Sacred Prayer in Silent Spaces for March 7, 2021
St Davids Website • March 7, 2021
The Gospel According to John 2:13-22
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
Take a moment to pray and give thanks for your blessings. Remember your loved ones and the “God-moments” you have witnessed this week.
Meditation
For this season of Lent, our meditations will focus on a specific theme that is referenced in a recent Gospel passage—“Take Up Your Cross”. This week’s illustration is of the tiny cross charms I acquired on my trip to the Holy Land.
They were purchased at the type of place Jesus might have railed against—a tourist trap of sorts, catering to people like me who came on pilgrimage from a faraway place, needing some trinkets to bring home. Each one is about ¾ inch in size; my intent was to add them to a bracelet or string them onto a set of prayer beads. But, almost ten years later I’ve never gotten around to it.
In today’s passage, Jesus’ disciples remembered that it was written “Zeal for your house consumes me.” I have brought many good intentions with me into my vocation, and sometimes lose track of things or forget to follow through. I know I’m not alone in this. What are those things which have inspired you in your Christian life which have fallen by the wayside? Which passions have gotten caught up in our busy lives of going to work, paying the bills, trying to make a decent lives for our families? Lent gives us the breathing space to step back, think about those things, and return to a path which more closely follow’s Christ’s footsteps. Perhaps with a renewed focus on the journey we may be less tempted by the tourist traps of the world, and commit ourselves more firmly to those baptismal promises we hope to complete with God’s help.
Take a few moments now and recall all those hospitality and justice ministries we undertake to benefit our neighbors. Pray for all who are dependent upon the ministries your congregation supports: food pantries, clothing ministries, feeding programs, and social justice work.
Today’s Prayer:
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Consider how you have felt God's presence in your life this week. Perform an act of gratitude in thanksgiving.
If you do not have a faith community, you are welcome at St. David’s. Whatever your faith family—or even if you are without one—please remember that a financial gift to your local church is very much appreciated during this time. Every donation goes a long way to continuing our work tending the spiritual and physical needs of people who are isolated.
Remember your church communities and favorite non-profits in your charitable giving; do not forget the good works they do for those in need, and the services they provide to bring the necessities of life and the joy of entertaining to us and our loved ones during this strange time. We depend on your generosity to serve those in our community.
Sacred Prayer in Silent Spaces is produced for St. David’s, West Seneca and St. Aidan’s, Alden by Rev. Claudia Scheda, 2021.
Today I share with you a recently discovered prayer; perfect for this season when we are ready to slough off all winter's dread, and ready ourselves to dig deep in our gardens. I thought this prayer was very appropriate, especially as we look toward the Feast of Pentecost: The world is now too dangerous and too beautiful for anything but love. May your eyes be so blessed you see God in everyone. Your ears, so you hear the cry of the poor. May your hands be so blessed that everything you touch is a sacrament. Your lips, so you speak nothing but the truth with love May your feet be so blessed you run to those who need you. And may your heart be so opened, so set on fire, that your love, your love , changes everything. https://www.ees1862.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/A-Black-Rock-Prayer-Book-2019.pdf M. Claudia + Our Weekly Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am
Memorial Day in my childhood was the sign that summer was near. The parade route passed by my aunt's home, and the whole neighborhood came outside to watch, cook on the grill, wave at boy scouts and firetrucks and the Shriners in their little cars. My uncle was a cigar smoker, and I'll always associate a whiff of tobacco with the beginning of a new season of being outdoors. Some in my family still called it "Decoration Day" and I thought it only referred to getting your garden ready. As I became older, I learned about the many men and women who gave their lives that we might be free from oppression. That we could enjoy trips to visit family and not worry about getting pulled over without cause; the means to travel without wondering whether you could get back home; the right to vote secure in the knowledge that all votes mattered and were counted fairly. For some Americans, these right were never consistently theirs, though the privileged people around them enjoyed those liberties. Now more and more of us share in these experiences of being denied the freedoms our fathers and grandparents and aunts and uncles fought and died for. We must not forget the price they paid on our behalf, and the debt we owe them for their lives given for the liberty of generations they hadn't yet met. Say a prayer for those who gave their lives in service to their country--and continue praying that our country will withstand any and every assault on its residents' liberties. M. Claudia + Our Weekly Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am
Finally, after a long, gray, and cold Lenten Season we rejoice in the Glory of the Resurrection! Come and join your Christian family this year for the story of God's people; the entirety of human experience and emotion at our Saturday evening Easter Vigil service--where we are so excited for death's defeat that we can't wait until sunrise! Or join us at our regular Sunday morning hour for the holiest of holy days, the celebration of Easter. We will be here waiting for you, with arms outstretched in welcome. All attending St. David's for Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday are invited to receive Holy Communion at the Lord's Table! We have gluten free wafers available every week. Easter Vigil, Saturday April 19, 7pm Easter Morning, Sunday April 20, 9 am Alleluia, Christ is Risen--The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia! M. Claudia + Our Weekly Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?, asks the familiar spiritual. Holy Week is the Christian's opportunity to do just that--to beg for Jesus' murder before Pilate; to walk the way of the condemned, to be made to carry the cross. We are among those either egging on the abuser or those wondering when someone will step in and put a stop to the craziness. Sometimes it causes us to tremble. Find your people this week--your family, your friends--and make that journey together as a group this year. Bring your household to know the sorrow and madness of the political machine Jesus was up against. Bring your loved ones to participate as Jesus' closest disciples did in his last days. I promise you, when the glory of Easter Morning is upon us, your families' lives will be transformed in ways you could never imagine. Holy Week at St. David's will feature traditional services that will feel familiar, yet strikingly discomfiting. Maundy Thursday we will imitate the actions of Jesus, who took upon himself the lowliness of a servant to wash the feet of his loved ones. Good Friday we mourn and wait at the cross. The Vigil service, usually begun at sundown the night before the holy day of Easter, is dramatic with readings that tell the whole story of Creation, of God's People, and of Jesus life, death, and resurrection. Easter Morning brings another type of witness, where we discover the empty tomb and a new reality literally dawns upon us. Come and join your Christian family this year for the story of God's people; the entirety of human experience and emotion, as we make our way to the holiest of holy days, the celebration of Easter. We will be here waiting for you, with arms outstretched in welcome. Palm Sunday April 13, 9 am Maundy Thursday April 17, 7 pm Good Friday April 18, 7 pm Easter Vigil, Saturday April 19, 7pm Easter Morning, Sunday April 20, 9 am M. Claudia + Our Weekly Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am
The season of Lent in the Christian Church is one that gives us the space to consider deeply the road Jesus trod as he makes his way to Jerusalem for the final time. I've always associated this with profound sadness, but it may not necessarily need be. For those of us who've always wished they could travel back in time and meet Jesus, and become his follower, the season of Lent reminds us that the true followers were with him during the trying times as well as the joyful ones; the happiness of miracles as well as the nagging anxiety that something was about to take a nasty turn. This year at St. David's, we help you along in that journey. We have special prayers and readings during the season, attend weekly Lenten Journey prayer services with our Christian neighbors of other denominations, publish the Diocesan-provided Lenten materials, and continue welcoming guests and visitors. We hope you will join us for the joys and sorrows of the season. Wishing all may keep a Holy Lent, M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am
I wish to thank all who helped make our special day a success! The Very Rev. Rebecca Barnes from St. Paul's Cathedral offered us a wonderful sermon on the life and lore of St. David, and how we can learn from his faithful example. Faith L. assisted with bulletins and decorations. Gary B. helped with our buffet set up and that always appreciated coffee service! Our readers included Lynne S, Sharon M, Mark Z, Butch W and Chloe, and LEM was Camille R. Check out this slide show to see more pics of our event! (Right click, then open in a new tab) St. David's Day 2025 M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am
In the Episcopal Church, we follow the Revised Common Lectionary which establishes which Scriptures we read in our Sunday services. Special feast days have their own Scripture selections. Churches that wish to celebrate their patronal feast--the feast of the saint after which the parish was named--can do so on a Sunday, but only if it doesn't fall in Lent! St. David of Wales, Bishop, Preacher and patron saint of our congregation, is celebrated on March 1st which often falls at the beginning of Lent, so we've not had the opportunity to celebrate his feast on a Sunday. This year, however, Lent begins Wednesday March 5 allowing us the ability to transfer his feast to Sunday March 2. St. David was a monastic and established many communities of prayer in Wales. Tradition has it that wherever he roamed the countryside to preach the gospel, a hill would grow beneath his feet, elevating him so his voice could be heard by all as he proclaimed the Good News. Come join us Sunday March 2 at 9 am for our wonderful celebration of the Feast of St. David! We will be visited by guest preacher The Very Rev. Rebecca Barnes, dean of St. Paul's Cathedral in Buffalo, and enjoy a brunch afterwards! M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am
I am getting ready to perform my role as an Alternate Deputy in our fast-approaching General Convention in Louisville, KY beginning next week. There is a ton of legislation, resolutions, and some elections which are going to be meaningful to all of us--they help us understand how we understand and form our Christian work and ministry at home and abroad. I have a better handle on the work that's before us with my recent experience at the United Nation's Commission on the Status of Women, and being newly named the Global Mission Advocate for our diocese. The work of making a difference in the lives of God's people across the globe is tremendous and requires the investment of prayer and physical resources. We among our partnership who are elected as deputies and alternates in WNY and NWPA are committed to this work. I will keep you updated as I'm able while I participate in this work; keep me in your prayers, and also our parish administrator Faith Laudenslager in her first year as a General Convention Lay Delegate! M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am
As I write this message, we are preparing for Holy Week at St. David's, with a new offering this year of the service of Tenebrae, designed by Deacon Cathy and our lay worship leaders. To fully understand the glory of the Happy Morning we so greatly anticipate, it is a deeply spiritual practice to participate in the worship events of Holy Week which trace the footsteps of Christ through Jerusalem to, finally, the Place of the Skull where his Cross would stand. Join us, won't you, for this week of passion which in its sadness also looks toward hope? It is there you will find your friends and neighbors, hearing the story of the Passion, and wakening to the New Life of the Resurrection. At St. David's, you are welcome for all our Holy Week and Easter services: Wednesday 3/27 7 pm Tenebrae Shadows of Darkness Thursday 3/28 7 pm Maundy Thursday Communion & Stripping the Altar Friday 3/29 7 pm Good Friday Prayer Saturday 3/30 4:40 pm Easter Vigil Music with Communion Sunday 3/31 9 am Easter Morning Music with Communion M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am
Baptism is the sacrament by which we become full members of the Body of Christ and take on our identity as Children of God. Here at St. David's we are preparing to welcome another member into our congregation and into the Christian family. We baptize youth and adults after a season of preparation and reflection; and we baptize infants whose parents and godparents receive instruction and take vows in their stead. Many congregations use the Lenten season to prepare candidates for baptism at the Easter Vigil--but we are happy to accommodate the timing of this special event to meet the family's needs. Please contact me or leave a message at the church office (716-674-4670) to inquire about baptism for your family member! M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am