EDS Sunday

Each Sunday, one of the first prayers we say is called the “Collect of the Day.” This prayer changes from week to week throughout the church year. It is meant to gather together, to collect, the ideas reflected in that day’s Scripture readings and particular season of the Church, giving us a central theme for that day’s worship.

So, for instance, during Advent, the Collect may reflect anticipation and repentance. During Lent, we might hear themes of penance, self-examination, and following the way of the cross.

So, you can imagine my delight when I read the Collect for tomorrow’s service:

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Tomorrow is EDS Sunday, the day when we invite the families of our school to come and worship alongside us. We gather in unity to celebrate our relationship and common mission: to reflect the light of Christ from generation to generation.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, Emmanuel has an incredible responsibility of helping form and nurture the prayer lives of more than 230 children and 45 members of the EDS staff. Their chapel services echo the beauty and rhythms of our Episcopal liturgies, with prayers, Scripture, and songs shaped for their understanding and experience.

Tomorrow, as we are “gathered together in unity by the Holy Spirit,” we will experience the beautiful merging of our worship. You will hear the prayers and creeds that our children and teachers profess each week. They, in turn, will experience the sacrament that regularly nourishes and sustains us.

It will be a holy gathering. A gathering of generations, families, a school and a church. United by the Holy Spirit and gathered for the glory of God’s Name.

I can’t wait to see you tomorrow as we share our worship space with our neighbors down the hill, and then gather afterward for lunch, fellowship, and play. It’s going to be a wonderful day!