The Episcopal Church in Western Washington
Greetings, Diocese of Olympia and all who may be watching. Advent and a new church year is upon us. It’s always hard to believe for me that it rolls around so quickly. Over our years together, I’ve told you how much I love Advent, because a year starts, but also I’m kind of disappointed when it comes that we don’t often celebrate it in a way I believe it was designed. I don’t believe it’s a mini-Lent. It’s not designed
Alleluia, Christ has risen. The Lord has risen indeed, alleluia. Happy Easter to each and every one of you. Perhaps the highest feast of the Christian life has arrived, Easter, resurrection, new life born out of the old. That’s the hope of Easter, the yearning of Easter, even if, and I would say most especially if, the world itself doesn’t seem to portray it, does not seem to go along, as it were. This is the point really, even out
Greetings, Diocese of Olympia and all who may be watching, and most especially on this day, Merry Christmas to all of you. I hope you all are with those you love and who love you, but if you can’t be with them, I hope you will make connections with them today in some way. I know this can be for many, a season of wild extremes. For some, the most joyous and happy time of the year, and for some,
Greetings, Diocese of Olympia and all who may be watching. And as I’ve said just about every year, let me also say “Happy New Year.” For our planet, we won’t be saying that for another month or so, but as Christians, we say it now. Our new year starts with the first Sunday of Advent, which this year is Sunday, November 28th. So Happy New Year, church. Advent may be my favorite season, just four Sundays. It’s also the season
Bishop Rickel’s Christmas Message Merry Christmas, Diocese of Olympia and everyone watching! For those of you who love Christmas, I have good news for you, it’s a season, not a day. It runs from this day to January 5, and then to the Feast of the Epiphany, the arrival of the Magi, the 6th of January, so enjoy it, keep celebrating. Christ arrives, that’s what Christmas is all about. Christ coming into our lives, coming into our world, incarnating love
In Bishop Rickel’s Easter message, he reflects on an Ash Wednesday spent ministering to mariners in the Port of Seattle and learning of the horrific shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. And, of course, he reflects on the resurrection we find in Jesus Christ.
Bishop Rickel offers his reflections for the season of Lent and encourages us to use the season as a time to explore new spiritual disciplines.
Bishop Rickel reflects on the life, ministry, and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his relevance today.
Bishop Rickel offers his reflections for Christmas and Epiphany, and sends his wishes for a joyous holiday season.
As we prepare for Advent and enter into this season of expectation and waiting, hear Bishop Rickel’s encouragement to slow down and use this season to truly listen. You can find more reflections from Bishop Rickel on Advent in Living Compass’ “Living Well Through Advent 2017.” Copies are available at their website (https://www.livingcompass.org/) or by calling the Office of the Bishop at 206.325.4200.