"Christians joyfully and prayerfully building a caring and worshipping community"

From Our Rector . . .                                             September 2010

                                                                                                                                                        Reverend Julie Anna Johnson

 “But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” ~ Ephesians 4:7, 11-12

There are many ways God gets a hold of us during our journey of faith that call us into deeper relationship with God and our community. One particular way early in my journey was my weekend experience of Cursillo. Cursillo is a movement of the church which helps folks understand their call to be Christian Leaders. In many ways it was the turning point for me from receiver to giver in the Christian community. 

The goal of Cursillo is to bring all to Christ which is done by allowing participants a weekend to experience the hands and feet of Christ in a real and present way in their brothers and sisters in Christ.   The weekend helps to renew and deepen Christian commitment. This is done as a diverse group of Episcopalians come together in worship, learning, and conversation. New insights, deep relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose are found in the midst of the weekend. 

Here are some thoughts from those who have attended:

“The Cursillo experience impressed me far more than I expected. Having done a lot of “Seminars and such” I was expecting some of the same. It certainly reminded me how much we need each other in this world and how attached we can become to one another over a very short period of time.” ~Mary Paffe

“I did not know what to expect though I knew that those who had already made their Cursillo were very enthusiastic and supportive of my going.  Attending my Cursillo was like nothing I had done before or will do again.  For me, my Cursillo was a wonderful three days of feeling and being fully accepted in a loving and caring community of fellow Christians.” ~ Sarah Barys

“Attending Cursillo is an opportunity to engage in a closer, more active friendship with our Lord.” ~ Sherri Bishop Galbraith

"Cursillo was the defining moment when my wife Bonnie and I found the Church of the Nativity over thirty years ago. We were lead to Cursillo because of the belief and support of our Priest (Father Tom Hughes). That Spirit from 30 years ago is as alive today as it was then." ~Gary McGhee, Lay Rector, ETEC #34

“The Cursillo experience creates within an inner peace that comes from the joy of the Holy Spirit residing in and among the Cursillo group.  Close communion with the Holy Spirit and our fellow travelers in this life will profoundly alter your perspective.”   ~ Sheila Young

You may have been told that Cursillo is a “secret” movement. This is not so. All you want to know can be found at http://www.acswebnetworks.com/episcopalcursillo/ or by talking with someone who has attended a weekend. Two weekends are held each year in our diocese. The next will be October 7-10, 2010 at Grace Point. Interested? Talk with me or any of those who have attended Cursillo.

De Colores!   ~Mother Julie

    "the little church with a big heart"