the Church containing the beliefs that are central to the faith. They hold us together. They are used to teach new members.

Read more

God’s Garden makes pretzels for Lent, Feb. 25

Pretzels for Lent date back to the early Church, perhaps sometime in the 4th century. During that time it was common for Christians to fast during the season, abstaining from meat, dairy, fats, and sweets. These quick breads are made with only a tiny bit of sugar to activate the yeast and no fat – they are entirely flour, water and yeast! The simplicity of water, salt, and flour suggested commitment and attention, not least also prayer.

As to the shape: pretzels are made in the shape of two arms crossed in prayer. In Latin, the pretzel is called “bracellae”, meaning little arms. The word “bracellae” became the German “bretzel” and “pretzel.”

Another story places the origin of the word in “pretiola” which means little reward, so pretzels might have been given as an award to a child who had learned her prayers!

The children had fun making pretzels and they even sent some home. The dough was bought so that the activity could fit in the time frame and still have time to work on the Lord’s Prayer.

Here’s a photo gallery showing the steps in making these Lenten treats


(full size gallery)

“God’ Garden”, Feb. 25, Talking about Prayer, Making Pretzels

This week fresh on learning the Lord’s Prayers, the children will talk more about prayer and make pretzels.

“A Pretzel to remind us of arms crossed in prayer is a lenten treat for us to share!”

The word “pretzel” comes from the German translation of the Latin word for little arms, “bracellae.”

Pretzels for Lent date back to the early Church, perhaps sometime in the 4th century. During that time it was common for Christians to fast during the season, abstaining from meat, dairy, fats, and sweets. These quick breads are made with only a tiny bit of sugar (or honey, if you prefer) to activate the yeast and no fat – they are entirely flour, water and yeast!

Another story places the origin of the word in “pretiola” which means little reward, so pretzels might have been given as an award to a child who had learned her prayers. Appropriate for this class.

“God’s Garden”, Learning the Lord’s Prayer

Do you remember when you learned the Lord’s Prayer ? I don’t and I bet you don’t either. “God’s Garden”, ages 5-9 began learning it during Lent on Feb. 18 to be ready by Easter.

Two techniques were used. A “signing” video was played and the children over the course of the session became adept in learning the Lord’s prayer in this manner by imitating the movements and text from the teacher. Moving hands and bodies almost reminded one of an exercise class.

The second technique was adding a cross to a piece of paper where the prayer written on the arms of the cross. The children used their fingers to trace the path of the prayer. Much less aerobic! You could also learn a segment at a time.

We have two videos showing how it went:

1. Signing

2. Tracing

The Alleluia Banner, Feb. 11, 2024

This is part 2 of the Alleluia Banner story. Last week Feb. 4, the banner was decorated and finished by “God’s Garden” (children ages 5-9) during Sunday School (10:15-11am) and hung on the altar in the church.

This week the box for the banner was decorated and taken to the church before the service. A discussion about Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday ensued. Later, in the church service the banner was taken off the altar during the last hymn and placed in the box to be ready for the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, Feb 14.

1. Finishing the Banner’s box and taking it to the church. Photos.

(full size gallery)

2. Christian Education discussion – Shrove Tuesday, Lent (Ash Wednesday).

3. Announcement in Church

4. Closing Hymn – “Alleluia, alleluia give thanks”. Alleluia placed in hiding

God’s Garden Feb 4 – March 31- The Alleluia!

The next eight Sundays of God’s Garden will include a big project!

During the first few sessions, the class will be designing and decorating a big banner with the word “Alleluia.” The banner will then be displayed in the church until the first Sunday of Lent when it will disappear.

The disappearance of the banner will be a reminder that during Lent the congregation does not end each service with the word “Alleluia,” and this will be a way to introduce lessons about Lent, Palm Sunday, and Easter. And, of course, the banner will re-appear on Easter!