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 2019 Book of Common Prayer‘s collect for the Third Sunday in Advent references the prophets: O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your…
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.
Get Dirty: Three Reasons 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. Dirtying their vestments is encouraged and 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…
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…
Compline To Complete the Day
The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end. Amen. 2019 Book of Common Prayer, Compline, p. 57 Thus begins Compline, the final service of the Daily Office. We ask for the grace and peace of God during the long night hours ahead. We ask for “a perfect end.” Then follows a…
The Ache of All Saints’ Day
I cannot remember the last All Saints’ Sunday I sat in the pew instead of the chancel. However, this All Saints’ Day, I wasn’t collared and vested, leading the liturgy in the parish I serve. I sat in a pew in another parish because I’m taking a sabbatical this autumn. Where does an Anglican priest…
A Long Obedience In A Lenten Direction
A week before Ash Wednesday this year, I was preaching at a Christian high school to students who were learning about the season of Lent. I find excitement in sharing the basics of spiritual seasons like Lent with people who are learning about the Christian calendar for the first time. Lenten Basics As I teach…
What They Don’t Teach You In Seminary, Part 3: Practicing Sabbath
During my seminary years, teaching the theology of Sabbath was not scarce. In Old Testament courses, pastoral theology courses, and chapel services, I heard some excellent theological thinking on the Sabbath. I rarely saw sabbath practiced in community. The distance between thought and practice can become quite a chasm. Good ideas about the Sabbath can…
What They Don’t Teach You in Seminary, Part 2: Personal Repentance
by Jack King ‘There is no theology apart from experience; it is necessary to change, to become a new man.’ –Vladmir Lossky ‘If you are a theologian, you truly pray; if you truly pray you are a theologian.’—Evagrius Ponticus If you visit any seminary website, schools will speak about the importance of spiritual life for…
