August 26, 2021
My Dear Doubters of Great Faith,
In so many ways, it is hard to believe that we are quickly approaching the end of the long, hot days of another North Texas summer, so similar, and yet so strangely different to the many we have witnessed in years gone by. This is the time that we hope toward anything that remotely resembles the first breath of spirit, a cool wisp from the north, even if only in the form of “pumpkin spice!” (I know, there is no such thing, that “pumpkin spice” is made up, but it does in some way represent the hope of something to come!)
And we need those things to hope toward, now, more than ever!
Beginning the week of Sunday, September 12, 2021, we will start a new worship schedule at St. Thomas the Apostle, one which I hope will give more people the opportunity to know the overwhelming love of God through the warmth and love of the Doubter parish family.
Sundays will include an in-person 8 am Rite I Eucharist service of word and table, a solemn and meditative, contemplative moment for those who encounter God in the earlier hours of life. The service will be spoken, with a brief homily reflective of the day’s scripture, lasting approximately 45 minutes.
At 9 am, we will continue with our on-line Zoom worship experience, a Rite II enhanced “Eucharist Under Special Circumstances with sermon” for those who find themselves more comfortable worshipping from home in the midst of the current COVID-19 crisis. This service provides the same interactive experience of in-person worship, with active leadership coming from parish participation. This service is spoken, and lasts about 50 minutes. Hosts are provided through the Church office. (Please contact Pam Liles for supply: pam@thedoubter.org)
The 10:30 am service is our in-person festival Rite II Eucharist, with sermon, and a full complement of music provided by our choir, hand bells, soloists, and other special musicians. The service is approximately 75 minutes.
On Wednesdays we will offer a noon Rite II Eucharist as a mid-week respite in the middle of a busy, chaotic week. This will be a spoken service with a brief homily reflecting on one of the many saints in our great lexicon of saints! This service should last about 30 minutes.
Several formation opportunities are in the works as well! We are planning a fall “Basics of the Faith” class to prepare another group of folks for Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation by the Bishop. And a book study program is on the way as well! We are working on getting the South Meeting Room of the Office Building prepared to host combined in-person/Zoom meetings so that each of these offerings will be able to have participants in both kinds.
While in so many ways it is difficult to plan for the future in the midst of the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, we are continuing to find new and creative ways to be the worshipping body of Christ on our corner of Inwood and Mockingbird. We continue to turn toward the hope that rises again and again in Jesus Christ, as we look forward to the start of a new programming year!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Christopher+
