Episcopalians, Baptists join to present Epiphany service

Episcopalians in central Arkansas will participate in an Epiphany service on Wednesday at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi St., Little Rock. The Central Convocation Epiphany Service will begin at 6:45 p.m. with music by the choir of St. Mark Baptist Church of Little Rock.

The Rev. Phillip Pointer Sr., senior pastor of St. Mark Baptist Church, will be the guest preacher, and the Rt. Rev. Larry Benfield, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas, will be the celebrant. Music will also be provided by the St. Mark's Episcopal Church choir and members of participating churches.

The Rev. Danny Schieffler, rector of the church, said his congregation invited the Baptist church to participate in a gesture of Christian friendship. The church's goal for the new year is to reach out to churches of other denominations and groups of different faith traditions.

For churches in the West, Epiphany is a day to commemorate the visit of the Magi to see the newborn Christ.

"It's celebrating the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, which in essence is a manifestation of God's love for all people," Schieffler said. "The story of the Magi, the ... wise men, making their way to see Christ brings to a conclusion the Christmas season, and it's a major feast of its own."

In Eastern churches, the day is known as the Feast of Theophany and it commemorates the baptism of Christ. Schieffler said Episcopalians and other Protestants celebrate the baptism on the Sunday following Epiphany.

"We felt it was a good time to reach out to our brothers and sisters at St. Mark Baptist Church because part of the theme of Epiphany would be the inclusion of all people. So it's a fitting time," Schieffler said. "We'll worship together and have fun together.

"I think it's going to be a fun and inspirational night and it will be fun to hear a preacher from a Baptist church preaching in an Episcopal church. Who knows what the Spirit will have to say that night."

All are welcome. Information is available online at st-marks.com or by calling (501) 225-4203.

Religion on 01/02/2016

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