Dear Church of the Apostles,

We are blessed that the Parish Council has developed and approved a Sabbatical Leave Policy for the clergy at Church of the Apostles.

“The concept of sabbatical is rooted in the biblical concept of ‘Sabbath’ which God modeled (Genesis 2:1-3) and commanded (Exodus 20:8-11).… In Leviticus 25:1-7, the Lord says that after the sixth year the people were not supposed to sow the fields or harvest a crop. The land was allowed to rest, and therefore, so were the people.” (From the Apostles’ policy)

Although it seems hard to believe, my seventh year of serving as your Rector begins this July.

I, with Tamara, will take a twelve-week Sabbatical beginning on July 10, 2022 (following one week of vacation that begins on July 3) and return to Church of the Apostles on Sunday, October 2, 2022.

Made possible by the generosity of Apostles and a few close friends, Tamara and I plan to travel in the United States, Canada, and Europe for our Sabbatical. Spending some time with family at the beginning and then settling deeply into a period of prayer, study, and reflection.

God has been so good to bless us with a world-class team of clergy and staff who will lead our congregation in worship, ministry, and mission while I am away. A few old friends and special guests will share God’s word on several Sunday mornings as well.

Not only do I anticipate that we won’t miss a beat but look forward to seeing the new things that God does among us through humble service of these faithful leaders. Then, when I return in October refreshed and rejuvenated, I can’t wait to lead us through all that God has for Church of the Apostles in the next six years.

I will give you some updates and prayer requests as we get closer to July. For now, please pray that God will go before us in the planning and preparation for Sabbatical, giving us wisdom and favor in all of the fine details.

Peace and Hope,

Brian+

Dear Church of the Apostles,

The season of Lent begins on Wednesday, February 17. We will have several opportunities for you to enter into the beauty (yes, “beauty”) of Ash Wednesday through services both online and in-person as well as special times scheduled to receive the imposition of ashes (see details below).

Our theme for Lent this year is Practice Lament. 

“Lament in the Bible is a liturgical response to the reality of suffering and engages God in the context of pain and trouble. The hope of lament is that God would respond to human suffering that is wholeheartedly communicated through lament.”

This is longer than usual note from me. Please click here and spend about five minutes reading about why lament is crucial for our lives together in the coming year and for an invitation to practice lament together during Lent. 

The Psalms of lament reinforce the reality of suffering and hope and model the practice of lament. 

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?

   How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I take counsel in my soul

   and have sorrow in my heart all the day?

How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Psalm 3:1-2

As a father shows compassion to his children,

   so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.

For he knows our frame;

   he remembers that we are dust.

Psalm 103:13-14

Why is lament crucial for our lives together at Apostles moving forward?

One, those who skip the important step of lamenting the hard and broken things in our lives, the Church, and the world are more likely to dismiss suffering both in ourselves and others. We are prone to choose stoicism over openness, lying over honesty, and earthly power over Gospel weakness. 

Two, practicing lament brings deep healing, profound hope, and joyous celebration that are found in Jesus. You may remember that last year our Easter theme was Practice Resurrection. Resurrection is rightly practiced by first honestly expressing our need while we wait and listen for God’s invitation to live in his hope. We are fully human as God intended when we practice both lament AND resurrection. 

Three, to practice lament is to prepare for mission. Those of us who accept God’s invitation to lament are ready to offer God’s hope to others who are suffering. As we begin to see some light at the end of the long, dark tunnel of the last year, it is crucial that Church of the Apostles engages with our own loneliness, loss, and death so we are ready meet others in their loneliness, loss, and death. Practicing lament forms us into whole-enough wounded healers ready and eager to walk with anyone through anything toward the love of Jesus. Our neighbors, co-workers, friends, family, and classmates need us to practice lament for their sakes. 

I invite you to join me for a five-week Zoom gathering to practice lament through a combination of group spiritual direction, guided exercise, and sharing. During our fourth session David Taylor, author of Open and Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life will guide us in an experiential exercise in writing a personal psalm of lament. “Experiential exercise” is the key phrase. We will not be discussing, intellectualizing, or debating. We will practice lament. 

You can find more details in the announcements below. I hope that you will RSVP and join us!

Peace and Hope,

Brian+ 

Dear Church of the Apostles,

I, like many of you, am saddened, shocked, and appalled by the evil words and actions taking place in Washington, DC today. Although, I have many thoughts about the politics and history of this moment, my role is pastoral. Therefore, I am calling those of us who love Jesus and follow him as our King to think, speak, and act in accordance with the following Gospel postures.

Prayer

• For the end of violence and protection for all the people of DC.

• That no one claiming the name of Jesus would besmirch his name through violence and evil speech.

• For justice as defined by God in the Scripture to prevail.

Peace

We are called to stand against the forces of evil like those at work in the Capitol today through love, peace, and good works. (Romans 14:17, 1 Cor. 14:33, 1 Tim 2:1-5, 1 Peter 2:13-17) Therefore, we must all submit our speech, thoughts, and action to King Jesus and abstain from any words or behaviors that are antithetical to His rule and reign. The best way to do this tonight is to use our words in prayer and lament to God and with a few trusted friends and family. 

Justice

There are no better words than I can offer right now than this prayer from the 2019 Book of Common Prayer.

FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

Almighty God, you created us in your own image: Grant us grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and help us to use our freedom rightly in the establishment of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Bishop Steve released this video earlier this evening as well. For more encouragement and guidance, please watch the video as part of your prayer.

Peace and Hope,

Brian+

Dear Church of the Apostles, 

After much prayer, research, and conversations with our staff and other clergy, I have decided that we will meet on-line only this Sunday, December 6.

Please plan to join us at 10 am on Facebook. Our Sunday production team will broadcast the slides on the screen again this week. We will begin our missions prayer for Light and Life Foundation supporting the work of Luz y Vida orphanage in Bogota, Columbia. And we will continue to Watch and Hope for the now and coming King through Word and Sacrament.

If you need more consecrated communion wafers, let Jane know. We will have them ready and you can swing by the church tomorrow (Saturday) between 9am -noon or Sunday between 8:30-9:30am to pick them up.

I hope to resume meeting in-person soon. For now, we will make decisions on a weekly basis. I will update you again next Friday on plans moving forward. 

Peace and Hope,

Brian+

Dear Church of the Apostles,

I am writing after joining the millions and millions of people who voted on Tuesday. The mood of the nation is tense, by the time this note is delivered many ballots will still need to be counted, and no matter the outcome we are sure to remain a divided nation in many ways as the sun sets tonight.

So, what now?

One, we must sow peace and reject fear. Fear is paralyzing. It is a tool of the enemy to cause chaos and excuse behavior that is contrary to the will of God. Good news! Jesus is the remedy for fear (Luke 12:32; John 16:33). He not only tells us that we need not fear but invites us to join him in establishing peace on the earth (Matthew 11:28-30; Luke 4:18-19; John 14:27). We have been told on all sides that we should be afraid. Afraid of the winners. Afraid of the losers. Afraid of the process. Afraid of people who disagree with our politics. Stand against these fears by praying this prayer often in the days to come as an initial step to sowing peace.

OF SAINT FRANCIS Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is error, truth; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may seek not so much to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

Two, we must remember that we are citizens of the Kingdom of God and that Jesus alone is our King (Mark 15:26; Acts 1:9-11; Revelation 19:16). We must unify together as his people, under his reign, and in the confidence and hope of his might, mercy, and justice. Pray this prayer as we continue unifying under the ascended King Jesus.

FOR UNITY O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace to take to heart the grave dangers we are in through our many divisions. Deliver your Church from all enmity and prejudice, and everything that hinders us from godly union. As there is one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so make us all to be of one heart and of one mind, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and love, that with one voice we may give you praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God in everlasting glory. Amen.

Three, as we have been discussing on Sunday mornings, we must be a people of worship, righteousness, and justice as God commands (Ezekiel 18; Micah 6:8) and Jesus taught and demonstrated (Matthew 22:37-40). Pray this prayer to continue setting our hearts and actions on worship, righteousness, and justice.

FOR THE HUMAN FAMILY O God, you made us in your own image, and you have redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Peace and Hope,
Brian+

Dear Church of the Apostles,

When we went to online-only services in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I never dreamed that we would still be adjusting and assessing in September. In fact, I remember when I said we would re-evaluate protocols in hopes that we could gather in-person for Holy Week and Easter Sunday. 

Turns out that time flies when you’re not having fun, too. 

At the same time, God has blessed us in so many unexpected ways:

• We have welcomed new friends to our church home from all over the country. Some joining on-line and others in-person. 

• We are grateful to the several people who have volunteered to keep us connected by serving as “undercover” Sunday School teachers (more on that in a minute), video and sound operators, and helping sanitize the room between services. 

• We have stayed on mission by donating about 1,000 lbs. of food to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, continuing to pray, plan, and stand against human trafficking, and supporting our Missions Friends and Partners as they, too, adjust for COVID. 

• About 30 of us met together for “An American Lament” this summer to learn and pray about how God is calling us to be instruments of racial healing and a church that longs to realize God’s intention for multicultural worship and life.  

As we enter the fall, it is important to be present together in creative, cautious, and unafraid ways by gathering on-line and in-person for worship, formation, and fellowship. Please take a minute to read more about how we will do life together this fall and plan to take advantage of as many of the offerings as possible. 

Sign-up to join a Triad this fall as we use Scripture, prayer, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book entitled Life Together. Triads can meet on-line using the Apostles’ Zoom account, in one another’s back yards, or at the church using a room large enough to socially distance without wearing a mask. 

In compliance with the Governor's orders we will continue the protocols for Sunday mornings - two services, chairs spread six feet apart, wearing masks, and washing or sanitizing our hands when entering the building. If you have not yet signed up to attend a service or would like to change the service that you attend, please contact Jane Jackson. 

Two changes to our protocols that will help with connecting this fall: 

1. We will begin allowing small meetings to gather at the church building in rooms large enough to socially distance. Much like restaurants, we will require that masks be worn while moving around the facility but can be removed once we are seated. Contact Jane Jackson to schedule a room or the church’s Zoom account for meetings.

2. We will extend our office hours. Beginning next Tuesday, September 15 the office will be open Tuesday - Thursday from 9 am- 3 pm. Please let Jane know ahead of time if you plan to drop by.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to resume Sunday School this fall. However, we will be offering two exciting ways for children and parents to access the truth, love, and service that only church can offer. 

1. We will be presenting the children with virtual Sunday School each week, in the form of a video with the lesson in it. We will release one each Saturday night so kids can watch any time on Sunday. They will be no longer than 15 minutes each and will feature our children’s ministry volunteers, children, and special guests. 

2. Will you help us out with the “Undercover Teacher” program. The idea is that every teacher is assigned one or two kids to send mail to, including the occasional (very small) gift or piece of candy. Although parents will know the identity of the undercover teacher, the kids would not know who is sending them until the end of the year. If you would like more information or would like to help with, please let Amy Willers know.

Apostles Reads is inviting the entire parish to join us for special book discussion with Michelle Van Loon, the author of Moments & Days: How Our Holy Celebrations Shape Our Faith. The conversation will fall during Rosh Hashanah and prior to Yom Kippur.

Michelle will be highlighting the autumn holy days in particular with an overview of all 7 holy days mentioned in Leviticus 23. She'll also do a quick overview of moving from the Jewish calendar to the liturgical Christian calendar. Lastly, Michelle looks forward to encouraging the Church of the Apostles as we continue to grow in being a good neighbor to the Jewish community, specifically Congregation Rodeph Sholom. All are welcome including guests and it is not necessary to have read the book before we meet. 

Join us for our second drive-in movie this Saturday evening. This is an easy, fun, and safe way to be together as a church family. It is less about a movie and more about being together. You can sit socially distanced or view from your car. This is also a fantastic event to invite guests to join you. Plan to come and bring a friend!

Check out the details on these and other opportunities to connect this fall in the announcements below. 

Peace and Hope,

Brian+

Dear Church of the Apostles,

I miss you! It is hard to believe that we are entering the sixth month of the global pandemic and subsequent quarantine. In some ways it feels longer and in other ways it feels like time has flown by. I miss meeting for worship with everyone in the same room, hearing children’s voices fill the hallway, and having coffee together after the service.

As we enter the fall still following the guidelines for safety and committed to being creative, cautious, and unafraid, let me encourage us all to be present to one another by enjoying the upcoming drive-in movie, praying the Daily Office together, and joining us at one of the in-person Sunday morning services (see details on these below). 

Another meaningful way to stay present and to engage in Gospel conversations is to join a triad. Triads are groups of three people meeting together to share life and have regular Gospel conversations around a biblical topic. 

This fall we will be discussing the privilege that we have to live in community with one another at Apostles through the grace of Jesus Christ and his vision for Christian fellowship in the Church. The conversation will be shaped by Scripture and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together. 

Bishop Steve recently shared a video where he encourages that by being present we can express the worth and dignity of other people, offer one another love and value, and can know and be known by brothers and sisters. He then goes on to encourage us all to learn from Bonhoeffer’s book.

Take a minute to click the links above to learn more about Triads at Apostles and listen Bishop Steve’s encouragement. Then sign-up to join the conversation (details below). 

Peace and Hope,

Brian+

Dear Church of the Apostles,

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Often times by this point in the Easter season we are surprised to still see the familiar greeting reminding us that we serve a risen Savior. We celebrate the resurrection for fifty days through worship, feasting, exploring God’s creation, and setting our imaginations on Jesus and the Kingdom. 

Here are a few ways that we will be practicing resurrection through mission, worship, and celebration this week.

Mission:

Plan to attend the Bridgeport Rescue Mission’s Hearts of Hope online event tonight at 7:30 pm. Hear how God is at work and be generous in financially supporting our friends in mission to the Greater Bridgeport Area. 

Hear how Hands Offering Hope is meeting the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs in one of Mexico’s regions hardest hit by Covid-19. Join the Zoom meeting this Thursday. 

This Saturday we were supposed to help host the Friendship Dinner with our partners, Bridges International, at the University of Bridgeport. Of course, we are unable to gather together. However, use this prayer guide to take a prayer drive around the campus sometime this week. 

Worship and Prayer:

This Sunday, April 26, we will be sharing Eucharist in the parking lot of our church building following the service. Join us on Facebook at 10 am for the service then drive to the church building and receive communion. Please read all of the details here and notice that we have made a few updates including where to enter and exit. 

Join us this Wednesday at 7:30 pm on Zoom as we ask the question, “How is God inviting us to rest during this time?” Tamara will lead us in a contemplative Scriptural exercise. I will lead us in a a short conversation. And we will conclude by breaking into small groups for prayer. The information to log onto Zoom for the gathering will be sent via email tomorrow.  

Celebration:

Use this Practice Resurrection Guidebook to engage with the full fifty days of Easter. Take some pictures as you celebrate and send them to info@apostlesct.org. 

The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Peace and Hope,

Brian+

Dear Church of the Apostles,

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

As we enter our fifth week being at home together, I wanted to update you on a a few ways that Apostles will worship and do life together in creative, cautious, and unafraid ways moving forward. 

Practice Resurrection Guidebook: These pages will give you ideas of how to worship Jesus and enjoy the new life that he offers to us, to others, and to the world. I encourage us all to engage with this guidebook and celebrate the full 50-day feast of victory over death. Don’t forget to send some snapshots of your feast to info@apostlesct.org so we can all share in the fun. Check your mailbox for a print version of the book as well. 

Eucharist from your car: On Sunday, April 26, we will offer communion in our church parking lot at 2385 Park Avenue, Bridgeport. While we practice social distancing, we can uniquely join as the Body of Christ. Plus it will give us all a reason to get out of the house and take a drive. For those who live a further away, we’ll stay for at least an hour and longer if needed. Get all of the details on how this will be done safely and reverently here.

Zoom discussion and prayer: Next Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30 pm, we will try a new format and location for Evening Prayer. We will meet via Zoom (click here for a simple tutorial), spend a few minutes in discussion, and pray together. Please send any questions that may be on your heart and mind ahead of time to info@apostlesct.org, so I can have some time to pray and prepare to lead a meaningful conversation. We will email the Zoom login credentials that morning. Share the link and invite friends to join us. 

Apostles Together at Home: Spend a few minutes watching this video of our life and worship over the past few weeks. 

As we settle into several more weeks of Stay Home, Stay Safe here in Connecticut, we will continue to imagine new ways to stay connected. Some ways will work well and remain on the schedule for these days, others may not work and be a one-time offering. Thanks for joining us for the adventure!

Peace and Hope,

Brian+

Dear Church of the Apostles,

We have held our services online for the last three weeks, and now it seems likely that we will continue to meet that way for several more.

Photo by Adiel Dominguez

As I announced on Sunday, our Bishop, fellow clergy, and I have been praying, studying and discussing how to distribute communion for use during our online services. Good news! Over the next several days, the Parish Council, Jan, and I will be delivering bags with palms, pre-consecrated communion elements, and printed liturgies for Holy Week services. There are also new liturgies for Morning and Evening Prayer.

These items have been carefully handled and lovingly assembled. Every precaution was taken and all guidelines for cleanliness and safety were followed.

Those delivering to your house will contact you first to let you know when they are dropping by. The bags will be placed by the entrance to your home. The person delivering will let you know that they have arrived. The bags should be brought inside as soon as possible. I am asking that any conversations be held outside from at least a distance of six feet.

There are a lot of instructions and information to pass along. Please look over the announcements and click the links in this email for more details on how we will receive the Eucharist at home, gather together for Holy Week, pray together, and encourage and serve one another.

Please invite your friends, families, and neighbors, especially those who are lonely and afraid, to join us for prayer, Words of peace, and songs of hope through our online gatherings.

Peace and Hope,
Brian+

P.S. Place the palms in some water so they stay fresh until Palm Sunday.