News items and stories
The Great Easter Vigil
"Dear friends in Christ: On this most holy night, in which our Lord Jesus passed over from death to life, the Church invites her members, dispersed throughout the world, to gather in vigil and prayer. For this is the Passover of the Lord, in which, by hearing his Word and celebrating his Sacraments, we share in his victory over death."
This is the opening to the liturgy of the Great Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. It announces in a short synopsis what our purpose in gathering together will be about. The Great Easter Vigil is one of the most ancient rites within the church and is in this author's opinion, the crowning worship service of the church. In it the church
ICONS: Art or Holy Object?
Many of us westerners have seen beautiful icons or pictures of icons from orthodox churches and have wondered about their purpose and meaning. For the first 800 years of Christianity, icons have had their ups and downs from enjoying widespread support and use to being denounced as heretical.
Season of Lent
Do you ever feel like you would like to slow life down a bit? Our culture does not encourage time away from work, noise, bad news, and hectic schedules. Since the beginning of Christianity, communities of faith have understood the need for reflection and contemplation.
Compline (Night) Prayer Thursday's at 7:30pm
Thankful for day that is past? Come and give thanks and ask for God's protection through the coming night.
This ancient and simple service lasts about 20-30 minutes and gives one a chance to slow down, pause and thank God for the day that is past, and is set with candlelight and incense.
Known as Compline (pronounced comp-lin), it is also known as Night Prayer, or Prayers at the End of the Day, and is the final church service of the day in the Christian tradition of canonical hours. The English word Compline is derived from the Latin completorium, as Compline is the completion of the working day. The word was first used in this sense about the beginning of the 6th century by St. Benedict in his Rule.
A typical Compline Prayer can be found at http://www.bcponline.org/DailyOffice/compline.html
Advent is upon us!
On December 2nd, Hope Sunday, we began the season of expectation as we memorialize the birth of Christ the Savior. The following Sundays in Advent are:
Advent 2, Peace Sunday,
December 4th
Advent 3, Joy Sunday,
also called Marian Sunday, to honor The Blessed Virgin Mary, December 11th
Advent 4, Love Sunday,
December 18th
Doug Howell sings music with meaning on August 18
On Saturday, August 18, at 8:00p, Doug Howell, contemporary Christian recording artist, will perform at St. Barnabas some of the piano-vocal music he's shared with thousands in concert halls, churches and coffee houses across the U.S. Howell has been recorded by such artists as Chris Christian and B. J. Thomas, and his music and arrangements have appeared everywhere from radio to the NCAA Final Four theme.
Howell has released six solo albums, the latest in 2010. The last album, Jimmy & Me, was a special tribute to Howell's favorite composer, Jimmy Webb. His first five albums contain original, contemporary Christian songs that revolve around his faith in Jesus—and the search for love. Howell, now a local resident, will sing a series of original songs about moments when God brought meaning to his life. The concert wraps up a special "Music and Meaning" summer concert series.
Wild* and Crazy Flower Pounding Workshop
St. Barnabas is hosting a "Wild* and Crazy Flower Pounding Workshop" on Saturday, July 21, 2012, from 2:00–4:00p. (* wildflowers that is!) Learn how to use flower petals to create a design on cloth that can be incorporated into a crazy quilt block, or simply framed. What a great way to enjoy your flowers indoors and all year round, or to make a lasting gift. Artistic, creative and fun for all ages. The cost is $5.00 each or $10 for the whole family. All supplies will be provided. Please call Kitty @ (734) 475-1546 to confirm, or email edhs66@yahoo.com.
Kathryn West and Friends continue "Music and Meaning" concert series on July 27
St. Barnabas invites the community to attend Music and Meaning through the Classics, Friday, July 27, at 8:00 p.m. Kathryn West and friends will perform classic music for strings and keyboard. Through the music of Bach, Mozart and Dvorak, the group will help listeners explore the meaning of pure music that "educates the emotions." Music touches our minds in ways other mental and physical pursuits cannot. It transcends age and infirmity, soothes in times of sadness, and brings joy in life's good times. It wakens us with a song, and carries us to sleep in peace. Come, enjoy, and see what the music may mean to you.
The concert continues the Music and Meaning series of three special concerts this summer that explore some of the many ways music brings meaning to our lives.
Gemini Performs Music from the 60s on June 23
Gemini, the performing name of well-known twin brothers, San and Laz Slomovits, will perform music from the 60s on Saturday, June 23, at 8:00 pm. In the first of three concerts in the St. Barnabas Music and Meaning series, the Chelsea area community is invited to explore the fabled 1960s, when music became a key way of expressing and seeking meaning in personal and collective life. Admission is free, and light refreshments will be served. So bring the whole family and do the time warp with us!
Peace Garden Party - June 9
Come take a tour of the St. Barnabas native plant Peace Garden on Saturday, June 9! Guided mini-tours will be available starting at 4:00p. Enjoy sample appetizers and beverages based on native Michigan flora and fauna at 6:00p.
