The First Estate: February 1, 2012

February 1, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
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News and Trends From Brooklyn’s Houses of Worship

Francesca Norsen Tate, editor

Grace Church Welcomes Guest Preacher

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From Cathedral in Western Australia

The Very Reverend Dr John Shepherd, Dean of the Cathedral at Perth, Western Australia, is the guest preacher at Grace Church-Brooklyn Heights on February 12.

Dean Shepherd holds degrees in Arts (History and Philosophy) and Theology from the University of Melbourne, where he studied at Trinity College. He also earned his Master of Sacred Music from Union Theological Seminary here in New York.

He was the John Stewart of Rannoch Scholar at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, where he completed a Ph.D. on the relationship between theology and music in the English Reformation.

Dr. Shepherd was Chaplain of Christ Church Oxford from 1980-88, and taught Reformation theology and Renaissance music history. From 1988-90, he was Chaplain at the University of Western Australia, where he also taught in the Faculty of Music. He is married to Joy Shepherd, Principal of St Hilda’s Anglican Girl’s School. They have three children.

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WinterFair Brings Taste of Russia

“Russian Rhapsody” is the theme of this year’s Grace Church WinterFair.

WinterFair, which opens its doors at 10 a.m. this Saturday, February 4, brings back the popular “Gracious Gourmet” ready-to-go frozen meals for busy nights. Parish chefs worked all day during two Saturdays during January preparing meals such as the popular “Chicken Marbella and Blanquette de Veau.”  The fair’s other regular attractions include the Luncheon Café, as well as Silent Auction, children’s books and toys, silhouette portraits, DVDS and music, baked goods and “Clothing Couture.” WinterFair runs until 3 p.m.

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Introduction to Centering Prayer

Presented at Grace Church

Spiritual Director Lindsay Boyer leads an introduction to Centering Prayer — a silent, wordless form of meditation that has gained much popularity in recent years. This daylong program is hosted at Grace Church-Brooklyn Heights, where Boyer facilitates a weekly Centering Prayer group.

Centering Prayer derives from 14th century Christian methods of prayer, and is simple to learn. The introductory presentation, on Saturday, February 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will include the basic method and background of this prayer form; how to deal with thoughts that arise during centering prayer; how to enter into a deeper relationship with God through the practice of Centering Prayer. Participants will be given two 20 minute sessions of Centering Prayer.

While geared for beginners, this presentation will also be helpful for those who would like to refresh and renew their practice. Lunch will be provided and a donation of $10 would be appreciated.  Email Lindsay at lindsay@ lindsayboyer.com for more information.

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Popular ‘Awakening Faith’ Series

Returns to St. Charles Church

Last year, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church launched a small group parish Lenten series for the six weeks of Lent, titled “Awakening Faith.” The series is back by popular demand.

More than 75 people participated in last year’s series. This year’s Lenten series, starting on February 26, will present the next phase, with the focus on how “‘truly living’ the Eucharist can enrich one’s life.”

According to a description of “Awakening Faith” that was published in the parish’s weekly bulletin, “This program is a parish-based renewal experience that is designed to foster spiritual growth and discipleship by promoting active participation in the Eucharist. The goal of the program is to help each participant experience the Mass in a more powerful and meaningful way – by getting to know, understand and love the Sacrament of the Eucharist more deeply.”

“Living the Eucharist” will begin on the First Sunday in Lent (on February 28, the Sunday after Ash Wednesday). The program is geared for small-group participations. Groups will meet before and after the regular 7 p.m. Sunday Masses; additional times are being planned. For more information, contact Father Ed Doran at the St. Charles Rectory, 718-625-1177.

St. Charles Borromeo Church offers Mass with Distribution of Ashes at 12:10, 5:30 and 7 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, February 22.

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Service Celebrates Ministry

Of Episcopal Church’s

First African-American Priest

Celebrating the Feast of Absalom Jones, the first African-American priest within the Episcopal Church, is a tradition in Brooklyn.

The Rev. Kassinda R.T. Ellis, The Black Clergy Caucus and the Union of Black Episcopalians (Chapters of the Diocese of Long Island) sponsor an Absalom Jones service, hosted at St. Thomas Church in Bushwick, Saturday, February 11 at 10 a.m. The guest preacher will be the Rev. Fr. Darryl F. James, rector of Grace Church — Jamaica, one of the oldest parishes in the diocese.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church is at 1405 Bushwick Avenue (corner of Bushwick Ave. and Cooper St.).

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St. Ann’s Church Continues

Community Knitting Bee

St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church declared its first Knitting Bee in December to such a success that they are repeating it.  All knitters and would-be knitters in the neighborhood are invited to join the St. Ann’s Bee in creating warm handmade items, such as scarves and hats, for mariners at sea as part of a program of the Seamen’s Church Institute. Paige Sato, manager of the Institute’s program, will be on hand to instruct knitting novices. Some yarns and needles will be available — or bring our own. Refreshments provided. The Knitting Bee runs from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, in St. Ann’s Parish Hall, 157 Montague St.

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Grace Church Artist Exhibits

More Work at Salmagundi Club

A monotype print by Grace Church parishioner and artist Karen Loew is part of the Salmagundi Club’s Historic Black and White Exhibition, now through February 10.

Karen explains that “a monotype print, as the word indicates, is a unique print. There is only one of this. The image is loosely based on a photo I took of a friend of mine who lives in Brooklyn. He is also an artist member of Salmagundi Club, which is where we met several years ago.”

The photo on which the print is based was shot as Karen embarked on a trip to Europe for the Coast Guard Art Program (COGAP) in which she is active. She was guest speaker at a COGAP reception at the Zeeuws Maritiem Muzeeum in the Netherlands. Pleased with the graphic quality of the photo—which she had shot to test her new digital camera—Karen knew she would use it as the base for another work of art.


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