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.

2023 Sun Dec 17

Advent Online Learning

Many of these courses were part of Christian education in earlier years when classes were scheduled before church.-

No login or password is needed. You can start and stop the courses as desired. 

1 Luke’s canticles – Combines four stories from Luke with insights from artists, prayers, and hymns from around the world. Based on Songs in Waiting by Paul Chandler Luke’s Canticles

2 Matthew’s Infancy Stories.  Comparable to Luke but with a decidedly Jewish character and an emphasis on Joseph.much different than Luke. Matthew’s Infancy Stories

3 Christmas Carols – 15+ carols for the days leading to Christmas. The background and musical selections are included. They surround us at Christmas. How much do you know about them? Christmas Carols

4 Handel’s Messiah, Prophesy and Birth of the Messiah.  The premiere Christmas work with the music and text Handel’s Messsiah. The story of the Christmas part of the Messiah together with the music.

5. Dickens : A Christmas Carol and the Bible. The premiere Christmas novel, here with the influence of the Bible and much of Dickens time. A deep read into the Christmas classic for references to the Bible and Dickens’ religious beliefs Dickens : A Christmas Carol and the Bible

6. Renaissance Art and the Christmas Story The Renaissance was the first period where art came into its own depicting the stories we know and love. The study is divided by subject and includes about 15 art examples. Renaissance Art and the Christmas Story

Music filled the Air, Sun Dec. 17

As part of the sermon on Advent 3, Dec. 17, 2023, Catherine explored the role of music and sang a number of Christmas pieces important in her faith life. You might call this the “singing sermon.”

The music theme carried forward to the offertory. During the offertory we had 5 of our youth entertain us on trumpet, French horn, piano, ukelele and vocals

From the sermon Dec. 17, 2023

“In the Living Compass publication, Living Well through Advent, Scott Stoner talks about the music of Christmas.  He says that “music is a thin place for many, where the distance between themselves and God is narrowed.  It has long been said that music is the language of the soul and that those who sing, pray twice.” 

“So in this year’s last  week of Advent, let the music of Christmas become the language of your soul, your own prayer. Let this music bring you closer to God.  ”

“As you pray, let the  music of Christmas bring you back into that unbroken circle of love with those who are here, and those who have gone on to glory.

“May the light shining in us, bring  light into the darkness and witness to God’s glory.”

Links:
Video
Written Sermon

Videos, Third Sunday in Advent, Dec. 17, 2023

1. Advent 3 – Candle Lighting –

2. Opening Hymn – “People Look East”

3. Hymn of Praise – “Rejoice the Lord is King!”

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Christmas Play, 2023

We had about 50 people to view and participate in our play, including members from other churches. New this year – 3 live goats in the field for the shepherds and a reconstructed star to display. Of course there were all the ingredients of a typical Christmas Play.

There were 5 scenes around the church and the next door home:
1. Annunciation
2. Joseph and Mary on the way to the Inn
3. At the Inn
4. Shepherds and Angels in the field
5. Manger scene with Shepherds and Angels and the arrival of the wisemen. Conclusion. See photo above.

Thanks to all who those who directed, acted and viewed the play. It is our gift to our larger congregation and the spread of the Christmas spirit.

1. Photos

(full size gallery)

2. Video – 26 minutes

Sermon, Advent 3, Year B – “Music, a thin place “

In the Living Compass publication, Living Well through Advent, Scott Stoner talks about the music of Christmas.  He says that “music is a thin place for many, where the distance between themselves and God is narrowed.  It has long been said that music is the language of the soul and that those who sing, pray twice.” 

Every Sunday, at the Great Thanksgiving, our Eucharistic Prayer, we sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might.”  We join our voices with angels, archangels, and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of God’s name.” 

That music brings us directly into the presence of God and all the company of heaven as we prepare to come to God’s table and share the bread and wine together.  Those who have gone before us surround us in this thin place at the table every Sunday.  Music helps us to know that they are there with us, the company of heaven, and once more, the circle of love is unbroken, even by death. 

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