July 2019 A note from the Rector… On July 7, we worship at St. Stephen’s in Thompsontown. This is the Sunday after the 4 th of July, when we recall the important words and ideas in our Declaration of Independence, especially the idea that all of us are given certain rights by God, purely on the basis that we are human beings created in God’s image. While the writers of this document did not fully understand that all people were created in God’s image or entitled to these rights, our nation and its people have continued to work to make this so for all people. On July 7, our guest preacher will be The Rev. Absalom Jones (portrayed by Anthony Alexander). The Rev. Jones was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1802 in Philadelphia. He was the first African-American ordained in The Episcopal Church. He founded St. Thomas Episcopal Church. The Rev. Jones, along with Richard Allen, left the Methodist Church in 1792, because they and others who were African-American, were ordered to sit in the balcony of the church. At first they formed a non- denominational Free African Society to help African-Americans. Eventually, Allen founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Absalom Jones, however, wanted to continue to be part of the newly formed Episcopal Church. He wanted a church for African-Americans that was free of control by Whites. This was a bold demand in his time. The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas opened on July 17, 1794 and celebrates its 225 th Anniversary this year. The Rev. Jones and the members of the parish faced many obstacles. Jones was denied admission to The General Theological Seminary and the church could attend Diocesan conventions and speak but not vote. Yet, the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement was their preferred expression of their faith. The teachings of Jesus Christ through this denomination came through despite the discrimination, racism and oppression inherent in the denomination at the time. The Rev. Absalom Jones is remembered on February 13, the date of his death in 1818. The Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, Bishop Nathan Baxter Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) sponsors a yearly commemoration, including an essay contest. Come hear the words of this exemplar of our faith. They ring true to this day. Love, Rebecca+ NATIVITY NEWS The newsletter of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen Newport and Thompsontown, PA 159 South Second Street, Newport PA 17074 Phone: 717-567-6514 E-mail: [email protected]Parish Website: www.nativityandststephen.diocpa.org
Transcript
July 2019
A note from the Rector…
On July 7, we worship at St. Stephen’s in Thompsontown. This is the Sunday after
the 4th of July, when we recall the important words and ideas in our Declaration of
Independence, especially the idea that all of us are given certain rights by God,
purely on the basis that we are human beings created in God’s image. While the
writers of this document did not fully understand that all people were created in
God’s image or entitled to these rights, our nation and its people have continued to
work to make this so for all people.
On July 7, our guest preacher will be The Rev. Absalom Jones (portrayed by
Anthony Alexander). The Rev. Jones was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1802 in
Philadelphia. He was the first African-American ordained in The Episcopal Church.
He founded St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
The Rev. Jones, along with Richard Allen, left the Methodist Church in 1792, because they and others who
were African-American, were ordered to sit in the balcony of the church. At first they formed a non-
denominational Free African Society to help African-Americans. Eventually, Allen founded the African
Methodist Episcopal Church.
Absalom Jones, however, wanted to continue to be part of the newly formed Episcopal Church. He wanted a
church for African-Americans that was free of control by Whites. This was a bold demand in his time. The
African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas opened on July 17, 1794 and celebrates its 225th Anniversary this year.
The Rev. Jones and the members of the parish faced many obstacles. Jones was denied admission to The
General Theological Seminary and the church could attend Diocesan conventions and speak but not vote. Yet,
the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement was their preferred expression of their faith. The teachings of Jesus
Christ through this denomination came through despite the discrimination, racism and oppression inherent in
the denomination at the time.
The Rev. Absalom Jones is remembered on February 13, the date of his death in 1818. The Diocese of Central
Pennsylvania, Bishop Nathan Baxter Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) sponsors a yearly
commemoration, including an essay contest.
Come hear the words of this exemplar of our faith. They ring true to this day.
Love, Rebecca+
NATIVITY NEWS
The newsletter of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen
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