Ruston Redeemer Blog

Evening Prayer for Shreveport Tragedy

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:52:17 GMT

Special Public Service Thursday April 23, 2026

The deaths of eight children in Shreveport this past Sunday morning is a matter for prayer and lament. I have decided to offer a public service of Evening Prayer in the Church of the Redeemer at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in mourning for those eight lives lost in this senseless tragedy.

This will be a simple service using the form in the Prayer Book, starting on p. 115.

Everyone is welcome to this service of worship.

Car Lost Near Back Pew!

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:23:06 GMT

Is this your toy car?

This toy car was found on a pew near the back of the church. Do you know who this belongs to? If you have any information on this car, please contact the church office. It has an expired license, expired insurance, and no updated vehicle inspection sticker! Please help to make this car "street legal" again!!!

Construction in Haskell Hall

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:55:27 GMT

Haskell Hall Gets a Makeover!

Haskell Hall is the room where you come to eat pancakes, eat supper, attend receptions, and it is even used as the adult Sunday School that you see on our YouTube Channel. Well, some issues were found in the structure of the ceiling. New support beams are being installed, new sheetrock is being added, and a general overhaul is in the works. No one knows when all this construction will be finished. With all construction projects comes delays of all kinds! We hope all the work is completed sometime in April, but we will see! Just pray for our beautiful facility to be back and operating as soon as possible!

Noon Time Noels - Tuesdays in December

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:02:28 GMT

Special Organ Performances for the Holiday Season

On Tuesdays December 2, 9, and 16th from 12:15 -12:45. There will be Special performances in the Sanctuary of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Ruston, Louisiana to celebrate the Christmas Season.

Noontime Noels were 1st presented at our church last December to premier our new organ. The programs are 30 minute mini-concerts featuring traditional music of the Advent/Christmas seasons. They are designed so that working people can enjoy a short program during their lunch break, while others can eat after the program.

Please contact the Church Office for more details!

Blessing of the Beasts 2025

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:59:10 GMT

Oct 5, 2025 - Blessing of the Beasts Service

On Sunday October 5, 2025 at 1:30pm. The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer held its annual Blessing of the Beasts in the back yard of the church! Father Frank W. Hughes lead prayers and readings from the bible, in celebration of pets in attendance! There were 7 dogs this year, and everyone was well behaved! This is one of the unique events that we have at Redeemer each year! Bring your pets next year for their blessing!

New Book on Mark being Published

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 20:34:08 GMT

A Guide to Mark

My Journey with the Gospel of Mark

When I went to seminary in September 1976, I can truthfully say I didn’t know what I was doing, and I didn’t have any idea of the many twists and turns my future career as a priest would take. My first course in seminary was with a brash (that’s putting it mildly) 34-year-old New Testament scholar and priest named Richard I. Pervo, entitled “The Gospel According to Mark.” I had no idea it would become my favorite gospel.

Later, in graduate school in the 1980s, I actually learned what form criticism of the gospel was, but I spent most of my time with Pauline letters and with Greek and Roman rhetoric, so I didn’t think much about Mark. I wrote a lot about both 1 and 2 Thessalonians as well as 1 and 2 Corinthians. In 1998 I went to Barbados to teach in Codrington College, and I was very active in that endeavor until 2004 when I returned to the United States. I remember teaching courses on the New Testament, on the letters of Paul, the other letters attributed to Paul, Luke, John, Corinthians, Pauline theology, and on ecumenism. I can’t remember ever teaching a course on Mark to seminarians.

But as it turns out I got reacquainted with Mark. And I wanted to create a series of books for “regular people,” meaning people whom I have ministered to and with in churches, and really for any interested persons anywhere. It took a long time to get the series going; I switched publishers to Wipf and Stock. And the first volume of the “Faith and Understanding” series is my book A Guide to Mark, with about as nondescript a title as anyone can imagine. Perhaps prophetically, it was published on Friday, June 13, 2025: no kidding, Friday the 13 ^th . I am pleased with the length of 129 pages of text.

And last week, the “Faith and Understanding” series was approved, and I have two brilliant co-editors: one of them a retired professor at Catholic University of America and a distinguished New Testament scholar, and the other a retired professor at John Carroll University and the past president of the Catholic Biblical Association, an experienced teacher, author, and editor. We still want to write and publish books for “regular people” who are not clergy or theological students in the formal sense, but people who want to know the basics, and a little beyond the basics, about the Bible and the Christian faith and life. We think there is a real market for books like this.

And so I am pleased that, on the back cover of the book, I am identified as “priest-in-residence of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Ruston, Louisiana.” Three friends and colleagues have written very complimentary blurbs about the book. The royalties I earn on this book, I will deposit into my research account, so I can continue to go to meetings and buy more books.

My journey with Mark is actually continuing, as I am now writing sample chapters of a medium-sized commentary on Mark, which would be about 300 to 400 pages or some 100,000 to 150,000 words.

And so, I can only say “thank you” to all the members of the Church of the Redeemer for your kindness and maybe even your interest in my other work as a scholar.

Frank W. Hughes +

What is Ash Wednesday

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 20:03:38 GMT

The First Day of Lent

The first of the forty days of Lent, named for the custom of placing blessed ashes on the foreheads of worshipers at Ash Wednesday services. The ashes are a sign of penitence and a reminder of mortality, and may be imposed with the sign of the cross. Ash Wednesday is observed as a fast in the church year of the Episcopal Church. The Ash Wednesday service is one of the Proper Liturgies for Special Days in the BCP (p. 264). Imposition of ashes at the Ash Wednesday service is optional.

All Christians are invited “to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word.

Join is for Worship at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Ruston, Louisiana.

Organ Dedication Concert

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 02:10:24 GMT

Sunday February 23, 2025 at 4:00pm

Redeemer will have a Dedication Concert of our New Organ along with an Evensong Service on Sunday February 23, 2025 at 4:00pm in our Sanctuary. The Public is invited to hear our new organ, and experience an Evensong service. The service will feature our organist Dr. Tracie Ellerman and our choir at their finest! It is truly an asset to the whole Ruston, Louisiana community to have a concert grade organ at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. The organ was manufactured and installed by the R.A. Colby company, and features a full surround sound effect. Do not miss this exceptional performance, and bring your friends and family!

YouTube Series on the Letter to the Ephesians

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:31:55 GMT

Visit the Playlist on YouTube about Ephesians

Visit the Church of the Redeemer YouTube page and take a look at the Playlist on the Letter to the Ephesians. This video series taught by Father Frank W. Hughes covers topics related to the Church. Ephesians is one of the most important letters in the New Testament. This letter by Paul focuses on how Christians should live their lives and the role of the churches in society, Topics like Living Together in Christ, Unity of the Church, and Christian Behavior are covered in this series.

Join us in Haskell Hall at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Ruston, Louisiana Sunday mornings at 9:15 to take part or watch online at the Ruston Redeemer YouTube page. This series will go from Jan 26, 2025 thru April 6, 2025. Please LIKE all the videos online, and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Christmas Eve Service

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 18:35:26 GMT

Christmas Eve Service at 5:00 pm

The Christmas Eve Service at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer will be at 5:00pm. This will be the first Christmas Eve Service since the installation of our new Organ! Come and hear the new Organ, and enjoy celebrating the birth of Christ.

Noon Organ Performances - Tuesdays in December 2024

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 16:21:53 GMT

Noontime Noel - Tuesdays at Noon in December

Redeemer will be hosting "Noontime Noel" on Tuesdays in December 2024. Tracie Ellerman and other guest organists will be preforming Christmas Organ music on our NEW ORGAN! Please come on Dec 3, 10, & 17 at Noon and listen to some great music! See you there!

The Revelation to John

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 17:58:11 GMT

Video Series on the Revelation to John

This week starts or Study on the Revelation to John. It is centered around a book by Rev. Dr. Frederick W. Schmidt. Please join us in Haskell Hall or watch our Youtube channel.

ABOUT OUR STUDY BOOK’S AUTHOR:

The author, the Rev. Dr. Frederick W. Schmidt, is Vice Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Brentwood, Tennessee. Previously he was a Professor of Spirituality at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. He holds a D.Phil. in New Testament from Oxford University, and he has been Dean of St. George’s College in Jerusalem. He is also a Canon of Washington National Cathedral. He was elected to the General Board of Examining Chaplains, and is the author of several books. He is a spiritual director and retreat leader.

Join us in Haskell Hall the following Sundays from 9:15-10:05, or you may also see them on our YouTube page .

Sunday Morning Schedule

9:15 - 10:05

in Haskell Hall

Sound Equipment - Haskell Hall

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 20:14:00 GMT

Sound Equipment in Haskell Hall

We have a fantastic Sound System in Haskell Hall! There is a microphone for speaking to large groups as well as an option to play music using Bluetooth for special events. To keep our sound equipment in top shape, we require anyone needing to use the equipment to contact the Church Office first for instructions . If you need to rearrange or move any sound equipment, please let the office know before you do, to make sure nothing gets misplaced or damaged. Making adjustments to the mixer or amplifiers can damage the system, so please ask for instructions.

Thank you!

If you would like training or lessons on how to use the equipment in Haskell Hall, please contact the church office!

Pentecost

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Wed, 01 May 2024 23:59:21 GMT

What is Pentecost all about?

Pentecost

The term means “the fiftieth day.” It is used in both the OT and the NT. In the OT it refers to a feast of seven weeks known as the Feast of Weeks. It was apparently an agricultural event that focused on the harvesting of first fruits. Josephus referred to Pentecost as the fiftieth day after the first day of Passover. The term is used in the NT to refer to the coming of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1), shortly after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension. Christians came to understand the meaning of Pentecost in terms of the gift of the Spirit. The Pentecost event was the fulfillment of a promise which Jesus gave concerning the return of the Holy Spirit. The speaking in tongues, which was a major effect of having received the Spirit, is interpreted by some to symbolize the church's worldwide preaching. In the Christian tradition, Pentecost is now the seventh Sunday after Easter. It emphasizes that the church is understood as the body of Christ which is drawn together and given life by the Holy Spirit. Some understand Pentecost to be the origin and sending out of the church into the world. The Day of Pentecost is one of the seven principal feasts of the church year in the Episcopal Church (BCP, p. 15). The Day of Pentecost is identified by the BCP as one of the feasts that is “especially appropriate” for baptism (p. 312). The liturgical color for the feast is red. Pentecost has also been known as Whitsun or Whitsunday, a corruption of “White Sunday.” This term reflects the custom by which those who were baptized at the Vigil of Pentecost would wear their white baptismal garments to church on the Day of Pentecost. The BCP provides directions for observance of a Vigil of Pentecost, which begins with the Service of Light (p. 227). The Hymnal 1982 provides a variety of hymns for Pentecost (Hymns 223-230) and the Holy Spirit (Hymns 500-516).

source: www.epsicopalchurch.org

New Organ Console Update

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 18:34:37 GMT

Information on the new Organ Console

From the Console

The New Redeemer Organ Console

On the last New Organ update I indicated we are in Phase II of the organ project—the design and

building of the console. So what exactly does that mean? Well, the console is the “driver’s seat”

or “cockpit” for all organ operations. Everything from volume to sounds is controlled from the

console. Our new console will execute this with solid state electronics without the mechanical,

outdated and unreliable contacts. For your consideration I have provided a humerous console

sketch from “The Young Person’s Guide to the Pipe Organ” and an actual picture of our new

console.

Sitting at the organ console is a thrilling ride. If you, your children or grandchildren want to visit

the choir loft one Sunday after church just let me know. I will be glad to let anyone explore this

most special instrument for our Sunday liturgical experience!

Remember, you can make donations in honor or memory of a loved one. Your name will be

recognized on the donor plaque and in the dedication program. No gift is too small nor too large.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Tracie

What is Ash Wednesday

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 16:48:33 GMT

The beginning of the 40 Days of Lent

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the forty days of Lent.

Christians have been preparing for the celebration of Easter by walking through a “Holy Lent” since ancient times. This is patterned after Jesus temptation in the wilderness.

Lent is a season of repentance, fasting, and self-reflection . Of course, all of this happens with the sure knowledge of God’s love and grace to us through Christ. Lent and Ash Wednesday are in no way about condemnation. They are a time in which human beings, given a pronouncement of forgiveness and absolution through Christ, can be honest with God, with ourselves, and with each other. With the terror of judgment removed, we can speak the truth.

Ash Wednesday is the day in which Christians gather to receive the imposition of ashes.

Ashes on the head have signified repentance from biblical times. Job said, “I repent in dust and ashes.”

Ashes also represent mourning, as Tamar in the Old Testament used them to mourn her abuse which was not in any way her fault, but which devastated her.

Ashes are the result of burning. This burning in our lives is from our own sins and follies and from the abuse of others, and ashes represent both. They remind us that we are living in this mortal world, this fallen world, and that we are made from dust, when all else is burned away. We are mortal and will return to our maker.

(Note: for a “dust-focused” reflection on the Collect for Ash Wednesday, click here .)

Christians believe, rightly, that God is good and that he loves us. We believe that through the death and resurrection of Christ we can be forgiven and “boldly go before the throne of grace.” We know that even though we don’t understand exactly how God will make the wrongs of the world right, he will.

And yet we live in a time in which all of those promises are not yet fulfilled. We feel the pain of sin and brokenness. Ash Wednesday and Lent remind us that we still live in this fallen world, and that we are a part of that fallenness. No one is free of sin. It gives us permission, in fact it calls us, to acknowledge the reality we see within ourselves, and around us.

How do I observe Ash Wednesday?

Find an Ash Wednesday service to attend.

Go to an Anglican, Lutheran, or Roman Catholic Church on Ash Wednesday. Or find another type of church that has an “Ash Wednesday” sign.

None of the traditions listed here require that you be a member to participate in the Ash Wednesday service. Just note that Orthodox churches (Greek, Russian, etc) have a slightly different calendar, so often observe Lent in somewhat different ways and different times.

The service will focus on repentance, grace, and forgiveness.

The readings include warnings from Isaiah about fasts that God loves. That God wants us to free the oppressed and to walk in justice. They will include Christ commanding us not to do our fasting to be seen by others.

The service will remind us that we are mortal, and that we must repent. You will be invited to come forward and to kneel . A minister will impose ashes upon your forehead, usually saying, “remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

The service will be reverent and quiet. It is intended to be stark.

During the service, you will be called upon to join with the whole Church in a Holy Lent. To pray that God will open our eyes to see that we can be honest with him, and repent. To see that we can tell him of our pain, and sorrow, and that he understands. He knows because Christ, God himself in the flesh, walked through his own wilderness, and then walked beyond that to the cross.

Fast by eating only one full meal and two small portions, with no meat all day.

Fasting is not for those under 14 or over 60, or anyone in poor health. If you can’t fast, give up meat or something else that day. Fasting directs our attention to our need for God and follows the example of Christ. It is an act of penitence, meaning a demonstration of heartfelt repentance.

You don’t have to be an Anglican to participate.

If your church does not observe Ash Wednesday, you will be welcomed in one of our churches, without having to be a member or change traditions. We’re all in need of a journey of repentance together.

May your Ash Wednesday be one in which God’s grace so comforts you, that you are able to freely acknowledge your failings and faults with the sure knowledge that you are his child, and he loves you.

source: www.anglicancompass.com

Why we eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 23:32:49 GMT

Pancake Supper Every Year at Redeemer

WHY WE EAT PANCAKES ON SHROVE TUESDAY

Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras Day is a day of celebration as well as penitence because it is the last day before the season Christians call Lent.

This day always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date varies from year to year and falls between 3 February and 9 March.

Shrove Tuesday derives its name from the word “shrive” which means “to confess.” On this day in ancient times people confessed their sins so that they were forgiven before the season of Lent began.

Lent is a time of giving up things, especially foods that contain sugar, eggs, and butter. As these foods would spoil within these 47 days, it became a tradition to “use them up.” Thus today we eat Pancakes.

Come and join the Men of the Church every year for a Pancake Supper in Haskell Hall at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer! Everyone is welcome!

Article by: Fred Hamilton 2024

How to Drive on Icy Roads - Be SAFE!

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 23:21:09 GMT

Be Careful Driving on Ice

6 Tips To Avoid When Driving In Icy Conditions

1.Don't Drive Unless Necessary:

Reducing your car trips when the roadway is icy is the best way to avoid accidents in cold weather. Drive only when essential. If possible, monitoring the temperature when planning longer drives will help you prepare or adjust for extended travel within icy conditions. The only way to entirely reduce your risk of an accident caused by snow or ice is to avoid driving when freezing temperatures are present.

2. Avoid Driving At Night And Early Morning:

Both of these times increase the chance of ice or snow because of the lowered temperature. Additionally, they offer reduced visibility on the roadways.

3. Do Not Drive Fast:

A good rule of thumb is not exceeding 45 mph on any roadway, including highways, when freezing conditions are present. Driving above this speed makes it more challenging to stop and much more likely to lose control of the car.

4. Don't Be Overly Confident:

Although confidence as a driver is learned and taught, it is essential never to be exceedingly confident in dangerous road conditions. A sense of certainty is what causes a large portion of accidents. Even with experience driving on icy roads, any individual can find themself in an out-of-control vehicle that lost traction because of the roadway conditions. Even four-wheel-drive cars have highly reduced control on icy roadways. In addition, four-wheel or all-wheel vehicles do not necessarily drive substantially better than that of a two-wheel-drive cars, putting you at risk in whatever vehicle you are driving. It is essential to acknowledge the risk of driving on icy roadways and the unpredictable factors that accompany freezing temperatures—using caution while in these situations is critical to maintaining control of your vehicle.

5. Don't Use Cruise Control:

It is essential always to avoid cruise control in icy conditions. Cruise control can cause the wheels of your vehicle to spin at different speeds, which puts you at risk of losing control in freezing conditions. Cruise control also increases your chance of driving at an accelerated rate, despite the conditions requiring a slower-paced trip.

6. Unless Necessary, Don't Drive On Hills:

Steep inclines are nearly impossible to hold traction on when the roadway has ice or snow. In addition, avoiding hills will decrease your chances of losing control.

Published in Dec 2021 on Wrench.com

Report from Redeemer Oct 2023

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:02:26 GMT

Report to the Monroe Convocation on Oct 6, 2023

This past summer, there has been steady activity on Sundays and other days. Redeemer held a successful Vacation Bible School on June 26-30, and we hold monthly Coffee Hours on the second Sunday of each month, and these are well attended; on September 10, the parish held a potluck lunch for our Canterbury students. On July 13 and 27, as well as on June 8 and 22, Louisiana Tech University held orientation for new students, and our Canterbury tent and Dr. Tracie Ellerman, Fred Hamilton, Father Hughes, as well as other volunteers were present in the main quad, handing our fans and talking with new students and some parents. Our Canterbury Eucharists, meals, and meetings began for the fall quarter on September 13.

The Episcopal Church's set of dialogues on race, "Sacred Ground," kicked off at Redeemer on September 18, and these dialogues will continue approximately every two weeks in our parish hall for a total of 11 sessions. The Episcopal Church Women and the Men of the Church continue to meet every month.

Father Hughes was interviewed by Elliott Saxton for his YouTube channel "Brave New History," in reference to the book he co-authored, The Corinthian Correspondence: Redaction, Rhetoric, and History (Fortress Academic / Lexington Books, 2021). This video appeared on YouTube on September 26 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaRZxB9pm8w . Father Hughes' class on the Gospel of Mark, which is currently being taught, is at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM7BSlnZoFXl0oGNzSnmSUSoIcj2TP9NN . This class will continue through November 8. The videos on Redeemer's YouTube channel are produced by Kevin Hawkins of Hawkins Photography in Ruston, who also maintains Redeemer's webpage, https://www.rustonredeemer.org .

Respectfully submitted,

(The Rev. Dr.) Frank W. Hughes

Discussion of the Colfax Massacre of 1873

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 21:02:51 GMT

Bridging the Gap: Truthful Conversations & Racial Healing

Here is an announcement from The Episcopal Church in Western Louisiana. Please attend if you can!Join us to hear the remarkable story of the Rev. Avery Hamilton and Mr. Dean Woods, two men from different backgrounds who have come together to honor the legacy of the Colfax Massacre. The massacre, which occurred in 1873 in Grant Parish, Louisiana, resulted in the deaths of over 60 Black men who were asserting their constitutional rights. Up until now, it has largely been forgotten in the retelling of history.

All are welcome to participate in this informative and inspirational event! Clergy will gather after the reception for a Q&A session.

Saturday - October 14

10:00am - 12:00pm

Reception to follow

St James Episcopal Church

1620 Murray Street

Alexandria, Louisiana

Contact Joy Ownesby for more details at: joy@epiwla.org

First installment of Mark

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 16:34:00 GMT

Mark 1:1-15

On September 17, 2023, I will teach the first of a seven-session class on Mark in our usual place, Haskell Hall. I will give a general introduction to Mark, including the question of who wrote the Gospel of Mark (and we will discuss the Papias fragments from the early second century that tells of Mark's authorship), the question of the relationships among Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and my position in favor of Markan priority, meaning that Mark was the earliest of the three synoptic gospels and that Matthew and Luke used Mark as a written source, in all likelihood. Finally, we will look at the first part of Mark: Mark 1:1-15. I hope that you will join us at The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer located at, 504 Tech Drive in Ruston, Louisiana. All adults and teenagers are invited to this 50 minute class that begins at 9:15 and ends at 10:05 a.m.

Frank W. Hughes

The Gospel of Mark

fwhughes54@hotmail.com — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 15:39:34 GMT

Working on the earliest New Testament gospel

This is my first post on this blog. I am now working on the Gospel According to Mark, most likely the earliest gospel of the four which are in the New Testament. I am working on a short book for people who are not theologians or pastors, and also I am making notes for a bigger commentary on Mark. Many of my friends know that I now own six full shelves of books on Mark. My bibliography on Mark now runs to 15 pages. I have virtually all the classic commentaries on Mark, going back to Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer, the founder of the venerable Meyer-Kommentar.

There is a lot to say about the Gospel of Mark. I continue to think the Synoptic Problem is important, and I fully support Markan priority, meaning that I believe the Gospels of Matthew and Luke used the Gospel of Mark as a written source. Of course, it may well be true that the gap between the spoken Aramaic words of Jesus and the written Greek words of the Gospel of Mark has more that is unknown in it than what is known. But that means that we should redouble our efforts to be clear about what evidence we actually have and how we interpret that evidence. Despite the shadows in this set of problems, we should do the best we can with the light that exists.

Starting September 17th, I will teach through Mark at the Church of the Redeemer in Ruston, Louisiana, on Sunday mornings between 9:15 and 10:05 a.m. I hope you will be able to join us.

Frank W. Hughes

King Cake

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 14:16:01 GMT

Why do we have King Cakes?

The story of these glazed and frosted pastries dates back to the Medieval Times, when French, Belgian, and Spanish cultures commemorated the 12th day of Christmas with gifts and sweets. Biblically, the kings during this time would have been visiting the newborn baby Jesus, bringing gifts and sweets of their own. That's where the "king" in king cake comes from. Today, the cakes are fried and doughy, glazed and frosted, typically in the Mardi Gras colors. They're usually circular and braided, to resemble a King's crown. Most cakes are baked with a tiny baby figurine on the inside, and whomever finds the toy, as tradition holds, must host the next big party.

Text from: Town and Country Magazine Jan 2022

What is the Epiphany

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 15:35:28 GMT

The Coming of the Magi - Jan 6th

Merriam-Webster defines The Epiphany as: "A Christian festival held on January 6 in honor of the coming of the three kings to the infant Jesus Christ."

The 12 Days of Christmas comes from Dec 25 (the birth of Jesus) to Jan 6 (the arrival of the Wise Men). According the Matthew, the wise men came after the birth of Jesus. So please celebrate The Epiphany with your fellow Christians!

Why we Flower the Cross at Easter?

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 18:16:21 GMT

Why do we Flower the Cross at Easter

On Easter Sunday morning some Episcopal, Lutheran, and other Protestant churches incorporate a folk ceremony called “The Flowering of the Cross” into their worship service. Members of the congregation bring flowers or greenery to church. A bare wooden cross, dotted with pin holes, covered with chicken wire or strung with vines stands in the church. At some point before, during or after the service worshipers are invited to approach the barren cross and twine a flower around one of the wires or vines, or to place a blossom in one of the pinholes. The congregation continues to decorate the cross until flowers cover it completely.

Some churches link this ceremony to other events in the Christian year by making the cross out of the previous year's Christmas tree. The barren cross may then be brought into the church on Ash Wednesday or on some other suitable occasion during Lent.

The flowering of the cross represents the transition from Good Friday to Easter, from meditation on Jesus' death to joyful celebration of his resurrection. The ceremony transforms a barren cross, a reminder of Jesus' death, into an Easter symbol. Covered with fresh, living flowers, the cross serves not only as an emblem of Jesus' resurrection but also of the continuing presence of Christ among today's Christians. In another variation of this ceremony worshipers cover the cross with homemade butterflies, another symbol of new life.

Facts about Ruston, Louisiana

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 16:18:43 GMT

Ruston - A North Louisiana College Town

If you are new to our area, here are some facts about Ruston, Louisiana.

Ruston, Louisiana is a small college town in North Central Louisiana.
As of 2021 the population of Ruston was 21,506
Louisiana Tech University has an enrollment of 11,197 students.
Ruston was founded around the railroad tracks located near the present day downtown
I-20 is located about 2 miles north of downtow n
The Historic Downtown Ruston is a Registered Historic District with the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2020 a new and modern sports complex opened with numerous baseball, softball, and soccer fields as well as a tennis complex.
There are several local restaurants in the downtown area
Along I-20 there are numerous hotels and chain restaurants.
It gets HOT in August, and the winters are usually mild.
There is a thriving art community.
Lincoln Parish Park is a great place for the family to visit.

The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer has been a part of Ruston, Louisiana since 1902, and we hope you will visit our church when you come to Ruston!

The Easter Egg - A History

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 20:55:18 GMT

Where did Easter Eggs come From?

According to the History Channel, here is the story behind Easter Eggs.

Easter is a religious holiday, but some of its customs, such as Easter eggs , are likely linked to pagan traditions. The egg, an ancient symbol of new life, has been associated with pagan festivals celebrating spring. From a Christian perspective, Easter eggs are said to represent Jesus’ emergence from the tomb and resurrection. Decorating eggs for Easter is a tradition that dates back to at least the 13th century, according to some sources. One explanation for this custom is that eggs were formerly a forbidden food during the Lenten season, so people would paint and decorate them to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting, then eat them on Easter as a celebration.

Maundy Thursday, What is it?

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 16:04:17 GMT

Maundy Thursday - The Last Supper - New Commandment Thursday

Here is an excerpt from an article on the website www.anglicancompass by Greg Goebe l.

I don’t think there has ever been a child who didn’t think I was saying Monday Thursday during the Holy Week announcements. Growing up, I thought today was Monday Thursday until about age 14. And when I finally learned it was “Maundy,” no one could explain why it was called that!

But friends, I have trekked through the boring dictionaries of liturgy for you! ‘Maundy’ is derived from the latin ‘mandatum’ which means basically “commandment.”

Because Thursday night of Holy Week corresponds to the Last Supper, it includes Jesus saying, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you.” This is the night of that New Commandment, in other words, it is New Commandment Thursday .

Maundy Thursday services traditionally include a focus on the Last Supper, not only as the beginning of the Triduum (the Great Three Days), but also as the institution of the Lord’s Supper, Eucharist, Communion. In many places, a foot washing service is included, and the service often ends with the Stripping of the Altar.

Stations of the Cross

khawkins@hawkinsphoto.com (Kevin Hawkins) — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 20:15:38 GMT

Stations of the Cross - Fridays during Lent

Each Friday during Lent, the Stations of the Cross service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. At 12:15pm each station of the cross will be visited and a prayer said after each of the 14 stations.

Masks are required and COVID-19 restrictions are in place.

There will be a special time for the Stations of the Cross on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Check the Calendar on the website for updates on the special times.

Livestream Options

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 19:33:42 GMT

Worship continues when buildings are closed!

The COVID-19 Pandemic has reached Lincoln Parish and Ruston, Louisiana.

Churches, schools, theaters, etc., have all closed following the governor's stay-at-home order. The pandemic has invited us to reconsider what "church" really is and to rediscover that while we love our buildings and grounds, we ourselves are the church of God, the very body of Christ and we can be that even when practicing physical distancing to keep not only ourselves but others safe. And thanks to modern technology through live streaming, Zoom meetings, and other platforms, we are able to worship together.

Bishop Jake Owensby has long used social media platforms as a way to exercise his ministry as chief pastor and teacher for the church. His livestreaming of meditations and services are especially meaningful as we try to make sense of the current challenges. Bishop Jake helps us find God in this "messy world."

Likewise the streaming of services from the National Cathedral are powerful. Through these services offered in one of the most beautiful churches in the world, we are able to worship and to listen to great preachers such as the presiding bishop, the Most Rev'd Michael Curry.

We are also offering some services on Redeemer's own Facebook page.

Please consider checking one or more of these options for worship out by clicking on the link under the RESOURCES tab. Please note that you do not have to be a Facebook user to join in. When you are asked to join Facebook, simply click on "not now" and go to the livestream video.

May God bless you and may God continue to bless the Church of the Church of the Redeemer.

Welcome to the Redeemer Blog

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 14:31:00 GMT

Church of the Redeemer - Blog Post #1

All services and in-person gatherings are canceled until further notice. Please visit Redeemer's Facebook page, Bishop Owensby's Facebook page, and the National Cathedral website to access worship services and meditations available during this time of "social distancing." Please let us know how we can serve you and pray for you, by contacting the rector at

rector@rustonredeemer.org.