Repentance, Forgiveness and Reconciliation
The catechism in the back of the Prayer Book tells us that the vocation of a Christian is “to carry out Christ's work of reconciliation in the world.” But that is easier said than done.
The Lenten series this year will focus on repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation.
How can we learn to say “I'm sorry”?
How can we learn to say “I forgive you”?
How can anyone go forward in life after suffering insufferable wrongs?
The Lenten classes began Wednesday, February 24. Each week, we share a soup supper together at 6 p.m. in the Undercroft, then the sessions begin at 6:45.
Wednesday, March 3 –
“Not in Our Name: Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation” -- After Ron Callen's mother was murdered, Ron and his wife, Carolyn, began a journey ... first to spare the murderer from the death penalty, then to find their own peace of mind. Ron and Carolyn visit All Saints to share their powerful story with us.
Wednesday, March 10 --
“Six Steps Toward Reconciliation” -- The heart of every 12 Step program lies in steps 4 through 9. From making a fearless, searching, moral inventory of ourselves, through admitting the exact nature of the wrongs we have done to God and one other person, to asking God to remove shortcomings of character, to making a list of everyone we offended, and then making amends to those people (unless doing so would cause more harm), these are steps toward peace and sanity. This session, led by Steve Findley and Howard Anderson, will explain how it is possible to walk ... step by step ... through self-examination, repentance, and reconciliation.
Wednesday, March 17 --
“Embracing Travail: Finding Forgiveness at the Foot of the Cross” -- Dr. Cynthia S.W. Crysdale, professor of ethics and theology at Sewanee Theological Seminary and author of "Embracing Travail -- Retrieving the Cross Today", will share her thoughts on how we find forgiveness in the death of Jesus on the cross. The cross is the place where victims and victimizers, the crucified and crucifiers, find reconciliation. Her lecture is sponsored by the Mary Sharp Sr. Speaker's Fund.
Wednesday, March 24 --
“The Rite and Practice of Reconciliation”-- The Episcopal Church offers -- as requested -- the sacramental rite of reconciliation, or personal confession to a priest. What is this ritual? Do people really use it? What peace do they find there? What happens during a confession? Why would anyone want to participate in this rite? The Rev. Sarah Midzalkowski, CMSU chaplain, takes us through the Prayer Book liturgy and explains its theological and practical meanings.
