Sacred Prayer in Silent Spaces for Sunday, August 16, 2020
St Davids Website • August 18, 2020
An Excerpt from The Gospel According to Matthew Chapter 15
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus very clearly states “I have sheep that belong to other folds; I must bring them also.” I imagine the scene in today’s Gospel came first. Does the woman in need teach Jesus a lesson about belief? Or is he being hesitant so she is compelled to voice her faith, allowing her to teach the disciples in his presence about faith?
Take a moment now and give thanks in prayer for your blessings this week.
Meditation
I’ll be honest and say I’m not proud of Jesus in this moment—the moment when he tells this woman he won’t help her because she’s an “outsider”. It doesn’t make sense that Jesus seems prepared to turn away this woman in her great distress; or turn away her daughter so terribly afflicted.
There are many who believe this passage shows Jesus has his own learning curve throughout his ministry—that he meets people and circumstances which open his eyes to a more global ministry. And I suppose there are some, like me, who wonder whether Jesus engages with this woman to create a “teachable moment” for his disciples. Telling them that God’s compassion and Jesus’ own healing powers are beyond our earthly distinctions between religious groups may not be as effective as allowing the disciples to see it for themselves.
The way Jesus engages with biblical women should cause our senses to tingle—he often speaks to them in ways that would be considered improper in his culture. Yet so many times, their faith speaks louder than any conversation between unrelated man and woman ever could. And as we have witnessed—in Scripture and our own lives—the healing grace of God is not something reserved only for members of our own religious family.
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, give us the strength and courage to proclaim our faith as we beseech your aid for our concerns. We bring before you names of loved ones afflicted by pain and disease; our worries for the state of the world, its warring and violent people, and its climate crisis; our concern for those affected by injustice and oppression. Help us name our faith as we call upon your Son our Savior for an end to illness, poverty, hatred, and economic abuse; and remind us that in you, God, all things are possible, in Jesus’ name we pray. 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. Even donations of postage stamps go a long way to continuing our work tending the spiritual and physical needs of people who are isolated.
Sacred Prayer in Silent Spaces is produced for St. David’s, West Seneca and St. Aidan’s, Alden by Rev. Claudia Scheda, 2020.
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
I wonder sometimes why I still live here, in this region that buries us in the white frozen tundra several months of the year--but then I remember how much I love this place and these people. And part of my job is to care for my people in this congregation, and all the people in this community. And cancelling services during dangerous winter storms is part of how we do that here at St. David's. So yes, we are canceling both services the weekend of January 13-14 2024, so that you all may stay home, avoid bad road conditions, and look after your neighbors. The work of the Church will go on when the weather lets up. Until then, be safe and warm, and I pray that God keep you from all danger. M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am Comfort At Christmas Service--Saturday December 16, 4:00 pm.
The Christmas holidays are often difficult for our friends and loved ones who experience loss or grief. Even the loss of a job, or loss of good health can make the holidays rough for us and our neighbors. That's why St. David's has committed to offering Comfort at Christmas every year, to help those in grief name their loved ones and prepare themselves for the joy which awaits at Christmastime. Please recommend this service to anyone you know who might be struggling this season. Comfort at Christmas is a short, intimate experience of prayer, music, and healing blessings. We'd love to greet your loved ones and assure them that God embraces those who suffer. Many who attend find themselves ready to enter into the mystery of the Nativity of Our Lord with wonder and hope. Following this service will be our usual Simple Saturday service, a time for scripture and Holy Communion. Attendees at Comfort and Christmas are welcome to stay for this as well. M. Claudia + Our Services--Saturdays 4:30 pm and Sundays 9 am Comfort At Christmas Service--Saturday December 16, 4:00 pm.