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January 27, 2019 – Epiphany 3

Signs of spring are slowly appearing (with some continued cold weather) From top to bottom, left to right – daffodils, sycamore, Japanese magnolia,ice!,dogwood

Pictures and text from this Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019

The Week Ahead…

Jan. 30 – 10:00-12pm – Ecumenical Bible Study

Feb. 3 – 10am – Adult Education – Good Book Club – Romans

Feb. 3 – 10am – Children’s Education Living the Good News

Feb. 3 – 11am – Holy Eucharist, Epiphany 4

Feb. 3 – 12pm – Souper Bowl Collection

Feb. 3 – 12pm – Coffee Hour Potluck at the Heimbach home

Sunday, Feb. 3 Readings and Servers

Reading Romans during Epiphany

Read Romans during Epiphany which began Jan. 7. This is sponsored by Forward Movement, the people who make “Day by Day” and encouraged throughout the Episcopal Church. They call the initiative the “Good Book Club.”

We covered chapters 1 and 2 on Jan 20 and hope to get through Chapter 5 on Feb 3. (There’s your assignment!)

Why Read Romans ?
from J. I. Packer, Canadian Theologian.

Paul’s primary theme in Romans is the basic gospel, God’s plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind, Jew and Gentile alike.

Paul’s purposes for writing this letter were varied:

1. He wrote to prepare the way for his coming visit to Rome and his proposed mission to Spain (1:10-15; 15:22-29).

2. He wrote to present the basic system of salvation to a church that had not received the teaching of an apostle before.

3. He sought to explain the relationship between Jew and Gentile in God’s overall plan of redemption. The Jewish Christians were being rejected by the larger Gentile group in the church because the Jewish believers still felt constrained to observe dietary laws and sacred days.

There are 50 daily readings here from January 7 to March 5. The readings are in manageable chunks plus there are resources to help you along the way.

Links

1. The Readings

2. Basic Resources

3. Catherine’s Roman’s Outline

4. Catherine’s Roman’s Study Guide

5. Indepth Resource

Epiphany –  Jan 6 until Lent  begins March 6, 2019

Adoration of the Magi – Bartholomäus Zeitblom (c. 1450 – c. 1519)

The English word “Epiphany” comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, which means “appearing” or “revealing.” Epiphany focuses on God’s self-revelation in Christ.  

Epiphany celebrates the twelfth day of Christmas, the coming of the Magi to give homage to God’s Beloved Child. 

The Epiphany celebration remembers the three miracles that manifest the divinity of Christ. The celebration originated in the Eastern Church in AD 361, beginning as a commemoration of the birth of Christ. Later, additional meanings were added – the visit of the three Magi, Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River with the voice from heaven that identifies Jesus as God’s son, and his first miracle at the wedding in Cana. These three events are central to the definition of Epiphany, and its meaning is drawn from these occurrences.

More about Epiphany

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and Candlemas

“Today is a day of purification, renewal, and hope.”
 

The Presentation of our Lord commemorates when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem where he was greeted by Simeon and Anna. By the Law every first born male was to be consecrated to the Lord.” This happened 40 days after his birth at Christmas.

It is a feast day though it does not often fall on a Sunday. Candlemas occurs at a period between the December solstice and the March equinox, so many people traditionally marked that time of the year as winter’s “halfway point” while waiting for the spring.  

Candlemas is actually a very old feast, celebrated by both the churches of the East and the West, and in some places it is on this day that the creche is finally removed from the church.  The passage from The words in this scripture are often part of Compline

According to some sources, Christians began Candlemas in Jerusalem as early as the fourth century and the lighting of candles began in the fifth century. Other sources say that Candlemas was observed by blessing candles since the 11th century. An early writing dating back to around 380 CE mentioned that a feast of the Presentation occurred in a church in Jerusalem. It was observed on February 14. The feast was observed on February 2 in regions where Christ’s birth was celebrated on December 25.  It is also Groundhog Day in the United States and Canada on February 2.

Candles are blessed on this day (hence the name “Candlemas”). It was the day of the year when all the candles, that were used in the church during the coming year, were brought into church and a blessing was said over them – so it was the Festival Day (or ‘mass’) of the Candles. Candles were important in those days not only because there was no electric lights. Some people thought they gave protection against plague and illness and famine. For Christians, they were (and still are) a reminder of something even more important. Before Jesus came to earth, it was as if everyone was ‘in the dark’.

Pieces of these candles are considered of great efficacy in sickness, or otherwise. When a person is dying, a piece is put in his hand lighted, and thus he passes away in the belief that it may light him to Paradise.

Read more about Candlemas… 

Coming this Sunday, Feb. 3… 

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?"– 1 John 3:17.

"Souper Bowl of Caring" is an annual fundraising drive organized in partnership with the NFL. It focuses attention on the issues of hunger and poverty in our community and throughout the world. 149 million will tune into the big game but there are 50 million facing hungry. We would like to "change the game" from hunger to abundance.

It began 29 years ago with a simple prayer : “Lord as we enjoy the Super Bowl, help us to be mindful of those without a bowl of soup to eat.” Souper Bowl evolved into a separate non-profit. During "Souper Bowl of Caring 2019", schools, faith-based organizations and service clubs throughout the United States raised over $8 million that was donated to local charities. There is online video about the program –

St. Peter’s began participating in 2012 so this is our 7th year. The money and food we collect stays local and benefits Caroline County since the proceeds will go to our Village Harvest Food ministry.

Here is our recent record:

You can check out our entire record here 

On Sunday Feb 3, 2019, please make a separate donation at the offertory (with “Souperbowl” in the memo line) or bring in some food for this worthy cause. Our costs average approximately $140 a month so we would appreciate your donations. The youth will be collecting both donations and food outside at the conclusion of the service.

Lectionary, Feb. 3, 2019

I. Theme – The power given us through God’s love and presence. 

Brow of the Hill Near Nazareth" ” – James Tissot (1886-1894) 

"When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way." – Luke 4:28-30

The lectionary readings are here  or individually: 

Old Testament – Jeremiah 1:4-10
Psalm – Psalm 71:1-6
Epistle – 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Gospel – Luke 4:21-30     

Today’s readings reveal the power given us through God’s love and presence. Jeremiah protests his call to prophesy, but God commands him to speak boldly. Paul teaches a quarreling community that, while all the spiritual gifts have value, respect and love for each other deeply empower us. Jesus proclaims that the power of his ministry will not be confined to his hometown or even to his faith community.

The two major themes in this week’s reading stand out in clear relief: Firstly, God’s grace is not always a comfortable and gentle thing to experience. Integral to God’s grace is the work of justice which distresses the comfortable and self-assured (the "no") even as it comforts the distressed (the "yes"). Jeremiah is told that his message will not only build up but break down; The psalmist reflects on his vulnerability and the threat of evil in spite of his long life of relationship with God; The love that Paul speaks about is not an easy or comfortable way to follow, but challenges our self-centredness and lethargy toward others; and finally, Jesus makes it clear that his ministry is not “friendly” and non-disruptive, but a life-changing, all-inclusive confrontation of self-righteousness and injustice

Secondly, as with Jesus’ near execution in Luke, those who choose to follow Christ in his liberating work, must expect that they will find themselves in confrontation with injustice and those who propagate it. This will inevitably lead to great sacrifice and suffering. The work of grace is not all acceptance and healing. Sometimes it is a wounding battle – not least because we are called to love even those we challenge

Read more..

January 20, 2019 – Epiphany 2

From left to right, top to bottom , The peace, Birthday celebration Cookie Davis, Welcoming Susan Tilt, junior ushers, the balloon girl!, Sermon on the Wedding of Cana, Weather whipping up on the Rappahannock

Pictures and text from this Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019

The Week Ahead…

Jan. 23 – 10:00-12pm – Ecumenical Bible Study

Jan. 27 – 10am – Living the Good News (children)

Jan. 27 – 11am – Morning Prayer

Sunday, Jan. 27 Readings and Servers

Village Harvest, Jan. 16

The first Village Harvest of 2019 brought 110 people on snow covered ground on Jan. 16. The snow was still around from Sunday when services were canceled.

Read more…

We have the Congregational meeting reports online in several formats –  as a spread, pdf format and book formats: 

1.  Web This shows the reports as a table of contents in the left sidebar and you can click on the reports which will display in the right pane. Below the table of contents are also the PDF and flash formats described below.

2.  PDF

3.  Book view. Looks like a book with table of contents, flipping pages, searching, etc.

Reading Romans during Epiphany

Read Romans during Epiphany beginning on Jan 7. This is sponsored by Forward Movement, the people who make “Day by Day” and encouraged throughout the Episcopal Church. They call the initiative the “Good Book Club.”

Why Read Romans ?
from J. I. Packer, Canadian Theologian.

Paul’s primary theme in Romans is the basic gospel, God’s plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind, Jew and Gentile alike.

Paul’s purposes for writing this letter were varied:

1. He wrote to prepare the way for his coming visit to Rome and his proposed mission to Spain (1:10-15; 15:22-29).

2. He wrote to present the basic system of salvation to a church that had not received the teaching of an apostle before.

3. He sought to explain the relationship between Jew and Gentile in God’s overall plan of redemption. The Jewish Christians were being rejected by the larger Gentile group in the church because the Jewish believers still felt constrained to observe dietary laws and sacred days.

There are 50 daily readings here from January 7 to March 5. The readings are in manageable chunks plus there are resources to help you along the way.

Links

1. The Readings

2. Basic Resources

3. Catherine’s Roman’s Outline

4. Catherine’s Roman’s Study Guide

5. Indepth Resource

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Jan 18-25, 2019

Theme for 2019:
"Your right hand, O Lord, glorious in power;"
Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue …(Deuteronomy 16:18-20)

At least once a year, Christians are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (see John 17.21). Hearts are touched and Christians come together to pray for their unity. Congregations and parishes all over the world exchange preachers or arrange special ecumenical celebrations and prayer services. The event that touches off this special experience is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Traditionally the week of prayer is celebrated between 18-25 January, between the feasts of St Peter and St Paul.

Brochure for 2019. Readings are here. 

"The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019 has been prepared by Christians from Indonesia. With a population of 265 million, 86% of whom are reckoned to be Muslim, Indonesia is well known as having the largest Muslim population of any country. However, about 10% of Indonesians are Christian from various traditions. In terms of both population and the vast extension of the country Indonesia is the biggest nation in South East Asia. The nation is founded on five principles called Pancasila, with the motto Bhineka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). Across the diversity of ethnicity, language and religion, Indonesians have lived by the principle of gotong royong which is to live in solidarity and by collaboration.

“This always fragile harmony is today threatened in new ways. Much of the economic growth that Indonesia has experienced in recent decades has been built on a system that has competition at its heart. This is in stark contrast to the collaboration of gotong royong. Corruption is experienced in many forms. It infects politics and business, often with devastating consequences for the environment. In particular, corruption undermines justice and the implementation of law. Moved by these concerns, the Christians of Indonesia found that the words of Deuteronomy, “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue …” (see Deut. 16:18-20) spoke powerfully to their situation and needs. Before the people of God enter the land God has promised them they renew their commitment to the Covenant God established with them."

Conversion of St. Paul, Jan 25 – in art and words 

On January 25 we remember how Saul (or Paul) of Tarsus, formerly a persecutor of the early Christian Church, was led by God’s grace to become one of its chief spokesmen. Here are two art works that depict the event :

“The Conversion on the Way to Damascus; ” (1601)   “ The Conversion of St. Paul ” Nicolas-Bernard Lepicie, 1767

 "and suddenly a light from heaven shined round about him. And falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Who said: Who art thou, Lord? And he: I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. " Acts 9: 3-5

The Italian painter Caravaggio painted the one on the left in 1601 for the Cerasi Chapel of the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, in Rome. The painting depicts the moment recounted in Chapter 9 of Acts of the Apostles when Saul, soon to be the apostle Paul, fell on the road to Damascus.

Caravaggio is close to the Bible. The horse is there and, to hold him, a groom, but the drama is internalized within the mind of Saul. There is no heavenly apparition. He lies on the ground stunned, his eyes closed as if dazzled by the light.

Caravaggio’s style featured a dark background with usually one point of breaking light. Paul is flung off of his horse and is seen on his back on the ground. Although Paul reflects the most light out of all the characters, the attention is given to him in a strange way. Because Paul is on the ground, he is much smaller than the horse, which is also at the center of the painting but he is pictured closer to the viewer.

The second painting constrast with Caravaggio in the use of color and light. This one has some of the most vibrant colors.  Heaven’s light is shown coming dynamically from left to right.  The painting is like the key frame in a movie on the conversion.  At the time Lepicie was a professor at the  Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture in Paris

Read more about Paul’s conversion… 

Epiphany –  Jan 6 until Lent  begins March 6, 2019

Adoration of the Magi – Bartholomäus Zeitblom (c. 1450 – c. 1519)

The English word “Epiphany” comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, which means “appearing” or “revealing.” Epiphany focuses on God’s self-revelation in Christ.  

Epiphany celebrates the twelfth day of Christmas, the coming of the Magi to give homage to God’s Beloved Child. 

The Epiphany celebration remembers the three miracles that manifest the divinity of Christ. The celebration originated in the Eastern Church in AD 361, beginning as a commemoration of the birth of Christ. Later, additional meanings were added – the visit of the three Magi, Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River with the voice from heaven that identifies Jesus as God’s son, and his first miracle at the wedding in Cana. These three events are central to the definition of Epiphany, and its meaning is drawn from these occurrences.

More about Epiphany

Coming in 2 weeks, Feb. 3… 

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?"– 1 John 3:17.

"Souper Bowl of Caring" is an annual fundraising drive organized in partnership with the NFL. It focuses attention on the issues of hunger and poverty in our community and throughout the world. 149 million will tune into the big game but there are 50 million facing hungry. We would like to "change the game" from hunger to abundance.

It began 29 years ago with a simple prayer : “Lord as we enjoy the Super Bowl, help us to be mindful of those without a bowl of soup to eat.” Souper Bowl evolved into a separate non-profit. During "Souper Bowl of Caring 2019", schools, faith-based organizations and service clubs throughout the United States raised over $8 million that was donated to local charities. There is online video about the program –

St. Peter’s began participating in 2012 so this is our 7th year. The money and food we collect stays local and benefits Caroline County since the proceeds will go to our Village Harvest Food ministry.

Here is our recent record:

You can check out our entire record here 

On Sunday Feb 3, 2019, please make a separate donation at the offertory (with “Souperbowl” in the memo line) or bring in some food for this worthy cause. The youth will be collecting both donations and food outside at the conclusion of the service.

Lectionary, Jan. 27, 2019

I. Theme – The importance of community

Prisoners Exercising” – Van Gogh (1890)

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free,  to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."

The lectionary readings are here  or individually: 

Old Testament – Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm – Psalm 19
Epistle – 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Gospel – Luke 4:14-21     

Today’s readings address us as a community rather than a group of individuals. In Nehemiah, we hear the heartfelt response of God’s people as God’s word is read aloud to the community restored from exile. Paul compares the community of the Church to a body, each individual member necessary to the body as a whole.

The lectionary readings this week have a pattern of linking the art of reading scripture, interpretation and preaching, but we are wise to remember that these are not the only spiritual gifts.  Paul reminds us that we need teachers, leaders, interpreters, those who help others in addition to preaching—but there are greater gifts, gifts of faith, hope, compassion, care—and love. These are the gifts that are needed in our world today. All other gifts—preaching, teaching, leading, etc.—should work to the benefit of God’s gift of love.  

Luke shows Jesus as he begins his ministry by proclaiming God’s word to his hometown community gathered at a synagogue. We are watching Jesus of Nazareth work out being the Son of God. At the point of Luke chapter 4, the title "Son of God" does not signify the second person of the Holy Trinity, it does not yet entail actual divinity, Jesus has still to work that out; and though it was already true of him,  At this point in the gospel, to be the Son of God is to be the royal prince of Israel, the true king of the Jews, of the House and lineage of David, the entitled one, the anointed one, the christos, the Christ, the Messiah. 

Today we read of him going public and developing his campaign. He doesn’t go straight to Jerusalem. He does the synagogues, explaining the book of the law of Moses, the Torah. Like Ezra in our reading from Nehemiah. He read the law and made sense of it so the people could understand it, he was giving them interpretation and inspiration and hope. From our perspective we can see him as God having come among God’s people, God talking to them again. But they would not have seen him as the Messiah, doing that. King David was not a teacher. They saw him as a rabbi and a prophet. 

He chooses to announce that he’s the Messiah in his own home town, in the town hall, which is the synagogue. He does it by simply reading from the Isaiah scroll.

Read more..

January 13, 2019 – Epiphany 1 and Baptism of Christ

From left to right, top to bottom: Daniel Bonnell (20th), Nicholas-Poussin (1650’s), Luis Garcia (21st),Gustave Doré (1866), He Qui (2003), Giotto (1305), Giovanni Bellini (1500-02),Alessandro Magnasco (1740), Fra Angelico (1441)

January 13, 2019 – Epiphany 1 – Baptism of Christ

The Week Ahead…

Jan. 16 – 10:00-12pm – Ecumenical Bible Study

Jan. 16 – 3:00-5pm – Village Harvest distribution

Help needed: 9:30ish, help needed to unload the truck. Many hands make light work. 1PM, help needed to set up. 3-5PM help needed for the distribution itself. Help the shoppers gather what they need. You can still bring cleaning supplies on the day since these are not available at the Food Bank. Thank you for your contributions of both food and time. Everyone can share in making this important St Peter’s ministry happen.

Jan. 20 – 10am – Adult Education – Good Book Club – Romans

Jan. 20 – 10am – Children’s Education Living the Good News

Jan. 20 – 11am – Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Sunday, Jan. 20 Readings and Servers

Jan. 20, 11am.  What were the key things that happened in 2018 ? What’s in store for St. Peter’s in 2018 ?

These are other questions will be part of the 2019 congregational meeting held after the 11am service.    

Come hear the stories of all that we have accomplished as a parish during this past year and to receive updates on our life together as a parish.

We will be electing two members of the Vestry and be hearing reports of the happenings of the ministries in  2018.   

Read Romans during Epiphany

Read Romans during Epiphany beginning on Jan 7. This is sponsored by Forward Movement, the people who make “Day by Day” and encouraged throughout the Episcopal Church. They call the initiative the “Good Book Club.”

In Romans, we learn about life in the early church and key principles of our faith. As Paul writes to the new community of Christians in Rome, he explores the concepts of salvation, the power of God, and grace.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God, Paul reminded the fledgling church in Rome when he wrote to them in the first century. For “If God is for us, who is against us?” he asks (8:31).

There are 50 daily readings here from January 7 to March 5. The readings are in manageable chunks plus there are resources to help you along the way.

Links

1. Introduction -Bishop Curry

2. The Readings

3. Basic Resources

4. Indepth Resource

Confession of St. Peter – January 18 – "Who do you say I am " 

This is not a confession of the church but relates to Peter, the Apostler ! It relates to an event in Matthew 16:13-20, Mark 8:27-30 and Luke 9:18-20. Jesus went to the predominately pagan region of Caesarea Philippi to question and deepen his disciples’ understanding of his role and theirs. “Who do you say that I am?”

Here is the Mark reading " Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him."

We discover reading the selection on Peter in Holy Women, Holy Men that we are much like him – both godly and strong, sometimes weak and sinful.

“Peter figures prominently in the Gospels, often stumbling, impetuous, intense and uncouth. ““It was Peter who attempted to walk on the sea, and began to sink; it was Peter who impulsively wished to build three tabernacles on the mountain of the Transfiguration; it was Peter who just before the crucifixion, three times denied knowing his Lord.”

“But it was also Peter who, after Pentecost, risked his life to do the Lord’s work, speaking boldly of his belief in Jesus. It was also Peter, the Rock, whose strength and courage helped the young Church in its questions about the mission beyond the Jewish community. Opposed at first to the baptism of Gentiles, Peter had the humility to admit a change of heart, and to baptize the Roman centurion Cornelius and his household.”

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Jan 18-25, 2019

Theme for 2019:
"Your right hand, O Lord, glorious in power;"
Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue …(Deuteronomy 16:18-20)

At least once a year, Christians are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (see John 17.21). Hearts are touched and Christians come together to pray for their unity. Congregations and parishes all over the world exchange preachers or arrange special ecumenical celebrations and prayer services. The event that touches off this special experience is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Traditionally the week of prayer is celebrated between 18-25 January, between the feasts of St Peter and St Paul.

Brochure for 2019. Readings are here. 

"The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2019 has been prepared by Christians from Indonesia. With a population of 265 million, 86% of whom are reckoned to be Muslim, Indonesia is well known as having the largest Muslim population of any country. However, about 10% of Indonesians are Christian from various traditions. In terms of both population and the vast extension of the country Indonesia is the biggest nation in South East Asia. The nation is founded on five principles called Pancasila, with the motto Bhineka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). Across the diversity of ethnicity, language and religion, Indonesians have lived by the principle of gotong royong which is to live in solidarity and by collaboration.

“This always fragile harmony is today threatened in new ways. Much of the economic growth that Indonesia has experienced in recent decades has been built on a system that has competition at its heart. This is in stark contrast to the collaboration of gotong royong. Corruption is experienced in many forms. It infects politics and business, often with devastating consequences for the environment. In particular, corruption undermines justice and the implementation of law. Moved by these concerns, the Christians of Indonesia found that the words of Deuteronomy, “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue …” (see Deut. 16:18-20) spoke powerfully to their situation and needs. Before the people of God enter the land God has promised them they renew their commitment to the Covenant God established with them."

Epiphany –  Jan 6 until Lent  begins March 6, 2019

Adoration of the Magi – Bartholomäus Zeitblom (c. 1450 – c. 1519)

The English word “Epiphany” comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, which means “appearing” or “revealing.” Epiphany focuses on God’s self-revelation in Christ.  

Epiphany celebrates the twelfth day of Christmas, the coming of the Magi to give homage to God’s Beloved Child. 

The Epiphany celebration remembers the three miracles that manifest the divinity of Christ. The celebration originated in the Eastern Church in AD 361, beginning as a commemoration of the birth of Christ. Later, additional meanings were added – the visit of the three Magi, Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River with the voice from heaven that identifies Jesus as God’s son, and his first miracle at the wedding in Cana. These three events are central to the definition of Epiphany, and its meaning is drawn from these occurrences.

More about Epiphany

Lectionary, Jan. 20, 2019

I. Theme – Celebration of God’s glory

Wedding at Cana – Giotto (1305-1306)

The lectionary readings are here  or individually: 

Old Testament – Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm – Psalm 36:5-10
Epistle – 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Gospel – John 2:1-11     

Today’s readings speak of the revelation of hidden glory breaking through and inviting celebration.

Isaiah announces the coming glory of God’s vindicated people when they return to rebuild their shattered homeland. Isaiah reminds us that God delights in us with the joy of a bride and bridegroom discovering each other. This affirmation encourages us to love the mystery we are, accepting the chips, the cracks and the unfinished nature of our cup. Knowing that the cup of our life is held securely in God’s hands enables us to endure the tension of filling and emptying that goes on throughout a lifetime.

Paul describes the amazing results of spiritual gifts, given to all God’s people “for the common good.” The letter to Corinthians praises another kind of container for the ordinary. While we may look like unpromising vessels or unlikely disciples, the Spirit transforms us just as surely as Jesus changed the water to wine. Furthermore, the Spirit blesses a wide variety of ministries, so that no two goblets will ever be identical.

The Gospel is the story of the wedding feast at Cana, relates the first “sign” of Jesus’ identity and ministry that “revealed his glory.” The passage from John’s gospel speaks of huge stone jars holding 20–30 gallons of water. Jesus makes use of them for his first miracle, teaching that our journey to the sacred comes through the ordinary. It is fitting to remember the sign he performed at Cana as we move away from the high feast days of Christmas and Epiphany and into Ordinary Time.

Within everyday water, we can still glimpse the burgundy of grace. John tells us that the Word becomes flesh—a human being who likes to socialize, relishes a feast and presumably appreciates a fine vintage.

We celebrate and honor the memory and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on this Sunday. We remember that Dr. King did not bow down to the voices that wanted to silence him, nor did he hide with the threat of death.

We remember Dr. King’s dream. We celebrate our diversity, that we need each other to be part of the kingdom, the reign of God. We celebrate the diversity of our gifts, our cultures, our languages, our abilities, our very selves—for God has created us all. And God has chosen to participate in our lives through Jesus the Christ, to see our need to love our neighbor as ourselves, and in that love, to seek justice, God’s justice, which restores and heals. For God is not passive, standing by, but God is active in our world. Through the examples of Jesus, we know that God works in us for justice, for reconciliation, and for peace.  

Read more..

The Wedding at Cana- the Art

"Wedding at Cana" – Paolo Veronese, 1563

The Wedding at Cana is featured only in John’s Gospel but is the first miracle attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John. In the Gospel account, Jesus and his mother are invited to a wedding, and when the wine runs out, Jesus performs a miracle by turning water into wine.It is considered to have symbolic importance as the first of the Seven signs in the Gospel of John by which Jesus’ divine status is attested, and around which the gospel is structured.

"When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk." The most prevalent interpretation is that this is a reference to the appearance of Jesus. The miracle could also be seen as the antitype of Moses’ first public miracle of changing water (the Nile river) into blood.

Read more…

Is this Cana ?

Archaelogists claimed in 2018 they have found the real site of Cana from John’s Gospel

A number of compelling clues suggest the site is Khirbet Qana, a Jewish village that existed between the years of 323 BC and AD 324. Excavations have revealed a network of tunnels used for Christian worship, marked with crosses and references to Kyrie Iesou, a Greek phrase meaning Lord Jesus. There is also an altar and a shelf with the remains of a stone vessel, plus room for five more. Six stone jars like this held the wine in the biblical account of the miracle.

Dr. Tom McCollough who is directing excavations at the site points to the work of first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. “His references to Cana align geographically with the location of Khirbet Qana and align logically with his movements.

Voices – Wedding at Cana

From David Lose

“Perhaps the key is a line from John’s Prologue, the profound and poetic introduction to his telling of Jesus’ story. There John writes, “From his fullness, we have all received grace upon grace” (1:16). Not just grace, mind you, but grace upon grace. An abundance of grace in other words.

“And that’s the case here, as well. To run out of wine at a first century wedding would not have been just embarrassing, but disastrous. Wine was associated with blessing, joy, goodness, and more. To run out of wine would have felt like a curse, like you’d run out of blessing. And Jesus doesn’t just offer enough wine to cover the balance, but turns six huge washing basins of water into wine, providing more wine – and blessing – than they could have possibly consumed. More than that, and as the steward acknowledges, it’s the best wine they’ve had.

“Jesus, that is, creates abundance. Wine upon wine, blessing upon blessing, joy upon joy, and grace upon grace.”

Other voices

January 6, 2019 – Epiphany

Pictures and text from this Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019

Videos from Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019

The Week Ahead…

Jan. 7 – 3pm – Vestry

Jan. 9 – 10:00-12pm – Ecumenical Bible Study

Jan. 9 – 5:00pm – 6:30pm, Village Dinner

Jan. 11 – 7:30am – ECM at Horne’s.

Jan. 13 – 10:00am, Children – Living the Good News

Jan. 13 – 10:00am, Adult Education – Good Book Club – Romans

Jan. 13 – 11:00am, Congregational Meeting, Baptism of Jesus

Sunday, Jan. 13 Readings and Servers

January Village Harvest distribution

This month, please bring paper towels and toilet paper for the distribution by Sunday, Jan. 13. On Wednesday, January 16th at 2PM, all are welcome to come prepare the bags for distribution.

Jan. 13, 11am.  What were the key things that happened in 2018 ? What’s in store for St. Peter’s in 2018 ?

These are other questions will be part of the 2019 congregational meeting held after the 11am service.    

Come hear the stories of all that we have accomplished as a parish during this past year and to receive updates on our life together as a parish.

We will be electing two members of the Vestry and be hearing reports of the happenings of the ministries in  2018.   

Epiphany –  Jan 6 until Lent  begins March 6, 2019

Adoration of the Magi – Bartholomäus Zeitblom (c. 1450 – c. 1519)

The English word “Epiphany” comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, which means “appearing” or “revealing.” Epiphany focuses on God’s self-revelation in Christ.  

Epiphany celebrates the twelfth day of Christmas, the coming of the Magi to give homage to God’s Beloved Child. 

The Epiphany celebration remembers the three miracles that manifest the divinity of Christ. The celebration originated in the Eastern Church in AD 361, beginning as a commemoration of the birth of Christ. Later, additional meanings were added – the visit of the three Magi, Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River with the voice from heaven that identifies Jesus as God’s son, and his first miracle at the wedding in Cana. These three events are central to the definition of Epiphany, and its meaning is drawn from these occurrences.

More about Epiphany

Read Romans during Epiphany

Read Romans during Epiphany beginning on Jan 7. This is sponsored by Forward Movement, the people who make “Day by Day” and encouraged throughout the Episcopal Church. They call the initiative the “Good Book Club.”

In Romans, we learn about life in the early church and key principles of our faith. As Paul writes to the new community of Christians in Rome, he explores the concepts of salvation, the power of God, and grace.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God, Paul reminded the fledgling church in Rome when he wrote to them in the first century. For “If God is for us, who is against us?” he asks (8:31).

There are 50 daily readings here from January 7 to March 5. The readings are in manageable chunks plus there are resources to help you along the way. We will post the week’s readings along the left sidebar under “Projects.”

Links

1. Introduction -Bishop Curry

2. The Readings

3. Basic Resources

4. Indepth Resource

The Setting for Sunday, Jan 13

We have just celebrated the birth of Christ and will experience his death and resurrection on April 21. However, one key event we should put in the same category is Jesus’ baptism.  This Sunday is one of the weeks set aside for baptisms since we remember the baptism of Jesus early in Epiphany.  We usually include the section in the prayer book for the renewal of the Baptismal Covenant in the service. In the past we have also "sprinkled" people.

We have many of our baptism articles one page, the Baptism Page.

Baptism in the Episcopal Church

From the Episcopal Library "This is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the church. God establishes an indissoluble bond with each person in baptism. God adopts us, making us members of the church and inheritors of the Kingdom of God (BCP, pp. 298, 858). In baptism we are made sharers in the new life of the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sins. Baptism is the foundation for all future church participation and ministry."

From the Diocese of New York

We owe much to the Apostle Paul who, through his writings, left a record of how the early Christian community understood Baptism. 

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by Baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4). 

Baptism was, for the early Christian community, a sacramental action to convey that one was experiencing spiritual conversion and renewal–the end of one life and the beginning of another in Christ. By using the metaphorical language and imagery of death, burial, and resurrection, the early community ceremonially expressed, that in Baptism, we die to our destructive and distorted ways of being, relating, and acting, and that by the goodness and faithfulness of God, we are raised from death to a new life, guided by and filled with the Spirit of God. It was an outward and visible sign of the spiritual transformation God was doing in one’s life. It was a symbolic action performed to depict what was happening within the life of one on a spiritual journey towards communion with God, the people of God, and all God’s creation. 

Although the metaphor of being raised from death to new life is the dominant image of Christian Baptism in the New Testament, no single image or metaphor can exhaust the rich meaning of one’s conversion and experience of spiritual renewal. Consequently, there developed other images and metaphors in Scripture that express how the early Chrisitan community spoke of their conversion of life and experience of renewal in the Holy Spirit. Among them are: 

Spiritual Rebirth (John 3:3-10)
Spiritual Awakening (Romans 8:37-39)
Initiation into the Body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:12-13)
Transformation of the whole person (Romans 12:1-2)
Made a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17)
To turn from darkness to light (Ephesians 5:8, Colossians 1:11-14)
To be saved (Titus 3:3-7)

One 0f the questions in baptism is whether infants or children should be baptized automatically or there is a specific age ?

Read more about baptism…

Lectionary, Jan. 13, 2019

I. Theme – Participating in Jesus’ Baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit

Baptism of Christ – Fra Angelico (1400-1455)

The lectionary readings are here  or individually: 

Old Testament – Isaiah 43:1-7
Psalm – Psalm 29
Epistle – Acts 8:14-17
Gospel – Luke 3:15-17, 21-22    

The first Sunday in Epiphany is traditionally about Jesus’ baptism. However, this year, the focus is less on Jesus, and more on how God’s people are invited to participate in the baptism and to receive God’s Spirit.

Isaiah suggests that God chooses and gathers us to bring compassion and justice to a suffering world In the Psalm, God’s voice is celebrated, which shakes the earth, but which also – by implication in the Psalm – strengthens and brings peace to God’s people, even as God’s voice affirmed Jesus. In Acts, we witness Peter and John spreading the good news of Jesus Christ beyond their comfortable social and ethnic borders. In today’s gospel, Jesus is baptized, and we are invited to acknowledge him as God’s “Son, the Beloved.” It is significant that Jesus begins his public life with baptism. Not only is he baptized, he also hears the assurance of the Holy Spirit. A voice proclaims him God’s beloved, empowering him and sending him to the blind, the lame and the prisoners awaiting his good news.

We read about baptism year after year because God is still at work in the world, and still invites us to participate in God’s saving and liberating work. But, to do this, we, like Jesus, will need to be strengthened and empowered. We will need to be baptised in the Holy Spirit. We surrender our usual sense of control, because we must sacrifice what we are for what we might become.

Rev. Mindi Welton-Mitchell writes of the symbolism of the waters in the passages

" The waters were a symbol of trial and tribulation, a boundary to be crossed, perhaps the Red Sea or the Jordan River in ancient times. For the people who had been exiled, the waters may have symbolized the entire time of exile—a turbulent time in which all they knew had been taken from them. For Christians, we seem the waters of baptism as a symbol of those trials and troubles, a symbol of death itself, and we come out on the other side, with the gift of new life, the hope of resurrection, everlasting life in Christ. We commemorate the baptism of Jesus today, reminded that we all have the gift of new life, of starting again with God, of renewing our commitments and reorienting our lives to God. The same God whose voice called out over the waters, who called down from above over the waters of Jesus’ baptism, is the same voice that calls us Beloved, and calls us into the promise of new life"

Read more..

Check out 25 events that made 2018

December 30, 2018 – Lessons and Carols

The Week Ahead…

Dec. 31 -6:00pm – New Year’s Eve Gala

Jan. 2 -10:00-12pm – Ecumenical Bible Study

Jan. 6 -11:00am – Epiphany

Jan. 6 -12:00pm – Coffee Hour Potluck

Sunday, Jan. 6,  Readings and Servers

Check out the story and photo gallery on the New Year’s Eve Gala.

Season of Giving 2018 – The Results

The Season of Giving starting on Nov. 4, 2018 was our time to support local, national and international charities. This year we substituted the Heifer project for Samaritan’s purse and added Episcopal Relief and Development, particularly for their hurricane relief fund.

Thanks to all who worked on promoting the contribution to these funds and, of course, those who contributed. The results are as follows:

1. Heifer Project – $2,507.85. This included a raffle that raised $200

2. UTO – Fall Ingathering was $563.32 (Spring ingathering was $325.36 for a total of $888.68 for the two ingatherings in 2017). The comparative total in 2017 was $757.09

3. Village Harvest – $1,250. Separately, Giving Tuesday on Nov. 27 yielded another $1,267.50. Giving Tuesday in 2017 contributed $1,010.

4. Episcopal Relief and Development– $1,400

5. ECM Thanksgiving – $287.50
$237.77 was spent for Thanksgiving food for 5 families. They exceeded their scope in 2018 by adding 2 families this year.

6. ECM Christmas -$547.50
$1,333.09 ECM spent for food and gifts for 3 families for Xmas

Helmut Linne von Berg provided the following information for the Christmas portion:

Family # 1 – A mother with two children, ages 6 and 4
Family # 2 – A mother with one child, age 2
Family # 3 – A mother with 5 children, ages 11, twins age 7, 4 and 3

“The delivery was made on Christmas eve morning. There was clothing and toys for all the children, including 5 bicycles; one mother said when she saw the bikes “that will make the kids so happy.”

“A healthy Christmas selection of food was also provided. Everyone was very thankful. The living conditions in the trailer park where these poor children are growing up is pitiful. Let us all count our blessings! If there are funds left over in the ECM fund, we will make further efforts to help those in real need in cooperation with Caroline Social Services, via Anne Tyree, Assistant Director.”
The total ECM project, Thanksgiving and Christmas totaled $835 .

Prayer of Thanksgiving for the year just past…

God of new beginnings, we thank you for the year just past, with all of its joys and wonders. We thank you for all that we were able to do together . We thank you for giving us opportunities to serve You well and in doing so to let your light shine in our church and out in our world. We pray now for Your guidance in this new year, and for the courage to follow You wherever You would lead us. We pray for the strength to carry out everything that You will give us to do. And may our love for one another reflect the transforming love that You have for each one of us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

And a Blessing for the New Year!

From Pastor Dawn Hutchings

“The art of blessing is often neglected. The birth of a New Year calls forth the desire in us to bestow a blessing upon those we love. Several years ago, John O”Donohue, one of my favorite Irish poet’s created a New Year’s blessing for his mother entitled Beannacht-for Josie. It is a blessing of superior quality. And so, on this New Year’s Eve, may you all receive this beannacht with my added blessing for a peace-filled New Year in which the God in whom all of creation is held, might find full expression in your miraculous life!”

Beannacht – A New Year Blessing
John O’Donohue

On the day when
The weight deadens
On your shoulders
And you stumble,
May the clay dance
To balance you.

And when your eyes
Freeze behind
The grey window
And the ghost of loss
Gets into you,
May a flock of colours,
Indigo, red, green
And azure blue,
Come to awaken in you
A meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays
In the currach of thought
And a stain of ocean
Blackens beneath you,
May there come across the waters
A path of yellow moonlight
To bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
May the clarity of light be yours,
May the fluency of the ocean be yours,
May the protection of the ancestors be yours.
And so may a slow
Wind work these words
Of love around you,
An invisible cloak
To mind your life.

The Work of Christmas

When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers,
To make music in the heart.

– Howard Thurman

Dr. Howard Thurman was an influential author, philosopher, theologian, educator and civil rights leader. He was Dean of Theology and the chapels at Howard University and Boston University for more than two decades, wrote 20 books, and in 1944 helped found the first racially integrated, multicultural church in the United States.

Epiphany –  Jan 6 until Lent  begins March 6, 2019

Adoration of the Magi – Bartholomäus Zeitblom (c. 1450 – c. 1519)

The English word “Epiphany” comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, which means “appearing” or “revealing.” Epiphany focuses on God’s self-revelation in Christ.  

Epiphany celebrates the twelfth day of Christmas, the coming of the Magi to give homage to God’s Beloved Child. 

The Epiphany celebration remembers the three miracles that manifest the divinity of Christ. The celebration originated in the Eastern Church in AD 361, beginning as a commemoration of the birth of Christ. Later, additional meanings were added – the visit of the three Magi, Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River with the voice from heaven that identifies Jesus as God’s son, and his first miracle at the wedding in Cana. These three events are central to the definition of Epiphany, and its meaning is drawn from these occurrences.

More about Epiphany

The Epiphany readings for Jan 6

The Epiphany readings are about travel, journey and ultimately sharing Christ’s light. But it is not easy as the opponents of Christ are present. Link to the readings:

• Isaiah 60:1-6
• Psalm 72:1-7,10-14
• Ephesians 3:1-12
• Matthew 2:1-12

Epiphany means “appearance of the Lord.” In the East, where it started, this feast was instituted not to recall the Magi, but the birth of Jesus, the Christmas, the appearance of the light. In the West—where Christmas was celebrated on December 25—it was received in the fourth century and became the feast of the “manifestation of the light of the Lord” to the Gentiles and the universal call to all people to salvation in Christ. Magi reveal the truth of John 1:9 – the true of God, coming into the world, enlightens all creation and every person. Every child is an incarnation of our beloved Savior.

Read more…

November 11, 2018,  Veterans Day

Celebrations this Sunday- baptism cake, choir and bell tolling for the end of World War I, kickoff of the Heifer project, baby baptized, fall in Port Royal.

Pictures and text from this Sunday, Nov. 11

Video segments from this Sunday, Nov. 11

The Week Ahead…

Nov. 12 – 1pm, OneDay, followed by Vesry

Nov. 14 – 10am-12pm,  Ecumenical Bible Study

Nov. 18 – 10:00am,  Living the Good News Christian Ed for children

Nov. 18 – 11:00am,  Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Sunday, Nov. 18 Readings and Servers

The "Season of Giving" reminders

1.  Heifer Project is new this year!  We will be doing the “Fill the Ark” project

Each family will receive a Calendar and Giving Bank  on Nov. 11. The calendar is divided into four weeks, one week on each page. Each day focuses on a single animal,  part of Heifer’s work with populations.

After reading the day’s lesson, determine how much money to place in the Giving Bank.  Place your family’s gift into the Giving Bank and say a prayer that the money will be used to help another family somewhere in the world.

As you fill a Giving Bank with money you’ve saved, you’ll learn how your gifts can share God’s love and end hunger and poverty around the world. Bring the Giving Bank back to the church by Dec. 9

Heifer Project 2018 page

2. The United Thank Offering helps The Episcopal Church Women help people in the United States and around the world. Put coins in the blue box for thanks and blessings in your life. What kind of thanks? FOR LITTLE THINGS like a good parking spot on a busy day, sunshine for your family picnic, or a birthday card from a friend. FOR BIG THINGS like recovery from serious illness, a new job, or forgiveness and reconciliation after a long dispute.

Thankfulness leads to generosity, and your donation will help with projects that provide new spaces for people to gather and to worship, transportation, playgrounds, education, medical services, hot lunches—the list is endless.

The money you donated to the UTO last year helped to fund grants . Last year we collected $757.09

Begins Nov. 4 with the distribution of “blue boxes” with collection by Dec. 2. You may submit a “blue box” or check to St. Peter’s with “UTO” in the memo line.

UTO 2018 page

3. Episcopal Church Men (ECM). Last year they supported 3 families for Thanksgiving and another 2 families for Christmas and collected $1,135 (compared with $1,085 the previous year). This effort will include Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner and Christmas presents for them. The men will contact the families and purchase the items in consultation with them and deliver them at the appropriate time.

They are requesting donations of any amount from the congregation in support of their project. This is not just a ECM project!

Thanksgiving -Collection begins Nov 4 and ends Nov. 18 for Thanksgiving.

Christmas collection begins Nov 25  and ends Dec. 16. Please mark your check “ECM, season of giving”  

4. Village Harvest

VH is 4 years old in November! It has provided these benefits:

A. Food for those who are being challenged economically.
B. Enriching those at St. Peter’s who help with the distribution.
C. Providing a role for the church in the community. People who are not members are coming here.

Monthly, the parish has contributed other non-perishable products, such as chicken broth, beans, rice, spaghetti and sauce, paper product, tuna, peanut butter, etc.

For November, we are collecting boxed stuffing, canned corn, green beans or cranberry sauce. However,toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex and other paper products are also greatly appreciated.

The method of distribution has evolved from paper bags to a market style distribution where people can shop as they need.

Please contribute boxed stuffing, canned corn, green beans or cranberry sauce to the Nov. Village Harvest by Nov. 21 and help celebrate 4 years of this vital ministry. You can always make a monetary donation with “Village Harvest” in the memo line.  

Thanks goes out to Johnny and Cookie Davis who go to the Northern Neck Food Bank to purchase fresh produce. That’s a big commitment. Thanks to all in the church who have contribute the non-perishable products each month and particularly to those who help distribute the food monthly.

5. Episcopal Relief and Development.

In their mission statement they say “We facilitate healthier, more fulfilling lives in communities struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Our work addresses three life-changing priorities to create authentic, lasting results.”

We are focusing on giving to their Hurricane Relief Fund by Dec. 16.

Read more about 2018’s Season of Giving…

Checks or Cards – We’ve got it covered!

In the past people have given cash and checks during the Season of Giving during the church service. And that has been beneficial to those we serve.

This year we want to extend our reach and go a step further. We are inaugurating “Season of Giving – online” where you can charge a credit card for these gifts through the secure platform of Paypal.

You can find the link here.

We do this since we see our “congregation” beyond those who sit in the pews on Sunday and beyond just “Episcopalians”. We add those on social media, those who come to our Village Harvest food distribution, those who live in our local community who come to our events and any who may want to support our work to make people’s lives just a little bit better. To paraphrase Ralph Waldo Emerson writing years ago – we are “hitching our wagon to a star”. We want to see where it may take us. We are inviting you to come along for the ride. Blessings to you in this approaching holiday season.

Support the Village Harvest on Nov. 27, Giving Tuesday 

#GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that has been built by individuals, families, organizations, businesses and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world

We have two days for getting deals – Black Friday and Cyber Monday. On #GivingTuesday, we have a day for giving back. Giving Tuesday can us share what we are doing with the larger community

Our goal last year was $500 and we actually collected $1,010. Can we shoot for $1,200 or about 6 months of support?

This is St. Peter’s second year to participate in this day. We are targeting the Village Harvest in 2018 due to increased costs. We are averaging $192 a month or over $2,300 a year. Help us recover the cost and even add to our resources to do more.

More about Giving Tuesday – Giving Tuesday site or Facebook

How to Give ? Two ways:

1 On or before Nov. 27 make out a check to St. Peter’s with “Giving Tuesday” in the memo line

St. Peter’s Church
P. O. Box 399
Port Royal, Virginia 22535

2 Go online on Nov. 27 and use St. Peter’s new PayPal account and donate via credit card using this link
or churchsp.org/givingtuesday2018/

Lectionary, Pentecost 26, November 18 

I. Theme – Holding fast to faith in difficult times

The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times

"As Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!’ Then Jesus asked him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down" – Mark 13:1-2

The lectionary readings are here  or individually: 

Old Testament – Daniel 12:1-3
Psalm – Psalm 16 Page 599, 600, BCP
Epistle – Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25
Gospel – Mark 13:1-8  

Today’s readings encourage us to hold fast to our faith, even in troubled times and persecution. Daniel speaks of a time of great trouble, through which the righteous will “shine like the stars.” As the Day of the lord approaches, the author of Hebrews tells us that our hard struggle with suffering will be rewarded.

In today’s gospel, Mark assures us that—even in chaos—God remains in control . This chapter of Mark begins with the destruction of the temple. Imagine how the early Christians must have felt, when Jerusalem was still in many ways their spiritual home. The Jewish heritage and tradition had probably been handed as carefully to them as a precious heirloom passed from parent to child. 

All that was threatened by their new religion, then lost when Roman armies demolished the temple. It does not require a great leap of the imagination to see them feeling abandoned and without direction. To his community and to us, Mark issues a warning: watch. Be cautious of simplistic solutions, of the desire to cling to possessions and security. Beware of even well-meaning political reformers who simply replace one form of domination with another. Christ alone is our new direction, our liberation and only security.

How are we to respond when we face the violent upheaval of our world, or when others use mockery to dominate us in personal power plays? The temptation is to respond in kind, offering violence for violence and using force to overcome force.

What does it mean to trust in God’s grace and protection, to live out the peace and justice of God’s Reign in a world of war and injustice? The call to peace is always a difficult one to answer, both personally and collectively, but it is a call we must face in worship this week. This way is demonstrated in Daniel’s prophecy of the shining resurrected ones, in the Psalmist’s celebration of God’s protection and guidance, and ultimately in Jesus’ self-giving on the cross. It is interesting that, in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ warnings are associated with the disciples’ awe at the temple building, which represented wealth and power both of a spiritual and political nature. It is when we get absorbed in the trappings of power and wealth that we become violent and oppressive

We give thanks for God’s faithfulness. We give thanks for the ways God is at work in our world. Even when we are consumed by what is going on in our life, our own problems, our own worries, God is at work in the world around us, God is at work in the universe, and God’s steadfast love and faithfulness endure forever. It may be hard to see that at times through our own narrow vision, when all we see is our own hardships and struggles, but we see in these scriptures the promise of resurrection, the fulfillment of God’s justice and mercy, and the hope of the future. From Hannah to Hebrews, we see that there is something greater going on than the struggles of one person or one people, and God hears our prayers, and desires to save the whole world.

…Read more about the lectionary…

David Lose – Mark’s Gospel – Dealing with Uncertainty

By David Lose, Lutheran minister

The antidote to uncertainty, it turns out, isn’t certainty, but courage; and the best response to insecurity is the confidence that comes from knowing that God esteems you worthy of dignity, honor, and love.

"In short, life was something of a mess for many of Mark’s community, and he employs the symbols and metaphors of apocalyptic traditions about Jesus that he inherits to place the struggles and questions of his people in a cosmic context and, in this way, offer a measure of both perspective and comfort.

We can "allow the images Mark employs to name figuratively some of our own challenges and questions. While there are several elements of this passage that might serve in this way, the one that draws my homiletical imagination is Jesus’ warning that many will come claiming to be him in order to lead his followers astray.

"Perhaps it’s the lure of wealth or possessions, the perpetual contender for our allegiance in a consumerist economy oriented to unending consumption. Or maybe it’s the possibility of a more prestigious position at work or acceptance by an appealing school or social group. Perhaps it’s the dream of the perfect relationship, or just being in a relationship with someone who values and cares for you. Or maybe it’s the “smaller” attractions of being super competent (and hopefully being noticed for that) or the ideal friend/sibling/child (again, with due attention to our achievement). Or maybe we find ourselves worshiping at the altar of providing our children with everything we never had but want to make sure they enjoy (with an emphasis on “making sure”). Or maybe…. Well, you get the idea.

"And here’s the interesting thing that all these various claimants of our attention and allegiance have in common: there’s nothing inherently wrong with any of them – not wealthy or status or belonging or relationship or competency or wanting the best for our children. In fact, there is much to be admired about, and much good that can be achieved through, these various desires. Yet none of them can save. Moreover, none of them can bear the weight of meaning we unconsciously ask them to and for which we desperately long. And yet we are either so insecure or confused (or maybe a little of both), that like Mark’s community we so crave a level of certainty that we take these God-given gifts and turn them into, well, God.

"Which is perhaps the human condition – worshiping the gifts of God rather than God the giver. And perhaps that’s what this tricky little passage is about: in times of confusion, challenge, and distress, we will not only be overly impressed by the symbols of power around us – “Teacher, look how big these stones are!” – but we will also take many of the delights and gifts of this life and seek to find our security in and through them rather than in the One who gave them to us in the first place.

"Living with uncertainty was hard for the first century-followers of Jesus and it’s just as hard for his twenty-first century disciples as well. The promise God offers us in Christ, however, is not that if we just work hard enough, are pious enough, make ourselves acceptable enough, or attain enough we’ll leave all our uncertainties and insecurities behind. Indeed, the Christian faith does not offer an end to uncertainty or insecurity at all. Rather, it promises that we can discover who we are only in relation to Whose we are, as we receive our identity as beloved children of the God who created and sustains all things and loves us unconditionally. The antidote to uncertainty, it turns out, isn’t certainty, but courage; and the best response to insecurity is the confidence that comes from knowing that God esteems you worthy of dignity, honor, and love. Rooted in these promises, we are better equipped to resist all pretenders to throne and give our allegiance to the One who gave all things for us. Thanks to be to God."

Veterans Day: War on Every Shore (Mark 13:1-8)

Link to the video

By Shively Smith, Professor at Wesley Theological Seminary

"Mark 13:1-8 does not gloss over the likelihood of turmoil. In fact, it is so attentive to the possibility of conflict and danger, it shifts the Gospel’s language, style and content to address it. Up to this point in the Gospel, the author has had a singular focus—namely, telling the story of Jesus’ life and ministry. In our passage, the Gospel turns to telling the story of others.  

"What will happen to everyone when the Second Temple is destroyed?  

"Historically speaking, Mark appears to focus on the events leading up to the First Jewish War with Rome in the mid-first century in Palestine (66-70 CE). Literarily speaking, however, Mark’s goal is not to capture a historic moment, but offer warnings and encouragement. Mark cautions his readers to be suspicious of teachers, recognizing that not all are proclaiming what is true and real (Mark 13:5-6, 7-8, 21-23). Jesus tells his readers there are many uplifted voices in the world, but they are not all going the way of Christ. They are not all going the way of love and acceptance (Mark 9:42; 10:14).  

"For Mark, Jesus’ messiahship is characterized by suffering and death (Mark 8:31, 10:45). Trauma and calamity are unavoidable realities, even for those who understand themselves as “insiders” of the Christian community. True to its apocalyptic character, Mark 13 offers comfort by balancing honest assessment of present circumstances with a vision of what is possible for followers of Christ.  

" On one hand, Mark’s images of war and catastrophe echo prophetic announcements of conflicts between world powers (2 Chronicles 15:5-6; Jeremiah 4:15-16) and natural disasters (Isaiah 13:13; Daniel 9:26) in the Old Testament. No doubt, Mark 13 forewarns readers of what lies ahead in the not so distant future.

" But what if Mark is not just broadcasting what could be? What if Mark 13 is describing the situation for what it is right now? Right now, there are bodies in our midst that brace everyday for experiences of micro-aggressions, oversight, and erasure. Everyday bodies enter so-called “safe public spaces” such as college and university campuses, knowing that these spaces just aren’t so safe anymore. As an elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, rarely does a Sunday service or weekly bible study pass that I do not think about the heinous mass shooting that took place at Mother Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015. We have unsafe spaces right here on our shores because hate and prejudice lives. Just like the soldiers who spring into action abroad, there are heroes who spring into action among us fighting for justice and the safety of all.

" I also recognize that everyday a military family laments the death of a loved one. Daily, a mother, father, child, and sibling pray for someone in active-duty abroad. Everyday rumors of war bring real transition and an entrance into the unknown for segments of people we may not be in the habit of thinking of and considering in the church.

" The voice of Mark 13 enters the conversation and takes a specific platform. It urges readers to endure present distresses (Mark 13:9-23) and future ordeals (Mark 13:24-27). It reaffirms an essential confession of Christianity, which is that Jesus Christ has already suffered in obedience to save others. As such, discipleship is cast as obedience and service in spite of difficulty.

" In our current context, that form of service and obedience is visible in the lives, actions, and sacrifices of service-oriented people. Mark 13 raises a flag for communities of faith. It is not okay to forget about the people who are facing danger so that others can be safe and at peace. As this Sunday falls immediately after Veteran’s Day, we should encounter Mark 13:1-8 with a degree of sobriety and thankfulness for those who live out the vision of the way of Christ through how they serve us. In faithful response to their actions, we should be compelled to do something to help their lives be a little easier.

" After all, when wars initiate, conflicts ignite, and earthquakes hit our service members and veterans act. ALL those who serve for justice, whether under the uniform of military or under the “uniform” of personal choice and moral code help make “the end” still be able to come (Mark 13:7).

1. Newcomers – Welcome Page 2. Contact the Rev Catherine Hicks, Rector 3. St. Peter’s Sunday News 4. Nov., 2018 Server Schedule 5. Latest Newsletter-the Parish Post (Nov., 2018) 6. Calendar 7. Parish Ministries 8. This past Sunday 9. Latest Sunday Bulletin (Nov. 18, 2018 11:00am),  and Sermon (Nov. 11, 2018) 10. Recent Services:  Oct. 21 Photos from Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Photos from Oct. 28 Nov. 4 Photos from Nov. 4

Block Print by Mike Newman

Projects 

Colors for Year B, 2017-18

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

Saints of the Week,  Nov. 11 – Nov. 18

November 4, 2018, All Saints

A wonderful fall day, some of our current saints celebrating a 65th wedding anniversary, historical saints, lighting candles for the recently departed

Pictures and text from this Sunday, Nov. 4

The Week Ahead…

Nov. 7 – 10am-12pm,  Ecumenical Bible Study

Nov. 7 – 5pm-6:30pm,  Village Dinner

Nov. 9 – 7:30am, ECM

Nov. 11 – 10:00am,  Living the Good News Christian Ed for children

Nov. 11 – 11:00am,  Holy Eucharist, Baptism Rite II – Baptism of Everett Huffman, Kickoff of the Heifer Project, Remembering the end of World War I

Sunday, Nov. 11 Readings and Servers

The “Season of Giving” is here!

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

The Season of Giving is almost upon us! It begins on Nov. 4, All Saints with the UTO kickoff and extends to Dec. 16, the end of the ECM Christmas.

Part of holy living is to share our resources with others since God has been generous with us. The Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons give us the opportunity to do just that. During the next few weeks at St. Peter’s, you can choose one or more of several ways to help people close to home and those around the world by participating in these various opportunities. At a glance:

1.  Heifer Project is new this year!  We will be doing the “Fill the Ark” project

Each family will receive a Calendar and Giving Bank  on Nov. 11. The calendar is divided into four weeks, one week on each page. Each day focuses on a single animal,  part of Heifer’s work with populations.

After reading the day’s lesson, determine how much money to place in the Giving Bank.  Place your family’s gift into the Giving Bank and say a prayer that the money will be used to help another family somewhere in the world.

As you fill a Giving Bank with money you’ve saved, you’ll learn how your gifts can share God’s love and end hunger and poverty around the world. Bring the Giving Bank back to the church by Dec. 9

Heifer Project 2018 page

2. The United Thank Offering helps The Episcopal Church Women help people in the United States and around the world. Put coins in the blue box for thanks and blessings in your life. What kind of thanks? FOR LITTLE THINGS like a good parking spot on a busy day, sunshine for your family picnic, or a birthday card from a friend. FOR BIG THINGS like recovery from serious illness, a new job, or forgiveness and reconciliation after a long dispute.

Thankfulness leads to generosity, and your donation will help with projects that provide new spaces for people to gather and to worship, transportation, playgrounds, education, medical services, hot lunches—the list is endless.

The money you donated to the UTO last year helped to fund grants . Last year we collected $757.09

Begins Nov. 4 with the distribution of “blue boxes” with collection by Dec. 2. You may submit a “blue box” or check to St. Peter’s with “UTO” in the memo line.

UTO 2018 page

3. Episcopal Church Men (ECM). Last year they supported 3 families for Thanksgiving and another 2 families for Christmas and collected $1,135 (compared with $1,085 the previous year). This effort will include Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner and Christmas presents for them. The men will contact the families and purchase the items in consultation with them and deliver them at the appropriate time.

They are requesting donations of any amount from the congregation in support of their project. This is not just a ECM project!

Thanksgiving -Collection begins Nov 4 and ends Nov. 18 for Thanksgiving.

Christmas collection begins Nov 25  and ends Dec. 16. Please mark your check “ECM, season of giving”  

4. Village Harvest

VH is 4 years old in November! It has provided these benefits:

A. Food for those who are being challenged economically.
B. Enriching those at St. Peter’s who help with the distribution.
C. Providing a role for the church in the community. People who are not members are coming here.

Monthly, the parish has contributed other non-perishable products, such as chicken broth, beans, rice, spaghetti and sauce, paper product, tuna, peanut butter, etc.

The method of distribution has evolved from paper bags to a market style distribution where people can shop as they need.

Please donate toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex and other paper products by Sun., Nov. 18 and help celebrate 4 years of this vital ministry. You can always make a monetary donation with “Village Harvest” in the memo line.  

Thanks goes out to Johnny and Cookie Davis who go to the Northern Neck Food Bank to purchase fresh produce. That’s a big commitment. Thanks to all in the church who have contribute the non-perishable products each month and particularly to those who help distribute the food monthly.

5. Episcopal Relief and Development.

In their mission statement they say “We facilitate healthier, more fulfilling lives in communities struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Our work addresses three life-changing priorities to create authentic, lasting results.”

We are focusing on giving to their Hurricane Relief Fund by Dec. 16.

Read more about 2018’s Season of Giving…

Heifer Project kickoff, November 11  

Melanie Kapinos, the local liaison for Heifer International, will be at St Peter’s on Sunday, November 11th, to get our Fill the Ark campaign going as part of the Season of Giving. Melanie has worked for Heifer International since September 2017. As a Community Engagement Coordinator, Melanie primarily supports the efforts of faith, school and civic communities to further the mission of Heifer International. She plans awareness events, coordinates volunteer efforts and serves as a liaison between communities and the greater Heifer International organization. She manages a territory that includes Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and North Carolina.

During Fill the Ark, each family will receive a calendar and an offering box. Hopefully, each family will be able to choose an animal to send to a family in need somewhere in the world so that we can help Fill the Ark.

See this link for the Heifer Project

Checks or Cards – We’ve got it covered!

In the past people have given cash and checks during the Season of Giving during the church service. And that has been beneficial to those we serve.

This year we want to extend our reach and go a step further. We are inaugurating “Season of Giving – online” where you can charge a credit card for these gifts through the secure platform of Paypal.

You can find the link here.

We do this since we see our “congregation” beyond those who sit in the pews on Sunday and beyond just “Episcopalians”. We add those on social media, those who come to our Village Harvest food distribution, those who live in our local community who come to our events and any who may want to support our work to make people’s lives just a little bit better. To paraphrase Ralph Waldo Emerson writing years ago – we are “hitching our wagon to a star”. We want to see where it may take us. We are inviting you to come along for the ride. Blessings to you in this approaching holiday season.

On Nov. 11, 2018 Catherine will be baptizing Everett Huffman, the son of Andrew and Felicia Huffman. Please come share in the Baptism and welcome the newly baptized.

Understanding Baptism

“Let Us Beat Swords into
Plowshares”                                     “Tragedy of War”-Michael LaPalme

Veterans’ Day, November 11  

At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, World War I (called the Great War) ends.

On November 11, 2018 at the beginning of the worship service, we along with many Americans will toll bells in remembrance of those who served and sacrificed.

From a Litany for Veterans by Robb McCoy-“God of love, peace and justice, it is your will for the world that we may live together in peace. You have promised through the prophet Isaiah that one day the swords will be beaten into plow shares. Yet we live in a broken world, and there are times that war seems inevitable. Let us recognize with humility and sadness the tragic loss of life that comes in war. Even so, as we gather here free from persecution, we may give thanks for those that have served with courage and honor. ”  Here is an English Veterans’ Service.

All gave some, Some gave all.

While the US has “Veterans’ Day” celebrating and honoring all veterans who have served, Europe and Canada has “Remembrance Day” about the end of World War I  on November 11, 1918.  The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem “In Flanders Fields”. These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I; their brilliant red color became a symbol for the blood spilled in the war.

Mark Knopfler wrote “Remembrance Day” about this day. The song and  illustrated slideshow are here .

From “Remembrance Day”

“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
May God bless everyone
Lest we forget our sons

“We will remember them
Remember them
Remember them”

Recap:David Lose on the Saints

David Lose is the president of Luther Seminary in Philadelphia

“…Saints are not only those persons in the Bible or Church history who did great things. Nor are Saints only those who died for the faith. Saints are not even only those who are of such great moral courage, kindness or discipline that they set examples for the rest of us. Rather, saints are also – and especially – all those who have been baptized into Christ.

“Our word “saint,” in fact, comes from a Greek word meaning “holy ones,” a word which itself stems from a Hebrew one meaning “set apart” for the Lord’s use. In Holy Baptism, you see, each of us was set apart, consecrated, named, called, and commissioned by God to be God’s children, partners, and co-workers in the world – those people, that is, whom God will use to achieve God’s own will.

“Therefore, simply because God has set us apart and called us “saints” in baptism we have God’s promise that God will use us – our talents, abilities, interests – our whole lives! – to further God’s will. This not only gives our lives meaning but also conveys tremendous significance upon our daily routine, as all of our roles – parent, spouse, child, citizen, employer, employee, co-worker, volunteer, friend, and so many others – become the places we take our stand as God’s co-workers and partners to do, literally, holy work; work, that is, that God has set apart and called holy because it is done by holy people…

“All Saints’ Day, then, is our day, as we perceive ourselves to be those persons who have been set apart to do God’s work in the world, those whom God has promised to accompany through all of our living and our dying, unto new life, and those who are joined to all the faithful who have lived, labored, and died in the faith before us

…Read more from David Lose…

Lectionary, Pentecost 24, November 8

I. Theme – Offering all to God in faith

The Widow’s Mite – Daniel Bonnell

“He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.'” – Mark 12:38-44

The lectionary readings are here  or individually:

Old Testament – 1 Kings 17:8-16
Psalm – Psalm 146
Epistle – Hebrews 9:24-28
Gospel – Mark 12:38-44

Today’s readings challenge us to offer everything to God and to celebrate the fact that God similarly offers everything to us. All of these passages today remind us that we are called to step out in faith. This is not easy, but in order to see the greater picture, in order to understand more deeply the fullness of new life offered in Christ, we have to take the leap of faith and to trust God

This week’s lectionary readings deal with some of the most important energies of life- – the energy of romance, conception, and sexuality; the energy of money and its proper use; the energetic quest for God in a difficult time; and the energetic field of force created by Christ, the high priest of wholeness.

In the story of Elijah and the widow, from 1 Kings , God honors the sacrifice and faith of the woman with abundant oil and flour. The author of Hebrews assures us that Christ not only came to remove sin, but now, in God’s presence, intercedes on our behalf. In today’s gospel, Jesus praises the generous devotion of a homeless, penniless woman.

The Kings reading and the Gospel both examine widows. The poor widow in the Gospel only serves as an example of the Kingdom of Heaven contrasting the behavior of the Scribes (“who devour widow’s houses).  Her giving is similar to that of the widow of Zarephath in that she gives all that she has.  This time, however, she gives out of her own faith, a sign to Jesus of her salvation.

…Read more about the lectionary…

1. Newcomers – Welcome Page 2. Contact the Rev Catherine Hicks, Rector 3. St. Peter’s Sunday News 4. Nov., 2018 Server Schedule 5. Latest Newsletter-the Parish Post (Nov., 2018) 6. Calendar 7. Parish Ministries 8. This past Sunday 9. Latest Sunday Bulletin (Nov. 11, 2018 11:00am),  and Sermon (Nov. 4, 2018) 10. Recent Services:  Oct. 14 Photos from Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Photos from Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Photos from Oct. 28

Block Print by Mike Newman

Projects 

Colors for Year B, 2017-18

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

Saints of the Week,  Nov. 4 – Nov. 11

October 21, 2018,  Pentecost 22

Pictures and text from this Sunday, October 21

The Week Ahead…

Oct. 24 – 10am-12pm,  Ecumenical Bible Study

Oct. 28 – 9:00am,  Holy Eucharist, Rite I

Oct. 28 – 10:00am,  Living the Good News Christian Ed for children

Oct. 28 – 11:00am,  Morning Prayer Rite II

Oct. 28 – 4:30pm,  Special Family Worship Service and Halloween/All Saints Supper

Sunday, Oct. 28 Readings and Servers

Catching up from Last week 

1. Village Harvest, Oct. 17

Trends have shifted downward in the number of people served in the last two months – 112 in September and 92 in Oct. Foods provided show a different trend. The average pounds is 1,416 compared to 1,334 last year, a 6% increase. This month was the second lowest at 747 pounds. Click the link to read the entire story.

2. Afternoon in Guatemala

Catherine gave her presentation to 17. Click the link to read the story and see the presentation

3. Fall Afternoon in Oct.

Catherine took these pictures during the Village Harvest distribution Oct 17, 2018. What is stunning is that the windows were reflecting the change of seasons. The great sycamore was in fine form with a deep color of green.

Click the link to see the gallery

Remembering St. James of Jerusalem, Oct. 23 

We celebrate James day on Tues Oct. 23. He is known as St. James of Jerusalem (or “James the Just”). James was so respected by all, including even unbelieving Jews, that he was nicknamed “the Just”.

He is referred to by Paul as “the Lord’s brother” (Galatians 1:19) and the equal of the other disciples. Matthew provides some clues in Matthew 13:55 on his identity. “Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?” with the story of Jesus less than enthusiastic reaction in Nazareth.

Read the rest of the article…

Special Family Worship Service and Halloween/All Saints Supper 

Families with young children and everyone else too is invited to a Sunday afternoon worship service, Oct. 28, 4:30pm at St Peter’s, followed by a Halloween supper. Children will help lead the worship service and supper will include some Halloween/All Saints Day themed food and fun for the children.

If you’d like to help plan this service and help to prepare the food, please let Catherine know

All Saints Remembrances for All Saints Sunday 

The All Saint’s Day Service is Nov 4.

Email Catherine by Monday, Oct. 28 with the names of those who have died in the past year that you would like to have remembered.

 Lectionary, Oct. 28 Pentecost 23, Proper 25

I. Theme –  Preparing for Restoration and Healing

Healing of Bartimaeus – Daniel Bonnell

"Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said to him, "My teacher, let me see again." Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way." – Mark 10:51-52

The lectionary readings are here  or individually: 

Old Testament – Jeremiah 31:7-9
Psalm – Psalm 126 Page 782, BCP
Epistle – Hebrews 7:23-28
Gospel – Mark 10:46-52  

The promise of restoration and healing flows through today’s readings. The prophet Jeremiah looks forward to the rescue and renewal of God’s people. Job has all his lost property restored because of his fidelity to God. The author of Hebrews affirms the promise of full salvation through Jesus Christ and continued growth for believers. In today’s gospel, Jesus grants physical and spiritual wholeness to blind Bartimaeus.

Counselors say that many people will prefer a known evil to the unknown. They may cling to an identity as abused child, battered wife, long-suffering spouse of an alcoholic, or jilted lover because to surrender that identity seems like giving up themselves. Bartimaeus might have wondered if he would lose his identity as a blind beggar.

Yet Bartimaeus accepts his blindness as past. It does not curtail his freedom to hope for change. Thus he surrenders to the mystery of the future. Just as he casts away his cloak, he flings aside his reservations and his insecure clinging to the status quo. 

The road on which he follows Jesus is leading to Jerusalem and ultimately to Calvary. Again in contrast to the apostles, Bartimaeus wants to follow, even into pain, if it means he can remain close to Christ. His step has a sureness due not only to restored vision but because he knows deeply the truth of the crowd’s assurance: “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” Thus, the story ends on the note of grace accepted.

Life is not easy either for us. God is active in the world and in all of the universe around us, even though we may experience God’s absence in our own lives. Our focus can be very small and narrow. We may worry or be upset about what happens to us, forgetting about the fact that there are 7 billion people on earth. We may feel that God has abandoned us and forget that no asteroid has wiped out the earth yet.  

We may be like Bartimaeus, blind to what is going on in the world, crying out to God to let us see, then realizing there is a greater world beyond us. Or we may be like Bartimaeus, marginalized by the world, unable to do anything but beg until God and others intervene on our behalf. In other words: it’s not all about us, and yet, it is all about us. God heard the cry of Job. Jesus heard the cry of Bartimaeus. God hears our cries, and God is active in our lives, though we may have a hard time understanding that when we are in our valley of the shadow. Nonetheless, God is there. 

Read more of the lectionary..

Lectionary – "It’s About Freedom!"

By David Lose, President of Luther Seminary, Philadelphia

"That’s what all these readings are about. That’s what our whole ministry is about – freedom. So tell them they’re free this week. Free from their past, free from regret, free from fear, free from self-limitation, free from old hurts and mistakes. They’re free." 

"The story about Bartimaeus, I mean. He won’t shut up. Even though people tell him to. And that’s hard. We are so quick to fall into silence in general, worried about offending or hurting feelings or being rejected or whatever. And so when folks tell us to shut up, we’re all too quick to oblige. But Bartimaeus won’t. He is free. Free to defy his neighbors. Free to call for help. Free to make his needs known to Jesus. Free. Perhaps he’s suffered enough, or feels like there’s nothing left to lose, or just doesn’t care anymore. Or perhaps he just senses — or, really, sees — that in the presence of Jesus all the rules change and he is no longer “Blind Bartimaeus” but instead “Bartimaeus, Child of God.” Whatever the reason, he knows he is free and seizes his faith and his courage to live into that freedom and Jesus says that’s what made him well.

It’s about freedom. 

Read more from David Lose

"Faith is the electricity of the spirit."

From the Episcopal Cafe -"Bartimaeus -Speaking to the Soul: The real miracle"

"Healing of the Blind Man" – Carl Bloch

"After a lifetime of blindness, Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus in desperation. Jesus hears his cry. He clearly sees the blind man’s faith fighting through the darkness. Like Bartimaeus, we turn to Christ in disappointment and pain when all else has failed. Jesus is used to that. He knows our frailty, our shaky mix of fear and faith. And that’s as it should be. It is the human condition. Our faith is not a destination. It is a journey. And the journey is fraught with detours and potholes.

"First there are the roadblocks we build ourselves…our doubts, our inhibitions, our reluctance to let go and put things in God’s hands. Then there are the obstacles that others erect. Some were quick to tell Bartimaeus to pipe down and stop bothering Jesus. They thought Christ had better things to do than bother with this nuisance." 

"Faith is the electricity of the spirit. It informs our hopes. It inspires our love. It is the foundation of the New Covenant. We do not come to God through genetic descent from Abraham. We come to God through our faith in Jesus Christ… through our belief in a miracle that took place 2000 years ago. Far greater than the discovery of electricity, the internet, the theory of relativity and the mechanics of the universe… all the acquired wisdom of the ages… far, far greater is the transformative miracle of faith."  

1. Newcomers – Welcome Page 2. Contact the Rev Catherine Hicks, Rector 3. St. Peter’s Sunday News 4. Oct., 2018 Server Schedule 5. Latest Newsletter-the Parish Post (Nov., 2018) 6. Calendar 7. Parish Ministries 8. This past Sunday 9. Latest Sunday Bulletin (Oct. 28, 2018 11:00am),  and Sermon (Oct. 21, 2018) Evening Eucharist for Children (Oct. 28, 2018 4:30pm) 10. Recent Services:  Sept. 30 Photos from Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Photos from Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Photos from Oct. 14

Block Print by Mike Newman

Projects 

Colors for Year B, 2017-18

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

Saints of the Week,  Oct. 21 – Oct. 28

December 24, 2018 – Christmas Eve

Glow on the front piece, Silent Night, Advent Candles, congregation, Flute (Mary) and Piano (Brad), Two harpists, Sermon on Swaddling Clothes

December 24, 2018 – Story and Slideshow

Christmas Eve 2018 videos

December 23, 2018 – Advent 4 and the Christmas Play

Some of our actors and actresses from the Christmas play

Sunday, Dec., 23, 2018 – Story and Slideshow

Christmas Play 2018 videos

The Week Ahead…

Dec. 30 -11:00am – Lessons and Carols

See the story of these past Christmas…

Christmas , December 25, 2018

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see– I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

 

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them

 

Explore Christmas Eve– A study of the scriptures, art and the meaning of the Christmas Scriptures.  

 

Explore the Art of the Nativity from 1200-2002  How the Nativity has been viewed by artists for 800 years. Go to the presentation  

Rediscovering the love of God this Christmas- a one minute video from the Acts8Movement of the Episcopal Church 

 

Origins of 30 Christmas Carols  
 

Unlikely Christmas Carols: Bruce Cockburn’s "Cry Of A Tiny Baby"

 

A post from teacher and theologian David Lose: "So maybe I shouldn’t describe this Christmas carol as “unlikely” in that Bruce Cockburn has explored the Christian story and theology, along with issues of human rights, throughout his forty-year career. But it may very well be unfamiliar to you. If so, you’re in for a treat, as the Canadian folk and rock guitarist, singer-songwriter’s beautiful retelling of the Christmas story blends elements of both Luke’s tender narrative of the in-breaking good news of God to the least likely of recipients – a teenage girl, her confused fiancee, down-and-out shepherds – with Matthew’s starkly realistic picture of a baby that threatens kings by his mere existence. 

Here’s the link to a video with the words .   

For more David Lose writing about the Christmas Eve and Christmas readings, check out the "Christmas sermon I need to hear."  

"Space in the Manger"

by Meghan Cotter. Meghan is executive director of Micah Ecumenical Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit that offers holistic care to the community’s street homeless

"Some time back, I watched a friend in need attempt to repair five years worth of disintegrating relationships. The library, a local gymnasium, a number of area businesses and even her family had cut off ties in response to her boisterously disruptive behavior.  

" She’d picked up criminal charges—a few nuisance violations, a trespassing or two and an assault on an officer. At times, even the agencies trying to help her had been left with little choice than dismissing her from their facilities. But the more the community isolated her, the more volatile became her symptoms. She grew angrier and louder. Her self-appointment as the spokesperson for her homeless peers turned radical, even threatening. Feeling ignored and stripped of personhood, she waltzed into a church one Sunday, intent on being heard. Just in time for the sermon she rose from the congregation, rolled out a sleeping bag and unleashed a number of choice words to convey the plight of Fredericksburg’s homeless.

" The following morning, the church pastor faced a critical decision. In the interest of safety for his congregation, he too considered banning her from his church building. Instead, he made up his mind to find a way to help this woman. By the end of the week, she was hospitalized and taking medications. Within the month she had stepped down to Micah’s respite home, which cares for homeless individuals when they are discharged from the hospital. She realized how sick she really was, and a new person emerged before our eyes. She reunited with family, paid off fines, regained her driver’s license, became remarkably motivated to comply with doctor’s appointments. She set goals—seeking disability, but only temporarily, going back to school, earning a nursing degree and finding a way to productively address the needs of the community’s homeless.

Read More…   

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Alexander Shaia – “Solstice, Shepherds & Your Animal Spirit”

Alexander Shaia is the author of Heart and Mind: The Four-Gospel Journey for Radical Transformation. A number of years we read the book together in Christian ed.

In this video he is talking about the shepherds in Luke’s Gospel. The video starts at the 2:42 mark to get to his main message:

You can read portions of the transcribed text here

“The text is really primarily about your life whenever your life is in the deepest night, when your life is in the deepest dark.”

“The Beauty of the Shepherds story in Luke is that it tells about the journey we make hearing deep in the night of our life an angel announce that there is a birth but that we have make a journey through the night to the dawn where we will see with our own eyes that fresh radiance born before us.”

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A Christmas Message from Bishop Goff – "Where is this stupendous stranger?" 

Link to the video

"So I invite us all to a spiritual discipline in this holy season and that is to spend some time with someone you don’t ordinarily engage…maybe someone of a different generation either much older or much younger than you or someone of a different race or ethnicity, a different culture or religion, a different economic circumstance.

"Have a cup of coffee together or a meal together, talk and listen deeply. Look for the face of Christ in that person. Because as we come to really know a stranger in our midst we welcome Christ who was himself a stranger and we find surprising connections that we never imagined with other natives of this world God made.

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Christmas Eve , December 24, 1968, at the Moon with Apollo 8

50 years ago on Christmas Eve we witnessed the moving reading of the first 10 verses of Genesis for the largest audience up to that time. They were told to something appropriate. The astronauts have reflected on the event. A newspaper friend of Borman tried to think of what to say and he could come up with nothing after a night’s work. His wife said (raised in convent in France) suggested, “Why don’t you start in the beginning” He said “Where?”. She said “Genesis in the Bible.” They reflected later – “Why didn’t we think of that.” Borman explained they tried to convey not happen stance but power behind world and behind life gave it meaning. As he later explained, “I had an enormous feeling that there had to be a power greater than any of us-that there was a God, that there was indeed a beginning.”

The full story is here

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3 Saints after Christmas Day

1. St. Stephen Dec. 26

Stephen was among the earliest Christian martyrs, stoned to death for his beliefs. St. Paul not only witnessed the event but held the garments of those stoning Stephen which he regretted later on and carried a lasting sense of guilt.

2. John the Apostle Dec. 27

John, one of the Apostles, possibly lived the longest life associated with the Gospel, an author in that time and Evangelist spreading the Gospel to many in the Mediterranean area who were not of Jewish background. He is believed to be the only Apostle not martyred for the cause. He is associated with the Gospel that bears his name, 3 Epistles and possible authorship of the Book of Revelation

3. Holy Innocents Dec. 28

The term “Holy Innocents” comes from Matthew’s Gospel Chapter 2. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, King Herod, fearing for his throne, ordered that all the male infants of Bethlehem two years and younger be killed. These children are regarded as martyrs for the Gospel — “martyrs in fact though not in will.” This can be compared to the conduct of Pharoah in Exodus 1:16. “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.”

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Dec. 30, 2018 – 11am -A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is the Christmas Eve service held in King’s College Chapel, Cambridge England and was introduced in 1918.  

Kings College Cambridge holds this service every Dec. 24. The main gate to Kings College opens at 7:30am for the 3pm service.  Many people get in the line by 5am for a 10 hour wait!

Here is their 2018 bulletin.  Here is the 2017 service

It was conceived by Eric Milner-White, the Dean of the College, for Christmas Eve 1918 whose experience as an army chaplain in World War I had led him to believe that more imaginative Christmas worship was needed by the Church of England.  He actually reached back to an earlier time for a service structure.

The original service was, in fact, adapted from an Order drawn up by E.W. Benson, later Archbishop of Canterbury, for use in the wooden shed, which then served as his cathedral in Truro, at 10 pm on Christmas Eve 1880. AC Benson recalled: ‘My father arranged from ancient sources a little service for Christmas Eve – nine carols and nine tiny lessons, which were read by various officers of the Church, beginning with a chorister, and ending, through the different grades, with the Bishop."

The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choir music. The readings can vary as can the music. Traditionally, "Once in Royal David City" is the opening hymn. Beyond that the service is flexible.

An opening prayer that is used provides a focus: 

"We gather here to recall the mystery of our redemption.
Though sin drew us away from God, he never stopped loving us.
The prophets told of the coming of a Messiah
who would initiate a reign of justice and peace.
This promise was fulfilled in the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
Let us now reflect with joy on this wondrous mystery."

Here are the 2017 readings for St. Peter’s service. The 2017 bulletin is here. Pictures from the services are here.

Lessons and Carols is usually done at the beginning of Advent as an introduction to Advent or towards the end as a summary of all that has happened.

This St. Peter’s service is the perfect culmination of your Christmas week, a joyous celebration along with thoughtful, introspective moments. Plan now to attend.

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King’s College Cambridge – As you have never seet it

The famous church in England, home of Lessons and Carols, built by Henry VII is altered by projectionist, Miguel Chevalier. 

To illustrate Stephen Hawking’s research about black holes, Miguel Chevalier imagines an immersive environment made up of thousands of constellations that plunge the guests into the mystery of the universe.

Video Link

More examples

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1. Newcomers – Welcome Page 2. Contact the Rev Catherine Hicks, Rector 3. St. Peter’s Sunday News 4. Dec., 2018 Server Schedule 5. Latest Newsletter-the Parish Post (Dec, 2018) 6. Calendar 7. Parish Ministries 8. This past Sunday 9. Latest Bulletin (Dec. 24, 2018 11:00am),  and Sermon (Dec. 24 , 2018) 10. Recent Services:  Dec. 2 Photos from Dec. 2 Dec. 9 Photos from Dec. 9 Dec. 16 Photos from Dec. 16

Block Print by Mike Newman

Projects 

Colors for Year C, 2018-19

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

Saints of the Week,  Dec. 23 – Dec. 30

December 16, 2018 – Advent 3

Pictures and text from Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018

Gallery on the Christmas Tree

Videos from Sunday

The Week Ahead…

Help needed: 9:30ish, help needed to unload the truck. Many hands make light work. 1PM, help needed to set up. 3-5PM help needed for the distribution itself. Help the shoppers gather what they need. You can still bring cleaning supplies on the day since these are not available at the Food Bank. Thank you for your contributions of both food and time. Everyone can share in making this important St Peter’s ministry happen.

Here is a review on the Christmas Play from 2011 onward

Do you need a home this Christmas ? Our home is intimate, caring and spiritual looking for God’s guidance in what we do. And yes, we find room for all no matter who you are or your background. We welcome all! Join us on Christmas Eve for an uplifting experience.

Sunday, Dec. 23,  Readings and Servers

Advent Calendar

Click the calendar to open

Advent Online learning – Luke’s Canticles

4 canticles for Advent. Learn at your own pace, as little or as much.

Three years ago during Advent we used Paul Gordon-Chandler’s book Songs in Waiting to present Luke’s 4 canticles. It is appropriate to do this again as we are entering Year C which concentrates on Luke’s Gospel. These are wonderful stories of Mary’s Annunciation, Elizabeth and Zechariah, the Shepherds and Simeon that enlarge anyone’s Advent/Christmas season.

This time we are trying a new approach, an online course, which can be taken at any time in any order in any amount and anywhere there is an internet connection. It is optimized for both desktop and mobile devices. We’re closing in on Christmas so these canticles are appropriate now.

Advent 1

Advent 1 links

Advent 2

Advent 2 links

Advent 3

Advent 3 links

Advent 4

Explore Advent, Part 4 – Over the Sundays in Advent there will be a presentation each week focusing on that week’s scriptures, art and commentary and how they demonstrate the themes of advent. Let’s continue with Advent 4.

Diocese of Va. Advent Meditations

From the Presiding Bishop-
Advent Messages 2012-2018 

Feast of the Annunciation –  9 months before we celebrate the nativity there is the related Feast of the Annunciation on March 25 which is described here .

Art of the Annunciation – The Annunication has been depicted in art for a thousand years. Here are 30+ images of that history .

Blessed Like Mary- David Lose invites us to understand that we are Blessed Like Mary .

National Geographic explores – “How the Virgin Mary Became the World’s Most Powerful Woman”

A Digital Nativity.

What if current social media like Facebook, Gmail, etc had been available at the birth of Christ ? Watch the Digital Nativity

1. Newcomers – Welcome Page 2. Contact the Rev Catherine Hicks, Rector 3. St. Peter’s Sunday News 4. Dec., 2018 Server Schedule 5. Latest Newsletter-the Parish Post (Dec., 2018) 6. Calendar 7. Parish Ministries 8. This past Sunday 9. Latest Sunday Bulletin (Dec. 23, 2018 11:00am),  and Sermon (Dec. 16, 2018) 10. Recent Services:  Nov. 25 Photos from Nov. 25 Dec. 2 Photos from Dec. 2 Dec. 9 Photos from Dec. 9

Print by Mike Newman

Projects 

Colors for Year C, 2018-19

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

Saints of the Week,  Dec. 16 – Dec. 23