Musings on Faith

In this podcast, The Rev. Nancy Bryson, Deacon at St. George Episcopal Church,  tells us about Mary Magdalene, who was the first to proclaim Jesus' resurrection after she discovered his empty tomb. Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

In this podcast, LaVerne Collins, a parishioner at St. George, talks with the newly called rector of St. George Episcopal Church, The Villages, FL - The Rev. Dr. James E. Taylor. Fr. Jim, a "cradle"  Episcopalian, was born in Wilmington, NC and received degrees from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington and Virginia Theological Seminary.  For the past 18 years he has served as rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in North Charleston, South Carolina. The discussion covers topics like his favorite athletic teams, books and movies to his leadership style, his dissertation topic on stewardship and his work on committees of the national Episcopal Church.  During the discussion, Fr. Jim references two books "Canoeing the Mountains" by Tod Bolsinger and seasonal meditations by Russell J. Levenson, Jr. Send comments or questions to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message. To learn more about St. George Episcopal Church visit: stgeorge-episcopal.net.

St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most well-known saints because of his love for animals and nature. Each October, many churches commemorate the Feast of St. Francis with a Blessing of the Animals to honor this beloved saint. In our latest Musings on Faith podcast, the Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, tells the story of St. Francis and explains some of the myths and legends surrounding him. Father Ed also invites you to bring your pets for a special blessing on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 11 a.m. in the St. George Episcopal Church courtyard. Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

As the International Day of Peace is commemorated on September 21, we take a look at the peacemakers in the Bible, and how we can achieve peace -- both with others and within ourselves with the help of God. Father Ed Bartle talks about the four Gs of resolving conflict, based on readings from "The Peacemaker," a book by Ken Sande. He closes with Psalm 37 to help us find peace in our own hearts. Email comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

Today’s guest, Dr. Lelia Mullis, tells us about Centering Prayer - a method of meditation used by Christians placing a strong emphasis on interior silence. Advocates of Centering Prayer say it does not replace other prayer but encourages silence and a deeper connection to God.  If you are interested in learning more about Centering Prayer visit: https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/centering-prayer-method/. The Centering Prayer mobile app, mentioned in today’s episode, supports one’s daily prayer practice. You can find the app in the App Store or the Google Play Store if you have an Android. Search for Centering Prayer, select the one by Contemplative Outreach. Send comments or questions to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

In the conclusion of our conversation with Bishop Brewer, he discusses his plans for the remaining 2 years of his tenure, what he perceives as future challenges for Episcopal churches in the diocese and the Anglican Communion, and his plans once he retires. Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

Because of length, the conversation with Bishop Brewer is divided into 2 parts. In Part I, Bishop Brewer discusses the responsibilities of an Episcopal bishop, assignments that he has within the wider Episcopal Church, and his major accomplishments to date. Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

Healing was one of Jesus' most important ministries. He also commanded his followers to heal the sick in Luke 9:2. Not everyone is given the power to heal but the prayers and the laying on of hands can be a powerful tool for bringing peace to those who are in need both physically and spiritually. In this latest podcast in our “Getting to Know the Episcopal Church” series, Father Ed Bartle and Deacon Nancy Bryson discuss how healing services have helped so many parishioners. They also discuss what the healing services are like at St. George, held on the first and third Thursdays of the month at our outdoor Eucharist. Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

Why do we wear red on Pentecost? Why is this day considered the birthday of the Christian church? The Rev. Marnie Wright, a Pastoral Care Associate at St. George Episcopal Church, answers these questions and more in this latest Musings on Faith podcast. The Day of Pentecost is Sunday, May 23, and will be a day of joy as we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit onto Christ's apostles. Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message,

Later this week, Christians around the world will observe the Feast of the Ascension, the day that Jesus Christ ascended into heaven before his apostles' eyes. In this Musings on Faith podcast, The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, tells us why Ascension Day is considered one of the most important ecumenical observances in Christian churches. He also describes the joy the Apostles felt as they witnessed the Ascension and why we, as Christians, should feel the same joy.  Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

In this episode, Dale Dreps, a parishioner at St. George Episcopal Church, interviews Erik Guzman who joined the staff of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida in late 2020, Erik explains what his responsibilities are as Director of Communications, the challenges he has faced, and shares his goals for the future.  Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: · https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

As we enter the final three days of Holy Week – known as the Paschal Triduum – Father Ed Bartle of St. George Episcopal Church discusses the events that occurred during Christ’s final week on earth. A closer look at the Gospel of Mark suggests many of the events were more than mere coincidences, but rather divine intervention. Mark describes events that we may know but haven’t given much thought until now. Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.comor leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

Rejoice! This is Holy Week and The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George, tells us about the most important week in the Christian calendar. Our religion is based on the events of this week, culminating with Easter Sunday – the day of Christ’s resurrection. Father Ed describes the services that will take place at St. George this week.  Please send your comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

Today our podcast series, “Getting to Know the Episcopal Church,” focuses on Maundy Thursday, an enlightening service filled with symbolism and reverence that will be held on April 1 this year, and Good Friday, set for April 2. The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George, tells why these special services are important components in Holy Week observances. Please send your comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

This month our podcast series, “Getting to Know the Episcopal Church,” focuses on Holy Week and why it is the most important time in the Christian calendar. The Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George, begins this series with a discussion about Palm Sunday and Tenebrae, which mark the beginning of Holy Week for many Episcopalians. Please send your comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

Are you curious about the process an Episcopal church uses to select a rector?  Listen as Dale Dreps, chair of the St. George Search Committee, talks with The Rev. Dan Smith who is assisting St. George find a priest to be in charge of the parish. Fr. Smith outlines the process, which is pretty standard for Episcopal churches, and shares how the members of the parish can and should be involved. Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

In our latest podcast, The Rev. Nancy Bryson, Deacon at St. George Episcopal Church, tells us about several African-American leaders who have influenced the Episcopal Church, beginning with Absalom Jones. A former slave in the 1700s, Jones’ unwavering faith helped him to become the first ordained African-American priest in the Episcopal Church. Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.comor leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

This Wednesday, February 17, marks the beginning of Lent, 40 days leading up to Easter. In this new episode of “Getting to Know the Episcopal Church,” the Rev. Ed Bartle, Associate Rector at St. George, discusses the importance of the Lenten season.  Observing Lent doesn’t always mean giving up something… it could be taking on something. · Send comments to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or leave a voice message at: https://anchor.fm/st-george-episcopal-ch/message.

Two important feasts occur during the 12 Days of Christmas that many Episcopalians commemorate although not with the same jubilance as Christmas Day or the Epiphany. In this podcast, Father John Kelly, Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, explains the history of the Feast of the Holy Innocents and why it’s important to remember this day on Dec. 28. He also explains the Feast of the Holy Name, which occurs on January 1st. Send comments or questions to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or post them to the St. George website at: https://stgeorge-episcopal.net/getting-to-know-the-episcopal-church-feast-of-the-holy-innocents-and-feast-of-the-holy-name/.

Are you already thinking about taking down your holiday decorations next weekend? Not so fast. The 12 Days of Christmas actually begin on December 26. The Rev. John Kelly, Rector of St. George Episcopal Church, talks to parishioner Mary Ann DeSantis in another “Getting to Know the Episcopal Church” podcast about the importance of the church’s Christmas season and the significance of Epiphany on January 6. Send comments or questions to musingsonfaith@gmail.com or post them to the St. George website at: https://stgeorge-episcopal.net/getting-to-know-the-episcopal-church-12-days-of-christmas/.