Sacred Prayer in Silent Spaces for Sunday, September 13, 2020
St Davids Website • September 19, 2020
The Gospel According to Matthew 18:21-35
Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
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
I know a little something about being in debt; so does my son Quincy, who lives frugally with several roommates because he can’t afford his own place. He foregoes many of the same things I took for granted at that age—serious relationship, moving out on my own, traveling, starting a family—because of the hold educational debt has on him. After the loan payment, there’s not much left for food, entertainment, and the shared rent. He makes decent money at his full-time non-profit job; but much less than others with his same credentials in the private sector. And the debt is just crushing. I too have significant debt I struggle to pay, nine years after graduation in a time of few full-time clergy positions.
Deep debt, educational or otherwise, is something I wouldn’t ever wish on my worst enemy. It’s demoralizing and dehumanizing--which is why the actions of the king in this gospel lesson are so radical and life-changing! The king literally gave the debtor’s life back to him, and instead of spreading joy and gratitude, the forgiven man spread unwillingness to forgive; intolerance to seeing the humanity in another.
My son’s work is to teach basic carpentry skills to unemployed or people in career-transitions so they can qualify for entry into the building trades. We both know he could earn more, and escape debt faster with a upgraded career; but I am glad that he is sharing his talents with others. I can imagine that debt relief, for either one of us, would be received with the same joy and grace and gratitude as one who has been redeemed from misery by a Mighty Savior.
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:
Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for 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. 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.