As the Associate Rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in the heart of historic Downtown Savannah, I have the privilege of serving in a community that blends rich liturgical tradition with a forward-thinking approach to ministry. St. John’s is a unique church that worships using the 1928 American Prayer Book, with a deep commitment to the treasures and distinctives of Classical Anglicanism. It could be easy, given our historic liturgy and location, to fall into the trap of becoming a religious museum. But part of my ministry is to ensure that the timeless beauty of our tradition connects with the lived experiences of the people around us in downtown Savannah.
In a city surrounded by the artistic energy of the Savannah College of Art & Design, we’ve sought to engage with our community through creative initiatives. We’ve launched outdoor art exhibitions, free outdoor concerts featuring local and touring musicians, and the Sunday Night Sessions lecture series, where speakers explore Christian faithfulness in today’s world. Our weekly candlelight Compline service, often attended by people wandering in from historic Madison Square, provides another point of entry for those seeking a quiet space for reflection. It’s been a joy to watch how these events have drawn people closer to our worshiping community and helped them find their place within the life of the church.
Reflecting on my time at Montreal Diocesan Theological College (Montreal Dio), I am deeply grateful for the formation I received there. The college’s evangelical heart, set within the context of Quebec’s post-Christian culture, provided a helpful lens through which to understand the challenges that many churches face, regardless of their location. I vividly remember Dr. Zink pointing us to Evelyn Underhill’s 1930 letter to the bishops at Lambeth, where she reminded them that “God is the interesting thing about religion.” This insight has stayed with me throughout my ministry. We must acknowledge the realities around us honestly, but we must also remember that the heart of ministry is not in making ourselves interesting, but in helping people encounter the truth and beauty of God, as revealed in Jesus Christ. It is our calling to help people place their hopes rightly, and in doing so, to guide them toward the beauty of a living relationship with God.
As we approach the season of Advent, I’d like to offer a simple but powerful suggestion to our community: pray the collect for the First Sunday of Advent daily and commit it to memory. As you do so, ask the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart for the remembrance of Christ’s coming in humility at Nazareth, and for his glorious return on the last day. This prayer can be a powerful anchor for your spiritual preparation as we enter into this season of waiting and hope.
