Ephesians 4: 28-29
28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need. 29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Ephesians for Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Ephesians 4: 25-27
25 Therefore, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.
Also: Zech 8: 16; Rom 12: 5
25 Therefore, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.
Also: Zech 8: 16; Rom 12: 5
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Ephesians for Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Ephesians 4: 20-24
20 You did not so learn Christ! -- 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus. 22 Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
20 You did not so learn Christ! -- 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus. 22 Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Ephesians for Monday, October 28, 2013
Ephesians 4: 17-19
17 Now this I affirm and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; 18 they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart; 19 they have become callous and have given themselves up to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of uncleanness.
17 Now this I affirm and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; 18 they are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart; 19 they have become callous and have given themselves up to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of uncleanness.
Friday, October 25, 2013
In the Rector's Humble Opinion
Yesterday, I shared a link to a presentation that was made at the GAFCON II assembly meeting now in Nairobi, Kenya. This is a meeting of orthodox Anglicans from the Global South, North America and Great Britain. This presentation is worth everyone's study and comment. It is a brilliant critique of the current relationship of the Western Church and the world. The presenter pulls no punches, and brings to the fore a discussion of western narcissism and entitlement that is, in my opinion, spot on.
The address is entitled: "The Grace of God OR the the world of the West?" by the Rev'd Dr. Michael Ovey, Principal of Oak Hill College, London, England. Please study his words. They are well worth the time and effort.
Fr. Michael+
The address is entitled: "The Grace of God OR the the world of the West?" by the Rev'd Dr. Michael Ovey, Principal of Oak Hill College, London, England. Please study his words. They are well worth the time and effort.
Fr. Michael+
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Ephesians for Thursday, October 24, 2013
Ephesians 4: 11-13
11 And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness [sic] of Christ;
11 And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fulness [sic] of Christ;
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Ephesians for Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Ephesians 4: 7-10
7 But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it is said, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." 9 (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Also: Ps 68:18
7 But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it is said, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." 9 (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Also: Ps 68:18
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Bazaar is Coming!
The 59th Annual Christ Memorial Episcopal Church Bazaar and White Elephant Sale
Thursday, November 7, 2013
9 AM - 2 PM
Featuring the ECW's World Famous Chicken Spaghetti
Tickets are $10.00
Raffle tickets for the queen-sized quilt (handmade by Mrs. Tabatha Sparks) are $1.00
Tickets are available at the church office
Volunteers are needed!
Contact Tabatha Sparks or Fr. Michael for more information
Ephesians for Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Ephesians 4: 4-6
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Ephesians for Monday, October 21, 2013
Ephesians 4: 1-3
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bod of peace.
Also: Col 3: 12-13
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bod of peace.
Also: Col 3: 12-13
Friday, October 18, 2013
Ephesians for Friday, October 18, 2013
Ephesians 3: 20-21
20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.
20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Ephesians for Thursday, October 17, 2013
Ephesians 3: 19
19 ...and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness [sic] of God.
19 ...and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness [sic] of God.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Ephesians for Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Ephesians 3: 18
18 ...may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth...
18 ...may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth...
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Ephesians for Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Ephesians 3: 16-17
16 ...that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love...
16 ...that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love...
Monday, October 14, 2013
Some Pictures of Christ Memorial from Sunday
Special thanks to David Maroski for taking this pictures.
Fr. Michael+
Ephesians for Monday, October 14, 2013
Ephesians 3: 14-15
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named...
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named...
Friday, October 11, 2013
Ephesians for Friday, October 11, 2013
Ephesians 3: 12-13
12 ...in whom we have boldness and confidence of access through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
12 ...in whom we have boldness and confidence of access through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
From the Daily Office
2 Kings 23: 1-4
1 Then the king [Josiah] sent, and all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem were gathered to him. 2 And the king went up to the house of the Lord, and with him all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests and the prophets, all the people, both small and great; and he read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant which had been found in the house of the Lord. 3 And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statures, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book; and all the people joined in the covenant. 4 And the king commanded Hilki'ah, the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the threshold, to bring out of the temple of the Lord all the vessels made for Ba'al, for Ashe'rah, and for all the host of heaven; he burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron, and carried their ashes to Bethel.
2 Kings 23: 10
10 And he defiled To'pheth, which is in the valley of the sons of Hinnom, that no one might burn his son or his daughter as an offering to Molech.
2 Kings 23: 24-25
24 Moreover Josi'ah put away the mediums and the wizards and the teraphim and the idols and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, that he might establish the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilki'ah the priest found in the house of the Lord. 25 before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him.
"Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith: 'Thou shalt love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great Commandment. The second is like unto it: thou shalt love thy neighbors as thyself. On these two Commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
Josiah was the last good king of Judah prior to its fall to the Babylonians in 586 BC. He was one of only a handful of kings who are identified in 2 Kings as doing what is right in the eyes of God. Josiah should be one of our heroes. We should hold him up as an example of how we can turn away from the dumb idols, false prophets and heretical teachings of this world. It should also serve as a reminder to us of how much a single person can do when one allows oneself to be lead by the Word of God.
Fr. Michael+
1 Then the king [Josiah] sent, and all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem were gathered to him. 2 And the king went up to the house of the Lord, and with him all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests and the prophets, all the people, both small and great; and he read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant which had been found in the house of the Lord. 3 And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statures, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book; and all the people joined in the covenant. 4 And the king commanded Hilki'ah, the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the threshold, to bring out of the temple of the Lord all the vessels made for Ba'al, for Ashe'rah, and for all the host of heaven; he burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron, and carried their ashes to Bethel.
2 Kings 23: 10
10 And he defiled To'pheth, which is in the valley of the sons of Hinnom, that no one might burn his son or his daughter as an offering to Molech.
2 Kings 23: 24-25
24 Moreover Josi'ah put away the mediums and the wizards and the teraphim and the idols and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, that he might establish the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilki'ah the priest found in the house of the Lord. 25 before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him.
"Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith: 'Thou shalt love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great Commandment. The second is like unto it: thou shalt love thy neighbors as thyself. On these two Commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
Josiah was the last good king of Judah prior to its fall to the Babylonians in 586 BC. He was one of only a handful of kings who are identified in 2 Kings as doing what is right in the eyes of God. Josiah should be one of our heroes. We should hold him up as an example of how we can turn away from the dumb idols, false prophets and heretical teachings of this world. It should also serve as a reminder to us of how much a single person can do when one allows oneself to be lead by the Word of God.
Fr. Michael+
Ephesians for Thursday, October 10, 2013
Ephesians 3: 10-11
10 ...that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose which he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord...
10 ...that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose which he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord...
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Ephesians for Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Ephesians 3: 7-9
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace which was given me by the working of is power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things...
Also: Col 1: 26
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace which was given me by the working of is power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things...
Also: Col 1: 26
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Ephesians for Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Ephesians 3: 4-6
4 When you read this you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 that is, how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Also: Col 1: 27
4 When you read this you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 that is, how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Also: Col 1: 27
Monday, October 7, 2013
From the Daily Office
1 Corinthians 10: 14-22
14 Therefore, my beloved, shun the worship of idols. 15 I speak as to sensible men; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices partners in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be partners with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
Simple, straight forward statement from Paul. God is a jealous God, and he has every right to be so. He created us. He has sustained us. He saves us. Yet we have this tendency to turn away and seek something from apostate teachers, false gods and worthless idols.
Where were you on Sunday? Were you in church, participating in the Holy Sacrifice? Where will you be on Wednesday? Where will you be next Sunday? From whose cup will you drink? Which bread will you consume?
Fr. Michael+
14 Therefore, my beloved, shun the worship of idols. 15 I speak as to sensible men; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 18 Consider the people of Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices partners in the altar? 19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be partners with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. 22 Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?
Simple, straight forward statement from Paul. God is a jealous God, and he has every right to be so. He created us. He has sustained us. He saves us. Yet we have this tendency to turn away and seek something from apostate teachers, false gods and worthless idols.
Where were you on Sunday? Were you in church, participating in the Holy Sacrifice? Where will you be on Wednesday? Where will you be next Sunday? From whose cup will you drink? Which bread will you consume?
Fr. Michael+
Ephesians for Monday, October 7, 2013
Ephesians 3: 1-3
1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles - 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
Also: Col 1: 25
1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles - 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
Also: Col 1: 25
Friday, October 4, 2013
Ephesians for Friday, October 4, 2013
Ephesians 2: 21-22
21 ...in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
21 ...in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Ephesians for Thursday, October 3, 2013
Ephesians 2: 19-20
19 So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone...
19 So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone...
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
This Friday is the Feast of St. Francis, therefore Fr. Michael will officiate over the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 6 at 1 pm. Father will bless large animals by appointment.
An Appropriate Prayer
For Our Country
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCP '28
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCP '28
Ephesians for Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Ephesians 2: 16-18
...16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18 for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Also: Isaiah 57: 19
...16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; 18 for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Also: Isaiah 57: 19
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Ephesians for Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Ephesians 2: 13-15
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace...
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace...
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