Monday, September 22, 2014

Resource for November liturgies on healing the sin of racism

A Reconciliation Resource for November Liturgies on healing the sin of racism is now available from the Repairers of the Breach. Following the format of Holy Women, Holy Men, the booklet offers several options for readings and psalms. It is available on the Repairing the Beach page of our website. The Reconciliation Service from November 2, 2013 is also available with anthems and hymns that are suitable for parish use.  

Annual Council Resolution R-1 resolved that "November 2, 2014, All Souls Day will be designated as the 'Day of Repentance and Reconciliation' in the Diocese of Southern Virginia and parishes will annually hold this observance during the octave of All Saints." If you need further assistance or have questions, please contact Canon Caroline Black,  cblack@diosova.org or 757-213-3377.  

Observances of a Day of Repentance and Reconciliation: 

St. Martin's, Williamsburg 
The spirit of reconciliation and repentance for the sin of racism will be prayerfully honored at Saint Martin's on November 1 at 5pm as we acknowledge our transgressions of the past and repent for those sins against our brothers and sisters in Christ that we have committed as an institution and as individuals. The service will conclude with the celebrating of Holy Eucharist where we will acknowledge our reconciliation with Christ, as well as the entirety of the Body of Christ. The evening will then conclude with a meal of thanksgiving that will acknowledge the gift of reconciliation that God so bountifully provides to us. The meal will be served in Miles Hall at approximately 6:15 p.m.
  
St. John's, Chester
Contemplative Evening Prayer for Reconciliation and Healing  on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 5 p.m.

Good Shepherd, Norfolk and Mission of the Holy Spirit
On Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Good Shepherd there will be a dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by a Service of Repentance at 6:30 p.m. 
  
St. James', Accomac
Service of Reconciliation and Healing, Friday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. 

Bruton Parish, Williamsburg 
On Nov. 5, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Bruton Parish, there will be a screening of "The House I Live In," a documentary that explores the moral failure of the war on drugs and particularly looks at the role that racism has played in incarceration and mandatory minimums. The Rev. Charles Robinson, Vicar of Bruton Parish and Jan M. Brown, Founder and Executive Director, of SpiritWorks Foundation, will facilitate a conversation following the film. On Nov. 7 at 5:30 p.m., the monthly First Fridays Eucharist will weave together the themes of repentance, reconciliation and recovery. The Rev. Chris Epperson, Rector of Bruton Parish, will be the celebrant. Parking is available on Duke of Gloucester Street during the service.