Each year I do a brief search for Episcopal parishes that celebrate the Summer Solstice. These services just don't seem to go away. There is a growing trend to call the gathering a "Celtic" event. In fact, it seems that Episcopalians are fascinated by the idea of "Celtic spirituality" without any idea of what Celtic spirituality really is. According to Britannica, what we know about Celtic religion is from syncretism between the Romans, the Celts/Gauls, and Christianity. Episcopal attempts at further syncretism are probably not going lead any druids to Christ but may keep progressive Episcopalians happy for an hour or two.
Oh yes, did I forget to mention that you have to have a labyrinth to have a Summer Solstice service these days? Not exactly Celtic, but a nice touch. ;-)
Celtic Celebration of Eucharist for Summer Solstice
by St. David's Episcopal ChurchDESCRIPTION:
The Fire in Our Hearts
Invigorate your spiritual journey as we give thanks for the longest day of the year by sharing an evening of prayer, song and Christian Communion.
Enjoy fellowship at the potluck snack reception which follows.
Saint Boniface Episcopal on Siesta Key SUMMER SOLSTICE LABYRINTH WALKLet us celebrate Summer Solstice on June 21 at 7:00 p.m. at our labyrinth. Bring your journal, if you use one, or something in which to write. We'll walk the labyrinth and ponder this question: "We are all spiritual beings. How is God calling you to express your spirituality?" Not walked a labyrinth before, but are curious about this?? Come along! We will help you get started.
Saint Andrew's SeattleSummer Solstice Labyrinth WalkJune 21 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pmGather in Parish Hall or at the LabyrinthCome celebrate the Summer Solstice by experiencing God’s presence as you walk the sacred path of our beautiful St. Andrew’s Labyrinth on the First Avenue side of the church grounds. June 21 is the day of the year where the sun is at the highest point over the equator and, hence, the longest day and the shortest night. We can think of the solstice as a spiritual time reminding us of God’s eternal light and the gift of new beginnings. As we walk the labyrinth, we open ourselves to whatever gifts or lessons the labyrinth may offer. It is an opportunity to slow down and become aware of the beauty and tranquility that can be found both within and outside of us. For those who would like it, there will be some brief instruction in the Parish Hall at 6:30. You are welcome to walk the labyrinth at any time.
Facilitated by ****** *****, St. Andrew’s parishioner who has long loved labyrinths and who served on the Sacred Grounds Labyrinth Design Committee.
Chapel open for silent prayer during Solstice Labyrinth WalkOn the night of the labyrinth walk, June 21, the chapel will be open for unfacilitated silent prayer from 5:30-8:30 pm. You are welcome to sit before and/or after your labyrinth walk.
St. John the Divine Episcopal Burlington Wisconsin is looking for a priest so,
The 2017 Summer Solstice Auction and Celebration has been rescheduled for June 2018.
St. Giles Episcopal Summer Solstice Labyrinth Walk - June 21
We'll gather to walk the labyrinth (south end of the property, behind the education building) on the evening of June 21 at 7:30, to welcome summer and celebrate God's gift of seasons. All are welcome! Look for upcoming announcements of future walks later this summer!
St. Brigit Episcopal Frederick CO.
Ait Caol Summer Solstice ServiceWe invite you to indulge in a very special time of spiritual sanctuary and renewal as we celebrate the longest day of the year! Our service will offer prayer, live Celtic music, and a walking meditation to various sacred spaces, including our outdoor labyrinth. *In the Celtic Tradition, "thin place" is a location where the wall between this world and the next is very thin, where the holy is palpable.
As I explored the web pages of parishes that are holding these services I noticed that most of them declare that they are "welcoming" (meaning pro LGBT agenda) and some even listed Gay Pride parades on their event calendars.
I don't think this new-age syncretism will survive long as the Episcopal organization continues its slow death spiral towards becoming just a footnote in the Encyclopedia Britannica.
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Wasn't +Rowan Williams a member of some Druid society?
ReplyDeleteThese parishes also are led by either women priests or by a gay male priest (with the exception of the one currently searching for a rector). If I lived in their vicinity I would search for another parish or stay home and read my Prayer Book.
ReplyDeleteThat pretty much describes the make up of the ranks of clergy in TEO.
DeleteYep, back in August of 2002 Rowan became "ap Aneurin". The story was reported in the Guardian.
ReplyDelete"The next Archbishop of Canterbury was today made an honorary white druid as part of an ancient Celtic cultural tradition.
Dr Rowan Williams was the last person to receive the honour in an open-air service at the National Eisteddfod, a celebration of Welsh culture being held this week at St David's, west Wales.
Dr Williams, who was last month named as the successor to Dr George Carey, was made a member of the Gorsedd of Bards for his contribution to the Welsh language and Welsh culture.
The current Archbishop of Wales has criticised the press for portraying the role as a pagan one.
He said yesterday that the suggestion that the honour was linked to paganism was offensive, and described the award as 'one of the greatest honours which Wales can bestow on her citizens'."
The Gorsedd is made up of Welsh-speaking poets, writers, musicians, artists and others who have made a distinguished contribution to Welsh language and culture. During the hour-long service, which was conducted in Welsh, Dr Williams was made an honorary white druid, the highest of the three orders of the Gorsedd of Bards.
He was given the Bardic name of ap Aneurin. The archbishop chose this name after a 6th century Welsh poet and also after Aneurin Bevan, one of his personal heroes and the architect of the National Health Service.