SSJE – A Monastic community in the Anglican Episcopal tradition.

The Monastery Chapel and Guesthouse are closed.

Compline

At this time when the Monastery Chapel is closed, the Brothers invite you to join us for our nightly Compline - the ancient monastic service of bedtime prayers.

As you prepare for Compline, you might consider lighting a candle. To follow the service, use the Book of Common Prayer (pages 127-135) or the Order of Service below.

We pray you all will know "a quiet night."

Read or download the Order of Service

Remember the words he has taught you

Welcome to SSJE

We are a community of men giving our whole selves over to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rooted in the ancient monastic traditions of prayer and community life, and critically engaged with contemporary culture, we seek to know and share an authentic experience of God’s love and mercy. We live a common life shaped by worship, prayer, and our Rule of Life.

We invite you to explore these pages to learn more about how we live and pray, the tradition that grounds us, and the call that draws us onward day by day.

Worship Schedule | Rule of Life | Catch the Life

News from the Monastery & Emery House

Evening Prayer: Hymn Board September 22 – September 27, 2020

Fall Cowley: Answering God’s Call

Initial Profession Sean Glenn

Upcoming: Initial Profession

Evening Prayer Resumes

Br. David Allen: Funeral Arrangements

Br. Luke’s Ordination

Reclaiming Rest

How to Wait?

Waiting, so difficult and so promising

Retreat-In-Place

Retreat at Home during Coronavirus

Brother, Give Us A Word

A daily meditation to start your day. Subscribe here >

Fear

Fear is not a sign of the absence of God. In our fear we rather find the bidding presence of God. Our fear most often arises out of something that is bigger than we are, and we find that in and of ourselves, there isn’t enough – not enough energy, or patience, or hope, or encouragement, or provision. We come up short. Where is God in your fear? What is the invitation from God in your fear?

-Br. Curtis Almquist, SSJE

Recent Sermons from the Chapel

You Have Been Given Power – Br. Curtis Almquist

By Br. Curtis Almquist | September 19, 2020 |

“Christianity without power is like a country club for nice manners and good taste. Christianity is about engaging the powers and the powerful needs of this world with the force and provision of God.”

Br. Curtis Almquist urges us to to know, to pray for, and to mediate the power of God.

Sacred Geometry – Br. James Koester

By Br. James Koester | September 19, 2020 |

“Sean, the circle of your Brothers here has been waiting patiently for you for a long time, ignoring your doubts, your past, your arguments, your objections, we have been holding open for you a place in the circle of this community. All you need to do is walk into it and take your place.”

Br. James Koester welcomes Br. Sean Glenn into the circle of his Brothers’ love on the joyful occasion of Sean’s Profession in Initial Vows.

Look at the Cross – Br. Luke Ditewig

By Br. Luke Ditewig | September 15, 2020 |

“Look at the cross, and pray with Jesus. Pray with what you see and need today.”

On Holy Cross Day, Br. Luke Ditewig assures there is meaning here for each of us, if we will but look at the cross.

Forgiveness and the Glory of God – Br. Jim Woodrum

By Br. Jim Woodrum | September 13, 2020 |

“ The essence of God is not vengeance, but rather justice. When we think of justice, we are tempted to think in terms of retribution for a crime committed. However, justice is more comprehensive in that it also involves restoration.”

Br. Jim Woodrum marvels at how forgiveness reveals to us not only God’s essential nature, but also our own as creatures made in God’s image and likeness.

Abide with Me – Br. Luke Ditewig

By Br. Luke Ditewig | September 12, 2020 |

“As winds blow, fires rage, and storms churn around and within, pray your heart, including your fear. Listen for God who is here in the midst providing, especially providing God’s own self.”

In the midst of such fearful scenes as surround us, Br. Luke Ditewig encourages us to pray our pain and to listen for God’s comforting response.

Join us as we explore the riches of our worship traditions, liturgy and sacraments, and the art and architecture of our worship spaces, revealing the full meaning of these signs, deepening our experience of Christian vocation and guiding us toward ongoing conversion.