Rector’s Blog

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree Acts of devotion are the ways in which Christians stay attentive to their relationship with Jesus. Acts of devotions may include the spoken, “traditional” types of prayers. Do you remember, though, what prayer is? According…

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree St. Mark’s Episcopal Church recently called their new rector, the Rev. Benjamin Badgett. When a new rector is called, the church and rector ritually participate in a service known as the Celebration of New Ministry. Similar to…

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree Lots of things are getting cranked up this Sunday at St. Paul’s. It’s the second Sunday of the month, which means that a few special things happen. I’m taking some time here just to remind…

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly…

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree It’s happening, again!   I’m seeing pictures on social media of kids returning to school . . . . first day of first grade! . . . high school! . . . . can you believe…

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree I woke up early this morning. The sky is beautiful, the birds are chirping, there’s an unusual coolness in the air. Here’s a prayer from Celtic Benediction by J. Philip Newell: As the light of dawn awakens earth’s…

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree As I write this Weekly Chapel (August 1), the church celebrates the feast of Joseph of Arimathaea. Joseph was the guy who, after Jesus had been crucified, went to Pilate and asked if he could…

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree This Sunday, we hear Matthew’s Jesus offer a whole lot of parables. What is a parable? Here’s a definition from the Dictionary of the Episcopal Church: The term is from the Greek for “something placed by…

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree Yesterday was the feast day of St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 540). Benedict founded twelve communities for monks at Subiaco, Lazio, Italy (about 40 miles to the east of Rome), before moving to Monte Cassino in the mountains of central Italy.…

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree Did you know that the Book of Common Prayer includes a litany of thanksgiving for national life? It’s on page 838. As you participate in the festivities of the holiday, you might use this short…

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree I’ve been spending a lot of time watching hummingbirds. They visit our feeder, stealing quick sips. What amazing creatures. Do you think God thought, “I think I’ll make something fast as lightening with wings like…

by the Rev. Charlie Dupree What is rhythm? I first remember learning about this word in elementary school. It was hard to spell, so our teacher told us, “Just remember it this way: Robin Hood Yelled To His Men.” How helpful! I started piano lessons and “rhythm” became…