The Falls Church of the Left Coast
One of the most remarkable books I have ever encountered is a little volume from the archives of St. Peter's Church, Third and Pine in Philadelphia. It is from the turn of the century and describes the activities (we would call them ministries, I'm not sure what they called it) of a large, well-off, and socially engaged Episcopal church at the turn of the last century. The book is filled with facts and figures, numbers of participants or amount of money disbursed. Does it smack of paternalistic Victorian philantrophy? Yes. Is it clear that the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed was being preached through the activities described? Yes. The two aren't mutually exclusive. Moreover, the activities of St. Peter's in the early 1900s also are indicative of a church community as strongly engaged inward as outward. There was some small group in which Mother, Father, Grandmother, and little Jane could find community.
I recall this little volume, because I have on my desk its 21st century analog. It is the "Celebration of Ministries, 2004-2005" of All Saints Church, Pasadena." Apparently, the 21st century analog of early 20th century St. Peter's could be described as liberal Quakerism in Episcopal form. Since I believe that Quakerism and Episcopalianism lie on the same continuum, it is no surprise to me that aspects of a community in both traditions could be very similar. Fortunately, the liturgy is Episcopal. The music is wonderful. Their love of inclusive language also means that I actually said a version of the Nicene Creed today that accurately translated the word enanthropopesanta or homo in the Latin version.
But they remind me of Friends. Much of the community grew up in other traditions or perhaps actually were evangelized by All Saints. Their ministries would do a Quarterly Meeting proud. For example, Coffee Hour is effectively a very low-pressure bake sale to help local homeless shelters. They showcase their ministries at booths on the Lawn between services. And I saw the fullness of American liberalism mediated through Grace. And that explains the title of the blog entry. Like Falls Church in Virginia, the fashionable Episcopal church of the conservative Republican players in Washington, All Saints Pasadena is very much in the world. I met the Associate for Spiritual Growth etc. today in the midst of her agreeing to lobby Senator Feinstein this week.
It is a large church by Episcopal standards (in sanctuary, in plant, and in numbers). It has three services (two with music). I went to the 9 AM service, which was packed as densely as a 9 AM during the school year at St. Martin's in a sanctuary about 50% larger. Its budget must be huge. And it is very skillful in dealing with newcomers from outside the Episcopal Church or folks coming back to church. I was very impressed. I'm not sure they are used to dealing with newcomers from within the Episcopal Church.
What worried me immediately is whether the community, inclusivity, and love of narrative that hit me walking around All Saints is grounded on what Holy Scripture plainly teacheth, right reason further instructeth, and the tradition of the Church maketh clear or on an American liberal worldview which honestly might be (gasp!) partly mistaken. Also, I'm curious to know when will be the next time I hear the words of Paul in the liturgy. Yet despite these concerns, I'm an Episcopalian. And Episcopalians of all stripes really shouldn't run from communities like this while they're young. There are lessons here for any future Kendall Harmon on how one does church.
ESA(20050710.1)
One of the most remarkable books I have ever encountered is a little volume from the archives of St. Peter's Church, Third and Pine in Philadelphia. It is from the turn of the century and describes the activities (we would call them ministries, I'm not sure what they called it) of a large, well-off, and socially engaged Episcopal church at the turn of the last century. The book is filled with facts and figures, numbers of participants or amount of money disbursed. Does it smack of paternalistic Victorian philantrophy? Yes. Is it clear that the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed was being preached through the activities described? Yes. The two aren't mutually exclusive. Moreover, the activities of St. Peter's in the early 1900s also are indicative of a church community as strongly engaged inward as outward. There was some small group in which Mother, Father, Grandmother, and little Jane could find community.
I recall this little volume, because I have on my desk its 21st century analog. It is the "Celebration of Ministries, 2004-2005" of All Saints Church, Pasadena." Apparently, the 21st century analog of early 20th century St. Peter's could be described as liberal Quakerism in Episcopal form. Since I believe that Quakerism and Episcopalianism lie on the same continuum, it is no surprise to me that aspects of a community in both traditions could be very similar. Fortunately, the liturgy is Episcopal. The music is wonderful. Their love of inclusive language also means that I actually said a version of the Nicene Creed today that accurately translated the word enanthropopesanta or homo in the Latin version.
But they remind me of Friends. Much of the community grew up in other traditions or perhaps actually were evangelized by All Saints. Their ministries would do a Quarterly Meeting proud. For example, Coffee Hour is effectively a very low-pressure bake sale to help local homeless shelters. They showcase their ministries at booths on the Lawn between services. And I saw the fullness of American liberalism mediated through Grace. And that explains the title of the blog entry. Like Falls Church in Virginia, the fashionable Episcopal church of the conservative Republican players in Washington, All Saints Pasadena is very much in the world. I met the Associate for Spiritual Growth etc. today in the midst of her agreeing to lobby Senator Feinstein this week.
It is a large church by Episcopal standards (in sanctuary, in plant, and in numbers). It has three services (two with music). I went to the 9 AM service, which was packed as densely as a 9 AM during the school year at St. Martin's in a sanctuary about 50% larger. Its budget must be huge. And it is very skillful in dealing with newcomers from outside the Episcopal Church or folks coming back to church. I was very impressed. I'm not sure they are used to dealing with newcomers from within the Episcopal Church.
What worried me immediately is whether the community, inclusivity, and love of narrative that hit me walking around All Saints is grounded on what Holy Scripture plainly teacheth, right reason further instructeth, and the tradition of the Church maketh clear or on an American liberal worldview which honestly might be (gasp!) partly mistaken. Also, I'm curious to know when will be the next time I hear the words of Paul in the liturgy. Yet despite these concerns, I'm an Episcopalian. And Episcopalians of all stripes really shouldn't run from communities like this while they're young. There are lessons here for any future Kendall Harmon on how one does church.
ESA(20050710.1)
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