Tuesday, November 25, 2025
The Chapel St. Chronicle
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Sermon Series
"Christ the King Sunday"
The Rev. Anne C. Williamson
I love history, and I have read a lot of both non-fiction and historical fiction about kings and queens (mostly queens, courtesy of my son James who gives me not-fiction books about queens for birthdays and Christmas!) We celebrated the Feast of Christ the King on Sunday and I have been pondering how worshipping Christ as King fits (or not) into our daily lives. As we look forward to Thanksgiving on Thursday, and the beginning of Advent next Sunday, the Feast of Christ the King reminds us what it is all about - the birth of a king, not an earthly king but an eternal king who is Love, whose kingdom is the reign of justice, mercy, love and peace, from whom all good gifts are given.
So I invite you to pray with me: Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. May it be so.
Blessings,
Anne
MUSIC
“Ride On, King Jesus!,” African American Spiritual, arr. Alice Parker & Robert Shaw; featuring the St. John's Parish Choir, under the direction of Jennifer McPherson Mulhern, Director of Music and Liturgy. Featured Offertory Anthem at the 10:00am Rite II Service of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
THANKSGIVING EUCHARIST
On Thanksgiving morning, we’ll gather for a simple, prayerful service of gratitude and healing at 9:30am in the Side Chapel at St. John’s - a Rite I Eucharist with healing prayers, with The Rev. Anne Williamson presiding. Come as you are, and be prepared for Turkey Trot traffic downtown!
THANKSGIVING COLLECT
As we approach Thanksgiving Day, we pause to remember the abundance of God’s creation and the hands that bring its gifts to our tables. In that spirit of gratitude and care for one another, we offer this prayer from the Book of Common Prayer:
Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
OUTSIDE THE BOX THIS SUNDAY
At the November 30th Outside the Box, meet Linda Wilkinson, founder of Chikumbuso. A grassroots project located in Ng’ombe compound of Lusaka, Zambia. Chiumbuso provides hope and opportunity to some of the most vulnerable women and children in Zambia. Twenty years ago seven widows, meeting for mutual support, started the project which soon grew to a one-room school for 30 children. Eventually, a bar and brothel were transformed into a vibrant community center, transforming a symbol of desperation into one of hope.
Today Chikumbuso’s school provides free education and physical and psychosocial support for 450 students, Kindergarten to College. Women and young adults are able to generate their own income through opportunities provided through social enterprise, job placements, and life skills training. For those too old to care for themselves, the community provides food, supplies, and visits to lighten their load.
Chikumbuso not only cares for its community members, but also goes out into the surrounding slum, volunteering, providing shelter, and giving hope to neighbors and friends.
Join us on Sunday at 11:30 AM in the Philbrick Room, a light lunch will be served.
GO AND DO
Featuring lutenist Joel Spears, St. John's Concerts On The Hill is proud to welcome Joel back to our St. John's Selects series at 6PM on Sunday, December 7.
This sold-out event was a popular highlight in our 2024-25 Concert Series, and is sure to bring audiences into the spirit of Advent again this holiday season for an intimate evening of Advent-themed music to bring joy and wonder into the beautiful Roberts Recital Hall at historic St. John’s Episcopal Church.
With a maximum seated capacity of 40, Roberts Hall will serve as an ideal setting for this wonderful acoustic music. Don't wait to get your tickets!
What are you reading? Listening to? Thinking about? Do you have any great recommendations that you're eager to share? Let Aaron know!