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Episcopal Schools Celebration

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Episcopal Schools Celebration 2024

“Let your light shine!” (Matthew 5:16)

October 6–12, 2024

About Episcopal Schools Celebration

Episcopal Schools Celebration (ESC) celebrates the ministry of the 800+ Episcopal schools and early childhood education programs throughout the Episcopal Church. Whether it is at school, the parish or cathedral or at a diocesan-wide service or event, ESC is the time to give thanks and to proclaim to your community and the Church the good news that is your school!

Observed the week beginning with the first Sunday in October, ESC highlights a different aspect of Episcopal school identity and mission through the event’s theme. Below you will find resources to help you plan your celebration. A free poster is mailed to each member in late August.

Share your ESC activities on social media using #EpiscopalSchools

The Presiding Bishop’s Message for Episcopal Schools Celebration 2024

Episcopal Schools Celebration Resources

Two printed posters will be mailed to member schools. If you would like to request additional copies, you can order them for free via the NAES store. Shipping is also free.

Lectionary

The below-listed suggestions are arranged according to the Book of Common Prayer pattern for the Liturgy of the Word, but use as many or as few lessons as suits your school’s needs.

  • Old Testament: Isaiah 58:1-9a, [9b-12]
  • Epistle: 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, [13-16]
  • Gospel: Matthew 5:13-20
  • Psalm 112:1-9, (10)

View Readings Online (Lectionary Page)
Download as a Word Document

Hymns

In addition to your school hymn and other favorites, you may wish to includes one or more of these hymns:

The Hymnal 1982

  • H 7 – Christ, whose glory fills the skies
  • H 25 – O gracious Light, Lord Jesus Christ
  • H 34 – Christ, Mighty Savior, Light of all creation
  • H 118 – Brightest and best of the stars of the morning
  • H 293 – I sing a song of the saints of God
  • H 412 – Earth and all stars
  • H 465/466 – Eternal light, shine in my heart
  • H 488 – Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
  • H 490 – I want to walk as a child of the light
  • H 497 – How bright appears the Morning Star
  • H 542 – Christ is the world’s true Light

Wonder, Love, and Praise

  • WLP 744 – O Trinity of blessed light
  • WLP 745 – God, beyond all human praises
  • WLP 787 – We are marching in the light of God (Siyahamba)
  • WLP 812 – I, the Lord of sea and sky

Lift Every Voice and Sing

  • LEVAS 1 – Lift Every Voice and Sing
  • LEVAS 221 – This Little Light of Mine

My Heart Sings Out

  • MHSO 59 – Longing for light (Christ, Be Our Light!)
  • MHSO 75 – Yo soy la luz del mundo, I am the world’s true light
  • MHSO 80 – The light of Christ
  • MHSO 101 – Sing, O people
  • MHSO 120 – I am the light of the world
  • MHSO 131 – We are a part of all creation

Voices Found

  • VF 27 – I will kindle my fire
  • VF 61 – Give me oil in my lamp
  • VF 153 – Light of the world
  • VF 156 – Arise and shine

Other

Collect for Episcopal Schools Celebration

God of knowledge and wisdom, we pray to you for all the schools across this country, which are part of the Episcopal Church. We remember them in their variety, in their differences, and in what they share. Give us open doors, open minds, and open hearts that we might accept, learn, and love everything and everyone whom you have given us. Help us to share our lives and what we have, and to learn from all those who are in school with us. We pray in the name of Jesus who opened his arms to all, young and old. Amen.

From John F. Smith, Cycle of Prayer for Episcopal Schools, 2nd ed. (New York: National Association of Episcopal Schools, 2008), 4.

Save these Dates!

Episcopal Schools Celebration 2024-2025
October 6–12, 2024

Episcopal Schools Celebration 2025-2026
October 5–11, 2025

Episcopal Schools Celebration 2026-2027
October 4–10, 2026