MANSFIELD — Grace Episcopal Church and Pantry, in partnership with Peace Fellowship Church and The Inclusive Catholic Church (all of Mansfield), will present a three-week Advent mini-course, The Blessed Community: Preparing for Christ Together.
The sessions will be held Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10, and 17, from 7 to 8 p.m., in Sipes Fellowship Hall at Grace Episcopal Church and Pantry, 41 Bowman St., Mansfield.
Series description
This three-week program will explore the Beatitudes — “Blessed are …” — and consider how they speak into our contemporary culture.
Presenters will examine gaps of faith and practice as communities seek to live the Beatitudes today, with special attention to people in marginalized groups named in the Beatitudes: the poor, the sick, the elderly, orphans, widows, the disenfranchised, immigrants, prisoners, the abused, and others.
Presenters
The Rev. Christopher D. Hofer, Priest-in-Charge, Grace Episcopal Church
Pastor Dan Dickman, Peace Fellowship Church
Bishop Joseph Richards, The Inclusive Catholic Church
Quotes from presenters
“We are delighted to partner with Peace Fellowship and the Inclusive Catholic Church to bring the Beatitudes to life,” said Fr. Christopher D. Hofer. “Grace Episcopal Church and Pantry’s mission is ‘To nurture our members and feed our neighbors.’
This Advent program will not only nurture Grace parishioners, but those of the other two churches and the wider community.”
Pastor Dan Dickman: “Advent is a season of preparation. Too often we forget the people the Beatitudes name — those on the margins. This series invites us to pay attention, to repent where we have overlooked, and to act with compassion and justice.”
Bishop Joseph Richards: “The Beatitudes are a blueprint for holy community. In this series we will ask how our churches can be places where the marginalized are welcomed, affirmed, and loved without exception.”
Logistics and participation
The program is free and open to the public. All three sponsoring congregations — Grace Episcopal Church and Pantry, Peace Fellowship Church, and The Inclusive Catholic Church
— identify as welcoming and affirming communities committed to bringing the Good News especially to those on the margins: God loves them — no exceptions.
For more information, call Grace Episcopal Church and Pantry at 419-524-2661 or email gracechurch41@yahoo.com.