Reconciliation Personal and Communal
“We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves, we have not forgiven as we have been forgiven.” “Our contempt toward those who differ from us… Our anger at our own frustration...” “We confess to you, Lord.”
Ash Wednesday Liturgy, Book of Common Prayer
Our Ash Wednesday Litany poignantly names ways we are separated from one another and ourselves. Lent is a season where we don’t simply name these breaks of relationship, but reflect on them so our lives may be open for the transformation of God’s resurrection in Easter. Each week will allow for consideration of how we as a community and as individuals can work toward reconciliation with ourselves and all others who inhabit this earth.
- 6:00 p.m. Soup Supper in Zabriskie Hall
- 7:00 p.m. Program in the Nave
March 17: Rituals of Communal Reconciliation
Dr. Katherine Zubko is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at UNCA who specializes in South Asian religious traditions. She will discuss comparative practices of faith traditions in rituals of reconciliation and the role of embodied narrative in these ceremonies.
March 24: The Rite of Reconciliation
Often referred to as Confession, our Prayer Book rite, “The Reconciliation of a Penitent,” offers the opportunity in which we individually may meet with a priest to offer up “sins troubling the conscience.” This rite is not simply for ‘notorious sins’ but for any who continue to experience guilt or a troubled conscience from past choices or life events. Led by Dean Donatelli and Rev. Brian Cole.
March 31: Repairing the Breach
Glenda McDowell, member of St. Matthias, postulant for the diaconate in this diocese and long time participant in The Mediation Center, will join us to discuss reconciliation in racial issues and our diocesan work of Repairing the Breach. Glenda and Dean Donatelli co-presented an overnight workshop on conflict resolution for LARCUM (Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Methodist Clergy).
April 7: The Anglican Communion and Anglican Covenant
Dr. Katherine Grieb, Professor of New Testament at Virginia Theological Seminary and representative for the Episcopal Church on the committee developing the Anglican Covenant, will discuss the work of reconciliation in our communion and the work of covenantal living.
April 14: Reconciliation in Jewish Practice
Rabbi Batsheva Meiri of Congregation Beth Ha Tephila will join us to discuss rituals and practices in Jewish tradition. Batsheva and Beth Ha Tephila have been long and faithful participants in ecumenical work in Asheville. She is a regular traveler to the Holy Land, immersing herself in its life and issues.