Wednesday Word, February 9, 2022: Absalom Jones

This is a special Sunday. I don’t mean the Super Bowl, though my husband is from Cincinnati, so we are watching with a bit more interest.

More importantly, February 13 is the Feast Day of Absalom Jones. We will remember him at Family Eucharist on Sunday at 4 pm in the Chapel.

Absalom Jones was the first African-American priest in the Episcopal Church. He grew up in slavery and as an adult purchased freedom for his wife and himself. He and his friend Richard Allen founded the Free African Society in Philadelphia, a mutual-aid organization which cared for people in times of tragedy and crisis. After experiencing discrimination in a Methodist church, he and Allen and many members left. Richard Allen and some of those members later founded the AME denomination. Others went to William White, the Episcopal bishop in Philadelphia, and asked to become an Episcopal congregation with Absalom Jones as their priest. They named the congregation the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, and it is still in existence today. Absalom Jones is remembered as a caring shepherd and pastor to his congregation.The Feast Day of Absalom Jones has become a celebration of the rich tradition of African and African-American leadership in The Episcopal Church.

On Super Bowl Sunday, congregations often collect canned goods to share with food pantries - SOUPer Bowl Sunday. We decided to join in the fun. Two grocery carts will be in the narthex, one for the Bengals and one for the Rams. Donations will go to Wynnton Neighborhood Network. Place your canned goods in the basket of the team you hope will win.

As you do so, remember Absalom Jones, who cared for his neighbors and whose leadership, perseverance, and faithfulness built The Episcopal Church. Here is the prayer for his feast day.

Set us free, heavenly Father, from every bond of prejudice and fear; that, honoring the steadfast courage of your servant Absalom Jones, we may show forth in our lives the reconciling love and true freedom of the children of God, which you have given us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.