RenewalWorks shares some ideas to help you make the most out of Sunday

Based on data RenewalWorks has collected from over 350 Episcopal churches, embedding the Bible into the life of the church is one of the five best practices in spiritually vital churches.  It is also an area in which Episcopal respondents express an interest in learning more. This past week, we had a conversation about this principle with the current churches participating in the RenewalWorks program.

Previous RenewalWorks participant churches report deeper spiritual engagement when parishioners take the time to digest the upcoming Sunday readings. This practice not only fosters daily spiritual practices but also enhances understanding of the Bible and facilitates communication with God.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

Last week, many of the current RenewalWorks churches wondered how the Sunday service and sermon experience could be enhanced if parishioners spent time during the week studying, reflecting on, and digesting these passages.

Below are two examples of churches that created resources for parishioners to examine and contemplate the upcoming Sunday readings.

After completing RenewalWorks, Rev. Jane Schmoetzer at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Richland, WA, began providing a weekly email with a reflection on one of the upcoming Sunday readings.  Fast forward a few years, and parishioners have now stepped forward to take responsibility for delivering the reflection. It is titled, the "Wednesday Word. " 

On the growth of the Wednesday Word at All Saints’, Rev Jane remarks,

“I never fail to be drawn in by these brief meditations.  It feels like spending a few moments in conversation with a faithful friend. Every time, the writer asks a question or offers an insight that stirs my own contemplation.  Often, they see something I may have missed or offer inspiration in a way I do not expect.

It’s also a reminder of the importance not only of reading scripture but doing so in community.  Reading the Bible on our own is an important practice; however, sharing the “variety of gifts” that God places in our hearts and minds is absolutely key to a fuller understanding of the Holy Spirit’s presence and leading.”

Rev. Peter Walsh, a member of the RenewalWorks advisory board and rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in New Canaan, CT, also sought ways to encourage reflection and understanding of the upcoming Sunday readings.  The church started recording a weekly podcast called "Rev'd Up for Sunday"  (available on Tuesdays) that features a clergy discussion centered on one reading. Since its introduction, its popularity and production have expanded beyond the parish of St. Mark’s.  Listeners gain an intimate view of how St. Mark’s priests- Fr. Peter, Rev. Elizabeth Garnsey, and Fr. John Kennedy- prepare for Sunday through a sometimes irreverent, often witty 30-minute conversation filled with love for our Lord.

Fr. Peter had this to say on the growth of Rev’d Up for Sunday as a spiritual practice,

“…coming out of the pandemic we were asking the question of what did our people need? Jesus and the Bible, the quick answer. Instantly, the pod idea. We started the next day with no idea how to do it. Now it is a central piece of our life together. It has radically changed the preaching, as now we all spend a lot of time studying the Bible and the life of Christ. I could never have preached the Easter sermon that I did without three years of pod behind it. More and more people in the parish are engaged with it, and it so fun for us to hear from people around the U.S. and from out of the country.” 

Pro tip: After listening to the pod, try viewing the Sunday sermon (available on the website) to witness the pod's impact on the sermons at St. Mark’s. In conjunction with attending one’s own church, reflecting on the Sunday passages in advance is a substantive way to delve deeply into studying scripture.

The two examples above are just a few of the resources shared during our RenewalWorks call.  Is your church offering another way to prepare for Sunday or for prereading the weekly Sunday readings? 

We love the opportunity to share good ideas and resources among our churches. If you have an idea or an example for us, please share it here.