We continue our series on The Gifts of Anglicanism for the Body of Christ, focusing on the church calendar and how it can be a source of vitality, community, and spiritual formation in our lives. Our guest is the Rev. Dr. W. David O. Taylor, C4SO’s Scholar-in-Residence for Arts, Media, and Culture. David brought some serious scholarly chops to this discussion!

David is the author of several books, including Open and Unafraid: The Psalms as a Guide to Life. You can follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Over the past few decades, many of us have found ourselves “on the Canterbury trail,” drawn by the Spirit to the treasures of the Great Tradition of the Church. At the same time, we want to steward these riches within a contextual, kingdom-centric mission without getting mired in a stiff “traditionalism” that would hamper Spirit-empowered mission. This podcast series will feature 8 treasures we’ve received in the Anglican tradition and how they can effectively engage the world around us.

Here are a few ways that someone might consider entering into the rhythms of the church calendar, curated by David Taylor:

• Bobby Gross, Living the Christian Year: Time to Inhabit the Story of God (IVP: 2009)
• Robert Webber, Ancient Future Time (Baker: 2009).
• Joan Chittester, The Liturgical Year (Thomas Nelson: 2009).
• Paul Bradshaw, The Origins of Feasts, Fasts, and Seasons in Early Christianity (Liturgical Press: 2011).
• Sarah Arthur, Light Upon Light: A Literary Guide to Prayer for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany (Paraclete Press: 2014).
• Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas (Plough Publishing: 2001).
• Christianity Today list for Lent: “Five Family-Friendly Resources for Lent”
• Christianity Today essay: “Lent Is Here to Throw Us Off Again” (March 1, 2017).
• Christianity Today essay: “Why Putting Christ Back in Christmas Is Not Enough” (Dec. 2018).
• Washington Post essay: “Biblical birth narratives are weird and incredible. We can stop sanitizing them.”  (Dec. 24, 2015).
• ModLit (Modern Liturgic): a print & graphic design company that specializes in bringing life and form to ancient liturgical & theological texts and practices, creating space for renewed interest and engagement.
• Phaedra and David also have a new set of Illustrated Prayer Cards for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany: coming soon!

• C4SO is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.
• All C4SO clergy, leaders, parishioners or people interested in the life of the diocese are invited to attend our virtual Diocesan Convention on Saturday, November 13, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm CT. The Convention is a vital part of engaging in communal leadership of our diocese. During this time, we will be celebrating our 2021 growth and progress, sharing our vision for 2022, hearing from key leaders, and voting on important topics. Get more info and register here.
• Our Cycle of Prayer Spotlight ministry this week is Resurrection Anglican Church in Austin, Texas, led by the Rev. Shawn McCain.