by The Rev. Curt Norman | Apr 4, 2017 | devotions, episcopal identity, parish life
What is arguably the most awe-inspiring, Spirit-filled week of the Christian year is upon us. Holy Week begins April 9 with the observance of Palm Sunday. I’ve stated during the announcements in recent Sundays that the liturgies of the Book of Common Prayer for...
by The Rev. Curt Norman | Feb 27, 2017 | devotions, episcopal identity
Some people brought a blind man to (Jesus) and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, ‘Can you see anything?’ And the man looked up and...
by The Rev. Pam Renna | Feb 22, 2017 | community, outreach
The participation of St. John’s in the Open Table Ministry is entering a new stage. For the past few months, four members (Melanie Hollman, Ellen Redfield, Sue Smith, and the Rev. Pam) have been meeting and training with four members of Hopevale Church to form a...
by The Rev. Curt Norman | Feb 21, 2017 | devotions, episcopal identity, parish life
If you’re looking for something to read in Lent, here are some of the books I’ve read recently:
by The Rev. Curt Norman | Feb 17, 2017 | community, devotions, episcopal identity
In a previous blog post, I mentioned that the clergy of St. John’s will be available during Lent (as we are at other times of the year) for the Sacramental Rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent, also known as Confession. An explanation of the rite can be found on...
by The Rev. Curt Norman | Feb 16, 2017 | community, devotions, parish life
Mark 12:13-17 13 (The chief priests and the scribes and the elders) sent to (Jesus) some Pharisees and some Herodians to trap him in what he said. 14And they came and said to him, ‘Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and show deference to no one; for you do not...
by The Rev. Curt Norman | Feb 15, 2017 | devotions, episcopal identity
To answer the question posed in the headline: HECK NO! But having said that… What am I going to “give up” for Lent? Chocolate? Weekly viewing of The Bachelor? Social media? The question of giving up something arises in my mind every time the penitential season...
by The Rev. Curt Norman | Feb 14, 2017 | episcopal identity, parish life
A parishioner asks: “Fr. Curt, are there any devotional practices for Lent you could recommend?” Yes, there are! While college basketball fans everywhere (except maybe Lansing) eagerly anticipate March Madness, Episcopalians revel in Lent Madness. This is a fun way...
by The Rev. Curt Norman | Feb 13, 2017 | parish life
The liturgical season of Lent begins this year on March 1 with the observance of Ash Wednesday. But it’s not too soon to begin thinking about how we, as followers of Jesus in the 21st Century, can approach this holy time. It’s fair to ask the question: what are we...
by Amy Simons | Nov 16, 2016 | leadership, parish life
It is with great joy that I proclaim—“We have a new Rector!” This month your Vestry offered a Letter of Agreement to Rev. Curtis Norman of Stephenville, TX. He accepted our offer and agreed to become our next Rector. Curt received his Bachelor of Arts, Radio,...