Prayer Book Society

01.08.16

    Introducing Stirred up to Godliness

    Daily Prayer in Anglicanism

    A Prayer Book Society Colloquium

    at the Church of the Holy Cross, Herschel Avenue, Dallas

    on 20th January from 10 a.m. to 5.50 p.m.

    Daily Prayer is an intrinsic part of what it is to be Episcopal and Anglican. The aim of the colloquium is both to promote the practice of Daily Prayer and to explore the history and distinctive liturgical aspects of the Prayer Book heritage that has been its primary vehicle down the centuries for Anglicans worldwide. It is intended thus to look at issues that are spiritual, historical and practical.

    The Revd. Fr. Gavin Dunbar, the President of the Prayer Book Society will address the understanding and history of daily prayer that informs the Anglican tradition. This is rooted in Scripture and, as a daily discipline to which all are invited, it lies at the heart of Anglican spirituality. Choral Mattins and Evensong also constitute one of the most distinctive liturgical contributions of Anglicans to the wider church. They constitute a rich and sublime musical heritage yet they can also be undertaken by small groups and parishes as well as cathedrals so there will be a practical session looking at practical performance too, led by Graham Schultz, Assistant Organist at the Church of the Incarnation.

    At a time when potentially radical revisions to the liturgy are in prospect in the Episcopal church, it will be timely to ask too, if the new proposals truly are “consistent with the Trinitarian and Christological formulations which we, as Anglicans, regard as normative and the ground of our common prayer”?   What are the implications if the Nicene Creed is removed ?

    A number of panels and presentations will further illumine and reflect upon the theme of Daily Prayer, spiritual formation and current challenges with opportunities for interactive discussion by all participants.

    Leading contributors will include the Bishop Emeritus of Dallas, James Stanton, Professor Roberta Bayer the Editor of the PBS journal The Anglican Way, Dean William McKeachie of St Andrew’s Fort Worth and formerly Dean of South Carolina and the Cathedral in Charleston, Bill Murchison the distinguished Professor emeritus of Baylor as well as noted journalist and author, the Revd. Dr. Jeremy Bergstrom Director of Vocations in the Diocese of Dallas, and the Revd. Father Matthew Olver who teaches Liturgy at Nashotah House

    The Bishop of Dallas the Rt. Revd. Dr. George Sumner will be joining the proceedings also and speaking at the luncheon.

    The day will conclude with Choral Evensong, led by the Choir of Holy Cross and the Rector the Revd. Fr. George Willcox Brown III, assisted by the Music Director Mr. Graham Clark. The Revd. Canon Alistair Macdonald-Radcliff, International Advisor to the Prayer Book Society, Quondam Dean of All Saints’ Cathedral Cairo and a specialist in interfaith and relations with Islam, will preach the closing sermon.

    It would be helpful to register by writing to

    The fee of $15 ($10 for students and seniors) payable on the day, includes the luncheon.

    AGENDA: 

    10 am  greeting and  said morning prayer 

    10.15  - 11.15  The Revd Fr. Gavin Dunbar PBS President 

    11.15 - 12 15 Dr Roberta Bayer Editor of the PBS Journal:  Anglican Way 

    12.15 - 1.30  informal luncheon with remarks from Bishop George Sumner with  Bp Stanton too

    1.30  - 2.30  The Revd Fr Matthew Olver on future challenges to the Anglican liturgical tradition                                                                                                     

    2.30  - 3.30      Panel discussion . Bishop Stanton and Mr William Murchison and Dean McKeachie and Dr Jeremy Bergstrom in lead to open but including Frs Dunbar and Olver and Dr Bayer as earlier speakers 

    (AMR to moderate) 

    3.30 - 3.45 Tea (unless the session is held in the Parish hall rather than the church in which case could be done during the nest session

    3.45 - 4.30  Music and Daily Prayer - presentation by the Assistant  Organist and choir Director of the Parish of the Incarnation 

    4.30  Choral Evensong with sermon A. M-R in the Church