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August 9, 2020 – Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Views from this Sunday in 2017

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The Week Ahead…

August 9- Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

August 9 – 10:00am – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

1. Bulletin for Aug 9, 10:00am

2. Readings and Prayers Pentecost 10, Aug. 9

3. Sermon

August 9 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

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August 12 – 10:00am – Ecumenical Bible Study through Zoom

August 12 – ShredIT!

August 12 – 5:00pm-6:30pm, Village Dinner Take-Out

August 13 – 7:00pm Sacred Ground discussion

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August 16 – Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost – Two worship choices

1 August 16 – -10:00am, Morning Prayer on Zoom – Join here at 9:30pm for gathering – Morning Prayer service starts at 10pm Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

August 16 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

2 August 16 – 7:00pm – Evening Prayer along the River. Bring a chair, a mask and observe social distancing

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Shred-it, Aug. 12, 2020 – Over the top!

Wow! Last year we earned the last tally for this event in 8 years at $390. We exceed that by almost 90% to $735!

Thanks to Andrea Pogue’s work over 9 years. The funds go to St. Peter’s outreach ministries. It covers over several months of the Village Harvest.

Read the story and see the gallery

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The Village Dinner Comes Back, Aug 12

It has been gone 4 months during Covid-19 but it is back in August on the second Wed (Aug. 12) in a slightly different form:

1. Meals will be take-out only (no dining inside).
2. One person will be the runner to take meals to the cars.
3. The runner will also carry a pot that patrons can place their payment in.
4. Food preparers/kitchen help/runner will wear gloves and face masks.

The meal in August will be Lasagna, bread, salad and for dessert 2 large cookies.

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Sacred Ground Begins this week, Aug 13, 7pm

Plan to join the Sacred Ground discussion group. Sacred Ground is a ten session study that a lot of churches are using to help friends and congregations to talk about the issues around race in the United States.

The program has been developed by The Episcopal Church and Katrina Brown, director of the Traces of the Trade documentary. Through readings and documentaries, we will learn about the history of race in America and the impact it has in our world today and to talk about changes that we can be part of to work for greater justice for all. We’ll gather on Zoom to talk about the challenges and the divides of the present day from a place of faith, hope and love for God and for one another.

Links:

Additional information

Sacred Ground introductory seminar

Syllabus

The first session for this series will be on Zoom, Thursday, August 13, at 7PM. Please let Catherine know if you plan to participate so that you can read and watch the materials provided to focus our discussion at that first session OR online signup

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Virgin Mary, Aug. 15

We celebrate her saint day on August 15. 

Mary lived circa 18 BCE- 41 CE. She was a Jewish woman of Nazareth in Galilee, the daughter of Joachim and Anne and the wife of Joseph, the carpenter. Little is known of her life except when it relates to Jesus life. She remained faithful to him through his death (when his disciples denied, betrayed, and fled), and even after his death, continued life in ministry with the apostles.

The New Testament records many incidents from the life of the Virgin which shows her to be present at most of the chief events of her Son’s life:

• her betrothal to Joseph [Luke 1:27]
• the Annunciation by the angel Gabriel that she was to bear the Messiah [Luke 1:26-38]
• her Visitation to Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist [Luke 1:39-56]
• the Nativity of our Lord [Luke 2:20]
• the visits of the shepherds [Luke 2:8-20] and the magi [Matthew 2:1-12]
• the Presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple at the age of forty days [Luke 2:22, 2:41]
• the flight into Egypt, the Passover visit to the Temple when Jesus was twelve, [Matthew 1:16,18-25; 2; Luke 1:26-56; 2];
• the wedding at Cana in Galilee [John 2:1-11]
• and the performance of her Son’s first miracle at her intercession [John 2:1-11],
• the occasions when observers said, "How can this man be special? We know his family!" [Matthew 13:54-56, Mark 6:1-3, Luke 4:22; also John 6:42],
• an occasion when she came with others to see him while he was preaching [Matthew 12:46-50,Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21],
• her presence at the foot of the Cross, where Jesus commends her to the care of the Beloved Disciple [John 19:25-27],
• her presence with the apostles in the upper room after the Ascension, waiting for the promised Spirit [Acts 1:14].   

Read more….

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Lectionary, Aug. 16 2020, Pentecost 11,  Proper 15, Year A

I.Theme –   God comes to all us, includes all in his mercy and calls us to lead lives of justice

 "Jesus and the Canaanite Woman"  – Jean Colombe

The lectionary readings are here or individually

Old Testament – Isaiah 56:1,6-8
Psalm – Psalm 67 Page 675, BCP
Epistle –Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Gospel – Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28 

Three ingredients come together to create a celebratory mix in this week’s Lectionary: The first is God’s salvation (expressed in terms of justice and mercy); the second is God’s blessing given to those who are saved; and the third is the inclusion of "foreigners" and "outcasts". The expansion of the gospel beyond the boundaries of Judaism does not supersede God’s love for Israel, but reflects God’s love and inspiration of all people.  The focus, then, of this week’s worship is on God’s coming to us, welcoming all people, and including all people in God’s mercy, salvation and blessing, while also calling all people to lives of justice.

In Isaiah 5 , God calls God’s people to justice and fairness because God promises to come to them and bring not just God’s people, but also the foreigners and outcasts, to worship and to be blessed by God on God’s mountain.

Psalm 67 is a psalm of praise for God’s blessings and mercy, which calls all nations to join in praising God for God’s saving power.

In Romans 11, the apostle Paul affirms God’s faithfulness to the Jewish people. There is no room for anti-Judaism in Christianity. God’s providential gifts of grace are irrevocable. God has made an eternal covenant with the children of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. God’s revelation in Christ expands God’s covenant to include all the peoples of the earth. God will have mercy on disobedient people everywhere, whether Jew or Gentile.

The question of being chosen once again is ambiguous. An omnipresent and omni-active God, for whom love is the guiding principle, chooses all creation. No one is left out. This is problematic for those who see the Jewish people and nation, or any other nation, as absolutely unique. As some prophetic writings suggest, Israel was chosen for a mission, to be a light to the Gentiles, bringing God’s love to all peoples.

The gospel reading places Jesus in an unusual light. When a Canaanite woman comes to Jesus to seek healing for her daughter, Jesus puts her off, apparently excluding her because of her ethnicity from God’s healing realm. The woman persists and eventually Jesus relents, apparently impressed by the depth of her faith and her willingness to experience humiliation for the love of her daughter. Jesus cures her daughter from a distance; his energy transcends the boundaries of space.

This story also portrays another kind of transcendence, the transcendence of ethnic and personal barriers for the sake healing and wholeness. Now, there are a number of ways to interpret the encounter of Jesus with the Canaanite woman. At first glance, Jesus appears to succumb to the racist tendencies that characterized the attitudes of many Jewish people toward foreigners. He puts her off because, as a Canaanite, she is unworthy of God’s love. A second interpretation suggests that Jesus is testing her faith, trying to discern how much she loves her daughter and what she is willing to do to secure a healing for her daughter. Finally, a third interpretation asserts that Jesus may be creating a trap for those who see the woman as an inferior outsider. He acts and speaks like a racist, getting their insider assent, and then pulls the rug out from under them by healing the Canaanite woman’s daughter. From this perspective, the encounter is a parable, a reversal of expectations, a turning upside down of socially acceptable racism in light of God’s realm of inclusion and healing.

However, we understand the meaning of the encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman, the story portrays Jesus’ eventual inclusion of non-Jewish people into his ministry. God’s healing embraces all people, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, or sexuality. Mature faith widens the circles of God’s love to go beyond our well-being to embrace and support the various gifts of the earth’s peoples.

Earlier in the readings, Jesus explains that it is not what we eat that defiles us but the evil that is in our hearts. Then he is approached by a Canaanite woman who convinces him, in spite of his initial reluctance, to heal her daughter who is being tormented by a demon.

Read more…

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Doin’ Some Hollerin’ – The Canaanite woman in poetry

From Jan Williams "Painted Prayerbook"

A Canaanite woman from that region
came out and started shouting,
“Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David;
my daughter is tormented by a demon.”
 – Matthew 15:22 

"Christ and the Canaanite Woman.” Drouais, 1784.

Clearly Jesus didn’t realize who he was messing with that day. Or did he? Perhaps Jesus knew precisely what he was doing and chose to use this encounter as a teaching moment for his hearers. Or perhaps he was simply in a stubborn mood and found himself facing someone who could match him easily, stubborn for stubborn. Either way, the story shows us that when it comes to saving what needs saving, being merely nice and pliant won’t win the day, or the life. Sometimes we need to dig in our heels and do some hollering

Stubborn Blessing 

"Don’t tell me no.
I have seen you
feed the thousands,
seen miracles spill
from your hands
like water, like wine,
seen you with circles
and circles of crowds
pressed around you
and not one soul
turned away. 

"Don’t start with me. 

"I am saying
you can close the door
but I will keep knocking.
You can go silent
but I will keep shouting.
You can tighten the circle
but I will trace a bigger one
around you,
around the life of my child
who will tell you
no one surpasses a mother
for stubbornness. 

"I am saying
I know what you
can do with crumbs
and I am claiming mine,
every morsel and scrap
you have up your sleeve.
Unclench your hand,
your heart.
Let the scraps fall
like manna,
like mercy
for the life
of my child,
the life of
the world. 

Don’t you tell me no. " 

© Jan Richardson. janrichardson.com.

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Addition selections about the Canaanite woman

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August 2, 2020 – Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Celebrating the Transfiguration, Aug. 6

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The Week Ahead…

August 2- Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

August 2 – 10:00am – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

1. Bulletin for Aug 2, 10:00am

2. Readings and Prayers Pentecost 9, Aug. 2

3. Sermon

4. Feeding of the 5,000 – going forward

August 2 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

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August 5 – 10:00am – Ecumenical Bible Study through Zoom

August 6 – Celebrating the Transfiguration

August 9 – Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

August 9 10:00am – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

August 9 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

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School Supplies list

The list is here for Caroline Schools. The elementary schools have separate lists and often for separate grades.

Note that systems tend to note those supplies intended for virtual learning.

The Virginia Sales Tax holiday is August 7-9, 2020. During the sales tax holiday, you can buy qualifying school supplies, clothing. etc

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“Back in the Saddle Again” – The Village Dinner Comes Back, Aug 12

It has been gone 4 months during Covid-19 but it is back in August on the second Wed (Aug. 12) in a slightly different form:

1. Meals will be take-out only (no dining inside).
2. One person will be the runner to take meals to the cars.
3. The runner will also carry a pot that patrons can place their payment in.
4. Food preparers/kitchen help/runner will wear gloves and face masks.

The meal in August will be Lasagna, bread, salad and for dessert 2 large cookies.

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Sacred Ground Begins Aug 13, 7pm

Plan to join the Sacred Ground discussion group. Sacred Ground is a ten session study that a lot of churches are using to help friends and congregations to talk about the issues around race in the United States.

The program has been developed by The Episcopal Church and Katrina Brown, director of the Traces of the Trade documentary. Through readings and documentaries, we will learn about the history of race in America and the impact it has in our world today and to talk about changes that we can be part of to work for greater justice for all. We’ll gather on Zoom to talk about the challenges and the divides of the present day from a place of faith, hope and love for God and for one another. More information

The first session for this series will be on Zoom, Thursday, August 13, at 7PM. Please let Catherine know if you plan to participate so that you can read and watch the materials provided to focus our discussion at that first session OR online signup

Find out if this series is for you:

1. Recent article about Sacred Ground

2. Syllabus preview

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Aug. 6 celebrating the transfiguration

August 6 we celebrate the occasion recorded in Matthew and Luke on which Christ, as He was beginning to teach His disciples that He must die and rise again, revealed Himself in shining splendor to Peter, James, and John. Moses and Elijah were present, and are taken to signify that the Law and the Prophets testify that Jesus is the promised Messiah. God the Father also proclaimed him as such, saying, “This is my Beloved Son. Listen to him.” For a moment the veil is drawn aside, and men still on earth are permitted a glimpse of the heavenly reality, the glory of the Eternal Triune God.

In the West it was observed after the ninth century by some monastic orders, and in 1457 Pope Callistus III ordered its general observance. At the time of the Reformation, it was still felt in some countries to be a “recent innovation,” and so was not immediately taken over into most Reformation calendars, but is now found on most calendars that have been revised in the twentieth century. A recent tendency in the West is to commemorate the Transfiguration on the Sunday just before Lent, in accordance where Jesus is represented as beginning to speak of his forthcoming death just about the time of the Transfiguration, so that it forms a fitting transition between the Epiphany season, in which Christ makes himself known, and the Lenten season, in which he prepares the disciples for what lies ahead.

I. Theme – How we can be empowered by our relationship with God 

“ The Transfiguration ” – Fra Angelico (1440-1442)

“About eight days after Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Christ of God, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.” –Luke 9:28:29

The lectionary readings are here  or individually: 

Old Testament – Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm – Psalm 99
Epistle – 2 Peter 1:13-21
Gospel – Luke 9:28-36

Today’s readings help us see how we can be empowered by our relationship to God. The Gospels speak about experiences with God and Jesus. In Exodus, we witness the physical transformation of Moses after spending time in God’s presence. In the gospel, Jesus is transformed, his glory revealed and his mission affirmed by a voice from heaven. Ultimately the disciples will need transformation also.

This story comes at the center of Luke’s story, between Jesus’ baptism and his resurrection.

Luke’s account of the transfiguration points back to Old Testament parallels and forward to Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension. As is such it brings in a new dimension of Jesus and a new relationship that the disciples would have with him. Their experience so far has been of Jesus the teacher, the healer, the miracle-worker. Now they are seeing a new vision of Jesus, a new understanding of him as the Christ – as one who would venture to Jerusalem , be killed but then resurrected .

They are still not on board. Peter, however, still wants to avoid the difficulty of the journey to Jerusalem and its ultimate consequences. The mission of Jesus is not about worshipping at shrines or even the practice of religion. The mission of Jesus is about death and resurrection.

The disciples found the journey in the beginning was easier—they left everything to follow him, and to follow meant to learn his teachings and to live his ways. But now the journey will become much harder

Even faithful Christians wonder if God is absent at times, or busy somewhere else. Massive evil, brutal violence and rampant greed seem to smother any slight glimmers of spirituality. Luke’s audience may have had similar concerns, so he stresses for them the necessity of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and eventual passion there. The transfiguration offers the disciples an experience of hope and confidence that will sustain them while they wait for Jesus to return.

As Christ laid down his life for us, so we are called to give of our life to him, to give up being first, to give up our wants and desires to serve others. And like Christ, we will be called to give all for the sake of God’s love of the world. How do we live this transfiguration in our lives? How do we share what our faith means to us? It is more than a conversation that can be controversial. This is our very lives. Do we let it shine, or do we hold it back? Do we still misunderstand? How will you live out your faith differently this Lenten season?

Read more..

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We all need a lifeline, a helping hand, someone to pick us up in times of trouble

In the Gospel this week, “Jesus immediately reached out his hand” to help Peter. Sometime the circumstances get the best of us. With Peter, it was internal- he doubted. But in other cases, it is external, the environment in which you live.

Here is an article where a DC teacher, Carmen Garner who decided he wanted to be that lifeline for a group of inner city kids. As a boy, going fishing was the good thing in his life – his lifeline. Could this be duplicated today ?

He had to come to grips on what to do with his stimulus money. “I said, ‘Why not spend the stimulus money on something that’s going to benefit kids, and benefit our community?’ ” he says. “I was that kid on the step waiting for someone to come pick me up. Now, that’s what I’m going to be doing. I’m going to be picking these kids up.” This led to the creations of
Inner City Anglers

What do you we take away. Carmen explains, “I’m trying to get people to copy what I’m doing,” he says. “I want people to go into their own communities, find something they love to do and then introduce that to the kids. You only know what’s introduced to you. If we have more people introducing good ideas into our communities, then our communities will be better off.”

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Lectionary, Aug. 9 2020, Pentecost 10,  Proper 14, Year A

I.Theme –   Confronting our Fears

 "Jesus Walks on Water" – Ivan Aivazovsky (1888)

The lectionary readings are here  or individually:

Old Testament – 1 Kings 19:9-18
Psalm – Psalm 85:8-13 Page 708, BCP
Epistle –Romans 10:5-15
Gospel – Matthew 14:22-33

This Sunday’s readings deal with our need for help. This comes in various forms. It may be out of fear; it may be due to bodily danger; it may be a psychological condition.  

Our faith may be tested in extreme. Each of the readings has a different form and setting where this occurs.

In all of this we have to remember Jesus call to us. Then it is that we feel his hand reach out to ours. Then it is that we know that the power to take one step more—and perhaps only one step more—is ours for the asking when we call on Jesus. How do we keep our eyes on Jesus when our failures and trials obscure our sight? How often do we feel as if we cannot take the next step? We feel ourselves sinking, sinking in our self-doubt and despair. It is difficult to remember this when our situation close to us cloud our vision.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Elijah was active in the northern kingdom of Israel in the middle of the ninth century BC. He was an opponent of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel, who supported the worship of Baal and other Canaanite fertility gods. Today’s passage follows Elijah’s demonstration that Yahweh is in control of the forces of nature (17:1) and is mightier than Baal (18:20-39). Elijah then flees the vengeance of Jezebel (19:1-3). An angel strengthens him on his journey to Horeb (an alternate name for Sinai).

God’s revelation to Elijah echoes God’s revelation to Moses (Exodus 33:17-23). Like Moses, Elijah receives a revelation and a commission from the Lord. Like Moses, Elijah has gone through conflict with royalty and is fleeing for his life. Like Moses he feels inadequate to the task but is sent back into the fray.

God speaks to the prophet Elijah not in earthquake, wind and fire but in a mysterious silence. This may be an internal communication with him. Elijah thinks that he is already at the limit of his experience and energy, but a “sheer silence” draws him in deeper to the requirements that God has for him.

In the Psalm, this national lament seems to have been composed originally for a particular historical situation of affliction and then to have passed into general use. The original context may have been crop failure before the exile; or more probably, it may have been the difficulties faced by those returning from exile in Babylon. Thanks are given for the return (vv. 1-3), and the lord’s continued help is requested (vv. 4-7). The lord’s answer comes (vv. 8-13), perhaps as an oracle uttered by a temple prophet or priest. Verse 11 reassures the people of God’s gracious care. These four qualities—steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace—spring from God and unite to work for the good of God’s people.

The Gospel lesson is the story of Jesus walking on the water. In many of these Gospel stories we know them by the title but there is another secondary story. This is the case with Peter.

The three miracles in this story are: Jesus walking on water, Peter doing the same (and failing ultimately), and the wind ceasing abruptly. Jesus brings comfort from the outside against the elements and faith inside, questioning the disciples own faith and demonstrating by example a deeper faith.

Jesus demonstrates his mastery over wind and sea (which, in the Old Testament, symbolized the powers of chaos and death) and is near to rescue the disciples when they desperately need help. He identifies himself by using the words, “It is I,” which echo God’s own self-description that became the proper name for God in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 43:10-13).

This story has many similarities to the narratives of the resurrection appearances; the disciples are afraid, they don’t recognize Jesus, they take him for a ghost, and finally they are reassured by him. Matthew adds the story of Peter’s attempt to imitate Jesus, illustrating the themes of discipleship and faith.

The cause of the fear for the disciples this time is not the storm, but the man walking. There is something expected about waves surrounding a boat. The fact that a man is on the water is not even the source of the fear. The fear comes the unidentified nature of the one walking.  

The fear and repulsion are here expressed by the perception of Jesus as a ghost, but they are balanced by his comforting words: “Take heart; it is I; do not be afraid.” The disciples by now know Jesus and trust him, even if their faith remains incomplete. Thus, for him to say “It is I” is to bring the fearful awesomeness of the scene under control by relating it to what is familiar. 

Unlike Elijah, Peter wants to think that he is capable of more. Peter asks for and receives a share of Jesus’ power, but when his attention is distracted he begins to give way In the context of fear and apprehension as the disciples see the figure of Christ coming to them on the water, Peter’s brash attempt seems heroic until he realizes that he is caught in the same trap of fear. He suddenly needs a “rescuer” ( Psalm 85) to pick him up and save him for future adventures of faith. Especially in Matthew’s time, the “boat” of the Church, “beaten by the waves” of hostility and persecution, needed reassurance that the Lord was always nearby.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian, writes the following about Peter. “Peter had to leave the ship and risk his life on the sea, in order to learn both his own weakness and the almighty power of his Lord. If Peter had not taken the risk, he would never have learned the meaning of faith… The road to faith passes through obedience to the call of Jesus. Unless a definitive step is demanded, the call vanishes in thin air, and if [people] imagine that they can follow Jesus without taking this step, they are deluding themselves like fanatics.”

In some respects, Matthew’s account is the opposite of the Elijah story. What convinces Elijah does not convince the disciples and Peter, and visa versa. The wind and wave are heady proofs of the danger and their vision of Jesus over coming them seem to be the seed bed of their faith

The Romans reading is less about fear but of faith. You may say that Paul is experiencing a psychological fear. Paul confronted the separation already growing between his beloved Jewish people and his chosen Christian community. Paul wrote this before the expulsion of the Christians from the synagogue—long before the bitter persecution of Jews by Christians began.

In this passage, Paul compares the right relationship to God (“righteousness”) that comes through a strict adherence to the Mosaic law to that which comes by faith. In contrast to a slavish adherence to this law, which is ultimately futile, the righteousness that comes by faith is entirely attainable. It requires no superhuman effort such as ascending into heaven or descending into the abyss. Such feats have already been accomplished by God in Jesus’ incarnation and resurrection.

People need to accept the “word of faith” proclaimed by the apostle. This acceptance is manifested both through inner conviction and outer profession. These signs of faith are rooted in the work of God, affirming that Jesus is God incarnate and that Jesus now lives.

The first of these professions of faith, “Jesus is lord,” was particularly central for the early Church in areas where the people believed in “many gods and many lords” (1 Corinthians 8:5-6). It is the earliest and simplest creed of the Church.

Read more…

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"Christ Walking on the Water" – Amedee Varin (1818-1883) 

More stories and inspiration about the Gospel –
"Walking on the Water"

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Ivan Aivazovsky, Russian landscape painter

The image for our Gospel reading, "Jesus Walking on the Water", was done by the Russian painter Ivan Aivazovsky (1817-1900).

When I was in the Soviet Union over 35 years ago, his paintings were prevalent and stood out and I remembered his name. They reminded me of the American school of landscape painters, such as Albert Bierstadt, Frederic Church but in this case on the sea.

He is considered one of the greatest marine artists in history and born into an Armenian family in the Black Sea port of Feodosia and was mostly based in his native Crimea.

Following his education at the Imperial Academy of Arts, Aivazovsky traveled to Europe and lived briefly in Italy in the early 1840s. He then returned to Russia and was appointed the main painter of the Russian Navy. Aivazovsky had close ties with the military and political elite of the Russian Empire and often attended military maneuvers. He was sponsored by the imperial family and was well-regarded during his lifetime. The winged word "worthy of Aivazovsky’s brush", popularized by Anton Chekhov, was used in Russia for "describing something ineffably lovely."]

One of the most prominent Russian artists of his time, Aivazovsky was also popular outside Russia. He held numerous solo exhibitions in Europe and the United States. During his almost sixty-year career, he created around 6,000 paintings, making him one of the most prolific artists of his time. The vast majority of his works are seascapes, but he often depicted battle scenes, Armenian themes, and portraiture.

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"Ninth Wave" -Ivan Aivazovsky (1817-1900)

Here is a selection of his works

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July 26, 2020 – Eighth after Pentecost

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The Week Ahead…

July 26 – Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

July 26 – 10:00am, Zoom Church – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

1. Bulletin for July 26, 10:00am

2. Readings and Prayers Pentecost 8, July 26

3. Sermon

July 26 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

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July 29 – 10:00am – Ecumenical Bible Study through Zoom

July 31 – 7:00am – Episcopal Church Men – Bring your own Breakfast, Parish House

Aug 2 – Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Aug. 2 10:00am – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

Aug. 2 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

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“Back in the Saddle Again” – The Village Dinner Comes Back in Aug

It has been gone 4 months during Covid-19 but it is back in August on the second Wed (Aug. 12) in a slightly different form:

1. Meals will be take-out only (no dining inside).
2. One person will be the runner to take meals to the cars.
3. The runner will also carry a pot that patrons can place their payment in.
4. Food preparers/kitchen help/runner will wear gloves and face masks.

The meal in August will be Lasagna, bread, salad and for dessert 2 large cookies.

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Sacred Ground Begins Aug 13, 7pm

Plan to join the Sacred Ground discussion group. Sacred Ground is a ten session study that a lot of churches are using to help friends and congregations to talk about the issues around race in the United States.

The program has been developed by The Episcopal Church and Katrina Brown, director of the Traces of the Trade documentary. Through readings and documentaries, we will learn about the history of race in America and the impact it has in our world today and to talk about changes that we can be part of to work for greater justice for all. We’ll gather on Zoom to talk about the challenges and the divides of the present day from a place of faith, hope and love for God and for one another. More information

The first session for this series will be on Zoom, Thursday, August 13, at 7PM. Please let Catherine know if you plan to participate so that you can read and watch the materials provided to focus our discussion at that first session OR online signup

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Ask yourself: What are you grateful for?

By Donna Britt
Washington Post

A few years back, I was headed to the grocery store to buy a lottery ticket whose jackpot was a half-billion dollars when I ran into my neighbor Kathy. Asked if she, too, was joining the throngs buying tickets at gas stations and convenience stores, this happily married mom and grandma replied:

“I already feel like I hit the lottery.”

Her response was a wonderful example of the ancient spiritual principle that anyone looking for uplift in an anxiety-filled world might consider. Ask yourself a simple question:

What are you grateful for?

If your list is short — “My health, my family” — I get it. What could be more priceless, especially now? But think harder. Raising your gratitude game can make you feel happier during these unsettled times. Last year, when one of my yoga students quipped, “It’s impossible to be grateful and unhappy at the same time,” I had no idea how right she was.

Life is uniquely challenging right now. When unsettling news about the pandemic or protests pins me to my chair, gratitude gives me back my power. I remind myself of how thankful I am for my strong, smart sons; for each box, can and bottle in my pantry; for uncomfortable but long-overdue conversations sparked by our social justice challenges; for the extravagant beauty of birds, flowers and trees that greet my walk; and — especially — for my toddler grandson’s gorgeousness on FaceTime. Being grateful shortens my freakouts and rivets my attention on what matters in this moment.

So why does gratitude so often elude us? For starters, most of us get a bigger kick out of being miserable than we realize. It’s human nature to obsess on things that are broken while barely glancing at all that’s working. Wasn’t griping about being banned from restaurants and bars more fun than noting culinary skills we honed and gas and money we saved by cooking and pouring for ourselves? Plus, everyone’s future feels uncertain. Shoved out of our routines and shaken by a continually changing world, we fret about horrors that could emerge next month — or in the next few hours. If that weren’t enough, it’s hard being grateful when you’re in mourning. It’s been four short months since we were unceremoniously booted from the institutions that moor us: schools, churches, workplaces, gyms. Even with limited access to these establishments now, most of us still grieve the death of our former lives — even if in February we couldn’t stop complaining.

Read more…

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Lectionary, Aug. 2 2020, Pentecost 9,  Proper 13, Year A

I.Theme –   God cares for his creation

 "Christ Feeding the 5000" – Eric Feather

The lectionary readings are here  or individually: 

Old Testament – Isaiah 55:1-5
Psalm – Psalm 145: 8-9, 15-22 Page 801, BCP
Epistle –Romans 9:1-5
Gospel – Matthew 14:13-21 

Our readings this week continue to show how much God cares for His creation. We read about lives changed forever. We hear about the innocent people suffering but also that God understands. God even shows His love for those who disobey Him and turn away from Him. We see that God wants to bless His people and we see that come about with miracles taking place and people being blessed.

We are an open church – we welcome everyone to share in our community:

– even the Babylonians and Persians in Isaiah

– Jews who question the falling away of the Christ movement in Paul

– Those who wanted to cast away the people in the Gospel for a lack of food

The Psalm demonstrates the actions of the Lord – the Lord “raises,” “gives,” “fulfills,” “hears,” and “watches.”  

This week has the only parable contained in all four Gospels – the feeding of the 5,000. Ironically the emphasis of the event is not so much upon the miraculous nature of the feeding, for the usual reference to the astonishment of the disciples and crowd (12:23, 14:33) is absent, as it is upon the implied revelation of who Jesus is.  

At the beginning of the passage, Jesus had retreated on news of John the Baptist death

"This passage shows so beautifully the humanity and divinity of Jesus." writes Rick Morley

"He could have sent them away. He could have told them all what had happened to John. He could have just cried and yelled and screamed. He could have gotten into the boat, conjured up a good storm and been done with them all. 

But, he was moved with compassion. He always is. He was able to see beyond his own pain, and feel the pain they were bringing."

For the early Church, the eucharistic significance of the feeding of the 5,000 made it a central experience in the narratives of Jesus’ ministry

The key acts are all there :

1. Jesus takes the food which is an offering – we give what we have.  

2. Jesus blesses the food by giving thanks. Our liturgy thanks God on behalf of creation, humanity, and the Church. In our lives we struggle to relearn the natural prayer of our childhood, when we woke each morning with wonder and gratitude in our heart. 

3. Jesus breaks the bread. In church, the breaking of the eucharistic bread may help us recall Christ’s sacrifice and death. In our lives, it is our very selves we are challenged to break—our limits of prejudices, fears, and old attitudes. God calls us to break through to a new awareness of the power of God’s love and of the needs of our brothers and sisters. 

4. He shares with all as we extend his ministry to the world.

This is the truth in which Paul exults when he proclaims that nothing, not our fears, not our sins, not the crushing powers of this world or any other can keep us apart from the love of God shown us in Jesus our lord. Our lives are broken, but we are loved forever. 

Read more…

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Bishop Robert Wright, Diocese of Atlanta commentary on Feeding – “Filled”

“Jesus fed five thousand people, the story says…took up scraps and blessed them. All that ate were filled. This story teaches a profound lesson about the nature of God. God is lively and breaks into situations and transforms them. But there’s another lesson here.

“Stories like this one invite us to share and be generous and offer that generosity to our neighbor in God’s name. That’s a very good thing. But, there’s “…a more excellent way.”

“Walter Brueggemann reminds us charity was never supposed to be the overarching goal. “Charity is the patch we use on the way to weaving a new garment.” Charity is a patch until such time that justice ensures enough for everyone. Jesus then is not just meeting a pressing need, he’s modeling “…a new economy that is organized around a love of neighbor and that is committed to the viability of widows, orphans, and immigrants. Widows, orphans and immigrants are people who in the ancient world did not have advocates….

“So it becomes a test case for the economy, (and the religious community) and it is a redistributive economy of respect and viability for vulnerable persons, and there is no way to cover over or to hide or disguise that we are talking about policies of redistribution. And obviously the 1 percent or the 3 percent or the 10 or whatever the top is, intends to keep extracting from the vulnerable until we have only the 1 percent and a big collection of subsistence peasants who have no economic viability. So what we have to do in the church is to educate the church that we are not really in the charity business, we are in the justice business.”

– Walter Brueggemann, The Prophetic Imagination

QUESTIONS

1. Jesus gives the work back to the disciples to distribute the food. Charity acknowledges we work for a just society, for something better. We all should be filled. Charity acknowledges imperfect but we are on way to somewhere and that way is justice making sure all have the basics. Rob Wright believes the church should be in the justice business as well as the charity business

What steps can we do, should we do to enrich our neighbor during the pandemic? As Bishop Curry says “The way of love is seeking the good the welfare, the well being of others as well as the self.” The Gospel recognizes a social responsibility

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Feeding of the 5,000. How much energy did Jesus need?

Those of you who are scientific minded probably get tired reading all these words. What about numbers ? For you scientific types, using Einstein’s mass/energy conversion equation how much energy did Jesus have to munster to feed the 5,000 ?

Christian Gaffney answers that for you

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William Wilberforce and the movement to end slavery

The rock-like faith of Peter is at the heart of William Wilberforce’s crusade against the English slave trade. England was exporting 50,000 Africans to America a year in his life time. Wilberforce’s life is the subject of the movie "Amazing Grace" (2006).  You can see the trailer here. There is also a short 3 minute introduction to Wilberforce here.

Wilberforce was an English politician, philanthropist, and a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade.  He was a political activist and a man of strong faith. 

By the late 1700s, the economics of slavery were so entrenched that only a handful of people thought anything could be done about it. 

Read more about Wilberforce…

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Who Do You Say That I Am" – Finding identity, a short film

Who do you say that I am ?

Life is a journey and your life becomes an expression of something, an expression of someone. Meet a number of characters and their journey to find themselves and those around them. They include a jobless man, a depressed girl, a rich  man, a blonde model, a boyfriend, a basketball boy, a husband, a pregnant wife, a baby and young boy 

This short film was produced by students of the V-Kol Media School. It was written, filmed and edited in one week. All of the students were first time short film makers.  They were finding their own identities while the telling the stories of others in their particular situations.

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Remembering the beginning of World War I – July 28, 1914 – through Poetry

We try to understand war through memorials, the written word and art among other mediums. In particular, poetry flourished in this war among young soldiers. World War I saw a number of fine poets on the battlefields emerge. Here are sites that discuss these contributions:

1. The Lost Poets
2. War Poetry website
3. The Digital archive
4. British War Poetry

The most famous World War I poem is "In Flanders Fields" 

In Flanders Fields

"In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

"We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

"Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
 In Flanders fields."

-John McCrae 

McCrae was a Canadian physician and fought on the Western Front in 1914, but was then transferred to the medical corps and assigned to a hospital in France. He was asked to conduct the burial service for Alexis Helmer, a friend, because the chaplain had been called away somewhere else on duty that evening. It is believed that later that evening, after the burial, John began the draft for his now famous poem “In Flanders Fields”.  

McCrae died of pneumonia while on active duty in 1918. His volume of poetry, In Flanders Fields and Other Poems, was published in 1919.

The influence of the war poets continued beyond their time. 

In 1962, Benjamin Britten wrote his "War Requiem" for the consecration of the rebuilt Coventry Cathedral destroyed in World War II. However, it was dedicated to four friends he lost in World War I.  For his text he used 9 poems  of World War I poet Wilfred Owen interspersed with the Latin Mass for the Dead.  Here is his use of an Owen poem "The Next War" :

"Out there, we’ve walked quite friendly up to Death, —
Sat down and eaten with him, cool and bland, —
Pardoned his spilling mess-tins in our hand.
We’ve sniffed the green thick odour of his breath, —
Our eyes wept, but our courage didn’t writhe.
He’s spat at us with bullets and he’s coughed
Shrapnel. We chorussed when he sang aloft,
 We whistled while he shaved us with his scythe. 

"Oh, Death was never enemy of ours!
We laughed at him, we leagued with him, old chum.
No soldier’s paid to kick against His powers.
We laughed, — knowing that better men would come,
And greater wars: when each proud fighter brags
 He wars on Death, for lives; not men, for flags."

Owen died at just 25.

We are still looking back in this era. In 2009,  Mark Knopfler, the former front man for the British Band Dire Straits, released a song called "Remembrance Day". Remembrance Day is the English equivalent of Veterans’ Day. 

Here is a part of this moving song: 

"Time has slipped away
The summer sky to autumn yields
A haze of smoke across the fields
Let’s sup and fight another round
And walk the stubbled ground

"When November brings
The poppies on remembrance day
When the vicar comes to say
Lest we forget our sons

"We will remember them
Remember them
Remember them"

Check out the video with pictures from the time.  Here are the complete lyrics.

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July 19 , 2020 – Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

From left to right – (1) Working with the cold boxes (2) Chart of pounds distributed in July over 5 years with 2020 the largest. We have distributed close to 5,000 pounds this year in 4 months (3) Johnny Davis contributed corn from his own field (4) We gave out food but also prayed with clients.

Read the story

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The Week Ahead…

July 19 – Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

1. Bulletin for July 19, 10:00am

2. Readings and Prayers Pentecost 7, July 19

3. Description

July 19 – 10:00am – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

July 19 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

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July 22 – 10:00am – Ecumenical Bible Study through Zoom

July 25 – Remembering St. James

July 26 – Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

July 26 – 10:00am – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

July 26 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

July 26 – 7:00pm Evening Prayer at St. Peter’s.

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Sundays in July at 7pm

Masks must be worn and social distancing observed

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Sacred Ground Begins Aug 13, 7pm

Plan to join the Sacred Ground discussion group. Sacred Ground is a ten session study that a lot of churches are using to help friends and congregations to talk about the issues around race in the United States.

The program has been developed by The Episcopal Church and Katrina Brown, director of the Traces of the Trade documentary. Through readings and documentaries, we will learn about the history of race in America and the impact it has in our world today and to talk about changes that we can be part of to work for greater justice for all. We’ll gather on Zoom to talk about the challenges and the divides of the present day from a place of faith, hope and love for God and for one another. More information

The first session for this series will be on Zoom, Thursday, August 13, at 7PM. Please let Catherine know if you plan to participate so that you can read and watch the materials provided to focus our discussion at that first session OR online signup

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Bishop Curry on protests, passion and positivity – “We must still choose love.”

Bishop Curry spoke on the Today show, June 1 after the killing of George Floyd and the repercussions that ensured.

Here are some of the Bishop comments:

“We must still choose love.It is a decision, probably a daily decision to actually choose the way of love which is not a sentiment. The opposite of love is not hate but selfishness.

“The way of love is seeking the good the welfare, the well being of others as well as the self.

“In the Hebrew scriptures when Moses talks about the love of neighbor In Leviticus it is people doing what is just, kind and decent, When Jesus talks about it in Luke’s Gospel he tells the parable of the good Samaritan, somebody who helps someone who is different than they are

“So it is a decision, a daily decision that I am going to lead an unselfish life that seeks the good of others as well as well as my own good. And when we all do that, we win.”

Read more of his comments…

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Lectionary, July 26, 2020, Pentecost 8,  Proper 12, Year A

I.Theme –   God works through us in difficult times

 "The Parable of the Mustard Seed" – James Patterson

The lectionary readings are here  or individually: 

Old Testament – 1 Kings 3:5-12
Psalm – Psalm 119:129-136 Page 774, BCP
Epistle –Romans 8:26-39
Gospel – Matthew 13:31-33,44-52 

Our readings this week reflect God’s love for His people. They show how God works through our difficult times and will often bless us through them. He works through and within our times of weakness and works for the good of all who love Him. Secondarily, the readings cover the topics of good and evil and discerning between them.

The Old Testament reading recounts Solomon’s prayer – “Solomon’s prayer – “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?” It is the perfect prayer modest, recalling past blessings and confessing our ignorance. The value of discernment is praised, the capacity to see issues, recognize temptations, and know what is right and wrong, based on divine truths.

This leads naturally into the Psalm, which immediately counters any notion that you have to be a king (or a Solomon, for that matter) to discern what is right: “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” Anyone who pays attention can discern the decrees of God, for it is God who is our teacher. The Word of God is a means of grace. Through the Word–which is both law and gospel–the Lord of Israel encounters the people of God..

Paul in Romans examines in detail how certain can we be that God will complete the execution of his plan of salvation. This is Christian life lived in the Spirit. Nearly every sentence is a new way of stating the promise that God has not abandoned "us," and is working on our behalf. The Spirit meets with her own intercessions and prayers – aiding our inability to pray. What is even more amazing is that God still loves us even after countless incidents of outrageous human behavior, pride and disloyalty. The Spirit helps us to resist the powers that would defeat us and separate us from God

Today’s gospel, Matthew concludes a long series of parables about the reign of God. There are 5 parables in these verses. These parables encourage us to live the kingdom into being in every aspect of our lives. It addresses basic questions: "What is it ? How do we find it? What’s it like? What do I have to do to enter it?" In telling these parables, Jesus did not make the characters angels or kings, but a woman, a merchant, fishermen. And he did not use difficult or out-of-reach tasks, but everyday peasant-class things like baking bread and fishing. The kingdom is here but it’s modest. It’s hidden. It’s quiet. In fact, those who discover the kingdom sometimes tend to stumble upon it almost by accident. The kingdom is a great treasure but it may not reveal itself immediately

Summing them up, Jesus praises those who have listened carefully and understood. This praise of the wise in today’s gospel seems to justify this choice of first reading Solomon’s request for wisdom. 

Read more…

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Celebrating the legacy of James the Apostle, July 25

Cathedral,Santiago Spain where James is buried and celebration on July 25 with swinging of the a giant censer.

We celebrate James the Apostle on July 25. With his brother, John, the Gospels (Matthew 4, 21-22; Mark 1, 19-20; Luke 5, 10-11) record that they were fishermen, the sons of Zebedee, partners with Simon Peter, and called by Jesus from mending their nets beside the sea of Galilee at the beginning of his ministry

Jesus nicknamed them ‘the sons of thunder’ – perhaps justified by the story (Luke 9, 51-56) that they once wished to call down fire from heaven to destroy a village which had refused them hospitality.

They made it to key events in Jesus life – the Transfiguation, Gethsemene and at various healings and miracles – Peter’s mother-in-law and raising of Jairus’s daughter. Obviously, James was of Jesus closest followers.

He is known as James the Great to distinguish him from James the Less, or James the brother of the Lord.

The movie, The Way celebrates the wonderful cathedral in Santiago where his remains lie and pilgrimage that grew up around St. James life, routes that have been followed for 800 years. Read more about James and the Santiago Cathedral …

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A Union Soldier’s take on Solomon’s Prayer (Old Testament reading this week 1 Kings 3:5-12)

An unknown civil war soldier wrote this eloquent testimony:

"I asked for strength that I might achieve;

"I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

"I asked for health that I might do greater things;

"I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

"I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise.

"I asked for power that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

"I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I had asked for, but everything that I had hoped for.

"Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered; I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

"So the Bible says that It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this."

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July 12 , 2020 – Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Sites and smells of summer

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The Week Ahead…

July 12 – Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

July 12 – 10:00am, Morning Prayer – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID is 828 9779 0306 and the passcode is 037231

1. Bulletin for July 12, 10am

2. Readings and Prayers for Pentecost 6

3. Pentecost 6 Description

July 12 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

July 12 – 7:00pm, Evening Prayer at St. Peter’s

1. Bulletin for July 12, 7:00pm

2. Sermon for Pentecost 6, 7pm

3. Photo gallery and story

4. Videos

5. Pentecost 6 Description

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July 15 – 10:00am – Ecumenical Bible Study through Zoom

July 19 – Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

July 19 – 10:00am – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

July 19 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

July 19 – 7:00pm Evening Prayer at St. Peter’s

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Sundays in July at 7pm

Masks must be worn and social distancing observed

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Regathering details from the Diocese of Virginia

Read the document from the Diocese of Virginia on Phase II reopening

In the meantime can we have outdoor services ? YES

Read the document from the Diocese of Virginia on outdoor services

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Lectionary, July 19, 2020, Pentecost 7,  Proper 11, Year A

I.Theme –   Conquering fear and uncertainty

 "Parable of the Wheat and Tares" – Lucas Gassel, 1540

The lectionary readings are here  or individually: 

Old Testament – Isaiah 44:6-8
Psalm – Psalm 86:11-17 Page 710, BCP
Epistle –Romans 8:6-11
Gospel – Matthew 13:24-30,36-43 

These texts speak eloquently to the problem of fear, and fear is what many people are currently experiencing. We are confronted with fear in our jobs, our homes and our world. It is ever present and diverts us from productive activities. Despite our increasing knowledge and interconnectedness, fear is very much a part of our world and maybe even more in the last generation. We look to someone, something for security. 

So what causes the fear ? There is an “enemy” in each of these readings – Isaiah – Babylonians since the Jews were in captivity, Psalm – by a force that nearly killed the writer – Romans – “flesh” Gospel – “Devil” . In the latter we can be our own worst enemy by our propensity to judge others. The truth is that none of us are qualified to judge, only God has that privilege!  The Gospel also emphasizes that it is often difficult tell the good from the bad and separate them.  The Psalm indicate our enemies cause us to turn from God.  We feel the absence of God’s grace and we petition for this to return.

The readings emphasize that God is with us in all the things of our lives and is involved with us throughout our lives helping through his Spirit to maximise our potential. We will not be abandoned!

There is no guarantee that God who will step in and magically fix everything, but God is intimately present and actively at work in our lives, taking what is and steadfastly aiming at what can be. This process of transformation is not always something we can see, but something we can trust. And trust, like hope, is the divine alternative to fear. Isaiah maybe expresses the best of all – “Is there any god besides me ? There is no other rock; I know not one."

The Gospel this week contains the parable of the weeds, following closely on the parable of the sower last week. Weeds grow amids the harvest. It is difficult to separate them.  Jesus emphasized that the pure and impure, righteous and unrighteous exist together and there is no way to separate them.  Indeed we need to work hard with all.  The mission should be to spread the Gospel and not worry about the weeds. All will be sorted out in God’s time and not ours.  And we shouldn’t judge – it is difficult to figure out if they are weeds. 

In Paul’s terms, it’s all a matter of how we live. We should live by the spirit and its values. The crucial point  is the realization that we are children of God that will propel us into new life. The idea of “new life” can be approached in three ways: in eschatological, evolutionary, or worldly terms. Each is full of promise. The implication is that when we know, really know, who we are as children of God, we will act differently, and creation itself will be set free from its bondage—a condition resulting from the Fall, or, stated differently, from our misuse and exploitation.

In the midst of all this there will be suffering. Paul talks about the the mutual suffering of all creation: the whole creation that groans together and suffers together, "and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies."

The Old Testament readings prop this up with images.  Isaiah uses the "rock" drawn from Deuteronomy-connoting stability, security, safety. The Psalm emphasizes God’s love and ability to teach us the ways, listening to our petitions.  We request a sign of God’s favor to us based on the fact that God has helped and conforted us in the past.  

Read more…

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Celebrating the Human Spirit

Remembering Raoul Wallenberg and the "Righteous Gentiles"

July 9th is the anniversary to the day of Raoul Wallenberg’s arrival in Budapest in 1944 to begin a rescue mission that would result in his saving 100,000 Jewish lives. On that day in 2014, Wallenberg received posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award of the US.

Links:

1. More about the "Righteous Gentiles"

2. Congressional Luncheon honoring the Raoul Wallenberg Foundation

3. US Holocaust Museum article on Wallenberg

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Moving speech from Stuart Scott in winning the JimmyV perseverance award

Stuart, an ESPN host since 1993, was recognized towards the end of the ESPY awards show for his efforts in sports journalism. He has been battling a rare form of cancer for 7 years. He won the JimmyV Perseverance Award.

For Scott, giving up is not an option; he has refused to backdown. He has not allowed the disease to dictate how he lived. Fighting is winning and not quitting.

He has continued his work as an announcer with ESPN through it all doing what he loves and remaining a devoted father at the same time.

Here is his story and speech this week. We keep him in our prayers. 

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Other Voices on the Human spirit

"The greatest achievement of the human spirit is to live up to one’s opportunities and make the most of one’s resources."- Luc de Clapiers

 

" Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit."- e. e. cummings 

 

" Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us."  -Wilma Rudolph 

 

" It is inevitable that some defeat will enter even the most victorious life. The human spirit is never finished when it is defeated… it is finished when it surrenders." – Ben Stein 

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July 5 , 2020 – Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

It’s July! Time for Crepes Myrtle

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The Week Ahead…

July 5 – Fith Sunday after Pentecost

July 5 – 10:00am – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

1. Bulletin for July 5

2. Readings, Prayers for Readings and Prayers for Pentecost 5

3. Pentecost 5 Description

July 5 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

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July 8 – 10:00am – Ecumenical Bible Study through Zoom The meeting ID is 871 4255 8446
The Pass Code is 144832

July 12 – Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

July 12 – 10:00am – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am The meeting ID is 828 9779 0306
The Pass Code is 037231

July 12 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

July 12 – 7pm – Evening Prayer on the River Bank

Details coming this week

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Regathering details from the Diocese of Virginia

Read the document from the Diocese of Virginia on Phase II reopening

In the meantime can we have outdoor services ? YES

Read the document from the Diocese of Virginia on outdoor services

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A Port Royal 4th!

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Lectionary, July 12, 2020, Pentecost 6,  Proper 10, Year A – Parable of the Sower

I.Theme –   How we carry out our work in the world

 "The Sower" – Van Gogh, 1888

The lectionary readings are here  or individually: 

Old Testament – Isaiah 55:10-13
Psalm – Psalm 65: (1-8), 9-14 Page 672 or 673, BCP
Epistle –Romans 8:1-11
Gospel – Matthew 13:1-9,18-23  

This week the emphasis is how we play our stories in the world.

The New Testament readings provide guidance on reacting to Jesus ministry and work with our own. It is empowered by the spirit to be about the spirit. We must be careful to seek that world – the world according to the spirit and not the flesh

Those whose lives are motivated and powered by earthly goals and passions, no matter how "good" they may be, are in opposition to God. Those who offer the Gospel to the world often seem to squander so much of their time and resources with little chance of a return but we can be assured that Jesus has invested in each one of us as his disciples. We become life giving to each other as God has been to us.

Perhaps here the sower is anyone who tells the good news. Growth represents receptivity. It could be you or me. It could be God. It could be Jesus. The sower scatters his seed generously and seems to waste so much of it on ground that holds little promise of a rich harvest. Those who offer the Gospel to the world often seem to squander so much of their time and resources with little chance of a return but we can be assured that Jesus has invested in each one of us as his disciples. He too seemingly squandered his time with all sorts of people, outcasts of all hues and yet the harvest has already been a good one. Surely a great encouragement for us all!

For Paul if we promote God’s teaching and goals as agents of God then we are acting according the spirit. If we look selfishly to our own then we are not.

Are we brave enough to step out of our comfort zones? Do we hold on rather too tightly to our resources, making sure we have something in reserve for the proverbial rainy day or should we imitate the sower in our own generosity?

The sower seems to lead to the idea that disciples are not always the chosen. It seems that these will often be the most unlikely candidates; the people that the world does not rate, the goats rather than the sheep, the tax collectors and the prostitutes rather than the respectable. These are the ones that will go ahead of the religious leaders of the day into heaven! And what of the disciples? Is there hope for them too? Time and again they are found wanting in understanding, in faith and in courage but the encouraging thing for all of us is that Jesus doesn’t give up on them. In fact, he continues to invest in them, even to the point of entrusting the future of his mission to them. The disciples will bring others to Christ.

It may take time for results to appear as Isaiah seems to say. It’s the environment that causes the sowers crop to eventually turn into bread as Isaiah says. God will make the peoples’ religious lives fruitful, as he has done for their land.

God’s presence is shown as powerful, gracious, and life-giving in the Psalm. The dangerous features of nature are pacified, and the rest of nature comes to life with joyful exuberance. God’s presence is shown as powerful, gracious, and life-giving in the psalm. The dangerous features of nature are pacified, and the rest of nature comes to life with joyful exuberance. As with the sower’s seeds, results don’t happen over night and patience is a must. As Walter Bouzard writes about the Psalm, “The motion of the psalm from quiet, expectant waiting to a summons for the creation itself to join the choir of praise suggests that the journey from expectation to exaltation is just that — a journey. Many of us, perhaps most of us, find ourselves somewhere in the middle of the journey.” 

Read more…

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Animated version of "the Sower"

Click here to view

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The idea of the Parable – a background to the Sower

Like any story, a parable is a window into the mind of the author. People describe only what they can imagine; and imagination depends on what a person has seen, heard or read about. In this case the agricultural image of sowing seed indicates the rural perspective of both the speaker & original audience.

The parables were a favorite teaching device of Jesus. People loved the stories that Jesus created and told. His stories were drawn from every day life, from the simplicities of every day life. Jesus did not use theological abstractions as the Apostle Paul did. By telling a story, Jesus created pictures of those abstract ideas. The abstract idea became concrete and visual.

Jesus wanted his original twelve disciples to begin thinking in the logic of parables, in the symbolism of parables, in the possibilities of the parables. Jesus wanted his first disciples to look for and find the “heavenly meanings to his earthly stories,” and Jesus wants us contemporary disciples to do the same. The writer for the Society of St. John the Evangelist wrote this week "Jesus tells parables of the Kingdom not only to describe the future, but to invite us into that future…In the Kingdom of God fear itself is cast out and love is perfected in us."

In this first parable of Jesus, he chose the most common of experiences from the everyday lives of people: “seeds, sowers, hard paths, rocky soil, thorny soil, good soil.” These were as common as scenes as possible, but in the commonness, Jesus saw illustrations about God and his kingdom. In the soil and the sower, Jesus saw signs about how God works in this world.

Here the speaker describes a process called broadcasting: taking handfuls of seed and scattering it to the wind rather than depositing it directly in prepared soil. This method of planting was widely used in primitive agriculture, particularly in hilly regions like Galilee where rocks that could destroy a cast-iron plow often lay just below the surface. Since geological pressures cause subterranean rocks to migrate upward, farmers cannot be sure from year to year just where the rocks and the fertile soil are located. Finding & removing all rocks would be inefficient & time-consuming. So each spring Mediterranean grain farmers simply scattered the relatively inexpensive seed across their fields. Of course some would be lost to the unpredictable forces of nature: birds, weeds, hard ground, lack of rainfall. But there was always enough good soil to insure a harvest. So, from time immemorial broadcasting was the normal process of planting in the eastern Mediterranean.

A farmer may therefore live several miles from his field, in which case he literally "goes forth" to it.

Read more about the parable

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Van Gogh’s "Sower" – evolution of an idea

"The Sower" – Jean Francois Millet (1850)

The lectionary this week is the about the Parable of the Sower from Matthew which was a subject for 2 painters from 1850 to 1888.  We want to spotlight Van Gogh’s work.

For three years Van Gogh (1853-1890) single mindedly pursued his calling to the ministry, first as a student of theology and then as a missionary to the coal miners in Belgium. Deeply moved by the poverty surrounding him, Van Gogh gave all his possessions, including most of his clothing, to the miners. Van Gogh admired Christ’s humility as a common laborer and “man of sorrows” whose life he tried to imitate. The church came to see Van Gogh suffering from excessive zeal and he did not preach well. He left the church in 1879. “I wish they would only take me as I am,” he said in a letter to Theo, his brother. He wrote,  "I think it a splendid saying of Victor Hugo’s, ‘Religions pass away, but God remains’".  He saw Jesus as the supreme artist  By 1880, he had abandoned a religious career and turned to art helped by brother Theo. In the next 10 years, he would move  10 times, his life characterized by periods of depression and periods of a sort of mania. 

The sower was inspired by Jean-François Millet’s ‘Sower’ from 1850 which was inspired by the Matthew 13. Van Gogh had tried several times to produce a serious painting on the same theme and then abandoned it. Van Gogh’s early work comprises dour portraits of Dutch peasants and depressing rural landscapes.

In 1886-88 he moved to Paris, where Impressionism and Neo-Impressionism had a big impact on his painting. He brightened his palette, experimented with shorter brushstrokes, impasto, and complementary colors. 

Vincent van Gogh returned to a motif that he had tackled several times since his move to Arles, in the south of France, in 1888.  The change in scenery may have provided what he needed. Arles was bathed in brilliant light and color in contrast to his earlier life in the north of Europe.

Van Gogh regarded the seasonal growth cycle of the crops – particularly that of wheat- as a metaphor for the creation of new life, growth, flowering and finally decline. As such the activity of sowing as evening falls constitutes an apposite symbol for the continuity of life.

His painting’s originality was to lie in the violent juxtaposition of bold colors, which he tried to achieve by painting the top part of the picture predominantly yellow and the lower part in complementary violet. The sower’s trousers are white to ‘allow the eye to rest and distract it from the excessive contrast between yellow and violet together’.

What is different now also is the large role that nature plays in the drama. Nature begins to overtake the people working the land as the principal actor in Van Gogh’s painting. The main drama in the painting at the top is between that huge sun in the center and the ploughed earth that fills the bottom three quarters of the picture.  

Van Gogh deviated from the rest of the impressionists. Van Gogh’s sun is different from the impressionists who tried to shape suns based on optics.  For Van Gogh color always fit the meaning.  

Each particular in the picture gets its own unique mark of the brush. The sky in the top picture is filled with short strokes of yellow and ochre that radiate out from the sun in the center. The ploughed field in the foreground is made with short curving strokes of blue and orange .  The other impressionists did it differently.  Monet used the brushstroke to equalize all the elements in the field of vision that he was recording; the sky, water, trees, and people all were painted with the same general size and type of brushstrokes. 

Although Van Gogh had faithfully adhered to artistic principles he so firmly believed in, he was disappointed with the result. His confidence somewhat shaken, he made various changes to the painting. He softened the contrast by mixing green into the yellow sky and orange into the field. The white of the sower’s trousers, though useful as a device to rest the eye, was nevertheless an odd color for a peasant’s working clothes, and he subsequently changed it to blue. As a final gesture, Van Gogh then painted a surround in complementary colors violet around the yellow sky and yellow around the violet field – presumably in the hope of salvaging at least part of his original idea. He radically recast his own sower after the example of Millet’s figure, moved it further from the center of the composition, and painted out the trees on the horizon to the right of the sun.  It became "Sower with Setting Sun." (1888)

Read more about Van Gogh

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June 28, 2020 – Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Summertime! Flowers in bloom this week.

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The Week Ahead…

June 28 – Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

June 28 – 10:00am – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

1. Bulletin

2. Readings, Prayers for Readings and Prayers for Pentecost 4

3. Pentecost 4 Description

June 28 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

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July 1 – 10:00am – Ecumenical Bible Study through Zoom

July 4 – Celebrating Independence

1. Religion in the Declaration

2. The Real Purpose of the Declaration

3. The Signers – by the Numbers

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July 5 – Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

July 5 10:00am – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

July 5 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

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How do we reopen St. Peter’s ?

Read the document from the Diocese of Virginia on Phase II reopening

In the meantime can we have outdoor services ? YES

Read the document from the Diocese of Virginia on outdoor services

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Lectionary, July 5, 2020, Pentecost 5,  Proper 9, Year A

I.Theme –   Lifting our burdens

 "Bearing a heavy weight together" – Komarno, Slovakia

The lectionary readings are here  or individually: 

Old Testament – Zechariah 9:9-12
Psalm – Psalm 145:8-15 Page 802, BCP
Epistle –Romans 7:15-25a
Gospel – Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Sermon by Amy Richter for this week

“Come to me, all you that are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

It didn’t help that she was already late for the meeting. Rushing past the sexton who was putting the recycling out, she had her own arms full as she tried to get the back door of the church open. Juggling her lunch bag, laptop bag, and pocketbook, she tried to pull the door open. She knew that in the humidity the door would often stick, but this time, it just wouldn’t budge. Not wanting to set anything down, she just pulled as hard as she could, hoping the door would budge and she could still make it in time. No such luck. She gave up and noticed the sexton was watching.

“Did you pull as hard as you could?” he asked.

“Yes, I gave it everything I’ve got.”

The sexton smiled and said, “No, you didn’t. You didn’t ask me to help you.” He walked over, took her bags off her shoulder and said, “Now try it.” The door came open on the first try.

In today’s gospel lesson, Jesus promises us rest for our souls by coming to him. He promises us that we can set down our burden and yokes and take up his easy and light ones instead. By talking about yokes, Jesus is using an illustration common in his time, but not so common in ours, at least in our part of the world. A yoke is usually made out of wood. It fits across the shoulders of the animal or person who is using it. With oxen, a yoke connects animals to each other and also to a plow or something else the animal is pulling. The purpose of the yoke is to harness the power of the animal to do the work required of it. Yokes are also used by people to carry water or other things.

Justin Martyr, writing in the second century, said that when Jesus was working as a carpenter, one of the things he made was yokes. Perhaps we can imagine Jesus making these wooden yokes meant to join pairs of animals together. Of course, the carpenter would want to make the yoke so that it would fit just right – not rub or be rough on the animals, but something that would truly help the animals bear their burdens, pull together, be more efficient as a team than either would be alone. We imagine Jesus the carpenter, sanding down rough spots, fitting the yoke, checking it, making it just right for the job – a perfect fit.

Jesus invites us to take a yoke just like this – made exactly for us by someone who understands what it means to bear burdens, someone who knows us each by name, knows our gifts and our needs, who does not want us to be wearied or weighed down. Jesus offers us a yoke, made by his own labor and love, made perfectly for us. And that’s not all; he offers himself as our partner in the yoke, the one who will help us bear, pull, carry – whatever we are called to do.

“Come to me all you that are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you … for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

What a beautiful invitation. Jesus longs to give us rest from all the troubles and hardships and burdens we carry. All we need to do is give up our burdens, turn everything we carry over to Christ, and he will help us: a beautiful, utterly simple invitation.

So why is it so hard to do? Perhaps you are able to turn things over to God pretty easily. Perhaps you are good at remembering that you are not alone and that Jesus is standing beside you saying, “Come to me,” and you go to him. Perhaps you have learned that you are strongest when you ask for God’s help. Perhaps your first impulse when struggling with a tough problem or heavy burden is to “let go and let God.” If this describes you, well done.

If you are like many people, however, it is really hard actually to turn things over, even if we know in our heads that we’re turning them over to Jesus who stretched out his arms upon the cross that he might embrace the whole world and take all of our burdens on himself. It’s hard to go to Jesus, and give up our burdens to him.

Sometimes we forget he is there for us. Or we trust he is there, but we don’t really think he’s talking to us. “Oh, our problems are so small compared to other people’s problems, I really shouldn’t bother God with this,” as if God can’t handle our burdens, or is too busy dealing with others to notice us. No, Jesus was speaking in the plural when he gave his invitation, and he was speaking to everyone, everywhere, for all time and forever. You come. You take. Are you weary? Then this includes you. Do you have burdens, big or small? Then you qualify.

Perhaps another thing that keeps us from taking Jesus up on his invitation is that we don’t want to need help. We want to be strong and capable, and we think keeping our problems to ourselves, trying to do things alone, trying to muscle our way through anxiety by ourselves is proof of our strength and ability. We’re celebrating Independence Day this weekend, when our country became a country, independent from England. But we tend to want to be independent in every way. Can you imagine us celebrating Dependence Day? As Christians, we make a startling claim that we are always dependent, and that’s a good thing. Our gospel begins with Jesus giving thanks that those who get his message, those who really understand it, are like children, who are dependent and open.

Read more…

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A Weekful of Saints!

Collect  – "Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

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June 28 – Irenaeus

Irenaeus (125?-202) was an early Church father, having been taught by Polycarp, who had been taught by John the Evangelist.

 During the persecution of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor from 161-180 the clergy of that city, many of whom were suffering imprisonment for the faith, sent him in 177 to Rome with a letter to Pope Eleuterus concerning heresy.  While Irenaeus was in Rome, a massacre took place in Lyons. Returning to Gaul, Irenaeus succeeded the martyr Saint Pothinus and became the second Bishop of Lyon, the main trading port for Western Gaul (France). During the religious peace which followed the persecution of Marcus Aurelius, the new bishop divided his activities between the duties of a pastor and of a missionary.

We remember him for two things – his work against Gnosticism and the recognition of the four gospels. He apparently did well there, becoming an influential leader against the rising heterodoxy Gnosticism. He first used the word to describe heresies . The Gnostics saw the world as material, and leaves much room for improvement and they denied that God had made it. They saw Jesus more as a spirit than a real flesh human . Before Irenaeus, Christians differed as to which gospel they preferred. Irenaeus is the earliest witness to recognize the four authentic gospels, the same we have today. Irenaeus is also our earliest attestation that the Gospel of John was written by John the apostle and that the Gospel of Luke was written by Luke, the companion of Paul. 

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June 29 – Feast of Peter and Paul

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul commemorates the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles St. Peter and Paul of Tarsus, observed on June 29. The celebration is of ancient origin, the date selected being either the anniversary of their martyrdom in 67AD or of the translation of their relics. They had been imprisoned in the famous Mamertine Prison of Rome and both had foreseen their approaching death. Saint Peter was crucified; Saint Paul, a Roman citizen, was slain by the sword.  Together they represent two different Christian traditions.

Why do we remember them ? Peter is pictured on the left with the keys – the keys to the kingdom. In Matthew 16, Christ says " And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven." They keys since then have been symbols of Papal power.  Peter represents that part of the Church which gives it stability: its traditions handed down in an unbroken way from the very beginnings, the structures which help to preserve and conserve those traditions, the structure which also gives consistency and unity to the Church, spread as it is through so many races, cultures, traditions, and geographical diversity

Paul is pictured with the Bible. He, on the other hand, represents the prophetic and missionary role in the Church. It is that part of the Church which constantly works on the edge, pushing the boundaries of the Church further out, not only in a geographical sense but also pushing the concerns of the Church into neglected areas of social concern and creatively developing new ways of communicating the Christian message. This is the Church which is constantly renewed, a Church which needs to be constantly renewed 

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Read 40% of the Bible this Summer

It takes just 70 hours and 40 minutes to read the Bible through “at pulpit rate,” and aloud! So when do you sleep and eat?

There is another way. We have a plan to read 40% of the Bible during June and July in the slower days of summer. This takes about 25 minutes a day to see the big picture of scripture. Within these 60 days, there are 6 days to catchup after 37 days.

Get your mind off of pandemic ! Step into a productive way to spend part of the summer! Schedule is online

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Praying Differently this Summer

1. With Clenched Hands

Close your eyes and clench your hands tightly.

Imagine all the pressures and worries and tensions you carry here today. We hold on to a lot of things.

Then, in your own time, turn your gripped hands over so that they are facing down. Imagine God’s hands underneath yours and slowly open your hands so that the things you are carrying fall into God’s hands.

You may wish to repeat this several times. Turn your hands face up, but this time with the palms open and ask God’s Spirit to fill you afresh everything.

2.Worry Knots

As you think about these things, tie a knot in the rope to represent each worry and how it ties you up inside.

Matthew 6:25-34 reminds us, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”.

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

As you untie each knot you made ask God to help you problem-solve when and how you can.

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Anything but Ordinary! Ordinary Time

Make a Gift Today! Help our ministries make a difference during the Pandemic 1. Newcomers – Welcome Page 2. Contact the Rev Catherine Hicks, Rector 3. St. Peter’s Sunday News 4. Server Schedule June 2020 5. Latest Newsletter-the Parish Post (July , 2020) 6. Calendar 7. Parish Ministries 8. This past Sunday 9. Latest Sunday Bulletin (July 5, 2020 10:00am),  and Sermon (June 28, 2020) 10. Recent Services:  Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2020 Readings and prayers from Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2020 Pentecost 2, June 14, 2020 Readings and prayers from Pentecost 2, June 14, 2020 Pentecost 3, June 21, 2020 Readings and prayers from Pentecost 3, June 21, 2020

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Block Print by Mike Newman

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Projects 

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Colors for Year A, 2019-20

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Daily “Day by Day”

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3-Minute Retreats invite you to take a short prayer break right at your computer. Spend some quiet time reflecting on a Scripture passage.

Knowing that not everyone prays at the same pace, you have control over the pace of the retreat. After each screen, a Continue button will appear. Click it when you are ready to move on. If you are new to online prayer, the basic timing of the screens will guide you through the experience.

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Follow the Star

Daily meditations in words and music.

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Sacred Space

Your daily prayer online, since 1999

“We invite you to make a ‘Sacred Space’ in your day, praying here and now, as you visit our website, with the help of scripture chosen every day and on-screen guidance.”

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Daily C. S. Lewis thoughts

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Saints of the Week,  – June 28 – July 5, 2020

28	Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, c. 202
29	Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles
30
1 1	Pauli Murray, Priest, 1985 Harriet Beecher Stowe, Writer and Prophetic Witness, 1896
2 2	[Moses the Black], Monastic & Martyr, c.400 Walter Rauschenbusch, 1918, Washington Gladden, 1918, and Jacob Riis, 1914, Prophetic Witnesses
3
4	Independence Day

June 21, 2020 – Third Sunday after Pentecost

Solstice and Midsummers Night, June 21-24

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The Week Ahead…

June 21 – Third Sunday after Pentecost

June 21 – 10:00am – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

1. Bulletin

2. Readings, Prayers for Readings and Prayers for Pentecost 3

3. Pentecost 3 Description

June 21 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

June 24 – 10:00am – Ecumenical Bible Study through Zoom

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June 28 – Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

June 28 – 10:00am – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

June 28 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

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Father’s Day, June 21, 2020

Today on Father’s Day we asked the congregation to supply pictures of their fathers

Read our Father’s day poem

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How do we reopen St. Peter’s ?

Read the document from the Diocese of Virginia on Phase II reopening

In the meantime can we have outdoor services ? YES

Read the document from the Diocese of Virginia on outdoor services

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Lectionary, June 28, 2020, Pentecost 4,  Proper 8, Year A

I.Theme –    Living in a new way

 "Calling of the Disciples" – Domenico Ghirlandaio (1481)

The lectionary readings are here  or individually: 

Old Testament – Jeremiah 28:5-9
Psalm – Psalm 89:1-4,15-18 Page 713, BCP
Epistle –Romans 6:12-23
Gospel – Matthew 10:40-42

Today’s readings bring us face to face with the intricate balance of God’s judgment and God’s mercy. Jeremiah challenges his hearers to confront the discomfort of God’s judgment. Paul reminds the Roman community that their baptism was a death to sin and they now have a choice to live for God. In the gospel, Jesus reminds us that the response given to his disciples is also a response to him.

Read more…

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Read 40% of the Bible this Summer

It takes just 70 hours and 40 minutes to read the Bible through “at pulpit rate,” and aloud! So when do you sleep and eat?

There is another way. We have a plan to read 40% of the Bible during June and July in the slower days of summer. This takes about 25 minutes a day to see the big picture of scripture. Within these 60 days, there are 6 days to catchup after 37 days.

Get your mind off of pandemic ! Step into a productive way to spend part of the summer! Schedule is online

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Jump into Midsummer’s Night

We pass Midsummer’s Night in June . European celebrations that accompany the actual solstice, or that take place on a day between June 21 and June 24, and the preceding evening

The Midsummer’s night celebration began in pre -Christian times when it was believed that forces could slip between this world and the next at a time when there was more light than at any time of the year. Fires were lit to ward off the evil spirits.

We may think of Midsummer’s Night in terms of Shakespeare’s play of the same name. Ironically, most of the play takes place in a dark forest in a wild, mysterious atmosphere, rather than in the light, in which the magical elements of Shakespeare’s plot can be played out. One of the subplots involves the brawl of the ferries, Oberon and Titania which creates a disturbance in nature.

Prayers at the Close of Day. There are many Anglican prayer books in the world- at least 50. The Prayer book is a treasure trove of spiritual richness. Each has unique prayers as we conclude our day. Here are a sample:

From the New Zealand Prayer Book:

“Support us, Lord, all the day long, until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over, and our work done; then Lord, in your mercy, give us safe lodging, a holy rest and peace at the last. God our judge and our companion, we thank you for the good we did this day and for all that has given us joy. Everything we offer as our humble service. Bless those with whom we have worked, and those who are our concern. Amen”

From the Book of Common Prayer (1979)

“O God, your unfailing providence sustains the world we live in and the life we live: Watch over those, both night and day, who work while others sleep, and grant that we may never forget that our common life depends upon each other’s toil; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”________________________________________

“Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.”

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This past week was the summer solstice, the beginning of the summer when the sun is highest in the sky. So what does the Bible have to say about summer ?

Psalm 74:17  "You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth; you have made summer and winter."

Luke 21:30   "As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near."

Luke 21:29-36   "And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."

Psalm 32:4    "For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah"

Genesis 8:22   "While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”

Mark 13:28   “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near."

Read more…

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Praying Differently this Summer

1. With Clenched Hands

Close your eyes and clench your hands tightly.

Imagine all the pressures and worries and tensions you carry here today. We hold on to a lot of things.

Then, in your own time, turn your gripped hands over so that they are facing down. Imagine God’s hands underneath yours and slowly open your hands so that the things you are carrying fall into God’s hands.

You may wish to repeat this several times. Turn your hands face up, but this time with the palms open and ask God’s Spirit to fill you afresh everything.

2.Worry Knots

As you think about these things, tie a knot in the rope to represent each worry and how it ties you up inside.

Matthew 6:25-34 reminds us, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”.

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

As you untie each knot you made ask God to help you problem-solve when and how you can.

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Anything but Ordinary! Ordinary Time

Make a Gift Today! Help our ministries make a difference during the Pandemic 1. Newcomers – Welcome Page 2. Contact the Rev Catherine Hicks, Rector 3. St. Peter’s Sunday News 4. Server Schedule June 2020 5. Latest Newsletter-the Parish Post (June , 2020) 6. Calendar 7. Parish Ministries 8. This past Sunday 9. Latest Sunday Bulletin (June 28, 2020 10:00am),  and Sermon (June 21, 2020) 10. Recent Services:  Pentecost, May 31, 2020 Readings and prayers from Pentecost, May 31, 2020 Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2020 Readings and prayers from Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2020 Pentecost 2, June 14, 2020 Readings and prayers from Pentecost 2, June 14, 2020

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Block Print by Mike Newman

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Projects 

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Colors for Year A, 2019-20

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Daily “Day by Day”

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3-Minute Retreats invite you to take a short prayer break right at your computer. Spend some quiet time reflecting on a Scripture passage.

Knowing that not everyone prays at the same pace, you have control over the pace of the retreat. After each screen, a Continue button will appear. Click it when you are ready to move on. If you are new to online prayer, the basic timing of the screens will guide you through the experience.

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Follow the Star

Daily meditations in words and music.

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Sacred Space

Your daily prayer online, since 1999

“We invite you to make a ‘Sacred Space’ in your day, praying here and now, as you visit our website, with the help of scripture chosen every day and on-screen guidance.”

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Daily C. S. Lewis thoughts

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Saints of the Week,  – June 21 – June 28, 2020

22	Alban, First Martyr of Britain, c. 304
23
24	The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
25	James Weldon Johnson, Poet, 1938
26	[Isabel Florence Hapgood], Ecumenist, 1929
27	Cornelius Hill, Priest, 1907
28	Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, c. 202

June 14, 2020 – Second Sunday after Pentecost

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The Week Ahead…

June 14 – 10:00am, Second Sunday of Pentecost – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

1. Bulletin

2. Readings, Prayers for Readings and Prayers for Pentecost 2

3. Pentecost 2 Description

June 14 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

June 17 – 10:00am – Ecumenical Bible Study through Zoom– Join here at 9:30am for gathering Meeting ID 871 4255 8446, Password 144832

June 19 – 7:00pm – Reading Compline through Zoom– Join here at 6:30pm for gathering Meeting ID: 886 1366 5981 Password: 769116

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June 21 – Third Sunday after Pentecost

June 21 – 10:00am, Third Sunday of Pentecost – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

June 21 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

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For Quiet Confidence (Book of Common Prayer, Page 832)

O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Reading Compline

Compline service, Fri, June 19 at 7:00pm, on Zoom in celebration of the Summer solstice on June 20. People have been reciting this last service of the day since the 6th century and takes less than 30 minutes.

“May the God of peace…equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight.” — Prayer from An Order for Compline, The Book of Common Prayer

The ancient office of Compline derives its name from a Latin word meaning ‘completion.’ The office provides quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day. Compline begins on page 127 in The Book of Common Prayer.

Kate Mears wrote the following for Maundy Thursday in 2016 to illustrate how Compline helped her through a hard time.

“It’s hard to think about what enough means after a disaster. With so many people so acutely struggling right in your own community, you know you must do something. But how many things can you do? Who can you serve? Who are you missing who is still in desperate need? And when can you stop and catch your breath? When are you allowed to rest?

“This concept of enough, these questions kept me up at night when I was helping clear out flooded homes in the months following Katrina in New Orleans. Had I done enough? Had I forgotten anyone? Had I prioritized those we could serve properly, justly? I could never answer those questions. I still can’t.

“But in the months following the storm, I found that I could quiet them through prayer. I lit a candle next to my bed almost every night and read the Compline service to myself, whispering both parts in the darkness.

“Most nights, that routine, those words I grew to know by heart, were all the prayer that I could muster with my scattered, distracted mind. But somehow that ritual, that flame, those whispers and that connection to God kept the anxiety at bay.

My time in prayer reminded me that while the challenges are many, they’re not mine to shoulder alone. There will always be enough work for tomorrow, but in the meantime, we can sit with the darkness and the quiet and try, for a moment, to find some peace and strength for what lies ahead – and to know that God is always enough.”

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 Lectionary, June 21, 2020  Third Sunday after Pentecost

I.Theme –  Living in a new way

 "Calling of the Disciples" – Domenico Ghirlandaio (1481)

The lectionary readings are here  or individually:
Old Testament – Jeremiah 20:7-13
Psalm – Psalm 69: 8-11, (12-17), 18-20
Epistle –Romans 6:1b-11
Gospel – Matthew 10:24-39

Today’s readings help us to recognize that God’s strength will always help us as we witness to our faith. In the face of terror, the prophet Jeremiah remembers God’s promises. Paul reminds the Roman community that God’s great gift of salvation overflows freely. In the gospel, Jesus reassures his disciples of their great worth to God.

Read more about the lectionary..

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World Refugee Day, June 20

World Refugee Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000 to honor the contributions of those we do not know, refugees throughout the world, and to raise awareness about the growing refugee crisis in places like Syria and Central Africa and to focus on ways to improve the lives of refugees

What is a refugee? Refugee” is a legal term used to define an individual who:

“…owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it.” (1951 Geneva Refugee Convention.) 

Many of the characters we know in the Bible were refugees – Adam and Eve, Cain, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Lot, Hagar and Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Esau, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Naomi, Ruth, David, Elijah, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Mordecai, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Jesus, Peter, John and much of the Early Church.

Scripture supports refugees.  “So, show your love for the alien.”- Deuteronomy 10:17-19.

“Be a safe place for those on the run from the killing fields.” Isaiah 16:4

The Old Testament, particularly the first five books, is covered with references to the “stranger”.

An important New Testament passage about strangers is Matthew 25:31-40.” for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me”.

Scholars have argued that in the New Testament, “stranger” and “neighbor” are in fact synonymous. Thus, the Golden Rule, “love your neighbor as yourself,” refers not just to people whom you know—your “neighbors” in a conventional sense—but also to people whom you do not know.

Today in 2020, an unprecedented 70.8 million people around the world have been forced from home.  This is up from 65.3 million 3 years ago. Among them are nearly 25.9 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. 57% of the refugees come from 3 countries – Syria,  Afghanistan, and South Sudan

There are also 3.9 million stateless people who have been denied a nationality and access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment and freedom of movement.

In a world where nearly 1 person is forcibly displaced every two seconds as a result of conflict or persecution, our work at UNHCR is more important than ever before.

Episcopal Migration Ministries is the refugee resettlement program of the Episcopal Church, and a living example of the Church’s commitment to aid the stranger. In 2016, EMM helped over 5,700 refugees from 35 countries build new lives in peace and security in 30 communities across the United States. EMM collaborates with local partner agencies in 27 Episcopal dioceses and 23 states to welcome those fleeing persecution. 

Role of Episcopal Migration Ministries

There are three durable solutions for refugees: repatriation, integration, and resettlement. Thankfully, in many cases, refugees are able to repatriate or return to their home countries once the conflicts there have ceased and civil society has stabilized. Other refugees, who may not be able to return home, are able instead to integrate into the country of first asylum – the country to which they fled for safety. The remaining group of refugees – less than 1 in 100 refugees – is resettled to another nation.

Episcopal Migration Ministries is the church’s foremost response to refugee crises. Working in partnership with offices and groups within the church as well as with governments, non-government organizations (NGOs), and a network of affiliated offices, Episcopal Migration Ministries assures safe passage and provides vital services for thousands of refugee families upon their arrival in America: English language and cultural orientation classes, employment services, school enrollment, and initial assistance with housing and transportation. For each family, the goal is self-reliance and self-determination. After years of living in limbo, thanks to Episcopal Migration Ministries, refugees now have the opportunity to begin again on a strong foundation that honors their stories and dignity.

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Why We Should Welcome Refugees?

Business Insider has written.."Immigrants can strengthen nations. A UK study found migrants boosted the British economy, deepened its labor force, raised wages of native workers, and boosted tax revenues.

"An influx of refugees into Denmark in the 1980s created increased competition for jobs, which encouraged native Danish workers to boost their skill sets. A German economist said immigration would quickly boost economic output in the EU (Euractiv).

"Many thriving entrepreneurs are also immigrants, such as Elon Musk of Tesla, Google’s Sergey Brin, and WhatsApp’s Jan Koum. Oh, and Steve Jobs’ dad was a Syrian immigrant."  Enterpreneur Magazine has said the same thing. Plus refugees bring their own skillset – "By bringing their unique perspectives and skill sets to a new country, refugees are more than capable of finding new ways of doing business." Many are not trying to take jobs but create jobs.

Moreover throughout the Bible there are numerous statements from the Old to the New Testament on welcoming the stranger."Deuteronomy 10: "You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." The in Hebrews 13: "Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it."

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“Politics, Peace and Justice” – Bishop Rob Wright, Diocese of Atlanta

To speak out against injustice these days is to be labeled as being “political and divisive.” But those seeking to dismiss justice seekers with these labels don’t know just how accurate they are! Jesus was also condemned for being political and divisive. He was political because his life, death and teachings were about the public affairs of his faith and nation. And he was divisive too! He pointed out the difference between abuse and leadership, darkness and light, selfishness and other-centeredness. Why else was he lynched on Calvary in front of his mother?

Jesus was political but not partisan. He didn’t support any religious or political leader or party. His politics were The Great Commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and your neighbor as yourself.” His political talking points were the Law and the Prophets. He spoke of equity and justice as the tangible evidence of love.

And Jesus spoke of the peril of a world where we avert our eyes from a neighbor left beaten and bloodied on a road side. Jesus stood waist deep in the tradition of the Hebrew prophets, who because of their great sensitivity to human suffering cried out in the public square and in the elite corridors of power. Even a cursory glance at scripture reveals these facts. So then, how is it possible to read the gospel on Sunday and deny its ramifications on Monday? What has bewitched the church that she does not speak in one voice against injustice? How can people be the church and regularly pledge to “…strive for justice and peace among all people…” and not see Jesus’ politics are justice.

Read more from Rob Wright..

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Read 40% of the Bible this Summer

It takes just 70 hours and 40 minutes to read the Bible through “at pulpit rate,” and aloud! So when do you sleep and eat?

There is another way. We have a plan to read 40% of the Bible during June and July in the slower days of summer. This takes about 25 minutes a day to see the big picture of scripture. Within these 60 days, there are 6 days to catchup after 37 days.

Get your mind off of pandemic ! Step into a productive way to spend part of the summer! Schedule is online

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Praying Differently this Summer

1. With Clenched Hands

Close your eyes and clench your hands tightly.

Imagine all the pressures and worries and tensions you carry here today. We hold on to a lot of things.

Then, in your own time, turn your gripped hands over so that they are facing down. Imagine God’s hands underneath yours and slowly open your hands so that the things you are carrying fall into God’s hands.

You may wish to repeat this several times. Turn your hands face up, but this time with the palms open and ask God’s Spirit to fill you afresh everything.

2.Worry Knots

As you think about these things, tie a knot in the rope to represent each worry and how it ties you up inside.

Matthew 6:25-34 reminds us, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”.

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

As you untie each knot you made ask God to help you problem-solve when and how you can.

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Anything but Ordinary! Ordinary Time

Make a Gift Today! Help our ministries make a difference during the Pandemic 1. Newcomers – Welcome Page 2. Contact the Rev Catherine Hicks, Rector 3. St. Peter’s Sunday News 4. Server Schedule June 2020 5. Latest Newsletter-the Parish Post (June , 2020) 6. Calendar 7. Parish Ministries 8. This past Sunday 9. Latest Sunday Bulletin (June 14, 2020 10:00am),  and Sermon (June 14, 2020) 10. Recent Services:  Easter 7, May 24, 2020 Readings and prayers from Easter 7, May 24, 2020 Pentecost, May 31, 2020 Readings and prayers from Pentecost, May 31, 2020 Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2020 Readings and prayers from Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2020

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Block Print by Mike Newman

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Projects 

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Colors for Year A, 2019-20

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Daily “Day by Day”

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3-Minute Retreats invite you to take a short prayer break right at your computer. Spend some quiet time reflecting on a Scripture passage.

Knowing that not everyone prays at the same pace, you have control over the pace of the retreat. After each screen, a Continue button will appear. Click it when you are ready to move on. If you are new to online prayer, the basic timing of the screens will guide you through the experience.

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Follow the Star

Daily meditations in words and music.

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Sacred Space

Your daily prayer online, since 1999

“We invite you to make a ‘Sacred Space’ in your day, praying here and now, as you visit our website, with the help of scripture chosen every day and on-screen guidance.”

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Daily C. S. Lewis thoughts

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Saints of the Week,  – June 14 – June 21, 2020

14 14	Basil the Great, Bishop of Caesarea, 379 Gilbert Keith Chesterton, Apologist and Writer, 1936
15	Evelyn Underhill, Mystic & Writer, 1941
16	Joseph Butler, 1752, and George Berkeley, 1753, Bishops and Theologians
17	[Marina the Monk], Monastic, 5th c.
18	Bernard Mizeki, Catechist and Martyr in Mashonaland, 1896
19	[Adelaide Tegue Case], Educator, 1948
20
21

June 7, 2020 – First Sunday after Pentecost, Trinity Sunday

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The Week Ahead…

June 7 – 10:00am, Trinity Sunday – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

1. Bulletin

2. Readings, Prayers for Readings and Prayers for Trinity Sunday

3. Trinity Sunday- Description

June 7 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

June 10 – 10:00am – Ecumenical Bible Study through Zoom– Join hereat 9:30am for gathering Meeting ID 871 4255 8446, Password 144832

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June 14 – Second Sunday after Pentecost

June 14 – 10:00am – Join here at 9:30am for gathering – service starts at 10am Meeting ID 834 7356 6532 Password 748475

June 14 – 11:15am – National Cathedral church service online

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For Quiet Confidence (Book of Common Prayer, Page 832)

O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Celebrating the Rappahannock River on Trinity Sunday

 

This Sunday is Trinity Sunday, June 7, 2020. The first reading is taken from the creation story in Genesis, Genesis 1:1-2:4a. There is a portion which deals with the waters

“And God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.

“And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.”

It led me to think of the Rappahannock River, a portion which flows by St. Peter’s and Port Royal. We have celebrated River in a yearly celebration “Gospel on the River” and on Easter Sunday at the Sunrise service.

The King Singers have recently released “Down in the River to Pray”, recorded acapella from their homes during COVID-19. They write, “From our homes during isolation, we recorded a song which has been very special to us ever since it was arranged by our former baritone, Philip Lawson, in 2002.” Photographs of the Rappahannock river in various seasons at various events were combined with their vocal adaptation to create a video celebrating the peace and spiritual nature of that river.

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How do we reopen St. Peter’s ?

Read the document from the Diocese of Virginia

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 Lectionary, June 14, 2020  Second Sunday after Pentecost

I.Theme –    Living in a new way

 "Calling of the Disciples" – Domenico Ghirlandaio (1481)

The lectionary readings are here  or individually:
Old Testament – Exodus 19:2-8a
Psalm – Psalm 100
Epistle – Romans 5:1-8
Gospel – Matthew 9:35-10:8(9-23)

Today’s readings remind us of God’s saving work in our world and our participation and cooperation to accomplish God’s plan. In Exodus God recounts the saving deeds performed for the people and makes a covenant with them. Paul reminds us that our reconciliation to God in Jesus Christ will lead to our salvation. In the gospel, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples to carry his work and message throughout Israel.

Read more about the lectionary…

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Remembering St. Barnabas, June 11

St. Barnabus Curing the Poor – Paolo Veronese.

Collect for his day -"Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the well­being of your Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

Who is St. Barnabus and why do we celebrate a feast day for him ?

Three reasons why Barnabas is a famous saint:

1. He was one of the most highly respected leaders in the early church. Born on the island of Cyprus (which means “copper” because of the mines there), his name was Joseph, but the apostles called him Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”).

2. When Saul (as Paul was still known) appeared in Jerusalem after his conversion, he was spurned by the Christians he had persecuted. Yet when Barnabas “took him by the hand, and brought him to the Apostles”, and spoke up for him, Paul was immediately accepted (Acts 9:27).   

He was Paul’s mentor and advocate and was the leader when he and Paul were sent off on the first missionary journey. But Paul’s personality and fervor soon dominated.

Where it had been “Barnabas and Paul”, it was now “Paul and Barnabas”. (See Acts, Chapter 13.)

3. Barnabas was so vital to the spread of the Gospel that he earned the highest accolade that any Christian can receive; “. . . . he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith”. (Acts 11:24) 

Around 49, at a council in Jerusalem, St Peter helped to carry the argument of Paul and Barnabas that Gentile Christians need not be circumcised.

It is odd, therefore, to discover Barnabas and Peter siding against Paul in refusing to eat with the Gentiles (Gal 2:13). Was this a matter of personal sympathy? The last we hear of Barnabas is of his falling out with Paul over the latter’s refusal to accept John Mark as a travelling companion.

“So sharp was their disagreement, that they separated from each other; Barnabas took Mark with him, and sailed off to Cyprus.” (Acts 15:36-40)

So Barnabas passes from the written record. Tradition holds that he preached in Alexandria and Rome, before being martyred at Salamis.

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Read 40% of the Bible this Summer

It takes just 70 hours and 40 minutes to read the Bible through “at pulpit rate,” and aloud! So when do you sleep and eat?

There is another way. We have a plan to read 40% of the Bible during June and July in the slower days of summer. This takes about 25 minutes a day to see the big picture of scripture. Within these 60 days, there are 6 days to catchup after 37 days.

Get your mind off of pandemic ! Step into a productive way to spend part of the summer! Schedule is online

---

Praying Differently this Summer

1. With Clenched Hands

Close your eyes and clench your hands tightly.

Imagine all the pressures and worries and tensions you carry here today. We hold on to a lot of things.

Then, in your own time, turn your gripped hands over so that they are facing down. Imagine God’s hands underneath yours and slowly open your hands so that the things you are carrying fall into God’s hands.

You may wish to repeat this several times. Turn your hands face up, but this time with the palms open and ask God’s Spirit to fill you afresh everything.

2.Worry Knots

As you think about these things, tie a knot in the rope to represent each worry and how it ties you up inside.

Matthew 6:25-34 reminds us, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”.

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

As you untie each knot you made ask God to help you problem-solve when and how you can.

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Anything but Ordinary! Ordinary Time

Make a Gift Today! Help our ministries make a difference during the Pandemic 1. Newcomers – Welcome Page 2. Contact the Rev Catherine Hicks, Rector 3. St. Peter’s Sunday News 4. Server Schedule June, 2020 5. Latest Newsletter-the Parish Post (June , 2020) 6. Calendar 7. Parish Ministries 8. This past Sunday 9. Latest Sunday Bulletin (June 14, 2020 10:00am),  and Sermon (June 7, 2020) 10. Recent Services:  Easter 6, May 17, 2020 Photos from Easter 6, May 17, 2020 Easter 7, May 24, 2020 Photos from Easter 7, May 24, 2020 Pentecost, May 31, 2020 Photos from Pentecost, May 31, 2020

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Block Print by Mike Newman

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Projects 

---

Colors for Year A, 2019-20

---

 

Daily “Day by Day”

---

3-Minute Retreats invite you to take a short prayer break right at your computer. Spend some quiet time reflecting on a Scripture passage.

Knowing that not everyone prays at the same pace, you have control over the pace of the retreat. After each screen, a Continue button will appear. Click it when you are ready to move on. If you are new to online prayer, the basic timing of the screens will guide you through the experience.

---

Follow the Star

Daily meditations in words and music.

---

Sacred Space

Your daily prayer online, since 1999

“We invite you to make a ‘Sacred Space’ in your day, praying here and now, as you visit our website, with the help of scripture chosen every day and on-screen guidance.”

---

Daily C. S. Lewis thoughts

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Saints of the Week,  – June 7 – June 14, 2020

7	The Pioneers of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil, 1890
8 8	[Melania the Elder], Monastic, 410 Roland Allen, Mission Strategist, 1947
9	Columba, Abbot of Iona, 597
10	Ephrem of Nisibis, Deacon & Poet, 373
11	Saint Barnabas the Apostle
12	Enmegahbowh, Priest and Missionary, 1902
13
14 14	Basil the Great, Bishop of Caesarea, 379 Gilbert Keith Chesterton, Apologist and Writer, 1936