The Sunrise ...at Episcopal Church of the Resurrection Starkville, Mississippi February, 2003   WHY EUCHARISTIC PRAYER C? CURIOSITIES AND CLARIFICATIONS ABOUT OUR LITURGIES Some have asked about changes in the liturgy and why we are using Eucharistic Prayer C. There are two basic reasons for altering the liturgy in this way. First, while we most often use the rites that are most familiar to us, we do well to take opportunities to experience the wealth of liturgical beauty offered in The Book of Common Prayer (BCP). Rather than switch randomly, it is better to use eucharistic prayers for an extended period, preferably according to liturgical seasons. Which leads us to the second reason we vary the eucharistic prayer: one of the riches of our liturgical tradition is the annual cycle of the liturgical year. If we only focus on the nativity or the resurrection, we miss opportunities to more fully experience the ministry of Jesus as well as much of our 2000 years of Christian heritage. By observing liturgical seasons, we establish a cycle of prayer that provides a broader balance for our spiritual disciplines. This results in not only changing the color of vestments and altar hangings, but being sensitive to the themes of Collects, readings, and prefaces and varying components of the Sunday Eucharist. With the goals of experiencing more of the treasures of the BCP and engaging more fully the cycles of the liturgical year, Sunday Eucharists at Resurrection are varied in some of the following ways. Because of its incarnational emphasis, Prayer B is used during Advent and Christmas. To perpetuate Epiphany's proclamation that Jesus is the light to the whole world, we use Prayer C with its language about the universalism of Jesus' ministry. Because it is more penitential, Rite I is used during Lent (at both Sunday morning services). Being more ancient, ecumenical, and inclusive of the biblical story, Prayer D is appropriate for use during the Great 50 days of Easter. And, familiar to most, with less specific seasonal emphasis, Prayer A is used during the season of Pentecost (the longest season of the year.) In addition to varying the eucharistic prayers, the service is modified by seasons in other ways. During Advent in place of the Gloria at the 10:30 service, we use Prepare the Way, O Zion (or another song of praise); and, generally, greenery is used in place of flowers on the altar. Throughout Lent we do not say "Alleluia"; instead of the Gloria, we use either the Kyrie (Christ have mercy) or the Trisagion (Holy God); greenery is used in place of flowers; and we use the first confession, which is more penitential, the O Lamb of God and the Prayer of Humble Access ("We do not presume to come...") of Rite I at both services. In addition, it is symbolically appropriate during Lent to use pottery instead of silver and real bread instead of wafers. To acknowledge the glories of redemption and resurrection the Prayer of Humble Access is omitted during the Great Fifty Days of Easter. Back to our current liturgical season and the use of Eucharistic Prayer C, a few comments may be in order to alleviate some confusion about when to kneel. One of the problems with Eucharistic Prayer C is that the rubrics (italicized instructions in the BCP) do not specify when one may kneel or stand during the eucharistic prayer. For those who elect to kneel, as in other eucharistic prayers, one kneels immediately after the Sanctus (Holy, holy, holy). Because the BCP is not clear, the pew sheets will indicate this option. Speaking of the option to kneel raises the question of the proper stance for prayer. The stance for prayer is determined by personal preference, local custom, and rubrics. The ancient stance for prayer is standing, and standing was the universal posture for the eucharistic prayer until middle ages and remains so in Eastern churches. Generally, kneeling is reserved for penitential prayer, specifically the Confession. However, many prefer and the local custom here is to kneel for all prayer. The rubrics specify kneeling during the Confession and specify standing or kneeling for the eucharistic prayer after the Sanctus. The BCP rubrics do not specify kneeling at the Collect, and, thus, the stance is standing. However, the personal preference for some and local custom here and some other places is to kneel. If a kneeler is not available, the proper stance is standing rather than sitting (even during the Confession). The sign of true corporate worship is that all are comfortable taking the prayer stance most comfortable and prayerful for them -- thus some kneel while others stand. It is my hope that this clarifies why we vary the eucharistic liturgy and helps all to understand (and, hopefully, appreciate why we vary the liturgy). However, let us remember that the purpose of liturgy is to enable more fully the worshiper to experience the mystery and the presence of the Holy. If these variations are distracting to you and the above explanation does not prove to be helpful, I invite you to bring your concerns and questions to me or to Elizabeth. Know that your observations and experiences, both positive and negative, with regard to variances in the liturgy are encouraged and welcome. We, along with the newly formed worship committee, desire to remain sensitive, flexible and open to considering adjustments as needed for the edification of worship and the experience of the Holy by all who gather to worship at Resurrection. Christ's Peace, Fr. Bill   SUNRISE NEWS & EVENTS February, 2003 Newsletter   WORSHIP SCHEDULE: SUNDAY: 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II (Nursery) WEDNESDAY: 12:05 p.m. Liturgies for Peace at MSU 7:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist (Dinner at 6 p.m.) THURSDAY: 12:05 p.m. Healing & Holy Eucharist followed by "Dutch treat" lunch at Oby's NURSERY -The Vestry seeks to hire a qualified person to work in the nursery on Sunday mornings (7:45 a.m.- noon). If you know of someone, contact David Lewis or Jay McCombs. We are grateful to parents who have helped keep the nursery afloat...especially Julie Baca, Rob King, and James McCormick. Feb. 16 & 23 are open dates. To help call Jay McCombs at 324-8269. ST. MARTHA'S GUILD will meet Monday, Feb. 3rd for fellowship and a brown bag lunch at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Center. Guests are always welcome. CANTERBURY invites you to pray for peace and join us for our Wednesday noon services at the MSU Chapel of Memories at which time we will hold Liturgies for Peace throughout Epiphany. And, as always, you are invited to join us for Holy Eucharist on Wednesday nights at 7 pm. Very soon, our Wednesday dinners and services will take place in the newly renovated Scales House/Canterbury Lodge. Watch for announcements about a special service and House Blessing at the Canterbury Lodge! Speaking of dinners and renovations, we extend our gratitude to Kim Noffsinger, Melinda Gwin and Michael Fazio for our January meals. And many thanks go to Robert Cox for countless hours of work and for overseeing renovations, as well as to David Lewis and a slew of students for their sweat equity and labors of love! ANNUAL DIOCESAN COUNCIL is Feb. 7-9 in Biloxi. Parishioners to attend include Mary Lee and John Beal, Alice and Jim Jones, Ann McVey, Jan and Tom Handy, Anita George, Rachel Cox(Tombigbee Youth Delegate) and a slew from Canterbury (Joshua Andrews, Jessica Callahan, Megan O'Toole, Carey Price, Austin Smith, & alums Ben Barnes, Amanda Yates, & Jane Tyler Berkley.) BISHOP GRAY'S INSTALLATION - The Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III will be installed as 9th Bishop of Mississippi at the Sunday morning service at Council. SECOND SUNDAY SHARING is February 9th. Please remember those less fortunate and buy doubles of non- perishable food items for the Community food pantry. EYC NEWS - the EYC has gotten off to a great start this semester with games, Compline and the Super Bowl Party! We will not be having EYC Feb. 9 due to Annual Council/Youth Council. On Feb. 23, we will have EYC in Aberdeen with the Golden Triangle EYC group. Call Jessica Callahan if you have any questions. E.C.W. PROGRAM & MEETING - On Monday, Feb. 10th, beginning at 10 am with Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Bill and assisted by Diane, the Episcopal Church Women will welcome the Rev. Diane Livingston to present a program on the diaconate and her ministry as a deacon. After the program and meeting we will adjourn to Harvey's for a Dutch treat lunch. All women are invited and encouraged to come and hear about Diane's ministry! NEWSLETTER DEADLINE is February 16th. NAME TAG SUNDAY is February 16th. Please wear a NAME TAG as a means of welcoming guests! CLASSICAL GUITAR CONCERT - On Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m. in the Student Center, classical guitarists Miroslav Loncar and Natasa Klasinc-Loncar, who have performed as a duo for over fifteen years and played hundreds of highly acclaimed performances across the U.S. and in Europe, will offer a musical repertoire from all major periods, including early music, classical, romantic and contemporary works, particularly Spanish, Mediterranean and Brazilian. A nursery will be provided. Donations will be accepted at the door and CDS will be available for purchase after the concert. HONDURAS MEDICAL MISSION - Please keep this ministry in your prayers, Feb. 15-22. Remember especially Mission team members Roger Clapp and Cooper Callaway from Resurrection. Next year All Saints, Tupelo will sponsor the mission, and we may get to help pack the pills! INQUIRERS' CLASSES - Sundays, Feb. 16 - April 6 at 9:15 am we will offer both adult and youth Inquirers' Classes. These classes help us better understand the Good News, what it means to be Christian, and our heritage as Christians, Anglicans, and Episcopalians. The content often varies depending on the presenter and the make-up of the group. While anyone desiring to be confirmed on Palm Sunday (April 13) must attend Inquirers' Classes, these classes are informative to all. Therefore, if you think you might want to e confirmed, if you plan to be confirmed Palm Sunday, if you are a long time Episcopalian and simply want to learn more about the Episcopal Church or if you just have some specific questions, then the Inquirers' Classes are for you. Consider taking the class with someone to show your support of them and to allow you to discuss faith questions with them (and who knows, you may learn something new)! If you plan to participate, but cannot attend the Feb. 16th class, please let Elizabeth (for the youth class) and Bill (for the adult class) know. BISHOP MARBLE'S RETIREMENT DINNER is Friday, February 28 in Jackson. Watch for details in the Mississippi Episcopalian. LENTEN SCHEDULE: Ash Wednesday, March 5: 12:05 p.m. - Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes - MSU Chapel of Memories 5:30 p.m. - Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes - Parish Church Tuesday: 7:00 p.m. - Home Communions Wednesday: 12:05 p.m. - Stations of the Cross - MSU 5:30 p.m. - Lenten Study 6:15 p.m. - Simple soup and bread with Canterbury 7:00 p.m. - Lenten Eucharist Thursday: 12:05 p.m. - Holy Eucharist and Healing followed by soup and bread luncheon Friday: 5:30 p.m. - Stations of the Cross LENTEN HOME COMMUNIONS: From Fr. Bill: As Christianity began early believers did not worship in grand cathedrals or in ornately decorated naves but in the homes of fellow believers. They gathered this way because they could not worship in public places, because their numbers were few, and because they gathered where the people were -- in their neighborhoods. Part of this year's Lenten offering will include home communions. These home communions will be held on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. from March 11 until April 8. We will hold the communions in the homes of our parishioners. (David Lewis is coordinating the sites to be announced later.) These communions will be very informal and brief, designed not to last longer than an hour, approximately 30 - 40 minute service followed by about 20 minutes of social gathering. We will gather in the living room/den/dining room of the host family. These are excellent services for families, including children of all ages. We will hold these services in different parts of Starkville. We hope everyone will attend the home communion closest to their home and those who are interested will attend all of them. These are also excellent opportunities to invite neighbors (especially those who do not attend church) to experience the Episcopal liturgy in an intimate environment. ALTAR GUILD ALERT- There will be an Altar Guild meeting in March for all prospective new members and present members. Watch for details. OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE-The Parish Life Commission needs help in setting up for and cleaning up after Sunday morning coffee hour. Coffee Hour is an important ministry of welcome and fellowship. Won't you help? Call James McCormick at 324-3863. WELCOME to our newest members, Rivers and Sky Roberson, sons of Meredith and Tom, who were baptized January 12th at the 8:00 a.m. service. CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS Congratulations to our newly elected Jr. Warden, Michael Fazio and vestry members Beth Batson and Tom Coleman...and many thank for jobs well done to outgoing Jr. Warden Douglas Crawford and vestry members Alyson Hardin, Dwayne Myers, and Tracy Stebbins. (Since the by-laws change was adopted, reducing the size of the vestry, we will elect only two vestry members this year and for the next two years.) THANKS to David Lewis for installing new coat hooks in the narthex. Special thanks to Alice Franks who made the beautiful Advent/Christmas & Epiphany banners. NOTE OF THANKS from Susie Owings: I am at home recuperating now, and would like to thank my Resurrection family for their many kindnesses the last few weeks. I will be writing thank you notes, but very slowly! YOUR PRAYERS ARE ASKED FOR....LaVora Williams who was recently hospitalized with pneumonia, Lorenzo Crowell as he undergoes treatment, Rae Brandon as she recuperates from a broken leg, Susie Owings as she recovers from a broken pelvis and Carolyn Crowder as she recovers from a broken arm. CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY is extended to Bill Boyd and his family on the death of his mother, Aileen Boyd Orr, and to Malvina Moore and her family on the death of her sister-in-law, Frances Moore Catledge. "Rest eternal grant them, O Father, and let light perpetual shine upon them." Pray for all who mourn. CONGRATULATIONS to Walt and Ellen Newsom and Alice Franks on the birth of their grandson/great grandson on January 1st in Memphis. Tyler Clark Cook's parents are Emily and David, and big brother is Tanner. FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 1 Monty Switzer 2 Rachel Cox 2 Jean Little 2 Benjamin Ray 6 Donna Stark 6 Stephen Wray 7 Frank Crampton 8 Parker Davis 9 Martha McAlpin 10 Janice Killebrew 13 Tommy Wakeman 14 Babs Deas 15 Les Potts 17 Leonard Brandon 17 Frances Coleman 17 Bill Hill 20 Jeanne Wakeman 20 Alyson Hardin 20 Happy Deas 23 Charles Little 26 Sally Tipton WORTH CONSIDERING - Have you remembered the church in your will? If you have questions about Charitable Annuity Gifts see Fr. Bill. RESURRECTION WEB SITE - Lose your most recent copy of the Sunrise newsletter? Want to know the latest happenings at Resurrection? Miss church and want to see what the sermon was about? Want to remember something that was said in a recent sermon? Check out Resurrection's Web Site (www.resurrectionchurch.com). There you will find copies of the most recent newsletter, information about the parish, copies of recent sermons, the annual report, and photos of recent events. In the last seven days 110 viewers saw our "home" page;20 viewed the "welcome" page; 19 actually downloaded last year's annual report;19 went to sermons index page; 10 viewed contact info;10 viewed Canterbury info, and seven people actually wanted to read the Christmas Eve sermon. Maybe these numbers don't sound like a lot, but try to think of it as this many times 52 weeks and you will see that we do have a bit of an online audience...just less personal. Many thanks to Rick Noffsinger who has taken the lead in developing and maintaining the Web Site for us! LOOKING AHEAD... March 2 - Seating of Bishop Gray, St. Andrew's Cathedral March 4 - Red Beans & Rice with a touch of Gospel Spice March 5 - Ash Wednesday (see Lenten Schedule) Tuesdays in Lent - Home Communions Weds. in Lent - Lenten Study & Soup & Bread Meal March 7-9 - Cursillo at Gray Center March 7-9 - Vocare at Bratton Green March 9 - Homecoming at St. Bernard's, Okolona March 27 - Performance of Fish Tales by John Maxwell March 29-30 - Golden Triangle EYC Lenten Retreat April 12 - Guild of the Palm Cross April 13 - Palm Sunday, Bishop's visit and Confirmation April 14-19 - Holy Week April 14-15 - Labyrinth at MSU in YMCA Auditorium April 20 - Easter Sunday April 27 - Mississippi Day, National Cathedral in D.C.