Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the Cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,…
Jack joined Anglican Compass as a writer in February 2014. He is a native of Knoxville, TN, and serves as rector of Apostles Anglican Church in his hometown. Before serving at Apostles, Jack served Methodist churches in Knoxville and Gateshead, England. In England, Jack discovered his love for the Anglican tradition that would later become his spiritual home. He was ordained an Anglican priest in 2008 on his 30th birthday. Jack is married to Emily, and they have two young children. Jack received a B.A. in History from Samford University and a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School.
Go to the Nearby Wilderness This Advent
In the middle of Advent, we encounter John the Baptist in the desert. In fact, every year, Anglicans devote half of Advent to the prophet of the wilderness, John the Baptist. Even the Collect for the 3rd Sunday in Advent references the prophets: O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach…
Get Dirty: 3 Reasons Why We Should Observe Rogation Days
The sixth Sunday of Eastertide, known as Rogation Sunday, is a day that Anglican pastors should get dirt on their vestments. This is not only encouraged, it’s expected. The psalmist said ‘all flesh is like grass,’ so it’s good that the people of God walk along grass in worship and praise a few times a…
How to Practice an Advent “Calendar Fast”
“I’m sorry, I won’t be able to make it. I have other plans on the calendar.” It’s an ordinary exchange between friends throughout the year, a response that occurs more frequently in December given holiday parties, concerts, and family gatherings. Most people understand and respect the need for boundaries with personal and family calendars, especially…
The Key Difference Between the Similar Seasons of Advent and Lent
Purple Seasons of Preparation About ten Sundays a year, purple vestments and altar hangings adorn sanctuaries in Anglican churches. Purple signals the season of Advent and the beginning of a new Christian year, either the last Sunday of November or the first Sunday in December. Then follow the seasons of Christmastide, Epiphany, and the season…
Week of the Sunday from September 4 to September 10: A Collect Reflection
O Lord God, grant your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Seeking the…
Week of the Sunday from August 28 to September 3: A Collect Reflection
O Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow after us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. The Value of Hand-me-down Vestments Every Sunday when I vest…
Spiritual Renewal for the Dog Days of Summer
Summer I and Summer II Summer seems to be two seasons in one. One really should distinguish between Summer I and Summer II, for they are vastly different, both in the weather of the world and the weather of the soul. Summer I Beginning on Memorial Day weekend and ending around the Fourth of July…
Good Boundaries Won’t Save You From Burnout
I almost didn’t make it. A season of extended rest–a 12 week sabbatical–awaited me in September 2015. But as my church prepared for this sabbatical a year prior (yes, it takes several months of planning), I discussed a provisional plan with my senior warden and vestry. I was so tired that I might need to…
Epiphany: A Bridge to the Season of Lent
Next week, Christians worldwide will turn their hearts and minds—and foreheads—to Ash Wednesday. People have begun pondering and discussing what their Lenten practices will be this year. Worship pastors and musicians select hymns and worship songs to ensure we have plenty of ‘alleluias’ before that word is silenced for forty days. Your weekend grocery shopping…
